Back to Annual Meeting

Back to Annual Meeting

APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Michael D. Ullman, MA, School of Social Work, University of Hawaii-Manoa, 3329 Hinano Street, Honolulu, HI 96815, 808-391-7963, mdarrenu@yahoo.com

“Truly Dually” is an original 22-song musical created to bring public awareness and education about the plight of individuals who are homeless and suffer from both mental illness and substance abuse (dually-diagnosed). The musical highlights key challenges and barriers to serving individuals who are experiencing long-term homelessness, while introducing audiences to effective programs that can assist these individuals and help them return to a stable housing situation while receiving treatment for their medical conditions. The musical addresses stereotypes still held by the public that continue to act as barriers to service provision. Above all, Truly Dually is a simple morality tale layered in metaphor and wit that depicts the spirit, generosity and humanity of those living on the streets, and the responsibility that all citizens share in understanding their plight and working to end this grave social problem.

Five “Readers Theatre” performances of the musical have been presented in Honolulu, Hawaii during 2005 in addition to a CD release of musical highlights. Evaluative feedback from target audiences collected at these performances from homeless consumers, mental health consumers, clinicians, service providers, faith community members, legislators, theatre professionals, students and the general public underscores the tremendous impact that the musical can generate. Strategies to present the musical in local communities and related events will be discussed. All materials from the musical presentation will be available.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant in this session will be able to

• Identify five key best or effective practices that assist individuals who are chronically homeless.
• Recognize key barriers in the provision of services to homeless individuals
• Discuss how creative methods of generating homeless awareness and increasing knowledge about the homeless issue can be brought to your community.

Keywords: Homelessness, Mental Health System

Related Web page: www.trulydually.org

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation