October  2016
 
Dear NAMI Family and Friends,

Fall is officially here! With shorter days and crisper nights, the colors are changing; aspen in the Tahoe Basin and the trees along Highway 50 through Placerville are creating quite a display.  Pumpkins are piled in the supermarket, wild turkeys roam the fields and woods, Halloween decorations appear,  and we begin to anticipate the holidays ahead. Some people, however,  find the seasonal changes difficult, especially those living with mood disorders.  Practicing self-awareness, mindfulness, and good sleep hygiene can help folks navigate through these seasonal transitions.                              
autumn-orange-tree.jpg

Attention all community members
(consumers and family members and other caregivers - we want to hear from you).   Prop 63, Mental Health Services Act, passed in 2004 to provide greater funding in California for Mental Health Services.  The county is required to survey the community and sincerely needs your candid input.  They are keen to understand which services you do and do not know about and what ideas you have for innovation. 

NAMI El Dorado will be hosting  MHSA Community Planning meetings on Oct 6 in South Lake Tahoe and Nov. 1st in Placerville.
 This is an opportunity to find out more about this important source of funding and its programs that make up so much of the mental health services in El Dorado County.  The Mental Health Services Act is about community driven services.  If we don't take the time to become informed and provide our input, it doesn't work as well.  Please plan on attending.  Your experiences, ideas, and comments are needed.

Oct 6: Lake Tahoe Community College 9AM, Aspen Room (as an agenda item of the South Lake Tahoe Mental Health Co-operative meeting.)
Nov 1: We will start at 5:30 for the MHSA Community Planning portion, followed by our business meeting.  Family support will follow at 7:00.  The meeting will be held at the County Government Center, Board of Supervisors Building, Conf. Rm. A, Fair Lane, Placerville.  Refreshments will be served.  Hope to see you there!  If you cannot make it to the meeting, you can provide input through a survey. Click on the link below to find all the meetings available and the on-line survey to give your input. 

MHSA Community Meetings Flyer
   
To provide input on the plan via on-line survey, go to

Thank you for your participation! 
 
October 10 is World Mental Health Day.
 

World Mental Health Day is a day for global mental health education, awareness, and advocacy.    World Mental Health Day was first celebrated in 1992 by mental health organization members in more than 150 countries.   On this day, each October, thousands of supporters come together to celebrate this annual awareness program to bring attention to Mental Illness and the major affects on people's lives.   With 20% of the world living with a mental health condition we must all strive for improved DIGNIFIED access to care, improved DIGNIFIED care, improved DIGNIFIED supports and services.     We are pleased to be graduating NAMI Family-to-Family graduates in Placerville and South Lake Tahoe in October - crush stigma and improve services through Mental Health education.


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In the News

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Take the First Step for Mental Health Reform: Register to Vote!
By Happy Carlock | Sep. 26, 2016
 
Election Day is drawing near, which means it's time for all of us to do our civic duty as Americans and as mental health advocates.
National Voter Registration Day is tomorrow, Sept. 27 and NAMI is partnering with 4,500 nonprofit organizations, businesses, schools and election administrators with the goal of getting half a million Americans to register to vote this election.
Mental health has been such a small part of the political conversation this year. Yes, both presidential candidates have taken positions on mental health issues and both party platforms contain language about a few of the most pressing issues in our mental health system. But it can't stop there. So it's up to us to keep the conversation about mental health alive and at the forefront of the 2016 elections.
More than 100 million viewers are expected to tune into the presidential debates. Let the candidates and all those viewers know that mental health impacts every voter. Join us in tweeting mental health questions at the Oct. 9 debate moderators. Let the candidates know that if they want your vote, they need to take action on mental health issues. Together, we can make mental health the defining issue that gets people to show up on Election Day, Nov. 8.
Voting is more than just your American right. It is your voice-one of the most powerful tools you have. We must elect officials who will implement policies that will improve mental health care for all Americans. And whether you are a caretaker, an advocate or someone who lives with a mental illness-whether this is your first time voting or your twentieth-your vote matters.
- See more at: http://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/September-2016/Take-the-First-Step-for-Mental-Health-Reform-Regi#sthash.B7v7HnRF.dpu
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Starting the Conversation  - College and your Mental Health

Plan for the unexpected.  Start the conversation about mental health.   FREE guide to starting the conversation with college-aged kids.  Building connections to others can help.
 
 
 

Living Well With ADHD: Scientific Guideposts to Improved Outcomes
 
Is ADHD a serious condition?  Can people grow out of this?  
Rachel Klein, Ph.D. did a landmark study monitoring over 200 individuals over 33 years -  findings confirmed by still another study done on 2 million individuals over 12 years.   Yes! this is a serious mental disorder with an 8-fold risk of mortality.  50% increase of accidents occur with those living with this condition; those being treated with medication had a 50% lower risk of accidents and 31% lower substance-abuse issues for those taking medication.
Outcomes:  3x as many individuals incarcerated living with ADHD; higher death rate; 62% conduct disorder; 33% antisocial personality disorder; 45% alcohol disorder; higher substance abuse and mood disorders.
 
Brain and Behavior Research presented a webinar on ADHD.  They revealed a cortical maturation delay in the brain scans of kids living with ADHD.  This may be the biological basis of self-regulation and social maturity. They noted lowest dose medication is useful.  Doctors with decades of experience in this field observe that 100% of their patients at some point will wonder "maybe I don't need this medication" even when doing optimally.   Respect autonomy of the child and discuss with clinician; brain maturation is increasing in teen years; consider a trial discontinuation of less than a month.  But the timing of when to adjust medication needs to be up to the child.   But ideally doing towards end of school year; let child/teen be in control of when the trial medication discontinuation occurs.   Then observe/ask:
-        Do you notice time passing more slowly
-        Do your teachers seem more boring?
-        Are you forgetful or impulsive?
 
When child/teen gets to point of seeing medication benefit on their own  Treatment of ADHD - can be tremendously rewarding
It does however, require patience and a long term perspective
Brain maturation is on our side (there are reasons why you can't be President of USA until age 35; can't rent a car until age 25)
We want to focus on helping our loved ones prevent irreversible errors
 
Non-medication approaches: parent education/training and behavioral management.  Learn to identify the behaviors we want to encourage and address the ones getting in the way.   Requires a lot of thoughtful awareness on part of adults.  Ideal when that can be initiated before medication...
Start with behavioral first.   Creating habits (like putting your keys in same place each day) can be useful; mindfulness.  Very good webinar - particularly for families caring for someone with ADHD.
 


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New Tool Calculates Patient's Psychosis Risk
 
greyscale-library-students.jpg New risk calculator enables doctors to better communicate risks to patients and their families.  Fewer than 35 percent of people whose symptoms indicate they have a high risk of developing schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders transition to full psychosis within about 3 years.   A new risk calculator lets clinicians determine the personal risk of psychosis for any person in this high-risk group.   Currently this calculator is being used in research and early psychosis study trials.   Depression calculators have become mainstream with many primary care physicians -- perhaps one day psychosis risk calculators will too.

https://bbrfoundation.org/brain-matters-discoveries/new-tool-calculates-patients'-personal-psychosis-risk 
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Working on or considering a career in mental health?  
Mental Health Loan Assumption Program (MHLAP) is open and accepting applications until 18-November!
Please share with anyone who may benefit from this opportunity!

The 2016/2017 Mental Health Loan Assumption Program (MHLAP) Cycle opened August 1, 2016. 
MHLAP was created by the Mental Health Services Act (Act), passed by California voters in November 2004. The Act provided funding to develop a loan forgiveness program in order to retain qualified professionals working within the Public Mental Health System (PMHS). Through the Workforce Education and Training component of the Act, $10 million is allocated yearly to loan assumption awards. An award recipient may receive up to  $10,000  to repay educational loans in exchange for a 12-month service obligation in a hard-to-fill or retain position within the County PMHS.
Eligibility Reminders for MHLAP:

Applicants may work or volunteer with an organization which is administered/funded, in whole or part, by a County Mental Health Department including County Mental Health funded contractors, subcontractors and Juvenile Halls. Those working with Adult corrections or offenders are not eligible.

Working or Volunteering in a hard-to-fill or retain position includes any capacity that meets your County Mental Health workforce needs.  The County Mental Health Director may determine what professions or positions fit their criteria for their County.  The criteria may change each year, please inform MHLAP staff if you have criteria you would like to have posted on the MHLAP webpage for applicants to view.

The MHLAP Flyer, FAQ's and link to the website are below for anyone interested in this opportunity!  

For resources on how to apply, please visit  www.healthprofessions.ca.gov/ .
     
Applications may be found online at  https://calreach.oshpd.ca.gov 


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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 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.

An attorney from LSNC will be at our Board Meeting on Oct. 4th to provide the community with information about their services.  This will begin at 6:15 pm at the County Government Center on Fair Lane, Conf. Room A.  All interested community members are welcome to attend. 

Additional information about health care rights may be found at HealthHelp.ca.gov.  

Law Enforcement - helping our community
 
Law enforcement resources recently helped 5 homeless individuals finding housing and assistance through a substation in Placerville!   You can receive important advisories, community updates, and official information by text message and email by signing up at:  www.cityofplacerville.org or www.nixle.com and downloading a mobile app. The departments are also taking applications for the 2016 Citizen Academy which gives citizens the opportunity to learn about policing in today's society and in their community.  For more information contact: Sgt. Dan Maciel (530) 642-5210 ext. 301 or dmaciel@cityofplacerville.org.  
Many thanks to Mayor Wilkins, Mayor Wendy David (South Lake Tahoe), City Manager Morris, and Chief Heller, Chief Uhler, Sheriff D'Agsostini, for their active community building!   A special Thank you to the many CIT-trained law enforcement personnel through-out our county....using de-escalation techniques to help our loved ones. 
 
The Placerville Police Dept. is on  Facebook
South Lake Tahoe police is also on Facebook .
El Dorado County Sheriff's department is also on Facebook .
 
 
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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.
18-Oct:  "A  Beautiful Mind: John Nash, Schizophrenia, Game Theory, Recovery from Schizophrenia"



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

1-Nov: "Future Of Psychopharmacology: Is New Treatment Innovation Still Alive?"
9-Nov:  "BiPolar Disorder: Importance of Residual Symptoms and Impact on Outcomes".
 
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.
   
 
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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. Psychiatrist Saul Zelan, MD joined the Barton Psychiatry team in August. Dr. Zelan will provide counseling, assessments, and other mental health services for adults and children. Potential patients should ask their doctor or healthcare provider about this service.   3 local psychiatrists: Dr. Zelan, Dr. Protell, and Dru Rupp plus Telemedicine and Psychologists plus 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.  No wait-list as of this month...that will change quickly.
 
  • 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.
  • A Balanced Life has hired 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 
 

Check out  Barton's mental health page  which outlines strategic priorities and accomplishments and more...  Have you checked out all the community classes available including smoking cessation?
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Barton's ER is 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)

Most frequented kiosk is at the Barton ER;  second most frequented is the kiosk at the Lake Tahoe Community College.

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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:
sharing_knowledge_graphic.jpg

 
NAMI El Dorado Board of Directors Meeting - First Tuesday of every month
We will meet at the Government Center, Fair Lane, BOS Building A, Conf. Rm. A, 5:30 p.m.   Everyone is welcome.    Support Group follows at 7:00 pm
This month, Leon Dickson of Legal Services of Northern California will be there to tell our members about their services and answer questions.

El Dorado County Mental Health Commission:

Regular meeting of the Commission will be October 26.
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.    
Group facilitators: Jeanne and Alan (650) 740-5776 | F2FNAMI@gmail.com.  
2016 remaining dates:   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:  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:  Oct 17, Nov 21, Dec 19
Group Facilitators: 
Jannell Clanton (530)333-5803 |  nell.clanton@yahoo.com or 
Lauraleen Patterson (916)955-1666 |  lauraleenpatterson@hotmail.com 


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 <-- class is full and in progress!
Call Jeanne at 650-740-5776 to register - Accepting wait-list candidates for future class
  
NAMI Classes on the West Slope: 
 
NAMI Family-to-Family is scheduled to begin on Thursdays beginning Sept. 8th through Nov. 17th at Faith Episcopal Church in Cameron Park.   Registration required. This class is closed.

NAMI Basics - Stay tuned for more information; we assessing new demand.
  
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 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

 
Reflections of Life and Loss (South Lake Tahoe) graphic-heart.gif
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
Friends For Survival is a national non-profit organization and you can learn more at  www.FriendsForSurvival.org 
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
bipolarinsights.com  (530) 642-0859      
 
        
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 groupno 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 
 
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.
   
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!   

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
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Please "like" our page on Facebook or add your perspectives to our page!  



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 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 | | janicemelnicoe@yahoo.com |