July  2016
Dear NAMI Family and Friends,

Happy 4th of July!

We are appreciating our full Sly Park Reservoir and beautiful meadows around South Lake Tahoe with hiking trails through-out our county abundant with wild-flowers this summer.  We hope you are taking the time to enjoy all that El Dorado County has to offer.  Hiking, biking, dining, fishing, wine tasting, county fair,  and the beauty of our rivers and lakes help make our county a wonderful place to live.

For individuals and their families living with mental illness, it may be difficult to appreciate all the beauty and to take advantage of all the amenities in our beautiful county.  Limited income, physical and mental health issues, transportation, stress, stigma, and frustration can make enjoying life difficult.  NAMI El Dorado is proud to be able to offer our signature class, Family to Family Education, on both slopes beginning this September. This class is proven to help family members understand, cope, and assist their loved one with mental illness.   Please check out class listings below and give us a call to reserve a spot.  You will be glad you did.

fireworks-summer.jpg
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In the News

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MediaWatch: Don't Forget the Children
By Bob Carolla | Jun. 08, 2016
Let's applaud WAMU-FM, the National Public Radio (NPR) affiliate in Washington, D.C. for a recent five-part series on children, mental health and schools.
Each episode (available in both audio and text) can be found here:
This topic is incredibly prevalent today due to the fact that one in five teens lives with a mental health condition and approximately 50 percent of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by age 14. Parents, teachers and students may not know or recognize telling symptoms, contributing to the unfortunate fact that suicide is the second-leading cause of death for youth aged 15 to 24.
A national version of the series with additional information will air later this summer on NPR's All Things Considered and Morning Edition programs. NPR's education programming team worked with WAMU's Kavitha Cardoza in producing the series.
As part of Mental Health Awareness Month in May, the U.S. Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration sponsored a webcast specifically for National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day: "Finding Help. Finding Hope." The discussion included youth, family and professional voices on systems of care. "We had nobody," said one father, "nobody was listening to us."
The need for help and hope is not limited to a single day or month. NAMI offers programs and resources year-round to address the needs of parents, teachers and students. 

And keep watching and listening in your community for media stories that cover mental health concerns. Share them with family, friends, neighbors and elected officials. Keep the conversation going.
- See more at: NAMI Blog 
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Mental Health First Aid
You may know CPR and the Heimlich maneuver. You can call 911. But can you administer first aid in a mental health crisis?

It's easy to tell when someone is having a heart attack, is choking, or can't breathe. But what does depression look like? Or anxiety? What would you say to a person you know who says they are thinking about suicide? How can you help in a panic attack?
Getting trained as a Mental Health First Aider is a first step in helping you to be prepared. 

4 Reasons to Get Trained

Mental Health First Aid

Mental Health First Aid USA is an 8-hour course that teaches you how to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. The training helps you identify, understand, and respond to signs of addictions and mental illnesses. Mental Health First Aid is included on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices (NREPP).

To find a course in your local area, visit  www.MentalHealthFirstAid.org.
Mental Health First Aid is offered regularly in El Dorado County.  
Call Stephanie Carlson in El Dorado County on the West Slope: (530) 621-6315
Thank you Barton Hospital for sponsoring the free Mental Health First Aid course last month on 31-May-2016.  

Review from past MHSA graduate:
Some of you have inquired about the depth of mental health information provided in MHFA classes.  MHFA is very "light" on mental health training but does a good job providing how to help someone who is in crisis...with emphasis on suicide prevention.  The MHSA class includes a very good short video and group exercises. 
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WE DID IT! With Unanimous support, HR 2646 Passes Out of Committee (news from Treatment Advocacy Center)  

(June 15, 2016) In a historic moment for people with severe mental illness and their families, the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act (HR 2646) passed out of the Energy and Commerce Committee markup this morning with all provisions intact to help people with a severe psychiatric disease; now the bill advances to the House floor.

congress-artsy TODAY's unanimous (53:0), bipartisan vote by the Energy and Commerce Committee is a tremendous victory for the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act and for people with severe mental illness and their families.
"This vote advances landmark mental health reform for the nearly 9 million Americans with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder," said Treatment Advocacy Center Executive Director, John Snook. "The country has spent the last half-century dismantling the mental illness treatment system. This bill is a major step towards reversing that. 
 Now Congress must harness this momentum and bring the bill to the floor."
WE NEED YOU MORE THAN EVER.  This bill still needs approval from the "Senate" and then the "President" before becoming law.  Track progress here.
Tell your Representatives we have waited long enough. ACT NOW to bring real mental health reform to a vote before August recess.   Email your Senator; post on your FACEBOOK page; let your voice be heard.   "Dear [representative], I urge you to take action on HR 2646 which lays a foundation for future action and positive change to our mental health system."   
Thank you for making a difference!

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Important Information for our Families

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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.  Learn more about this program at:  IHSS 

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Disability Benefit information

Sustainability Outreach Services - Rene Evans - Accredited Disability Representative in Placerville - (530) 876-6243

TheSimpleDollar.com 
 
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:
TheSimpleDollar.com was created to help people make truly better decisions by clearly laying out their options with content topics spearheaded by leading industry professionals. Because of their unbiased approach, they have been a trusted source for government entities and organizations throughout the US. They are also proud to be one of Google's Experts! Many publications and businesses already use their guides as resources for their readers.      

 
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Are you Prepared for a Crisis?

CIT is an innovative model of police-based crisis intervention training.  When officers are trained in identifying someone with a brain disorder and how to effectively deal with someone who is in a psychiatric emergency, the need for lethal force 
and arrest  are reduced.  
The officers we honored last month respond with a particular set of abilities, attitudes, and empathy on a call when families or individuals find themselves in a mental health 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.   
El Dorado County CHP is in process of training their officers - over 20 already trained in the 20 hour version of CIT and another 20 CHP officers from EDC and surrounding areas will be trained in July and August.  Thank you!

NAMI (i n partnership with University of Memphis) helped bring CIT to fruition many years ago.  NAMI was especially active in bringing CIT to California.    CIT is founded on principles of dignity, kindness, hope, and dedication.  
Learn more  here.

NAMI continues to advocate for the full 40-hour "Memphis Model" of training for deputies and officers.  Learn more about the Memphis model here

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 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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El Dorado County Sheriff trending down in volume of 5150 "psychiatric hold" cases

 
The El Dorado County Sheriff's office had 543 cases county-wide in 2014 where they brought individuals in for a psychiatric assessment.
In 2015 that number dropped to 501 cases.  To-date in 2016 they are seeing an even greater reduction.     NAMI appreciates the improvements made in transparent reporting and looks forward to on-going improvements in data-driven performance metrics.  This month for the first time we were delighted to see CIT stats reported by El Dorado County Mental Health in the monthly report to the Mental Health Commission.     Thank you!

El Dorado County Mental Health is experiencing similar reductions in the total volume of psychiatric assessments.  Requests for psychiatric assessments come from a variety of sources (not just the sheriff's department.)  The reduction in overall assessment requests is attributed to improved training such as Crisis Intervention Training, engagement by intensive case managers, and a collaborative approach to helping individuals in need.

5150 Psychiatric hold assessments are done by a trained mental health professional from El Dorado County Mental Health and done at either Marshall Hospital (West Slope) or Barton Hospital (South Lake Tahoe) as individuals are also medically cleared to proceed to treatment or release.   Intensive case management working in collaboration with CIT-trained law enforcement, and understanding family history via use of AB-1424 form is working.

NAMI continues to train and support family members in how to help their loved ones get prompt access and treatment.    NAMI is proud to be participating in the CIT instruction to El Dorado County CHP this summer - seeing approximately 20 CHP officers trained per month in CIT.   Go team!
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Have you visited a 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)

Guess which locations are the most frequented to-date? 
Answer will be in our next newsletter!

The kiosks feature mental health education, service and support information   The intent is to increase awareness and provide rapid access to services and supports.  Kiosks came to fruition as a result of our South Lake Tahoe Mental Health Cooperative with sponsorship by Barton.  Go team!   

Local news coverage about these additional mental health resources - click here.

PHOTO OF NEW KIOSK AT EL DORADO COUNTY PROBATION/SHERIFF'S BUILDING ===============>

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Crucial Conversations

Current brain research studies illustrate the linkage between family history of addictive behaviors and/or family history of other mental health issues such as schizophrenia, bi-polar or depression and genetic predisposition.    Many studies posit that genetic pre-disposition is a factor in 75% and 80% of those that are living with schizophrenia and bi-polar respectively.   Environmental factors can trigger our genetic pre-disposition.   Think of trauma or the THC in cannibis or high stress as potential "on-switches" to our genetic predisposition.   According to Stanford Medicine heritability for depression is probably 40% and significantly higher for severe depression (2-3 times higher or 20-30% vs 10% chances of developing depression.)

So understanding our relative's mental health and addictive behaviors can help us take steps to avoid triggers.  It may increase our desire to increase our psycho-education or prompt more open dialogue with our children/teens.   These crucial conversations both to gather family history then to share that history with the next generation may be the ticket to seeking treatment and sooner.  

So have that oh so crucial conversation with older relatives that can still recall prior generations.  

Perhaps they will respond with "Great-Grandpa Joe had a nervous breakdown and had to take a rest at the hospital for a month."   Or you might hear "Oh we don't have any history of mental health issues in our family.  But Auntie Suzie died by suicide."   Or perhaps you will hear "Every single member of my Mom's side had alcohol addiction."    You may feel you fully understand your family's history but you would be surprised how much may never have been shared until you are suddenly in a crisis situation.

Perhaps you will lead the crucial investigative conversation at your next family reunion!   Bring your sense of humor and sincerity to the table.   Let's crush stigma and bring these conversations forward in El Dorado County and everywhere.

Questions?  Contact [email protected] NAMI El Dorado County

Crucial Conversations: Understand family history of addictive behaviors and other mental health issues
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Passionate about learning more about Mental Health and the importance of Brain Research and Scientific Discoveries?

Visit BBRFoundation.org and attend their monthly "Meet the Scientists" webinars at no cost.

Visit PsychU.org and attend a virtual forum at no cost. 

Visit NAMI.org and scroll to the bottom of the page where you can learn more about specific illnesses.
 
Visit  www.bartonhealth.org  and visit their on-line

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.

Lake Tahoe Community College is planning a Mental Health display in their library in August.  Thank you libraries!   Thank you again to the El Dorado County library for their celebration of Mental Health Awareness month in May.  
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bCheck out  Barton's mental health page
 which outlines strategic priorities and accomplishments and more...   Have you checked out all the c ommunity classes available including smoking cessation?
 
Where can you find help?  Here is the  link to the The Health & Wellness portion of the directory begins 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.

Congratulations to Barton for their recent "A" safety rating and previous quality ratings scoring in top 3 of 300 California hospitals rated.  Learn more here.
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New Psychiatrists in El Dorado County: 
  • Barton Hospital welcomes new psychiatrist, Dr. Zellen starting by 1-Aug,  Families are already signing up for his new adult patient list.  
  • Dr. Protell, Dr. Rupp, and now Dr. Zellen - that is 3 psychiatrists in South Lake Tahoe plus tele-psychiatry options through Barton and El Dorado County Mental Health.
  • El Dorado County's Psychiatric Health Facility on Spring St. in Placerville, a Telecare facility, has also hired a new psychiatrist.   
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Have you asked your doctor about Long-lasting Injectables?

We continue to educate families and friends about the availability and benefits of long-lasting injectables for those that have this option available.   Safeway located at 1020 Johnson Lane in South Lake Tahoe has 2 pharmacists trained to administer long-lasting injectable medications such as Abilify.   
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   

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:
sharing_knowledge_graphic.jpg


NAMI Board of Director's meeting - No Board Meeting this month!
 
 
We will meet at the Government Center, Fair Lane, BOS Building A, Conf. Rm. A, 5:30 p.m.   Everyone is welcome.     

El Dorado County Mental Health Commission
Next meeting will be July 27, 2016.
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.)
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.
Fun Fact: Did you know that more than 75% of all Mental Health Commissions in California include NAMI membership and NAMI participation?   Did you know our Commission is comprised of skilled volunteers passionate about the cause?  
NAMI El Dorado County is a member of our Mental Health Commission.   Thank you Volunteers.

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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 at the South Lake Tahoe Library located at 1000 Rufus Allen Road from 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.    
Group facilitators: Jeanne and Alan (650) 740-5776 | [email protected].  
2016 remaining dates:   Jul 12, Aug 9, Sep 13, Oct 11, Nov 8, Dec 13.

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 
2016 remaining dates: July 5, Aug 2, Sep 6, Oct 4, Nov 1, Dec 6

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.
2016 remaining dates: July 18, Aug 15, Sep 19, Oct 17, Nov 21, Dec 19
Group Facilitators: 
Jannell Clanton (530)333-5803 |  [email protected] or 
Lauraleen Patterson (916)955-1666 |  [email protected] 


We are pleased to offer  NAMI Signature programs  right here in 
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 Family-to-Family In South Lake Tahoe:

NAMI Family-to-Family education  in South Lake Tahoe: 
Sep  17 through Oct 22 from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
6 consecutive Saturdays
Call Jeanne at 650-740-5776 to register 
  
NAMI Classes on the West Slope: 
 
NAMI Family-to-Family is scheduled to begin in September.  Call to reserve a spot.

NAMI Basics - Stay tuned for more information; we assessing new demand.
  
We will schedule classes according to demand. To be on a list for our next class, call Jan at (530) 677-2676

NAMI Peer-to-Peer  is a 10-week education class for individuals coping with a mental health issue.  This class just completed. Please call Jan  to get on wait-list for a future 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

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
bipolarinsights.com  (530) 642-0859      
 
        
Teen Support Group (no cost to attend)   
A Balanced Life:  2100 Eloise, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Call to learn more: 530-544-1748
 
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  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 Center.

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PLEASE SUPPORT NAMI EL DORADO COUNTY 
 
Your Donations Are 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 - everyone has a personal story.  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.
  
 
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
                           

Any of you shop at Amazon?  Go to  http://smile.amazon.com
  
 
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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!   

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NAMI El Dorado County - FACEBOOK
Share our Facebook page with all your friends
Please "like" our page on Facebook!    

Here you will find a 
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 , a California NAMI website  www.namicalifornia.org , and our  NAMI El Dorado affiliate  information can be found  here  and on  Facebook      You need not have a Facebook account to view any of  NAMI El Dorado County Facebook  content.  


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                           Interested in volunteering?
 
Use your personal passion to give back. We currently have openings on our Board of Directors.  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.
    volunteers_hdr.jpg 
 
Sincerely,
Jan Melnicoe, President
NAMI El Dorado County - Western Slope and South Lake Tahoe
(530) 306-7710

 
 


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Nami El Dorado County Western Slope and South Lake Tahoe | | [email protected] |