I had the opportunity to interview Jeff McQueen, Executive Director of the Mental Health Association of Nassau County (MHANC). Jeff immediately became one of my favourite people because his kind and genuine nature came through in our conversations. His passion resonates with mine as he talks about his humble beginnings and now his work at MHANC and the communities they support. Wow, simply wow!
Social Lifestyle: Tell us about yourself.
Jeff McQueen: This is unquestionably a trick question. LOL Not many people like to speak about themselves but I suppose if I had to say something that would tell you who I’m it is that I had humble beginnings. I was born in the Bronx, NY and raised in South Jamaica, Queens. I grew up witnessing trauma and its effects not only in my community, but in my household as well. So once found traces of proven recovery. I want to show my gratitude for life by becoming a Mental Health and Wellness channel. I have chosen to spend my life serving others and believe that gratitude has a voice. When you are grateful for something, you show it by how you treat it and what you use it for. My gratitude talks about how I care and share with others my health path.
Social Lifestyle: What makes MHANC different from other mental health organizations?
Jeff McQueen: MHANC is a Non-Profit organization rooted in advocacy. It is strategically placed in segregated communities to discourage social injustice and inequality guaranteeing that some of the most vulnerable populations have equal access to health care and are able to live in the communities of their choice. We understand the difference between equality and equity. We know that not everybody, despite their similarities, doesn’t have the same starting point. At MHANC, we believe in providing equal support and giving everybody a fair advantage to live the life of their choice. Our product is “HOPE”. Hopefully your current situation does not must be your final destination.
Social Lifestyle: Can you share any case studies with us with any of the members you serve?
Jeff McQueen: Yes. We have a veterans department serving more than 4,000 veterans a year. 5 years ago, a wife came to us claiming that her husband was having suicidal ideation and their marriage was failing. The couple attended our Veterans Couples Retreat and have been involved in our facilitated peer support group. Today, they’ve 3 kids, own a home and he’s doing well keeping up with the support. Our organization operates 30 programs including 133 bed housing and financial management helping our more than 600 community members maintain their lifestyle by managing their benefits. We have daily programs that help our participants learn daily life skills and support them to find a job. We have crisis services that meet with people in the community and help divert crises to avoid hospitalization and detention. We facilitate “Empowerment Groups” in local prisons and for probation and parole to help participants learn their past does not must be a permanent stain to their future. This is a program to break the cycle of detention and recidivism. So, as you can see, we do things that motivate hope in our communities and provide our community members a chance to break the labels that society and the media often place on them.
Social Lifestyle: For those of us who do not suffer from mental health challenges, what are the most vital facts you can share with us?
Jeff McQueen: Wow! Good question so here are some myth busters. People living with a mental health diagnosis are more likely to be victims of violence than perpetrators. Talking to someone about suicide does not make them want to do it but more likely is the reason they do not. 21% of US adults have a mental sickness in 2020 (52.9 million people). This represents 1 in 5 adults. 5.6% of US adults have a serious mental sickness in 2020. Lastly, language is important. We, as a society, must understand that there’s nothing “wrong” with people who are diagnosed, but something has happened to them. Substance Use Disorders and Mental Illness are symptoms of trauma because a cough is a common cold. Often, this trauma is not something anyone can identify with when it occurs. It can be as big as sexual harassment and as small as thunder on television. We do not get to choose how life affects us; we can only choose what we want to do about the effect.
Social Lifestyle: Are kids diagnosed with mental health at an early age and what are the signs parents can look for?
Jeff McQueen: It’s sad, yes kids, and I believe the most common sign is persistent sorrow that lasts for two weeks or more. In addition, withdrawing from or avoiding social interactions, hurting yourself or talking about self-harm, talking about death or suicide, and being explosive or irritable are other common signs.
Social Lifestyle: Recently, there has been a widespread increase in mental health cases. Why do you believe so?
Jeff McQueen: As I stated earlier that Mental Illness is not about something that’s wrong with you, but about something that is occurring to you. Recently, our society has been in a period of unrest. Covid-19 and the loss of loved ones, survivor’s guilt, and fear of getting sick all contribute to our anxiety. Along with this, we have been dealing with wars overseas, rebellions in our own capital and a growing awareness of social racism and judicial injustice. We see the results of this trauma in the increasing number of individuals experiencing emotional distress and the rampant suicides and overdoses in our community. I believe that if there was ever a time for our society to identify with traumatic times, it’s now.
Social Lifestyle: Can you tell us about the MHANC membership program you offer those with health challenges?
Jeff McQueen: Our MHANC membership program has many benefits for the community. What I believe is important to know is that as a member you aren’t any longer alone to manage or determine what to do with the challenges you face. As an MHANC Member, you’ll be part of a diversified and committed network of Nassau County professionals, families, leaders, advocates, and business owners committed to supporting the mental health of our most vulnerable neighbors: individuals, families, veterans, and the homeless. .
Together, we stand united as a beacon of hope for our neighbors on the road to recovery. We offer Mental Health First Aid, national program to teach skills responding to signs of mental sickness and substance use. We have Community Members, Professional Members and Business Members to learn more about this and what each level has to offer please visit our website www.mhanc.org or call 516-489-2322.
Social Lifestyle: We are excited to find out about the upcoming Overdose & Prevention Walk on October 8, 2022, at Jones beach. Can you share with us how the day will unfold? Jeff McQueen: It is my pleasure, and we are very excited and proud to host this event. Registration will start at 8am, this will offer the opportunity to visit numerous community provider tables and learn more about substance use disorders and what services are available. There will be music and a peddler’s table that will offer you the opportunity to buy swag to support the walk and promise donations. At 9:30 a.m., we will be having several announcements and an awards ceremony which will recognize some of the community leaders in Overuse Prevention work. The walk will start at 10:00 am and along the way you’ll see banners of community members of the family telling their stories. There will be refreshments and volunteers along the 3 mile walk to help you with anything you need. At the end of the trip, we will enjoy snacks and drinks to recharge your energy.
Social Lifestyle: What do you think will be the biggest advantage of Walk?
Jeff McQueen: I believe there will be two important messages. First, knowing you play a major role in helping raise awareness of the rapidly increasing epidemic and second is the satisfaction of letting your health be a contribution to the health and survival of somebody who needs your hope to carry them until they’ve hope. their own.
Social Lifestyle: What other fundraising events will you host all year round?
Jeff McQueen: Our organization hosts mental health walks, golf outings, gala for veterans, and fitness challenges. Please visit our website and calendar to learn more about what’s coming.
Social Lifestyle: Can we stop Mental Illness?
Jeff McQueen: We can all experience mental health challenges, but developing well-being, resilience and seeking help early can help stop challenges from becoming serious.
Social Lifestyle: Is there a cure for mental health problems?
Jeff McQueen: It’s often more realistic and helpful to find out what helps with the problem you are having. Talking, counseling, medicine, friendships, exercise, good sleep, healthy nutrition, and significant work can all help. We aren’t attempting to find a cure for a broken foot or finger. We stabilize the wound so that healing allows us to use the limb as near 100% as possible. In many cases, the wound may still show signs of an external injury, such as a limp or abnormally bent joint. Likewise with mental health. It’s not about healing but irrespective of trauma, finding a way to get back to living our lives as near 100% as possible.
Social Lifestyle: Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge and expertise in the field of mental health and we look forward to seeing you on Walk.
Jeff McQueen: Thank you for letting me speak about mental health and the work we do with the community at MHANC. I look forward to seeing you on the Walk.
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