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Happy Friday Readers!
It is with mixed emotions that we send out this week's E-Newsletter. First, we are delighted to share the news that
NAMI Rochester
has been selected as the 2016 Outstanding NAMI Affiliate Award winner. We are incredibly proud of NAMI Rochester and all the work they do to provide education, support and awareness in Western New York.
We are also saddened to inform you that we have lost a member of the NAMI-NYS family as NAMI-East Flatbush leader June Rodriques passed away this week.
Below you will find more information about both of these as well as the latest on our advocacy as we approach the New York State Budget announcement.
We also want to wish a happy Easter to all of you who celebrate.
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NAMI Rochester to Receive
2016 Outstanding NAMI Affiliate Award
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NAMI Rochester staff members: Kristina Mossgraber. Walk Manager/Events Coordinator; Patricia Sine, Executive Director; Donna Leigh-Estes. Program/Grants Manager, Beth Winslow-Damico, Program Assistant; Chris Monachino, Website Developer/Technical Support Specialist
NAMI-NYS is delighted to announce that NAMI Rochester will be honored as the 2016 Outstanding NAMI Affiliate Award winner.
NAMI Rochester was selected as the 2016 honoree in recognition of their tremendous work including offering the full slate of NAMI Signature programs, the ability to project a powerful advocacy voice and for organizing a successful NAMI Walks.
Of the distinction NAMI Rochester Executive Director Pat Sine says "NAMI Rochester is honored to be receiving this truly special award that represents almost thirty five years of dedication and commitment from individuals, families, volunteers and staff who work together to fulfill the mission of NAMI. NAMI Rochester has made a positive difference in the lives of thousands over the years from their humble beginning with a few mothers and a pastor who started a support group in their church to a strong and respected advocacy organization that collaborates with and receives support and recognition from their community partners."
NAMI-NYS congratulates Pat and her incredible team of staff and volunteers as well as NAMI Rochester President Dr. Steve Dvorin. We are lucky to have you as part of the NAMI-NYS family.
The award will be presented at the 2016 NAMI National Convention Act, Advocate, Achieve taking place in Denver Colorado July 6-9th.
#Act4MentalHealth
NAMI-NYS Meets With Assembly Ways and Means Chair, Continues to Fight to Regulate Step Therapy and Presumptive Eligibility
and Joins Coalition for Biosimilars
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NAMI-NYS Public Engagement Coordinator Matthew Shapiro with Assemblyman H. Denny Farrell, Chair of the Ways and Means Committee
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As the New York gears up to deliver what appears to be an on-time state budget on April 1st, NAMI-NYS has been busy making our advocacy heard to urge our leaders to create a more mentally healthy New York State.
On March 23rd, NAMI-NYS Public Engagement Coordinator met with Assemblyman H. Denny Farrell, chair of the Ways and Means Committee. Among the topics discussed was: - The importance of the $1 million Assembly appropriation to expand CIT. -The need for more supported housing and community supports; specifically, why we are concerned about the Governor's $5.5 proposed cut in community reinvestment funding and how we are disappointed that not enough of the savings from bed closures are being reinvested in community and housing services that are already not funded sufficiently, and how supported housing programs with wrap-around services are only operating at 43% of where they should be due to flat funding since 1990. -Finally, Matthew detailed the need for presumptive Medicaid eligibility for people with a mental illness leaving prison.
Later that day, the budget table targets were announced. Mental Hygiene received $15 million which has to be divided among OMH, OASAS and OPWDD. Even though this was a slight increase from the $12 million granted last year, NAMI-NYS and other mental health advocates were disappointed by such a paltry appropriation.
Our
legislative
leaders also voiced their disappointment over this small investment which fails to bridge many of the gaps left in the executive budget proposal. One positive is that both the Senate and the Assembly have
prioritized
funding for CIT expansion.
Also this week, NAMI-NYS joined our colleagues at MHANYS and NYAPRS in calling for the need for presumptive Medicaid eligibility for people with a mental illness leaving prison. (see petition in Take Action section below).
NAMI-NYS also joined a broad coalition of health advocacy organizations in calling for the passage of A8648/S6311 which would increase patient access and transparency for interchangeable biosimilar substitution. Biologic therapies are medical treatments created from living cells including animal, yeast and plant cells and are largely designed by genetically re--engineering cell DNA and have been
successfully treating patients with serious and difficult to treat
diseases. Click here to read about treatments in development to address psychiatric disorders.
TAKE ACTION!!!
Click here to sign a petition calling for
presumptive Medicaid eligibility for
people with a mental illness leaving prison.
Earlier this week, NAMI-NYS sent out an action alert calling for the regulation of Step Therapy and Fail First policies. Click here to view the alert.
RIP June Rodriques
It is with heavy hearts that we have to share the sad news that our dear friend and NAMI East Flatbush affiliate leader June Rodriques passed away earlier this week.
June first became an advocate in trying to help her sister who lives with a mental illness and
her kind heart and strong spirit led her to becoming a powerful advocate supporting countless people impacted by mental illness. Before becoming a leader of NAMI East Flatbush, she worked in the office of NAMI Bronx. In both these roles she helped provide education and support to individuals and families.
We are grateful to have had June as part of our NAMI-NYS family and for all she did to grow NAMI-NYS. We will miss her and always remember her fondly.
NAMI Westchester has Busy Day With NAMI on Campus and Their NAMI Walks Kickoff
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Clockwise from upper left: Sharon McCarthy, NAMI Westchester Program Director
Jen, NAMI On Campus member and Diana Cusumano, Student Advisor and NAMI Westchester Board Member; Jennifer Jacquet Murray, NAMI Westchester President presenting plaque to Marcia Levy, Executive Director of Pro Bono Partnership, and Courtney Dart, Senior Staff Attorney at Pro Bono Partnership; Claire Sackman & Delia Walz, students from Croton High School; Micheal Orth, Deputy Commissioner of Westchester County Department of Mental Health; Courtney Dart and Marcia Levy.
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March 23 was a busy day for NAMI Westchester. First they participated at a wellness fair at the College of Westchester, one of the newest schools to establish a NAMI on Campus club. Along with having an information table, NAMI Westchester's Program Director Sharon McCarthy and NAMI Westchester board member and student advisor Diana Cusumano presented students with a plaque honoring their establishment of a NAMI on Campus club.
That evening they held their NAMI Walks Kick-Off reception at the Neuberger Museum of Art. As part of the event Pro Bono Partnership was honored for their support of the affiliate by providing legal assistance especially in preparing their documents for chartering.
Michael Orth, Deputy Commissioner of Westchester County Department of Mental Health, spoke on the contribution NAMI Westchester is making in providing support to families and educating the community, schools and colleges. Frank Cerbone, of All State Air Control, spoke on how he has been involved in the walk and how NAMI Westchester has helped him. Claire Sackman & Delia Walz, students from Croton High School, discussed their efforts in raising funds for their 2016 Team Walk.
NAMI NYC Executive Director Wendy Brennan Discusses Mental Health in the Workplace
There is reluctance on the part of many workplaces to have open discussions about mental health on par with other physical health issues. Stigma is one of the biggest reasons mental health is not addressed adequately at work. In recent years, companies and entire industries have been confronted with consequences for their high-stress, poor mental health cultures. These include high-profile suicides on Wall Street and the string of deaths among tech entrepreneurs.
NAMI-NYC Metro Executive Director Wendy Brennan was quoted in the article below exploring this important issue.
Click here
to read the article.
NAMI-NYS Criminal Justice Chair Jayette Lansbury Participates in Discussion on Breaking Down the Box
The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Huntington recently had a screening of Breaking Down the Box, a 40-minute documentary for communities of faith, that exposes the torture of solitary confinement in the context of mass incarceration in the United States. Following the screening, NAMI-NYS Criminal Justice Chair Jayette Lansbury participated in a panel discussion about the need to reform the use of solitary confinement.
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NAMI Says U.S. Senate Committee Action is Another Step Forward
Last week we told you about the U.S. Senate HELP Committee passing a bi-partisan mental health reform bill. While NAMI-NYS expressed our concerns that the bill doesn't do enough to reform HIPAA laws and doesn't address the IMD exclusion, NAMI has deemed the bill's committee passage a positive step.
NAMI Executive Director Mary Gilibert said "NAMI welcomes the committee's action as another step forward in the process leading to enactment of bipartisan comprehensive mental health reform. We appreciate the leadership of Committee Chair Lamar Alexander and Ranking Member Patty Murray in moving the process forward and that of Senators Chris Murphy and Bill Cassidy, who have been champions of reform."
Click here to read more and view Mary's full statement.
Take Charge Of Your Mental Health
When it comes to your mental health, it's important to be proactive and take charge of your own situation. Remember that treatment choices will vary from person to person and even people with the same diagnosis will have different experiences and needs. NAMI has created a new infographic to highlight some topics you should think about as you begin on the path to mental wellness.
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Help #MakeNYNext on #PaidLeave
Throughout the legislative session we have told you about how NAMI-NYS is actively advocating for Paid Family Leave and how that would be tremendously beneficial for many of our NAMI families who serve as caregivers.
We are making progress on this issue but we need you to make your voice heard.
This coming Monday, there will be a social media Thunderclap and you can click here to participate in that.
Click here to view other social media resources including videos of business owners explaining why they support Paid Family Leave.
Debate Rages on
Minimum
Wage as Rumored Compromise is in Discussion
In last week's E-news we told you about the concern direct care workers had about the minimum wage increase proposal.
This week featured rallies throughout the state on both side of the issue.
Click here
to read about the rally for direct care workers and for the opposite opinion you can click here to read how advocates of minimum wage hike rally against cost argument.
As the budget approaches there have been rumors that a compromise is in the works that include regional rates and a more gradual ramp-up, there are also rumors that this negotiation will continue beyond the budget announcement. This will certainly be one of the more interesting aspects of next week's projected budget announcement.
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CNN Reports on a Family's Mental Health Journey: Emergency, Illness, Recovery, Stability
Mental illness affects not only the person suffering but the entire family. CNN recently reported on a Amanda Lipp, a young adult who had lost her grip on reality and fell into a state of psychosis. Amanda was soon diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Although the diagnosis provided a new direction to what had been an all-consuming journey for the Lipp family, it was just one stop on the bumpy road to navigating the mental health system. The Lipps' story is similar to many NAMI families.
Thousands with Mental Illness Shackled in Chains in Indonesia
Human rights advocates are calling upon the Indonesian government to crack down on the inhumane detainment of people with mental health conditions. A new report finds that more than 57,000 people in Indonesia with psychosocial disabilities have been chained or locked inside overcrowded or grimy rooms at least once in their lives. And roughly 18,000 are trapped in these confined spaces today, according to government data. Earlier this week Human Rights Watch (HRW), an international nongovernmental nonprofit, released the report "Living in Hell," which focuses on the neglect and abuse of the nation's mentally ill population.
Bipolar and Spring Mania:
5 Steps to Reduce Symptoms
Not everyone with bipolar is vulnerable to mood episodes that coincide with the seasons (known as seasonality). For those who are, the typical pattern is depression that recurs in winter and hypomania or mania in springtime or summer.
Chris Aiken, MD director of the Mood Treatment Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, notes that seasonality is linked to rapid cycling, which is described as four or more mood episodes a year. He describes springtime mania as often being a mixed state, "tired and wired and urgent and distressed and anxious.... You feel driven to do something but don't know what to do." It can be difficult for individuals to realize what's going on, Aiken says. "Most patients ... will identify the depression in the winter. But it will take a lot of pulling for them to identify the mixed episodes in the spring. "It's even harder when hypomania simply feels like a welcome rebound from winter's depression. Aiken identifies three common warning signs: sleep irregularity, rapid speech, and physical hyperactivity.
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Distractible Mice Offer Clues to Attention Deficit
A recent NIMH-funded study sheds new light on how the brain's processing of sensory information, a key impairment in autism and ADHD, can affect higher level cognitive functions, such as attention and decision making.
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April 6-
W
ednesday April 6, 2016: Join NAMI of Central Suffolk for their Monthly Educational/Informational program at Mather Hospital, Port Jefferson at 7:30 p.m. in Conf Room 2. Program will be the famous Jim Ryan's MAKING HAPPINESS HAPPEN; Simple Steps for a Happier Life DVD 3 part Series April through June! April's Part One session is:
Getting Started and Creating a Vision for the Future!
Hope you can join us to start your Spring season of renewal and learn how to create the life you want! For more information contact Deb (631) 675-6831
[email protected]
April 11- Join Achieve for a free webinar. Emotional Intelligence- Responding to the Emotions of Others from 1-2pm.
For more information: www.achievecentre.com.
April 12
- Join
Brain & Behavior Research Foundation for their webinar on
Schizophrenia.
April 13
- Join NAMI Westchester for their next speaker series at 7:15pm at St. Vincent's Hospital, 274 North St., Harrison, NY. The Subject is: Marijuana, K2 and Spice. How Times Have Changed. Speaker: Robert Anderson, Executive Director, The Counseling Center at Yorktown Heights, LLC.
April 15-
Join NAMI Westchester for their next fundraising event "Tune Up" Friend and Fun Raiser at the Risko Music School in Ossining on Friday at 6:30pm. In preperation, we are calling all musicians interested in preforming to contact Ann Dealy via email [email protected]. We hope to see everyone as we raise fun and "tune up" for the walk. The suggested donation for the event is $10. Appetizers will be served.
M
ay 2
- Join Achieve for a free webinar. Respectful Workplace- Strategies for a Healthy Environment from 1-2pm. For more information: www.achievecentre.com.
May 5- NAMI Syracuse Children's Conference: Addressing Challenging Behavior in Children & Youth. 9am to 9pm at Rosamond Gifford Zoo, Syracuse, NY. Presenters: Adrienne D. Allen, MD, Children & Youth Services, HPC Outpatient Clinic, Regina Canuso, NYS Council on Children & Families, Coordinator, Hard to Place/Hard to Serve Unit, Bridget Hier, Ph.D, Assistant Professor, School of Psychology, University of Buffalo, and Panel of Family Members sharing what has worked for their child.
May 5- In anticipation of the walk and Mother's Day, NAMI Westchester is "charmed" to announce the date for our annual Alex & Ani event. The event will be held at the Rye Alex & Ani store, 52 Pirchase St., on Thursday, from 3 to 6pm. A percentage of purchases made by phone or in the store will go to NAMI Westchester.
May 7
- The American Foundation For Suicide Prevention presents Hike For Hope at 11am, FDR Park in Yorktown.
May 10&11
- The Association for Community Living will host its 2016 Annual Management Symposium - Critical Information and Strategies for a Changing World (Open to All) on Tuesday, May 10th - Wednesday May 11th at the Saratoga Hilton, Saratoga Springs, NY. Visit http://aclnys.org/aclnys_events/acl-management-symposium-2/ for more information.
June 8
- Join NAMI Mid-Hudson for their Annual Fundraising Gala 2016. At The Grandview, 176 Rinaldi Blvd, Poughkeepsie. 5pm to 9pm. To Honor: Andrew O'Grady, Executive Director, Mental Health America Dutchess County and Michael P Hein, Ulster County Executive. With Special Guest Dr. Xavier Amador author of: "I'm Not Sick. I Don't Need Help!". For more information, please visit:
www.namimidhudson.org
October 15-
The American Foundation For Suicide Prevention presents Out Of The Darkness Walk 10am, FDR Park in Yorktown. Harbor Island Park in Mamaroneck. They need volunteers or for more information contact Maria Idoni (914) 610-9156 or [email protected].
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March 19&20
- NAMI In Our Own Voice training to become a Teacher. NAMI Rochester.
March 21
- NAMI Family-to-Family by NAMI Mid-Hudson. March 21st through June 13th, 6:30pm to 9:00pm. MidHudson Regional Hospital, 241 North Road, Poughkeepsie, 12601. Pre-registration Required: Jo Ann Brown at [email protected] or (845) 832-6368.
March 22
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NAMI Peer-to-Peer by NAMI NYC Metro. Tuesdays, March 22nd - June 7th, 6 to 8pm, NAMI NYC Metro, 505 Eighth Ave., New York, NY. To Register: Call our Helpline (212) 684-3264.
March 26
- NAMI Family-to-Family by NAMI NYC Metro. Saturdays, March 26th - June 25th, 10am to 12:30pm, NAMI-NYC Metro, 505 Eighth Ave., New York, NY. To Register: Call our Helpline (212) 684-3264.
April 2
- NAMI Basics by NAMI Mid-Hudson. April 2, 9 & 16. 9am to 3pm. Arlington High School, 1157 NY-55, Lagrangeveille, 12540. To Register: call Jo Ann Brown (845) 832-6368 or email [email protected].
April 4
-May 16- NAMI Basics by NAMI of Central Suffolk. 10am to 12:30pm, Mondays, at the Farmingville Mental Health Clinic. For more information to to register please call Beth (631) 697-6097 or [email protected].
April 4
- NAMI Family-to-Family by NAMI Putnam. 6:30 pm to 8:45pm at the Mahopac Library. Call for information or to register Wanda Crowley (914) 522-3812 or www.NAMIPutnam.org.
April 7
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NAMI Peer-to-Peer by NAMI NYC Metro. Thursdays, April 7th - June 23rd, 12 to 2pm, NAMI NYC Metro, 505 Eighth Ave., New York, NY. To Register: Call our Helpline (212) 684-3264.
April 11
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NAMI Family-to-Family by NAMI NYC Metro. Mondays, April 11th - June 27th, 6 to 8:30pm, NAMI NYC Metro, 505 Eighth Ave., New York, NY. To Register: Call our Helpline (212) 684-3264.
April 12
- June 28- NAMI Family-to-Family by NAMI Saratoga & NAMI Schenectady. 6:15 to 8:45pm, at the New Saratoga Mental Health Clinic, 135 South Broadway, Route 9, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. To register contact Dotte at (518) 429-5047 or [email protected] or contact Cynthia at 518) 344-9177 or [email protected].
April 15-17
- NAMI Family-to-Family training to become a Teacher. NAMI-NYS. Contact your local affiliate.
April 18
- NAMI Family-to-Family by NAMI NYC Staten Island. Starts at 7pm and continues for 12 weeks at Fr. Dominic-Espifano Parish Center at Holy Roasry Parish, 85 Jerome Ave., Soluthy Beach, NY. Registration is required. Contact (718) 477-1700 or [email protected].
April 21- Join NAMI Rockland for NAMI Basics. 10am to noon, Rockland Independent Living Centrer.
May 3 - June 7
- NAMI Basics by NAMI of Central Suffolk. 10am to 12:30pm, Tuesdays at the Sagamore Childen's Center in Dix Hills. For more information or to register please contact Beth (631) 697-6097 or [email protected].
May 9-July 18
- NAMI Peer-to-Peer, 6:30 to 8:30pm. At the Patterson room in Samaritan Hospital, Troy, NY. To register call Christine Rickeman at (518) 462-2000 or (518) 506-6484, email [email protected]. Or Gregory Hitchcock (518) 921-4146, email [email protected].
May 14&15
- NAMI Family Support Group training to become a Facilitator. NAMI-NYS. Contact your local affiliate.
May 16
- NAMI Family-to-Family classes by NAMI Greene. Twice a week for 6 weeks on Monday & Thursday nights. Windham Hensonville United Methodist Church, Windham, NY. 6pm to 8pm. To Register: call Jackie at (518) 734-4383.
June 2- NAMI Family-to-Family classes by NAMI Greene. Twice a week for 6 weeks on Monday & Thursday nights. Windham Hensonville United Methodist Church, Windham, NY. 6pm to 8pm. To Register: call Jackie at (518) 734-4383.
June 25&26
- NAMI Family Support Group training to become a Facilitator. NAMI-NYS. Contact your local affiliate.
July 16&17
- In Our Own Voice Training to become a Presenter. NAMI-NYS. Contact your local affiliate.
July 22-24
- NAMI Family-to-Family Training to become a Teacher. NAMI-NYS. Contact your local affiliate.
August 27
- NAMI Ending the Silence training to become a Presenter. St. Vincent's in Westchester.
August 28
- NAMI Parent & Teachers as Allies training to become a Presenter. St. Vincent's in Westchester.
August 30
- Family-to-Family by NAMI AMICO. Tuesdays from 6;30 to 9pm, for 12 continuous weeks. At First Presbyterian Church, 33 Park Place, Goshen, NY 10924. Contact Catha Weiben (845) 551-1777.
October 7-9- NAMI Family-to-Family training to become a Teacher. NAMI-NYS. Contact your local affiliate.
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