Dr. Mandy Cohen, Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), accompanied by Dr. Ashwin Vasan, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, embarked on a tour of Fountain House, a renowned nonprofit mental health treatment provider situated in Hell’s Kitchen. The visit, which took place on Tuesday, underscored the importance of community-centric approaches in addressing mental health challenges.
Established 75 years ago, Fountain House has been a beacon of support for individuals grappling with mental health issues, offering a haven where they can find solace and belonging. Central to the ethos of Fountain House is the belief that community is integral to therapeutic intervention.
Dr. Cohen lauded Fountain House as a commendable model for fostering community and fostering a sense of belonging among individuals facing mental health struggles. “This is a great model for folks who are really looking for community and looking for belonging. And we know that folks need that to thrive,” remarked Dr. Cohen, emphasizing the potential of such initiatives in reducing suicide rates, overdose incidents, and enhancing overall mental health outcomes.
Operating on the clubhouse model, Fountain House provides an array of services ranging from food assistance and short-term housing to facilitating connections for long-term housing, employment opportunities, and access to psychiatric and medical care. The flexibility of the clubhouse model allows members to engage at their own pace, fostering a sense of agency and autonomy.
Dr. Vasan emphasized the importance of challenging stigmatizing narratives surrounding serious mental illness and championed Fountain House as a testament to a more compassionate and inclusive approach. “What this place is proving, and what our investments are proving, is that there’s a different way,” stated Dr. Vasan, advocating for the expansion of similar programs to cater to a broader demographic.
With aspirations to broaden the reach of such initiatives across New York City and beyond, officials expressed their commitment to scaling up programs like Fountain House. Currently serving approximately 2,000 members across Manhattan and the Bronx, Fountain House exemplifies the impact of community-driven interventions.
Dr. Vasan articulated his vision of expanding the number of clubhouses in the city to accommodate up to 15,000 individuals, underscoring the collective effort to redefine mental health care delivery and destigmatize mental illness.
As Fountain House continues to serve as a beacon of hope and support for individuals navigating mental health challenges, the visit by Dr. Cohen and Dr. Vasan highlights the pivotal role of community-based initiatives in fostering resilience and well-being among vulnerable populations.
