While it was great to read that Simone D. will not have to go through more ECT, I don't know if she really won. After all, she still had previously experienced 200 ECT "sessions." Sometimes winning in the mental health system is simply not losing once again. Maybe the NYS Office of Mental Health will now provide her with a Spanish speaking therapist but here too she will not have won for this was what she should have had in the first place. Perhaps, OMH simply forgot the following from its 2006 - 2010 Statewide Comprehensive Plan for Mental Health Services, Message from the Commissioner:

"One particularly important recommendation that was adopted and deserves mention here is the incorporation of a "D" to the ABC's of Mental Health Care. It represents "disparities elimination and cultural competence," to strengthen the planning foundation and clearly convey OMH's commitment to diversity planning and inclusiveness in assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating mental health treatment and supports. In adopting this new principle, OMH is emphasizing its determination to assure culturally and linguistically competent person-centered, recovery-oriented care at all levels of the service system." http://www.omh.state.ny.us/omhweb/statewideplan/2006/html/commissioner_msg.htm

NYS OMH should remember that words are not a substitute for action - though it seems to remember it when that action is ECT.