Local Heroes
People With mental Illness Doing Great Things
May 2018
Alvin A. has lived with mental illness (MI) for all of his adult life. He has lived independently for many years. For about the last 8 months he has been living in an adult group home. His goal is to live independently in the community again.
A few weeks ago, Alvin was standing in line at the group home to get his medication when the female staff member fainted and became unresponsive. Alvin went into the kitchen, assessed the situation and called 911. He followed the directions of the 911 operator and stayed on the line until paramedics arrived and took over. The staff member ended up having a hypoglycemic episode and required medical attention.
This is just another example how people with mental illness are misunderstood in our society; thought of as being dangerous, criminal, lazy, or lack intelligence. On the contrary, most people with mental illness are intelligent and good people. Despite the huge disadvantages related to living with severe and persistent mental illness, under conditions that a “normal” person could never endure, they adapt to what they encounter while trying to maintain their dignity and humanity.
Alvin’s quick thinking and response in this situation perhaps saved this woman’s life. We wish that acts like this by people with mental illness grabbed as much attention as the violence and misunderstanding that our society projects on people with mental illness.
Alvin’s willingness to help and quick reaction should be an example to us all.
Good job Alvin!
May 2018
Alvin A. has lived with mental illness (MI) for all of his adult life. He has lived independently for many years. For about the last 8 months he has been living in an adult group home. His goal is to live independently in the community again.
A few weeks ago, Alvin was standing in line at the group home to get his medication when the female staff member fainted and became unresponsive. Alvin went into the kitchen, assessed the situation and called 911. He followed the directions of the 911 operator and stayed on the line until paramedics arrived and took over. The staff member ended up having a hypoglycemic episode and required medical attention.
This is just another example how people with mental illness are misunderstood in our society; thought of as being dangerous, criminal, lazy, or lack intelligence. On the contrary, most people with mental illness are intelligent and good people. Despite the huge disadvantages related to living with severe and persistent mental illness, under conditions that a “normal” person could never endure, they adapt to what they encounter while trying to maintain their dignity and humanity.
Alvin’s quick thinking and response in this situation perhaps saved this woman’s life. We wish that acts like this by people with mental illness grabbed as much attention as the violence and misunderstanding that our society projects on people with mental illness.
Alvin’s willingness to help and quick reaction should be an example to us all.
Good job Alvin!
