May 1, 2017

 
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It's Mental Health Awareness Month
Get Active and Make Your Voice Heard!




Mental Health Awareness is here! We look forward to using the E-News to showcase the tremendous work our affiliates our doing across the state to raise awareness. This of course includes our NAMI-NYS Ribbon Campaign. This issue will once again provide you with the tools to engage in the campaign as well as info on two initiatives that will allow you to support NAMI-NYS. You will also find information on tomorrow's What's Great in Our State event. Finally, we again bring you information on the American Health Care Act and how you can make your voice heard on the crucial issue. 

As always, we want to know about the work you are doing. Please email   Matthew@NAMINYS.org with details and pictures about your work. This way we can feature it in the E-News and print Newsletter. Showcasing your work will allow others to learn from you, and that's the best way we can grow together as an organization. 

Hope Starts With You!
NAMI-NYS News
  2017  A Brighter Day Event

The fifth annual "A Brighter Day" event took place on Friday, April 21st. It was a wonderful evening. As the event corresponded to the statewide NAMI Peer-to-Peer (P2P) training, we were fortunate to be joined by P2P trainers Cynthia Scott and Donna Israel who detailed how NAMI has helped them in their recovery and how in turn NAMI has given them the ability to help others. They put an incredible face on the power of NAMI. The event's featured speaker, Dr. John Forsythe, gave an interesting presentation on how to take a different view on mental health, disease and wellness. It was an inspirational evening all around. NAMI-NYS would like to extend our deep appreciation to Bob and Evelyn Keplinger for hosting the evening, Jeff Wise and the staff at Glennpeter Jewelers for letting us use their store and supplying the food and for everyone who came out and supported NAMI-NYS. 

Support NAMI-NYS During Mental Health Awareness Month

We want to remind everyone that there are two other ways to support NAMI-NYS during the month of May. Throughout the month we will be partnering with Yankee Candle in a fundraising initiative.   Click here  to visit their fundraising store, which includes candles and other gifts, use the code 999968124 where it says "start shopping" and 40% of your purchase will go to NAMIWalks NYS. If you purchase $100 or more you receive free shipping. You can also spread awareness about this opportunity and our work on social media. Copy the link, and use this message: "May is Mental Health Awareness month. Help me help NAMI-NYS as they support individuals and families impacted by mental illness. Visit Yankee Candle's fundraising store, use the code 999968124 and 40% of your purchase will be used to help NAMI-NYS's mission of guiding people down the road to recovery from mental illness."

On May 12th, NAMI-NYS will be hosting Bowling for Hope at the East Greenbush Bowling Center located at 570 Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush, NY 12061 from 6-8 pm. Everyone of all ages is welcome to join us for an evening of fun and friendship. We will have 6 lanes available to us the evening of the event, as well as a 50/50 raffle and prizes for the best and worst game bowled!!! Ticket prices are: $12.00 without shoe rental $15.00 with shoe rental. Click here for more information and to register. If you have any questions email heide@naminys.org or call Heide at 518-462-2000

Still Time to Register for What's Great in Our State 
Learn More About NAMI-NYS Participants
 
There is still time to register to attend this year's What's Great in Our State-A Celebration of Children's Mental Health, which will be taking place tomorrow, Tuesday, May 2 nd at the New York State Museum's Huxley Auditorium. You can click here to register.
 
Two NAMI-NYS members will be recognized as part of the event, Beth Ramme and Joseph Fusaro. This past week both of them again demonstrated why they are certainly examples of what's great in our state.
 
Joseph will be the event's Young Adult Voice of Recovery. On April 25th he was featured as part of NAMI Westchester's participation in Horace Greeley High School (in Chappaqua) Mental Health Awareness Week event. Joseph and NAMI Westchester executive director shared their personal stories with students. Joseph has become one of NAMI-NYS's most prolific Ending the Silence presenters. This event was organized by the school's Mental Wellness Club. 

Beth Ramme of NAMI Huntington is one of this year's five honorees. Beth is being recognized for innovative work adapting the NAMI Basics program and bringing it to broader audiences. Later this month, Beth will begin the NAMI Basics for Professionals course. The course will be held from May 23rd through June 27th at the Business Corners, 200 Motor Parkway in Hauppauge. The course is open to licensed social workers, educators, school staff and other mental health professionals. Participants will receive 15 CE Contact Hours. The early-bird rate of $249 is good through May 10th, after that the price is $299. Click here to learn more and to register. 

Girl Scouts Engaging in the NAMI-NYS Ribbon Campaign

Girl Scouts from Troop 1932 recently petitioned their local Village Board to participate in NAMI-NYS's Ribbon Awareness Campaign. The young women, accompanied by their leaders Karen Manning and Judy Trenchard, addressed the Village of Ravena Board at a meeting on April 25th, explaining the impact mental illness has on the lives of those affected by it and the need to raise awareness so that people will know what resources are available and to not be afraid to access them.  The scouts then described the Ribbon Campaign and asked to be allowed to hang ribbons around the community.  The Village Board commended Troop 1932 for their initiative and granted them permission.  NAMI-NYS Ribbons will hang in the area throughout Mental Health Awareness Month. Girl Scouts from Service Unit 191, of which Troop 1932 is a member, adopted the NAMI-NYS Ribbon Awareness Campaign as their service project for the month of May.

Still Time For You to Participate in the Ribbon Campaign
Remember to Send Us Your Ribbon Pictures

As Christine, Mary Beth and Abby continue to make ribbon bows in our office, we want to remind you that there is still time for you to help spread mental health awareness in your community and let your neighbors know that NAMI-NYS is a place to find help and find hope.  Click here to view the brochure and email Bill@naminys.org to order rolls of ribbon.

We want to see the ribbons in your community. Email all pictures to Bill@naminys.org. We will start featuring the pictures in the next edition of the E-News. 

NAMI-NYS Young Adult Leader Marissa Pane Featured in Women's Health Magazine

NAMI-NYS young adult leader Marissa Pane was recently featured in Women's Health Magazine's piece on depression and women. The magazine conducted a survey with NAMI that found that nearly 20 percent of recipients detailed how the internal stigma they felt about their depression or anxiety led them to share a photo on social media where the caption didn't match what they felt inside. For this feature, Marissa and the other women were brave enough to show examples of such posts with adding their real feelings when they posted. '
 
Click here to read more.

Where else, but in the Borscht Belt?  
NAMI Sullivan Hosts Model Passover Seder
 
Why is this night different from all other nights? Most people are satisfied with two Seders, but not NAMI Sullivan County, NY.  On Monday, April 24th, NAMI Sullivan hosted a Model Passover Seder featuring an abridged Seder, complete with festive meal for upwards of 20 people in its Compeer program. 

While it was a multicultural group, we all put ourselves into the story of having been personally brought out of slavery in Egypt as we retold the tale. As the evening was filled with laughter and good friends, our bellies were filled with a delicious home-made meal featuring matzoh ball soup, gefilte fish, roast chicken, farfel stuffing and carrots, followed by desserts of macaroons and jell rings.  

All the highlights of the Passover Seder were followed including singing, reading of the story of the Exodus from Egypt, props for the Ten Plagues and a raucous sound-effects version of Chad Gad Yaw at the end.  There were a few people there who had never before been to a Passover Seder and many for whom it brought back happy memories from childhood.  Interestingly, the 24th was Yom Hashoa or Holocaust Remembrance Day and that led to a lively discussion, which after all, is also an integral part of any Seder worth its salt!

- Executive Director, NAMI Sullivan County, Lori Schneider


NAMI News
NAMI Hopeful for New SAMHSA Assistant Secretary Appointee

On April 21st, the White House announced the nomination of Elinore McCance-Katz, M.D. as Assistant Secretary for Mental Health & Substance Use in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This newly-created position was included in H.R. 34, the 21st Century Cures Act (mental health reform) and will oversee the work of SAMHSA, the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration.

NAMI supports the nomination of Dr. McCance-Katz and is hopeful that under Dr. McCance-Katz, priority will be placed on the following three goals:

1-Improving early identification and intervention in the treatment of psychosis and other mental health conditions.

2-Integrating mental health and substance use disorder care in overall health care.

3-Reducing tragic consequences resulting from inadequate mental health and substance use disorder services, including suicides, homelessness and incarceration.

Click here to read more. 
New York State News
Manhattan Institute Releases New Report on Kendra's Law

Last week the Manhattan Institute released a report by senior fellow Stephen Eide, entitled "Assisted Outpatient Treatment in New York State: The Case for Making Kendra's Law Permanent."

This June, a critical element of New York's mental health care system, Kendra's Law, is set to expire. Also called Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT), the law provides court-ordered treatment to a small percentage of those with serious mental illness, allowing them to be stable enough to live in the community under the supervision of mental-health officials.

According to the state Office of Mental Health, Kendra's Law has reduced rates of incarceration and homelessness among the seriously mentally ill who receive court-mandated treatment by around 70%. In light of these striking results, Eide makes the case that state lawmakers should formally abandon the premise that the program is simply an experiment and make it permanent.

Making Kendra's Law permanent remains a top priority for NAMI-NYS. 

Click here to read the report. 
National News
Politco Reports How GOP Faces Make-Or-Break Moment on Obamacare Repeal

House Republican leaders and White House officials are increasingly confident about passing their long-stalled Obamacare replacement bill: More lawmakers than ever are committed to voting "yes," they say, and GOP insiders insist they're within striking distance of a majority.

But the window of opportunity for Speaker Paul Ryan and his leadership team is closing fast. The House is scheduled to leave town for a one-week recess on Thursday, and some senior Republicans worry that failing to get it done by then would fritter away critical momentum. Skittish Republicans would return home to face a barrage of pressure from Democrats and progressive outside groups.

Some senior Republicans and White House officials are advising Ryan (R-Wis.) and his top lieutenants to cancel the recess if needed, and to keep the House in session until they have the votes.

Click here to read more. 

Action Alert

MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD
CALL NYS GOP HOUSE REPS AND URGE THEM TO VOTE NO
TIME RUNNING OUT TO PROTECT
 MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

As we have reported, the AHCA would be disastrous for mental health care. Last we sent out an action alert on this issue. 

Click here to view the alert and make your voice heard. We need your voice more than ever on this crucial issue. 
NIMH News
Director's Message
Towards Interventions Across the Autism Spectrum

In the second of two special Director's Messages about autism spectrum disorder (ASD), NIMH Director, Dr. Joshua Gordon talks about NIMH funding of research aimed at developing interventions and services for people across the lifespan with autism spectrum disorder.

Click here to learn more. 



Join an NIMH Depression Study



Inpatient & Outpatient Studies investigating the brain and experimental medications (such as ketamine and diazoxide) to rapidly reduce depressive symptoms. Participation may include outpatient visits or inpatient stays of up to 12 weeks at the NIH Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD. Procedures may include: tapering off current psychiatric medications, a medication-free period, oral or intravenous medication versus placebo, and brain scans. Participants must be ages 18 to 70 and free of serious medical conditions. There is no cost to participate. These studies may enroll eligible participants from across the USA. Travel arrangements and compensation are provided. Call about eligibility: 1-877-MIND-NIH and click here for more information.

NAMIWalks

2017 NAMIWalksNYS September 23rd

NAMI-NYS looks forward to building on the success of our inaugural NAMIWalks NYS. The 2017 NAMIWalks NYS will be taking place on Saturday, September 23rd, at Jennings Landing in Albany. You can click here to start your team and/or donate to the walk.  
For more information you can email  Heide@naminys.org

Information on Other NAMIWalks in New York 

May 6th- NAMIWalks Rochester, Village Gate Square-Rochester
May 6th- NAMIWalks Long Island/Queens, Jones Beach-Zach's Bay, Wantagh
May 13th- NAMIWalks New York City Metro, South Street Promenade-Brooklyn Bridge-Manhattan
May 20th- NAMIWalks Westchester , Rye Town Park-Rye

2017 NAMI-NYS Ribbon Campaign


As May (which is Mental Health Awareness Month) is fast approaching, it is time to begin preparing for this year's NAMI-NYS Ribbon Campaign. The statewide campaign allows NAMI-NYS and our local affiliates to partner with businesses, local governments, police and fire departments and schools in spreading mental health awareness and letting people know that NAMI is a place to find help and find hope. 

Click here to view a two-page brochure that details the campaign, which can be printed as a double-sided sheet to give to prospective ribbon campaign partners. 

Click here to download the ribbon order form.
Save the Dates
Click here to register for What's Great in Our State-A Celebration of Children's Mental Health Awareness. May 2nd, 2-5pm New York State Museum, Huxley Auditorium. 
 
May 3rd-  NAMI of Central Suffolk welcomes you to our Speaker Series on Wednesday, May 3, 2017 at 7:30 pm at Mather Hospital; Port Jefferson NY Conference Rooms 1 and 2.
Dr Roberto Gil will present Brain Imaging Research. Dr Gil, from Stony Brook University, is the psychiatrist in charge of the clinical assessment and evaluations of any volunteer subject enrolled in research studies with the MMTI (Multi Modal Translational Imaging Lab).  The MMTI is a research group of investigators/psychiatrists, using PET and MRI imaging, with a focus in understanding the changes in the brain that lead to symptoms of schizophrenia spectrum disorders, and ultimately seeking better treatment options. The group has been working together for the past 20 years. They recently moved from Columbia University to Stony Brook University. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED @ LighteOfLove@aol.com         Hope you can join us for an informative evening
May 9- Join the Brain and Behavioral Research Foundation for their latest Meet the Scientist  webinar. The topic is Borderline Personality Disorder and the presenter will be Brad Reich, M.D., McLean Hospital / Harvard University. The webinar will take place from 2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. EST. Click here for more information.

May 12th- NAMI-NYS- NAMIWalks Bowling for Hope, May 12th 6p.m.-8 p.m. east Greenbush Bowling Center, 570 Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush N.Y. 12061. Click here for more info and to register. 
Click here to download flyer  Bowling for Hope Flyer

May 17th-NAMI Queens/Nassau will be holding their annual Faithnet event "Conversations with Clergy & Community" On EXPLORING FAITH, RELIGION & SPIRITUALITY as Resources for Individuals & Families Struggling with Mental Illness. The event begins 6:30 and will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock 48 Shelter Rock Rd., Manhasset, NY 11030.

All are welcome Please email Ellen Ritz at el.ritz@yahoo.com by May 8 to register. Complimentary Lite Supper will be provided. Click here for more info.

May 18 - Annual Mental Health Conference Living With Stability and Dignity at NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi.  The conference focuses on the challenges and need for housing with featured speakers Toni Lasicki, Executive Director, Association for Community Living, Ralph Fasano, Executive Director, Concern for Independent Living and Denise Bauer, Director, Beacon of Hope, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York. Program starts at 6 pm. Light dinner served. Building 4, 2nd Floor,1400 Pelham Parkway, Bronx, NY. RSVP 718-918-3906.    

May 24th- The Albany County Department of Mental Health
Presents the 5th Annual
May is Mental Health Month Health and Wellness Fair
Wednesday, May 24, 2017
11:00am - 1:00pm
Department of Health/Mental Health Building
175 Green Street, Basement
Alabny, NY 12202
For more information contact Vikki Williams at (518) 447-4555


June 13-Join the Brain and Behavioral Research Foundation for their latest Meet the Scientist webinar. The topic is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and the presenter will be Carolyn I. Rodriguez, M.D., Ph.D., Stanford University School of Medicine. The webinar will take place from 2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. EST. Click here for more information.

Signature Programs
 
MAY 1-NAMI Central Suffolk Basics. Mondays, May 1st through June 12th, from 10:00am-12:30pm at the  Farmingville Mental Health Clinic, Conference Room, 15 Horseblock Place, Farmingville, NY 11738.  Contact: Andrea Stolz, astolz@fsl-li.org (631) 223-5030 or  Maryann Barraco, mbarraco@fsl-li.org (631) 223-5029
 
June 1-NAMI Queens/Nassau will hold a Family-to-Family class at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock 48 Shelter Rock Rd. Manhasset, NY 11030 from 10am-12:30.
Register: (718) 347-7284 or (516) 326-0797 or email namiqn@aol.com

JUNE 3-NAMI Queens/Nassau Family-to-Family. Saturdays June 3 rd - August 26 th  1:300 pm- 4:00 pm at  The Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral of New York, 110-31 Merrick Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11433.  To register call (718) 347-7284 or (516) 326-0797 or email namiqn@aol.com.  Co-Leaders Rev. Val Gittens, Theresa Stahling, Jeannette Wells. June 16, 2017 is last day to register.

JULY 12-NAMI-NYC Metro Basics PROFESSIONAL CLASS (for professionals only). Wednesdays, July 12th - August 16th at 505 8th Avenue, Suite 1103, New York, NY 10018.  To register contact Deniece Chi (212)684-3365 x 203 / parent@naminyc.org

SEPTEMBER 6- NAMI Rochester Family-to-Family. Wednesdays, September 6th -November 29th, 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm. NAMI Rochester Office, 320 N. Goodman Street, Suite 103, Rochester, NY 14607. Contact Beth Winslow-D'Amico at (585) 423-1593 or beth@namirochester.org.

SEPTEMBER 12- NAMI-NYC Metro Basics. Tuesdays, September 12 - October17, 6:00 pm- 8:30 pm at    505 8th Avenue, Suite 1103, New York, NY 10018.   To register contact Deniece Chi (212)684-3365 x 203 / parent@naminyc.org.

SEPTEMBER 13- NAMI-NYC Metro Basics (SPANISH SPEAKING). Wednesdays, September 13th-October 18th, 6:00 pm- 8:30 pm at 505 8th Avenue, Suite 1103, New York, NY 10018.  To register contact Deniece Chi (212)684-3365 x 203 / parent@naminyc.org. 

SEPTEMBER 14 - NAMI-NYC Metro Basics. Thursdays, September 14th- October 19th 10:00 am-12:30 pm at 505 8th Avenue, Suite 1103, New York, NY 10018.  To register contact Deniece Chi (212)684-3365 x 203 / parent@naminyc.org.

NOVEMBER 1 -NAMI-NYC Metro Basics. Wednesdays, November 1st-December 6, 6:00 pm- 8:30 pm at 505 8th Avenue, Suite 1103, New York, NY 10018.  To register contact Deniece Chi (212)684-3365 x 203 / parent@naminyc.org.

NOVEMBER 2 - NAMI NYC Metro Basics. Thursdays, November 2nd - December 7th, 10:00 am-12:30 pm at 505 8th Avenue, Suite 1103, New York, NY 10018.  To register contact Deniece Chi (212)684-3365 x 203 / parent@naminyc.org. 

NOVEMBER 3-NAMI-NYC Metro Basics (SPANISH SPEAKING) Fridays, November 3rd - December 8th, 10:00 am-12:30 pm at 505 8th Avenue, Suite 1103, New York, NY 10018.  To register contact Deniece Chi (212)684-3365 x 203 / parent@naminyc.org. 


 
2017 NAMI-NYS TRAINING SCHEDULE
Please contact your local affiliate program leaders for more information and how to enroll.
NAMI Homefront Teacher Training
May 20th-21st, 2017
Trainers: Pam Solomon & Jerry Burton
Location: NAMI-NYS Office Albany
NAMI Family-to-Family Teacher Training
June 9th-11th, 2017
Trainers: Patti Sacher & Bonnie Goldberg
Location: NAMI-NYS Office Albany
NAMI Family-to-Family Teacher Training
July 14th-16th, 2017
Trainers: Ann Canastra & Cheri Caiella
Location: Comfort Suite Cicero-Syracuse
NAMI Support Group Facilitator Training
June 3rd-4th, 2017
Trainers: Deniece Chi & Nancy Parker
Location: NAMI-NYS Office Albany
NAMI In Our Own Voice Presenter Training
June 3rd-4th, 2017
Trainers: Bill Perun & Chris Wasilenko
Location: NAMI Rochester Office
NAMI In Our Own Voice Presenter Training
June 24th-25th, 2017
Trainers: Cynthia Scott & Lady Charmaine Day
Location: NAMI-NYS Office Albany
NAMI Family-to-Family Teacher Training
October 20th-22nd, 2017
Trainers: Patti Sacher & Bonnie Goldberg
Location: NAMI-NYS Office Albany



To have your events and Signature Programs listed in the E-Newsletter contact Christine Rickeman at christine@naminys.org.   

NAMI-NYS | 99 Pine Street Suite 105| Albany, New York 12207 | (518) 462-2000