“A DAY IN THE LIFE” PROJECT

The "A Day in the LIfe Project" is currently on hiatus.  For additional information on the project email Marcia DuFore or Danielle Herbert
at 860-667-6388 or email us at info@ncrmhb.org.

"A Day in the Life" Research Team

In FY 2007 NCRMHB initiated a project –possibly the first of its kind in the nation – to interview people with mental illness to better understand their “life in the community”, what has helped them, and what is needed to further their recovery.

Skilled interviewers, who are people in recovery from mental illness, recorded interviews with eighty clients receiving DMHAS mental health services. Dr. Larry Davidson of Yale University provided training in conducting interviews and qualitative content analysis of the transcribed interviews. A person in recovery with extensive experience in oral history directs the project. Interviewers have provided invaluable insight in shaping interview questions, analyzing interview content, and identifying common themes. They presented some of these themes to over a hundred people attending the NCRMHB Annual Dinner in June. The trained interviewers are a valuable resource for gathering information in person-to-person interviews, in ongoing research projects, evaluations, needs assessments, and presenting their findings. We invite our towns to call upon us to provide this important service; many organizations have requested presentations.

 In FY 2009 we intend to complete content analyses of the interviews and write reports of our findings. Future steps include identifying the themes that are most important for various audiences – providers, administrators, families, people in recovery, and the community – and making educational presentations throughout the State. In addition, we would like to conduct similar interview projects focused on young adults and other populations of concern.  

Local Impact: The project is yielding new information for mental health providers and administrators, families, and the community about the successes and struggles people with mental illness have described in “their own words” and the kind of help they feel they need to live better lives in the community - the ultimate measure of effective services and supports.

For more information on the "A Day in The Life" Project please contact Judith Shaw, Project Director at 860-667-6388 ext. 14