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Common Struggle, Individual Experience: An Exhibition About Mental Health

June 03, 2022

In recognition of the 200th anniversary of Hartford HealthCare’s Institute of Living (IOL) this year, Hartford HealthCare has partnered with the Connecticut Historical Society to present Common Struggle, Individual Experience: An Exhibition About Mental Health.

This special podcast series will take us through the history of mental health treatment in Connecticut, and behind the scenes of the IOL, the first psychiatric hospital in the history of Connecticut and the third in the nation.

The journey of mental health care through the 19th and 20th century is a fascinating one. The IOL played a significant role in fundamentally changing approaches to mental health – blazing a trail of moral, ethical treatment for others to follow.

In episode three, Hartford HealthCare’s Steve Coates talks to Javeed Sukhera, MD, PhD, FRCPC, chair of psychiatry at the Institute of Living and chief of the department of psychiatry at Harford Hospital.

They discuss the current state and rising need of quality mental health access in the U.S., how the IOL has historically pivoted to meet the needs of any given era, and they also look at a future filled with new possibilities in the field of mental health treatment.

Check the links in this episode’s notes to listen to episodes one and two which feature the Connecticut Historical Society’s exhibit and a fascinating conversation with Hank Schwartz, MD.

Be sure to follow Hartford HealthCare on your favorite podcast platform where more episodes focusing on the IOL’s history, present and future will publish throughout the year. Just search “Hartford HealthCare” on your favorite podcast platform.

The Evolution of Mental Health Care: 200 years at Hartford HealthCare’s Institute of Living:

Episode One: featuring the Connecticut Historical Society

Episode Two: featuring Dr. Hank Schwartz