Quick Links
Click here to watch the latest episode discussing PTSD and featuring author Diane Cameron
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While we were hoping that this
edition of the NAMI E-News would have details of the final state budget, it looks like the budget will be delayed this year. However, we do have word that our advocacy voices were heard in the Capitol, and that the state will be investing in the mental health workforce. This is a major victory for mental health advocates and we thank the many of you who spoke up on this vital issue. This is the second week in a row we have reason to celebrate our advocacy efforts after last week's no vote on the American Health Care Act. We are still waiting to hear about other details about our legislative priorities, and this issue has several stories on the need to improve the mental illness-criminal justice interface.
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 and Our Advocacy Coalition Appear to Score Major Victory With A Serious Investment in the Mental Health Workforce
As we go to print, our state executive and legislative leaders are still negotiating a final state budget. However, one thing the leaders seem to agree on is the need to invest in the mental health workforce. Governor Cuomo, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, Senate President John Flanagan and Senate Independent Democratic Caucus Leader Jeffrey Klein, took a break from negotiations to announce a commitment to the workforce that cares for people with a mental illness in residential and other community based programs. The announcement came after a couple of weeks of intense advocacy efforts by a coalition of mental health and substance abuse advocates, which NAMI-NYS played an active role in.
NAMI-NYS staff participated in coalition meetings with almost every legislative office, Assembly Ways and Means and Senate Program Counsel. NAMI-NYS staff and board members told their stories to various media outlets and you our grassroots leaders flooded the Capitol with phone calls. We are grateful to the leaders for listening to our pleas and to all of you who made your voices heard on this important issue.
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It looks as if the New York State will be investing to give direct care workers in non-profit facilities working with the Office of Mental Health a 3.5% increase in January, 2018 and another 3.5% increase in April 2018. This investment will surely help address the difficulties providers are having hiring and retaining qualified and caring staff which are vital to the type of continuity of care NAMI-NYS believes is integral to recovery.
We are still waiting to learn more details about what may be included for other priority issues including investments in Crisis Intervention Teams and raising the age of criminal responsibility. We will be sending out an analysis of the final budget agreement.
Girl Scouts Troops to Make NAMI-NYS Ribbon Campaign
Their Annual Service Project
On March 25
th
, Girl Scouts from Service Unit 191 of the Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York gathered to prepare for May's Ribbon Awareness Campaign, which they have adopted as their annual service project. NAMI-NYS staff members Christine Rickeman and Wendy Burch talked to the girls about mental illness and how NAMI assists individuals with mental health issues and their families.
The girls also participated in exercises designed to illustrate what it was like to live with mental illness. Christine and Wendy described the campaign to the girls, and the older scouts had the opportunity to practice tying ribbons. Each troop received a roll of ribbon and packets to distribute to local schools, businesses, churches, municipal offices and other organizations, as well as talking points to use when approaching potential community partners to hang ribbons. The scouts were enthusiastic and are excited to reach out to the public and raise awareness about mental illness.
Be sure to view the NAMI Ribbon Campaign in the E-News to learn more and bring the initiative to your community.
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NAMI Westchester Continues to Make Inroads with College Students and Holds NAMIWalks Kickoff Event
March 29th was a busy day for NAMI-Westchester. First, the affiliate's executive director Sharon McCarthy met with the Westchester Community College NAMI on Campus to discuss advocacy and how they could get involved on key issues.
Everyone was encouraged to not only continue to reach out to their government representatives but to also talk to family & friends in other states to encourage them to vote for mental health.
That evening, the affiliate held their NAMI Walk Kick Off event sponsored by TD Bank. More than 75 people attended and enjoyed the musical talents of Jeff Zitofsky. Frank Cebone, from All State Air Control, received the Community Spirit Award for his commitment to NAMI Westchester's NAMI Walk and the many hours he has dedicated to help towards it success. Joe Fusaro, an Ending the Silence young adult presenter, spoke on the formation of his team for this year's walk. Diane Cusumano, team captain for Mental Health Warriors, shared suggestions on how to organize team events to raise funds. Several new teams signed up at the event as well. NAMIWalks Westchester will take place on May 20 at the Rye Town Park in Rye.
New York State Senator Elaine Phillips Participates in NAMI Queens/Nassau
NAMIWalks Kickoff Event
NAMI Queens/Nassau extends a big thank you to State Senator Elaine Phillips who presented NAMI-QN with a proclamation at their NAMIWalks Kick-Off on Thursday March 16th at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock. Senator Phillips congratulated the affiliate on the good work that they do and expressed her appreciation for their commitment to the cause of those affected by severe mental illness. She also shared that she has a sister disabled by schizophrenia, so NAMI's good work is very personal for her.
The presentation was an inspirational start for their NAMIWalks Kick-Off. The affiliate also acknowledges their NAMIWalks manager, Natasha Edwards, NAMIWalks Kick-Off planning committee, Ellen Ritz, Carol Ann Viccora, and Janet Susin, and all the team captains, participants and guests who attended. A special thank you to their guest speakers, Furwa Hussain from Team Who Is Hussain and Nkenge Gilliam, President of AKA-Theta Iota Omega-IFSNC chapter who put a face on our theme of diversity.
The NAMI Queens/Nassau NAMIWalk (LINK IT) will be taking place on May 5th.
NAMI Huntington Holds Event on Solitary Reform
Lorenzo Steele Jr. is a visual artist and a former Rikers Island Corrections Officer.
He presented at NAMI Huntington about his experience working at Rikers Island. He displayed photos and a door from a solitary cell .Lorenzo also explained about mental health issues at Rikers and the consequences of using solitary confinement for adolescents.
You could read more about this issue in the New York News section.
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NAMI We Are a Movement
One of the latest NAMI blogs explains how we are a movement. Our movement explains what it really means to experience mental illness. Our movement shows people experiencing mental illness that they are not alone and there is hope. While it's a slow process, our movement is becoming louder and more persistent every time a celebrity speaks out, an article is published or an individual shares their personal story. Our movement is growing, strengthening and becoming more visible. We need to keep this momentum going.
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Invest in Education and Mental Health Services Not Incarceration
In a recent opinion piece in USA Today, Johnny Perez (who has presented at the NAMI-NYS Education Conference), details his life growing up in a rough area of the Bronx and experiences being an adolescent in Rikers Island and in solitary confinement and how that impacted his mental health. Johnny asks, "
Imagine a world where we invested more money in educating incarcerated people than punishing them. What if the children who need the most love are given mental health services and counseling instead of being funneled into adult penal institutions?"
The New York Times Asks:
Can Mentally Ill Americans Be Executed?
The New York Times recently took an in-depth examination of one of the most complicated criminal justice issues; using the death penalty in cases where the defendant has a mental illness.
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Bloomberg News Reports on How the Fight for AHCA May Not be Over
Last week we reported on the stunning developments in the House of Representatives where the vote on the American Health Care Act was pulled minutes before it was supposed to happen. This was a tremendous victory for mental health advocates. However, despite the fact that President Trump stated that they would be moving on from health care, Bloomberg News reports that the bill is not dead yet and that a vote could come soon.
Pulitzer Prize Winning Writer Ron Powers Tells His Story
of Having Two Sons With Schizophrenia
Ron Powers, the Pulitzer Prize winning author of Flag of Our Fathers, is telling his story of having two sons with schizophrenia.
Powers' younger son, Kevin, was a talented musician whose struggles with schizophrenia began at age 17. Just before his 21st birthday, in 2005, Kevin took his own life. A few years later, Powers' older son, Dean, started experiencing symptoms of schizophrenia and had a psychotic break.
"There is no greater ... feeling of helplessness than to watch two beloved sons deteriorate before [your] eyes, not knowing what to do to bring them back," Powers tells NPR's
Fresh Air
's Terry Gross.
Powers' new book,
No One Cares About Crazy People,
is both a memoir about his sons and a history of how the mentally ill have been treated medically, legally and socially. Although Dean is now medicated and doing well, Powers notes that many people with schizophrenia don't receive the treatment they need - in part because they often don't believe they are ill.
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Dr. Shelli Avenevoli Named NIMH Deputy Director
Dr. Shelli Avenevoli has been named deputy director of NIMH. She steps into the post having served as acting deputy during NIMH's search for a new permanent director. Avenevoli brings to the role a background and research interest in developmental science and epidemiology and a record of leadership within the NIMH organization and in numerous cross-institute and interagency scientific collaborations.
NAMI-NYS congratulates Dr. Avenevoli and looks forward to working with her in our role as the NIMH Outreach Partner for New York State.
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.
April 3-
Strategies to Reduce Gun Violence from a Public Health Perspective. The keynote speaker
will be Sunny Schnitzer, MS Everytown for Gun Safety. The event will take place from 5-7pm at the University at Albany School of Public Health 1 University Place Room 110A Rensselaer, New York 12144. Click here to learn more.
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 17th-NAMI Queens/Nassau will be holding their annual Faithnet event "Conversations with Clergy & Community" On EXPLORING FAITH, RELIGION & SPIRITUALITY as Resources for Individuals & Families
Struggling with Mental Illness. The event begins 6:30 and will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock 48 Shelter Rock Rd., Manhasset, NY 11030
All are welcome Please email Ellen Ritz at [email protected] by May 8 to register. Complimentary Lite Supper will be provided. Click here for more info.
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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