Congratulations to NAMI-NYS Board Member Dhanu Sannesy on Receiving the the NYAPRS Muriel Shephard Family Partner Award

Last Week, our colleagues at NYAPRS held their annual conference. As part of the event, NAMi-NYS board member Dhanu Saneesy was presented with their Muriel Shepard Partners With Families Award. This award is special as it is named after NAMI-NYS founding president Muriel Shepard. Congratulations Dhanu and thank you for all you do. Hope Starts With You!

Join Us for the 20222 NAMI-NYS Education Conference

Empowering Each Other to Achieve Wellness and Recovery 

Part of NAMI-NYS Homecoming Weekend

NAMI-NYS is thrilled to announce the details of our 2022 Education Conference. After three years apart, it’s time for the NAMI-NYS family to come together and come home. The 2022 NAMI-NYS Education Conference-Empowering Each Other to Achieve Wellness & Recovery taking place November 11-12 will be a NAMI-NYS family homecoming as we gather in person for the first time in three years to learn from national leaders in the treatment and research of psychiatric disorders, hear from leading mental health advocates, share our stories, and empower each other.

We’ve put together a dynamic lineup featuring speakers, theatrical performances, and movie screenings, plus this year we’ll also be incorporating Off the Mask to the NAMI-NYS Homecoming Weekend. We can’t wait to see you.

NAMI-NYS Wants to Hear From You:

Share Your Story for Our Mental Health Access Report

Following the success of NAMI-NYS’s 2021 Mental Health Crisis Response Report, which provided a roadmap for New York to best implement a fully functional mental health crisis response system, NAMI-NYS is once again looking to present our perspective on a critical public policy issue with the upcoming publication of a report on the need to increase access to mental health therapies and support services. The ability to access mental health services is paramount to recovery. With the report, NAMI-NYS will demonstrate that for too many New Yorkers accessing mental health care remains a great challenge and we provide our recommendations on measures the state can take to increase access.

It was the power of the stories of NAMI-NYS members which made the Mental Health Crisis Response Report so impactful, as they shared how a lack of a mental health crisis response has negatively impacted them and their loved one. We are going to replicate this powerful tool by including stories detailing how the difficulty in accessing mental health care is affecting New York’s families and we want to hear from you.

The report will explore access in five categories:

• Inpatient Care
• Community Based Services
• Access to Medicine and Therapeutics 
• How to Build on Recent Mental Health Crisis Response Reforms to Increase Access
• Addressing Geographic, Cultural, and Socio-Economic Barriers to Access

If you have a story that pertains to one (or more) of these categories, we encourage you to share it and help put a human face on this tremendous issue. You do not need to include your name to share your story. NAMI-NYS can also help you effectively craft your story. We encourage you to refer to the NAMI Smarts for Advocacy Telling Your Story guide to help you. You can submit your story or any questions you may have to Matthew Shapiro at Matthew@naminys.org. 

Please submit your story by October 1st.

Share Your Story About 988 with NAMI

Last week, NAMI launched a new project to collect video and written stories about people’s experience contacting the 988 Lifeline – both before and after the availability of 988. To do so, we built a new webpage, reimaginecrisis.org/share, where advocates can record themselves sharing their stories to help power our efforts to ensure people in crisis receive a mental health response. If they do not feel comfortable recording a video, there is also an option to submit a written story.

NAMI is particularly interested in stories that address the following questions:

• Did you receive the help you or a loved one needed during a crisis when you called the Lifeline?
• Tell us about the experience of calling the Lifeline? You might share what resources you received, what it was like to talk to the crisis counselor or other details that might help people learning more about the Lifeline.
• What happened to you or a loved one after contacting the Lifeline? How has your or your loved one’s life changed following the call, text or chat?
• What do you wish other people in the community would know about your experience with the Lifeline? Is there anything you wish you knew before contacting the Lifeline that could help others?

If you have a story that relates to this issues, please email matthew@naminys.org and he will connect you with the NAMI coordinators.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month

All month, mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies, and community members unite to promote suicide prevention awareness.

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month—a time to share resources and stories in an effort to shed light on this highly taboo and stigmatized topic. We use this month to reach out to those affected by suicide, raise awareness, and connect individuals with suicidal ideation to treatment services. It is also important to ensure that individuals, friends, and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention. NAMI is here to help.

Click here for Suicide Awareness and Prevention Tool Kit for Schools and Parents

Off the Mask (OTM) is NAMI-NYS’s largest fundraiser and awareness event to end mental health stigma. We all have mental health, yet many of us continue to mask our feelings and struggle in silence, not discussing our mental wellness and need for support. At OTM, we create a space to not only discuss the our mental wellness but to celebrate it.

This year, OTM is being held in-person on November 12th at 6pm at the Albany Marriott, following our annual Education Conference. The evening consists of a VIP Dinner Party featuring live music followed by a fashion show and silent auction with an art exhibit, music, dessert, and more!

The OTM fashion show features 25 model ambassadors, all of whom are passionate about the NAMI mission and have a connection to mental health conditions. Model ambassadors raise awareness by bravely walking the runway and sharing their stories. Each model ambassador begins their walk wearing a masquerade mask they proudly remove, symbolizing casting off the mask and revealing the person and the resiliency that exists beneath it.

We hope you will join us and show your your support for our mission, here are some ways to get involved:

• Become an OTM Model Ambassador and walk the runway
• Become a OTM featured Fashion Designer and Hair & Makeup Artist
• Attend the OTM VIP Dinner Party & Fashion Show
• Support the OTM Silent Auction & Art Exhibit
• Become a Sponsor and/or Market your Business/Organization

Meet Our 2022 Model Ambassadors

Each week, we will be highlighting two of our Off the Mask Model Ambassadors, their connection to mental health, and how you can help them reach their fundraising goals.

Katie is 16 years old and excited to be in her junior year of high school in the fall. Being active, hanging out with friends, and expressing herself through art are things that motivate her the most. Participating in sports is one of her favorite things to do. Cross Country, track, and snowboarding are the sports she enjoys most. This is Katie's third year being an Off The Mask Model. Working with NAMI helps her understand more and share with others the importance of mental health. Being a Model Ambassador helps Katie show that she is here for others to support them through a tough time. She says, "Learning to work through things instead of ignoring them is important in your daily life. Many people dismiss the fact that they do need support because they are too afraid of being judged. Having to put "on a mask" is a very common thing to do. To help people take off their mask, talking more about mental health can teach others that it isn't uncommon at all to need support.

Donate to support Katie reach her fundraising goal here.

Off the Mask Fundraisers

This year NAMI Capital Region, NY is proud to have Deniece Brown as our Model Ambassador.To help Deniece reach her fundraising goal, NAMI Capital Region will be having a garage sale on September 30th through October 2nd from 9am-5pm all three days.

If you would like to donate any gently used items for the sale please contact Christine Rickeman at christine@naminys.org or 518-506-6484.

You can also donate to Deniece here, but we also hope to see you at our garage sale benefit!

NAMI Staten Island Family to Family September 30

SEPTEMBER 30- Family to Family. NAMI Staten Island Family to Family, Fridays, September 30th through November 28th from 6:30pm-9:00pm at the Holy Rosary Parish Center, 80 Jerome Ave, Staten Island NY. To register contact Lyn Ferrante at lyn@namistatenisland.org.

NAMI Huntington Family to Family Online October 6

OCTOBER 6- NAMI Family to Family. NAMI Huntington Family to Family online Thursdays October 6th through December 1st from 7:00pm-9:30pm. To register contact Jill Ryan, at 516-695-0389 /quiltanp@aol.com

NAMI Queens/Nassau Family to Family October 6

OCTOBER 6- NAMI Family to Family. NAMI Queens/Nassau Family to Family Thursdays October 6th through December 8th from 7:00pm-9:30pm at the Manhasset Unitarian Church, 8 Shelter Rock Rd, Manhasset, NY. To register contact Lisa Currie, at 516-238-4382 / thelisa107@gmail.com

NAMI Delaware/ Otsego County's Basics October 6

OCTOBER 6- NAMI Basics. NAMI Delaware / Otsego County's Basics, Thursdays October 6th through November 10th from 6:00pm-8:30pm at St. Luke's Lutheran Church, 139 West Main St. Sidney, NY 13838. To register contact Sandy DuMond at 607-604-4467/ smdu08@gmail.com.

NAMI Columbia County Family to Family October 9

OCTOBER 9- NAMI Family to Family. NAMI Columbia County Family to Family Sundays October 9th through November 27th from 1:00pm-3:30pm at the APOGEE Center, Hudson, NY. To register contact Sabrina McWhirt at 518-610-1087 / smcwhirt@mhacg.org

NAMI Mid-Hudson Peer to Peer Online October 13 2022

OCTOBER 13- NAMI Peer to Peer. NAMI Mid-Hudson Peer to Peer Online Thursdays, October 13 through December 8^th 2022 from 3:00pm-5:00pm. To register contact JoAnn Brown at 845-206-9892 or email contact@namimidhudson.org

NAMI NYC Metro Family to Family Online October 13

OCTOBER 13- NAMI Family to Family. NAMI NYC Metro Family to Family Online Thursdays, October 13 through December 8th 2022 from 6:00pm-8:30pm. To register contact Frances Green at 212-417-0949 or email fgreen@naminyc.org

NAMI NYC Metro Spanish Basics Online October 14

OCTOBER 14- NAMI Spanish Basics. NAMI NYC Metro Spanish Basics, Fridays October 14^th through November 18^th from 10:30am-12:00pm online. To register contact Frances Green at 212-417-0949, fgreen@naminyc.orgor register online at naminyc.org.

NAMI Rockland Spanish Basics Online October 12

OCTOBER 12- NAMI Spanish Basics. NAMI Rockland Spanish Basics Wednesdays, October 12th through November 16th from 7:00pm-9:30pm online. To register contact Anne Arias at 845-480-6571 or anne@namirockland.org.

NAMI Rockland Basics Online October 17

OCTOBER 17- NAMI Basics. NAMI Rockland Basics Mondays, October 17^th through November 21^st from 7:00pm-9:30pm online. To register contact Anne Arias at 845-480-6571 or anne@namirockland.org.

NAMI Central Island Family to Family Online October 18

OCTOBER 18- NAMI Family to Family. NAMI Central Island Family to Family Online Tuesdays, October 18^th through December 20^th 2022 from 6:00pm-8:30pm. To register contact Ellen Ritz at 516-330-9778 or el.ritz@yahoo.com.

NAMI NYC Metro Peer to Peer Online October 19

OCTOBER 19- NAMI Peer to Peer. NAMI NYC Metro Peer to Peer Online Wednesdays, October 19 through December 14th 2022 from 6:00pm-8:00pm. To register contact Frances Green at 212-417-0949 or email fgreen@naminyc.org.

NAMI Central Island Peer to Peer Online October 20

OCTOBER 20- NAMI Peer to Peer. NAMI Central Island Peer to Peer Online Thursdays, October 20 through December 22th 2022 from 6:30pm-8:30pm. To register contact Ellen Ritz at 516-330-9778 or el.ritz@yahoo.com.

NAMI Syracuse Peer to Peer November 1

NOVEMBER 1- NAMI Peer to Peer. NAMI Syracuse Peer to Peer Tuesdays, November 1^st through December 13th 2022 from 6:00pm-8:00pm at the Syracuse VA/Clear Path for Veterans. To register contact Ann Canastra at 3154123019 or ann.canastra@va.gov.

NAMI Syracuse Homefront November 8

NOVEMBER 8- NAMI Homefront. NAMI Syracuse Homefront Tuesdays, November 8^th through December 8^th 2022 from 6:00pm-8:30pm at the Syracuse VA/Clear Path for Veterans. To register contact Ann Canastra at 3154123019 or ann.canastra@va.gov.

2022 NAMI-NYS TRAINING SCHEDULE

NAMI Homefront October 8th & 9th, 2022

NAMI Family to Family December 3rd & 4th 2022

NAMI Provider Education December 17th & 18th 2022

NAMI-NYS Affiliate Support Groups

Click here for full list.

In addition to our NAMI Connections and Family Support Groups, many of our affiliates offer support groups based on community needs. For example, NAMI NYC-Metro offers Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI), Black Minds Matter, Familiares y Amistades, and Pet Therapy support groups. Contact your local affiliate to learn more

Save The Dates

NAMI’s First-Ever Book,

"You Are Not Alone"

by Ken Duckworth, M.D.

For more information and to get book 

Dear NAMI-NYS Members,

I am a faculty member at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and I am

conducting research on Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) programs, which the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires the manufacturers of certain medications to implement. My project team and I are seeking to better understand the benefits and burdens of REMS programs on patient care. Our work is being funded by the FDA and does not involve any pharmaceutical companies.

We would like to extend an invitation to those of you who are 18 years old or above and have started taking or care for someone who started taking Clozaril (clozapine) —a REMS program-covered drug—in the past 3 years to participate in a 60-minute phone interview on your experiences. Your participation is voluntary. If you choose not to take part, it will not affect your affiliation with your support group in any way. If you choose to take part, your answers will be treated confidentially, and you will receive a $50 Amazon gift card as a token of appreciation for your participation.

If you meet the above condition and are interested in participating in the study, please email me at asarpatwari@bwh.harvard.edu with the subject line “REMS Patient Interview.”

Thank you very much for your consideration of my invitation.

Best,

Ameet Sarpatwari, Ph.D., J.D.

Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School

Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics

Brigham and Women's Hospital

1620 Tremont St, Suite 3030

Boston MA 02120

asarpatwari@bwh.harvard.edu

Fact Sheet

MUSC Family Bereavement Study

OMH Survey: Help Combat Stigma

OMH wants your input on messaging used to address the stigma surrounding mental illness and encourage more people to seek out services and assistance. Your feedback will help to better shape future awareness campaigns to resonate with more people.

OMH is also seeking to understand your current view of stigma, mental wellness, mental illness, and help-seeking. So, whether you’re a clinician, a program director, a person who receives mental health services, a family member, or an advocate- your input is welcomed!

Please consider taking 5 minutes out of your day to complete this survey. Your answers will be anonymous and only collective data will be used to shape our future messaging strategy. You’ll have the chance to weigh in on messages, design, and whether you’d share our sample graphics with your friends and followers on social media.

In just 5 minutes you can play a role in combatting stigma!

Suicide & Crisis Lifelines & Mental Health Helplines

Click here to read OMH's latest issue of the 988 newsletter.

If you have questions, concerns, and/or submissions please email Communications@naminys.org.