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Happy Friday Readers!
NAMI-NYS is excited to use this week's E-Newsletter to announce two significant steps we have taken this week. We had our first NAMI-NYS Walks meeting and the first two affiliates in New York State have been re-affiliated by NAMI.
There is also important information about the need to provide support for those who care for people with a mental illness and how the new mental health legislation in the U.S. Senate misses an opportunity to do so by not fully reforming the HIPAA laws. Finally, there has been a lot of talk this week about a joke Senator Bernie Sanders made during a Democratic Presidential debate. NAMI's Executive Director Mary Giliberti explains why this was wrong and what we can learn from this.
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NAMI-NYS Walks Team Holds First Info Meeting
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| Top group shot of meeting participants; Clockwise from left: NAMI-NYS Helpline Coordinator Christine Rickeman; NAMI Walks Representative Kris Eschman and NAMI-NYS Executive Director Wendy Burch, IOOV presenter Mary Crowley, NAMI-NYS Walks Manager Heide Garner |
NAMI-NYS is gearing up to hold our first NAMI Walks on September 24th. On March 9th, we held our first info meeting at the Albany Public Library. As part of the program NAMI-NYS Helpline Coordinator and Peer-to-Peer facilitator Christine Rickemen and In Our Own Voice presenter Mary Crowley detailed how NAMI supports have helped progress their recovery and why it is so important the we raise more funds to expand our programs.
Our NAMI Walks site is up and running.
Click here to view the page where you can form your Walks Team and donate.
You can also
click here
to view a brochure on sponsorship opportunities. Please help us spread the word and start working on forming your team!
For more information and help forming your team or reaching out to sponsors please contact Walks Manager Heide Garner at [email protected].
First Two NAMI-NYS Affiliates Approved for
Re-Affiliation!
Congratulations to NAMI Rochester and NAMI of Westchester County for being approved for re-affiliation with NAMI. We at NAMI-NYS are very proud of you! We also thank our many other affiliates who are working towards re-affiliation.
NAMI-NYS Participates in Raise the Age
Advocacy Day
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Clockwise from upper left: NAMI-NYS Criminal Justice Chair Jayette Lansbury, Assemblywoman Diana Richardson and NAMI-NYS Public Engagement Coordinator Matthew Shapiro; Assemblyman Michael Blake and Jayette Lansbury; Assemblyman Blake speaking at press conference; Assemblyman Marcos Crespo speaking at press conference; Jayette at press conference; Assemblyman Jeffrion Aubrey speaking at press conference.
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On March 8th, NAMI-NYS Criminal Justice Chair Jayette Lansbury and Public Engagement Coordinator Matthew Shapiro represented NAMI-NYS at the Raise the Age Advocacy Day.
New York and North Carolina are the only two states in America where young people under the age of 18 can still be charged as an adult. Currently, most of the youth in the juvenile justice system have a diagnosable mental health issue. The National Institute on Mental Health has conducted many studies that show how the frontal cortex of the brain which controls your decision making process isn't fully formed until your mid-twenties. All of these reasons are why New York must raise the age of criminal responsibility.
Jayette and Matthew participated in a press conference on the Capitol steps, met with several legislative offices and had an off the floor meeting with Assemblywoman Diana Richardson.
Click here to see news coverage of the advocacy day.
NAMI Queens/Nassau Honors Anne Michaud at Their Walks Kick-Off Event
NAMIWalks Long Island/Queens held their kick-off event on March 8th
. As part of the event NAMI-Queens/Nassau honored Anne Michaud, Interactive Editor for the Opinion page of Newsday, for her dedication to educating the public about issues affecting the lives of individuals living with a mental illness and their families. Click here to read a recent editorial where she acknowledged that she is a sister of someone diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia.
The 12th annual NAMIWalks Long Island/Queens, will be taking place on Saturday, May 7 at Jones Beach 10:00 Registration; 11:00 KickOff. Click here to visit their Walks page.
NAMI-NYS Lending Library Adds Book From
NAMI-NYS Member Anne Samson
Many of you may find the story of Anne Samson very familiar. As she and her family struggled to find help for her son's mental illness, Anne was able to turn to her faith for comfort and strength during a very difficult time. Her book, Abba House & Me details Anne's journey. Click here to read a summary of the book in Anne's own words. NAMI-NYS also has a copy available in our lending library.
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NAMI Executive Director Explains Why Bernie Sanders' Joke About Mental Health Was Wrong
During the Democratic Presidential debate Senator Bernie Sanders made a joke stating that the Republican Presidential debates is why we need to invest in mental health care. NAMI and NAMI-NYS do not endorse political candidates, so putting politics aside, it is important to note that the fact that Senator Sanders made the joke and that his rival Hilary Clinton and the entire audience laughed is wrong as the need to invest in mental health is no laughing matter.
In an opinion piece in US News, NAMI Executive Director Mary Giliberti explains why this is not only wrong but the latest example of "stigma slinging" to score political points.
Mary argues, "Political candidates are reflections of our broader society, so it would be unfair to single out Democrats on this point. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has helped to perpetuate stigma through language that for many Americans is unfortunately commonplace. He has called his rivals a 'basket case,' 'wacko,' a 'nut job' and 'unstable,' Last summer, early in the presidential campaigns, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee declared that Supreme Court Justice John Roberts "needs medication for schizophrenia" based on the logic of a court decision."
#Act4MentalHealth
Read NAMI's Priority Sheet on Caring for Caregivers
For the last few weeks we have informed you of NAMI's efforts to enact legislation to support the approximately 8.4 million Americans who provide care to an adult living with mental illness. Mental health caregivers play a vital, and unfortunately undervalued role. They typically care for a family member who is middle-aged (average age of 42), lives at home or nearby, requires financial support and help with activities such as finding services and making
appointments, shopping and making meals, arranging transportation, managing paperwork and taking medications. It is crucial that care is provided to these caregivers.
Click here to read NAMI's policy paper and recommendations on this issue.
TAKE ACTION
Click here if you have yet to participate in the NAMI campaign to generate an e-letter to your federal representative. Please make sure your voice is heard on this important issue.
To Move Beyond Stigma, We First Need to
Understand It
Anyone that experiences mental illness knows what stigma feels like. A recent NAMI blog details the work of Indiana University sociology professor Dr. Bernice Pescosolido, who has spent her career studying stigma related to mental illnesses. She was recently awarded the 2015 Distinguished Investigator Grant from The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation to further explore this topic. Dr. Pescosolido initiated the original study in 1996 and repeated it a decade later and found that prejudice and stigma remained even as people became more accepting of mental illnesses as a neurological brain condition.
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Governor Cuomo Announces $2.4 Million in Funding to Support Employment of Individuals with Disabilities
On March 8
th
, Governor Cuomo announced that $2.4 million has been distributed to 100 organizations that provide employment services to individuals with disabilities via the New York State Employment Services System. This funding is part of the Governor's Employment First Initiative to increase employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
"This funding continues New York's legacy of inclusiveness by helping provide the necessary employment services to individuals with disabilities," Governor Cuomo said. "This action is yet another example of our commitment to expanding opportunity to all New Yorkers."
Of this investment New York State Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Marie T. Sullivan said, "Under Governor Cuomo's leadership, New York State continues to lead the way on disability employment. Helping individuals with mental illness find meaningful work not only helps economically, it also plays an important role in the recovery process, fostering a sense of independence and pride. By working together, providing support for each step forward, we are truly creating a brighter future for New York."
Non-Suicidal Self-Injury 101 Training
The Cornell Research Program on Self-Injury and Recovery announced a new set of web-based education and training courses for individuals interested in understanding non-suicidal self-injury (also sometimes referred to as "cutting") in youth. The courses are ideal for professionals who work directly with youth in schools or other community based settings but will also be useful for clinicians and parents.
Researcher At Albert Einstein Medical School Detail Five Things That Happen To Your Brain
When You Dance
Dancing is more than just a fun activity, dancing has the incredible ability to improve the way your brain functions. Frequent dancing reduces the risk of dementia by 76% according to the study led by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City. Dancing also enhances intelligence, improves muscle memory, slows down aging, and boosts memory as well as helping prevent dizziness. Dance is a fantastic way to maintain and improve many of your brain functions. Plus it's fun and a great work out!
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USA Today Explores How With Mental Illness Families are Cut Out of Care
In this week's NAMI News section we detailed the push to support caregivers for people with mental illness. USA Today this week had an in-depth feature explaining how HIPAA laws present a formidable barrier keeping families out of the recovery process.
The article quotes our frequent collaborator Dr. Jeffrey Lieberman,chairman of psychiatry at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and director of the New York State Psychiatric Institute, who says, "Unlike patients with physical conditions, people with serious mental illness often need help making decisions and taking care of themselves, because their illness impairs their judgement. In some cases, patients may not even realize they're sick. Excluding families can have a devastating impact on patients like these."
Senate Panel Releases Bipartisan Mental Health Bill
Leaders of the Senate Health Committee released a bipartisan mental health bill late Monday evening that, while narrower than House legislation, seeks to jump start an effort that has been stalled there.
The measure notably does not include many of the most significant, elements from Rep. Tim Murphy's (R-Pa.) mental health bill in the House (HR 2646).Two of the more concerning differences are that the Senate bill does not do enough to reform the HIPAA Laws and it does not contain the incentives to expand Assisted Outpatient Treatment initiatives.
VA Announces Additional Steps to Reduce Veteran Suicide
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) this week announced new steps it is taking to reduce Veteran suicide. The steps follow a February 2 Summit,
"
Preventing Veteran Suicide - A Call to Action,
" that brought together stakeholders and thought leaders to discuss current research, approaches and best practices to address this important subject.
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Reminder NIMH Facebook Q&A on
Electroconvulsive Therapy
In recognition of Brain Awareness Week (BAW), plan to join NIMH on Thursday, March 17, 2016, for a live Facebook Q&A on electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Expert Sarah Hollingsworth Lisanby, M.D., will be debunking ECT myths and answering questions. The Q&A will occur on NIMH's Facebook page.
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Click here to learn about the NAMI-NYS Walks Information Meeting on March 9th at the
March 11-
NAMI-NYS Criminal Justice Chair Jayette Lansbury will be speaking at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Huntington following the showing of the movie, Breaking Down the Box which focuses on Solitary Confinement. The program begins at 7:30 at 109 Browns Road, Huntington, NY 11743.
March 15-
Join Brain & Behavior Research Foundation for their webinar on Adolescents with bipolar disorder- Tips for families. This webinar features Dr. David J. Miklowitz, Professor of Psychiatry in the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the UCLA Semel Institute.
March 16- NAMI Queens/Nassau presents "Working Together to Make Our Voice Heard in Albany and Washington." Matthew Shapiro, NAMI-NYS Public Engagement Coordinator will be speaking about how this is a very challenging time for our families and their loved ones. It is vital that legislators hear from us to get the treatment, support, and housing we need. Learn about NAMI-NYS' advocacy agenda and how best to communicate our message on the state and federal level. The event will be at Zucker Hillside Hospital's Sloman Auditorium and begin at 7:30pm.
March 17
- Join Achieve for a free webinar. Leadership- The Essential Competencies from 1-2pm. For more information: www.achievecentre.com.
March 17-The National Network of Libraries of Medicine, Middle Atlantic Region presents a free webinar on
Finding Mental Health Information Online from Noon-1pm ET. Are you a mental health professional who needs reliable no-cost patient education information? Are you a librarian who does literature searches for mental health clinical staff or researchers? Are you a family member looking for ways to support your loved one? Are you looking for tips for stress relief or cutting down on alcohol? In this one hour presentation, we will discuss ways to find mental health information in National Library of Medicine resources, including MedlinePlus, the Drug Information Portal, PubMed Health and ClinicalTrials.gov.
March 21- The Urban Justice Center, 40 Rector St., 9th Floor, 7-8:30pm.
Solitary Confinement: Inside, Out.
"Solitary Confinement: Inside, Out" will be a moderated conversation with three thought leaders on mass in carceration and criminal justice: investigative journalist
Jennifer Gonnerman
(New Yorker; Pulitzer Finalist), artist Gregory Sale, scholar
Patricia J. Williams
(Columbia University, The Nation), journalist
Maurice Chammah
(The New York Times, The Atlantic, The Marshall Project), UJC reentry advocate
Johnny Perez
.
The event will be opened by The Urban Justice Center's founder and Executive Director,
Doug Lasdon and introduced by artist
Marisa Morán Jahn - who curated an exhibition currently on view at UJC featuring Gregory Sale's work (see description below) alongside prints by Favianna Rodriguez.
March 21- Join Achieve for a free webinar. Conflict Resolution Skills from 1-2pm.
For more information: www.achievecentre.com..
March 21- Join NAMI NYC Staten Island for their first volunteer Ribbon Campaign from 6 to 7:30pm. 930 Willowbrook Road, Bldg 41A. RSVP (718) 477-1700 or [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.
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 7- NAMI Rockland is once again partnering with NAMI NYC Metro for NAMIWalks 2016. 8am Registration. 9am Walk begins. Where; NYC- Walk over the Brooklyn Bridge.
May 7
- Join NAMI Rochester for their NAMIWalks at Village Gate. For more information or to register call Kristina Mossgraber (585) 520-8380 or email
[email protected]
.
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.
May 21- Join NAMI Westchester for their NAMIWalks. Starts at 8:30am. Please note it on your calendar and register to walk now at
www.namiwalks.org/westchester. Create a walking team and invite co-workers and friends. Contact friends and family to support NAMI Westchester through your participation.
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.
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March 8-April 12
- NAMI Basics by NAMI NYC Metro. 505 Eighth Ave., Suite 1103, New York, NY 10018. Tuesdays from 6 to 8:30pm. Contact Deniece Chi (212) 684-3365 ext. 203 or [email protected].
March 10-April 14- NAMI Basics by NAMI NYC Metro. 505 Eighth Ave., Suite 1103, New York, NY 10018. Thursdays from 10am to 12:30pm. Contact Deniece Chi (212) 684-3365 ext. 203 or [email protected].
March 12&13
- NAMI Provider Education training to become a Teacher. NAMI-NYS. Contact your local affiliate.
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 Farmington 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
-
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
-
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].
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 14&15
- NAMI Family Support Group training to become a Facilitator. NAMI-NYS. Contaact 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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