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This edition of the NAMI-NYS E-News comes as we are fast approaching Mental Health Awareness Month. This issue contains resources from NAMI on how you can be active in raising awareness about mental health issues during May. We are also excited to share with you information about Spring fundraising and awareness activities; we hope you can participate in one or all of these and support NAMI-NYS.
We also encourage you to visit the NAMI-NYS Ribbon Campaign section of the E-News and engage in the campaign that offers 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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This spring, along with engaging in the Ribbon Awareness campaign, NAMI-NYS will have activities which will raise awareness of mental health as well as give you fun ways to support the good work we do. We are excited to share with you our three spring initiatives that will allow you, your family and friends to spread awareness and support NAMI-NYS.
On Friday, April 21st, NAMI-NYS will be holding our 5th annual A Brighter Day event at Glennpeter Jewelers. This free event will feature complimentary food and a presentation by Dr. John Forsyth, a highly sought after teacher and trainer in the practical use of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and mindfulness practices to alleviate human suffering, awaken the heart and spirit, and to cultivate living well. He is also a professor of psychology and director of the Anxiety Disorders Research Program at the University at Albany. The event also raises funds for NAMI-NYS by having raffles (featuring gift certificates from some of the Capital Region's best restaurants among the prizes) and all the proceeds from the cash bar will be donated to NAMI-NYS as well.
Click here to learn more and click here to register.
From now through May 31st NAMI-NYS will be participating in a fundraising partnership with Yankee Candle. Click here to visit their fundraising store, which includes candles and other gifts, use the code 999968124 where it says "start shopping" and 40% of your purchase will go to NAMIWalks NYS. If you purchase $100 or more you receive free shipping. You can also spread awareness about this opportunity and our work on social media. Copy the link, and use this message: "May is Mental Health Awareness month. Help me help NAMI-NYS as they support individuals and families impacted by mental illness. Visit Yankee Candle's fundraising store use the code 999968124 and 40% of your purchase will be used to help NAMI-NYS's mission of guiding people down the road of recovery from mental illness."
On May 12th, NAMI-NYS will be hosting Bowling for Hope at the East Greenbush Bowling Center located at 570 Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush, NY 12061 from 6-8 pm. Everyone of all ages is welcome to join us for an evening of fun and friendship. We will have 6 lanes available to us the evening of the event, as well as a 50/50 raffle and prizes for the best and worst game bowled!!! Ticket prices are: $12.00 without shoe rental $15.00 with shoe rental. Click here for more information and to register. If you have any questions email [email protected] or call Heide at 518-462-2000
NAMI-NYS Young Adult Leader Joseph Fusaro to Represent the Voice of Recovery at 2017 What's Great in Our State
The
2017 What's Great in Our State-A Celebration of Children's Mental Health will be taking place on May 2nd at the New York State Museum's Huxley Auditorium. The event honors those who are raising awareness about mental health issues prevalent in children and adolescents and reforming the systems that address these issues.
As part of the annual event, someone is chosen to represent the voice of recovery in overcoming mental health issues in their youth. This year, that person will be Joseph Fusaro, one of NAMI-NYS's Young Adult Leaders and one of our most prolific Ending the Silence and Parents and Teachers as Allies presenters. Along with NAMI work, Joseph also is an author and is an active participant in This Is My Brave, which aims to eliminate the stigma of mental illness through performances.
Click here to learn more about Joe.
There is no cost to attend and we encourage you to join us for what is always an inspirational event, you can
click here to register. The 2017 honorees will be announced next week.
NAMI-NYS Board Members and NAMI Buffalo Members Participate in CIT Training for Corrections Officers
Recently NAMI-NYS board members Marcy Rose and Lynda Regan along with their follow NAMI Buffalo member Pat Seifert, participated in the first Crisis Intervention Training for corrections officers in Erie County. Training of corrections officers is important as Erie County Sheriff Timothy Howard said, "For as long as I can recall, police have been involved in mental health. It used to be, they had facilities to take them to, and now, we're the facility."
A story in the National News section demonstrates the tragic results that can happen when correction officers are not properly trained to interact with inmates who have a mental illness.
Click here to view the WIVB News report on the training.
Click here to watch a AM Buffalo interview with Erie County CIT Coordinator Kristin Aducci (who has appeared at the NAMI-NYS Education Conference) and a CIT trained officer.
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NAMI Westchester Remains Busy Spreading Youth Mental Health Awareness and Holding Events for Their Upcoming NAMIWalks
NAMI Westchester continued their busy schedule this past week spreading awareness of mental health awareness and holding an event for their NAMIWalk.
On March 30th, In Our Own Voice presenter Martin Gromulet, and board member Daniele Vazquer, shared mental health information and how to start a NAMI on Campus at the Concordia College Student Wellness event at in Bronxville. On March 31 Sharon McCarthy, Executive Director and Joe Fusaro, ETS & PTAA presenter, spoke at the Monroe College Student Services Retreat for Administrative & Counseling staff. Sharon discussed the warning signs of mental illness and suicide prevention while sharing her personal story. Joe spoke about his recovery and the struggles he faced during his college years. He stressed the importance of helping students find the resources they need.
April 2nd was an exceptionally busy day as board members Christina Bauso and Mary Schlageter, exhibited for the third year in a row at the Save a Live Forum sponsored by Safe Alliance for Safe Kids at the Lakeland High school in Shrub Oak. This annual event is open to parents and students and educates participants on mental health and suicide prevention. The day also found Audrey McInerney and Joe Fusaro, giving two Ending the Silence presentations at the J-Teen Leadership event sponsored by the Kol Ami Congregation in White Plains. This was a three hour event that included mental health presentations and activities such as mindfulness and yoga in addition to the presentations. Teens were encouraged to get involved by volunteering for community organizations. Finally, that evening, Eva Hale Leighton, Team Captain for Family 2 Family, sponsored a team event at West Wine Purveyors followed by dinner at her home. She used this opportunity to encourage people to help raise mental health awareness while raising funds for the team.
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NAMI Provides Resources for Mental Health Awareness Month
Each year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness. During May, NAMI and the rest of the country are bringing awareness to mental health. Each year we fight stigma, provide support, educate the public and advocate for equal care.
In 2017, NAMI will promote the theme of "
Into Mental Health: Inspired, Informed, Involved" throughout all awareness events, including Mental Health Month. The campaign will focus on the power of starting inspiring conversations, getting informed to know the right thing to say and encouraging people to proudly proclaim "I'm in to mental health!"
As a NAMI leader, you play a significant role in growing the movement. Here are some resources for NAMI Affiliates and State Organizations to use to make Mental Health Month successful.
Message Guide and Style Sheet
Click here to download the guide which can help NAMI State Organizations, NAMI Affiliates, volunteers and staff coordinate public awareness efforts for a larger impact. It contains brand information (e.g., color palette, recommended fonts), general information about mental health, and suggested messages and calls to action.
Social Media Toolkit
Click here for this guide which provides suggestions on messaging and ways to use hashtags, images and language for Mental Health Month. Help spread the word by sharing on Facebook, posting photos on Instagram and staying active on Twitter. We will share content throughout the month. You can follow our progress on our social media platforms and help keep the momentum going!
Press Release
Click here for press release language and let others in your community know what you're doing during May by putting out a press release. A press release can let other people know about the events you're holding and get people interested in attending. It might even result in a local media outlet covering what you have going on.
World Health Day Spotlights Depression
Imagine yourself living a different life where you lack energy because of sleepless nights and constant fatigue, not being able to concentrate, no motivation, internalized negative feelings and hopelessness. These are just few symptoms for clinical depression that people have experienced all around the world.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has decided to highlight this topic as part of World Health Day. Usually physical health is the mere focus; however, mental illness has become a part of the conversation. The goal is to inform the public about depression and the seriousness of it. WHO has launched a one-year campaign in efforts to help mental illness.
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NYS Budget Update
As we go to print, the Governor and the legislature have yet to come to an agreement on the state budget. However, budget extender bills have been passed and they include several initiatives that are part of the
NAMI-NYS Advocacy Action Agenda . As we detailed last week,
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. There also appears to be an increase of $1.4 million in CIT Funding. The $10 million investment in mental health housing services that was contained in the Executive proposal remains intact, as does the $11 million in community services. One of the things holding up a budget deal is the raise the age issue. While there has been significant progress, there are still some details being debated.
The New York Times Reflects on a "A Lifeline for Troubled Veterans"
Many troops who have been discharged from Iraq since 2011 have received less than honorable discharges. Those with dishonorable discharges are left with no benefits, including health care.
Representative Mike Coffman, someone who has served in the Army and Marine Corps, believes that the government should do more to prevent suicides and homelessness of veterans who have returned from serving their country in a combat zone. A new policy was developed to help these veterans struggling with health problems such as traumatic brain injuries, and post-traumatic stress by being able to go to a V.A. emergency room or call the Veterans Crisis Line.
Click here to read the New York Times article.
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Guards Will Not Face Charges in the Death of Man With Schizophrenia Who Died in Prison Shower
In the NAMI-NYS News section, we detailed the need to provide crisis intervention training for correctional officers. One example of why this is needed is the case of Darren Rainey, a schizophrenic inmate who was allegedly boiled to death by four prison guards. He had smeared feces on himself and the guards told him that he couldn't leave the showers until he was washed. Rainey was left in a boiling hot shower for hours until the guards came back to get him. He was found lying face up in about 8 centimeters of water with no pulse; he had stopped breathing. Another inmate apparently heard the guards laughing at Rainey while he was yelling and kicking at the door.
It was concluded that Darren Rainey had died from an un-diagnosed heart condition. There was no evidence of trauma or injury on his body. Dr. Emma Lew, the medical examiner said that schizophrenic individuals have nervous systems that can trigger heart attacks if they have an underlying condition. Though the guards were deemed not to be responsible for his death, it is clear had they been properly trained to handle people with schizophrenia, this tragedy could have been avoided.
British Royal Family Heads Together Campaign
The Sunday Express detailed how the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry are all supporting the Heads Together campaign, to eliminate the stigma of mental health. The goal is to normalize mental health and give the attention it needs to be taken seriously. They are determined to change the way people think when it comes to mental health.
Click here to read more.
An Idea In Va., Inspires A Couple In Orlando, Who Inspire Advocates In Naples: How Good Ideas Spread
Naples, Florida is in the developmental stages of opening "Jerry's House" for people with mental illness. The idea was based on "Dave's House", which is located in Orlando that was founded in 2009 by Lin and Ron Wilensky. The Wilensky's developed their house to help others like Lin's brother who suffered from schizophrenia. "Dave's House" was also inspired by another place called "Laura's House" that was purchased in 2006 by the Brain Foundation in Fairfax, VA, which was a non-profit led by Trudy Harsh. The house was named after her daughter Laura, who had developed a brain tumor from a young age and was thought to only live about six more years. After her surgery, she became a different person, because the parts of her brain that controlled her emotions were completely destroyed. However, Trudy was still determined to give her daughter a life that was as full as possible.
This story demonstrates both how families can be conduits for change, as well as how we can learn from each other and aim to replicate best practices. This is why NAMI-NYS encourages our affiliates to learn from one another and other successful programs detailed in the E-News.
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Director's Message Autism Awareness Month:
Genes and Development in Autism Spectrum Disorder
In the first of two special Director's Messages about autism spectrum disorder (ASD), NIMH Director, Dr. Joshua Gordon discusses what is known so far about what causes ASD, and what NIMH researchers are doing to clarify how these causes lead to symptoms. The message includes findings emerging from studies of genetic factors.
Join an NIMH Depression Study
Inpatient & Outpatient Studies investigating the brain and experimental medications (such as ketamine and diazoxide)to rapidly reduce depressive symptoms. Participation may include outpatient visits or inpatient stays of up to 12 weeks at the NIH Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD. Procedures may include: tapering off current psychiatric medications,a medication-free period, oral or intravenous medication versus placebo, and brain scans. Participants must be ages 18 to 70 and free of serious medical conditions. There is no cost to participate. These studies may enroll eligible participants from across the USA. Travel arrangements and compensation are provided. Call about eligibility: 1-877-MIND-NIH and
click here for more information.
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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 12
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NAMI of Central Suffolk's FUNraiser hosted by NAMIWalks Team: STEPS FOR SHERRY at FRIENDLY's, 700-80 Patchogue Yaphank Rd, Medford, NY. April 12, 2017
4-8 pm Support STEPS for SHERRY and HAVE FUN!!
April 19- NAMI Rockland's April Education Meeting.
CREATING CARING CONGREGATIONS FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH MENTAL ILLNESS AND THEIR FAMILIES.
We will discuss with a panel of faith leaders in Rockland how faith communities can offer acceptance and support to families affected by mental health concerns.
DATE: April 19, 2017 (Rescheduled from March)
TIME: 6:30 PM
LOCATION: Dr. Robert Yeager Health Center
50 Sanatorium Road, Bldg. F, Room 119, Pomona, NY 10970
Click Here for more information
April 21
"A Brighter Day" event at Glennpeter Jewelers.
Click here
for more information.
April 24- NAMI Sullivan County Model Seder will be held Monday, April 24th 2017,
5:00pm
at Stepping Stones, 20 Crystal Street, Monticello, NY. RSVP on or before Thursday April 20
th (845)794-1029
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 Homefront Teacher Training
May 20th-21st, 2017
Trainers: Pam Solomon & Jerry Burton
Location: NAMI-NYS Office Albany
NAMI Family-to-Family Teacher Training
June 9th-11th, 2017
Trainers: Patti Sacher & Bonnie Goldberg
Location: NAMI-NYS Office Albany
NAMI Family-to-Family Teacher Training
July 14th-16th, 2017
Trainers: Ann Canastra & Cheri Caiella
Location: Comfort Suite Cicero-Syracuse
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
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