By James Grimm, MD

In 2015 the New York Times published a video, “Praying for a Cure”.  I have watched it many times, not believing the conditions under which these mentally ill individuals live.  Such confinement would hinder any treatment and they sadly often face a lack of options.

This was my introduction to the Association Saint Camille.  Its founder and director, Gregoire Ahongbonon, provided some initial comfort to my dismay.  His inspiration led to my first trip to Benin in January 2020. I was out of my professional comfort zone for the first time in years.  A tour of Saint Camille’s various treatment settings helped relieved any anxieties as I was greeted by clients singing and dancing. Equally uplifting was Saint Camille’s policy to provide care to anyone regardless of their ability to pay.  Such access gave hope for these individuals.

I will return to Saint Camille as it offered a practice of psychiatry that is both necessary and fulfilling.  There is no greater satisfaction than restoring someone’s dignity and allow them to achieve their potential.