Mental Health Update

Mental Health Update aims to educate the general public about mental illness and at the same time hone in on its core viewers, consumers and providers of mental health services. Among guests who have appeared on the show are psychologists, psychiatrists, service providers, consumers and advocates for the mentally ill and their families. Authors and film producers interested in mental health issues are also interviewed in this half-hour "talking heads" format.

In the beginning - The show had its genesis over a decade ago in the fertile mind of D.J. Jaffe, then editor of NAMI-NYC Metro's Reporter. Jaffe was attending a conference on mental illness during which one of the speakers complimented him on the award-winning journal. But, the speaker added, many of her clients were unable to benefit from the information because they couldn't or didn't read. From that, Jaffe reasoned: "Why not create a more visual medium?" Thus began a series of negotiations which ended with the show being produced and aired on Manhattan Neighborhood Network (MNN), a public access TV station.

To help bring the show to fruition, Jaffe turned to Ken Dudek, director of Fountain House (which had its own production studio) and Barrie-Louise Swithen, an MMN producer. This triumvirate developed the show, with D.J. serving as host. When Athena Lemakis volunteered to contribute her technical savvy, the show was set.

Fast forward a few years later. Rhoda Rice, who succeeded Jaffe as producer and host, taped her shows in a studio manned by MNN crews. When the station moved to its present headquarters on West 59th Street, she was asked to provide and train her own crew. Somewhat overwhelmed, Rice looked around for help. Easy Klein, a new NAMI volunteer, was eager to assist.

Recruiting a crew of NAMI members and consumers was a priority. Among those who have volunteered during the last three years are: Karen Bass, Myrna Caceres, Nick Gifford, Marvin Grossman, Fong Kan, Paul Melindez, Teena Patten, Frank Rodriguez, Phil Sheridan, Ilene Shapiro, Jim Stull and Michael Tapp.

The show must go on - Under current arrangement, MNN trains the crew during three intensive four-hour sessions, after which volunteers are certified to work on camera. Further courses qualify crew to work in the studio, handling sound and video. Most of the real training occurs on the job with the ultimate goal being to produce and distribute a classy TV show that is interesting, educational, and appeals to a wide audience. "The fun for me is creating a successful team out of a group of people who don't know one another and who know practically nothing about TV production," says Easy, who is now host and producer of the show.

Despite the problems some crew members face and the difficulties of booking studio time and finding interesting and articulate guests, the show continues to go on every two weeks.

"Do I need help? Sure," says Easy. "What we need now is input on the kinds of shows viewers want, names of guests with expertise on various aspects of mental health, volunteer hosts skilled in interviewing, volunteer crew [no experience required, but MMN training essential]. Most of all, we need a wider audience to cheer us on."

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