Mentally Prepared & Leading the Way in Destigmatizing Mental Health
I had the opportunity to sit down with Jeff, McQueen, an extraordinary man who is making a difference not only as the Executive Director at the Mental Health Association of Nassau County (MHANC), but even in his own life. You know, the type of person who not only talks the talk but walks the walk. I can honestly say, those are very rare people to come across in your lifetime and in Jeff, I can say that I have certainly found that person. Mr. McQueen is a combat veteran who has first-hand experience with multiple facets of recovery. Prior to his journey in recovery, he has experienced several institutions battling emotional distress, PTSD, and substance abuse. He has presented implementation techniques throughout the country on topics such as Personal Growth and Change, Time Management, and other Recovery Based modalities. He has learned from a variety of adversities and obstacles throughout his recovery process and has embraced these experiences as well as learned to use them to not just educate society, but to find purpose and empowerment in these experiences.
In his leadership role, Mr. McQueen takes a unique position and works for his staff to make sure that they’re armed with the appropriate tools and knowledge to get the job done and support their community in becoming the healthiest community it can be. “My role in the organization is to maintain the vision and direction of mission, and I do this by making sure that all the staff that I support are provided with the adequate space and tools to perform their jobs to the best of their ability. Our mission is about improving Mental Health in our community through advocacy, education, program development and the delivery of direct services. I believe changing lives is changing community.” That is quite a role and given your background, you have certainly become a role model for many. “Thank you! My background is not much to talk about. I come from humble beginnings. I was born in the Bronx and grew up in Queens. I found I come from corporate America. But amid facing my own journey of recovery, I found my purpose which most people spend their lives trying to figure out.”
Mental Health is a huge topic today and the statistics are alarming. “The numbers state that 1 in 4 American’s will experience a mental health diagnosis. But if we look at what we have encountered over the past 3 years, I think it’s safe to say these numbers are not only inaccurate but also under reported. We know that among children of color that more girls in the black and brown communities are having a higher rate of suicide attempts. This means that while they are battling symptoms of mental health at a higher rate, they are not seeking care or speaking about their trauma. We are only finding out about them after their suicide attempts. So, I think that knowing the statistics are as under reported as they are only clarifies how badly we must address the stigma and work to normalize this discussion.” This leads me to the programs and services that MHANC offers. “Our organization has over 30 programs, among them are Housing, an advocacy model that helps people live in the community of their choice. Personalized Recovery Oriented Services (PROS) this is a day program that educates individuals living with Mental Health symptoms improve their daily living skills. We have Care Coordination, a community outreach program that works with individuals in the community and helps them navigate their care. We have an all-Peer department. This program is operated by individuals who have their own lived experience with Mental Health and Substance Use diagnosis. They use their model of recovery as a pathway for others to see that we do in fact recover and are provided with various modalities of wellness. And lastly, we have a veteran’s department. Supporting our troops returning home to get re-acclimated in society and create a safe space of healing for those experiencing Post Traumatic Stress. On an annual basis we serve more than 4000 in the veteran’s department alone.”
“I would only say that it starts and begins with you. Please remember there is nothing wrong with you, something happened to you. These diagnoses are about trauma and the effects of trauma. WE DO RECOVER!!!”
Let’s talk about “Whole Person” Wellness. “This is a term often overstated and under used. At MHANC we believe that wellness and recovery must be a new way of life for a person. And to do this correctly we believe that what we do has to have an impact on the entire person’s life. All 8 dimensions of wellness and taking a good look at the person’s social determinants of health. Using these as a starting point in alignment with a person’s desire of where they want to go in life helps us incorporate all the right parts to ensure someone’s highest possibility of success.”
We see that you will have your 2nd Overdose Prevention & Awareness Walk at Jones Beach October 7. “Yes, we are very excited! This year, our plan is to shake the tree just a little harder. What I mean by that is to get more community involvement so more people are aware that this isn’t like cancer or illnesses that we are fighting so hard to find a cure. Overdose is preventable, but it takes the community to be aware and educated in partnership with our Community Based Organizations to implement the right strategies to for those at risk to have a fight again addiction and overdose. I would be honored if readers sponsored, donated and/or came to join the walk. The information can be found at https://www.mhanc.org/gbnf/”
MHANC is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit membership organization dedicated to improving mental health in our community through advocacy, education, program development and the delivery of direct services. MHANC believes mental health is as important as physical health, and that recovery is possible. Our services assist individuals facing chronic and serious mental illness and psychiatric disabilities, supporting them on their paths to building productive and meaningful lives.
TO learn more about MHANC, please visit here.
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