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In This Issue: Quicklinks
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NAMI
NAMI is the nation's most formidable grassroots mental health advocacy organization in the country. Dedication, steadfast commitment and unceasing belief in the NAMI mission have produced profound changes. NAMI has been the driving force behind a national investment in lifesaving research, parity for mental health care, and increased housing, treatments and services that are available to those in need when they need them the most.
NAMI was founded on the Eastern US in 1979 by parents of adult children living with schizophrenia. In 1974 Eva Oliphant with a small circle of San Mateo and Oakland parents were exasperated with the hostility directed at their sons and the profound ignorance of hospitals. They began meeting around their kitchen tables to plan a coordinated response. In October of 1977 Eve Oliphant and others created "Parents of Adult Schizophrenics." At a 1979 meeting in Madison, Wisconsin families from the East Coast and Parents of Adult Schizophrenics formally unified as "National Alliance on Mental Illness" and Eve Oliphant became the organization's star and most persistent advocate - sort of like a 20th century "Dorothea Dix" according to "No One Cares About Crazy People" author Ron Powers (published in 2017.)
NAMI El Dorado County is proud to be 100% volunteer.
This is an interesting historical video on the founding of one of the original NAMI affiliates. Note that NAMI El Dorado County celebrated our 20th year of volunteerism in 2016.
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 NAMI El Dorado County provides 3 Warm-lines:
Non-judgemental support to members of the community that need education, support or advocacy by volunteer NAMI El Dorado County leaders who share their time and passion for helping others.
WS: NAMI El Dorado County
Warm-line: (530) 306-7710
SLT: NAMI El Dorado County
Warm-line: 650-740-5776
Spanish Warm-line in SLT: 775-407-0306.
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Heartfelt Gratitude for Community Support
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Thank You Community Leaders
Thank you to
Brian Richart, El Dorado County Probation Captain for initiating a framework to govern the Stepping Up initiative workstream and committing to a governance model that includes NAMi/family/peer perspective and mental health commission volunteer leader perspectives.
 Thank you
FKCE (Foster and Kinship Care Education) for your on-going support of NAMI El Dorado County..
Thank you Barton Foundation for your continued Mental Health Collaboration leadership. Kindle Craig - you will be missed. Your can-do positive and inclusive leadership-style inspired each of us. It has been a pleasure working/volunteering together. Thank you for the memories and support of those in need. Thank you Clint Purvance, Barton CEO for your unwavering support of Mental Health services & supports.
Thank you Green Valley Community Church for their active support of the mental health community.
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LOVE YOUR BRAIN
LOVE MENTAL HEALTH
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NAMI Family Support Group Meetings
- 3 in El Dorado County:
These are designed for family members and/or caregivers/friends supporting a loved one living with a mental health condition. The group provides a safe supportive environment where family members and caregivers can talk frankly about their challenges and help one another through group wisdom. These groups 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 friend's of those living with a mental health condition. No cost to attend.
South Lake Tahoe: NAMI Family Support Group: meets the second Tuesday monthly from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Location: South Lake Tahoe Library located at 1000 Rufus Allen Road
Remaining 2017 dates: 13-Jun, 11-Jul, 15-Aug, 12-Sep, 10-Oct, 14-Nov, 12-Dec
Western Slope: NAMI Family Support group: meets the first Tuesday monthly at 7:00 p.m.
Location: is The County Governmment Center, 330 Fair Lane, Conference room C, Placerville
Group facilitator: Jan Melnicoe
Remaining 2017 dates: 06-Jun, Holiday,No group, 01-Aug, 05-Sep, 03-Oct, 07-Nov, 05-Dec
El Dorado Hills: NAMI Family Support Group
Location: EDH Raleys Event Center, 3935 Park Dr., El Dorado Hills from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Remaining 2017 dates: 19-Jun, 17-Jul, 21-Aug, 18-Sep, 16-Oct, 20-Nov, 18-Dec
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Psychosis Toolkit - Available Now!
How to transform emerging psychosis
In the course of our work at NAMI, we see all too much heartbreak when people with emerging psychosis don't get the services they need. It doesn't have to be this way!
Congress now requires states to set aside 10% of their block grant for the proven array of First Episode Psychosis (FEP) services. But mere allocation of federal dollars won't fulfill the vision in which EVERY young person in need can get these life changing services.
We must all advocate effectively for high quality FEP service delivery. Do you know what a good FEP service looks like?
Teachers/Coaches/Counselors/Mental-health-advocates/Parents/Caregivers -- we must all learn what a "quality" FEP program looks like. In South Lake Tahoe it is important to know where to obtain high quality services and supports.
FEP (First Episode Psychosis) is the wave of the future, changing the course of young lives.
Psychosis Tip sheets:
4.
For families: Encouraging People to Seek Help for Early Psychosis
Local resources for First Episode Programs include
UC Davis Medical Center EDAPT Clinic in Sacramento. Click here
EDAPT Clinic for information on eligibility, referrals, and assessment information.
El Dorado County Mental Health also has a limited First Episode Psychosis program funded by a grant and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC (not just Medi-Cal individuals) running on both slopes.
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TAX DEDUCTABLE DONATIONS:
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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Stigma-Free Toolkit - Available Now!
Is your non-profit or place of employment "Stigma-Free?"
Attention NON-PROFITS and FOR-PROFIT-BUSINESSES:
Mental health conditions can have a huge impact on companies, from decreased productivity to lowered morale. Companies that join with NAMI in being stigma-free can begin to reverse this.
A Stigmafree Company is one that makes stigmafree culture a priority and shows that it values employees' overall health, including emotional well-being and physical health. Being stigmafree creates the foundation for a culture of openness, acceptance, understanding and compassion.
Take the pledge; sign-up and get the free toolkit.
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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 online:
www.nami.org (select
NAMI El Dorado County Western Slope and South Lake Tahoe
when you apply for membership.)
Or, by mail to
NAMI El Dorado County, P.O. Box 393, El Dorado, CA 95623.
Household Membership $60 (new); Regular Membership $40; Open Door Membership $5
NOTE: If you live in bordering Nevada addresses such as Zephyr Cove or Stateline, NV or any areas outside of El Dorado County including any other states with loved ones or caregivers and you wish to join this affiliate - we welcome you.
When joining on-line system you will need to use a pull-down menu to select CA then find "NAMI El Dorado County."
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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: Western Slope at 530-306-7710
Call Jeanne: South Lake Tahoe at 650-740-5776.
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NAMI El Dorado County
Board of Directors Meeting
First Tuesday every other month 5:30 p.m.:
Aug 1; Oct 3; Dec 5, 2017.
County Government Center, Conf. Rm. C.
This meeting is open to the public.
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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:
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Language Matters: Tips from Dr. Amador
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)
Tips from Dr. Xavier Amador in his 10th anniversary edition book and his recent recorded webinar.
You can find unlimited access to the recorded webinar available at
Once you register the replay becomes available. The sound quality is poor but worth replaying.
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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 Basics - for caregivers/parents of children with behavioral challenges and/or a diagnosed mental health and/or substance use issue.
NAMI Family-to-Family - for caregivers/parents of teens and adults of any age living with mental health and/or substance use issues.
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. 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.
"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 El Dorado County's
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 of NAMI El Dorado County's 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 of NAMI El Dorado County's NAMI F2F
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Fun Fact
Over 350,000 individuals have graduated NAMI Family-to-Family educational program (this is less than 1/10th of 1% of the the US population.)
Imagine how different the world would be if all of us were educated in mental health that emphasizes brain science?
NAMI Family-to-Family is on the coveted SAMHSA list of "evidence-based practices."
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NAMI Educational programs 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:
Nursing CU's available.
Call Jeanne at 650-740-5776 to register
NAMI Peer-to-Peer: starts Spring 2018 in South Lake Tahoe: 24-Mar, 31-Mar, 7-Apr, 14-Apr, 21-Apr (5 consecutive Saturdays)
Accepting "interested" sign-ups now.
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NAMI El Dorado County classes on the Western Slope:
NAMI Family-to-Family Education Spring Class graduated in June.
Call Jan at(530) 677-2676 to leave your name on the list for our next class.
NAMI Basics - This class is for families with children/adolescents with behavioral/mental health conditions. This 6 week class has just graduated.
If you are interested call Juline to have your name put on a wait list for the next class: 530 642-5659 [email protected]
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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THANK YOU LAW ENFORCEMENT
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N EL DORADO COUNTY
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Law Enforcement - continues to help our community
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.
Did you know the volume of 5150's continue to trend down in this community? This certainly may be attributed to increased CIT training across law enforcement.
Thank you to all law enforcement in our community - for all you do for NAMI Families and the community:
Thank you for the CIT Training last month held in South Lake Tahoe, CA.
- The Placerville Police Department is on Facebook
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A warm welcome to the new Placerville Chief of Police, Captain James Ortega.
- El Dorado County Sheriff's department is on Facebook :
- South Lake Tahoe police is on Facebook
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Psycho-education is a core to recovery:
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 where you will find many fantastic books featuring mental health and/or substance abuse topics.
Visit
NAMI.org and scroll to the bottom of the page where you can learn more about specific illnesses.
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 Providers and community members are welcome to participate in virtual webcasts (and replay them whenever convenient.) Simply create a free PsychU.org login to participate and view past research and previously recorded forums.
Virtual Forum | August 8, 2017 9:00 a.m
BBRF Webinar - Finding and Fixing Broken Brain Circuits in Depression
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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:
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Legal Services of Northern California - at no cost (for eligible persons)
is a non-profit law firm that provides free legal assistance to eligible persons.
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.
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26-July-2017 Mental Health Commission Meeting:
By NAMI Leader in South Lake Tahoe:
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Do you have a passion to improve mental health and co-occuring addiction services and supports in our community? The Mental Health Commission currently has vacancies. Application form can be found
here.
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El Dorado County H&HS provides awesome detailed report to the MHC and public.
Click here (then click on Behavioral Health Update.) THIS IS A MUST-READ REPORT.
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Significant praise for law enforcement in their work towards getting approval of a part-time mobile outreach team in Placerville where a social worker and CIT deputy ride-along proactively identifying at-risk individuals in the community (e.g. homeless and chronically mentally ill and connecting them with services)
South Lake Tahoe looks forward to this coming to our area as well. NAMI shared statistics about other county's that have had great success with this model and remains hopeful and optimistic this will soon come to South Lake Tahoe.
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The Stepping Up Initiative has started.
Two years ago the Board of Supervisors signed a proclamation indicating they will implement this initiative. On 19-July an executive team comprised of cross-functional departments hosted by El Dorado County Probation, Brian Richart agreed to oversee the program and plans to launch a variety of sub-teams to assess where gaps are needed. Judge Kingsbury agreed to provide oversight and be actively involved in the success of this initiative.
NAMI and the Mental Health Commission Chair, Jim Abram along with 2 other commission members have graciously volunteered to be proactive participants offering their expertise to the governance of the Stepping Up Initiative.
We have promoted this initiative for 2+ years and will continue to do so as it affects so many with mental illness
in our community.
Want to learn more?
The National Association of Counties provides these
free webinars demonstrating each step in the recommended "Intercept Model." We particularly appreciated
this webinar on conducting process analysis
Check out the Intercept Model and a success story in the webinar provided by StepUpTogether.org.
AOT Program has been highlighted as an area of program management improvement opportunity. Inviting ideas as to how to improve this program and publically documenting open issues and measures of success is the collective goal.
Patricia Charles Heathers reports organization transformation on track.
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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/classes, 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
South Lake Tahoe:
Jeanne 650-740-5776
Spanish South-shore Tahoe Basin: Marisol
1-775-407-0306
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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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Share our Facebook page with all your friends - we invite you to engage with us.
Please "like" our page on Facebook - we invite you to add your comments 
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Dear NAMI Family and Friends,
Welcome August! This month we are delighted to bring you the latest and informative takeaways from the recent
NAMI National Conference in Washington DC, attended by our SLT NAMI leader, Jeanne Nelson. This outstanding conference featured top neuroscience researchers including the Director of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Industry experts in policy, service and supports along with authors and celebrities sharing best practices provided valuable insight and information during conference sessions. We look forward to sharing experiences, lessons, and special moments with you.
We continue to work hard to push for thoughtful leadership to our local community to make El Dorado County a healthy community to live, work and play. We participate in countywide leadership meetings, sit on the County Mental Health Commission, speak to groups and county leaders in order to advocate for best practices, brain-based research, family centered, peer led, and hope filled treatment practices.
We encourage everyone to visit
www.namieldoradocounty.org to see modern best practices, community gaps, and photos and takeaways from the annual conference.
NAMI California will soon be offering trainings for Family to Family Teachers, and Support Group Facilitators. If you have been wondering how you might like to be a part our our mission, this is a wonderful opportunity. Please call or email us to indicate your interest. Slots for these trainings are limited and we need more teachers and facilitators in El Dorado County. If you have an interest in helping with the governance of our affiliate, our Board would welcome you. We meet 6 times a year and need individuals with lived experience in mental illness (family member or self), professional background in mental health or related field, or past board experience.
We are delighted to invite you to a pre-screening at no cost of the important mental health drama "
Elizabeth Blue." Date and times are
below.
On behalf of our entire board of directors, instructors, and volunteers - thank you.
Sincerely,
Jan Melnicoe
President
NAMI El Dorado County
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IN THE NEWS
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Minorities are less likely to receive diagnosis and treatment for their mental illness. They have less access to and availability of mental health services. Often, they receive a poorer quality of mental health care. July was National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. We stand with these communities and show them that they are not alone and that there is help.
Challenging Multicultural Disparities in Mental Health
By Elena Schatell |
Jul. 10, 2017
As the racial demographic of the U.S. continues to shift, the mental health field faces the challenge of creating equal, culturally sensitive services for all. Many people are unable to attain their highest level of mental wellness for several reasons, and the culture of mental health is just one barrier. Closely tied to race and ethnicity, "culture" refers to a group of people who share a set of beliefs, norms, values and attitudes. The culture we associate with influences what we think and what we do-especially when it comes to mental health.
In 2001, the U.S. Surgeon General
released a report that brought much needed attention to the role of cultural factors in mental health disparities. But 14 years after that report,
an analysis published by the American Psychological Association (APA) revealed that there are still significant barriers to obtaining high quality mental health services for ethnic minorities in this country, including African-Americans, Hispanics, Latinos, Asian-Americans and Native Americans.
"While racial and ethnic disparities have decreased somewhat, [they] are still substantial," says Dr. Timothy B. Smith, co-author of the 2015 APA analysis.
Compared with the U.S.'s majority Caucasian population, "members of racial and ethnic minority groups are less likely to have access to mental health services [and] less likely to use community mental health services," says Dr. Charlene Le Fauve, program chief of the National Institute of Mental Health's Minority Health and Mental Health Disparities Program. "[They] are more likely to use inpatient hospitalization and emergency rooms and more likely to receive lower quality care." All of this increases the burden of mental illness, contributes to poor outcomes and results in greater use of intensive, costly services.
Understanding why cultural disparities exist and persist in the mental health field is difficult because the issue is complex. The following is some of what we do know on the topic.
Interpretations of Mental Illness
Cultures vary in how they interpret and understand mental illness. A
2010 study conducted in inner-city Hartford, Conn., found that European-Americans "tended to express beliefs about mental illness that were aligned with the biomedical perspectives on disease." In contrast, Latino and African-American study participants more commonly emphasized "non-biomedical interpretations" of mental illness symptoms-meaning that they focused more on spirituality, moral character and social explanations for mental illness.
Stigma
Although the European-Americans in the study described above felt the impact of social stigma and rejection, stigma was far more of a prominent, core theme for Latinos and African-Americans. Latino participants viewed mental illness diagnoses as "potentially very socially damaging," while African-Americans considered mental illness to constitute "private family business" that should not be dealt with or even acknowledged publicly.
Getting Support and Treatment
Out of the three groups studied, participants of European descent sought out professional mental health treatment most frequently. When faced with a mental health crisis, many ethnic minorities turn to primary care providers and nonprofessional sources of support, such as clergy, family, friends and community groups-anyone who has been deemed trustworthy and speaks the native language. If members of an ethnic minority do seek professional mental health treatment, it is usually only after symptoms have become much more severe.
Symptom Presentation
Culture also accounts for variations in how patients describe their symptoms to clinicians. Jyl Pomeroy, a mental health program manager at the Arlington Free Clinic in Northern Virginia, has observed that many of the clinic's Latino patients describe anxiety as "my heart is hurting."
Research performed by Abdullah and Brown in 2011 support Pomeroy's observation. They found that Latino and Asian patients are likely to express psychological distress in the form of physical or somatic complaints, including dizziness and tiredness. If a health provider does not further probe the patient to describe his or her emotional state, the patient may go untreated for an underlying mental health condition.
What We Can Do to Eliminate Disparities Involving the Culture of Mental Health
1) Follow national standards.
- Provide equitable, understandable and respectful quality care and services that are responsive to the cultural health beliefs and practices of the patient demographic.
- Offer free language assistance and other communication needs to individuals with limited English proficiency. Inform all individuals of these services in their preferred language, both verbally and in writing.
- Encourage the recruitment and retention of a diverse, bilingual staff that is representative of the demographic characteristics of the service area.
2) Educate and train mental health staff to be culturally competent.
Mental health organizations must provide ongoing education and training in culturally appropriate service delivery for their staff especially if the staff comes from backgrounds that are different from their clientele's. This education will help build trust between patient and professional and increase engagement. The training programs should cover what is known about the culture of mental health, including symptom expression and general attitudes and beliefs regarding mental illness.
Staff should be taught to be open and accepting of patients' preferred coping styles. Elizabeth Wolfe, a mental health therapist in Washington, D.C., sees many Latino clients at Mary's Center, a federally funded local service agency in Washington, D.C. Wolfe has had several Latino clients who saw a curandero, or spiritual healer, before coming to see her. From listening to her patients, she has realized that many get "a lot of support and strength from their faith." Consequently, faith and religious experiences are "something I try to bring into the therapy consciously, to help support that person," Wolfe says.
3) Develop culture-specific mental health education tools.
Public education is an important tool that can be used to combat stigma and reduce the shame surrounding mental illness. Educational materials-such as pamphlets, videos and PowerPoints-should cover the symptoms and signs of mental illness, treatment options, and what mental health services are available and how to access them. Include relatable personal stories from individuals who received care in the community.
These should be easy-to-comprehend materials specifically designed for the ethnic demographic served and provided in the language(s) used by the population. When dispersing educational tools to culturally diverse audiences, also think strategically about where to advertise and distribute the materials.
4) Establish and engage community partners.
The APA recommends facilitating partnerships among behavioral health providers, educators, community leaders, families and government agencies to ensure the development of culturally competent services. These partners can share resources and educate and engage each other to work toward systematic change. NAMI Lane County in Eugene, Ore., accomplished this recently, successfully getting 25 agencies to participate in a minority mental health Hope Starts With You symposium.
Community partnerships are also vital to improving use of local services and reducing culture-based stigmas. Start a mental health conversation or program in a part of the community that makes sense to the target population. Teach community leaders how to respond to mental health concerns, educate on the topic of mental health and start peer-led support groups.
5) Continue conversations and research.
We need more data on culture-based attitudes, beliefs and trends. We also need more research on successful ways to incorporate culture into mental health care, as well as standardized data on access barriers and the current quality of mental health care among ethnic minority communities. But what we need most of all are conversations-conversations that make research on this subject a priority and demand action, implementation and change.
One entity alone cannot move the dial to eliminate culture-based mental health disparities. "Solutions to very complex public health and societal problems require commitment, communication and strategic partnerships in order to leverage resources and effect change," Dr. Le Fauve says.
As U.S. Surgeon General Dr. David M. Satcher said in 2001, "culture counts" in mental health care, but our culture should not determine the type or quality of care we receive. Help bring awareness to the topic and let it be known today: Culture counts.
Elena Schatell is a former NAMI intern.
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Addiction and Neuroscience (half of people living with addiction have a co-occuring mental health condition and many do not know it.)
Both addiction and mental illnesses are disorders of the brain which often "co-occur."
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NAMI Conference 2017 - Washington D.C. (Key Takeaways)
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by Jeanne Nelson, NAMI El Dorado County - in South Lake Tahoe
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Charlotte Weatherford
and
Corinne Foxx |
We were inspired by many: neuroscientists, authors and other celebrities. We had such fun on our "hill-day" bus-ride to the white house with model Corinne Foxx (daughter of actor Jamie Foxx.) Corinne was shooting a video and participated with our California advocates and got us all chanting "cal-i-for-nia cal-i-for-nia" I just love this photo of Charlotte (NAMI El Dorado County peer-to-peer instructor/mentor) with Corinne.
Corrine Foxx speaks out on what its like to have a mental illness.
Over 1,000 of the 1700 that participated also joined in supporting advocacy with key political constituents. Our NAMI El Dorado County team lead was 1 of 6 (out of over 100 from California) that led the brief discussions with
Senator Diane Feinstein,
Senator Kamala Harris, and Congressional Leader
Tom McClintock's delegates. We continue to work hard every day to raise awareness about the need to protect and improve mental health services and supports.
1. Smoking Cessation for Patients with Schizophrenia or Bi-Polar.
2. Weight Loss and Overall Health
3. Two Perspectives on Genetics
4. Current Research presented by NAMI friend and collaborator J
oshua Gordon, M.D., Ph.D., Director, National Institute of Mental Health
, Bethesda, Md.
5. Innovations in Reducing Incarcerations...and Sequential Intercept Model.
Here are some fantastic new books. We have read them and also heard directly from the author's - their personal stories were incredibly inspiring.
May 16, 2017
Dec 6, 2016
Jeanne Nelson and Naomi Judd in Washington D.C. at the NAMI Convention
 Dr Ken Duckworth, NAMI Medical Director announced that "The British are Coming to New Orleans!" The founders of CBT for Schizophrenia, Turkington & Kingdon (Cognitive Therapy of Schizophrenia (Guides to Individualized Evidence-Based Treatment) will be providing a 1/2 day or full-day session at the New Orlean's NAMI Convention. Details to follow.
We encourage our county's CIT leaders, El Dorado County H&HS leaders, Jail leadership, mental health providers and NAMI community members to attend.
Many county leaders across our nation attended the 2017 conference.
Learn from many top neuroscientists, modern best practices, and the latest discoveries relevant to peers, families, jail leadership, therapists, law enforcement, etc.
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Important Information for Families
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Community Mental Health Kiosks:
Marshall Hospital Emergency Dept. Kiosk with Jan Melnicoe of NAMI El Dorado County, Angelina Larrigan, HHSA, and Larry Schmidt, Director of Emergency Dept.
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5 West Slope "Mental Health Resource" Kiosks have been placed at the following locations:
- Folsom Lake College
(El Dorado Center - Student Services - Green Valley Rd.
)
- El Dorado County Library
(Cameron Park - Country Club Dr.)
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Marshall Emergency Department
(1100 Marshall Way, Placerville)
-
Georgetown Divide Wellness
(2 kiosks)
(6065 California 193, Georgetown)
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Shingle Springs Tribal Health
(
5168 Honpie, Shingle Springs)
These West Slope kiosks were made possible through a grant from the
El Dorado Community Foundation
and NAMI El Dorado County.
Thank you!
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6 South Lake Tahoe "Mental Health Resource" Kiosks at the following locations:
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Barton Emergency Room
(2170 South Ave)
- Barton TeleMedicine Psychiatry (2209 South Ave)
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Barton Community Health Center
(2201 South Ave)
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El Dorado County Probation/Sheriff
(1360 Johnson Blvd)
- Lake Tahoe Community College (next to college bookstore)
- El Dorado County Library (1000 Rufus Allen Road)
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Jeanne and Marsha at
Barton Community Health |
Volunteers from NAMI El Dorado County and the Barton Foundation work to replenish these valuable South Lake Tahoe resources regularly.
Over 3500 brochures have been provided to the community in South Lake Tahoe since the kiosks were established in May, 2016.
These South Lake Tahoe Mental Health Kiosks were made possible through a grant from the
Barton Foundation.
Strong collaboration with local providers keep resources at the finger-tips of our community.
Thank you!
Thank you Marsha  for your incredibly on-going volunteerism in designing the kiosks, maintaining inventories and reporting utilization. Thank you community providers of services/supports for proactive collaboration in making these kiosks an on-going success.
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We encourage family's and/or our loved ones to file a complaints / grievances. This is how operations improve! Change is only possible with awareness. Let your voices be heard.
Have you done
all that you can do
to help improve the operation's of mental health services/supports? Filing a simple complaint/grievance suggesting improvements helps improve our community's mental health services/supports as a whole!
Be part of the solution - make suggestions that are specific.
40% Fewer Re-Admission Rates when access to medical records provided
Some research has been published indicating that patients that are given their full medical records after release from an in-patient stay have
40% fewer re-admission rates within the first month.
If your in-patient hospital or provider is refusing to provide your medical records then it is appropriate to file a grievance with the State of California and with the provider. Make sure you also contact your insurance provider to let them know this provider/hospital is not cooperating. You may also request a meeting with the attending psychiatrist and/or patient right's advocate.
If you have completed the necessary forms requesting medical records and have been turned down -
we encourage you to file a grievance first with the provider...and then with the State of California if the provider's grievance process did not address your complaint.
- Every hospital or provider has their own complaint/grievance form (they are not standard across providers or agencies.)
- TeleCare's PHF in Placerville has complaint/grievance forms within their in-patient hospital.
- El Dorado County Behavioral Health Grievance Forms are available on their main website here (and available in the Wellness Centers both on the WS and SLT.)
- TeleCare Corporation now has a generic on-line grievance form based on our local advocacy.
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The PHF in Placerville has hired a new manager, Jeff Symon: [email protected] 530-748-4700.
El Dorado County Behavioral Health has a new client-advocate: Danielle:
patientrightsadvocate
@edcgov.us
What Should I Do If I Have A Complaint About a Hospital (which was not addressed by the provider's grievance process)? File Grievance with California |
Local News and Discoveries
West Slope Law Enforcement Partnerships Shine!
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El Dorado County Behavioral Health Dept. has partnered with the Placerville Police Department to schedule a clinician to ride along with Police Officers in the field to enhance appropriate use of WIC 5150 interventions. This ride along support will occur three times a month.
Also on the West Slope, the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office HOT (Homeless Outreach Team) is scheduling meetings with Behavioral Health to develop and implement a partnership to link homeless individuals struggling with mental illness to appropriate mental health services.
This is good news for our county and its residents. We are pleased our county agencies are working together to provide best practices in their interventions with the public. Hats off to those who have worked so hard to see these practices implemented!
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DO YOU KNOW YOUR FAMILY HISTORY OF SERIOUS MENTAL ILLNESS and ADDICTION? HAVE YOU DONE YOUR FAMILY TREE?
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Think of trauma,
the THC
in cannabis, and/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.) 
Addiction is estimated to be up to 60% genetic. Of those that are diagnosed with BiPolar or Schizophrenia it is estimated that there was a family history of mental health issues in 75-80% of those living with those mental health conditions.
So understanding our relative's mental health
and history of addictive behaviors can help us take steps to avoid triggers and
build resilience. Knowing genetic predisposition may increase our desire to increase our psycho-education or prompt more open prevention/resilience 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. The director of NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health) encourages everyone to think of predisposition not as "I have it or I don't" in my family tree but rather "I have traits of mental illness and traits of addiction in my family tree." Essentially all of us carry some traits for each - the question we need to find is the degree of severity of these traits and talk about these traits openly and honestly.
Perhaps your family 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 already 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.
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Ask your doctor about Long-lasting Injectables
"Multiple families across our county have shared the very positive changes in their loved one since switching to a long-lasting injectable form of medication. NAMI families reporting favorably about the positive change in their loved one since transitioning to long-lasting injectables such as most commonly reported Abilify Maintena (aripripazol) and Invega Sustenna (paliperidone). There are others such as Risperdal Consta, Geodon
(ziprasidone
mesylate). Clozaril (clozapine) has been referred to as the gold standard for treatment
resistant cases. More technical information can be found here.
Every body is different so it is important to proactively discuss medication options with your treatment provider(s) and monitor side effects.
Has your insurance company denied coverage? Ensure you file an appeal advocating for your loved one and include a letter from your provider with the appeal.
Contact the drug manufacturer to see if they have a program that will fund the drug on behalf of your loved one. For example, Otsuka, the maker of Abilify has this program.
NAMI El Dorado County Instructor in SLT
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 and on the Western Slope.
We continue to educate families and friends about the availability and benefits of long-lasting injectables for those that have this option available.
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.
You can buy the long-lasting injectable through other pharmacies and have it administered by a professional.
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.
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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 (also known as the Historical Information Form). If the deputy or officer that arrives is not aware of how this form is used then ask for a law enforcement supervisor.
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
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Brain Activity Patterns Could Help Identify Best Treatment for Patients with Major Depression: BBRFoundation
research
That's because THC occupies the same receptors on neurons as a natural brain chemical called anandamide. In essence, THC is acting as an impostor of this
natural chemical.
The brain's electrical pathways and the insulation process aren't complete until the mid-20s for females and late 20's for males. This means teen/young-adult brains are vulnerable to outside influences. In addition, teen brains are more "plastic." They adapt and learn faster than adult brains - suggesting that teens/young-adults are more vulnerable to developing an addiction.
Study looks at how Legalization of Marijuana affects Teen Usage:
Visit
BBRFoundation.org and attend their monthly "Meet the Scientists" webinars at no cost <- they fund scientific research to ultimately find a cure for mental illness - improved treatment discoveries are lending towards full, happy, productive lives.
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Latino Community Members
"Stop Stigma with Science"
Detener el estigma con la ciencia
20% -
de los latinos nacidos en Estados Unidos han sufrido de un reto de salud mental durante el último año.
Check out these Spanish resources:
La salud mental en la comunidad latina
and
NAMI El Dorado County: Spanish Warm-line in SLT: 775-407-0306
ENGLISH: Getting any kind of health treatment is sometimes difficult to manage for families, and the barriers of language, community isolation, stigma, provider availability and cultural differences, compounds this difficulty. We believe adjunct treatments to be of great benefit for those who find them reassuring, comforting, and familiar. NAMI stands firmly on the side of science and evidence based treatments as the desired primary treatment modality. We do not support "alternative" treatments
in lieu of, considering the damaging effects of continued psychosis or prolonged damaging mental health episodes. We are working hard to provide evidence-based education in our community. You are not alone.
SPANISH: Es importante señalar que, en el caso del estigma, hay una falta de conocimiento sobre la calidad de la atención de la salud. Creemos que son útiles para aquellos que los encuentran tranquilizadores, reconfortantes y familiares. NAMI está firmemente en el lado de la ciencia y la evidencia basada en tratamientos como la modalidad de tratamiento primario deseado. No apoyamos tratamientos "alternativos" en lugar de, considerando los efectos perjudiciales de psicosis continuada o episodios de salud mental dañinos extendidos. Estamos trabajando duro para proporcionar educación basada en la evidencia en nuestra comunidad. No estas solo
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Local Mental Health Events
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The El Dorado Mental Health Commission is part of a system of Boards and Commissions established under the Welfare and Institutions Code. Its purpose is to review and report tp the Board of Supervisors about the County's Mental Health Plans. It is comprised of volunteers from the Community with lived or professional experience in mental health.
The Mental Health Commission is open to the public.
It meets the 4th Wednesday of each month.
3 min is allowed for public comment (and the public is invited to provide perspective when prompted by the chair after each agenda item.) Let your voice be heard to help improve county services/supports.
El Dorado County Mental Health Commission:
Next Meeting is 23-Aug-201
7
at 5:00 p.m.
2 locations - both connected via video-link
- Health and Human Services Agency, 3057 Briw Rd., Sierra Room, Placerville, CA
- South Lake Tahoe at the Wellness Center 1900 Lake Tahoe Blvd
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: vacancies on both slopes
MHC Agenda and Minutes can be found:
here
Select "Key Takeaways" from NAMI EDC leadership perspective an be found
here.
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NAMI Family Support groups: 3 in El Dorado County. Click
here for details.
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Mental Health Drama "Elizabeth Blue"
free pre-release screening
in El Dorado County community
NAMI El Dorado County is pleased to bring a free pre-release screening of this important film to our El Dorado County community - all are welcome!.
Mark your calendars (free snacks and awesome movie.) We interviewed the author and producer in Washington D.C. a few weeks ago after the film's first pre-release viewing. What a treat! The trailer does not do it justice.
2 pre-screening locations and times:
South Lake Tahoe, CA Saturday 16-Sep 3:00 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. at Lake Tahoe Community College (BOARD ROOM).
Doors open 2:45 p.m.
Placerville, CA Saturday 16-Sep 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. at Green Valley Community Church, Placerville, Room 306.
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Community Night Out!
NAMI will be participating an the annual Community Night Out.
Placerville:
South Lake Tahoe:
1-August 4PM - 8PM
Lake Tahoe Environmental Science Magnet School, 1095 E San Bernardino Ave, South Lake Tahoe.
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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
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Friends for Survival - on the Western Slope
Marshall Medical Center
Meetings are held monthly. For more information, contact Walt or Leona Narr at 530-647-8864.
 Survivors of Suicide (SOS) in South Lake Tahoe
Loss Support Group
Meeting is held the 4th Thursday of every month
2092 South Lake Tahoe Blvd.
Emily's Walk for Hope: 10-Sep-2017 <- NAMI will have a booth too
9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Details
here
10 a.m. Opening Ceremony
12 p.m. BBQ
Suicide Prevention Network
Alisa Merino
Program Coordinator
775-783-1510
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Bipolar Insights (Placerville)
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
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Where to Find Help?
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Welldorado.org:
This is the county's website for health & wellness (calendar, statistics and more.)
Community Health Directory
is available in South Lake Tahoe at any Barton provider and at each of the
6
Mental Health Kiosks
t
hrough-out the community or at NAMI Support Group.
Here is the
link
to the on-line Community Directory.
Notice all the support groups and counseling services - there are many health and wellness programs available.
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.
Barton provides 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.
NAMI Families reporting such favorable results!
Have you been wait-listed to see a Psychiatrist? Make an immediate appointment
with your Primary Care Physician.
We need to close the gap on long wait-lists. Do not delay treatment - hunt for an available provider and ask for available alternatives.
Did you know there are MORE than 2 dozen therapists available in South Lake Tahoe? Ask your NAMI leader in South Lake Tahoe if you are unable to locate the directory.
Please refer to the "Community Resource Guide" for a comprehensive list of providers. These are available at each of the Mental Health Kiosks in South Lake Tahoe.
Ask your NAMI community leader if you cannot locate the directory.
Good news: New mental health providers have arrived in South Lake Tahoe this past year bringing a new continuum of care without a wait-list.
- 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. <- very close to getting Medi-Cal approval (and accepts a variety of insurances) -- NAMI Families reporting favorably. Dr. Wong works in collaboration with a team of tele-med psychiatrists.
- A Balanced Life added 2 new therapists specializing in co-occurring addiction/mental-health issues: 530-544-1748
- Adults, Teens, Children
- Free Teen Support Group
- Support for veterans
- Live Violence Free - has free weekly group counseling for victims of sexual abuse / violence.
-
has co-occuring addiction/mental-health therapists
- LARKR is a brand new on-line application providing 24/7 access to therapists from the comfort of anywhere anytime (they are headquartered in South Lake Tahoe, CA) They accept children/parents, teens and adults of all ages. They serve mild to moderate as they are not integrated yet with psychiatrists nor do they have the ability to prescribe medication. Their new on-line application went to public beta-release on 20-June-2017.
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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 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
NOTE: Wellness Centers are migrating towards a Peer-Led support group model; some are co-lead by licensed therapists and many are lead by Peers.
obtained a grant to fund FEP (First Episode Psychosis Program)
AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC -
not just Medi-Cal insured individuals
Individuals with other types of insurance welcome as this program is funded by a grant.
Call 530-573-7970 El Dorado County Behavioral Health to learn more.
El Dorado County Behavioral Health - free support groups
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC - not just county clients
Drop in hours are from 1:00 to 4:00 Monday through Friday:
adults 18+
,
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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Surprising Brain Change Appears to Drive Alcohol Dependence. According to a new study, alcohol increases neural activity in the central amygdala. Source: Scripps Institute. Read full story
Window to brain's reward system could lead to better treatments for alcohol alcoholism.
Gambling addiction triggers same brain area as alcohol and drug addiction. Findings suggest same brain networks associated with impulse control could be weakened in people with gambling addiction (same as alcohol and drug addiction.) Imperial College's Professor Anne Ling-Hughes states that "
