Avel Gordly

Avel Gordly, a panelist for MINDS ON THE EDGE, points out the added difficulties a person with mental illness encounters when culture, race or ethnicity come into play.

Underlying Avel Gordly's many years of professional advocacy for culturally-specific mental health treatment are her personal and familial experiences with mental illness.

While Gordly was serving in Oregons state legislature, her son Tyrone was diagnosed with schizophrenia. He had served in the first Gulf War, and his illness began following his return. As she struggled to help Tyrone find treatment and support, she discovered that his diagnosis and treatment were repeatedly biased by racial stereotypes.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• minds on the edge
• depression
• nami
• bipolar
• schizophrenia
• mental illness
• avel gordly
• fred friendly seminars

[wooja54]

Amazing woman and public servant of her community. Avel Gordly

[366moore]

I heve met both Avel and her son through my contacts with mental health issues. They are real heroes in helping bring insight to mental health issues and cultural sensitivity to their community. If you want to find community heroes today, you will find them here.