Quote of the Week:
""If we don't get ourselves and our own house in order ... we are on a crash course for a very, very bad outcome,"
-Jason Helgerson, NYS Medicaid Director.
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Quick Links
Click here to watch the latest episode featuring the reasons to support NAMIWALKS NYS
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Click here for more information on our 2017 Education Conference.
This edition of the NAMI-NYS E-News comes on the heals of another federal victory as the NAMI's advocacy once again contributed to the defeat of another potentially disastrous federal health care bill. In this edition, we have details on how you can make your voice heard on one of NAMI-NYS's action agenda priorities: access to safe and affordable housing, as we participate in the Bring it Home: Better Funding for Better Care campaign. This edition also spotlights the latest speaker addition to the NAMI-NYS Education Conference. You will also find an article on how to help someone in crisis, the latest NYS-OMH Newsletter and an update from NIMH and the NIH All of Us research initiative.
As always, we want to know about the work you are doing.
Please email
Matthew@NAMINYS.org 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 is pleased to announce the latest addition to our
Amanda Lipp. Amanda serves on the NAMI board and
is an in demand speaker throughout the country on mental and behavioral health. Amanda's messages come from a place of passion from experiencing psychiatric hospitalization her freshman year of college, to consulting professionally in mental health care and serving on national boards. Amanda is also a filmmaker who is directing the newest videos for New York State early psychosis intervention program
OnTrackNY.
She will debut the latest OnTrackNY video at the conference.
Amanda will be one of the distinguished panelists for the session
With Intervention, Engagement and Implementation: Recovery is Possible
on Saturday, November 11th. The other panelists are:
Keris Jan Myrick,
Director at the Office of Consumer Affairs and Center for Mental Health Services at SAMHSA.
Hakeem Rahim
,
Renowned mental health advocate and one of NAMI-NYS's leading faces of recovery.
John Allen,
Special Assistant to the Commissioner of the New York State Office of Mental Health will be moderating the session.
Join NAMI-NYS and Our Advocacy Coalition to
Bring It Home and Get Better Funding for Better Care
NAMI-NYS is proud to be a part of the advocacy coalition, "Bring It Home: Better Funding for Better Care," which is working to get increased funding for mental health housing programs.
The coalition is led by the Association for Community Living and other partners include the Mental Health Association of New York State (MHANYS), the New York Association for Psychiatric Rehabilitative Services (NYAPRS), The Supportive Housing Network of New York and the Coalition for Behavioral Health and many, many providers.
The availability of housing with wrap-around support services has long been one of NAMI-NYS's top advocacy priorities. As many of our readers know, housing funding is woefully inadequate, putting thousands of units of mental health housing at risk.
The campaign is officially kicking off on Tuesday, October 10th on the Million Dollar Staircase inside the NYS Capitol building. There will be a briefing ahead of the press conference at Meeting Room 7. The briefing will begin at 10:15 sharp and then we will head over to the staircase at 11:00. We hope you will join us in this campaign launch for adequate mental health housing rates! We need a large showing of people there to attract press coverage.
Please Click here to register so we know how many people are coming. Thank you!!! #Act4MentalHealth.
Congratulations to the Newest NAMI-NYS
Family Support Group Facilitators
T
his past weekend NAMI-NYS hosted a Family Support Group Training. We want to congratulate all our new facilitators and thank trainers Mary Beth Honsinger and Almarie Tulloch.
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NAMI Offers Advice on How To Help Someone In Crisis
As many of our readers know all too well,
a mental health crisis can take many forms-self-harm, panic attacks, suicidal ideation, getting in trouble with the law, planning or considering hurting one's self or others-but no matter what kind of crisis someone might be going through, you can help.
Click here to read advice from NAMI on how to help support someone during moments of crisis.
We Don't Talk About Grandma
In a cross-collaboration blog between NAMI and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), Shannon Donnick talks about losing her grandmother to suicide and how her family never addressed what actually happened or the unique set of emotions surrounding a loved one to suicide. Shannon goes on to explain her work as manager of Loss and Healing Programs at AFSP's national office in New York City, where her specific focus is managing the Survivor Outreach Program (SOP).
Shannon says the Survivor Outreach Program is, in her opinion, human connection at its finest. Their trained volunteers, all having lost a loved one to suicide themselves, meet with fellow loss survivors soon after their loss: either face-to-face, by phone, or via computer, answering questions about the unique experience of losing a loved one to suicide, and letting them know that they are not alone.
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State Medicaid Director: Delivery Reform Needed for Health Care System's Survival
New York State Medicaid Director Jason Helgerson detailed the need to overhall the state's health care system at a health care conference in Manhattan sponsored by the New York State Society of CPSs. "If we don't get ourselves and our own house in order ... we are on a crash course for a very, very bad outcome," Helgerson said.
One way Helgerson suggests this can be done is by being proactive in addressing health and preventing negative outcomes.
Changes to Medicaid managed care will be one of the issues discussed on the Sunday morning feature session "Updates on New York State Initiatives" at the 2017 NAMI-NYS Education Conference.
OMH Newsletter
Click here to read the latest edition of the NYS Office of Mental Health News. This edition looks at coordinating mental health services in New York's communities.
New Teletherapy Platform for College Students Launches in New York State
BetterMynd is a new online mental health and teletherapy platform for college students recently launched in New York State. BetterMynd partners directly with colleges and their counseling centers to offer students access to a diverse network of licensed mental health counselors. The platform allows students to review, schedule, and have a secure online video-therapy session with the counselor of their choice-all from the comfort and privacy of their laptops or smartphones.
As colleges across the nation are seeing a dramatic spike in the number of students seeking mental health counseling, BetterMynd brings more resources to strained counseling centers and helps to reduce the stigma of seeking care through its transparent and private online platform.
BetterMynd will continue to expand to additional New York colleges and universities over the upcoming months. If you would like to bring BetterMynd to your campus or to learn more about the platform, please contact Cody Semrau, Founder & CEO, at
codysemrau@bettermynd.com
, or visit
www.bettermynd.com
.
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SAMHSA Releases New Guide to Using Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Services
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) has provided a guide titled "Roadmap to Behavioral Health." This "roadmap" is meant to be a resource for all things relating to behavioral health such as definitions on certain terms, locations of health service providers, and the information on the procedures.
This guide takes the form of a 1MB pdf file on the SAMSHA website and not only has information on procedures but also gives a walk through of all stages of dealing with behavioral health problems, from finding providers to seeking follow-up care.
Could FDA's Proposed Plan Help Smokers With Mental Disorders Quit For Good?
The Food and Drug Administration has a new plan to decrease the number of cigarette smokers in the United StatesĀ- reduce the nicotine.
According to the article, the number of cigarette and tobacco smokers has fallen in the U.S. However people with psychiatric issues make up the majority of current smokers. The FDA has introduced the plan to reduce the amount of nicotine in cigarettes in order to make them less addictive.
They will not be less harmful since the cigarettes themselves contain a vast amount of harmful chemicals. By making them less addictive individuals can gradually cut back on their intake and switch to alternatives before they, hopefully, quit.
New Calculator Helps Predict Risk of Developing Psychosis Across Diagnoses
In treating mental illnesses, early detection is the key to minimizing their impact on an individual's quality of life. When assessing a consumer's risk for developing symptoms of psychosis, mental health providers reach for a screening called At-Risk Mental State (ARMS). Unfortunately, this "early warning" tool is not always effective, leading to consumers remaining untreated when they could have otherwise sought its benefits.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association - Psychiatry tested an online tool to supplement the standard ARMS questionnaire. The supplement collects information on the consumer's age, sex, ethnicity, and other diagnoses. Based on these, the program may recommend follow-up for consumers whose ARMS scores might have otherwise gone unnoticed, thus reducing the number of consumers whose conditions go untreated.
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NIMH Update
Watch the Latest NIH
All of Us Research Initiative
Director's Video Blog
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NAMI-NYS's Matthew Shapiro and All of Us Director
Eric Dishman
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In our
summary
of the 2017 NIMH Outreach Partner meeting we detailed NIH's groundbreaking
All of Us
research
initiative, which aims to track more than a million people to garner a better understanding of what leads to health and disease. In his latest video blog, All of Us director, Eric Dishman
provides an update on the beta-testing and status of the program.
.
Clinical Trial Recruitment
The primary purpose of this research study is to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the oral drug AV-101 (an antagonist of the glycine receptor) versus placebo. The study aims to determine if this experimental drug has antidepressant effects and fewer side effects than other novel treatments for depression.
We are enrolling moderately depressed individuals between the ages of 18 and 65 with hard-to-treat major depressive disorder. This inpatient study lasts up to 14 weeks and procedures include a medication taper, taking the research drug, taking placebo and 4 brain imaging scans. Optional procedures include a lumbar puncture and catheter placement in the spine two times. After completing the study, participants receive short-term follow-up care at the NIH while transitioning back to a provider.
The study is conducted at theNIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland and enrolls eligible participants from across the USA. Travel arrangements are provided and costs are covered by NIMH (arrangements vary by distance). There is no cost to participate and compensation is provided.
or call 1-877-646-3644 (1-877-MIND-NIH [TTY: 1-866-411-1010].
As is our tradition, the
2017 NAMI-NYS Education Conference, will once again feature an Update on NIMH research. This year, we are thrilled to welcome
Kathleen R Merikangas, Ph.D, Chief of NIMH's Genetic Epidemiology Research Branch. Dr. Merikangas will present on her landmark community-based family study of affective spectrum disorders and their overlap with other mental disorders and medical disorders such as migraine and cardiovascular disease.
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 There is still time to support
NAMIWalk NYS
If you are one of the thousands of people who received education and/or support from NAMI-NYS thus past year or if you believe in NAMI-NYS's mission of providing help and hope to communities in all corners of the state, then we ask that you please support our NAMIWalks Efforts.
Even if you couldn't join us for the walk please consider making a donation to our NAMIWalks effort by clicking here.
See Pictures from NAMIWalks NYS
Click here to see pictures from NAMIWalks NYS on Facebook.
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Click here to learn more and register for the 2017 NAMI-NYS Education Conference-
Engagement, Implementation, Internvention: Three Pronged Approach to Sustainable Mental Health Recovery,
taking place November 10-12 at the Desmond Hotel in Albany.
OCTOBER 5
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The 2017 In My Mind: A LGBTQ Peoples of Color Mental Health Conference will be taking place October 5 & 6th in New York City.
Over the course of two days, with 30 presentations in five Sessions, 14 of which qualify for Continuing Education Credits, the conference brings mental health professionals, clinicians, advocates, consumers, students and activists together for a cross-pollination, sharing ideas, research, experiences, and to examine the many issues contributing to mental health destabilization affecting LGBTQ peoples of color, and to learn healing, in a 75-minute yoga and meditation session, guided by Nanda Mahadeo, a Hindu priestess.
Click here to learn more about the conference
OCTOBER 7-
NAMI Finger Lakes will present Dr. Stephen Glatt talking about "The Genetics of Mental Disorders" on Saturday, October 7 at the Space@GreenStar, 700 West Buffalo Street, Ithaca, from 2-4 pm.
A reception will follow the presentation and all are invited.
Are mental disorders hereditary? Does having a relative with schizophrenia increase my children's chances of developing the illness? What is the latest research on the genetic basis of mental disorders?
Dr. Glatt will document the historical framework for identifying genetic contributions to the risk of major mental disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, autism, and others, using the tools of genetic epidemiology. Dr. Glatt will also field questions over a wide range of topics relating to the genetics and biology underlying major mental disorders.
NAMI Finger Lakes is pleased to present this free informational program during Mental Health Awareness Week, the first full week of October. We thank the Triad Foundation for their support. Please call 607-266-8079 for more information.
OCTOBER 10
-The Brain and Behavioral Research Foundation hosts their free monthly Q&A webinar series: Psychosocial Interventions for Maternal Depression:Impact on School Age Children
Presented by: Holly A. Swartz, M.D., University of Pittsburgh, 2006 Young Investigator
Moderated by: Jeffrey Borenstein, M.D.
2:00pm-3:00pm EST
Dr. Swartz will discuss findings from a randomized trial comparing two brief psychosocial interventions as treatments for depressed mothers of children and adolescents with psychiatric disorders. She will focus on the effects of maternal depression treatment on children.
REGISTER TODAY
Join by phone or on the web: bbrfoundation.org/octoberwebinar
OCTOBER 11-NAMI NYC Metro Seeds of Hope: Ending the Silence. Wednesday October 11th from 6:00pm to 9:30pm at the Metropolitan Pavilion West. For more information regarding Sponsorship or Ticket/Table Sales, please email
Sarah Sheahan or call her at 212.684.3365 x 207.
Click here to purchase Tickets/Tables
OCTOBER 14-NAMI Rensselaer 4th Annual Recognition Dinner & Consumer Art Show. Otcober 14
th from 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm at
Moscatiello's Italian Family Restaurant, 99 N. Greenbush Road (Rt. 4), Troy, NY 12180. Directions:
www.moscatiellos.com . Buffet Dinner and cash bar, Members $25.00, Non Member $30.00. Please make checks payable to NAMI Rensselaer County, Inc. RSVP by October 1
st. NAMI Rensselaer County, PO Box 397, West Sand Lake, NY 12196, (518)588-6949.Contact Mary Beth Honsinger at 518-491-3743 or Sandra Dinato at 518-439-3834.
OCTOBER 17-NA
MI Rochester hosts the 16th Annual Jessica Henderson Memorial Event. NAMI Rochester is thrilled to welcome Mike Veny as the 2017 Jessica Henderson Event featured speaker. Mike Veny is one of America's leading mental health speakers and a high-energy drum circle facilitator. He has delivered educational, engaging, and entertaining presentations to audiences throughout the world. As a 2017 PM360 ELITE Award Winner, Mike is recognized as one of the 100 most influential people in the healthcare industry. He starred in several OC87 Recovery Diaries documentary films, two of which were featured at Rochester's own 2017 Reel Minds Film series.
Doors open at 6:00pm | Program begins at 7:00pm
NEW LOCATION
Penfield High School Auditorium
25 High School Drive, Penfield, NY 14526
OCTOBER 26- Capital District Psychiatric Center
, Inpatient Discharge Services & Best Practices Presented By Chris Tosado, LCSW-R CDPC Social Work Supervisor. Thursday October 26
th at 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm in the CDPC Family Resource Center. 75 New Scotland Ave., Albany, NY.There will be time for Questions and Answers as well as support services after the presentation.For more information or to register contact: Frank Greco, Director of Family Services (518) 549-6816
Click here to download flyer
OCTOBER 27
-Northern Rivers presents the second part of their two-part symposium on psychosis, Who Said the Voices Aren't Real?
Part 2: Hearing Voices: An Experiential Learning Workshop
Friday, October 27
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (If demand warrants, a 1:00 p.m. workshop will be added)
Sidney Albert Training and Research Institute (SATRI)
60 Academy Rd, Albany, NY 12208
The workshop is limted to 40 participants.
In this 3 hour workshop, participants will learn about the experience of hearing distressing voices through didactics and using headphones to listen to a specially designed recording. During this simulated experience of hearing voices, participants undertake a series of tasks including social interaction in the community, and mock psychiatric interview. The simulation experience is followed by a debriefing and discussion period. Watch a video clip of Pat Deegan, the developer of the hearing voices simulation, describing the process.
*Please note that this training is not recommended for individuals who hear voices as the simulation experience can be triggering.
OCTOBER 28-Healthy Minds Empowerment Conference. from 8:00 AM-2:00 PM at Medaille College 18 Agassiz Cir, Buffalo, NY 14214. For Teens (7th-12th grade), Parents & Teen Leaders.Questions about this event may be directed to Ann Venuto, President of NAMI Buffalo
annvenuto@gmail.com /
(716) 689-1159, or Josephine Cross, Chairman of the Health Promotion Committee of AKA Gamma Phi Omega Chapter
akagpo@gmail.com
/ (716) 636-3014.
Click here for more information
. Join us for a day of free workshops to explore the emotional and mental well being of youth and to empower youth and adults who care for them. *Free Breakfast & Lunch
NOVEMBER 2nd-
Join NAMI Queens/Nassau for a Conversation with
Senator John Brooks, the Ranking Member of the Senate Mental Health Committee, who will be an honored guest at the Conversation and other NY State Legislators from Queens & Nassau
NAMIQN is honored and pleased to invite you to a Conversation with NY State Legislators. We have invited every State Senator and Assembly member from Queens and Nassau to attend. We will speak with legislators about such important topics as housing, Case Management, Assisted Outpatient Treatment, Revolving Door Mental Health Care, Support for people with dual diagnoses, and other topics about which the legislators need to be informed.
T
he event will begin at 7:00 P.M. at The Shelter Rock Unitarian Universalist Congregation located at 48 Shelter Rock Road in Manhasset.
Please let us know you are coming to help make a difference!
NOVEMBER 14th-The Brain and Behaviroral Research Foundation hosts their free monthly Q&A webinar series: Research Updates: Improving Functioning in Schizophrenia
Presented by: Stephen R. Marder, M.D. University of California, Los Angeles
Professor, Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Director, Section on Psychosis,
2016 Lieber Prizewinner for Outstanding Achievement in Schizophrenia Research
Moderated by: Jeffrey Borenstein, M.D.
2:00pm-3:00pm EST
Patients with psychotic illnesses are usually interested in treatments that relieve active symptoms and improve their abilities to function at work, school, and in their everyday lives. This webinar will provide an overview of recent research on pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches to improving functioning.
REGISTER TODAY
DECEMBER 12-The Brain and Behaviroral Research Foundation hosts their free monthly Q&A webinar series: Robert Lowell: Courage, Genius, and Bipolar Disorder
Presented by: Kay Redfield Jamison, Ph.D. Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine / Johns Hopkins Hospital, The Dalio Family Professor in Mood Disorders, Professor of Psychiatry, 2010 NARSAD Productive Lives Award
Moderated by: Jeffrey Borenstein, M.D.
2:00pm-3:00pm EST
Robert Lowell, one of the greatest of American poets, had particularly devastating bipolar disorder. The webinar will discuss his illness and its relationship to his genius, as well as the role Lowell's enormous discipline and courage played in his life and writing.
Join by phone or on the web:
bbrfoundation.org/decemberwebinar
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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
October 20th-22nd, 2017
Trainers: Pam Soloman & Geraldine Burton
Location: NAMI-NYS Office Albany
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