Voices from the Edge 02-10-11 Rethinking Psychiatry

Rethinking psychiatry: a conversation with Robert Whitaker about a more compassionate mental health system

Our treatment of those in emotional distress manifests itself everyday. Too many Oregonians struggling with mental health issues can be found heavily medicated and warehoused. Or, they are turned out onto the streets to become the victims of crime or institutional violence as in the case of James Chasse. This is an issue that goes beyond public policy reform. It is one that calls for a fundamental reexamination of the "broken brain" model of psychiatry upon which those policies are based.

Jo Ann and Dave talk with Robert Whitaker, author of "Anatomy of an Epidemic: Magic Bullets, Psychiatric Drugs, and the Astonishing Rise of Mental Illness in America" - a book being referred to as the "Silent Spring" of psychiatry. Whitaker will offer his insights into how we can create a more humane, caring and healing mental health care system. He is keynote speaker at Rethinking Psychiatry: Moving Mental Health Recovery Forward, a community forum taking place Thursday evening from 7-9 pm at the First Unitarian Church of Portland.

Also this week: Jason Kafoury and how civil law can help advance police accountability

Jason Kafoury of the law firm of Kafoury and McDougal will talk about Elgin v. City of Portland, a case stemming from police beating and tasering a PCC student who had fallen asleep in a local restaurant that went to trial last week. He, Jo Ann and Dave will discuss the role civil litigation plays in helping create police accountability.

Voices from the Edge wants to thank all our listeners who contributed during last week's membership drive. Your support is what makes this program possible.

Jo Ann Bowman is a former state legislator, former executive director of Oregon Action, and a long-time leader in the struggle for racial and economic justice. Dave Mazza is a freelance journalist and former editor of The Portland Alliance who has covered and been involved in Portland's civil rights, peace, labor and environmental movements for 20 years.
 
Join Jo Ann and Dave every Thursday as they bring you guests and discussion of issues important to you. Support programming like Voices from the Edge by becoming a member of KBOO today.

Program Engineer: Steve Nassar
Audio Editor: Alicia Olsen