Released on = November 8, 2006, 1:14 pm

Press Release Author = Rick Sostchen, Executive Director, Baltic Street Mental
Health Board, Inc., 718-855-5929

Industry = Healthcare

Press Release Summary = This week, mental health professionals, supporters,
community leaders and employees honor the 10th anniversary of Baltic Street Mental
Health Board, Inc.; the largest employer of recipients of mental health services in
New York State. Baltic Street's staff, who serve as role models for people living
with mental illness, carry out Baltic Street's mission of empowerment and full
inclusion for mental health recipients, ultimately decreasing the stigma and
alienation often experienced by persons with mental health labels.

Press Release Body = New York, NY (November 8, 2006) - This week, mental health
professionals, supporters, community leaders and employees honor the 10th
anniversary of Baltic Street Mental Health Board, Inc.; the largest employer of
recipients of mental health services in New York State. Baltic Street's staff, who
serve as role models for people living with mental illness, carry out Baltic
Street's mission of empowerment and full inclusion for mental health recipients,
ultimately decreasing the stigma and alienation often experienced by persons with
mental health labels.

Baltic Street Mental Health Board, Inc. assists persons diagnosed with mental
illness such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression, achieve successful
and satisfying lives within their communities. By offering a comprehensive array of
programs and services, Baltic Street is dedicated to helping people who are in
recovery from mental illness greatly enhance their quality of life.

Baltic Street started with humble beginnings: a $95,000 NYC Department of Health and
Mental Hygiene contract, one full-time and three part-time employees, and a mission
which made listening to what clients want a great priority. This innovative
organization has now grown to encompass 13 programs in four boroughs including peer
services, housing, employment, and self-help programs.

This milestone is a chance for Baltic Street to look back on the accomplishments of
the past ten years and celebrate the future, including paying tribute to its
newly-elected executive director Rick Sostchen, who began working for Baltic Street
Mental Health Board, Inc. in 1996 as a part-time peer advocate. As someone whose own
life was interrupted by the onset of depression, Mr. Sostchen has been both a
provider and a consumer of mental health services, and is uniquely qualified to lead
Baltic Street in its mission to improve the lives of men and women coping with
serious and persistent mental illness.

"People with mental illness can live successful and meaningful lives that make a
real contribution to the world around them," stated Mr. Sostchen. "I am honored to
be leading an organization dedicated to consumer advocacy, and I look forward to
working with such a dedicated team of professionals as we expand our programming
including efforts to increase housing services."

For more information about Baltic Street Mental Health Board, Inc. log onto
www.balticstreet.org




Web Site = http://www.balticstreet.org

Contact Details = Rick Sostchen, Executive Director
Baltic Street Mental Health Board, Inc.
250 Baltic Street Brooklyn, NY 11201
718-855-5929