“Consumer Voice, Leadership, and Training Project”

Please join us for an informative training for Mental Health Consumers.  Information will include leadership, Self-Advocacy, Consumer Rights, and the Complaint, Grievances, Appeals, and Fair Hearing Process.  This training will be held at the Shilo Inn in Richland.

There will be three door prize drawings for a $50 Visa Gift Card.  Seats are limited to 25.  Call early to reserve your seat! Lunch Provided. A free Booklet and CD will be given.

LOCATION: Shilo Inn

50 Comstock St.

Richland, WA 99352

*Off of George Washington Way (You can take the 225 bus to Knight’s Transit Center, once on bus 225, request a free Taxi Feeder from Knight’s Transit Center to Shilo Inn)

DATE: August 5, 2009

TIME: 10:00 – 2:00 P.M.

RSVP: Cindy Adams

(509) 735-8681

Sponsored by Washington mental Health Transformation Project

Partnership for Recovery & Resiliency

_____________________________________________________

August Adult “Ask the Doctor” Call with Guest Dr. Ken Minkoff

Save the Date: Friday August 28th, 2009

Please join us for our monthly adult issues conference call with NAMI’s Medical Director Dr. Ken Duckworth, and guest Dr. Ken Minkoff. Dr. Minkoff is a clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and a senior systems consultant for ZiaPartners in San Rafael, CA. He is recognized as one of the nation’s leading experts on integrated treatment of individuals with co-occurring psychiatric and substance disorders. The topic of the call will be “Systems Change for Dual Diagnosis.”
The call is toll free and scheduled from 11-12:30 Eastern Time on Friday, August 28th. To access the call, please dial 1-888-858-6021; access number 309918. This call can be made from any phone.  If you have any questions, please contact Bianca Ruffin.

Trauma Informed Care

Don’t miss out on this excellent opportunity to learn about a care that will help many lives in the state of  Washington. Youth ‘N Action – FREE Training Announcement in King County

Trauma Informed Care
“Understanding and Addressing The Impact of Trauma”

August 4th 2009
8:30 am – 4:00pm
Presented by The National Center for Trauma Informed Care
http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/nctic/trauma.asp

When we come across young people and adults with challenging and sometimes dangerous and destructive behaviors, as family members, friends and service providers we work to fix the “behaviors”, but there could be more. What if we asked what happened to you, rather than what’s wrong with you? How can we truly understand, the impact trauma has on one’s life? How can we address it?

To answer these questions and much more; Youth ‘n Action – youth advocates are hosting a FREE training on Trauma Informed Care with the National Center for Trauma Informed Care.  Featuring National Trauma Experts Tonier Cain, Tim Tunner, PhD and Beth Filson.

Please REPLY TO YNATraining@yahoo.com or Call (toll free) 1-866-337-2424 to RSVP.

July Adult “Ask the Doctor” Call with Guest Dr. Donald Goff

Save the Date: Friday, July 24, 2009

Please join us for our monthly adult issues conference call with NAMI’s Medical Director Dr. Ken Duckworth and guest, Dr. Donald Goff. Dr. Goff is the Director of Schizophrenia Program at Massachusetts General Hospital and Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. In addition, he is Medical Director of the Freedom Trail Clinic at the Erich Lindemann Mental Health Center in Boston, Massachusetts. He has been a Principal Investigator for studies concerning the treatment and management of schizophrenia. For his work in this arena, Dr. Goff has received the Faculty Scholar Award in Schizophrenia presented by the National Institutes of Mental Health as well as the Kempf Award for Mentorship in Biological Psychiatry from the American Psychiatric Assocation.

He will discuss schizophrenia. The call is toll free and scheduled from 11-12:30 Eastern Time on Friday, July 24th. To access the call, please dial 1-888-858-6021; access number 309918. This call can be made from any phone. If you have any questions, please email Bianca Ruffin ( biancar@nami.org )

Congressional Briefing on People with Serious Mental Illnesses in Jails

A new study on the prevalence of adults with serious mental illnesses in jails was released at a congressional staff  briefing last month in Washington DC.  Presenters have summarized the study findings, implications for jail systems, the courts, communities and people with serious mental illnesses.  Discussion revolved around the role of the Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction Act (MIOTCRA) grant program in order to stimulate comprehensive evidence-based services and supports.

Presenters of this study included co-author, Fred Osher, M.D., Director, Health Systems and Services Policy, Council of State Governments Justice Center, Judge Steven Leifman, Special Advisor on Criminal Justice and Mental Health, Supreme Court of Florida; Art Wallenstein, Director, Montgomery County Dept. of Correction and Rehabilitation, MD; and Fred Frese, Ph.D., a psychologist who is a leading expert and spokesperson on serious mental illnesses, diagnosed with schizophrenia at age 25.

Key findings from the study :

• 14.5 percent of men and 31 percent of women entering the jails studied were found to have serious mental illnesses. These rates are three to six times higher than those found in the general population.
• The gender difference is particularly important given the rising number of women of U.S. jails.
• If applied to the 13 million jail admissions reported  in 2007, the findings suggest that more than 2 million bookings of a person with a serious mental illness may occur annually.

This study represents the most reliable estimates in the last 20 years of the rates of serious mental illnesses among adults entering jails.

This briefing was sponsored by the Council of State Governments Justice Center, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, The Mental Health America and the Campaign for Mental Health Law, the National Association of Counties, the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare Reform. Further details of the study and briefing will be revealed in the near future as it gains more media coverage.

NAMI-Tri-Cities

Invites you to our
Family to Family Education Program

Free for family members, partners, and friends of individuals with:

Major Depression

Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depression)

Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder

Borderline Personality Disorder

Panic Disorder and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Co-occurring Brain Disorders

A series of 12 weekly classes structured to help caregivers understand and support individuals with serious mental illness while maintaining their own well being. The course is taught by a team of trained NAMI family member volunteers.

There is no cost to participate in the NAMI Family-to-Family Education Program. We think you will be pleased by how much assistance the program offers. We invite you to call for more information

Classes start

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Kennewick First Presbyterian Church

Pre-registration is required.

To learn more about the material covered in the course and/or register, call Call Judith 375-0269 or Nan 946-8291. Space is limited and classes fill quickly.

Knowledge is Power!

CIT REVIEW

Again NAMI, in cooperation with other agencies, was able to host a second CIT session on June 22-26, thanks to NAMI Coordinator, Chewerl Radican.

Attendees came from around the state and were in attendance along with a few local police officers and dispatchers.

Since first responders are so crucial in times of a crisis, they can make the difference between medical treatment and/or jail.

Unfortunately, state funding for these programs have been cut for next year. Our challenge in NAMI will be to carry on, in spite of these hard times.  Think NAMIWalk and other funding opportunities for this worthy cause!  Feel free to contact one of our board members with your suggestions.

General Meeting Program

Presentation on the NAMI National Convention

by Melody Otness

7:00 pm, Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Shalom United Church ~ 505 McMurray in Richland.

Thousands of NAMI members and leaders, including Melody Otness, descended on the 2009 national convention held in San Francisco earlier this month.  As our designated representative for our affiliate, she will be present this evening to share with us this exciting and fact-finding venture. Don’t miss it.  Refreshments following.

Inspirations

NAMI WASHINGTON

Invites

Artists & Poets

To submit their work to be exhibited at the NAMI Washington Conference

August 7-8, 2009

Objectives:

· To provide a showcase for consumer/PEER artists and poets

· To educate about mental illness and confront the stigma associated with mental illness through the compelling language of art and poetry

· To convey to the public creative expressions around mental illness

Art Entry Criteria:

· Paintings, collages, photographs, drawings, poetry, quilting, needlework and handcrafted art are the media acceptable for the exhibit

· Only original works should be submitted.

· Works of art must not exceed 30” x 40” (with exception of quilting) or 10 lbs. in weight.

· Artwork must be ready to display at the exhibit; framed, mounted or able to be suspended by a hook. Small handcrafted art must be easily displayed on a table.

· Participants must be artists and/or poets who have experienced mental illness or who have received mental health services.

· No more than two pieces of artwork/poetry may be displayed from a single artist/poet.

· The artist/poet must be a resident of the state of Washington.

· The Artist/poet must sign a release for the artwork/poetry to be displayed and indicate whether or not his/her legal name may be used.

· The artist (or someone the artist designates to be responsible) must transport to and from the convention all works of art.

· Any requests for exceptions to the above criteria must be submitted in advance of the convention and cleared by the convention committee.

Information Note:

· This exhibit is not juried; therefore awards are not given to individual artists. However, artists will be recognized during the Persons of Recognition Awards portion of the banquet on Friday evening.

· You do need written confirmation from us in advance of the Conference. We need to plan for your participation.

· We hope this opportunity to show and possibly see your artwork will be a valuable opportunity for you, as it will indeed be for the convention attendees.

Consumer Sponsorship:

· Please contact your local NAMI group for a consumer sponsorship, as available.

· Make your requests early.

Contact at the Conference site:

· Check in at the registration desk and identify yourself as an artist (or the artist’s representative).

· We will help you set up your art/display.

APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY July 15, 2009

Information:  Call: 360-683-3496

Or e-mail at: aengel@olypen.com

Or write to: POBox 350, Sequim, WA  98382

The theme of this year’s convention is “Sharing the Journey”. We are unwilling to accept any item that depicts violence to oneself or others. We will not be making decisions about admitting artwork on the day before or the day of the show. There will be no exceptions.

Thank you, for your understanding of this matter. If after reading the above statement you feel that your pieces(s) would be able to be shown, please fill out the forms. All the information must be filled out to have your work displayed. If you should need additional help, including filling out the form, please contact us at:

E-mail: aengel@olypen.com

Telephone: 360-683-3496

Mail: POBox 250, Sequim, WA  98382

We look forward to meeting with you and displaying your work.

Arlene Engel, Chair

Art Exhibit

NAMI Washington Conference

New Podcast–Transitioning to Work

Are you entering, or re-entering, the workforce after a period of time on disability? Listen to our new Real Recovery podcast to learn what Social Security’s “Ticket to Work” (TTW) Program can offer you. The TTW program is free and helps those eligible for SSDI or SSI benefits to find a job or go back to work. This podcast addresses the following:

what type of employment and job search services/supports are available what an Individualized Work Plan is whether TTW affects disability benefits, health insurance coverage, and Medicaid or Medicare the Social Security Administration’s 2009 hiring project and more!

Listen to this podcast.

Note: It is highly recommended that you consult with a Social Security representative or benefits specialist before
using your Ticket to Work or starting any employment program. Each beneficiary’s circumstances are different;
it is only by consulting with an expert that you will get specific information that pertains to your individual situation.

You’re Invited!

to the Annual NAMI Tri-Cities Summer Potluck!

Time to mix and mingle, share a meal and relax with your friends and family members.  Just bring a salad, or a hot dish to share and dessert and beverages will be furnished.

WHEN:   Tuesday, June 9th
TIME:     5:30 pm
WHERE:  1757 April Loop, Richland

Will be looking forward to seeing you there.

To view a map, click on the link below or copy and paste it to your browser:
http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Richland&state=WA&address=1757+April+Loop&zipcode=99354

Neuroscience website explains the human brain

With each passing year, we understand more and more of the fantastically complex puzzle of how an organ comprised of tens of billions of nerve cells gives rise to higher functions such as thought, planning, and problem-solving.
After three years of work, a web development team at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory has put the finishing touches on a project targeted for non-scientists that aims to “connect the dots” in several important areas of brain research. 
Visit the website

Invitation to Participate

The Campaign for Mental Health Recovery (CMHR) presents 

~ Learning From Within the Community! ~

 

Please join us in a community-wide teleconference forum to be held on Wednesday, June 10, 2009, from 3:00 to 4:30 PM EST. The program will feature presenters who will share information about social inclusion campaigns in different parts of the country.

Registration is not required for this event. To participate in the forum, follow the instructions below:

 

Dial 1-800-779-9977

If prompted for a pass code, say “ADS Center.”

 

In this forum, participants will hear from individuals who have developed campaigns aimed at reducing discrimination and social exclusion for people living with mental illnesses. This forum provides participants with the opportunity to learn about the development and implementation phase of active social inclusion campaigns in Michigan, New Mexico, and Arizona.

 

Please contact Campaign liaisons, Elizabeth Edgar or America Paredes, for further information.

 

This program is sponsored by the Campaign for Mental Health Recovery and the SAMHSA Resource Center to Promote Acceptance, Dignity, and Social Acceptance Associated with Mental Health (ADS Center).

Upcoming NAMI Connections – Statewide Training

Connections is an ongoing group that is open to anyone at any point in their recovery, no registration fee, no cost. Groups meet for 90 minutes weekly work within a solid model to keep people focused in a positive recovery oriented direction.

The NAMI Connections training is going to be commencing in Seat-Tac Sept. 26-28. We need at least 3 people from your affiliate who would be a good fit for facilitators. All expenses will be provided, room, food and travel reimbursement. Attached at the bottom of this page is the general information sheet on Connections, the flyer with the dates, hotel (Sea-Tac Marriott), and also the application.

Laurie Scott

NAMI Connections, Hm# 425-641-0745 cell #425-223-9328

Youth ‘N Action Member Shares on Recovery

Here’s a positive story about mental health recovery featuring Tamara Johnson of Youth ‘N Action.  The Mental Health Transformation Project (MHTP) is fortunate to work with Tamara on many (MHTP) efforts, including but not limited to:

 

The Community Transformation Partnership, which is a coalition of about 18 consumer, family and youth organizations from across the state that are committed to improving the mental health system in Washington.  Tamara serves as co-chair of this group.

 

·   The Transformation Workgroup. 

·   The Evaluation Team, plus numerous other efforts.

 

As this article highlights, over the past few years Tamara has grown into a positive, influential role model for youth, and we at the MHTP are proud that, through this article, others now know what a special person she is.  Congratulations, Tamara!

 

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/jerrylarge/2009244616_jdl21.html

 

Freestyle Volunteer

The joy of freestyle connections – January 7, 2009 The late Kurt Vonnegut often arranged his days in his Manhattan neighborhood to give him a chance at running into all sorts of people. He’d type his rough drafts and blue-pencil them instead of writing with a computer, because it meant he’d need to call his typist to check on her availability. This gave him the opportunity to digress into several enjoyable minutes with her on the phone. Then he’d have to buy an envelope for mailing her the draft, so he’d visit the newsstand across the street. There, he wrote, “I have to get in line because there are people buying candy and all that sort of thing, and I talk to them.” After sealing his draft in the envelope he’d walk “to the postal convenience center down the block…. One time I had my pocket picked in there and got to meet a cop and tell him about it…. And I go home. And I’ve had a hell of a good time. I tell you, we are here on Earth to fart around, and don’t let anybody tell you any different.” (“Technology and Me,” Harper’s, September 1996, p. 26). Vonnegut captures the feelings I have when errands take me out in Seattle’s streets among familiar people, some of them homeless. It’s a happy two or three hours of dilly-dallying along, and at this point in my life it seems good reason for being alive. Two weeks ago, for example: After my weekly coffee with Gerald I walk down University Way half-slipping in the slush and catch sight of Rob, who’s waving to me. Rob lives in the tent city located in a U-District church parking lot. We trudge the snowy sidewalk together, debating whether wool is warmer than fleece. I turn west toward Trader Joe’s because today I need to buy milk. Beneath the TJ overhang Joyce has a dozen of her color photographs for sale, arranged on a big piece of cardboard. We talk about her newest shot. I ask how giving up smoking is going and we high-five her second month of no cigarettes. On my way back home I see Audrey selling Real Change News near McDonald’s. I buy a paper, and she asks do I want a song – Audrey has a fabulous voice. Ten years ago when we first met, she lived in a high cavelike space under the freeway. Back then she sang for money, and when I offered her food instead of cash as is my habit with spare-changers, she touched my arm: “Do you think you could get me some skin lotion?” Yes, I could. This afternoon Audrey is clean-and-sober, a requirement for being a vendor of Seattle’s finest activist weekly. I tell her how well she looks, and she grins, “Thank the Lord, I’m not intoxicated!” And I go home. And I’ve had a hell of a good time. Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. (November 11, 1922 – April 11, 2007; was a prolific American novelist known for works such as Slaughterhouse-Five (1969), Cat’s Cradle (1963), and Breakfast of Champions (1973). He was also known for his humanist beliefs and being honorary president of the American Humanist Association. Source: Freestyle Volunteer website, article contributed by award-winning teacher, Dr. Judy Lightfoot, with the Seattle school district, for 25 years, eight years at colleges, including four years at the University of Washington.