A Note from our Executive Director
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I hope everyone is enjoying a wonderful summer! As many of you know, NAMI Oklahoma kicked off June with a hot and humid NAMIWalks 2018. A huge thank you to all of you that participated, volunteered and donated to our highly successful walk.
NAMI OK has recently experienced a change in its Board of Directors leadership. Reginald (Reggie) Hines is our newly elected Board President. Reggie brings a wealth of knowledge and experience regarding mental health from his outstanding career in corrections. Reggie will serve as a catalyst in assisting NAMI OK in engaging the criminal justice system. Cynthia Adair will continue to serve on the board in the role of former/past President. I want to personally recognize Cynthia for her commitment and dedication to NAMI OK. I appreciate Cynthia’s consistent leadership and am thrilled that she will remain actively involved with our organization.
Several NAMI OK staff, board and affiliate members represented Oklahoma at the 2018 NAMI National Convention in New Orleans. They returned informed and invigorated about the direction of NAMI. At the Convention, our own Nadine Lewis (NAMI OK board member) was announced as the new chair to the NAMI Service Members, Veterans and Families Council. It’s exciting to have an Oklahoman providing leadership at the national level, congrats Nadine!
Currently, we are busy organizing upcoming trainings and developing new affiliate areas. We are so very encouraged by the emergence of several areas across our state for potential affiliate development.
As always, thanks to all our NAMI OK members for your continued support in fulfilling our mission to improve the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness through support, education and advocacy. Take care and stay safe this summer!
Regards,
Brandon Pettit
NAMI Oklahoma Executive Director
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Newly Elected Board President
We welcome Reginald (Reggie) Hines, as newly elected President of the NAMI Oklahoma Board of Directors.
Mr. Hines has served on the NAMI Oklahoma board of directors since 2012. He has been a valuable member of the board serving on the Executive Committee and the Nomination/Governance Committee. He also is a strong supporter of the NAMI Oklahoma Walk.
He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in criminal justice and will help us see our mission through a new lens. Mr. Hines' complete bio may be viewed
here
.
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A Look at Minority Mental Health
Mental health conditions do not discriminate based on race, color, gender or identity. Anyone can experience the challenges of mental illness regardless of their background. However, culture, race, ethnicity and sexual orientation can make access to mental health treatment much more difficult.
When trying to access treatment, these communities have to contend with:
- Language barriers
- A culturally insensitive system
- Racism, bias and discrimination in treatment settings
- Lower quality care
- Lower chance of health care coverage
- Stigma from several angles (for being a minority and for having mental illness)
These are all in addition to the usual road blocks. Many cultures also view mental health treatment as a luxury, considering symptoms a “phase” that will eventually pass. These harmful perceptions of mental illness can further isolate individuals who desperately need help.
Here are some videos and stories we hope you'll read / watch & share:
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2018 Mayor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide among Service Members, Veterans, and their Families
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Across all age groups, Oklahoma's military veterans die by suicide at a higher rate than do veterans nationwide, according to a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs report released in September. But among veterans age 18-34, Oklahoma had the highest rate of suicide in the nation, the report shows.
In 2016, the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and key stakeholders began developing a state-wide strategic plan to address the behavioral health issues faced by Service Members, Veterans, and their Families (SMVF) with the assistance of the Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). NAMI Oklahoma has played an active leadership role in the development of the Oklahoma Action Plan.
Recognizing the importance of addressing these needs at the local level, SAMHSA and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are sponsoring the 2018 Mayor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide among Service Members, Veterans, and their Families (Mayor’s Challenge). Tulsa and Oklahoma City have been selected to be among the first 28 cities to participate in the Mayor’s Challenge. The goal of the Mayor's Challenge is to eliminate suicide by implementing a comprehensive public health approach to suicide prevention. Both Mayor Bynum and Mayor Holt invited NAMI Oklahoma to be part of the interagency military and civilian team of leaders.
Key objectives for each city's team are:
- Develop priorities and action items to support the implementation of a local level comprehensive approach to suicide prevention
- Aquire a deeper familiarity with issues surrounding suicide prevention for SMVF
- Using city to city sharing increase knowledge about challenges and lessons learned in implementing strategies
- Employ promising, best, and evidence-based practices to prevent and reduce suicide attempts and deaths by suicide
NAMI Oklahoma is honored to play an active role in reducing the number of suicide attempts and deaths by suicide among SMVF in Oklahoma. We will periodically update you along the process in both cities.
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Thank You for Supporting NAMIWalks 2018!
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I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all that volunteered, walked, donated, and helped spread the word about NAMIWalks. On June 2 our community came together at Myriad Gardens. As I stood back and watched I was so moved to see a wonderful group of 1,000+ individuals that had come together to support their loved ones, NAMI's mission and mental health in our great state.
Our goal this year is to raise $100,000 to fund NAMI programs and expand our reach within the state. Through generous contributions from our sponsors and individuals we have raised $96,006 to date. If you would like to help us make it to the finish line we accept NAMIWalks donations throughout the month of July. To visit our NAMIWalks donation page,
click here.
If you have any photos from the walk I would LOVE to see them! You can share them on our Facebook page or send them to trisha@namioklahoma.org .
NAMIWalks 2019 is tentatively scheduled for the first Saturday of June 2019, mark your calendar and plan to join us in 2019 as we make strides for mental health in Oklahoma!
Warm Regards,
Trisha Chapman
NAMIWalks Manager + Director of Development & Marketing
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Oklahoma HOSA; #1 Fundraiser for National Service Project
Oklahoma health occupation students were recognized for their exemplary skills as well as their volunteer hours and community service at their International Leadership Conference.
NAMI has been HOSA's National Service Project for the 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 school years. Oklahoma HOSA has out performed other state HOSA organizations in terms of fundraising and volunteer hours! This year Oklahoma HOSA students brought home honors at their International Leadership Conference for contributing 1,881 volunteer hours and fundraising $18,171.53 for NAMI Oklahoma.
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Affiliate Grants from NAMI OK
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Congratulations to the following Affiliates that have been awarded an “Affiliate Grant” for outreach, education and membership!
NAMI North Central
NAMI OKC Metro
NAMI Southwest Oklahoma
NAMI Tulsa
NAMI Muskogee County Oklahoma
It is exciting to see how our Local Affiliates are working in their communities. Some of the activities planned are:
Brochures to be distributed to various community members
A community event to promote membership and educate the public about mental health
Supporting the local mental health center event to promote local membership
Awards dinner during the Mental Illness Awareness Week
Promotional materials to be used for outreach at local events
Watch for future “Affiliate Grants” that we anticipate will be available in January. As soon as the funds become available we will send out another opportunity to apply for the grants.
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Fall Family-to-Family Classes
NAMI Family-to-Family is a FREE, 12-session education program for family, partners, friends and significant others of adults living with mental illness. It is a designated evidence-based program. Research shows that the program significantly improves the coping and problem-solving abilities of the people closest to an individual living with a mental health condition.
NAMI Family-to-Family is taught by NAMI trained family members who have been there, and includes presentations, discussion and interactive exercises.
Broken Arrow
September 13 - December 6
Thursdays 6:30pm - 9:00pm
Lawton
August 13-November 5
Mondays 5:30-8:00pm
McAlester
August 23-November 8
Thursdays 6:00-8:30pm
Norman
September 18 - December 4
Tuesdays
Edmond-North OKC
: Dates TBD
NAMI Homefront
NAMI Homefront is a free, six-session education program for family, friends and significant others of military service members and veterans with mental health conditions. It focuses on the unique needs of military and veteran communities, such as post-deployment and post-discharge transitions.
Oklahoma City
Begins August 9
Thursdays for 6 weeks from 6:00-8:30pm
Location: NAMI Oklahoma
3812 N Santa Fe Ave, Suite 305, Oklahoma City
Contact Wendy at 405-601-8283 or wendy@namioklahoma.org for more information
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Attention all NAMI In Our Own Voice (IOOV) presenters...
The IOOV program has been updated. The presentation structure has changed from six sections to four and allows for a 40-minute, 60-minute, or 90-minute presentation. Along with the updated structure, NAMI has produces new videos! All IOOV presenters, trainers, and coordinators need to complete an online training to be recertified as program leaders who can provide presentations.
If you are an IOOV presenter please contact Wendy Nix, Director of Programs at 405-601-8283 or
wendy@namioklahoma.org
to discuss the new updates and receive the link for the training update. As a reminder, all IOOV presenters and trainers must be members of NAMI. Membership can be updated at
www.nami.org
or through the NAMI Oklahoma office.
On Sunday, August 19th NAMI Oklahoma is offering an opportunity for IOOV presenters to gather for a refresher. The day will begin early in the afternoon providing you with an opportunity to practice the new format, ask questions of trainers and support other presenters. Watch for your invitation arriving soon.
In Our Own Voice Training
Saturday, October 13th - open to anyone
Sunday, October 14th - for Military Service Members and Veterans
In Our Own Voice (IOOV) unmasks mental health challenges using your stories to explain the individual realities of living with mental health issues. Audiences gain a better understanding of what it is like to live with mental health conditions and stay in recovery. IOOV can change attitudes, preconceived notions, and stereotypes.
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***NEW LOCATIONS*** Upcoming Facilitator and Teacher Trainings
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Family Support Group Facilitator Training
2-Day NAMI Family Support Group Facilitator Training for family members who have a loved one living with a mental health condition. Facilitator training is open to adults that have lived experience as a family member or significant other of some with a mental health condition and who make a commitment to lead a NAMI Family Support Group for 1 year after successfully completing the 2-day training. Provided free of charge.
Space is limited. Registration is required.
Upcoming Trainings:
McAlester, OK
September 15 & 16
8:30am - 5:30pm both days
Register by August 28, 2018
Enid, OK
September 22 & 23
8:30am - 5:30pm both days
Register by September 5, 2018
Family-to-Family Teacher Training
Did NAMI Family-to-Family have a positive impact on you? Now is your chance to learn how to share the hope that Family-to-Family brings with new families. NAMI Oklahoma is offering a Family-to-Family teacher training in Oklahoma City at no cost to qualified participants.
Who can become a Family-to-Family teacher?
-Teachers are family members or significant others of individuals living with a mental health condition. Ideally, teachers have participated in a NAMI Family-to-Family class but it is not required.
-Teachers must be NAMI members prior to the training and can become a member at
www.nami.org
-All classes are taught by two (2) teachers.
Space is Limited. Registration is required.
Upcoming Training
Oklahoma City
August 24-26
Friday 9:30am - 6:00pm, Saturday 8:00am-5:30pm & Sunday 8:00am - 1:00pm
Must attend all days to become certified.
Breakfast, lunch, snacks, and training materials are provided. Lodging will be provided to participants living more than 60 miles from the training location.
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Family Connections
Family Connections is skills-based program that offers a lifeline to families facing Borderline Personality Disorder. It is a program of The National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorder.
12 week course
Location TBA
August 24, through November 9, 2018
6:00 – 8:00 pm
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NAMI Oklahoma
3812 N Santa Fe Ave, Suite 305,
Oklahoma City, OK 73118
405-601-8283
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