CBH Talk | Severe Mental Illness: Our Collective Response and Responsibility

Jonathan Rosen’s acclaimed book, The Best Minds: A Story of Friendship, Madness, and the Tragedy of Good Intentions, has helped move the needle on our understanding of severe mental illness and the ways that society -- at the governmental, medical, and individual levels -- has failed to address the crisis posed by those who may be dangerous to the public or themselves.
Join us for a conversation about the quandaries, lapses, and vexing questions surrounding our response to, and responsibility towards people with severe mental illness. The Best Minds relays the devastating story of Michael Laudor, Rosen’s childhood best friend, a brilliant man who suffered from schizophrenic delusions which ultimately led him to murder his fiancé. Rosen is joined in conversation by Brian Stettin, who originated “Kendra’s Law” in 1999 in response to the death of Kendra Webdale, who was pushed into a subway by a mentally ill man.
Also joining is Charles H. Revson Foundation President Julie Sandorf, a staunch advocate for supportive housing and other systemic solutions. Together they will challenge us to confront the endless ways we misunderstand and mishandle severe mental illness, and point to correctives and promising reforms. As we watch those afflicted packed into prisons, struggle as street homeless, and make headlines with erratic or violent acts, the conversation will point to the reality that we are all just a few steps away from this crisis, and it’s time to think differently. CBH Director of Programs Marcia Ely moderates.