May 8, 2018

In This Issue
 
Quote of the Week:

"It is imperative that we raise awareness in the truest sense and look at all the issues surrounding mental health. We will use Mental Health Awareness Month to both celebrate the victories people are making everyday as well as shed light on the issues keeping people from accessing the services needed to advance their unique individual recovery.

 Awareness means understanding that while we are making tremendous progress every day will still have a long way to go to create a mentally healthy New York. We also look forward to showcasing how NAMI-NYS and our affiliates are leading the way in being part of the solution."-NAMI-NYS

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May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Although NAMI-NYS and our affiliates raise mental health awareness in communities across New York State each and every month, we do celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month with activities such as our NAMI-NYS Ribbon Awareness Campaign and four NAMIWalks as well as a plethora of special events. 

We look forward to featuring this work in the E-News. It is also important that we raise awareness in the truest sense and look at all the issues surrounding mental health. We will use Mental Health Awareness Month to both celebrate the victories people are making every day as well as shed light on the issues keeping people from accessing the services needed to advance their unique individual recovery. This issue features NAMI-NYS's advocacy on access issues and gives you the opportunity to make your voice heard about a potential hospital closure.

Awareness means understanding that while we are making tremendous progress everyday, we still have a long way to go to create a mentally healthy New York. We also look forward to showcasing how NAMI-NYS and our affiliates are leading the way in being part of the solution. 

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
NAMI-NYS Attends NYAPRS Executive Seminar
and Meets With Dr. Elinore McCance-Katz 

On April 19-20th, NAMI-NYS participated in the New York Association for Psychiatric Rehabilitative Services Executive Seminar in Albany. The keynote presentation was delivered by Elinore McCance-Katz, the  Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Before her presentation, NAMI-NYS met with Dr. McCance-Katz and discussed the need to increase awareness of the importance of families being involved in the recovery process and the need for enhanced mental health parity and network adequacy. 

NAMI-NYS was very impressed with Dr. McCance-Katz's vision, which aims to advance the recovery of people on all points of the spectrum of psychiatric disorders and includes many elements NAMI-NYS has long advocated for. Click here to view the slides from the presentation on Facebook.

NAMI-NYS Advocates Against Non-Medical Switching

On Tuesday, May 1st, NAMI-NYS kicked off Mental Health Awareness Month by projecting our advocacy voice on the issue of non-medical switching and in favor of the bill S022c. This issue is a major piece of NAMI-NYS Action Agenda item on Access to Services and Treatment .

The Assembly version of the bill has passed the Assembly unanimously for four straight years, yet the Senate bill has yet to advance out of the Senate Insurance Committee. During the day, NAMI-NYS participated in several legislative meetings, joined bill sponsor Senator Sue Serino for a press conference outside of the Senate chamber and appeared on the Capital Tonight news program.

Click here to watch NAMI-NYS's Matthew Shapiro discuss the issue on Capital Tonight.  

Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan Declares Mental Health Awareness Month and Hangs Ribbons in City Hall
and Other Highlights From the Week One of 
NAMI-NYS Ribbon Campaign


Communities throughout New York State are learning that NAMI-NYS and our affiliates are a place to find help and find hope through the NAMI-NYS Ribbon Campaign. 

On May 1st, Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan presented NAMI-NYS's Wendy Burch and Tina Lee with a proclamation declaring Mental Health Awareness Month in Albany, then joined Wendy and Tina in hanging ribbons in City Hall.

Other highlights from the first week of the campaign include high school student Cindy Pang, successfully petitioning the town of Clifton Park to hang ribbons in public spaces including the town library as pictured above. The ribbons are also being displayed in schools, post offices, businesses and public spaces. Click here to learn more about the campaign. Please remember to send us pictures of your ribbon displays. Email all pictures to Matthew@naminys.org. 

NAMI-NYS Celebrates 6th Annual
A Brighter Day

On May 4th, NAMI-NYS held the 6th annual A Brighter Day event at Glennpeter Jewelers Diamond Center. This year's event paid tribute to the memory of Vicki Moorehead. Vicki, who passed away earlier this year, was a constant presence at the conference. Many of Vicki's family and friends were on hand to celebrate her legacy of raising awareness of OCD. The event also detailed the upcoming NAMIWalks NYS and Jason Paden explained the importance of supporting NAMI and detailed how NAMI-NYS programs helped advance his recovery. 

NAMI-NYS wants to once again express our deepest gratitude to Bob and Evelyn Keplinger for hosting the event, Jeff Wise and the amazing staff at Glennpeters for providing the space and food for the event and to all those who attended. 

Click here to view pictures of the event. 

NAMI Rochester and NAMI Queens/Nassau 
Kick-Off NAMIWalks Season

The 2018 NAMIWalks season got off to a rolling start on Saturday May 5th as both NAMI Rochester and NAMI Queens/Nassau held their walks. Both walks were very successful and we are told a good and inspiring time was had by all. We thank all of those who participated in the walks. We deeply appreciate your commitment to raising awareness and supporting the work NAMI does in local communities. There is still time to make donation to either walk. 

Click here to support the NAMI Rochester Walk
Click here to support the NAMI Queens/Nassau Walk

NAMI-NYC Executive Director Weighs In on
Potential Elimination of Psych Beds at Allen Hospital 
TAKE ACTION! 

NAMI-NYS has been updating our readers on New York Presbyterian Hospital's plans to close the psychiatric beds at their Allen Hospital facility. Click here to read the letter to the editor NAMI-NYS sent to the Daily News on this issue. 

NAMI-NYC Metro Executive Director, Matt Kudish was interviewed for a story on this issue for NY AM. Matt explained the negative impact closing the beds can have by stating,  "If you find yourself in a crisis and need round the clock care, a hospital would be the only place you would find support." Click here to read the full article. 

TAKE ACTION!

Click here to sign a petition against the closure of the psychiatric beds. You do not need to be a New York City resident to sign the petition. 

NAMI Rensselaer Participated in Healthy Aging Fair

NAMI Rensselaer County (NRC) members, Pam Slotsky and Jeff Kellert staffed an information table at the Healthy Aging Fair sponsored by Albany Department of Recreation. Many young-at-heart visitors picked up info brochures and shared stories of family members dealing with mental illness. NRC also had the opportunity to exchange information with many of the other organizations present.



NAMI News
 NAMI Releases New  Crisis Guide

NAMI is proud to release "Navigating a Mental Health Crisis: A NAMI Resource Guide for Those Experiencing a Mental Health Emergency." NAMI developed this guide to support people experiencing mental health crises and their loved ones.

This potentially life-saving guide outlines what can contribute to a crisis, warning signs that a crisis is emerging, strategies to help de-escalate a crisis and resources available for those affected. Also included is information about advocating for a person in crisis along with a sample crisis plan.

Click here to learn more and access the guide. 
New York News
Unique Collaboration Brings Mental Health Services to Students in Rural New York County

Living  in New York's beautiful Delaware County offers many advantages, but locally accessible mental-health services for students has not been one of them - until now.

Margaretville Hospital, a member of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth), is using a new, innovative behavioral-health telemedicine program to bring mental-health treatment directly to at-risk students attending four school districts in the sprawling rural county.

Click here to learn more. 

The TV Show The Doctors Highlights New York Being the First State to Require Mental Health Education in Schools


A recent episode of the  syndicated television show The Doctors discussed the merits of including mental health in schools. The segment also detailed and praised New York State for being the first state in the nation to mandate mental health education.

Click here to watch the segment. 


OMH Children's Mental Health Awareness Month     Calendar Now Available  in English and Spanish



The New York State Office of Mental Health has created a calendar of activities that parents and their children can do together during Mental Health Awareness month in May. The calendar is available in both English and Spanish.

Click here to view both version of the calendar. 

National News
NPR Details How America's 
3 Largest Psychiatric Facilities Are Jails

The National Public Radio show All Things Considered recently spoke with Alisa Roth, author of the new book  Insane: America's Criminal Treatment of Mental Illness, which chronicles the widespread incarceration of the mentally ill in the United States. She also explains what she sees as impossible burdens placed on correctional officers to act as mental health providers when they're not adequately trained.
 
Ms. Roth says of her experience investigating jails,  "You see people who are desperately sick. I mean, desperately sick. One time when I was [at the Los Angeles County jail], corrections officers came out with a man who had been strapped into a wheelchair and was bleeding from his arm because he had scratched out a piece of his own flesh."

Click here to learn more. 

NIMH News

NIMH Update 

Click here for the latest Update from NIMH.


NAMI Walks

Click here to sign up for NAMIWalk NYS and start your team today!

NAMIWalks NYS: Strong Body, Strong Mind 2018
NAMI NYS invites You to join the movement...
Helpline Coordinator Christine Rickeman Provides Update 
on Her Strong Mind, Strong Body Challenge 

 
NAMI-NYS challenges you to participate in our Strong Body, Strong Mind Fitness Challenge. Every week the NAMIWalks section of the E-News will feature Strong Body, Strong Mind tools including healthy recipes, fitness challenges, and mindful exercises.

This week, NAMI-NYS Helpline Coordinator Christine Rickeman provides an update on her progress as well as a healthy recipe for black bean and guacamole tacos. Click here to read Christine's update.  

Click here to learn more about Wendy's fitness challenge and her love of swimming. 

We also encourage you to post on your social media why you support NAMI-NYS and are participating in the walk. Send in your posts and we will feature the posts in our upcoming newsletter.
 
Start your walk team now and join us to change attitudes and save lives!
 
Come Walk for Wellness on Saturday, September 29th, at Jennings Landing, Albany NY. This inspirational community event will have a full day of live music, informational tabling, and family friendly activities.
 
Healthy Minds = Healthy Communities

Learn More About the Other NAMIWalks 
Taking Place in New York State

Click here to support NAMIWalks Rochester, which took place May 5th at Village Gate.

Click here to support NAMIWalks Long Island/Queens, which took place May 5th at Jones Beach.

Click here for NAMIWalks New York City Metro taking place May 12th at the South Street Seaport. 

Click here for NAMIWalks Westchester taking place May 19th at Rye Town Park.
 
Save the Date






May 8-Join NAMI-NYS for What's Great in Our State 2018: A Forum to Celebrate Children's Mental Health Awareness. The event which will feature NAMI-NYS Young Adult Network Member Dianna Paige delivering the Young Adult Voice of Recovery address will be taking place from 1:30-4:30pm at the New York State Museum. There is no fee to attend the event. 

Click here to learn more and register. 

MAY 10-NAMI Mid-Hudson -Dr. Ross Greene presents: "Collaborative & Proactive Solutions" Workshop. Who should attend? Parents, Caregivers, and any individuals that work with youth exhibiting challenging behavior:
Social Workers, Psychologists, Educators, School Guidance and Administrative Personnel,
Direct Care Staff, Youth Workers, and Foster Care Professionals
To receive four (4) Continuing Education Credits, please see next page for cost and details.
Please Join Us: Thursday, May 10th, 2018 8:30 am - 3:30 pm (Registration begins at 7:30 am)
The Grandview 176 Rinaldi Blvd Poughkeepsie, NY.
Ticket Cost: $100.00
Seating is Limited! Advanced ticket purchase required no later than May 3rd, 2018.
To purchase tickets, please visit: www.namimidhudson.org or mail check to:
NAMI Mid-Hudson
P.O. Box 787
Poughkeepsie NY, 12062
(Registration fee includes: Continental Breakfast and Lunch. Materials will be sent.

JUNE 5 -Capital District Psychiatric Center, An Overview of Community Integration as a Discharge Planning Tool presented by John Stenson, Family Advocacy Specialist Office of Mental Health and Christopher Coyle, Family Support Specialist Office of Mental Health. Tuesday, June 5, 2018 from 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm in the CDPC Family Resource Center. As usual, there will be time for Questions and Answers as well as support services after the presentation. For more information or to register contact: Frank Greco, Director of Family Services (518) 549-6816

    
OCTOBER 9- The National Alliance on Mental Illness Champlain Valley will be sponsoring a free one day conference at Clinton Community College on October 9th titled, "Stand Up 2 Stigma." The conference will have a variety of workshops for peers, families, providers, and interested community members.
     Our keynote speaker for the event is David Granirer, a counselor, stand-up comic, mental health keynote speaker, and author of The Happy Neurotic: How Fear and Angst Can Lead to Happiness and Success. He founded Stand Up For Mental Health, a program that teaches stand up comedy to people with mental illness or mental health issues as a way of building confidence and fighting public stigma. Additionally, the NYS Office Of Mental Health Commissioner, Mental Hygiene Legal Services and many other speakers will be joining us. 
     The event is expected to provide education & awareness around the effects of stigma, opportunities for reducing stigma, and a chance to become a proactive community member that supports mental health; like one supports cancer and diabetes.
     Consider joining us! For those who may remember in 2014 we sponsored Keys to Recovery - 250 were in attendance creating one of the largest mental health conferences in our community. This time, we ask you to take a stand, be the hero, and Stand Up 2 Stigma.
     We sincerely hope that you will be able to attend. Registration can be done by going to our  website at nami-cv.org and clicking the Stand Up 2 Stigma tab. When you sign up for the conference you will receive periodic updates.  Feel free to forward this information to your friends, family, and colleagues.
Any questions regarding the conference can be addressed to info@nami-cv.org. 



Signature Programs
MAY 8 - NAMI Orange County Family-to-Family. Tuesdays, May 8th -July 24th  , 6:30 pm -9:00 pm  at the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 145 Benkard Ave., Newburgh, NY 12550. To register contact NAMI Orange County ( namiorangeny@warwick.net )  / (845)956-6264.

JUNE 2-NAMI Queens Nassau Family-to-Family. Saturday's, June 2, 2018 through August 18, 2018 from 1:30p.m. - 4:00p.m. at the Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral of New York, 110-31 Merrick Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11433. To register contact Theresa Stahling 516-285-7546 or Jeannette Wells 347-441-0572 or online www.namiqn.org. Registration and phone interview required. Classes limited to 25 Participants. Sponsored and funded by NAMI New York State and NAMI Queens/Nassau

JUNE 3- NAMI Orange County Basics. Sundays, June 3rd -July 8th , 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 33 Park Place, Goshen, 10924. To register contact NAMI Orange County ( namiorangeny@warwick.net)  / (845)956-6264.

JUNE 5- NAMI Queens Nassau Family to Family. Tuesday's June 5 thru August 21, 2018 no class July 3rd, from 6:00 pm-8:30 pm at the Queens Hospital Center Pavilion Building, Security will direct to room 82-68 164 street, Jamaica, NY 11432. To register: email namiqn@aol.com or call (718) 347-7284 or (516) 326-0697, www.namiqn.org www.facebook.com/namiqn. Co-Leaders Valerie Newman 516-514-5183, Camelle Charles 646-283-9272.

JUNE 6-NAMI Delaware and NAMI Otsego Family to Family. Wednesdays, June 6th - August 29 , 6:00p.m.-8:30p.m. at the Fox Care Center, Oneonta, NY. Contact Shari Stallone to register: sstallone @rehab.org / (607)433-1714

JULY 11-NAMI Rochester Basics. Wednesday's July 11th -August 15th, 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM at NAMI Rochester (320 N. Goodman Street, Suites 102/103, Rochester, NY 14607). To enroll, contact Beth Winslow-D'Amico at (585) 423-1593 or beth@namirochester.org.

SEPTEMBER 5-NAMI Rochester Family-to-Family .Wednesday's September 5th - November 28th, 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM at NAMI Rochester (320 N. Goodman Street, Suites 102/103, Rochester, NY 14607). To enroll, contact Beth Winslow-D'Amico at (585) 423-1593 or beth@namirochester.org.


2018 NAMI-NYS TRAINING SCHEDULE
Please contact your local affiliate program le aders for more information and how to enroll.

NAMI Basics
 June 2nd-3rd
 Location: NAMI-NYS Office

NAMI Peer-to-Peer
June 15th-17th
Location: NAMI-NYS Office

NAMI Family Support Group and NAMI Connections
 June 22nd -24th
Location: NAMI-NYS Office




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