Former Belmont Patient Extends Hope to Others in Recovery

Philadelphia, PA, January 7, 2008 -- Shown is Richard Askew III, a real-life example of how the right diagnosis and the right medications can help people with mental illness lead productive and satisfying lives. Richard was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at Belmont Center for Comprehensive Treatment in 1997 after enduring years of misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. Thankfully, with the right diagnosis and medication, he now lives a full life, spending much of his time reaching out and educating others about mental illness. It is for his outstanding community work that Richard recently received the Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health's first Annual Recovery Champions Award for his work at Belmont Center and in the mental health community. One way Richard helps others is by being a motivational speaker and group facilitator at Belmont where he visits patients and shares his life story offering hope and inspiration. Being a motivational speaker is a win-win -- helping Richard in his recovery as well as others struggling with mental illness.

CONTACT: Judy Horwitz
Communications Specialist
Albert Einstein Healthcare Network
215-456-6767
horwitzj@einstein.edu

Publish date: January 7, 2008