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Dear NAMI Friends and Family,
How quickly another year has gone by!
NAMI El Dorado County has much to celebrate this new year, thanks to so many of you, our supporters and members. Here's a recap of some of what we accomplished together in 2016!
- 450+ warm-line calls providing support based on lived experiences.
- Monthly e-mail newsletters to over 480 unique addresses.
- Monthly Family Support Groups- South Lake Tahoe, Placerville, and El Dorado Hills.
- 30 Family to Family Education graduates (32 hours of evidence based instruction)
- 70 new books donated to SLT Public Library thanks to a grant from the Barton Foundation.
- Thousands of NAMI brochures and pamphlets made available to the community thanks to the Barton Foundation grant.
- 6 Mental Health Resource Kiosks in SLT (thanks to the Barton Foundation) and 5 more to be installed on the West Slope in 2017 (thanks to grants from Placerville's El Dorado Community Foundation.)
- Participation on the EDC Mental Health Commission, Behavioral Health Court, CIT/MDT Intervention Forum
- 8 Graduates of Peer to Peer Education Class
- 9 Wellness Center clients sponsored for CPR class through Marshall Hospital
- Annual Board of Supervisors Breakfast and CIT Awards to Law Enforcement
- Weekly NAMI Art classes at Diamond Springs Wellness Center
- Participated in training over 120 in Law Enforcement spread across CHP, Police and Sheriff.
- Presentations to the community countywide including: EDH Chamber, Rotary Clubs, Temple Bat Yam, Schools, County Behavioral Health Staff, Elder Care Options, Faith Ministries Nurses, Community Health Fairs, Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless, Ad Hoc meetings w/community agencies, and others.
- Participation in the Annual NAMIwalk in Sacramento - 3 Teams and over 40 walkers helped raise awareness and support our volunteer work in the community.
- We wish to thank the El Dorado County Community Foundation's SLT Endowment for their support of outreach/education in South Lake Tahoe specifically. We also wish to thank the Barton Foundation and the SLT Co-op for their on-going collaboration and support of mental health awareness in SLT. On the Western Slope we greatly appreciated the support of Wells Fargo Bank supporting our educational efforts.
- Delivered 16 gift bags to those hospitalized in the county's Psychiatric Health Facility over the holidays - hand knitted hats, warm socks, gift certificate, and treats were included through local member donations. Thank you!
NAMI El Dorado County is profoundly grateful for the dedication of our Board of Directors and the support of our community both public and private for our work in improving mental health services through education, informational resources, anti-stigma campaigns, and support for individuals and families.
VICTORY! Mental Health Reform passed the U.S. Senate by a vote of 94-5 on the
21st Century Cures bill.HR 34 (click to read summary of this important bill).
While it is still unclear how changes to the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) will affect how individuals receive their health care, NAMI continues to advocate for parity in health care. We do not want to go back to the days when people could not get insurance after receiving a mental health diagnosis. We all need to send a message to our law makers that mental health care is important for all of us. There is truly no health without mental health.
Also important to note, our El Dorado County Sheriff's Dept. has begun the process of improving our County Jail built in 1988 to respond to changes due to criminal justice reforms and the reality that, each year, nationwide 2 million jail bookings involve a person with mental illness. Approximately 15% of men and 30% of women in local jails have a serious mental illness. We are hopeful that the planned for improvements to our County Jail facility will address the needs around inmate mental health.
And we eagerly await transparent data illustrating how we are trending with regard to bookings in El Dorado County involving a person with mental illness and how our county is doing with regard to the SteppinUpInitiative:
http://www.nami.org/About-NAMI/National-Partners/The-Stepping-Up-Initiative
Our board of supervisors signed support for this initiative 2 years ago so we look forward to seeing what metrics were put into place and how we are trending. We will report on progress as soon as we get this information.
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In the News
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Sign, Sealed, Delivered: Mental Health Reform is a Law
By Happy Carlock |
Dec. 14, 2016
"Signed, sealed, delivered, I'm yours" is not just the chorus in President Barack Obama's favorite song that makes you want to dance. It's what took place Dec. 13, when President Obama signed mental health reform into law as part of H.R. 34,
the 21st Century Cures Act.
Mental health reform is now ours.
The work of thousands of NAMI advocates has paid off. Congress heard NAMI's voice through hundreds of thousands of phone calls, emails and tweets, and they answered. Now, more Americans will have access to the mental health care they need.
NAMI CEO Mary Giliberti and Director of Legislative Advocacy Andrew Sperling were at the White House for the
21st Century Cures signing ceremony. Giliberti calls this achievement a major step in the right direction for the mental health community and Congress.
"This was anything but a lame duck session," Giliberti said. "The House and Senate vote counts showed overwhelming support for the cause that we all hold so dear."
Even the president recognized the significance of this bill passing Congress with overwhelming bipartisan support: "I think it indicates the power of this issue and how deeply it touches every family across America. The Cures Act improves mental health care," Obama explained. "It includes bipartisan reforms to address serious mental illness, it takes steps to ensure mental health conditions, and substance abuse are fairly treated by insurance companies. It also incorporates suicide prevention."
How Will the Law Help People with Mental Illness?
The law includes key pieces of the
Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act of 2016 (H.R. 2646), the Mental Health Reform Act of 2016 (S. 2680), and the Mental Health and Safe Communities Act of 2015 (S. 2002). The Cures Act will improve integration and program coordination across federal agencies that serve people with mental illness and remove unfair barriers to mental health care. It will also address the needs of people with mental illness who become entangled in the criminal justice system.
The 21
st Century Cures Act also:
- Combats suicide in our schools and communities so precious lives are saved.
- Increases the mental health workforce, so more trained professionals can help.
- Strengthens the enforcement of the mental health parity law, so health plans are held accountable for the coverage people paid for.
- Invests in early intervention, so people get the right mental health care at the right time.
- Invests resources to keep people with mental illness out of jails and in treatment.
What's Next?
"We're heartened that Congress has shown strong bipartisan support of mental health. In 2017, we hope Congress continues to work to make sure everyone gets access to mental health care," Giliberti said.
This hard-fought battle has been won. But our work as advocates is just getting started. As the new Congress convenes in 2017, it's up to us to hold our elected officials accountable to making mental health and substance abuse national priorities.
One in 5 Americans-and their loved ones-are counting on us.
- See more at: http://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/December-2016/Sign-Sealed-Delivered-Mental-Health-Reform-is-a#sthash.vITyXkNz.dpuf
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Advocacy in the Moment
by NAMI El Dorado County member, 1-Jan-2017
After working tirelessly for over 5 years supporting our son on his journey to recovery and vastly improved health I have a heightened sense of awareness about any acts that introduce stigma or a laugh at the expense of those with brain illnesses. Thanks to our NAMI Support group leader we were guided through various gaps in our journey and given suggestions on where to find the best mental health education and resources. I applaud all of those in this community that have spoken up "in the moment" to crush stigma.
A NAMI EDC friend emailed a local radio show last week when she heard them play a comedy tape that said "You have reached the mental health hot-line." This friend's loved one in South Lake Tahoe nearly died and she has had to advocate directly to the Governor to intervene and obtain services. Her loved one is doing exceptionally well now. This Mom fought hard (and her loved one fought hard) to simply get the care essential to the recovery process. This NAMI Mom emailed the radio host citing "I think that was very offensive to make jokes about brain diseases. You would not do that about someone with cancer or any other physical health problem. In the best interest of the community I think it would be best if you pull the tape from your program. NAMI is working tirelessly to erase the stigma of mental health. Getting those with mental health issues to reach out for help can be the first stumbling block towards wellness. Making jokes about the "hot-line" is not appropriate in any media."
I was at a Zumba class a few weeks ago and a song came on that used the words "crazy, crazy, crazy, loco, loco, loco." The instructor waved her finger around the side of her head pointing to her brain in jest and then the class followed suit. After class, I explained that I am an active member of NAMI - in fact I'm an instructor and I take deep personal offense to this because it pokes fun at those with a brain illness. The instructor was kind and listened with intent. The next morning she approached me and thanked me for enlightening her. She looked up the words in the song to ensure they were not offensive then changed the dance move subtly and the class followed suit. This small change is an example of advocacy at the local community level.
We all need to take ownership for creating the kind of community in which we want to live, work, play and thrive. I'm proud of our community for speaking out; raising awareness; collaborating to improve the status quo. Together we will be successful in crushing stigma and getting our loved ones quality help sooner in their journey's to recovery.
Let's continue to be on the hunt for "in the moment" opportunities to crush stigma.
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Language Matters - tips shared by Dr. Amador:
Tips from Dr. Xavier Amador in his 10th anniversary edition book and his recent recorded webinar.
Once you register the replay becomes available - it is not a high quality recording - but worth replaying as there are many tips. Our family used his tips and it strengthened our relationship and the recovery process.
NAMI El Dorado County member.
Do NOT Say:
- My loved one refuses to acknowledge he's mentally ill
- Denies he's mentally ill
- Won't admit
- Doesn't admit....
- Refuses to admit...(this is the worst offender)
This all reflects our loved ones have a choice that they are ill. We would never say "our loved ones won't admit they are hallucinating."
Do Say:
- My loved one cannot comprehend he is mentally ill
- Is unaware he is mentally ill
- Unable to see or understand he's ...
- Has anosognosia for his mental illness (which is an actual symptom in the DSM V)
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In Need of a Crisis Line?
If you or your child needs information, resources or someone to talk to during difficult times, make a call or send a text to:
Don't Let Shame Interfere with Getting Help
If your child had a physical condition, you would seek medical help. Do the same for your child if they have a mental health condition. Find a mental health specialist who provides the right kind of therapy, is highly recommended and is someone your child connects with.
As your child grows, their mental health condition may change or evolve. Consider requesting a periodic assessment of their diagnosis. To identify the appropriate treatment, a good diagnosis is critical.
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Plan ahead: NAMI's annual national
convention will be held June 28 - July 01, 2017 in Washington D.C.
and in New Orleans in 2018 then back to the Western US in 2019.
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Important Information for our Families
About CalABLE
For many people with disabilities, the fear of losing critical public benefits, coupled with the high cost of support expenses, has limited them from building financial security.
Until recently, individuals receiving federal benefits have been restricted in the amount of money they can save, essentially keeping them in poverty and preventing them from planning for the future. With the
Stephen Beck Jr. Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act
, signed into federal law by President Obama, these thresholds are no longer an obstacle.
In 2015 Governor Brown signed the California ABLE Act into law. CalABLE allows qualified individuals with disabilities and their families to open tax-free savings accounts without the worry of losing vital government assistance. The law establishes a board that will administer the CalABLE savings program.
The CalABLE program in California will open up life-improving opportunities for people with disabilities and their families in much the same way California's ScholarShare 529 plans formed educational opportunities for the state's students.
Contributions to an ABLE account, currently limited to $14,000 per year, can be made by family, friends, or the beneficiary themselves. The account's earnings are allowed to accumulate tax-free, and the withdrawals, provided they are applied to qualifying disability expenses, are tax-free.
Read more about the CalABLE program by accessing our
Fact Sheet
.
Benefits
One of the largest benefits afforded by the ABLE Act is the ability to exclude certain assets from federal means-tested programs. As an example, in order for an individual to obtain Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the countable resources must be worth not more than $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple.
Savings held in an ABLE account, up to a $100,000 limit, are not counted against the $2,000 limit on personal assets for individuals to qualify for SSI and other public benefits.
In essence, the ABLE Act has increased the cap for countable assets from $2,000 to $100,000 for disabled individuals seeking eligibility for SSI.
Implementation
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) rules for determining program eligibility were finalized in November of 2015.
CalABLE received program funding in July of 2016 to begin development and implementation of the program. CalABLE hopes to make ABLE accounts available by summer 2017. To view the full implementation schedule, view
Phase I
and
Phase II
.
Program staff are currently in the process of ensuring that a vast coalition of stakeholders and impacted state, local and federal agencies are all involved in the development of this savings plan. Interested parties are encouraged to participate in the program design and implementation process; connect with us via
email
, our
ListServ
or on
Facebook
.
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WarmLine Family Resource Center
WarmLine provides resources & support (at no charge) to families of infants, children and youth with special needs and disabilities, birth to 26 years.
WarmLine is funded by the US Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs as the Parent Training and Information Center (PTI) for children with disabilities 0-26 years in Region 5 (26 counties from Yolo County to the Oregon border) of Northern California. This funding gives WarmLine the means to provide more support and trainings to families on Special Education than ever before.
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In Home Supportive Services
Some of our NAMI families in El Dorado County have reported favorably about the quality of the IHSS program. They are paid by IHSS for basic services that helped their loved one live at home. NAMI families particularly those that have graduated NAMI Family-to-Family are proactive in interviewing IHSS caregiver candidates to help their loved one and work collaboratively on a successful caregiving model. Teamwork is dreamwork. Learn more about this program at:
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Disability Benefit Information
Sustainability Outreach Services and Only Kindness Community Resource Center - Rene Evans - Accredited Disability Representative in Placerville - (530) 876-6243 or (530) 344-1864 www.edcrc.org
TheSimpleDollar.com is a
comprehensive resource that helps people not only understand, but access social security disability benefits is available.
In the course of their research, it was found that most people who have become or already living with disabilities are not fully aware of the benefits and resources that are available to them. This guide will not only answer common questions like qualifications, application process, as well as a calculator that can help estimate monthly and annual benefits.
You can see the entire guide along with some of its features here:
Legal Services
Legal Services of Northern California
is a non-profit law firm that provides free legal assistance to eligible persons. They provide help in the following areas: housing (resolving problems with landlords and housing subsidies), public benefits (CalFresh, CalWORKs, General Assistance, etc.), Social Security, and health care (physical and mental health).
"Our health unit
may be able to help you get and keep health insurance, and deal with insurance premium and share of cost disputes, medical debt; coverage of medical treatment (procedures, medication, medical equipment, etc.), seeing doctors in a timely manner, and In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)."
Persons who need help with a health care issue may receive assistance regardless of their income or assets if they meet other eligibility requirements. Persons needing help with other issues must have a low income. If you need help with a health care issue, call (888) 354-4474. If you need help with one of the other issues listed above, call (530) 823-7560.
A huge Thank You to Leon Dixson for coming and speaking to our group last month about Medi-Cal and Medicare and some of the difficulties families may have around insurance, housing, and public benefits!
Law Enforcement - continues to help our community
Law enforcement resources continuously help our loved ones. 
NAMI Families and Friends in El Dorado County continue to sing high praise for law enforcement's participation in CIT training and the leadership team's focus on ensuring officers are trained in Crisis Intervention Training. Thank you for all you do for NAMI Families and the community.
Thank you!
The Placerville Police Department
is on
Facebook
El Dorado County Sheriff's department is on Facebook .
South Lake Tahoe police is on
Faceboo
k
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Are you Prepared for a Crisis?
NAMI El Dorado County is very grateful for our trained officers and deputies who recognize and respond
to the human being behind the brain disorder
in a way that lessens the possibility of violence and trauma.
What to say when calling 9-1-1
for a Mental Health Emergency
- I'm calling about a Mental Health Emergency and request a CIT Officer.
- My name is __________________________________________________
- I'm calling from __________________(your location) because my (family member/friend) is _____________________________________________.
- Describe in detail what is going on right now.
- Advise law enforcement is there is information on file about the person in crisis. (see the Family Information Form link below)
- Ask if it's possible to arrive without lights or sirens
The 9-1-1 dispatacher will ask the following: (be clear and brief)
- Are there any acts or threats of violence?
- Are there any weapons involved?
- Where is the person experiencing the emergency located?
- Has there been a suicide attempt or has the person made threats of suicide?
Additional information to provide:
- Mental health diagnosis and mental healthcare provider.
- Intoxicated or overdosed?
- Current medications
- Gravely disabled and unable to care for themselves.
Always provide a completed AB-1424 (Family History Form). If the deputy or officer that arrives is not aware of how this form is used then ask for a law enforcement supervisor. AB-1424 has been in effect since 2002 but not all law enforcement has been trained in the importance of how this form can help get your loved one help. This is why it is important to ask for a "CIT trained officer" in a mental health emergency.
Family Information Form
AB-1424 form from El Dorado County (click on link above) will assist you in getting important family historical information to law enforcement and emergency personnel. This form applies to the WI code 5150.5 which allows families to provide important historical information in case of hospitalization or incarceration.
This form is also available at NAMI Support meetings, El Dorado County Mental Health's website, the Psychiatric Health Facility on Spring St. in Placerville, and at El Dorado County Mental Health at 768 Pleasant Valley Rd., Diamond Springs or El Dorado County Wellness Center 1900 Lake Tahoe Blvd in South Lake Tahoe.
During a crisis, you may not be able to access information about your loved one, but with this form, you can provide essential information to assist providers in developing appropriate treatment. California law AB-1424 requires historical information be considered in helping our loved ones.
Providing the "history" of mental health issues may help the deputy or officer in getting our loved ones treatment. For example, if your loved one is currently not a danger to themselves or others but things are escalating...they have a history of prior hospitalizations or prior violence/threats when untreated it is relevant to share specifics about this.
The crisis intervention (CIT) team program with the Sheriff's Dept. is active on both slopes.
Crisis in South Lake Tahoe call (530) 544-2219
Crisis on the Western Slope call (530) 622-3345
If your instincts tell you a situation is dangerous, it probably is.
Call 911 immediately. Make sure you communicate that "this is a MENTAL HEALTH emergency involving mental illness and we are seeking involuntary psychiatric hospitalization and not arrest.
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Brain Research and Scientific Discoveries
 Visit BBRFoundation.org and attend their monthly "Meet the Scientists" webinars at no cost:
Tuesday, 10-January, 2017 11:00 a.m.
Fritz A. Hen, M.D., Ph.D.
Tuesday, 14-Feb, 2017 11:00 a.m.
Amy F.T. Arnsten, Ph.D.
Tuesday, 14-March, 2017 11:00 a.m.
Michael Berk, Ph.D., MBBCH, MMED, FF(Psych)SA,FRANCZP
Visit PsychU.org and attend a virtual forum at no cost (must create a free login to participate).
12-Jan: "Co-Occurrence Of Substance Use Disorders With Mood Disorders & Psychosis".
23-Jan: "Is it MDD or Bipolar Disorder?".
Visit NAMI.org and scroll to the bottom of the page where you can learn more about specific illnesses.
Psycho-education is a core to recovery.
This means psycho-education for family/friends and for our loved ones. We are pleased with the response by the community regarding the donation to the El Dorado County library. Pick up a copy of our recommended reading booklist and website list at our NAMI Family Support Group meeting or simply click here. Visit El Dorado County library or your local community college library.
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Barton Health has identified the need for additional mental health services and continues to take action to provide extra support for patients and the South Lake Tahoe community.
They have 3 local psychiatrists: Dr. Zelan, Dr. Protell, and Dr. Rupp plus Telemedicine and Psychologists and also licensed Social Workers - each focused on improving mental health.
Where can you find help in South Lake Tahoe and surrounding area?
Here is the
link
to the The Health & Wellness portion of the Barton community
directory (starting on page 49.) Notice all the support groups and counseling services - many health and wellness programs available. You may also pick up a hard-copy of this directory at our NAMI Support Group meeting in South Lake Tahoe, at a Mental Health kiosk, or at Barton Hospital.
New mental health providers have arrived in South Lake Tahoe bringing a new continuum of care. Their names
will be added to the community directory next year.
- Matthew Wong Psychologist | M.A., Psy.D PSY#26365 415-806-0275 South Lake Tahoe appointments Mondays and Fridays available for children/teens/adults mild to moderate; broad range of therapies. Psychological testing and intellectual disability assessments. Dr. Wong accepts a variety of insurances and has recently added Anthem Blue-Cross and anticipates accepting Medi-Cal 1-Jan-2017.
- A Balanced Life added 2 new therapists specializing in co-occurring addiction/mental-health issues:
530-544-1748
"Schedule an appointment soon before provider calendars are filled.
Mental health clinicians have far smaller caseloads than primary care physicians.
With psycho-therapy treatment can last for an extended period which means often people pick a standing time-slot.
Experts recommend not delaying treatment (even if you are wait listed for someone you really like.)
Recommend getting to treatment promptly.
The sooner you begin psycho-therapy - the sooner your journey to recovery will begin. "
Take care of you and your loved ones"
NAMI Leader - NAMI El Dorado County
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Lake Tahoe Community College retains #1 spot as most visited Mental Health Kiosk
Six locations
hosting Mental Health kiosks for our South Lake Tahoe community.
- Barton Emergency Room
(2170 South Ave)
- Barton Community Health Center
(2201 South Ave)
- Barton Family Medicine
(1090 Third St)
- El Dorado County Probation/Sheriff
(1360 Johnson Blvd)
- El Dorado County Library
(1000 Rufus Allen Road)
- Lake Tahoe Community College
(next to college bookstore)
Barton ER is second most visited and Barton Family Medicine is third most visited. All six locations are popular...over 1500 brochures have been provided to the community since establishment in our community!
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Have you asked your doctor
about Long-lasting
Injectables?
 Safeway's Speciality Pharmacy in South Lake Tahoe AND on the Western Slope provide long-lasting injectables. Not all Safeways provide this. We continue to educate families and friends about the availability and benefits of long-lasting injectables for those that have this option available.
Many NAMI families are reporting vast improvement in their loved ones since switching from pill form to long-lasting injectables.
Safeway provides a free case manager service (out of their Idaho call center) where they call and remind our loved ones when their injection is due, schedule the appointment, and help the process run smoothly.
Call 1-877 466-8028 and request speaking with an injectables case management team member.
This is a great convenience since many family members were having to pick up the medication and bring it to a medical technician outside of the pharmacy setting to receiving the injection. Now, it's one stop shopping. Multiple NAMI family members in South Lake Tahoe report the process and impact are favorable.
Long-lasting injectable administration are available through Barton Psychiatry (through a medical technician on-site,) El Dorado County Mental Health (monthly), and Safeway Specialty Pharmacy in South Lake Tahoe.
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NAMI El Dorado County outreach continues
NAMI El Dorado County continues to provide mental health education and awareness at various county and school health fairs, back-to-school events, and at clubs and other organizations. If your club, place of worship, or organization is interested in a 20, 60, or 120 minute mental health awareness overview please contact us.
West Slope: Jan 530-677-2676 or in South Lake Tahoe: Jeanne 650-740-5776
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Current and upcoming classes, events and support groups:
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6-May-2017: 6-May-2017: 6-May-2017: 6-May-2017: 6-May-2017: 6-May-2017: 6-May-2017:
This is NAMI El Dorado County's annual fundraiser.
Saturday, 6-May-2017 is Northern California NAMIWalks. Details to follow - 10 counties will come together at William Land Park in Sacramento to raise mental health awareness and crush stigma! Come join in the fun and show your support.
Does your business want to sponsor us and get your name on the annual T-shirt and listed on the famous NAMIWalks Northern California website viewed by over 1,000 people?
Website for walker registration and personal donations coming soon.
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NAMI El Dorado Board of Directors Meeting - First Tuesday every other month beginning (Feb. 7
We will meet at the County Government Center, 330 Fair Lane, BOS Building A, Conf. Rm. A, 5:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Support Group follows at 7:00 pm.
El Dorado County Mental Health Commission:
Regular meeting of the Commission on January 25th
Health and Human Services Agency, 3057 Briw Rd., Sierra Room, Placerville, CA - and in South Lake Tahoe at the Wellness Center 1900 Lake Tahoe Blvd (video-teleconference.) - 5:00 pm
These meetings are
open to the public and are an important interface between the community and our county mental health system. Concerns and stories from the community are welcome during public comment time at the start of each meeting. While your concerns may not be discussed unless it is already an item on the agenda, your input as part of the public is valued and will be addressed at a later meeting.
Are you interested in becoming a member of the Mental Health Commission?
Let your voice be
heard in El Dorado County.
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NAMI Family Support Meetings - 3 in El Dorado County!
NAMI Family Support groups are a monthly meeting of caregivers of individuals with a mental illness where family members can talk frankly about their challenges and help one another through their learned wisdom.
These support groups group provide empathetic support for those dealing with crisis and the emotional overload that is so much a part of having someone you love living with a mental illness. You can come, share or just listen, get useful practical information, or a hug from others who understand. This group is for families and friends of those living with a mental illness. We hope to see you there. No cost to attend.
South Lake Tahoe NAMI Family Support Group
This group meets on the 2nd Tuesday of every month
Location: South Lake Tahoe Library located at 1000 Rufus Allen Road from 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
2017 dates:
Jan. 10, Feb. 14, Mar. 14, April 10, May8, June 12, July 11, Aug. 15, Sept. 12, Oct. 10, Nov. 14, Dec. 12
The West Slope NAMI Family Support Group
This group meets the 1st Tuesday monthly at 7:00 p.m. following the monthly NAMI Board Meeting in Placerville at the Government Center, Fair Lane, BOS Building A, Conference Room A, Placerville, CA
Group facilitator: Jan 530-677-2676
2017 dates: Jan. 3, Feb. 7, Mar. 7, April 4, May 2, June 6, July 4, Aug. 1, Sept. 5, Oct. 3, Nov. 7, Dec. 5.
El Dorado Hills NAMI Family Support Group
This group meets the
3rd Monday of each month.
Location: EDH Fire Dept, Station 85, 1050 Wilson Blvd. El Dorado Hills.
Conference Room: 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
2017 dates: Jan. 16, Feb. 20, Mar. 20, April 17, May 15, June 19, July 17, Aug. 21, Sept. 18, Oct. 16, Nov. 20, Dec. 18
El Dorado County. If you have recently, or in the past, taken one of our classes, please let others in the community know how valuable the experience was. Your recommendations help to get the word out. Too often we hear, "I wish I had known about this class years ago!".
NAMI Family-to-Family
is on the coveted list of SAMSHA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration) Evidence-based recovery models. Visit SAMSHA.gov to learn more about SAMSHA. We will be offering Family-to-Family and Basics, this year. The classes are posted at NAMI.org and in this monthly newsletter when they are scheduled. We are happy to take your name and contact information if you wish to reserve space. Phone numbers are given below.
"I learned more in NAMI Family-to-Family than in the past 20 years working as a nurse across a variety of hospitals."
Anonymous graduate of NAMI F2F
"You tossed our family a life-rope and we held on. Our loved one is now doing well. This course saved our family and our marriage."
Anonymous graduate F2F
"I wish we knew about this course years ago...we cannot help but wonder how much better our loved one would be doing had we been introduced to NAMI sooner."
Anonymous graduate NAMI F2F
NAMI Spanish speaking Warm-line in Tahoe Basin is open for calls
Thanks to Marisol Mariche, NAMI Family-to-Family graduate and certified NAMI Family Support Group Facilitator and NAMI volunteer and certified in Suicide Prevention and Mental Health First Aide amongst many other things including social-psychology. Our first Spanish outreach is coming Spring 2017 to SLT. Details to follow.
NAMI El Dorado County: Spanish Warm-line serving Tahoe Basin: 1-775-407-0306
NAMI Family-to-Family In South Lake Tahoe:
NAMI Family-to-Family education
in South Lake Tahoe:
16-Sep-2017 through 21-Oct-2017 from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
6 consecutive Saturdays <-- accepting sign-ups now for 2017
Call Jeanne at 650-740-5776 to register
NAMI Classes on the West Slope:
NAMI Family-to-Family Education completed classes on Nov. 17. We will schedule another class when we have a list of interested families.
Call Jan at 530-677-2676 to put your name on the wait-list for future class.
NAMI Basics - This class is for families with children/adolescents with behavioral/mental health conditions. This 6 week class will provide resources and coping strategies for families.
Call Jan (530)677-2676 to reserve space for this class. We need a minimum number to schedule this class.
NAMI Peer-to-Peer
is a 10-week education class for individuals coping with a mental health issue.
Please call Jan to get on wait-list for the winter class.
(530) 677-2676
All NAMI programs are provided to the community at
no cost to the participants and are offered once or twice a year. Please call to put your name and contact information on our list for future classes.
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Local Happenings
Reflections of Life and Loss (South Lake Tahoe)
Second and Fourth Thursdays monthly 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Barton Hospice encourages people who have experienced the loss of a loved one or have endured a significant, life-altering event to attend. This group helps teach attendees how to cope with certain situations and encourages emotional connections with others. Support and bereavement groups allow people to release emotions they may otherwise keep to themselves. It can improve a participant's mood and decrease psychological distress.
Location: Barton Hospice
2092 Lake Tahoe Blvd, Suite 600
South Lake Tahoe, CA
530-543-5592
Friends for Survival (Western Slope)
Marshall Medical Center
Meetings are held monthly. For more information, contact Walt or Leona Narr at 530-647-8864.
Bipolar Insights - in Placerville, CA
Weekly Class * Every Monday at 7 pm
Green Valley Community Church
3500 Missouri Flat Road, Room 304 in Placerville, CA 95667
$5 per person per class
Special Events * Tuesday's
Marshall Medical Building
681 Main Street, 1st Floor Common Room in Placerville, CA 95667
Check the website for dates and events
Bipolar Insights / Mental Health Education Center
Teen Support Group (no cost to attend) - A Balanced Life
A Balanced Life:
2100 Eloise, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Call to learn more: 530-544-1748
Therapists skilled in co-occurring addiction now available
(for adults/teens)
ARE YOU STRUGGLING WITH AN ADDICTION OF ANY KIND?
SMARTS Recovery held at: A Balanced Life ($3 donation requested)
Call to learn more: 530-544-1748
A
science-based addiction recovery support group -
no cost - where participants learn self-empowering techniques to aid their recovery through mutual-help face-to-face and online meetings and services.
More than 1/2 of those living with mental health have a co-occurring addiction
(work, drug, gambling, food, sex, alcohol, social-media, etc).
SMART Recovery meetings are now in South Lake Tahoe at A Balanced Life
- Every Thursday, 6-7PM (on-going weekly; no cost but a $3.00 donation is suggested)
El Dorado County Mental Health - Wellness Centers
(Diamond Springs
and South Lake Tahoe)
Adult Outpatient Services Wellness Centers, 768 Pleasant Valley Rd., Diamond Springs and 1360 Johnson Blvd., South Lake Tahoe,
continue to provide a safe, understanding, and recovery oriented place, Monday through Friday afternoons.
Drop in hours are from 1:00 to 4:00 Monday through Friday, for people to socialize and participate in a wide assortment of fun and therapeutic groups. Group schedules are available at the Wellness Centers and may include Dialectal Behavior Therapy, Anger Management, Conversation Skills, Healthy Pleasures, Smoking Cessation, Symptoms without Stigma, Mindfulness, Coping Skills, Stress/Anxiety Reduction, Seeking Safety, and others. Some of these groups are available on a referral basis only, while other groups, such as Art, Physical Activity, Mindfulness, Coping Strategies, etc. are open to all. Check current schedule at the Centers.
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PLEASE SUPPORT NAMI EL DORADO COUNTY
If you are one of the over 500 people who called, attended, or participated in a NAMI El Dorado County program this year, you are familiar with with how much it helps to know you are not alone. Please consider providing a tax-deductable donation to help us continue this important work in our community.
Your Donations Are Needed and Greatly Appreciated!
Every dollar donated goes
directly to our education, support, and advocacy efforts.
We are 100% voluntary non-profit
and are comprised of individuals and families with lived experience - working hard every day to crush stigma and improve services and supports in El Dorado County.
Your donations; volunteer time, items, or money are appreciated and used in our community to benefit and improve the lives of families and individuals living with mental illness.
Let us know if you would like to make a special donation
"in memory of" or
"in honor of" someone special or
"in support of our volunteerism in the community".
Please add a note to your check (or email [email protected] after using PayPal) NAMI El Dorado County covers the Western Slope and South Lake Tahoe - we are one affiliate.
Donations by check:
Please make checks payable to:
"NAMI El Dorado County",
PO Box 393, El Dorado, CA 95623
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Shopping?
Use AMAZON SMILE and select NAMI El Dorado County
Will you please share this with your friends and family? You Shop, Amazon gives to NAMI El Dorado County. 1/2% of all your purchase amounts will then go to NAMI El Dorado County
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Membership in NAMI has benefits!
Don't miss out on the excellent publications, NAMI Advocate Magazine (3 times per year) and the Voice newsletter, as well as online access to informative and thoughtful articles and blogs. You will also have the option to receive advocacy alerts where you can advocate with your legislature with a single click.
Memberships can be made or renewed by mail to
NAMI El Dorado County, P.O. Box 393, El Dorado, CA 95623.
You can also join online. Go to
www.nami.org (select
NAMI El Dorado County Western Slope and South Lake Tahoe
when you apply for membership.) A full membership is $35.00. Discounted "Open Door" memberships are available from your NAMI leader also. Thank you!
New Membership Structure Coming 1-July 2017:
Household Membership $60 (new); Regular Membership $40; Open Door Membership $5
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NAMI El Dorado County - FACEBOOK
Share our Facebook page with all your friends
Please "like" our page on Facebook or add your perspectives to our page!
drop-box (file folder) of our local resources, interesting posts, and photos.
As a reminder there is a national NAMI website at
www.nami.org,
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Interested in Volunteering?
Use your personal passion to give back. We are looking for individuals with an interest and skills in teaching, fundraising, organizational management, grant search and writing, and support group facilitation.
Giving back
and helping others is not only a gift but an opportunity for
personal
growth and, let's face it, a chance to feel good.
Call Jan on the Western Slope at 530-306-7710; Call Jeanne in South Lake Tahoe at 650-740-5776.
Jan Melnicoe, President
NAMI El Dorado County - Western Slope and South Lake Tahoe
(530) 306-7710
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