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Click here to watch the latest episode discussing PTSD and featuring author Diane Cameron
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This edition of the NAMI E-News once again contains a strong emphasis on the need for our readers to project their advocacy voices. By now, you have probably heard a lot about the House of Representatives' proposed American Health Care Act. This edition explains why many of the actions of the bill could have a negative impact on people living with a mental illness and why readers should engage in NAMI's advocacy campaign to ensure health care coverage for our most vulnerable citizens. The edition has analysis of the bill from NAMI, the New York State Department of Health and the American Medical Association, all of whom vehemently oppose the bill. This edition also contains information on how our NAMI Syracuse has advanced youth mental health issues by working with leaders from both parties on both the national and state levels. Readers will also find information on several research studies seeking participants.
We also want to again draw your attention to the new NAMI-NYS Ribbon Campaign section of the E-News. The campaign is another opportunity for our members and readers to raise awareness of mental health in your community.
As always, we want to know about the work you are doing. Please email
[email protected] with details and pictures about your work. This way we can feature it in the E-News and print Newsletter. Showcasing your work will allow others to learn from you and that's the best way we can grow together as an organization.
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NAMI-NYS
Holds NAMIWALKS Info Meeting
On Tuesday, March 7th, NAMI-NYS held our NAMIWalks NYS info meeting at the Trinity Methodist Church in Albany. Those who participated were very enthused about participating in the NAMIWalks which will be held Saturday, September 23rd at Jennings Landing in Albany. Proceeds from NAMIWalks NYS will be used to support the programming efforts of our affiliates and to provide scholarships to the 2017 NAMI-NYS Education Conference. NAMI-NYS thanks all of those who attended the meeting, the 41 people who have signed-up to be team captains and to Trinity Church for letting us host the meeting in their beautiful facility.
Click here to start a NAMIWalks NYS team or donate to the walk.
NAMI-NYS Congratulates Our New "Model A" Approved Affiliates
NAMI-NYS would like to congratulate NAMI Queens/Nassau and NAMI Orange for being approved for re-affiliation by the NAMI Board. The re-affiliation process has been underway for some time with the final goal of ensuring that each affiliate is supporting the NAMI mission and has systems in place that guarantee the sustainability of the affiliate into the future. The deadline for affiliates to complete the process is July of this year.
Kendra's Law Bill Passes NYS Senate Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Committee as NAMI-NYS's Advocacy for the Bill Intensifies
On Tuesday, March 8th the New York State Senate Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Committee passed S.00516, which enhances Kendra's Law and would make the law permanent. Sustaining Kendra's Law is one of the core issues of the 2017 NAMI-NYS Advocacy Agenda.
Earlier in the week, NAMI-NYS delivered advocacy packets to Committee Chair Robert Ortt and all the committee members.
Click here to view the packet. The bill now moves to the Senate Finance Committee, which is chaired by the bill's lead sponsor Catharine Young and is comprised of several members of the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Committee.
Bi-Partisan Youth Mental Health Task Force Which Includes
A bipartisan Task Force launched by U.S. Rep. John Katko (NY-24) and NYS Assemblyman Bill Magnarelli (129th District) in 2015 released its final, comprehensive report this week, outlining the largest gaps in youth behavioral and mental health services in Central New York and providing recommendations to improve access to care. NAMI Syracuse played an active role in the task force and had both Rep. Katko and Assemblyman Magnarelli at their 2016 Education Conference.
NAMI Syracuse President Karen Winter Schwartz said of the affiliate's participation: "During these complicated political times, more than ever, we need to advocate and fight for our loved ones and ourselves. The challenges facing those dealing with serious mental illness seem insurmountable, but joining forces with so many concerned members of The Youth Mental Health Task Force has given our NAMI Syracuse members renewed hope and the ammunition to continue our mission. It was refreshing to collaborate with individuals who could put their political differences aside and get something done! As president of NAMI Syracuse, I look forward to continuing working with Congressman Katko and Assemblyman Magnarelli to improve mental health care services and the lives of individuals and their families who struggle with brain disorders such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and severe depression."
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Make Your Voice Heard as
NAMI Details How the American Health Care Act Puts People With
Mental Illness in Jeopardy
Earlier this week, the House of Representatives unveiled the American Health Care Act (AHCA).
NAMI has identified several serious concerns about how the AHCA will impact people with mental illness. These concerns include:
- The AHCA would end the requirement that Medicaid cover mental health care.
- It caps Medicaid funding, which will lead to deep cuts and jeopardize mental health services.
- It will freeze Medicaid expansion, putting young people who are first experiencing serious mental illness at risk.
- Federal help to buy insurance will be reduced, leaving millions of people, including people with mental illness, unable to afford mental health care.
- Traditional Medicaid would be converted to a "per capita cap" system, which means states would get a lump sum for all enrollees. Instead of flexibility, this would lead to deep cuts and jeopardize mental health services.
- Nearly 1 out of 3 people covered by Medicaid expansion live with a mental health or substance use condition. This bill would end new enrollment in 2020, leaving people with mental health and substance use conditions without the treatment they need to stay in school, on the job and in recovery.
Our readers must make your voices heard and tell Congress that any government sponsored health care initiative must have full parity for people living with a mental illness, not cap Medicaid and not use a Medicaid 'block grant" system.
Click here to read more about this and send a petition to your House Representative. In the National News section you can read more about how Rep. Tim Murphy and other Republican House members have raised concerns about the lack of mental health parity and Medicaid changes in AHCA.
Click here to read the letter NAMI sent to Congress on the AHCA.
NAMI Encourages Members to Participate in Schizophrenia Research Study
NAMI is asking members to help inform better medications by sharing your experiences with increased or more intense symptoms of schizophrenia that may have led to hospitalization or community-based treatment-either as a person with schizophrenia or as a caregiver.
Your responses will provide real-life insights that will help research into medications that may help symptoms of schizophrenia from getting worse.
If you qualify and complete the anonymous research survey, you will receive a
$50 Visa gift card
.
If you're interested or have questions, email us at [email protected] or call us at(888) 780-4167.
The deadline to see if you qualify for the research study is March 13th. So, email or call today!
What do you need to take part in the research study?
- An email address
- Mailing address (so we can send you your $50 Visa gift card)
- Internet access and a smartphone, tablet or computer
Be willing to answer questions about your experience with increased or more intense symptoms of schizophrenia that may have led to hospitalization or community-based treatment-either as someone with schizophrenia or caring for somebody with schizophrenia.
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| The New York State Department of Health Releases Report on AHCA
On Thursday, March 9th, the New York State Department of Health released their analysis of the AHCA. The finds that the AHCA would have a negative impact on New Yorkers. Their findings include:
- Over 1 million New Yorkers would face a significant loss in health care coverageunder the plan.
- Over $4.5 billion in costs would be shifted to state, counties, and safety net hospitals over the next four years increasing the tax burden on residents and putting countless healthcare providers in jeopardy.
- At least $2.4 billion of these costs will be shifted annually beginning in 2020. This burden could grow even larger when the impact of Medicaid block grants is taken into account.
- $400 million in tax credits used by New Yorkers to purchase health insurance on the New York State of Health insurance exchange would be lost and replaced in some cases with alternative subsidies which are not related ability to pay.
- Wide range of benefits provided for under the Affordable Care Act are removed and savings are shifted to wealthy individuals and corporations.
Dr. John Kane Writes About Untreated Psychotic Illness: Stemming the Tide
John Kane, MD, of Queen's Zucker Hillside Hospital and a leader of one of the NIMH Recovery After Initial Schizophrenic Episode (RAISE) Study, recently wrote an article in Psychiatry Advisor detailing how the duration of untreated psychosis is still too long in both the United States and throughout the world. In the U.S., the median delay between the onset of psychotic symptoms and when a person initially seeks treatment is nearly a decade. Longer delays in treatment lead to poorer recovery outcomes.
Dr. Kane explains that there are several factors to this troubling development. A major reason is the lack of ability to recognize psychotic symptoms as is the challenges in accessing care. He states increased mental health literacy is needed address the recognition issue and he also details a questionnaire his team designed to explore patients' and families' experiences with their "pathways to care" after the first onset of psychotic signs or symptoms.
Manhattan Institute Supportive Housing and Mental Illness Report
In last week's E-News, we detailed a forum hosted by the Manhattan Institute to discuss ThriveNYC, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio's mental health initiative. The Manhattan Institute is a think tank focusing on economic growth, education, energy and environment, health care, legal reform, public sector, race, and urban policy. This past fall, they released a report on how to address the homeless crisis in the city and how priority for supportive housing should go to people with serious mental illness.
The report concludes: "Debate has centered on moving away from a "diagnosis-centric" approach to eligibility determinations to a "whole person" approach. This idea, which would likely de-emphasize the importance of a serious mental illness in making eligibility determinations, has significant support among the supportive-housing community (city officials, providers, researchers, homeless advocates). However, New York would be unwise to completely abandon the diagnosis-centric approach. Instead, the city should reserve 10,000 units for those diagnosed with a serious mental illness."
It must be noted that while NAMI-NYS agrees that housing for people with serious mental illness must be a priority, however, we believe that community residencies with full wrap-around support services is the best housing option for people with serious mental illness in the community setting. We believe the supportive housing model is better for those who are more advanced in their recovery.
Research Participation Opportunity with
Cornell Research Program on Self-Injury and Recovery
The Cornell Research Program on Self-Injury and Recovery is seeking participants for a study to understand how people recover from self-injury. Findings from this research will help guide the development of practices for treatment providers. The researchers conducted the study acknowledge that self-injury is a topic that people often find difficult to talk about. This survey will explore sensitive issues that may cause negative thoughts or feelings for participants. Please keep in mind, participants may choose to not answer a question or questions and may stop the survey at any time.
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Representative Tim Murphy and Other Republican House Republicans
Raise Concerns on Lack of Mental Health Parity and Medicaid Changes in
American Health Care Act
We have already detailed NAMI's concerns regarding the American Health Care Act (AMCA) and it's important to note that these concerns are not politically based as other groups such as the American Medical Association (AMA) have opposed the bill and several Republicans have also voiced apprehension with the bill.
The American Health Care Act (AHCA), released by Congress this week, is intended to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA). But as introduced, it does not align with the health reform objectives that the AMA set forth in January to protect patients. While the ACA is imperfect, the current version of the AHCA is not legislation we can support. Click here to read more from the AMA.
Representative Tim Murphy, author of the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act, is offering amendments to address the lack of mental health parity in the bill. He stated in a press release: "When it comes to delivering treatment for mental illness and substance use disorders, my commitment to preserving mental health and addiction parity is ironclad. The amendment I'm offering today ensures there will be no changes to any existing mental health parity laws."
CNN has also reported that some Republicans from Medicaid-expansion states have said they would not support plans that could kick millions of people off the Medicaid rolls. Click here to read the full CNN story detailing the plan.
Again, NAMI-NYS encourages our readers to participate in NAMI's advocacy campaign and let your House Representative know that any plan that puts people living with mental illness in jeopardy of accessing the care they need is unacceptable. In the past year, your advocacy voice has led to major advances in reforming mental care and that voice is needed more than ever to ensure our progress is not reversed.
Next Week is National Brain Awareness Week
The Brain Awareness Campaign is a worldwide celebration of the brain that brings together scientists, families, schools, and communities. Although Brain Awareness Week (BAW) is officially March 13-19, 2017, there are many ways to get involved throughout the year.
Click here to view the Society for Neuroscience's page on BAW which contains resources, videos and webinars.
Pete Francis of the Rock Band Dispatch Will Not Tour with Band this Summer
Due to Battle with Depression
Fans of the band Dispatch have waited several years for the popular band to embark on a full-length tour. While the band will be embarking on a summer tour, multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Pete Francis will not be joining them as he is battling serious depression.
"Like others you may know, I battle depression.
In order to get better, this problem requires my complete focus and every bit of energy I can spare," Francis said, and added, "It is a tricky process to try to live and cope with any mental illness. The suffering and pain can sometimes be intense - and can come and go without warning. Yet the warmth from friends, family and fans has helped me to endure, to persevere - and mostly, to continue to have hope.I will be taking some time off from the band now to try some new approaches and learn how to better manage my illness. I am grateful that I can share this personal piece of myself and what I am experiencing with all of you. My hope is that I will also get to share with you some of my successes as I travel what may be a rocky and sometimes uncertain path toward well-being."
Francis' sentiments mirror the feelings experienced by many individuals and families impacted by mental illness. We are grateful that he shared his story as it will surely help others, and we wish him the best in his road to recovery.
Click here to read more including his full statement.
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NIMH Creates New Integrated Care Website
NIMH has posted a new web page on integrated care
, which highlights models of integrated care, including collaborative care.
Click here
to view the site.
Teenage Depression Study
This research study seeks to understand the causes of depression in teenagers. It is part of a larger study looking at irritability and mood dysregulation. This part of the study's goals are to improve our knowledge of which treatments work best in depression, and will compare teenagers with depression to those with severe irritability. The research will also study teenagers with depression as they grow up.
This study is currently recruiting participants who:
* are ages 12 to 17, and medically healthy
* meet the criteria for major depressive disorder
* are currently in treatment with a physician and not currently hospitalized, psychotic, or suicidal
* are able to perform research tasks that include brain imaging, computer tasks and behavioral & psychological testing
Click here for more information or call 301-496-8381
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2017 NAMIWalksNYS September 23rd
NAMI-NYS looks forward to building on the success of our inaugural NAMIWalks NYS. The 2017 NAMIWalks NYS will be taking place on Saturday September 23rd at Jennings Landing in Albany. You can
click here to start your team and/or donate to the walk.
Information on Other NAMIWalks in New York
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| 2017 NAMI-NYS Ribbon Campaign |
As May (which is Mental Health Awareness Month) is fast approaching it is time to begin preparing for this year's NAMI-NYS Ribbon Campaign. The statewide campaign allows NAMI-NYS and our local affiliates to partner with businesses, local governments, police and fire departments and schools in spreading mental health awareness and letting people know that NAMI is a place to find help and find hope.
Click here to view a two-page brochure which details the campaign, which can be printed as a double-sided sheet to give to perspective ribbon campaign partners.
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The 2017 A Brighter Day event will be taking place on Friday, April 21st.
March 16 - MHANYS will host a Mental Health Education in School Summit taking place
at Albany Law School. This summit brings together experts in mental health and education to discuss the impact of the recent passage of the Mental Health in Education Schools Bill. Among the speakers in the summit include State Education Commissioner, MaryEllen Elia and State Mental Health Commissioner, Dr. Ann Sullivan. The cost of the event is
twenty dollars
to cover the cost of lunch. You can register at
www.mhanys.org
March 16th-The Capital District Psychiatric Center Family Services presents an Overview of CDPC Peer Services presented by Mary Caggiano, Peer Specialist and Michael Ammendola, Peer Specialist. The meeting begins at 5pm at the CDPC Family Resource Center located 75 New Scotland Avenue in Albany.
March 21-
NAMI
-NYC Metro presents a workshop and discussion about WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan), which is a personalized coping strategy designed by the client, for the client. Gina Calhoun, the National Director for Wellness and Recovery Education at the Copeland Center for Wellness and Recovery, will run an afternoon workshop about what a WRAP is, as well as how to create and use your very own WRAP. In the evening, Gina, her mother, and her sister, will share their stories. Go to www.naminycmetro.org/wrap/ for more info and to RSVP.
March 23-24-
The New York State Office of Mental Health will be offering a two-day seminar on how to quickly get approval for SSI, SSDI, Medicaid and other entitlement programs. Many people with disabilities wait years before they are determined to be eligible for benefits. This free OMH seminar will show you that, with the correct documentation, it should take no more than 90 days to get approved.
The two-day seminar will be held at the Buffalo Psychiatric Center-400 Forest Ave. Butler Building Auditorium on March 23 from 9am-4:30pm and March 24 from 9am to 2pm. John B. Allen Jr., Special Assistant to the Commissioner, NYS OMH will be leading the seminar. Click here for more information.
March 29-NAMI Huntington is proud to host "Prison Through Art" a collection of photos by a former Corrections Officer from Rikers Island who will also be presenting about life inside one of Americas' most brutal jails. He will be explaining about those suffering with serious mental illness inside Rikers Island. The program starts @ 7 pm.
Please contact Jayette Lansbury (631)385-0754 or [email protected] for more info and to RSVP
April 5
- NAMI of Central Suffolk's Educational/Informational Speaker Series offers:
SAVE A LIFE WITH NARCAN TRAINING
! The free training, is given by Suffolk Co DOH and will enable participants to recognize an opioid overdose, administer intranasal Narcan and take additional steps until EMS arrives. Participants will receive a certificate of completion and an emergency resuscitation kit that includes nasal
Narcan
. Hope you can join us at Mather Hospital Port Jefferson Conference Rooms One and Two at 7:30 pm.
April 21 "A Brighter Day" event at Glennpeter Jewelers. Click here for more information.
May 18 - Annual Mental Health Conference Living With Stability and Dignity at NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi. The conference focuses on the challenges and need for housing with featured speakers Toni Lasicki, Executive Director, Association for Community Living, Ralph Fasano, Executive Director, Concern for Independent Living and Denise Bauer, Director, Beacon of Hope, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York. Program starts at 6 pm. Light dinner served. Building 4, 2nd Floor,1400 Pelham Parkway, Bronx, NY. RSVP 718-918-3906.
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2017 NAMI-NYS TRAINING SCHEDULE
Please contact your local affiliate program leaders for more information and how to enroll.
NAMI Family-to-Family Teacher Training
July 14th-16th, 2017
Trainers: Ann Canastra & Cheri Caiella
Location: Comfort Suite Cicero-Syracuse
NAMI Basics Teacher Training
April 1st-2nd, 2017
Trainers Almarie Tulloch & Karen Alvarez
Location: NAMI Rockland Office
NAMI Peer-to-Peer Mentor Training
April 21st-23rd, 2017
Trainers: Cynthia Scott & Donna Israel
Location: NAMI-NYS Office Albany
NAMI Family-to-Family Teacher Training
May 19th-21st, 2017
Trainers: Patti Sacher & Bonnie Goldberg
Location: NAMI-NYS Office Albany
NAMI Homefront Teacher Training
May 20th-21st, 2017
Trainers: Pam Solomon & Jerry Burton
Location: NAMI-NYS Office Albany
NAMI Support Group Facilitator Training
March 25th-26th, 2017
Trainers: Pat Sine & Jack Goldstein
Location: NAMI Rochester Office
NAMI Support Group Facilitator Training
June 3rd-4th, 2017
Trainers: Deniece Chi & Nancy Parker
Location: NAMI-NYS Office Albany
NAMI In Our Own Voice Presenter Training
June 3rd-4th, 2017
Trainers: Bill Perun & Chris Wasilenko
Location: NAMI Rochester Office
NAMI In Our Own Voice Presenter Training
June 24th-25th, 2017
Trainers: Cynthia Scott & Lady Charmaine Day
Location: NAMI-NYS Office Albany
NAMI Family-to-Family Teacher Training
October 20th-22nd, 2017
Trainers: Patti Sacher & Bonnie Goldberg
Location: NAMI-NYS Office Albany
NAMI Homefront Teacher Training
October 21st-22nd, 2017
Trainers: Pam Solomon & Jerry Burton
Location; NAMI-NYS Office Albany
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