NAMI-CO News | December 2020

Today is GivingTuesday, a Global Day of Generosity
We cannot do it alone.

Help us reach our goal of $20,000. This will allow us to maintain current programs and increase accessibility across Central Oregon.
A generous donor has committed to match donations given to NAMI Central Oregon now through December 31, 2020, up to $2,500!

Now is a great opportunity to double your gift to help support our neighbors in need.

All donations are tax deductible. Funds raised will remain within Central Oregon, serving Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson counties.
Video Contest: Chance to Win up to $5,000!*
Help NAMI End the Silence! Submit an entry to NAMI's video contest for a chance to win up to $5,000*

Are you a budding videographer or know people who love being behind the lens? Then don’t miss a chance to submit a video to our NAMI Ending the Silence Video Contest!

We are seeking new videos to use in our NAMI Ending the Silence (ETS) for Students presentation program. NAMI ETS is an evidence-based program that helps middle and high school students learn about the warning signs of mental health conditions and what steps to take if they or a loved one are showing symptoms. For more detailed information about NAMI ETS, click here.

Our previous ETS videos featured high school students, as part of the Directing Change Project in California, and covered topics such as fighting stigma around mental health conditions, how to be a friend to someone in need, information about specific symptoms, and other topics that middle and high school students can relate to.

All video submissions are due by January 11, 2021, using an entry form on this page.

*Contest is open to NAMI members or active volunteers with a NAMI State Organization or NAMI Affiliate only.
Save the Date: NAMIWalks Your Way 2021: A United Day of Hope
Next spring, all roads lead to NAMIWalks Your Way: A United Day of Hope, with the destination as always being Mental Health for All. Many events will coincide virtually on May 22, 2021.

Last year, with so many people sheltering in place and looking out for their safety, we shifted to a virtual event, NAMIWalks Your Way, which encouraged people to use their creativity and participate however they could given their situation. Thanks to so many amazing participants, we far exceeded expectations, which were already high.

Let’s keep the momentum going next spring, as we again unite virtually across the country to celebrate Mental Health for All.

On the day of the event, NAMIWalks participants, mental health advocates, and NAMI partners will step up our strength and energy even further. There are thousands of ways to reach a goal — and every one is yours. Together with you, NAMIWalks remains one of the top mental health walk series in the country.
Learning Opportunities
NAMI Peer-to-Peer Classes for Rural Communities

NAMI Oregon will be offering two 8-week Peer-to-Peer courses via Zoom starting in January for residents who live outside of the state’s major urban areas. The intent is to bring this course to communities where it has generally not been available in recent years, although all Oregonians are welcome regardless of location.

NAMI Peer-to-Peer is a FREE 8-session recovery-focused course for adults with mental health conditions. More about the class:

  • Free and confidential
  • Held weekly for two hours
  • Led by peers with mental health conditions
  • A great resource for information on mental health and recovery
  • Offer respect, understanding, encouragement and hope
  • Builds on the strength and resilience of participants

See the attached flyer for more details, including a link to the online registration form.
NAMI Basics

Have you been interested in taking the NAMI Basics class but haven’t been able to find a time that works for you? Now's your chance! NAMI has released the NAMI Basics OnDemand course, which you can take whenever your schedule permits.

NAMI Basics is a 6-session education program for parents, caregivers and other family who provide care for youth (ages 22 and younger) who are experiencing mental health symptoms. This program is free to participants, 99% of whom say they would recommend the program to others.

The OnDemand program is guided by parents and family members with lived experience, and is self-paced and available 24/7. OnDemand offers the flexibility of participating in the course on your schedule. The program provides information, strategies, and the opportunity to connect with other parents and caregivers.

NAMI Family-to-Family

NAMI Family‐to‐Family is a free, 8‐session education program for family, partners, and significant others of adults living with mental illness. The course is designed to help all family members understand and support their loved one living with mental illness, while maintaining their own well‐being. The course includes information on illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression and other mental health conditions. Thousands of families describe the program as life‐changing. The program is taught by trained teachers who are also family members and know what it is like to have a loved one living with mental illness. Classes start in January. Click here for more information.
Local Support and Resources
Mini Grants for Mental Health/Behavioral Health Care

The Central Oregon Disability Support Network has mini grants available of up to $250 to help cover deductibles/co-pays for mental health or behavioral health care. For more information, call 541-548-8559.
Masks Required Statewide
Wear a Mask. Save a Life.

The Oregon Health Authority now requires that people wear face coverings in all private and public workplaces including classrooms, offices, meeting rooms and workspaces, unless someone is alone in an office or in a private workspace. Read more details here.
We're Growing

NAMI-CO is committed to providing hope and support to all who need it, and to keeping our programs free.

Help us make a bigger impact in Central Oregon by supporting our work today.
Join NAMI

Become a member of NAMI today and show that mental health is something we all need to care about.

Subscribe to the latest mental health updates, participate in an online discussion group, learn how to advocate in your community, and add your voice to the mental health movement.
Volunteer

Looking for a way to help your local community?

Become a volunteer!

NAMI-CO relies on volunteers to help run our programs, and we're looking for a few more helping hands. All volunteer positions are currently virtual.
NAMI Central Oregon Support Groups
Most meetings, classes, and support groups have moved online. NAMI-CO virtual support groups are open to anyone.

Please download the free Zoom app on your phone, tablet or laptop. Once you have the app, at the meeting start time, click on the event link and your app will open, then click on "join the conversation."
 

Family Support Groups

Bend Family Support Group: 3rd Tuesday of Every Month. 5:15PM - 6:45PM. Contact Bud Manley manleypenman@aol.com
           
Bend Family Support group: Every last Thursday. 5:15-6:45.
Contact: Catherine: catherine@steffano.org        
Zoom Meeting Registration:

Redmond Family Support Group: First Saturdays. 10:00-11:30AM.
Contact: Linda longjourneyhome40@gmail.com        
La Pine Family Support Group: 1st Wednesday. 4:30-6PM.
Contact: KarenLynn at karless2003@yahoo.com standby

Connections and Peer Support Groups

Bend Connections Peer Support Groups: Every Monday. 7:00 - 9:00PM.
Contact Marcia at (541) 480-8269

Connections: Thursdays. 10:30AM.
Contact: Janet Marie- 541-408-8675 or Joe at (541) 640-9069 - standby

NAMI Oregon

NAMI Oregon Helpline remains operational. Call 503-230-8009 or 800-343-6264. Or email at namioregon@namior.org. Callers receive live assistance from 9 am to 5 pm weekdays.

NAMIOR Covid-19 Resource and Information Guide in PDF format.
Download the guide at: https://namior.org/covidguide/
 
Talk it Over (parent support group online meetings) is for all family members of a child, teen, or young adult with a behavioral disorder which meets every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month. This is a free public service provided by NAMI Oregon, with support from the Providence Foundation. Click here to sign up.          
 
NAMI Oregon support groups are available online. For complete list:
Other Resources
NAMI National Website: Navigating a Mental Health Crisis 

NAMI National has a helpful new tool, a guide to navigating a mental health crisis. Please take the time to visit www.nami.org to explore the resources they have available for access. Some topics to explore could include their information on medications and their NAMI Blogs. The NAMI Blog is our way of getting tips, research, information and messages of hope to you.
 
Crisis Help
If you or a loved one are experiencing a mental health crisis, call the Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
    
If you are 55 or older and feeling isolated or just want to have a friendly conversation, call the Senior Loneliness Line at 503-200-1633.

If you are 21 or younger and want support for any problem, big or small:

  • call YouthLine at 1-877-968-8491 or text teen2teen to 839863.

 
Other Helpful Supports

Parent Warmline: 833-732-2467
Parent Warmline is a program from Reach Out Oregon. If you or a family you are working with are feeling the pangs of isolation and is dealing with a child with heightened behavior needs this may help. The service is not dependent on insurance and is not payor specific; meaning that they can have OHP, Commercial or no insurance and still be able to use the number.
Here is the link to their website https://www.reachoutoregon.org/
 
The David Romprey Oregon Warmline: 800-698-2392
Who should call the Warmline? Anyone needing support may call our Warmline to speak to a trained peer.
 
Friendship Line/Warm/Hotline: Call (800) 971-0016
For 60 yrs+ or living with a disability, call IOA Connect at (415) 750-4111 or fill out an intake form online at www.ioaging.org/friendshipline.
 
Hearing Voices: Online Support group: Providing a space for families and friends to discuss navigating the experience of supporting loved ones who may hear voices, have visions or a variety of other non-consensus experiences and beliefs. Mondays 5PM. Email facilitators: Cindy Marty Hadge & David Adams at families@westernmassrlc.org
 
FirstStep app – www.firststeporegon.org     

Suicide Bereavement Support: Contact Alison Sorenson (alison@alisonsorensoncounseling.com) at (541) 610-9500 or Herb Baker (herbandjudy@yahoo.com) at (503) 708-3047 for more information.

Wise Warriors Suicide Prevention: Contact Margaret Kuehn at (503) 402-2857 for more information.
Drug Addiction Family Support Group- Life Raft

Central Oregon Resource Map: Resources on this map include, but are not limited to, handwashing stations, public restrooms, and food resources.