Bucks County Herald – June 26, 2006

Penn Foundation Merediths As Hosts

Dear Friends,

Good morning. The other day Mighty Betsy and I sponsored a luncheon for 11 friends at the Penn Foundation for Behavioral Health Services in Sellersville. MB’s been a board member at the Penn Foundation for years. Every year, I call its famous founder, Dr. Norman Loux, for a mental check up. We spend about ten minutes together…he gives me sound advice and I’m ready for the next 12 months.

I know that many of my readers think I that I’m a mental case and need the Penn Foundation daily. But seriously, Americans get yearly physical check ups and see the tooth fairy at least once each year. Why don’t we pay attention to our mental health? Is there a taboo about discussing mental health? Maybe…but there shouldn’t be.

Our mission was to introduce our friends to the Penn Foundation and to expand the organization’s network. John Goshow is the President and CEO. With a warm welcome, he gave an excellent summary of the Penn Foundation’s impact to the Bucks and Montgomery County communities…and far beyond.

John reminded us about the history. In 1955, Dr. Michael Peters was probably Grandview Hospital’s best-known physician. He believed that the community needed local mental health facilities and encouraged Dr. Loux to open offices across the street from the hospital.

Through Dr. Peters influence, Grandview provided a wing for the treatment of mental health patients and was one of the first hospitals in America to do so. Previously, only state run psychiatric institutions provided in patient care. Treating patients in their home communities was a brand new idea. This unusual concept has made a remarkable impact on the region. Last year, Grandview’s Emergency Room sent 100 patients directly to the Penn Foundation.

It’s been a resounding success. From that modest beginning, the Penn Foundation presently has a staff of 325 and treats more than 8,000 cases each year. Forty different programs offer specialized, individual care. John Goshow told us that 22 percent of the patients come from the Quakertown area. Twenty percent of the patients are children, 55 percent are adults and 25 percent are elderly.

Todd Barlow is the Director of Drug and Alcohol Services, one of the major causes of mental health disorders. He introduced one of his patients who has made a remarkable recovery from alcohol abuse. I’ll refer to him as “Sam.” real name.

“Sam” told the heart-wrenching story of how his life fell apart because of addiction to alcohol. All we know is that he comes from a typical Upper Bucks/ Montgomery County wholesome family. “Sam” had a budding career in the art world until the bottle took hold of him, nearly costing his life.

“Sam” revealed that he has battled depression most of his life. Depression often accompanies alcoholism, the Penn Foundation advises. “Sam” was an alcoholic for 35 years…his son is an alcoholic as well. “Thanks to the Penn Foundation, I’ve been clean for nine months,” “Sam” told us. Today he works in the maintenance department at the Penn Foundation and prays that he’ll be able to remain free of the disease.

Tom Leidy is the board chairman. He’s inviting the entire region to attend the autumn fundraiser on Tuesday, October 24. Because it’s so popular, Penn Foundation holds the meeting at the North Penn High School auditorium because it has more seats than any in the region. Patch Adams will be the featured entertainment…humor in healing, his topic. “We’ll fill every seat,” Leidy predicted.

MB and I brought Carol Henn to the luncheon. Carol is the Executive Director of the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation (LVCF). It makes community grants to good causes in Upper Bucks and Montgomery Counties, plus the Lehigh Valley. I serve on Carol’s board and wanted her to hear the Penn Foundation story because I think that her organization can help. I thought it was useful for my friends…and now you too…to realize that all of us can "Do good forever" by starting a family fund at LVCF.

We’re fortunate to have the Penn Foundation in our midst. Carol Washko is the organization’s Director of Advancement. “The Penn Foundation is the silent community partner,” she said.

You and I need to tell the Penn Foundation story to our friends.

Sincerely,

Charles Meredith