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From the desk of Jackie Lane, Executive Director NAMI CC&I
A Very Special Thank You
To a Special Donor
Here at the NAMI CC&I office as we do the "cleanup" work and the final accounting from the highly successful Siobhan Leigh Kinlin Memorial Golf Tournament -2017, we need to take time to recognize the individuals who have had significant positive impact on the growth and development of this event. Last month, I wrote about the Arnett family, who founded this event, and the Robert Kinlin family who has brought the event to the high level, high quality fundraiser that we experienced this year.
For the past two years, our presenting sponsor has been the Weny Charitable Trust, administered by Roger Ludwig, Trustee. The Weny Charitable Trust has played an important role in Cape Cod philanthropy since 2003, making significant donations, for both capital campaigns and operating expenses, to many vital institutions including Cape Cod Healthcare, Harwich Junior Theater, The Cape Cod Museum of Art, Heritage Museums & Gardens, YMCA Cape Cod, the Thornton Burgess Society, and the Community Health Center of Cape Cod. NAMI CC&I is extremely grateful to now be included in the major philanthropic initiatives of the Weny Charitable Trust. Roger Ludwig has also been recognized as Cape Cod Philanthropist of the Year for his work on behalf of the Trust, underlining the community's realization of the impact of these generous gifts.
Interestingly, the Weny Charitable Trust does not have Cape Cod origins. The trust was founded by Frank X. Weny, a New Jersey businessman who was a client of Roger Ludwig's CPA firm. Both the Wenys and the Ludwigs had the misfortune to have sons suffering from Type 1 Diabetes, and Mr. Weny decided to create a trust with property from his estate. Roger Ludwig, who with his late wife retired to the Cape, was named Trustee and has made these generous contributions supporting health and education, fulfilling the mission of the Trust. One of the important projects funded by the Trust has been the development of the Weny Diabetes Resource Center housed at YMCA Cape Cod, providing free resources and information for Type I and Type II diabetics as well as those diagnosed with pre-diabetes and their families and caregivers. NAMI CC&I is partnering with YMCA Cape Cod in this programming, bringing a "whole person" approach to the treatment and management of this chronic disease. There is significant comorbidity between depression, a mental health issue and diabetes, a physical condition.
In addition to his generous support of our golf event, Roger Ludwig, through the Weny Charitable Trust, sponsored the 2017 CCIT (Community Crisis Intervention Team) trainings that have impacted all the Cape Cod police departments, helping officers to understand and appropriately respond to calls and individuals when a mental/behavioral health issue is involved. We, at NAMI CC&I, sincerely thank Roger Ludwig and the Weny Charitable Trust for the generous Presenting Sponsorship of the SLK Memorial Golf Tournament as well as the sponsorship of our very well received police training program.
Thank you to the Weny Charitable Trust and to Roger Ludwig, Trustee!
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From the desk of Mary Zdanowicz, Esq.
Private psychiatric hospitals closed by the Department of Mental Health
Last month, the Department of Mental Health permanently closed Arbour Health System's Westwood Lodge, which had adult and child inpatient units, citing "critical safety issues." This month, DMH suspended admissions to another Arbour facility in Lowell after finding "serious issues involving patient safety." Arbour's Pembroke Hospital is also under investigation. There have been several patient deaths at the facility in recent years.
Arbour Health Systems operates five private inpatient facilities in MA under contract with DMH, Arbour's parent company. Universal Health Services (UHS) operates facilities in several states. Like the hospitals in MA, many of UHS' hospitals have serious issues, such as patient and staff safety, inadequate staffing, patient abuse, cleanliness, etc. There is a website that chronicles the problems in each state.
Massachusetts psychiatric hospital system
Massachusetts operates five inpatient psychiatric hospitals with a total 671 continuing-care beds. State continuing care hospitals do not accept acute-care patients. Pocasset Mental Health Center is one of only two state-run intermediate care inpatient facilities in the state and admits patients for up to 90 days.
The Department of Mental Health contracts with private hospitals for short-term acute care beds (less than 30 days). There are approximately 1,000 short-term care beds located in general hospitals, such as Cape Cod Hospital. There are approximately 1,000 short-term care beds located in private "free-standing" psychiatric hospitals. "Free-standing" private hospitals were meant to replace state psychiatric beds. However, they provide only acute care and do not provide the range of services available in the state hospitals. Arbour Hospital in Pembroke and South Coast Behavioral Health Hospital in Dartmouth are private-for-profit psychiatric hospitals. McLean Hospital is a private not-for-profit psychiatric hospital.
If patients need more than acute care, they must be transferred to one of the 671 remaining state hospital beds (Taunton Psychiatric Hospital has 45 beds and Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital has 260 adult beds). However, more than 80% of the patients transferred to Worcester are from the criminal justice system, either for court-ordered psychiatric evaluations for trial or transfers from the Department of Corrections' Bridgewater State Hospital.
In order for a patient in a private acute hospital to be transferred to a state hospital, a doctor must submit an application to the state. If the state approves the application, the patient must wait up to 90 days for a bed to become available in a hospital such as the Worcester Recovery Center. The private hospitals lose money in the meantime, which is one reason they may be reluctant to make the application. Even if a patient is accepted, only about half of the patients who are referred are actually admitted. About half of the patients are diverted to outpatient services or the application is withdrawn.
The bottom line is that it is nearly impossible to be admitted to a state hospital for continuing care. We need more state hospital beds!
Advocacy Programs:
Telling Your Story Effectively
October 18, 2017 5:30 pm
Hampton Inn
When talking to any professional about your relative's mental health history, it is important to be concise and precise. This is particularly important if it is a doctor, police officer or legislator that has limited time. At this meeting we will discuss how to communicate your story effectively.
Estate Planning & Special Needs Trusts
November 15, 2017 5:30 pm
Hampton Inn
Robert P. Mascali, Esq. will discuss recent developments in estate planning for individuals with special needs.
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Siobhan Leigh Kinlin Memorial Golf Tournament
September 11, 2017 at The Oyster Harbors Club
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| First Place Winners: Michael Schnackenberg, Chad Simmons, Chris Power, Chris Hunter |
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| Gretchen Reilly and Mary LeClair |
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| Volunteer Auctioneer Jere Doyle |
Our heartfelt thanks to all of our sponsors, donors, golfers, diners, volunteers as well as the folks at Oyster Harbors who helped make this event so successful and enjoyable. |
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"You Are Not Alone"
Mental Health Primer
is Coming...
NAMI CC&I is producing a concise, user-friendly, free 60-page booklet containing 10 chapters on the most common issues facing families, friends and caregivers who are dealing with a loved one with a mental illness including: what to do in a crisis, how to deal with the police, what happens when you go to the hospital, myths of mental illness, medication and treatment options, how to apply for DMH services, how to navigate the legal system and much more. It will also have an up-to-date Resource List of inpatient and outpatient resources on Cape Cod. The lack of this kind of written information was seen as a crucial missing piece by many mental healthcare professionals as well as members of our classes and support groups. The goal of the Primer is to help allay fears, foster understanding and provide concrete information and education to those who need it so that they will be better able to deal with and help their loved one.
We are grateful to grants from Cape Cod Healthcare, The Edward Bangs Kelley & Elza Kelley Foundation and The Cape Cod Five Charitable Foundation to cover printing costs.
We expect to have the Primer available in October 2017,
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Monthly Book Review
"Shooting Ghosts: A U.S. Marine, a Combat Photographer, and Their Journey
Back from War"
by Thomas Brennan and Finbarr O'Reilly
T
his is a powerful and difficult book to read. However, it is an important book, and if you want to learn on a personal level about the traumas of war and the difficulties of reintegrating into society after deployment then this is a must read. This book is cowritten by a retired Marine, Thomas Brennan, and a war photographer, Finbarr O'Reilly. They worked side by side in Afghanistan in 2010. Subsequently both suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Brennan also had a Traumatic Brain Injury. Over the following years they separately faced the consequences of their injuries and sought appropriate treatment. They stayed in touch over that time and have now written a book describing their experiences.
In their book you learn about their battle with the invisible wounds of the war. One third of returning veterans suffer mental health disorders and/or brain injury. At the same time that so many veterans are affected by PTSD and TBI, it is difficult for many to seek care. Seeking care is viewed as a sign of weakness and shame. The result is that, on average, 22 veterans commit suicide every day. Many others suffer from depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Thomas Brennan describes how he lied during post-deployment evaluations in order to not be singled out. When he finally realized his need for treatment he was shamed and considered a malingerer by other officers. The book points to the fact that the need for treatment is large, resources are limited, and military culture prevents service members from seeking needed care.
The book also looks at the difficulties encountered when deployments end and veterans try to reintegrate into society. Veterans returning with skills needed to survive combat find that these skills must be unlearned. Hyper vigilance, repressed emotions, physical aggressiveness all can make reintegration difficult. At the same time they have lost the connection to their "brothers" in combat. Not only does the veteran suffer but his or her family can suffer, too.
This is ultimately also a book of hope. Both authors, with the help of supportive families and communities and ongoing treatment, have been able to reintegrate and re-engage with society. It, however, was a clear struggle with highs and lows and heartache. This is an important book to read. The experiences and lessons here are very personal. The authors don't hold anything back and as citizens we need to have a better understanding of what servicemen and women face on a daily basis. In ending I also would like to point out a resource on the internet. Thomas Brennan has a website, thewarhorse.org, that provides information and descriptions of experiences of other veterans that can be a big help to veterans and their families. In addition every Massachusetts town has a Veteran Service Officer that can provide information on services for veterans.
Written by Dr. George Vitek, retired pediatrician who practiced for 28 years in Wilbraham, MA. Married father of four and grandfather of 9.
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Ruth Blount
NAMI on Nantucket Program Coordinator |
Without question, the major report from Nantucket for September, 2017 is the 2nd annual Dragonfly fundraiser, which raises money for NAMI on Nantucket 2018 activities. Thank you, thank you, thank you to Kate and Chris Kling, Kate's committee, and to all the businesses and community members who supported this very important event!
Kate Reports: The 2nd annual Dragonfly Fundraiser was a great success despite the storm Jose!! Heavy winds and rain couldn't keep guests away from supporting the important cause of mental health on Nantucket. I was so pleased to see so many people attend because unfortunately many, including family, sponsors, committee members, & Jackie Lane, NAMI executive director & her staff, were stuck off island due to the storm. On that cold rainy evening, 120+ guests were warmly welcomed by Dragonfly committee members and NAMI volunteers at The Nantucket Hotel & Resort to learn about NAMI, listen to Jeff Ross's music, mingle & meet new friends, enjoy appetizers, the incredible raw bar donated by Raw Bar Yoho, wine/beer, and bid on the silent auction.
The room featured tables with sea green linen overlays, candles, arrangements with sea grass and dragonflies, large flower arrangements donated by Flowers on Chestnut, a photograph booth given by Zofia Photography, & donated artwork displayed around the room. Guests mingled and bid generously throughout the silent auction. With more than 40 items donated, the auction raised more than $27,000, & included incredible photographs from Nathan Coe & Lauren Martilla, jewelry from Jessica Hicks & Gypsy, a wine tasting from Epernay, flights from Tradewinds Aviation, and a Boston getaway, among others. Local Nantucket media, including Gene Mahon from Mahon about Town, Holly Finigan from Nantucket's Blackbook, and Emme Duncan from Nantucket Magazine were present. In addition to my speech, where I welcomed and thanked the guests, our sponsors, committee members, & NAMI; Kevin Dale of Vaughan Dale Hunter & Beaudette & a NAMI board member, as well as Ruth Blount, NAMI on Nantucket coordinator, spoke about the resources NAMI is offering on Nantucket and how Dragonfly helps to fund NAMI. I look forward to continuing to work with sponsors, committee members, and NAMI to raise even more funds next year at our 3rd annual Dragonfly Fundraiser next year.
Jackie Lane, our NAMI CC&I executive director, came to the island on Sept. 12 to answer second-level questions concerning two grants we are applying for from the CHIP money. One grant being applied for is to provide the foundation money needed to launch the David Glidden Memorial Travel Fund. The other is to fund a Mental Health Resource Awareness Campaign on the island of Nantucket, which would represent all mental health resources on the island, but be administered by NAMI CC&I Hyannis office.
NAMI on Nantucket is committed to being involved with the Nantucket Behavioral Health Task Force, which works to identify and resolve missing links in services on Nantucket. One huge problem to tackle is the need for an ambulance to deliver behavioral health patients to facilities off-island. It is an extremely complicated issue.
NAMI on Nantucket is offering a free six-week Basics course for families with a child who struggles from any level of behavioral health challenges, whether ADHD, anxiety, depression, OCD, schizophrenia, bipolar, or if the family is just not comfortable with any aspect of their child's emotional development.
Thursdays, Oct. 5 to Nov. 9
6 to 8 pm
4 Trotters Lane
Light supper provided.
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And From NAMI on Martha's Vineyard
September is a wonderful month on the island. With the tourists departing and the beautiful weather, now we can all enjoy all the island has to offer!
Two grants were submitted specifically for the Vineyard. If awarded, the grant money will be earmarked for expansion of programs and increased visibility of NAMI on Martha's Vineyard.
The support group attendance was up in July and August; ranging from 8 - 10. Typically we see around 4-6.
Cecilia Brennan is a new member of the NAMI Cape Cod & The Islands Board of Directors.
Please contact Cecilia at 201-981-5123 with questions or interest in becoming involved.
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Families for Depression Awareness
Bipolar Disorder: Beyond the Basics
a New Webinar Coming This Fall
For family caregivers and others with an interest in supporting someone with bipolar disorder
When bipolar disorder is properly managed, people with bipolar disorder can live full and complete lives, pursuing relationships, having careers, raising families, and so on.
But all too often bipolar disorder creates difficult and sometimes dangerous situations. A manic episode
can reduce a person's inhibitions, leading to risky behaviors such as substance use, lack of judgment
about personal safety, overspending, and sexual indiscretions. A depressive episode can result in loss of employment, alienation of support, and even suicidal behavior.
Family caregivers need practical answers for dealing with difficult problems. This webinar builds on our
basic bipolar disorder webinar, which covers diagnosis, treatment, and managing bipolar disorder.
In this new webinar, we drill down to concrete solutions to challenges of providing appropriate support to
a person with bipolar disorder.
http://familyaware.org/programs-overview/register-for-a-free-educational-webinar
More Than Mood: Depression Symptoms Webinar
This 52-minute webinar goes in depth into familiar depression symptoms, depression symptoms related
to thinking (cognition), how you may recognize cognitive impairment in a loved one, and helpful
techniques to use to support someone struggling with cognitive impairment. Alice Medalia, Ph.D., is the webinar facilitator. Dr. Medalia is the Clinical Director of Cognitive Health Services at the New York
State Office of Mental Health and a Professor of Medical Psychology at Columbia University Medical
Center.
Download the More Than Mood Toolkit Fact Sheet
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Peer Services
The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance of Cape Cod (DBSA-CC)
meets every Wednesday from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
at the Cape Cod Medical Center, 40 Quinlan Way, Hyannis
(across the parking lot from Cape Psych Center)
Enter at the white portico and take the elevator to the conference room in the basement
DBSA-CC is a non-profit, self help organization run by and for people with bipolar and depressive illness. Family and friends are also welcome. There are no membership fees. We come together to share support and information with other members in similar situations.
For further information, contact Lois at 508-681-8598
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Dance In The Rain
Dance in the Rain Whole Person Approach is a non-profit organization that supports peers who struggle with mental illness. Located in the heart of Hyannis, we provide this population with an opportunity to expand their lives, despite their condition, to grow, engage and heal. The staff, from executive director to volunteers, live with a history of mental illness as well. Our staff is well vetted to work with other peers who wish grow and seek to define themselves beyond mental illness. We are the only program in New England to have an organization that is conceived, developed and designed by peers for peers. Daily programs are offered to enhance self-esteem and positive identity.
Dance in the Rain is also excited to announce a new focus on workshops for this year. We continue to provide daily workshops but now they are more holistic approaches toward healing. Everything from meditation to Concepts of Building Wholeness. Check out www.danceintherain-wpa.org for more information.
Mary E. Munsell
Founder/Executive Director/Peer
Dance in the Rain Whole Person Approach
Peer to Peer Mental Health Center
501 c 3 Non Profit Public Charity
508-364-4045
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Transportation Services....
The Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority provides a daily general public demand service called Dial-A-Ride Transportation (DART) that is a door-to-door ride by appointment transportation service. It is available to all 15 Cape towns, runs from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm on weekdays and more limited hours on weekends. It is easy to access and use.
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Humane treatment comes at last to Bridgewater State Hospital, where prisoners have become 'persons served' - The Boston Globe
Read this excellent article on the major changes at Bridgewater State Hospital
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Mental Health Needs of Young Adults Experiencing Homelessness
Pathways RTC Webinar- September 19, 2017:
The webinar examined how young adults manage their mental health needs while homeless. It outlined the implications for programs providing mental health services for transition age youth. Data was sited from the Homeless Youth Risk and Resilience Survey, a new study of homeless young adults (age 18-26). The data was gathered through drop-in centers and shelters in seven cities across the country.
Research on the topic has found that there is a Bi-Directional relationship between mental health issues and homelessness. That is, mental health issues may be the cause of homelessness, or the stress of homelessness may effect one's mental health.
The main stress factors leading to poor mental health as well as housing instability include early trauma, being involved in a system such as foster care or juvenile justice, substance abuse, fragile family relationships and strained support systems.
The populations identified to be at the highest risk are young people who identify as LGBQ or transgender; females; people with a history of substance abuse.
Pathways RTC is offering its next webinar on Tuesday, October 24th at 1pm ET
To view this webinar or others from Pathways RTC go to:
https://www.pathwaysrtc.pdx.edu/webinars-previous
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Tidbits...
Mark Your Calendars:
There is currently a Family-to-Family program beginning in Wellfleet as well as a filled class ongoing in Barnstable. We will be having classes in other areas of the Cape later this season.
If you or anyone you know is interested in taking Family-to-Family, please call or email
Free DIY Art Projects for Teens - second Tuesday of each month, drop-in, no registration required 2:30 - 4:30 pm 29 Bassett Lane, Hyannis
Come to the Cape Cod Family Resource Center for a time of Do It Yourself art projects for all teens! Supplies will be provided for your teen to exercise and develop their creativity with other peers
For more info, call the Family Resource Center at 508-815-5100
National Depression Screening Day - Thursday, Octobr 5, 2017
For more than two decades, Screening for Mental Health has developed programs to educate, raise awareness, and screen individuals for common behavioral and mental health disorders and suicide. We envision a world where mental health is viewed and treated with the same gravity as physical health, and the public's participation in National Depression Screening Day helps make that vision a reality. National Depression Screening Day, held annually is an education and screening event conducted by hospitals, clinics, colleges and community groups nationwide. Much like the medical community screenings for diabetes and high blood pressure, we wanted to offer large-scale mood disorder screenings for the public. The program provides free, anonymous screenings for depression, generalized anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder, as well as referral to treatment resources if warranted. Screenings are held both online and in-person and thousands of people participate each year. This year our focus is on suicide prevention and learning the part that we can all play in recognizing warning signs and taking correct action steps to help a friend or a loved one in need.
To complete an anonymous self-assessment, go to:
Lawyer For A Day--Free Legal Advice
Held daily at the Barnstable Probate Court. It is advisable to arrive promptly when it opens at 9:00 am as it is first come, first served and fills up quickly.
I
nclusions in the Newsletter
We have recently been asked for last minute inclusions of events in our newsletter. We have instituted a new policy: It is at the discretion of the Executive Director to determine whether content being submitted for distribution to the membership is aligned with our mission. If the content is determined to be appropriate, it may be included in the monthly e-newsletter if it is submitted prior to the first of the month.
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Every dollar you give to NAMI CC&I goes to help support, educate and advocate for the residents of Cape Cod, Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard.
AmazonSmile is a simple way to give when you are shopping on Amazon
Amazon donates 0.5% of your eligible purchases.
It's so easy, you can still use your Amazon Prime and you still collect points. All you need to do is: When you are going to make a purchase on Amazon, first enter
in your internet browser. On your first visit to AmazonSmile, you will be prompted to select a charitable organization .
Select NAMI Cape Cod Inc.
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