Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 2, 1987)
: D ecem ber 2, 1987, Portland O bserver, Page 9 Treatment in Defense of Life Health Watch Community Mental Health by Danny Bell An Introduction to Mental Health Services in N/NE StevtHt Buticy. N D A ID S a n d th e Im m u n e S y s te m To understand AIDS, it is helpful to know a little bit about the human immune system. The following section will hopefully provide a base under standing of the immune system that will assist you in understanding the Have you ever asked yourself, "What's wrong with so-and so? Or commented on how he or she seems to act funny or odd? Many of us have been touched by those whose behavior seems inappropriate or reflects sen- various aspects of AIDS. 0691 The common response is to relegate these individuals as victims of an The A ctive Im m une System The immune system is a marvelous composition of a wide variety of the body's cellular and functional components. The white blood cells, the skin and mucous tissues, the thymus gland, bone marrow and the lymph nodes and tissues all have specific functions in a health immune system. There are also many less specific elements of the immune system which include ade quate nutrition, adequate function of the liver, adrenals, good circulation, heredity and a wide range of secondary influences such as stress, life style abusive lifestyle or not to think of them at all. However, one in ten individuals experience in their life time some form of mental illness. What we propose is to explore in the upcoming articles what is myth and what is fact concerning mental health, and to reveal what facilities in our community are attempting to address health in terms of mental and psychological health. ir u u n The North/Northeast Community Mental Health Center, Inc. (CM C), is one such facility, serving people who reside in North and N°rth«ast ort- land regardless of race, color, creed, age, or ability to pay. N/NE CM provides a program which caters directly to the client in a manner that helps and psychological factors. The W h ite Blood Cells The white blood cells (WBC's) account for the majority of what we call the "immune response". These are the cells that identify and combat bac terium, viruses, fungi and protozoans collectively known as "m icro organisms". The white blood cells are divided into five groups: the baso phils, neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils and lymphocytes. These names reflect laboratory properties of the various cells, i.e. "p h il" is Latin for love and, thus, basophils are cells that attract a basic dye in laboratory staining techniques as others attract eiosin dye or are neutra to these two dyes. "C yte" is Latin for "ce ll", and lymphocytes are WBC's that do not have granuals or " A " , Latin for absent, agranulocytes. The lymphocytes are the cells that are affected in AIDS. These five cell groups are further divided into two populations: the granulocytes and the agranulocytes. The three granulocytes (eosinophils, basophils and neutrophils) all have granular structures that contain immune chemicals to combat micro-organisms. This is called the "cellular immune response. The agranulocytes (lymphocytes and monocytes) do not have granular structures and the lymphocytes work by the "humoral immune response, which means by releasing chemicals into the blood stream (the Humors) to combat infection. The monocytes are a cell alone as they act as scavengers in cleaning up immune debris and combating on a cellular level. The granulocytes are not affected in AIDS as are the lymphocytes and, thus these cells can play an important role in suppressing opportunistic in fection that are common to AIDS. Some of the things that we can do to strengthen this segment of the immune system will be mentioned in the con clusion of these articles. Lym phocytes and the H um oral Im m une Response The lymphocytes primarily work through humoral immunity although certain "killer" lymphocytes can work at the "cellular" response level. The lymphocytes are divided into two groups, the T cells and the B cells. The " T " comes from "thym us" but functionally represent cells that send infor mation to the B cells (we now know that not all T cells are created in the thymus). The B cells are cells that produce chemicals called immuno globulins which are specific chemicals to combat varous micro-organisms. It is in the T cell numbers and function that AIDS identifies itself. The T cells can be likened to advance scouts, who look out for dangers in the form of bacteria, viruses, protozoans, allergins and other parasites. Certain T cells called "m em ory" cells maintain a "m em ory" of previously encountered organisms and immediately begins the immune response which is why we "develop" an immunity to such conditions as small pox, measles, whooping cough, etc. T cells can also create original responses in the event of a new organism entering the blood system or inflamed tissue. Two other T cell groups exist. These are the helper and suppressor populations. These cells take the information from the scout T cells and either help increase or decrease the production of B Lymphcytes. The B lymphocytes being the army that confronts the invading organisms, releasing their chemical weapons. Another lymphocyte, the "K iller" cell, is a recent discovery. This cell appears to work independently, having the ability to confront and destroy organisms on a one-to-one basis. In AIDS there is a marked decrease in the helper T cells that results in an inability to activate B cells for maintaining acquired immunity to a variety of illnesses. As the number of helper cells decrease the ratio of helper to suppressor cells becomes inverted and the B cells actually decrease their normal state of involvement. The helper/suppressor ratio is actually one of the best indicators of the state or progression of AIDS. Recently orthodox medicine has come to appreciate this test and M .D.'s are using it much more frequently to monitor the course of AIDS. It is interesting that M.D. s shun ned this test for so long as it truly gives the most useful information in moni toring the early and middle stages of the AIDS population. Coincidentally, unrelated to the AIDS virus, homosexuals, I.V. drug users and hemophiliacs show inverted helper/suppressor ratios as general populations. ■ t D IA T f o 3201 NE Columbia Blvd. New Radiators . Portland, OR 97211 <503)282-9707 KING <206)699-4550 *99«?; ’ 7525: New Cores . . . Lifetime warranty on above honored at any Radiator King in U S on all non-commercial cars and trucks to 3/4 ton ConyXM* Cooling Systim Storici lor TrucUng. HMvy Eqmpmtnt, EUrim. *oto tnd Light Truck* WINTERIZATION SPECIAL ■» 9 9 Power Flush plus up to 2 gals ol anlitreete/coolanl£ ! Rebuilt Radiators Chemical Clean & Repair $29*>nduo •Additional charge Io remove and replace radiators Open Mon. thru Frl S-5 • Sat. by Appt. Catch Come celebrate the the Grand Opening NORTHEAST CENTER 5630 N.E. Union Avenue T h u rs d a y December 3 r 3- 7 p.m. \ Program 5:30 p.m. by Nyewusi Askari For a long time, African-Ameri cans didn't understand the dangers of alcohol and drug addiction. At first it was viewed as a white man's weakness: an inability to control the intake of drink or drug. And those Blacks who suffered the affliction were looked upon as outcasts whose souls had been taken over by the devil. Religious conversion was the recommended treatment and cure. Since those early days, the Black community's perception and under standing of drug and alcohol addic tion has changed. Drug and alcohol centers have become common place, and the Blacks addicted are now treated as patients rather than outcasts. In Portland's Black com munity, the Project For Community Recovery is one such treatment center. A joint effort of the Center for Community Mental Health and de Paul Center, Inc., the Project For Community Recovery was esta blished in July 1984. The staffs of the three agencies work together on designing the most effective treat ment plan for each individual in treatment. While the Center for Community Health provides assess ment and outpatient services, and de Paul provides inpatient and resi dential alcoholism treatment, the Project For Community Recovery provides multicultural alcoholism and drug addiction treatment ser vices with emphasis placed on Black chemically dependent persons in Portland's North/Northeast com munity. Unlike many treatment centers in the country, the Project For Com munity Recovery strongly believes that alcoholism and drug addiction are disease processes that affect the spiritual, emotional, physical and social life of affected African-Ameri cans, and that these problems can be diagnosed, treated and prevent ed when the cultural context is taken into consideration. serious violation of cultural upbring ing. "Since we know alcoholism and drug addiction are disease pro cesses that cross racial and ethnic lines, we believe the addiction is treatable. So what we do at the time of assessment is to ask certain questions to determine what level of dependency that person has, whe ther they be Black or white. Using this approach, we can determine the type of treatment that is neces sary. Most of the people we see are either in the early stages of ad diction or at the middle stage. If the client is in the late stages, we usual ly refer him or her to a residential treatment facility," Mr. Ings said. Bernard Ings, Director for the program, explains: "In the past, the conventional approach didn t work for the Black client, because it didn't take into consideration the cultural factor. Often, Black clients would drop out of programs that failed to deal with these differences. For example, many Black families teach their children to refrain from looking a person of authority direct ly in the eye. This cultural behavior was passed down from African an cestors and is considered a show of respect. However, many conven tional treatment programs thought the behavior pointed to the client s inability to face his or her problem of addiction. In many settings, the Counselor would touch the Black client in a way of showing reassu rance, not realizing that it was a Five Largest selection in Northwest1 low est Prices in Town' Gift Certificate Available1 YWCA need for voluntary or involuntary commitment. Individuals who are accepted by the clinic are seen regularly for indivi dual-and/or group therapy. . .. Due to the fact that many clients lack social support from family and friends, they tend to become withdrawn and isolated. The NE Connec tion is a socialization center which provides clients the opportunity to meet people and feel connected to others. Social-, recreational-, and self-help are available. . . * ■ „ „„ Many clients need to learn, or re learn, the skills needed to survive as independent adults in the community. The semi-independent living staff teach clients adaptive tasks such as apartment maintenance, cooking, and use of public transportation. Mastery of such tasks improves clients self esteem and gives them a sense of control over their own lives. Certain clients can benefit from very focused and structured activities that provide them with a sense of mastery and effectiveness in life. Craft and group pre-vocational activities are organized in a day treatment setting. A crisis respite house, called Sacramento House, is maintained by the staff of the Center. In addition, housing development specialists are employ ed to arrange a variety of residential and housing-related services. These include group homes and adult foster care. N/NE Community Mental Health Center invites our readers to write us at 128 N E Russell, Portland, OR 97212; attention Danny Bell. „ Upcoming articles will focus on such topics as "The NE Connection . "Drugs and Mental Health” , "Depression", and "Domestic Violence. PORTLAND OBSERVER The Eyes and Ears of the Community 288-0033 DENTAL CARE YOUR FAMILY CAN COUNT ON, Edward E. Ward, DMD General Dentistry • Prevention oriented • Friendly professional staff • Insurance gladly accepted • Sedation for sensitive patients • Fees discussed prior to treatment • Visa/Mastercard accepted • Convenient downtown location Dr. Edward E. Ward . New patients welcome . All bus lines/validated parking • ADA member Phone (503) 228-3009 610 S.W. Alder, Suite 1008 Hours: M F 7AM-7PM/SAT. 8AM 5PM “Convenient, affordable dental care for yo u r family. ' 625 SW 4th & Morrison Downtown, Portland (503) 226-6467 SPORTSWORID 8 2 YEARS SPECIALIZED IN S P O R T IN G GOODS! ■ Free Parking with $15 Purchase1 ; Î adults. , „ TK_ Clients with long-term mental illness have a regular case manager. I he case manager is a trained therapist who develops a plan for each client to stabilize, improve and support life within the community. . , Working in conjunction with the case manager is a team of physician» and nurses who provide regular consultation with the clients concerning psychiatric medicine, good diet, and positive health practices~ Crisis services are provided by a special team available 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week, on an on-call basis to all residents of North and North east Portland. Services include crisis intervention and psychiatric assess ment and referral for long-term services. Crisis respite housing is available for those at risk of hospitalization. Clients in need of hospitalization are evaluated by a specially trained investigative team which makes recommendations to family concerning the Copian Freci p a rkin g behind center lity to pay. . ( The Center offers a varied array of services, as well as a variety of approaches and community activities. The Center accepts children and Mr. Ings explained that the pro gram has encountered some pro blems trying to meet the terms of its contractual agreement with the county. These terms state that in order for the Project For Community Recovery to be defined and to ope rate as a culturally-specific program for Blacks, 51 percent of its clients must be Black. "Blacks are some what reluctant to come to treat ment, and since we've only been in existence for three-and-a-half years, the process of generating commu nity awareness has been somewhat slow. Even so, we are seeing changes," Mr. Ings said. The presence of the Project For Community Recovery in Portland's Black community represents the growing effort by African-Ameri cans to revitalize the ancient African tradition of self-help. Drug and al cohol addiction is a serious problem in this community. Currently, it is spreading to all parts of Black society: the young, the worker, the family, and others who are not yet aware that they have the disease. Said Mr. Ings, "It's our job to give attention and treatment, and this is why we are encouraging Blacks to get involved with our program. If you suspect that you, your child, your relative, your husband, or a friend is suffering from addiction, call us or visit our facility. It's a matter of life and death, and right now, death is winning the battle. Special Guests! /// become a client of the N/NE CMHC. . The Center is funded in part by the Multnomah County Social Service Division and the Oregon State Mental Health Division. Fees are based on a sliding scale according to income. No one is denied service because of inabi Presently, the Project For Com munity Recovery provides assess ment, evaluation, and referral; out patient and inpatient counseling ser vices; individual, group, family and self-help; residential treatment ser vices; A A /N A support network; medical and psychiatric services; and education, training and consul tation. Although the program offers outpatient services, it has a general contract with the de Paul Center where 11 beds have been earmarked for Project For Community Re covery clients. The program has 182 clients on outpatient status. Tours! ( ( Refreshments! / the individual remain in the community. Many of those who use the N/NE CMHC services have histones of long term mental illness. They experience confused thought or emotional illness that interferes with daily living. However, with proper medicines and regular support services, they can remain in the community and lead useful lives. There is not a waiting list to Spirit! of the YWCA's , I $ 4 8 *" Rod Out & Repair FREE RADIATOR CHECK HEATER SALES/SERVICE Bernard Ings, D irecto r o f P roject For C om m unity Recovery - "In the past, the conventional approach d id n 't w o rk fo r the Black clie n t, because it d id n 't take in to consideration the cu ltural facto r. Photo by Richard J. Brown GOLF TENNIS SHOES TEAM/SCHOOL SPALDING DUNLOP YONEX LYNX HOGAN RAM PRINCE WILSON HEAD EKTELON YONEX PRO KENNEX REEBOK AVIA CONVERSE BROOKS NEW BALANCE FOOT JOY BASKETBALL SOCCER BASE/SOFTBALL COACHES UNIFORMS FITNESS 2 8 2 -0 0 0 3 I * ■ W . .. . - v iv 1,-óJ
