Meriter's Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Program
A Family Story

Remarks by Kate Vanderbloemen
Open House for Meriter’s Child & Adolescent Psychiatric Hospital
February 5, 2004
Reprinted with permission

Good afternoon. It is both an honor and a privilege to be here today to help celebrate the opening of Meriter's new Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Hospital. While I'm not a politician, nor am I affiliated with Meriter Hospital, I do have a vested interest in this facility and its program. I feel a sense of personal responsibility to be here today to share one family's story.

I know first-hand what this treatment center can do for children and their families. You see, my son has been a patient in the Child and Adolescent Program - not just once, but six times. Ironically, when I was asked to speak at this event, I had no idea that my son would, in fact, be a patient in the unit at the same time that I am speaking to you now. But, it's true. And I thank God, that this hospital and its programs are available to him and all the other children who quietly suffer from mental illnesses like depression, anxiety and mood disorders, anorexia...the list goes on.

Our family's story began several years ago, when our bright and energetic youngster became increasingly out of control both at home and at school. He was caught up in repetitive, bizarre, and often dangerous behaviors. We sought help from a variety of professionals, we tried countless therapies and medications. Eventually, Jake's behaviors worsened to the point that he was not safe at home - or in school - and neither were those around him. Reluctantly, at the age of seven, we took him to Meriter's Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Program where he was admitted as an inpatient. It was, by far, the most painful experience our family had ever faced. Not only were we deeply saddened to have to put our young child into the hands of, then, strangers; but, we also felt guilty. Guilty, that as parents we had somehow failed. And we felt shame - we felt the bitter stigma that seems attached to mental illness - it isolated us from our family, friends, and our community.

The wonder of our story, is that Jake was able to get the kind of help that he so desperately needed. While in the hospital, the staff people were able to observe him, conduct tests and make assessments. They were able to work with him, and try new drug therapies as well as different behavioral interventions. Being with him, seeing and experiencing him on a daily basis, gave the staff the information they needed to correctly diagnose him with Asperger's Syndrome and then effectively treat him. Three months and four days later, he came home. Not cured, but understood, and stable. Since then Jake has been admitted five more times. While this may sound excessive, it really isn't. These children need ongoing support if they are to be successful and able to stay within their own families and communities. I must say, I shudder to think where my son might be today without this program.

That is why I am so thankful that Meriter Hospital was there for us back then and that they are here for us now. By virtue of making the commitment to build this hospital, the people of Meriter and we, as a community of supporters, have looked into the faces of those children who suffer from mental illness and have said...We care. Help is available. There is a place for you!

At a time when others have closed their doors to these kinds of facilities, Meriter Hospital has gladly and proudly opened theirs. I applaud and commend Meriter Hospital and its Foundation, Dr. Witkovsky, his incredibly dedicated staff and, all of you who are here today. For taking this very bold step and thus educating the public - for saying that mental illness is as treatable as any other disease!

So today I say thank you from my family and my son and on behalf of the many other children and their families who will walk through these doors. Thank you for caring for our children. Thank you for giving them the opportunity for wellness and self-respect. Thank you for giving each child a chance to thrive, to live as they fully deserve. And, thank you for the hope that Meriter Hospital gives us all.

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3/29/2004