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Click here to watch the latest episode discussing children's Mental Health Issues.
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It's Mental Health Awareness Month
Get Active and Make Your Voice Heard!
This week's NAMI E-News features the diversity of businesses and organizations participating in the NAMI-NYS Ribbon Campaign. You will also find information on service dogs, addressing mental health on college campuses and the latest Update from NIMH.
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 Awareness Ribbons Continue to
Pop Up Across the State
The NAMI-NYS Ribbon Campaign continues to spread awareness of mental health issues to communities across the state. Now in its second year as a statewide initiative the campaign continues to expand. The collage above demonstrates the various types of businesses and organizations that are partnering with NAMI-NYS and our affiliates in bringing the discussion of mental health out of the shadows. The first week of the campaign we showcased schools and public parks. Last week highlighted the ribbons in the NYS Legislative Office Building. This week you will see the diversity of our community partners. The ribbons have gone from mostly being hung at traditional arenas for the discussion of mental health such as the Rockland Psychiatric Center, to being displayed in businesses people go everyday and where they would not expect to find mental health information. These include all types of doctors offices (including dentists), car dealerships, law offices, restaurants and coffee bars. We are extremely grateful for all the volunteers who have helped distribute ribbons and all the businesses who are displaying the ribbons and furthering the discussion of mental health.
We want to see the ribbons in your community. Send your ribbon campaign pictures to
[email protected]
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NAMIWalks Season Continues with the NAMI-NYC Metro Walk
On Saturday, May 13, NAMIWalks NYC celebrated their eleventh anniversary Walk/Run. Thousands of caring and compassionate walkers from across the tri-state area gathered at the South Street Seaport Promenade to cross the Brooklyn Bridge, with Grand Marshal, The King of Walk, Darryl DMC McDaniels (of the legendary hip-hop group Run-DMC), inspiring us all. It rained-a lot-but spirits were high, and the energy of the community gathered was invigorating. This year, the walk added an Advocacy Station, where participants were provided with pre-addressed postcards to send to Senators Gillibrand and Schumer, and President Trump, in support of the ACA. We brought the rest back to the office and ask people in our classes and support groups to sign them. Despite the rain, it was a wonderful day!
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NAMI-NYS Criminal Justice Chair Quoted in Council of State Government's Justice Center Article
The Council of State Government's Justice Center recently held the Judges' and Psychiatrists' Leadership Initiative
Summit at their headquarters in New York City. The initiative is a project of the CSG Justice Center and the American Psychiatric Association Foundation that supports efforts by judges and psychiatrists to improve judicial, community, and systemic responses to people with behavioral health needs in the justice system.
As part of the event, judges shared strategies they employ when people with mental illnesses and substance use disorders appear in their courtrooms, but sought ideas on how to better tap into the behavioral health care resources in their communities. Jayette Lansbury-who serves as the criminal justice chair for New York State's chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness and whose son has a mental illness and is in a forensic facility-urged the judges to involve peer advocates and family members at every possible juncture.
"Families are often the first responders," Lansbury said. "And when one person is arrested, in a way, the whole family is arrested."
Support NAMI-NYS During Mental Health Awareness Month
We want to remind everyone that there are two other ways to support NAMI-NYS during the month of May. Throughout the month we will be partnering with Yankee Candle in a fundraising initiative.
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 to recovery from mental illness."
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A Dog Story: Negotiating with the Airlines
NAMI recently told the story Alicia Smith and her service dog Hunka, to bring attention to the fact that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is currently considering whether to end or restrict emotional support animals on passenger planes and could place restrictions unilaterally. Airlines have individual restrictions for emotional support animals, which fly for free in aircraft cabins; however, certain airlines keep restrictions vague. If DOT proposes new regulations, they will be subjected to public comment in which anyone can express support, opposition or make additional suggestions.
Alicia is NAMI's representative on a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) advisory group. She says that Hunka (who recently passed away) was truly a NAMI advocate and a perfect example of why airline regulations on service animals are important.
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NYS Assembly Passes Single-Payer Health Care Plan
A plan to create a universal single-payer health insurance plan in New York state passed the Assembly on Tuesday, May 16. This is the third year in a row the Assembly passed such a bill and in the two previous years the bill died in the Senate, as it most likely will again this year.
The New York Health Act would establish a universal health care system within the state, known as New York Health, and expand coverage eligibility to include all residents, regardless of wealth, income, age or pre-existing condition. In addition, every enrollee would have access to the full range of doctors and service providers offered. The plan would provide comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care, primary and preventive care, maternity care, prescription drug costs, laboratory testing, rehabilitative care and dental, vision and hearing care.
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State of Mind Episode 2: Hidden Battles
In last week's edition we told you about
State of Mind
a new CBS News five-part digital series airing in May with new episodes released every Wednesday. The latest episode examines mental health issues in returning combat veterans and how ailments such as PTSD affect not only the individual but the entire family.
For College Students Grappling with Mental Illness,
the World Can Seem Colorless
In a special two-part series, USA Today explains how many college students struggle both with the stresses of college as well as other mental health issues. An estimated 150,483 college students sought out mental health treatment in 2016, however, that number could be higher. According to a 2011 survey by NAMI, one in two college students with a diagnosed mental illness declined to disclose their diagnosis to their universities.
Alarming Rise in Children Hospitalized
with Suicidal Thoughts or Actions
According to new research that was presented at the 2017 Pediatric Academic Societies Meeting, the percentage of adolescents and teens hospitalized for suicidal thoughts or actions in the United States doubled in the last decade. An increase in admissions due to suicidality and serious self-harm happened at 32 children's hospitals throughout the country from 2008 to 2015. Even though all ages seemed to show increases, the largest group was seen in teen girls.
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NIMH Update
Several NIMH Studies on Irritability in Children
Looking for Recruits
Why study irritability? During the 1990s, there was a significant increase in the number of children being diagnosed with bipolar disorder. After years of studies, NIMH researchers concluded that, although children with severe irritability were being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, severe irritability and bipolar disorder are not the same. However, irritability, like bipolar disorder, can be very impairing for children, and little is known about what causes it or how to treat it. Therefore, today, NIMH clinicians continue to investigate severe irritability and the related diagnosis of Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD).
Children pass through many phases of development as they grow up. It can be hard to know if a child is going through normal development or showing signs of something more serious. Occasional outbursts are a normal outcome of being tired, uncomfortable, or frustrated. In some children it can be chronic and explosive.
Children who enroll in NIMH studies have irritability that significantly impacts their functioning at home, in school and with other children.
Click here to learn more about the current studies and how to participate.
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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 |
During the month of May (which is Mental Health Awareness Month), 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 that details the campaign, which can be printed as a double-sided sheet to give to prospective ribbon campaign partners.
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May 24th-
The Albany County Department of Mental Health
Presents the 5th Annual
May is Mental Health Month Health and Wellness Fair
Wednesday, May 24, 2017
11:00am - 1:00pm
Department of Health/Mental Health Building
175 Green Street, Basement
Alabny, NY 12202
For more information contact Vikki Williams at (518) 447-4555
MAY 24th-NAMI Montgomery-Fulton- Hamilton Family Wellness Series. Know the 10 Signs:Early Detection Matters-presenter Gullermo Hinrichs. 5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m. #2390 Riverfront Center, Amsterdam,N.Y. 12010. For more information (518)843-3261
MAY 31st-
NAMI Montgomery-Fulton- Hamilton Family Wellness Series. New York State Office of Mental Health-presenter John Stenson. 5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m. #2390 Riverfront Center, Amsterdam,N.Y. 12010. For more information (518)843-3261
June 13-Join the Brain and Behavioral Research Foundation for their latest Meet the Scientist webinar. The topic is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and the presenter will be Carolyn I. Rodriguez, M.D., Ph.D., Stanford University School of Medicine. The webinar will take place from 2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. EST. Click here for more information.
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2017 NAMI-NYS TRAINING SCHEDULE
Please contact your local affiliate program leaders for more information and how to enroll.
NAMI Support Group Facilitator Training
June 3rd-4th, 2017
Trainers: Deniece Chi & Nancy Parker
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 In Our Own Voice Presenter Training
June 24th-25th, 2017
Trainers: Cynthia Scott & Lady Charmaine Day
Location: NAMI-NYS Office Albany
CLASS IS FULL NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATION
NAMI Family-to-Family Teacher Training
July 14th-16th, 2017
Trainers: Ann Canastra & Cheri Caiella
Location: Comfort Suite Cicero-Syracuse
NAMI Homefront Teacher Training
September 16th-17th 2017
Trainers: Pam Solomon & Jerry Burton
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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