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June 11, 1999
ORTHODOX UNION PARTICIPATES
IN WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE
ON MENTAL HEALTH
Dr. Jeffrey Lichtman, National Director of the Orthodox
Union's National Jewish Council for the Disabled
(NJCD), participated in the recent White House Conference on Mental Health, and issued the
following statement:
"I commend the Clinton Administration, and especially Mrs. Tipper Gore, for
championing the long neglected issue of mental health and making it a priority on the
national health agenda.
"The unique gathering of government officials, concerned citizens and top
professionals in the field of mental health, publicly acknowledged the stigma attached to
mental health issues, and specifically to mental illness, and the need to work diligently
to erase that stigma.
"Perhaps most importantly, this conference should serve as an impetus for the Jewish
community to explore its own perceptions regarding the mentally ill. It's time to address
our community's lack of sufficient resources to help those with mental health problems. To
date, we have no school/education program (residential facility) specifically geared to
serving children with mental illness. We must change that. Just as we have successfully
integrated youth and adults with learning disabilities, developmental disabilities and
other challenges into our community, we must, with determination and leadership,
successfully include people with mental illness.
"Hopefully, as American society works to debunk the myths surrounding mental illness,
everyone will benefit. "
The NJCD is a resource center on mental health issues
and for families with members suffering from mental illness. The NJCD is an affiliate
agency of the Orthodox Union and serves as a national clearinghouse for all those with of
disabilities/special needs within the greater Jewish community.
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