Laughter an Unlikely Medicine for America's Veterans

A neuropsychologist and opera singer teamed up to create a form of vocal training for people on the autism spectrum.

After shortages of mental health options for kids and untold grief, counties in Wisconsin have responded with new kinds of support for at-risk youth. Wisconsin communities have increased access with reduced wait time, and have used horse therapy, support groups, charity golf that raises awareness, school-group therapy, as well as mobile live chat sessions, among others.

In Seattle, the over-policing of drug users has been extensive and frequently racially biased. Looking for a new solution, the LEAD (Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion) program, driven by a harm reduction philosophy, is connecting users with key social services rather than punishment.

Manchester, New Hampshire is seeing early success with a new program that helps keep mothers battling addiction in contact with their children. Based on the premise that keeping parents connected with their child during their addiction recovery will result in more successful recoveries, the program provides the supports for overnight visits and consistent contact.

Collaborative efforts targeting adult-peer mentoring in Kansas City, Missouri have resulted in less crime and increased trust among participants. Focusing on high-risk teens and young adults, the program known as Teens in Transition connects law enforcement with youth members to work together on an art project over a 9-week span.

Environments designed with soundscapes and visual art help to reduce anxiety and pain. In London, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital has noted a marked improvement in patient experience, including decreased pain and even a reduction in the time women spent in labor, in the presence of artistic installations. Other hospitals in the UK report similar benefits.

Engaging with music stimulates brain activity and improves mental health. The Me2/Orchestra, a nonprofit organization, offers its volunteer musicians a stigma-free environment to reconnect with their passions and harness the healing power of music. In addition to empowering musicians who have encountered challenges due to mental illness, the Me2/Orchestra encourages community engagement to dispel misperceptions about mental illness.

The Chesterfield program will be Virginia’s first recovery high school, open to any student recovering from a substance use disorder. There are currently at least 43 active recovery high schools in 21 states, with two more expected to open this year. The goals of the program are similar to those of existing schools and experts say the model increases the odds that teens will stay in recovery by making sure they’re surrounded by like-minded students in a supportive environment.

The Cowichan Wellness and Recovery Centre works to combat the ongoing overdose crisis. The Centre offers services like mental health support and a community hub where people can access, test and use drugs safely, as well as connect with healthcare, detox, and treatment services. Not only have these services benefited people, and connected them with others in the community, but they’ve also led to decreased criminal activity like theft.

El Recovery Institute of Southwest Michigan, Inc., usa un método que se llama apoyo entre pares (emparejando personas con experiencias similares) para ayudar el proceso de recuperación. El Recovery Institute ofrece grupos, clases, reuniones individuales y reuniones sociales, y su también participan en actividades de divulgación en la comunidad. En los últimos años, el Recovery Institute ha atendido a miles de personas.