From NAMI National
New Announcements
NAMI Briefs Congress: State Budget Cuts
Do You Know Your State's Impact?
Prisons & Probation: Interview Request
SAVE THE DATE: March 10 at 1 p.m. (EST); Advocates for People with Disabilities Urged to Participate
Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) International Conference
Repeated Announcements
The Implementation of Mental Health Parity:Has It Made a Difference?
Coming Soon: New Issue of ¡Avanzamos!
State Advocacy 2010: Tools You Can Use
Individual and Family Input on DSM-5 Needed
Hearts & Minds: New Program Launch
Convention Poster Applications Due by February 28
NAMI 2010 Election Announcements
Sharing Hope Grant Applications Due Monday, March 1!
Keep Them Coming! Media Stories Wanted
Join NAMI Asian American and Pacific Islander Leaders Group
Convention e-Newsletter Is Now Available
NAMI 2010 National Convention Is Open For for Business
NAMI Education and Program Information
Repeated Announcements
Register Now for the April Education and Support Train-the-Trainers
NAMI Connection Training of Trainers
Publicizing Family-to-Family Classes in 2010
New Resource for F2F/VHA Outreach
New Education, Training and Peer Support Center e-Newsletter
Deadlines and Dates to Remember
From NAMI National
NAMI Briefs Congress: State Budget Cuts
Former Connecticut Lt. Governor and NAMI national board member Kevin Sullivan testified at a special Congressional briefing this past week, calling on the U.S. Senate to pass a "Medicaid match" extension" as part of pending economic recovery legislation. "We are facing a trifecta of budget challenges at the state level that is a direct result of America's economic distress," said Sullivan. "States are struggling with declining revenues, deep cuts in mental health services for children and adults who live with serious mental illness, and increasing demand for mental health care. The federal government must help. Medicaid especially is a lifeline."
Do You Know Your State's Impact?
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced $4.3 billion to reduce state payments for federal prescription drug coverage of residents who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. Retroactive to October 2008, they will be deducted from what states would otherwise have owed going forward. Check the HHS state table in column D to find the millions of dollars in savings that your state will realize. Use this number to fight state budget cuts in mental health services. Don't let it be sucked into the general fund. Protect and strengthen access to medications and other treatment services in your state's Medicaid program by demanding that it be used to save mental health. For more information, E-mail Angela Kimball, NAMI's Director of State Policy.
Prisons & Probation: Interview Request
Freelance reporter Bernice Yeung is currently working on an in-depth story and wants to talk with people living with mental illness who have personally experienced "the revolving door between the mental health care system and jail or prison, particularly through the parole system." She wants to illustrate the realities of the system for the public to identify areas for policy reform. She is especially interested in innovative criminal justice and prison programs in California programs, where she is based, but welcomes information from other states. Please circulate this notice to anyone whom might be able to help. E-mail Yeung, a John Jay Reporting Fellow, by clicking here.
Movie Protest
Are your state and affiliate members angry over ads for the movie The Crazies? Do you want to do something, but don't want to protest loudly if it only helps sell tickets? Consider your options by reading the latest StigmaBuster Alert. The alert also discusses the movie Shutter Island. Please circulate and refer people to it for guidance. To provide feedback, please E-mail us.
SAVE THE DATE: March 10 at 1 p.m. (EST); Advocates for People with Disabilities Urged to Participate
On Wednesday, March 10, at 1 p.m. (EST) the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) Housing Task Force in conjunction with the Technical Assistance Collaborative (TAC) will host a very important conference call on HUD Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities program highlighting drastic cuts to the Section 811 proposed FY 2011 budget and critical Section 811 legislation which must be enacted to reinvigorate the program.
What the Call Will Cover:
The HUD FY 2011 Budget proposal eliminates all funding for new, permanent, supportive-housing units financed through the Section 811 program until the new legislation is enacted. We need your help to advocate with Congress to restore these cuts.
Currently, critical Section 811 legislation is pending in the Senate and has already passed the House with strong bipartisan support. The call will focus on strategies and information you can use to engage your senator to sign on as a cosponsor to S.1481 and save the Section 811 program.
Please join this call on March 10 at 1p.m. (EST) to learn how to engage your senator to cosponsor this important legislation.
Conference toll free call in number:
(866) 266-3378
Pass code: 8224620005#
Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) International Conference
The Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) International Conference will be in San Antonio June 1-3. The conference brings together local law enforcement agencies, mental health providers and NAMI advocates to network, celebrate the CIT movement and learn more about CIT. Register online today! Early registration ends April 15. Fred Frese, former NAMI Board of Directors member, will be a featured speaker at the conference.
For more information visit the CIT International Conference Web site.
The Implementation of Mental Health Parity: Has it made a difference?
There is no single date for implementation of the new federal mental health parity law. Beginning Oct. 3, 2009, as health care insurance plans are renewed, they are required to include the provisions outlined in the law.
Learn more about the new law and share your experience.
We want to hear from you! Share your experience as mental health parity is included in your health care plan. Join the discussion and share the good news and the bad:
Is my plan imposing separate deductibles for mental health and general health …or what is the difference for me now that these are equal?
Are there higher co-pays imposed when I visit my mental health care providers….or are these now equal to other health care provider copays?
Join the discussion
Coming Soon: New Issue of ¡Avanzamos!
A new issue of NAMI's popular, fully bilingual publication, ¡Avanzamos!, will be out soon. This new issue features articles contributed by Dr. Sergio Aguilar-Gaxiola and other expert researchers and faculty of the Center for Reducing Health Disparities, U.C. Davis School of Medicine as well as personal stories on the experience of immigration and finding mental health supports. This is our best looking issue yet! Articles are provided in both Spanish and English.
Visit the NAMI Web site to subscribe to this publication in electronic format via e-mail, receive the print version via standard mail and access previous issues of ¡Avanzamos! in the online archive. This publication is not only a great tool for outreach to Latinos and Spanish speakers, but also an interesting and uplifting read for all.
State Advocacy 2010: Tools You Can Use
Save mental health! Fight back against state budget cuts!
If you haven't already, please browse the resources and circulate to others the link to NAMI's new State Advocacy Web site, which includes a special media tool kit. For more information about how you can participate in protecting and strengthening mental health services in your state, please contact NAMI State Policy Director Angela Kimball at angelak@nami.org.
Feedback Needed
Don't forget that Minds on the Edge: Facing Mental Illness, the PBS documentary that premiered during MIAW 2009, can also be used as an advocacy tool. It can be shown to groups of elected officials or at broader public education events to encourage action.
Have you used Minds on the Edge as part of any state or local activity?
Are you currently planning to do so?
Fred Friendly Seminars, Inc. (FFS), which produced the documentary, would like to know all about it. Please send details to FFS Director of Strategic Communications Colby Kelly at ckelly@fredfriendly.org.
Individual and Family Input on DSM-5 Needed
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) is used by psychiatrists and other mental health professionals to classify and diagnose mental disorders in children and adults. The DSM has historically had a very significant impact on the treatment of mental illness and on the payment of mental health treatment and related services. A committee created by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) has been working on revising the DSM to reflect current scientific understanding about mental disorders. Earlier this week, the APA posted the draft of the revised DSM, known as the DSM-5. The draft DSM-5 can be found by clicking here.
We want to hear from you.
For the next two months, the APA is seeking input from individuals, family members, clinicians and others about the proposed changes contained in the DSM-5. The deadline for submitting these comments is April 20, 2010. We will be providing you with more information, including NAMI's reactions to the proposed changes, in the coming days and weeks.
Meanwhile, we encourage you to visit the DSM-5 Web site, familiarize yourself and your members with the proposed changes and submit comments as appropriate. We also very much want to hear your reactions and comments. Post your feedback on the NAMI Web site and engage in the discussion on DSM-5.
Hearts & Minds: New Program Launch
On Wednesday, Feb. 17, NAMI launched its new Hearts & Minds initiative taking aim at risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking and obesity for major illnesses such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes-which contribute to shorter life spans for people living with serious mental illness. The program includes a dedicated Web site and new tools for state and local presentations. The Hearts & Minds Facilitator's Guide, which comes with the Hearts & Minds DVD, as well as a booklet entitled Hearts & Minds: A Roadmap to Wellness for Individuals Living with Mental Illness, are available for purchase in the NAMI store.
Convention Poster Applications Due by Feb. 28
The NAMI 2010 Convention Committee invites you to submit an application to present a poster at our 2010 National Convention, scheduled for June 30-July 3 in Washington, D.C. Posters presentations display information on a bulletin board rather than orally in a workshop setting. Applications to present a poster must be received by the NAMI convention department no later than Feb. 28, and applicants will be notified or its acceptance or denial by March 5. For more information on how to put together a poster presentation and an application form, go to the NAMI Web site and click on the button "submit poster proposal."
NAMI 2010 Election Announcements
Visit the voting section of the NAMI Web site for more election information!
Board Nominations: Nominations are being accepted for candidates for election to the NAMI Board of Directors at this year's Annual Convention. Five (5) candidates will be elected to serve for the standard three-year term and one (1) candidate will be elected to fill the balance of a vacancy term for one year.
Board nominees must be NAMI members and members of the NAMI Affiliate or NAMI State Organization making the nomination. Nominations may be made only by Affiliates and State Organizations that have submitted their membership and paid dues at least 90 days prior to the Convention. Each Affiliate and State Organization may nominate no more than one candidate. Nominations must be received by NAMI no later than April 3, 2010 (90 days prior to the NAMI annual meeting).
Nominations must be made on the letterhead of the nominating NAMI Affiliate or State Organization, including evidence authorization by the board of the Affiliate or State Organization to make the nomination, and be signed by the chief officer of the Affiliate or State Organization. (If the chief officer is the nominee, then another proper officer must sign.) Nominations via e-mail may be submitted via e-mail if electronically signed. Bylaws amendment proposals and resolutions. For consideration at the 2010 NAMI Annual Convention, proposed Bylaws amendments and proposed resolutions must be sent to the NAMI office at the above address by return-receipt mail and received no later than April 3, 2010. Proposed amendments to the NAMI Bylaws must be submitted in amendment form.
All nominations, amendment proposals and resolutions must be submitted to:
NAMI Elections 2010
Attn: Lynn Borton
3803 North Fairfax Drive, Suite 100
Arlington, VA 2203
After April 15, NAMI's Voting page will also include:
Candidate information (personal statement, letter of nomination, and answers to questions of importance to NAMI)
To ensure compliance with NAMI's Bylaws, 75 percent of the Board must be "persons who have or have had mental illness, or parents or other relatives thereof," including domestic or civil partners. Candidates will be asked to make a statement to this effect. The current NAMI Board has one member who does not identify as having lived experience. No more than four (4) members who do not have a lived experience with mental illness themselves or as a relative may serve on the board at any time. Questions about the election process may be directed to us via e-mail.
Sharing Hope Grant Applications Due Monday, March 1!
NAMI is seeking applications from NAMI affiliates and/or chartered state organizations to expand and further evaluate Sharing Hope: Understanding Mental Health, an outreach and education initiative targeting African American congregations. The main goal of this initiative is to help NAMI affiliates and chartered state organizations successfully reach out and meaningfully engage African Americans in NAMI (education programs, support groups, etc.).
NAMI will award grants to five NAMI affiliates and/or chartered state organizations in good standing. Each of the selected sites will receive a Sharing Hope implementation grant in the amount of $3,000 in order to cover the costs associated with the initiative (staff time, materials, etc.), will receive technical assistance from the Multicultural Action Center and will be able to participate in program updates and training conference calls.
See the Sharing Hope section of the NAMI Web site for more information. Click here to download the grant informational and application packet. Applications are due March 1.
Keep Them Coming! Media Stories Wanted
NAMI's top priority for 2010 is to save state mental health services. Many thanks to the people who have sent copies of news stories about budget cuts in their states. Please keep them coming! Help NAMI track what is happening nationwide; they are invaluable in support our advocacy efforts. If you see a news story about mental health budget cuts in your state, please send a Web site link to christinea@nami.org. Please also tell us about any personal experiences that you or your family currently are having as a result of state budget cuts.
Advocate Reader Survey
An online survey for the NAMI Advocate and e-Advocate has just launched and will run through March 31. NAMI would appreciate your invaluable input, comments and suggestions. Results of the survey will be published in the April issue of the e-Advocate. Take the survey today.
Join NAMI Asian American and Pacific Islander Leaders Group
NAMI is offering members of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities an opportunity to take on a national leadership role by taking part in the NAMI Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Leaders Group.
NAMI's multicultural leaders groups bring together experienced individuals from across the country and from all areas of the organization to provide input and recommendations to NAMI and develop strategic plans to transform NAMI into a truly diverse organization. Formed in 2005, the members of the AAPI Group work together with the Multicultural Action Center to ensure that NAMI continues to address the various needs of this community in a culturally appropriate manner. Furthermore, great networking opportunities are provided through regular conference calls and in-person meetings when possible.
Examples of the NAMI AAPI leaders group's work includes an extensive review of mental health information available to the Asian American population as well as translation and development of NAMI materials targeting this community including our series of Chinese-language fact sheets.
Help this group grow! If you are interested in joining the NAMI AAPI Leaders Group please contact us at MACenter@nami.org. Please pass this message along to anyone you know that might be interested.
Convention e-Newsletter Is Now Available
Click here to read about the exciting program plans for NAMI's 2010 National Convention in Washington, D.C.
NAMI 2010 National Convention Is Open for Business
Registration for NAMI's 2010 National Convention is open. Although June 2010 might seem like far off, it's never too early to make plans to attend this very special event.
The 2010 National Convention will be held June 30-July 3 at the completely renovated Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C. It's scheduled to end the day before Independence Day so you can join your NAMI family and tens of thousands of Americans in the incredible Fourth of July celebration in our Nation's Capitol, or get home in time to enjoy the celebration in your own home town.
For more information, a preliminary convention schedule, hotel reservation information and a convention registration form, go to the NAMI Web site.
And remember--you'll save big bucks the earlier you register.
Register Now for the April Education and Support Train-the-Trainers
We are pleased to announce that registration is now underway for the April 22-25, 2010, Train-the-Trainers in St. Louis for the following programs:
Family-to-Family, De Familia a Familia, Basics, In Our Own Voice, Peer-to-Peer and Family Support Group
March 8 is the absolute deadline for registration. After that date, we cannot accept any late registrations. A letter of support by either your state program director, executive director or board president is required with the application.
Send an e-mail to 2010trainthetrainer@nami.org to receive the application.
NAMI Connection Training of Trainers
The NAMI National Education, Training and Peer Support Center is pleased to announce its fourth Training of Trainers for NAMI Connection State Trainers. This event will be held at the St. Louis Airport Hilton Hotel from Thursday April 22 at 5:00 p.m.-Sunday, April 25 at 12:00 p.m.
Individuals attending this training will be certified as state NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group State Trainers. Participants selected by the state to attend this training need to be certified NAMI Connection facilitators who have been facilitating a Connection group for no less than five months by April 22, 2010. The next training of state trainers will occur in October 2010.
Costs for transportation, training materials, meals and lodging (shared rooms) are covered by the NAMI Connection program for the initial three state trainers selected by each state. Once a state has three trainers' expenses covered by National, the state is responsible for covering the cost of additional trainers. The training fee for Connection state trainers is $350, which does not cover transportation.
Train the Trainer registrations are only accepted from NAMI state offices. State registrations are due by March 8, 2010. For more information contact Anna Goodwin, Connection training manager agoodwin@nami.org.
Publicizing Family-to-Family Classes in 2010
NAMI National wants to publicize your Winter/Spring 2010 F2F classes. You may post your class information by accessing the Family-to-Family Intranet and clicking on the link Add/Edit a Class. Please make sure your state Family-to-Family program director knows about your classes. You may also contact Marshall Epstein at marshall@nami.org or (703) 516-7975 to have him enter your class information. He will also provide advice about the intranet.
New Resource for F2F/VHA Outreach
We are pleased to announce that a new NAMI education programs brochure has been created for you to use in the outreach to families of Veterans and can be given to participants attending the class at the VHA facility. In addition to providing a bulk supply of the brochures to each of the 49 F2F program states and the VHA MOU site facilities, we are also able to provide the brochure to other local NAMIs working with a VHA facility to set up a F2F class or holding ongoing classes. If you wish to be included on the brochure distribution list, you must send to Lynne@nami.org the following information: name of NAMI; name of the VHA facility; status of your effort to start/maintain a F2F class; contact name and mailing address to send brochures.
New Education, Training and Peer Support Center e-Newsletter
The Education, Training and Peer Support Center has issued its third departmental electronic newsletter, highlighting this year's Education Leadership Academy.
The newsletter will provide an update on the NAMI signature programs: Family-to-Family; De Familia a Familia; Basics; Connection; Peer-to-Peer; In Our Own Voice; Provider Education Course and Family Support Group Facilitator Skills Training Program.
Enjoy!
Deadlines and Dates to Remember
February 28: NAMI Convention Poster Applications Due
March 1: Grant Application Deadline for evaluate Sharing Hope: Understanding Mental Health
March 8: State registrations due for NAMI Connection Training of Trainers and NAMI Education Training of Trainers
March 10: Conference Call on HUD Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities program
March 31: Advocate survey closes
April 3: NAMI Board of Directors Nominations, Bylaws Amendment Proposals and Resolutions due
April 15: Early Registration Deadline for Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) International Conference
April 20: The deadline for submitting DSM-5 Comments
April 22-25: Training of Trainers for NAMI Connection State Trainers and NAMI Education Training of Trainers in St. Louis
June 1-3: Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) International Conference in San Antonio
June 30 - July 3, 2010 - NAMI 2010 National Convention in Washington, D.C.