Comments for NAMI Tri-Cities

Comment on Shortsighted Savings on Mental Health Care by John L. Gibson

John L. Gibson — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 04:16:12 +0000

Letter To The Editor, Tri-City Herald,
”Robb’s mother recently received that phone call she feared for many years.
Robb had been diagnosed schizophrenic years ago. He responded well to the medications prescribed, but proved over and over that he would not take them on his own. The voices in his head would become louder, and he would take off for parts unknown. Each time he took off, his mind would not come back as far.
Two years ago, he was found lying almost frozen near Pendleton, OR. He told the Emergency Room Staff that he was on his way to become the next American Idol.
We forced him to go to the Crisis Response Center many times. Each time, the Mental Health System would give him medications for a few days and then release him, because he was deemed ‘not a danger to himself or others’. We have learned of several instances where Robb told the police to shoot him, even threatening the officers.
Today Robb’s body rests. The pain and turmoil whisked away by a handgun, owned by a ‘friend’ who had no idea who Robb was. Robb finally found the lasting peace that our Mental Health System would not provide.
John Gibson, West Richland, WA”

Robb’s Obituary:

BOWEN, Robert A. “Robb”
Of Richland, Washington formerly of Weston, Oregon passed away December 12, 2008 at his home at the age of 31 years. Graveside services and inurnment will be April 11, 2008 in the Milton-Freewater Cemetery, Milton-Freewater, Oregon. Memorial contributions may be made to the Family of Robb Bowen in care of Kris Gibson at any Gesa Credit Union or through the MUNSELLE-RHODES FUNERAL HOME, 902 S. MAIN, MILTON-FREEWATER, OREGON 97862.

Robb was born April 11, 1977 in Walla Walla, Washington the son of Stacy M. Bowen and Kristen E. (Deseve) Gibson. One of three children, he grew up and attended schools in Weston, Oregon and Spokane, Washington. He worked as a sheetrock installer and as a landscaper. He loved life through his adventures and travel. A kind person, he would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. He is loved dearly and will be in the hearts of many forever. He enjoyed art, writing, music and traveling. Robb attended the Calvary Assembly of God in the Tri-Cities.
He is survived by his mother and stepfather Kris and John Gibson of West Richland, Washington; his father and stepmother Stacy and Debbie Bowen of Wichita, Kansas; two sisters Amy Bowen and Stephanie Katon-Batke both of Spokane, Washington; two half-sisters Jennifer Coffey and Kelli Bowen both of Wichita, Kansas; his grandparents Robert and Maxine Deseve of Milton-Freewater, Oregon; two nephews Gaven Batke, Xander Batke; a niece Rowen Batke all of Spokane, Washington; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
____________________
My Reply to the Editor’s inquiry:
Yes, I would very much be interested in expanding upon Robb’s story. I would like to include a few facts about the on-set and progression of schizophrenia and info about where to find support. There are advocacy groups out there such as NAMI that can help families deal with mental illness.
Medicine and Law Enforcement have learned so much recently about mental illness and how to deal with it. Our communities need to understand that mental illness can strike anyone. Many families experience a continuous cycle of suffering because the State’s budget will not recognize that mental illness can be a long-term, life long problem.
Kris (Robb’s Mother) and I were not able to handle Robb ourselves. We needed a long-term solution but could not convince the Mental Health Services Machine to help Robb beyond a few days at a time.
Robb eventually proved to this world beyond any doubt that he was ‘A danger to himself or others’. His ‘Proof’ became his long-term solution. I just hope that our Mental Health System will consider extending help to the many others out there like Robb before they find their own long-term solutions.
Thank you, Chris for your time. Please let me know how I should package or format this info so that it will be compatible with your efforts.
God Bless,
John L. Gibson

Comment on Fall Family-to-Family in Richland by NAMI Tri-Cities

NAMI Tri-Cities — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 16:29:30 +0000

Many Thanks to the Benton-Franklin Counties Human Services Department for their assistance in funding upcoming Family-to-Family classes.

Comment on Grading the States: Take the Survey Now by NAMI Tri-Cities

NAMI Tri-Cities — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 15:05:25 +0000

All NAMI Tri-Cities readers, please follow the link and participate in this very important survey.

Comment on Kristin Cox, First Runner Up at State Pageant by NAMI Tri-Cities

NAMI Tri-Cities — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 15:04:32 +0000

NAMI congratulates Kristin Cox on her amazing performance and representation at this year’s state pageant, as well as her tireless advocacy on behalf of those struggling with mental illness. All of us in the Tri-Cities and eastern Washington are very proud of her.

Comment on NAMI Walk Postscript: Tri-Cities’ Teams Rule by NAMI Tri-Cities

NAMI Tri-Cities — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 15:03:22 +0000

Special thanks goes to our wonderful guest speakers, starting with the emcee, Kristin Cox, Miss Tri-Cities; Gordon Bopp, NAMI-WA State President; Elisa Elliott, who read a letter of support from King County Sheriff Sue Rahr; and our keynote speaker, Washington State Attorney General Rob McKenna, who also cut the ribbon at this year’s event.

Comment on Hero Award: Chewerl Radican by NAMI Tri-Cities

NAMI Tri-Cities — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 15:01:36 +0000

She truly is an outstanding advocate and we’re very fortunate to have her in our court.

Comment on NAMI Walk a Great Success by NAMI Tri-Cities

NAMI Tri-Cities — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 14:59:53 +0000

Special thanks:

Our Walk Steering Committee: Mike Maloney, Nancy Cole, Joyce Stahn-Mardock, Mary Grizzle and Gordon Bopp all contributed to making the Walk a big success.

Our Volunteers: Thank you to all of you that spent your morning setting up, checking in Volunteers, registering and collecting money raised from the walkers, the raffle crew, the food and drink crew, the course monitors and the clean-up crew. It couldn’t have happened without all of you. Here are all the names of volunteers that contributed to our success:

Our Sponsors: Thank you to our sponsors, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Aztra-Zeneca, Sound Mental Health, Highline West Seattle Mental Health, Harborview Medical Center, Washington State Hospital Association, Payless Long Term Care Pharmacy, Ben Bridge, Children’s Hospital, Community Psychiatric Center, Transitional Resources, Downtown Emergency Service Center, ConAgra Foods, Swedish Medical Center, Providence St. Peter’s, New York Life, Cadwell Labs and Valley Cities Counseling and Consultation. You started us off strong and helped us reach our overall goal. Our success is due in large part to your support.

Our Speakers: Special thanks also go out to our wonderful lineup of guest speakers. We started off with our emcee, Miss Tri-Cities, Kristin Cox, our very own Gordon Bopp, Elisa Elliott, who read a letter of support from King County Sheriff Sue Rahr, and our Keynote Speaker, Washington State Attorney General Rob McKenna who also cut the ribbon to start off the WALK.

And finally: thank you to our consumer and family affiliate leaders, members, team captains and team members. You are the inspiration that keeps us WALKING on.

Keep up the great work. Our goal of $125,000 is in sight. We are almost there, and I know we can get there.