Search the web
Sign In
New User? Sign Up
NamiLub · NAMI Lubbock (Texas)
? Already a member? Sign in to Yahoo!

Yahoo! Groups Tips

Did you know...
Hear how Yahoo! Groups has changed the lives of others. Take me there.

Best of Y! Groups

   Check them out and nominate your group.
Having problems with message search? Fill out this form to ensure your group is one of the first to be migrated to the new message search system.

Messages

  Messages Help
Advanced
Messages 137 - 166 of 268   Newest  |  < Newer  |  Older >  |  Oldest
Messages: Show Message Summaries   (Group by Topic) Sort by Date v  
#166 From: NamiLub@yahoogroups.com
Date: Fri Jun 2, 2006 9:15 am
Subject: File - NamiLub Egroup Guidelines.txt
NamiLub@yahoogroups.com
Send Email Send Email
 
The NAMI Lubbock Egroup exists to allow members to have intelligent, educational
and spirited discussions on any issues concerning primarily NAMI Lubbock,
especially Support, Education and Advocacy.  The NAMI Lubbock Egroup is open to
only members of NAMI Lubbock who agree to conduct themselves in a professional
and courteous manner.  This group is also governed by the terms of service of
Groups.Yahoo.com as listed on their website at
http://groups.yahoo.com/local/guidelines.html.  While this announcement is not
intended to replace all the terms of service previously referred to, here are a
few of the highlights.
   1. No personal attacks or threats will be tolerated.  You can disagree with
anything or anyone and still be courteous.
   2. Watch your language and choose your words carefully.  We are a family
group.
   3. You need to sign your name to every message.  You are responsible for what
you post to this group.  Your email address appears with your posts so there is
no such thing as an anonymous post here.
   4. Do not write your message in all capitals.  All caps is perceived as
SHOUTING and is harder to read.  Give your Caps Lock key a rest.
   5. Do not cross post messages from other egroups to this one unless they
relate to mental health issues in this area.  This egroup is not designed to
replace or duplicate egroups sponsored by NAMI Texas.  Members of this egroup
are encouraged to also be a member of the NAMI Texas general egroup and should
not cross-post messages from the two groups.  Members do not wish to receive
duplicate messages from the two groups.

Questions may be addressed to David Gibson at drgibson@....

David Gibson
NAMI Lubbock

#165 From: "Andy Gibson" <agibson@...>
Date: Sat May 27, 2006 12:23 am
Subject: Friday Facts from NAMI National: May 26, 2006
agibson@...
Send Email Send Email
 
 
NAMI Friday Facts

NAMI National Friday Facts **May 26, 2006**

NAMI’s Annual Convention:  Information, Programs, and Election News

      1.  There’s Still Time to Register for NAMI’s Annual Convention!

      2.  Eliminating Disparities: Multicultural Strategic Summit

      3.  Airline discounts available for NAMI Convention Attendees.

      4.  NAMI 2006 Elections

NAMI Education and Program Information

      5.  Line-Up of Friday Conference Call Series
           with Dr. Ken Duckworth, NAMI’s Medical Director

      6.  NAMI – C.A.R.E. Facilitators Needed at Convention

      7.  In Our Own Voice Grants now Available

Beyond NAMI

       8.  LIVE Webcast – Ask the Experts: Mental Health Care

       9.  Consumers and Family Members:  New Citizen Documentation

     10.  Lobotomy Documentary: Stories Wanted

     11.  NIMH Outreach Partner Solicitation
            Requirements to Apply for or Stay on Medicaid

 Deadlines and Dates to Remember


NAMI’s Annual Convention Information, Programs, and Election News

1.  There’s Still Time to Register for NAMI’s Annual Convention!

Due to an unavoidable production delay, the spring issue of the Advocate will not arrive in time to allow members to utilize the special Convention registration and voting information contained in the issue.

If you've already registered to attend NAMI's Convention, we look forward to seeing you in our nation's capital this June.  If you wish to attend the NAMI Annual Convention taking place in Washington, D.C. June 28 - July 2, 2006 and haven't registered yet, there is still time!   Simply visit the NAMI Web site to download a paper registration form or register online by clicking here.  It’s easy, fast, and secure.

To receive the special room rates at the participating hotels, you must reserve your room by May 27.   Rooms are filling up quickly - don't miss out on these special rates.   Convention pre-registration ends May 30.

Additional details on registration, the convention program, hotel and Washington, D.C., travel information can be found on the NAMI Web site by clicking here.

The special, spring 2006 edition of the Advocate also contains information on the election of this year's candidates for the NAMI Board of Directors and the text of two changes proposed for the NAMI bylaws.

To read an electronic version of the spring Advocate and to find out more about NAMI's Convention and elections visit the NAMI Web site.

2.  Eliminating Disparities: Multicultural Strategic Summit

NAMI’s Multicultural Action Center (MAC) will host the Eliminating Disparities:  Multicultural Strategic Summit on June 28 to July 2 as part of NAMI's 2006 Annual Convention.  The Summit will bring together multicultural mental health leaders from across the nation to address the lack of access to care and the disparities in treatment faced by multicultural communities. The Summit will feature policy and research briefings, plenary sessions and program tracks to address issues specific to African American, American Indian, Asian American and Latino/Hispanic communities.  Nationally recognized consumer and family advocates, researchers, policymakers and providers will work together to offer a vision for change.  For more information contact us at MACenter@... or visit www.nami.org/summit.

3.  Airline discounts available for NAMI Convention Attendees

We have arranged discounts on two airlines, UNITED AIRLINES and AMERICAN AIRLINES, for attendees for the NAMI National Convention in Washington, DC, June 26-July 2, 2006.

We have arranged the following discount on UNITED AIRLINES:  

Book your ticket at least 30 days in advance and receive 7% off the lowest fare.  Simply call the United Airlines Meeting Desk at 1-800-521-4041 and refer to Meeting ID Number 538TO.  Either you or your travel agent can make this reservation.  (To book the United discount fares you must call the Meeting Desk.  These special fares are not available on-line.)

We have also arranged the following discount on AMERICAN AIRLINES:

a)  5% discount off Coach fares.
b)  After the ticket is purchased, but at least 48 hours prior to outbound flight departure date, the name may be changed for a service fee. (This is a great new benefit that AA is offering to our meeting attendees.)

To make your reservations on American, please call American Airlines Meeting Services at 1-800-433-1790 and provide the discount code A5666BG.  If you prefer to make your arrangements on-line, you may review fare and schedule information and make reservations using the 5 percent discount at American Airlines web site.

4.  NAMI 2006 Elections

Congratulations to our 2006 NAMI National Board candidates!  The following NAMI leaders have been nominated for the five slots up for election on the National Board of Directors: 

Don Muller (nominated by NAMI Utah)
DaveLushbaugh (nominated by NAMI Georgia)
Anand Pandya (nominated by NAMI New York State)
Fred Frese (nominated by NAMI Summit County, Ohio)
Eileen Silber (nominated by NAMI North Carolina)
Nancy Carter (nominated by NAMI California)
Suzanne Clifford (nominated by NAMI Indiana)
Marty Raaymakers (nominated by NAMI Michigan)

For information about the election, proposed bylaws changes and the Board candidates (including their letters of nomination, photographs, and answers to five questions on the most pressing issues facing NAMI), visit www.nami.org/voting.

NAMI Education and Program Information

5.  Line-Up of Friday Conference Call Series with Dr. Ken Duckworth, NAMI’s Medical Director

Friday, June 16:  Self-Injurious Behavior Among Teens – What is a Parent to Do?   Featuring Dr. Ken Duckworth, NAMI’s Medical Director.

Friday, July 21:  Recent Class Action Legal Victories in Children’s Mental Health and How NAMI Leaders Can More Effectively Work with Their State Protection and Advocacy Lawyers.  With special guests – Elizabeth Priaulx, Senior Disability Legal Specialist and Elizabeth Greczek, Staff Attorney with the National Disability Rights Network.

All calls are scheduled from 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Eastern Time. To access all three toll-free calls, dial 888-858-6021; access code: 309918.  We hope that you can join us for these important topics and a great discussion!

6.  NAMI-C.A.R.E. Facilitators Needed at Convention

The NAMI Education, Training and Peer Support Center will continue its tradition of holding NAMI-C.A.R.E. Consumer Support Groups at the Convention.  The groups will be offered at the following times:  Thursday, June 29 and Friday, June 30 from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM, and Saturday, July 1 from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM.  If you have completed the NAMI-C.A.R.E facilitator training and would like to volunteer as a facilitator, please contact Marshall Epstein at marshall@..., or 703-516-7975.

7. In Our Own Voice now Available

NAMI is pleased to announce three new In Our Own Voice (IOOV) grants now available to state organizations and local affiliates that show a commitment to sustain and expand IOOV in their states.  This request for proposals facilitates a selection of six sites.  Grant applications are due on or before June 15th.  You can learn more about the Grants, by visiting the NAMI website .

Beyond NAMI

8.  LIVE Webcast – Ask the Experts: Mental Health Care

On Thursday, June 1 a panel of experts will answer questions about the financing and delivery of mental health care in the U.S. during a live webcast of “Ask the Experts,” a kaisernetwork.org program.  Send questions in advance to ask@....

WHAT: This live webcast will discuss the financing and delivery of mental health care in the U.S.

WHO: The panel of experts:

  • Mike Fitzpatrick, MSW, Executive Director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness
  • Richard G. Frank, Ph.D., Margaret T. Morris professor of Health Economics, Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School
  • A. Kathryn Power, M.Ed., director, Center for Mental Health Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

The discussion will be moderated by kaisernetwork.org Managing Editor Jill Braden Balderas.

WHEN: Thursday, June 1 at 2 p.m. ET
** Add this program to your Outlook Calendar by clicking here.
  

WHERE: Watch the live webcast on MailScanner has detected a possible fraud attempt from "cme.kff.org" claiming to be kaisernetwork.org.

HOW: The panel of experts will take your phone calls and emails. Send questions in advance to ask@... or call 1-888-524-7378 during the live broadcast.

Please note: The toll-free phone number will function only during the live program and is for submitting questions only. The program is accessible via webcast on the Internet and not via teleconference. If you have never viewed a webcast before, please test your media player in advance of the live webcast by clicking here.

9.  Consumers and Family Members:  New Citizen Documentation Requirements to Apply for or Stay on Medicaid

According to the newly enacted Deficit Reduction Act, as of July 1st, 2006, anyone applying for or being recertified as Medicaid eligible will be required to prove United States citizenship.  To date, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have not provided any guidance to states on this.  Since the deadline, however, is less than two months away, we wanted to make advocates aware of the provisions and urge you to begin talking with your state officials about how they plan to implement this requirement.  For further information about this requirement and specific recommendations from NAMI and the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, check the NAMI website.  If you have questions, please contact Mary Giliberti at maryg@....

10.  Lobotomy Documentary: Stories Wanted

A PBS-TV documentary is being made for the American Experience series about Walter Freeman, the man who once promoted lobotomy as a treatment for mental illness. Historians and authors have written about when and where lobotomies were done, but the producer wants to talk with people who actually experienced the procedure, or their family members, who can discuss the effect on their lives. If you are interested in sharing your story, please contact the filmmaker directly at KateCWalker@... or 718-832-5279.

11.  NIMH Outreach Partner Solicitation

The Outreach Partnership Program website has posted an advance notice providing information about the upcoming solicitation for new Partners.  On June 5, the NIMH will invite applicants to submit proposals for becoming an NIMH Outreach Partner from the following states: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, and Wisconsin. Charitable non-profit organizations with statewide outreach that focus on mental illness or substance abuse disorders are eligible to apply. We encourage existing Partners to submit proposals. 

Proposals will be due at NIMH on August 7, 2006.

They have established the following dedicated e-mail account to handle inquiries related to the solicitation: partnerssfpnimh@....  To be as fair as possible, they cannot respond to phone inquiries about the competition. Please forward inquires related to the competition to this e-mail address. All questions and their responses will be posted on the Program's website on July 10, 2006.  Outreach Partners will be selected by the end of 2006. 

For more information, see the NIMH web site.

Deadlines and Dates to Remember

- May 30:  Convention pre-registration ends.

- May 31:  F2F Hall of Fame Nominations due to Lynne@....

- June 16:  Friday Conference Call with Dr. Ken Duckworth.  Topic:  Self-Injurious Behavior Among Teens – What is a Parent to Do?   11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.  To access toll-free call, dial 888-858-6021; access code:  309918.

- June 26:  Final day for Absentee voting and credentials submission

- June 28-July 2, 2006:  NAMI's 2006 Annual Convention at the Washington Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C.

- June 28-July 22:  NAMI’s Multicultural Action Center (MAC) will host the Eliminating Disparities: Multicultural Strategic Summit as part of NAMI's 2006 Convention.

- July 21:  Friday Conference Call with Dr. Ken Duckworth.  Topic:  Recent Class Action Legal Victories in Children’s Mental Health and How NAMI Leaders Can More Effectively Work with Their State Protection and Advocacy Lawyers.  11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Eastern Time. To access toll-free call, dial 888-858-6021; access code: 309918.

- September 25-27:  Second Annual CIT Conference.  For information e-mail bonnies@....

- October 1-7:  Mental Illness Awareness Week, Building Communities, Taking Action.

- October 5:  Bipolar Disorder Awareness Day  

- November 10-12:  NAMI’s 2006 Fall Leadership Conference, St. Louis, MO.


NAMI Friday Facts are electronic newsletters provided free of charge as a service to NAMI members, leaders and staff. With more than 1,100 state and local affiliates, NAMI is the nation's largest grassroots organization dedicated to improving the lives of people with severe mental illnesses. Contributions to support our work can be made online at www.nami.org/donate.

You are subscribed with the e-mail address: chrissymalson@.... If you do not wish to receive further Friday Facts, please click here, sign in and uncheck the box next to Friday Facts. Please do not reply to this email (it will go to an unattended mailbox.) If you have any questions, concerns, or comments, please send an email to staterelations@....

NAMI ~ 2107 Wilson Blvd. ~ Suite 300 ~ Arlington, VA 22201

Web Bug from http://www.nami.org/lstid706.gif

#164 From: "Andy Gibson" <agibson@...>
Date: Sat May 27, 2006 12:04 am
Subject: FW: {Disarmed} [NAMITX] House Passes Veterans Spending Bill
agibson@...
Send Email Send Email
 
 
 
Andy Gibson
Consumer Network Director
NAMI Lubbock
(806) 783-9268
(806) 773-7368


From: NAMITX@yahoogroups.com on behalf of Chrissy Malson
Sent: Fri 5/26/2006 5:30 PM
To: NAMITX
Subject: {Disarmed} [NAMITX] House Passes Veterans Spending Bill



Note: forwarded message attached.


Do you Yahoo!?
Everyone is raving about the all-new Yahoo! Mail Beta.

SPONSORED LINKS
Mental health Mental health information Mental health job
Mental illness Mental health depression Mental health los angeles


YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS




House Passes Veterans Spending Bill -- $400 Million Added for VA Mental Illness Treatment Services, $25 Million Added to Address Mental Health Needs of Soldiers Returning From Iraq and Afghanistan

May 26, 2006

In a demonstration of the growing concern of mental illness treatment services for veterans and current service members, the House this past week passed a $136 billion bill that includes record increases for both veterans with mental illness and soldiers returning from active duty that have experienced a growing range of mental health disorders.  The bill, known as the Military Quality of Life and Veterans Appropriations bill (HR 5385), includes FY 2007 funding for the Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA) and health care programs in the Department of Defense (DoD).  The bill cleared the House on May 19 by a unanimous 395-0 vote.

The Senate is expected to take up the measure later this summer.  As in the House, there is strong support in the Senate for additional investments to increase the capacity of both the VA and DoD to meet the mental illness treatment needs of veterans and active duty personnel.

NAMI is especially grateful for the leadership of Representatives James Walsh (R-NY) and Chet Edwards (D-TX), the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Military Quality of Life and Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee that drafted this important legislation.  Their efforts are a major step forward in putting increased resources into the important treatment and support needs of veterans living with mental illness and early intervention needs for soldiers at risk of psychiatric disorders.

FY 2007 Funding for the VA

HR 5385 includes a total allocation of $25.412 billion for FY 2007 for VA medical services.  This is nearly $2.64 billion above current FY 2006 levels, but $100 million below the President's request.  However, when supplemental funds that were previously added for FY 2006 are taken into account, the total appropriated in House bill is $2.865 billion above current levels. 

In allocating resources for the VA medical care system (and measuring resources against anticipated demands) the House bill uses the Independent Budget (IB) as a baseline. This IB – which was endorsed by the NAMI Veterans Council – draws on outside experts and Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) to assess what the agency will need to meet both medical and mental illness treatment needs of all eligible veterans.  To enhance this baseline assessment, the House bill adds an additional $400 million to be used exclusively for mental health services.  Within the total allocation, the House bill directs that no less than $2.8 billion is to be directed to mental illness treatment.

This is the second year in a row that the House Appropriations Committee has gone the extra step of requiring a minimum allocation for mental illness treatment services in the VA.  It is a further reflection of the strong bipartisan support in Congress for addressing the treatment needs of veterans living with mental illness, both from the aging Vietnam era veteran population, and anticipated demand among veterans of recent conflicts including Iraq and Afghanistan.

For medical research in the VA, HR 5385 appropriates $412 million for FY 2007.  This is the same amount allocated for the current fiscal year, and $13 million more than was requested by the President.

DoD Medical Care

HR 5385 includes a total allocation of $21.02 billion for health care programs in the Department of Defense.  This is $684.6 million above the total appropriated for the current fiscal year.  More importantly, the House bill directs DoD to allocate no less than $25 million for an initiative to more effectively integrate mental health screening and counseling into daily activities that DoD undertakes, both for active duty soldiers, and troops returning from overseas duty.  A legislative report accompanying HR 5385, specifically notes:

Mental Health. --The Committee is very concerned about the mental health and wellness of troops returning from conflicts overseas. The full impact of the emotional toll that combat takes from our troops may not be fully realized for years into the future. The Committee believes that mental health and wellness need to be integrated into all aspects of military training, combat and support and that care cannot stop when the soldier returns home from the battlefield. The Department of Defense should be commended for the work it is doing and the improvements that have been made in the mental health area, but more needs to be done. The primary reason for soldiers failing to seek treatment for mental health issues is the stigma associated with seeking help. The Committee feels that the military needs to begin to integrate mandatory mental health services and counseling into the daily activities of soldiers and has included a $25,000,000 increase in funds for this purpose. By making these programs a mandatory part of a soldier's tour of duty, the stigma associated with seeking care is eliminated. The Committee directs the Department of Defense to use the increased funds to initiate programs that make mental health screening and counseling a mandatory part of the operating procedures of soldiers in battle. The Department of Defense should report to the Committee on the use of these funds and an assessment of future funding requirements for this initiative by December 15, 2006. Further, the Committee directs the Department to continue to work with the Department of Veterans Affairs to study mental health issues, particularly Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The Committee has included Post Traumatic Stress Disorder as a disease available for study under the Peer-Reviewed Medical Research Fund in the Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation section of this appropriation and encourages increased research in this area.

H.Rpt. 109-464, p. 40

This language serves as a clear demonstration of the strong support in Congress for ensuring that the DoD undertakes screening and early intervention services for active duty and returning troops at risk of PTSD, depression and other disorders.  NAMI applauds Chairman Walsh and Ranking Member Edwards on these important initiatives.   


NAMI E-News Alerts are electronic newsletters provided free of charge as a public service. With more than 1,100 state and local affiliates, NAMI is the nation's largest grassroots organization dedicated to improving the lives of people with severe mental illnesses. Contributions to support our work can be made online.

If you do not wish to receive further E-News Alerts, please click here, sign in and uncheck the box next to Enews. Please do not reply to this email (it will go to an unattended mailbox.) If you have any questions, concerns, or comments, please send an email to mariekeb@....

NAMI ~ 2107 Wilson Blvd. ~ Suite 300 ~ Arlington, VA 22201


Informz for iMIS
Web Bug from http://www.informz.net/z/cmVkNi5hc3A/bWk9MjczOTAzJnU9ODI5NjA1MzAmYj00MTg/image.gif

#163 From: "Andy Gibson" <agibson@...>
Date: Sat May 20, 2006 2:49 am
Subject: RE: Awards Dinner Reservations
agibson@...
Send Email Send Email
 
Davis,
 
Doesn't cost a thing; just need to RSVP which you have done.
 
Andy Gibson
Consumer Network Director
NAMI Lubbock
(806) 783-9268
(806) 773-7368


From: J. Davis Armistead,O.D. [mailto:jdacca2@...]
Sent: Fri 5/19/2006 7:25 PM
To: Andy Gibson
Subject: Re: Awards Dinner Reservations


Cora & I are planning to come if at all possible......depends on her that
day....I told David to be sure and put us down ..... I haven't paid any one
yet....how much is it & I will try getting it to David.......J.Davis






--- Andy Gibson <agibson@...> wrote:

> I've had a couple of you contact me and ask if they could reserve a spot for
> the dinner via e-mail.  The answer to this question is yes!
>
> I went ahead and put a link on the News page in order for ya'll to e-mail
> your RSVP's in.  Or you can just e-mail the office directly at
> namilubbock@... with RSVP in the subject line.  Please remember to give
> us your name, contact number, and number of individuals in your party.
>
> Look forward to seeing you all there!
>
> Andy Gibson
> Consumer Network Director
> NAMI Lubbock
> (806) 783-9268
> (806) 773-7368
> http://namilubbock.nami.org
>
>   Everyone,
>
>   As most of you already know (or are fixing to know via newsletter or
> invitation) NAMI Lubbock will be holding their 1st Annual Lubbock Legends
> Awards Dinner on Tuesday, May 23rd at Oakwood Baptist Church located on 60th
> and Ave U.  This years dinner will be sponsored by Bristol Meyers Squibb
> Pharmaceutical Company and NAMI Lubbock.  The meal, which will be catered by
> Ambrosia Catering, will be served at no cost to the guests.  However, RSVP's
> are required.  To reserve your spot, contact the NAMI Lubbock office at (806)
> 783-9268 to give us your name, the number in your party, and a contact number
> in case we need to reach you.
>
>   This year's dinner will be different from those of the past.  The usually
> May dinner is like a monthly meeting except we might go out of our way to get
> a really good speaker or someone from our state office.  Although, Brian
> Shannon, who is the founding president of NAMI Lubbock, is scheduled to
> deliver a keynote speech and will also be recognizing our recent class
> "graduates," we're also going to be honoring three of the very special
> people.  This year marks the inaugural year of The Lubbock Legends Awards.
> Beginning in 2006, the NAMI Lubbock Board of Directors, with the help of the
> affiliate membership, plans to recognize individuals in the Lubbock area who
> have had a positive influence on the affiliate, have been instrumental
> through their trade on how mental illness is perceived by the local
> population, or simply just talks the talk and walks the walk of recovery from
> serious mental illness.
>
>   This year, NAMI Lubbock wishes to recognize the following individuals:
>     a.. Christal Bennett of Fox 34 will be the recipient of the Lubbock
> Legends Award for Excellence in Journalism.  She was chosen to be a recipient
> of this honor as a result of her compassionate reporting on NAMI Lubbock and
> the Miami shooting that occurred last December.
>     b.. Jim Gamble, Ed.D., LPC will be the recipient of the Lubbock Legends
> Award for Professional of the Year.  He was chosen for his continued support
> of NAMI Lubbock and for working tirelessly with people with serious mental
> illness as well as those that love them and care for them.
>     c.. Marcy Mayberry will be the recipient of the Lubbock Legends Award for
> Member of the Year.  Marcy has no problem telling anybody of her struggles
> with depression and how finding NAMI last Summer following a hospitalization
> was instrumental in her path to recovery.  The last 12 months for Marcy have
> literally been nothing less than a Cinderella story.
>   So we hope you all will come out to the dinner and meet some new friends,
> say hello to some old ones, and maybe even do some networking with the blend
> of individuals that will be in attendance who work in the mental health
> field.  This dinner looks to be the best one yet!
>
>   Contact us with any further questions.
>
>   Andy Gibson
>   Consumer Network Director
>   NAMI Lubbock
>   (806) 783-9268
>   (806) 773-7368
>   http://namilubbock.nami.org
>
>
>
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>   YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS
>
>     a..  Visit your group "NamiLub" on the web.
>      
>     b..  To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
>      NamiLub-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>      
>     c..  Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
>
>
>
>
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>


__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com


#162 From: "NAMI Lubbock" <namilubbock@...>
Date: Fri May 19, 2006 5:31 pm
Subject: This Sunday: Mike Wallace Speaks About His Depression on 60 Minutes
namilubbock@...
Send Email Send Email
 
 
 

NAMI, The Nation's Voice on Mental Illness

NEWS ALERT: 60 Minutes on Sunday, May 21

On Sunday, May 21, 2006, CBS correspondent Mike Wallace will make his last scheduled appearance on the news television show 60 Minutes, broadcast on CBS television stations at 7:00 ET/PT (Check local listings).

The show will highlight many parts of Wallace's career, but particularly poignant will be a frank discussion with his colleague Morley Safer about his struggle with depression -- including for the very first time, his attempted suicide.

Wallace has devoted himself to ending the stigma of mental illness and encouraging people to get help when they need it. This broadcast will continue to advance that public education. NAMI thanks him.

For more information, please visit the CBS Web site


You are receiving this email because you have requested to receive periodic updates from NAMI. If you do not wish to receive further updates, please , sign in and uncheck the box next to "I would like to receive general email updates from NAMI." Please do not reply to this email (it will go to an unattended mailbox). If you have any questions, concerns, or comments, please send an email to webmaster@... .

 


Informz for iMIS
Web Bug from http://www.informz.net/z/cmVkNi5hc3A/bWk9MjcwOTExJnU9ODI5NzYyMzEmYj00MTg/image.gif

#161 From: "Andy Gibson" <agibson@...>
Date: Thu May 18, 2006 1:19 am
Subject: Awards Dinner Reservations
agibson@...
Send Email Send Email
 
I've had a couple of you contact me and ask if they could reserve a spot for the dinner via e-mail.  The answer to this question is yes!
 
I went ahead and put a link on the News page in order for ya'll to e-mail your RSVP's in.  Or you can just e-mail the office directly at namilubbock@... with RSVP in the subject line.  Please remember to give us your name, contact number, and number of individuals in your party.
 
Look forward to seeing you all there!
 
Andy Gibson
Consumer Network Director
NAMI Lubbock
(806) 783-9268
(806) 773-7368
http://namilubbock.nami.org
 
Everyone,
 
As most of you already know (or are fixing to know via newsletter or invitation) NAMI Lubbock will be holding their 1st Annual Lubbock Legends Awards Dinner on Tuesday, May 23rd at Oakwood Baptist Church located on 60th and Ave U.  This years dinner will be sponsored by Bristol Meyers Squibb Pharmaceutical Company and NAMI Lubbock.  The meal, which will be catered by Ambrosia Catering, will be served at no cost to the guests.  However, RSVP's are required.  To reserve your spot, contact the NAMI Lubbock office at (806) 783-9268 to give us your name, the number in your party, and a contact number in case we need to reach you.
 
This year's dinner will be different from those of the past.  The usually May dinner is like a monthly meeting except we might go out of our way to get a really good speaker or someone from our state office.  Although, Brian Shannon, who is the founding president of NAMI Lubbock, is scheduled to deliver a keynote speech and will also be recognizing our recent class "graduates," we're also going to be honoring three of the very special people.  This year marks the inaugural year of The Lubbock Legends Awards.  Beginning in 2006, the NAMI Lubbock Board of Directors, with the help of the affiliate membership, plans to recognize individuals in the Lubbock area who have had a positive influence on the affiliate, have been instrumental through their trade on how mental illness is perceived by the local population, or simply just talks the talk and walks the walk of recovery from serious mental illness.
 
This year, NAMI Lubbock wishes to recognize the following individuals:
  • Christal Bennett of Fox 34 will be the recipient of the Lubbock Legends Award for Excellence in Journalism.  She was chosen to be a recipient of this honor as a result of her compassionate reporting on NAMI Lubbock and the Miami shooting that occurred last December.
  • Jim Gamble, Ed.D., LPC will be the recipient of the Lubbock Legends Award for Professional of the Year.  He was chosen for his continued support of NAMI Lubbock and for working tirelessly with people with serious mental illness as well as those that love them and care for them.
  • Marcy Mayberry will be the recipient of the Lubbock Legends Award for Member of the Year.  Marcy has no problem telling anybody of her struggles with depression and how finding NAMI last Summer following a hospitalization was instrumental in her path to recovery.  The last 12 months for Marcy have literally been nothing less than a Cinderella story.
So we hope you all will come out to the dinner and meet some new friends, say hello to some old ones, and maybe even do some networking with the blend of individuals that will be in attendance who work in the mental health field.  This dinner looks to be the best one yet!
 
Contact us with any further questions.
 
Andy Gibson
Consumer Network Director
NAMI Lubbock
(806) 783-9268
(806) 773-7368
http://namilubbock.nami.org

#160 From: "Andy Gibson" <agibson@...>
Date: Wed May 17, 2006 7:55 pm
Subject: Lubbock Legends Awards Dinner Recipients
agibson@...
Send Email Send Email
 
Everyone,
 
As most of you already know (or are fixing to know via newsletter or invitation) NAMI Lubbock will be holding their 1st Annual Lubbock Legends Awards Dinner on Tuesday, May 23rd at Oakwood Baptist Church located on 60th and Ave U.  This years dinner will be sponsored by Bristol Meyers Squibb Pharmaceutical Company and NAMI Lubbock.  The meal, which will be catered by Ambrosia Catering, will be served at no cost to the guests.  However, RSVP's are required.  To reserve your spot, contact the NAMI Lubbock office at (806) 783-9268 to give us your name, the number in your party, and a contact number in case we need to reach you.
 
This year's dinner will be different from those of the past.  The usually May dinner is like a monthly meeting except we might go out of our way to get a really good speaker or someone from our state office.  Although, Brian Shannon, who is the founding president of NAMI Lubbock, is scheduled to deliver a keynote speech and will also be recognizing our recent class "graduates," we're also going to be honoring three of the very special people.  This year marks the inaugural year of The Lubbock Legends Awards.  Beginning in 2006, the NAMI Lubbock Board of Directors, with the help of the affiliate membership, plans to recognize individuals in the Lubbock area who have had a positive influence on the affiliate, have been instrumental through their trade on how mental illness is perceived by the local population, or simply just talks the talk and walks the walk of recovery from serious mental illness.
 
This year, NAMI Lubbock wishes to recognize the following individuals:
  • Christal Bennett of Fox 34 will be the recipient of the Lubbock Legends Award for Excellence in Journalism.  She was chosen to be a recipient of this honor as a result of her compassionate reporting on NAMI Lubbock and the Miami shooting that occurred last December.
  • Jim Gamble, Ed.D., LPC will be the recipient of the Lubbock Legends Award for Professional of the Year.  He was chosen for his continued support of NAMI Lubbock and for working tirelessly with people with serious mental illness as well as those that love them and care for them.
  • Marcy Mayberry will be the recipient of the Lubbock Legends Award for Member of the Year.  Marcy has no problem telling anybody of her struggles with depression and how finding NAMI last Summer following a hospitalization was instrumental in her path to recovery.  The last 12 months for Marcy have literally been nothing less than a Cinderella story.
So we hope you all will come out to the dinner and meet some new friends, say hello to some old ones, and maybe even do some networking with the blend of individuals that will be in attendance who work in the mental health field.  This dinner looks to be the best one yet!
 
Contact us with any further questions.
 
Andy Gibson
Consumer Network Director
NAMI Lubbock
(806) 783-9268
(806) 773-7368
http://namilubbock.nami.org

#159 From: "Andy Gibson" <agibson@...>
Date: Tue May 16, 2006 11:18 pm
Subject: NAMI Lubbock featured on Radio Tomorrow
agibson@...
Send Email Send Email
 
Hey all you early risers, tune in tomorrow, May 16th as NAMI Lubbock will be featured on Fox Talks AM 950 morning radio show.  The interview will be sometime during the 7 am hour.
 
Andy Gibson
Consumer Network Director
NAMI Lubbock
(806) 783-9268
(806) 773-7368
http://namilubbock.nami.org

#158 From: "Andy Gibson" <agibson@...>
Date: Mon May 15, 2006 6:35 pm
Subject: Friday Facts from NAMI National: May 12, 2006
agibson@...
Send Email Send Email
 
 
NAMI Friday Facts

NAMI National Friday Facts **May 12, 2006**

NAMI's Annual Convention:  Information, Programs, and Election News
      1.  There's Still Time to Register for NAMI's Annual Convention!
      2.  Eliminating Disparities: Multicultural Strategic Summit
       3.  Airline discounts available for NAMI Convention Attendees
      4.  NAMI 2006 Elections

NAMI Education and Program Information
      5.  Line-Up of Friday Conference Call Series with Dr. Ken Duckworth, NAMI's Medical Director

Beyond NAMI
      6.  Lobotomy Documentary: Stories Wanted
      7.  Free Teleconference Training from SAMHSA – Transition to Adulthood: Strategies for Overcoming Stigma and Achieving Positive Outcomes for Young Adults

Deadlines and Dates to Remember


NAMI's Annual Convention Information, Programs, and Election News

1.  There's Still Time to Register for NAMI's Annual Convention!

Due to an unavoidable production delay, the spring issue of the Advocate will not arrive in time to allow members to utilize the special Convention registration and voting information contained in the issue.

If you've already registered to attend NAMI's Convention, we look forward to seeing you in our nation's capital this June.  If you wish to attend the NAMI Annual Convention taking place in Washington, D.C. June 28 - July 2, 2006 and haven't registered yet, there is still time!   Simply visit the NAMI Web site to download a paper registration form or register online by clicking here.  It's easy, fast, and secure.

To receive the special room rates at the participating hotels, you must reserve your room by May 27.   Rooms are filling up quickly - don't miss out on these special rates.   Convention pre-registration ends May 30.

Additional details on registration, the convention program, hotel and Washington, D.C., travel information can be found on the NAMI Web site by clicking here.

The special, spring 2006 edition of the Advocate also contains information on the election of this year's candidates for the NAMI Board of Directors and the text of two changes proposed for the NAMI bylaws.


2.
  Eliminating Disparities: Multicultural Strategic Summit

NAMI's Multicultural Action Center (MAC) will host the Eliminating Disparities: Multicultural Strategic Summit on June 28 to July 2 as part of NAMI's 2006 Annual Convention.  The Summit will bring together multicultural mental health leaders from across the nation to address the lack of access to care and the disparities in treatment faced by multicultural communities. The Summit will feature policy and research briefings, plenary sessions and program tracks to address issues specific to African American, American Indian, Asian American and Latino/Hispanic communities.  Nationally recognized consumer and family advocates, researchers, policymakers and providers will work together to offer a vision for change.  For more information contact us at MACenter@... or visit www.nami.org/summit.

3.  Airline discounts available for NAMI Convention Attendees

We have arranged discounts on two airlines, UNITED AIRLINES and AMERICAN AIRLINES, for attendees for the NAMI National Convention in Washington, DC, June 26-July 2, 2006.

We have arranged the following discount on UNITED AIRLINES:   Book your ticket at least 30 days in advance and receive 7% off the lowest fare.  Simply call the United Airlines Meeting Desk at 1-800-521-4041 and refer to Meeting ID Number 538TO.  Either you or your travel agent can make this reservation.  (To book the United discount fares you must call the Meeting Desk.  These special fares are not available on-line.)

We have also arranged the following discount on AMERICAN AIRLINES:

a)  5% discount off Coach fares.
b)  After the ticket is purchased, but at least 48 hours prior to outbound flight departure date, the name may be changed for a service fee. (This is a great new benefit that AA is offering to our meeting attendees.)

To make your reservations on American, please call American Airlines Meeting Services at 1-800-433-1790 and provide the discount code A5666BG.  If you prefer to make your arrangements on-line, you may review fare and schedule information and make reservations using the 5 percent discount at American Airlines web site:  www.AA.com.


4.  NAMI 2006 Elections

Congratulations to our 2006 NAMI National Board candidates!  The following NAMI leaders have been nominated for the five slots up for election on the National Board of Directors: 

Don Muller (nominated by NAMI Utah)
Dave Lushbaugh (nominated by NAMI Georgia)
Anand Pandya (nominated by NAMI New York State)
Fred Frese (nominated by NAMI Summit County, Ohio)
Eileen Silber (nominated by NAMI North Carolina)
Nancy Carter (nominated by NAMI California)
Suzanne Clifford (nominated by NAMI Indiana)
Marty Raaymakers (nominated by NAMI Michigan)

For information about the election, proposed bylaws changes and the Board candidates (including their letters of nomination, photographs, and answers to five questions on the most pressing issues facing NAMI), visit www.nami.org/voting


NAMI Education and Program Information

5.  Line-Up of Friday Conference Call Series with Dr. Ken Duckworth, NAMI's Medical Director

Friday, May 19, 2006:  The Deficit Reduction Act and Demonstration Project that Allows 10 States to Apply for a Medicaid Waiver to Increase Home and Community Based Children's Mental Health Services.   With special guest, Mary Giliberti, one of our NAMI national Medicaid experts.

Friday, June 16:  Self-Injurious Behavior Among Teens – What is a Parent to Do?   Featuring Dr. Ken Duckworth, NAMI's Medical Director.

Friday, July 21:  Recent Class Action Legal Victories in Children's Mental Health and How NAMI Leaders Can More Effectively Work with Their State Protection and Advocacy Lawyers.  With special guests – Elizabeth Priaulx, Senior Disability Legal Specialist and Elizabeth Greczek, Staff Attorney with the National Disability Rights Network.

All three calls are scheduled from 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Eastern Time. To access all three toll-free calls, dial 888-858-6021; access code: 309918.  We hope that you can join us for these important topics and a great discussion!


Beyond NAMI

6.  Lobotomy Documentary: Stories Wanted

A PBS-TV documentary is being made for the American Experience series about Walter Freeman, the man who once promoted lobotomy as a treatment for mental illness. Historians and authors have written about when and where lobotomies were done, but the producer wants to talk with people who actually experienced the procedure, or their family members, who can discuss the effect on their lives. If you are interested in sharing your story, please contact the filmmaker directly at KateCWalker@... or 718-832-5279.

7.  Free Teleconference Training from SAMHSA – Transition to Adulthood: Strategies for Overcoming Stigma and Achieving Positive Outcomes for Young Adults

The SAMHSA Resource Center to Address Discrimination and Stigma Associated With Mental Illness invites you to participate in a free teleconference training titled, "Transition to Adulthood: Strategies for Overcoming Stigma and Achieving Positive Outcomes for Young Adults."
            Date: Thursday, May 25, 2006
            Time: 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM (Eastern Time)

The staff of the SAMHSA ADS Center will discuss the diverse skills and supports required to help young people overcome stigma and succeed on the job. In addition to reviewing the effects that stigma and stigma-reduction programs have on transition-age youth, speakers will examine research and strategies for effectively working with young adults, families, and employers. The training also will feature one young person's first-person account of overcoming stigma in the workplace and accessing effective services.

To participate in this training teleconference, please complete the online registration form located at http://www.stopstigma.samhsa.gov/regpage.cfm. For additional teleconference information, please refer to the training section of the SAMHSA ADS Center web site or contact a technical assistance representative by e-mail at stopstigma@... or by telephone at 1-800-540-0320. Please note: Registration for this teleconference will close at 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, on Wednesday, May 24, 2006.

Deadlines and Dates to Remember

- May 19:  Friday Conference Call with Dr. Ken Duckworth.  Topic:  The Deficit Reduction Act and Demonstration Project, 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Eastern Time. To access toll-free call, dial 888-858-6021; access code: 309918.

- May 25:  The SAMHSA Resource Center free teleconference training, "Transition to Adulthood: Strategies for Overcoming Stigma and Achieving Positive Outcomes for Young Adults."

- May 30:  Convention pre-registration ends.

- May 31:  F2F Hall of Fame Nominations due to Lynne@....

- June 16:  Friday Conference Call with Dr. Ken Duckworth.  Topic:  Self-Injurious Behavior Among Teens – What is a Parent to Do?   11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Eastern Time. To access toll-free call, dial 888-858-6021; access code: 309918.

- June 28-July 2, 2006:  NAMI's 2006 Annual Convention at the Washington Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C.

- June 28-July 22:  NAMI's Multicultural Action Center (MAC) will host the Eliminating Disparities: Multicultural Strategic Summit as part of NAMI's 2006 Convention.

- July 21:  Friday, July 21:  Friday Conference Call with Dr. Ken Duckworth.  Topic:  Recent Class Action Legal Victories in Children's Mental Health and How NAMI Leaders Can More Effectively Work with Their State Protection and Advocacy Lawyers.  11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Eastern Time. To access toll-free call, dial 888-858-6021; access code: 309918.

- September 25-27:  Second Annual CIT Conference.  For information e-mail bonnies@....

- October 1-7:  Mental Illness Awareness Week, Building Communities, Taking Action.

- October 5:  Bipolar Disorder Awareness Day  

- November 10-12:  NAMI’s 2006 Fall Leadership Conference, St. Louis, MO.

NAMI Friday Facts is an electronic newsletter provided free of charge as a service for our members. With more than 1,100 state and local affiliates, NAMI is the nation's largest grassroots organization dedicated to improving the lives of people with severe mental illnesses. Contributions to support our work can be made online at www.nami.org/donate.

To manage your subscription to Friday Facts (including new subscriptions and list removals), please visit www.nami.org/subscribe, sign in and mark your preferences. Please do not reply to this email (it will go to an unattended mailbox.) If you have any questions, concerns, or comments please send an email to staterelations@....


NAMI Friday Facts are electronic newsletters provided free of charge as a service to NAMI members, leaders and staff. With more than 1,100 state and local affiliates, NAMI is the nation's largest grassroots organization dedicated to improving the lives of people with severe mental illnesses. Contributions to support our work can be made online at www.nami.org/donate.

You are subscribed with the e-mail address: agibson@.... If you do not wish to receive further Friday Facts, please click here, sign in and uncheck the box next to Friday Facts. Please do not reply to this email (it will go to an unattended mailbox.) If you have any questions, concerns, or comments, please send an email to staterelations@....

NAMI ~ 2107 Wilson Blvd. ~ Suite 300 ~ Arlington, VA 22201


#157 From: "Andy Gibson" <agibson@...>
Date: Tue May 9, 2006 8:44 pm
Subject: DSHS Commissioner's Report
agibson@...
Send Email Send Email
 
 
 
Andy Gibson
Consumer Network Director
NAMI Lubbock
(806) 783-9268
(806) 773-7368

DSHS Commissioner's Report to the DSHS Council

April 2006

Demonstration to Maintain Independence and Employment

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission received a four year $18.6 million

federal grant from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). This grant is

part of a national demonstration project with the objective of determining whether access

to health insurance benefits (including behavioral health benefits) will enable working

adults with behavioral health conditions who do not yet meet federal disability criteria to

continue to work and to avoid future dependence on publicly funded programs. DSHS is

administering the grant project under an interagency agreement with HHSC and is

partnering with the Harris County Hospital District (HCHD). HCHD is certifying $7.5

million in local match and will operate the project at the local level. In addition, DSHS is

contracting with an independent evaluator to assess the project's performance. The project

is currently in the planning phase working with the independent evaluator and HCHD to

develop operational and evaluation protocols. Operations are scheduled to begin in the

fall. For more information, contact Dena Stoner, Mental Health and Substance Abuse

Services Division, at 512/206-4851, or e-mail dena.stoner@....

Legislative Budget Board authorizes use of $13.4 million for state hospitals

On February 16, 2006, the Legislative Budget Board authorized the HHSC Executive

Commissioner to expend $13.4 million to expand the capacity of state mental health

hospitals, allowing DSHS to move funds from fiscal year 2007 to address immediate

needs relating to the capacity of the hospital system. During the past year, the state's

mental health hospital system has consistently operated at levels exceeding capacity,

which compromises the effectiveness and efficiency of treatment and the safety of

patients and hospital staff. Ninety-six forensic beds have been added to the state hospital

system, adding 24 beds to Austin State Hospital, San Antonio State Hospital, Terrell

State Hospital and North Texas State Hospital - Wichita Falls Campus. By March 8,

2006, these beds were full. The total number of forensic beds in the system is now 738.

An additional 103 beds have been approved for civil commitments. DSHS is currently

working on staffing to support the changes. For more information, contact Kenny

Dudley, State Hospital Director, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Division,

at 512/206-4616, or e-mail kenny.dudley@...

 

Provider of Last Resort

House Bill 2292 modified the way that local mental health and mental retardation

authorities ensure the delivery of mental health and mental retardation services by

requiring them to be the providers of last resort. The local authority must make every

reasonable attempt to solicit the development of an available and appropriate provider

base that is sufficient to meet the needs of consumers in its service area before it can

provide services itself.

During the first half of 2004, the Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental

Retardation required local mental health and mental retardation authorities to conduct

preliminary inventories of available providers in their areas through a Request for

Information process and develop local plans on how to address needs through a

combination of outsourcing and direct care. Due to concerns about the applicability of

certain provisions of HB 2292, Executive Order RP-45 was issued on June 17, 2005.

Therein, Governor Perry directed the HHSC Executive Commissioner to request an

Attorney General’s opinion regarding the provider of last resort requirement as it applied

to the provision of mental health services.

On March 16, 2006, the Attorney General issued an opinion (Opinion GA-0416). That

opinion held that the provisions in HB 2292 that require the local mental health and

mental retardation authority to be the provider of services only as a provider of last resort

also applied to the provision of mental health services. In response to this opinion, DSHS

is continuing the implementation of HB 2292 and will work closely with the MHMR

authorities and interested stakeholders to ensure that the intent of the legislation is

achieved for the benefit of all recipients of mental health services. For more information,

contact Joe Vesowate, Assistant Commissioner, Mental Health and Substance Abuse

Services Division, at (512) 206-5797, or e-mail joe.vesowate@....

Texas Mental Health Transformation Initiative

Mental Health Transformation is still in an early phase of development. The Governor’s

Transformation Work Group had its third meeting on March 9th. The central topic of the

meeting was how each agency was addressing the mental health needs of veterans,

especially those returning from combat in Afghanistan and Iraq. Kathryn Kotrla, MD,

presented on the Veteran’s Administration activities to engage in transformation at the

federal and state levels. Each representative also described their agency’s activities in

support of veterans. The consumer representatives emphasized the importance this work

has on consumers and family members. The next meeting is scheduled for May 19, 2006.

Additional information about the grant is available at

http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/mhtransformation.shtm. For more information, contact Dave

Wanser, Deputy Commissioner for Behavioral and Community Health Services, at (512)

458-7375, or e-mail dave.wanser@....

Substance Use School Survey

DSHS conducted its statewide school survey of substance use among students in grades

4-6 and grades 7-12. The survey measures a wide range of self-reported licit and illicit

substance use. The survey assists DSHS in identifying areas of need and provides

information for the planning process. Major findings include:

Tobacco, alcohol, and a number of illicit drugs show extensive decreases in 2004,

authorities ensure the delivery of mental health and mental retardation services by

requiring them to be the providers of last resort. The local authority must make every

reasonable attempt to solicit the development of an available and appropriate provider

base that is sufficient to meet the needs of consumers in its service area before it can

provide services itself.

During the first half of 2004, the Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental

Retardation required local mental health and mental retardation authorities to conduct

preliminary inventories of available providers in their areas through a Request for

Information process and develop local plans on how to address needs through a

combination of outsourcing and direct care. Due to concerns about the applicability of

certain provisions of HB 2292, Executive Order RP-45 was issued on June 17, 2005.

Therein, Governor Perry directed the HHSC Executive Commissioner to request an

Attorney General’s opinion regarding the provider of last resort requirement as it applied

to the provision of mental health services.

On March 16, 2006, the Attorney General issued an opinion (Opinion GA-0416). That

opinion held that the provisions in HB 2292 that require the local mental health and

mental retardation authority to be the provider of services only as a provider of last resort

also applied to the provision of mental health services. In response to this opinion, DSHS

is continuing the implementation of HB 2292 and will work closely with the MHMR

authorities and interested stakeholders to ensure that the intent of the legislation is

achieved for the benefit of all recipients of mental health services. For more information,

contact Joe Vesowate, Assistant Commissioner, Mental Health and Substance Abuse

Services Division, at (512) 206-5797, or e-mail joe.vesowate@....

Texas Mental Health Transformation Initiative

Mental Health Transformation is still in an early phase of development. The Governor’s

Transformation Work Group had its third meeting on March 9th. The central topic of the

meeting was how each agency was addressing the mental health needs of veterans,

especially those returning from combat in Afghanistan and Iraq. Kathryn Kotrla, MD,

presented on the Veteran’s Administration activities to engage in transformation at the

federal and state levels. Each representative also described their agency’s activities in

support of veterans. The consumer representatives emphasized the importance this work

has on consumers and family members. The next meeting is scheduled for May 19, 2006.

Additional information about the grant is available at

http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/mhtransformation.shtm. For more information, contact Dave

Wanser, Deputy Commissioner for Behavioral and Community Health Services, at (512)

458-7375, or e-mail dave.wanser@....

Substance Use School Survey

DSHS conducted its statewide school survey of substance use among students in grades

4-6 and grades 7-12. The survey measures a wide range of self-reported licit and illicit

substance use. The survey assists DSHS in identifying areas of need and provides

information for the planning process. Major findings include:

Tobacco, alcohol, and a number of illicit drugs show extensive decreases in 2004,

while use of inhalants increased among younger grades.

Alcohol continues to be the most widely used substance, with 68% of grades 7-12

students reporting lifetime use and 33% past-month use.

About 24% of high school seniors said they had driven a car after drinking

alcohol.

40% of grades 7-12 students have smoked marijuana at some point in their lives,

making it the most commonly used illegal drug among students.

Students whose parents disapprove of teen alcohol use are 62% less likely to have

reported drinking in the past month.

About 8.3% of grades 7-12 students reported using codeine cough syrup to get

high at some point and 3.3% did so in the past month.

Additional information regarding this study can be found at:

http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/sa/RecentResearchStudies.shtm. or by contacting Liang Y.

Liu, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Division, at 512/206-5953, or e-mail

liang.liu@....



See if you've won, play MSN Search and Win

SPONSORED LINKS
Mental health Mental health information Mental health job
Mental illness Mental health depression Mental health los angeles


YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS





#156 From: "Erin Graham" <erin.lee.graham@...>
Date: Sat May 6, 2006 9:01 pm
Subject: Friday Facts from NAMI National: May 5, 2006
erin.lee.graham@...
Send Email Send Email
 
 
NAMI Friday Facts

NAMI National Friday Facts **May 5, 2006**

NAMI's Annual Convention:  Information, Programs, and Election News
      1.   There's Still Time to Register for NAMI's Annual Convention!
      2.   Eliminating Disparities: Multicultural Strategic Summit
      3.   NAMI Leadership Institute at Convention
      4.   Airline discounts available for NAMI Convention Attendees
      5.   NAMI 2006 Elections

Grant and Funding Opportunities
      6.   Justice Department Seeks Applications for Criminal Justice/Mental Health Grants!

NAMI Education and Program Information
      7.   NAMI Child and Adolescent Action Center Seeks Information on Suicide Programs
      8.   2007 NAMIWalks Applications Now Available
      9.   Mental Illness Awareness Week October 1–7, 2006: Building Community, Taking Action
      10. Second Annual CIT Conference Call for Presentations!
      11. Seeking Nominations for the Family-to-Family Hall of Fame

Multicultural Outreach
      12. Avanzamos!

Beyond NAMI
      13. Heroes in the Fight Recognition Program

Deadlines and Dates to Remember

***********************************************************

NAMI's Annual Convention Information, Programs, and Election News

1.  There's Still Time to Register for NAMI's Annual Convention!


Due to an unavoidable production delay, the spring issue of the Advocate will not arrive in time to allow members to utilize the special Convention registration and voting information contained in the issue.

If you've already registered to attend NAMI's Convention, we look forward to seeing you in our nation's capital this June.  If you wish to attend the NAMI Annual Convention taking place in Washington, D.C. June 28 - July 2, 2006 and haven't registered yet, there is still time!   Simply visit the NAMI Web site to download a paper registration form or register online by clicking here.  It's easy, fast, and secure.

To receive the special room rates at the participating hotels, you must reserve your room by May 27.   Rooms are filling up quickly - don't miss out on these special rates.   Convention pre-registration ends May 30.

Additional details on registration, the convention program, hotel and Washington, D.C., travel information can be found on the NAMI Web site by clicking here.


2.  Eliminating Disparities: Multicultural Strategic Summit

NAMI's Multicultural Action Center (MAC) will host the Eliminating Disparities: Multicultural Strategic Summit on June 28 to July 2 as part of NAMI's Annual Convention.  The Summit will  bring together multicultural mental health leaders from across the nation to address the lack of access to care and the disparities in treatment faced by multicultural communities. The Summit will feature policy and research briefings, plenary sessions and program tracks to address issues specific to African American, American Indian, Asian American and Latino/Hispanic communities.  Nationally recognized consumer and family advocates, researchers, policymakers and providers will work together to offer a vision for change.  For more information contact us at MACenter@... or visit www.nami.org/summit.

3.  NAMI Leadership Institute at Convention

The NAMI Leadership Institute offers leadership and organizational development opportunities to assist NAMI state organizations and local affiliates meet the NAMI mission.  The Leadership Institute builds the capacity or our organization by enhancing the ability of our leaders to manage, govern, teach and advocate.  This year's Convention Leadership Institute consists of three groups of workshops on Wednesday afternoon, June 28.  A detailed program for the Leadership Institute is available at the Leadership Institute Information table.


4.  Airline Discounts Available for NAMI Convention Attendees

We have arranged discounts on two airlines, UNITED AIRLINES and AMERICAN AIRLINES, for attendees for the NAMI National Convention in Washington, DC, June 26-July 2, 2006.

We have arranged the following discount on UNITED AIRLINES:   Book your ticket at least 30 days in advance and receive 7% off the lowest fare.  Simply call the United Airlines Meeting Desk at 1-800-521-4041 and refer to Meeting ID Number 538TO.  Either you or your travel agent can make this reservation.  (To book the United discount fares you must call the Meeting Desk.  These special fares are not available on-line.)

We have also arranged the following discount on AMERICAN AIRLINES:

a)  5% discount off Coach fares.
b)  After the ticket is purchased, but at least 48 hours prior to outbound flight departure date, the name may be changed for a service fee. (This is a great new benefit that AA is offering to our meeting attendees.)

To make your reservations on American, please call American Airlines Meeting Services at 1-800-433-1790 and provide the discount code A5666BG.  If you prefer to make your arrangements on-line, you may review fare and schedule information and make reservations using the 5 percent discount at American Airlines web site:   www.AA.com.


5.  NAMI 2006 Elections

Congratulations to our 2006 NAMI National Board candidates!  The following NAMI leaders have been nominated for the five slots up for election on the National Board of Directors: 

Don Muller (nominated by NAMI Utah)
Dave Lushbaugh (nominated by NAMI Georgia)
Anand Pandya (nominated by NAMI New York State)
Fred Frese (nominated by NAMI Summit County, Ohio)
Eileen Silber (nominated by NAMI North Carolina)
Nancy Carter (nominated by NAMI California)
Suzanne Clifford (nominated by NAMI Indiana)
Marty Raaymakers (nominated by NAMI Michigan)

For information about the election, proposed bylaws changes and the Board candidates (including their letters of nomination, photographs, and answers to five questions on the most pressing issues facing NAMI), visit www.nami.org/voting.


Grant and Funding Opportunities

6.  Justice Department Seeks Applications for Criminal Justice/Mental Health Grants!

The U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) has put out an announcement requesting applications for grants authorized by the Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction Act of 2004.   These grants, which are available to state, local and tribal governments, may be used for a variety of purposes, including pre- and post-booking jail diversion, transitional and reentry services, enhanced treatment and services for offenders with mental illnesses, and training of criminal justice and mental health personnel.   Proposed projects must be jointly managed by a mental health and criminal justice agency and must demonstrate collaboration among a variety of key stakeholders, including consumers and family members.   Three types of grants will be provided – planning grants, planning and implementation grants, and implementation and expansion grants.   The deadline for applying for these grants is June 2, 2006. For more information, go to http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/grant/06MIOsol.pdf.   Or, contact Robert Hendricks, BJA policy advisor, at 202-305-1909 or robert.hendricks@....  


NAMI Education and Program Information

7.   NAMI Child and Adolescent Action Center Seeks Information on Suicide Programs

NAMI remains deeply concerned with the rate of youth and young adult suicide (3rd leading cause of death in 15-24 year olds, with 90% having a diagnosable mental illness).   NAMI is looking at existing suicide prevention programs and initiatives at the state and local levels to determine where there might be gaps and opportunities for NAMI to make a contribution to help address this crisis.

We would greatly appreciate if you would please email Darcy Gruttadaro (darcy@...) with the following information (and would appreciate you sharing this request with your networks):

-  Identify the suicide prevention programs and initiatives in your community and state that target adolescents and young adults (title and brief description of the program).
-  Who is leading the program/initiatives (advocates, state or local officials, schools, others)?
-  What age group is the program/initiative targeting (adolescents, young adults, students in certain grade levels)?
-  How long has the program/initiative been in existence and what is the anticipated duration?
-  Is there a web site that we can visit to learn more about the program/initiative?

Thank you for responding to this request and for all that you do for children and families.


8.  2007 NAMIWalks Applications Now Available

NAMI affiliates interested in participating in the NAMIWalks Program for the first time may request an application and information Monday, May 1.  If you are interested in holding a walk fund raising event in either the spring or fall of 2007, please contact wkarmol@... for NAMIWalks 2007 materials.

9.  Mental Illness Awareness Week October 1–7, 2006

Mental Illness Awareness Week for 2006 is October 1-7, with the theme Building Community, Taking Action.  Bipolar Disorder Awareness Day is on October 5.  Watch Friday Facts for more information on materials, telephone conferences and workshops at Convention that will make your activities and programs for both events a success.  NAMI plans on having technical assistance materials and order forms for brochures, posters, and stickers to all affiliates by the end of May.


10.   Second Annual CIT Conference Call for Presentations!

We are pleased to announce a Call for Presentations for The Second Annual CIT Conference! The Second Annual CIT Conference will be held this year in Orlando, Florida.  For more detailed information, contact Michele Saunders at Michele.fpic@... or Bonnie Sultan at Bonnies@.... Mark your calendars for September 25, 26, 27! Information on the program, registration and accommodation will be released in the near future at the following website: http://cit.fmhi.usf.edu.

This national conference is designed to highlight effective community collaborations that are responding to the needs of those with mental illnesses including co-occurring substance use disorders. General sessions and workshops will address the development, implementation, advancement, and effectiveness of Crisis Intervention Teams (CIT). Other innovative programs for the diversion of individuals with a mental illness from the criminal justice system will be included. The Conference will be hosted by the Florida CIT Coalition, the Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute, Orange County (Florida) Sheriff's Office, Florida Partners in Crisis, Florida judges, and the National and State Alliance on Mental Illness.


11.  Seeking Nominations for the Family-to-Family Hall of Fame

In celebration of the 4th annual F2F Hall of Fame, it's time to nominate your Family-to-Family teachers who have taught 10 or more F2F classes.  Nominees will be recognized at the NAMI convention in Washington, D.C. during the NAMI Education, Training, and Peer Support Center reception on Friday, June 30, with a special certificate and have their names included in the national F2F Hall of Fame.  We are also seeking nominations for F2F trainers who have trained 10 or more teacher training sessions.  Nominations must be sent to Lynne@... no later than May 31.  Have any of the 10+ teachers reached 20 or more classes?  If so, let us know about them.


Multicultural Outreach

12.  Avanzamos!

Subscribe to Avanzamos!, NAMI's new Spanish language newsletter. This quarterly magazine features news from NAMI states and affiliates, research and policy updates specific to Latino issues, educational resources, personals stories and more. Also makes a great outreach tool to your local Latino community.  The first issue has been very well received; over 4000 copies have been distributed nationwide.  Order up to 10 hardcopies for free at www.nami.org/store (a shipping and handling fee will be charged for orders greater than 10 copies), or sign up for the electronic version at www.nami.org/subscribe.


Deadlines and Dates to Remember

- May 30:  Convention pre-registration ends.

- May 31:  F2F Hall of Fame Nominations due to Lynne@....

- June 28-July 2, 2006:  NAMI's 2006 Annual Convention at the Washington Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C.

- June 28-July 22:  NAMI's Multicultural Action Center (MAC) will host the Eliminating Disparities: Multicultural Strategic Summit as part of NAMI's 2006 Convention.

- September 25-27:  Second Annual CIT Conference.  For information e-mail bonnies@....

- October 1-7:  Mental Illness Awareness Week: Building Communities, Taking Action.

- October 5:  Bipolar Disorder Awareness Day  

- November 10-12:  NAMI's 2006 Fall Leadership Conference, St. Louis, MO.


NAMI Friday Facts are electronic newsletters provided free of charge as a service to NAMI members, leaders and staff. With more than 1,100 state and local affiliates, NAMI is the nation's largest grassroots organization dedicated to improving the lives of people with severe mental illnesses. Contributions to support our work can be made online at www.nami.org/donate.

NAMI ~ 2107 Wilson Blvd. ~ Suite 300 ~ Arlington, VA 22201


#155 From: "Andy Gibson" <agibson@...>
Date: Wed May 3, 2006 7:15 pm
Subject: Video: They're mad to live there
agibson@...
Send Email Send Email
 
I don't know whether to laugh at this or to be angry about it.  Regardless, it makes me want to go out and purchase my own abandoned psychiatric facility and renovate it.  (Not really).
 
Andy Gibson
Consumer Network Director
NAMI Lubbock
(806) 783-9268
(806) 773-7368
http://namilubbock.nami.org

 
Web Bug from http://stats.clickability.com/t.gif?19=313&7=89487 Web Bug from http://s.clickability.com/s?19=40004&7=89487&38=435751082
 
CNN.com  
Powered by  
 * Please note, the sender's email address has not been verified.
Web Bug from http://images.clickability.com/eti/spacer.gif
   
 
This is not only creepy, it kinda pisses me off.

Erin

 
   
Web Bug from http://images.clickability.com/eti/spacer.gif
   
  Click the following to access the sent link:
   
 
Video: They're mad to live there*
     
  SAVE THIS link FORWARD THIS link
 
   
Get your EMAIL THIS Browser Button and use it to email information from any Web site.
   
Click Here
   
  *This article can also be accessed if you copy and paste the entire address below into your web browser.
http://www.cnn.com/video/partners/clickability/index.html?url=/video/offbeat/2006/05/02/chernoff.haunted.condos.affl


#154 From: "Andy Gibson" <agibson@...>
Date: Tue May 2, 2006 10:03 pm
Subject: Church Addresses Psychology from a Christian View
agibson@...
Send Email Send Email
 
The sermon was given to LakeRidge United Methodist Church on 4/30/06.  To watch the video of the sermon, click here.  The video is just over 25 minutes, but it's definitely worth the time.  And sorry to all those who may be receiving this more than once.  I just want to make sure all my contacts are covered.
 
Let me know what ya'll think.  I will say now that I was hoping that the message would have touched more on SMI, such as some Biblical scholars believe that Elijah was severely depressed, David may have had bi-polar disorder and King Herod probably had schizophrenia.  Of course the term, "mental illness" was not around during those times, but if one were to look at some of the documentation about their lives and analyze their behaviors, serious questions can be brought up about their mental state.
 
Just my 2 cents.
 
Andy Gibson
Consumer Network Director
NAMI Lubbock
(806) 783-9268
(806) 773-7368
http://namilubbock.nami.org

#153 From: "Andy Gibson" <agibson@...>
Date: Tue May 2, 2006 5:04 pm
Subject: FW: art for newsletter
agibson@...
Send Email Send Email
 
Everyone heads up.
 
Andy Gibson
Consumer Network Director
NAMI Lubbock
(806) 783-9268
(806) 773-7368


Hello West Texans,

 

I am looking for artwork from consumers---paintings, drawings, sculpture, mixed media—for our newsletter. Right now I have 4 paintings but I would more artwork from the different parts of the state.

 

I would GREATLY appreciate it if any of you could send me pictures of artwork by consumers. A photo would be the best for us to use—for printing purposes. If you have something you can send electronically, it will need to be at a very high resolution. If you have questions about electronic images, email Margie Gardner—she is our layout/art person (she is copied on this email).

 

Also, if there are consumers willing to share their poetry, send that along to me. Poetry is easier to come by…it is the artwork that has presented a challenge for me.

 

Along with pictures or poetry, I will need the person’s name and which affiliate they belong to. If anyone is willing to write a brief—2-3 sentence—bio and include a picture of themselves, we would love to include that too.

 

I hope that ya’ll can help me out. I will need it as soon as you can send it!

 

Thanks.

 

Diana Kern

NAMI Texas

Special Events Coordinator

Consumer Advocate

512-693-2000

dkern@...

www.namitexas.org

 


#152 From: NamiLub@yahoogroups.com
Date: Mon May 1, 2006 7:07 pm
Subject: File - NamiLub Egroup Guidelines.txt
NamiLub@yahoogroups.com
Send Email Send Email
 
The NAMI Lubbock Egroup exists to allow members to have intelligent, educational
and spirited discussions on any issues concerning primarily NAMI Lubbock,
especially Support, Education and Advocacy.  The NAMI Lubbock Egroup is open to
only members of NAMI Lubbock who agree to conduct themselves in a professional
and courteous manner.  This group is also governed by the terms of service of
Groups.Yahoo.com as listed on their website at
http://groups.yahoo.com/local/guidelines.html.  While this announcement is not
intended to replace all the terms of service previously referred to, here are a
few of the highlights.
   1. No personal attacks or threats will be tolerated.  You can disagree with
anything or anyone and still be courteous.
   2. Watch your language and choose your words carefully.  We are a family
group.
   3. You need to sign your name to every message.  You are responsible for what
you post to this group.  Your email address appears with your posts so there is
no such thing as an anonymous post here.
   4. Do not write your message in all capitals.  All caps is perceived as
SHOUTING and is harder to read.  Give your Caps Lock key a rest.
   5. Do not cross post messages from other egroups to this one unless they
relate to mental health issues in this area.  This egroup is not designed to
replace or duplicate egroups sponsored by NAMI Texas.  Members of this egroup
are encouraged to also be a member of the NAMI Texas general egroup and should
not cross-post messages from the two groups.  Members do not wish to receive
duplicate messages from the two groups.

Questions may be addressed to David Gibson at drgibson@....

David Gibson
NAMI Lubbock

#151 From: "Andy Gibson" <agibson@...>
Date: Mon May 1, 2006 5:44 pm
Subject: Friday Facts from NAMI National: April 28, 2006
agibson@...
Send Email Send Email
 
 
 
Andy Gibson
Consumer Network Director
NAMI Lubbock
(806) 783-9268
(806) 773-7368


From: NAMITX@yahoogroups.com on behalf of Jackie Shannon
Sent: Mon 5/1/2006 9:31 AM
To: 'NAMI Texas'
Subject: {Disarmed} [NAMITX] FW: Friday Facts from NAMI National: April 28, 2006

 

 
NAMI Friday Facts

NAMI National Friday Facts **April 28, 2006**

1.   Justice Department Seeks Applications for Criminal Justice/Mental Health Grants!
2.   NAMI Child and Adolescent Action Center Seeks Information on Suicide Programs
3.   2007 NAMIWalks Applications Now Available
4.   Mental Illness Awareness Week October 1–7, 2006
5.   Heroes in the Fight Recognition Program
6.   NAMI State Policy Conference Call Scheduled to Address Impact of Deficit Reduction Act (DRA) on Medicaid Policy
7.   NAMI 2006 Elections
8.    Eliminating Disparities: Multicultural Strategic Summit
9.   Second Annual CIT Conference Call for Presentations!
10.  Avanzamos!
11.  Seeking Nominations for the Family-to-Family Hall of Fame
12.  Airline discounts available for NAMI Convention Attendees
13.  NAMI Legal Center in Need of Mental Health Attorneys
14.  Deadlines and Dates to Remember

1.  Justice Department Seeks Applications for Criminal Justice/Mental Health Grants!

The U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) has put out an announcement requesting applications for grants authorized by the Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction Act of 2004.   These grants, which are available to state, local and tribal governments, may be used for a variety of purposes, including pre and post-booking jail diversion, transitional and reentry services, enhanced treatment and services for offenders with mental illnesses, and training of criminal justice and mental health personnel.   Proposed projects must be jointly managed by a mental health and criminal justice agency and must demonstrate collaboration among a variety of key stakeholders, including consumers and family members.   Three types of grants will be provided – planning grants, planning and implementation grants, and implementation and expansion grants.   The deadline for applying for these grants is June 2, 2006. For more information, go to
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/grant/06MIOsol.pdf or, contact Robert Hendricks, BJA policy advisor, at 202-305-1909 or robert.hendricks@....  

2.  NAMI Child and Adolescent Center Seeks Information on Suicide Programs

NAMI remains deeply concerned with the rate of youth and young adult suicide (3rd leading cause of death in 15-24 year olds, with 90% having a diagnosable mental illness).   NAMI is looking at existing suicide prevention programs and initiatives at the state and local levels to determine where there might be gaps and opportunities for NAMI to make a contribution to help address this crisis.

We would greatly appreciate if you would please email Darcy Gruttadaro (darcy@...) with the following information (and would appreciate you sharing this request with your networks):

 -  Identify the suicide prevention programs and initiatives in your community and state that target adolescents and young adults (title and brief description of the program).
-  Who is leading the program/initiatives (advocates, state or local officials, schools, others)?
-  What age group is the program/initiative targeting (adolescents, young adults, students in certain grade levels)?
-  How long has the program/initiative been in existence and what is the anticipated duration?
-  Is there a web site that we can visit to learn more about the program/initiative?

Thank you for responding to this request and for all that you do for children and families.

3.  2007 NAMIWalks Applications Now Available

NAMI affiliates interested in participating in the NAMIWalks Program for the first time may request an application and information Monday, May 1.  If you are interested in holding a walk fund raising event in either the spring or fall of 2007, please contact Jonathan@... for NAMIWalks 2007 materials.

4.  Mental Illness Awareness Week October 1–7, 2006

Mental Illness Awareness Week for 2006 is October 1-7, with Bipolar Disorder Awareness Day on October 5.  Watch Friday Facts for more information on materials, telephone conferences and workshops at Convention that will make your activities and programs for both events a success.  NAMI plans on having technical assistance materials and order forms for brochures, posters, and stickers to all affiliates by the end of May.

5.  Heroes in the Fight Recognition Program

The Heroes in the FightSM recognition program celebrates dignity, courage, hope, and recovery in the treatment of people with severe and persistent mental illness within specific local or state communities.

Designed to recognize a wide range of health care and other professionals who provide exemplary care and suppport for consumers and their families, Heroes in the FightSM was established by Eli Lilly and Company.  The NAMI National Regional Leadership Consultant team is collaborating with Eli Lilly and Company on this project. 

Twenty-four programs are targeted for 2006 with select local or statewide advocacy organizations across NAMI, NMHA or nonprofit mental health advocacy coalitions.  Eli Lilly and Company is responsible for the program design, materials and costs but is not involved in the nomination and selection process or the event planning.  A third party program administrator, VMS Medical, provides each advocacy partner with a full range of planning and logistics and event planning support.

An independent selection committee created by each advocacy partner will review nominations and select seven recipients across categories spanning health care professionals, community supporters and media.  In addition, each advocacy partner will choose a separate nonprofit mental health organization to receive a $500 donation from Eli Lilly and Company in each award recipient’s name (seven awards). These donations will be used to improve education or help advance care for persons with severe and persistent mental illness in their community.

Advocacy partner applications will be accepted from Monday, April17 through Friday, May 5.  Partner selections will be made on a rolling basis based upon pre-defined partnership criteria defined in the application form.  For more information and an application form, contact Cari with VMS Medical at (317) 805-6645 x241 (email cari.nicholson@...) or contact your NAMI Regional Leadership Consultant:  Region 1 and Region 4 – Liz Smith lsmith@...; Region 2 – Teri Brister tbrister@...; Region 3 – Karen Ford Manza kmanza@....

6.  NAMI State Policy Conference Call Scheduled to Address Impact of Deficit Reduction Act (DRA) on Medicaid Policy

On Friday, May 5, NAMI leaders are invited to participate in a conference call to discuss the impact of the Deficit Reduction Act on State Medicaid Programs.   Under the DRA, state Medicaid programs can make significant changes without seeking a waiver from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).   The DRA enables broader use of copays and imposes new documentation requirements for gaining or maintaining eligibility for Medicaid benefits.  New waiver initiatives will also be addressed in the conference call, which is hosted by NAMI staff members Mary Giliberti and Steven Buck.   Please RSVP for the call by emailing Steven at sbuck@....

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time
Call-in Number: 1 - 888-858-6021 (Toll Free), Access Code: 309918#

7.  NAMI 2006 Elections

Congratulations to our 2006 NAMI National Board candidates!  The following NAMI leaders have been nominated for the five slots up for election on the National Board of Directors: 

Don Muller (nominated by NAMI Utah)
Dave Lushbaugh (nominated by NAMI Georgia)
Anand Pandya (nominated by NAMI New York State)
Fred Frese (nominated by NAMI Summit County, Ohio)
Eileen Silber (nominated by NAMI North Carolina)
Nancy Carter (nominated by NAMI California)
Suzanne Clifford (nominated by NAMI Indiana)
Marty Raaymakers (nominated by NAMI Michigan)

For information about the election, proposed bylaws changes and the Board candidates (including their letters of nomination, photographs, and answers to five questions on the most pressing issues facing NAMI), visit www.nami.org/voting and watch for your special election edition of the Advocate, coming in May.

8.  Eliminating Disparities: Multicultural Strategic Summit

NAMI's Multicultural Action Center (MAC) will host the Eliminating Disparities: Multicultural Strategic Summit on June 28 to July 2 as part of NAMI's 2006 Annual Convention.   The Summit will bring together multicultural mental health leaders from across the nation to address the lack of access to care and the disparities in treatment faced by multicultural communities. The Summit will feature policy and research briefings, plenary sessions and program tracks to address issues specific to African American, American Indian, Asian American and Latino/Hispanic communities.   Nationally recognized consumer and family advocates, researchers, policymakers and providers will work together to offer a vision for change.   For more information contact us at MACenter@... or visit www.nami.org/summit.

9. Second Annual CIT Conference Call for Presentations!

We are pleased to announce a Call for Presentations for The Second Annual CIT Conference! The Second Annual CIT Conference will be held this year in Orlando, Florida.   For more detailed information, contact MicheleSaunders at Michele.fpic@... or Bonnie Sultan at Bonnies@.... Mark your calendars for September 25, 26, 27! Information on the program, registration and accommodations will be released in the near future at the following website: http://cit.fmhi.usf.edu.

This national conference is designed to highlight effective community collaborations that are responding to the needs of those with mental illnesses including co-occurring substance use disorders. General sessions and workshops will address the development, implementation, advancement, and effectiveness of Crisis Intervention Teams (CIT). Other innovative programs for the diversion of individuals with a mental illness from the criminal justice system will be included. The Conference will be hosted by the Florida CIT Coalition, the Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute, Orange County (Florida) Sheriff's Office, Florida Partners in Crisis, Florida judges, and the National and State Alliance on Mental Illness.

10.  Avanzamos!

Subscribe to Avanzamos!, NAMI's new Spanish language newsletter. This quarterly magazine features news from NAMI states and affiliates, research and policy updates specific to Latino issues, educational resources, personals stories and more. Also makes a great outreach tool to your local Latino community.   The first issue has been very well received; over 4000 copies have been distributed nationwide.  Order up to 10 hardcopies for free at www.nami.org/store (a shipping and handling fee will be charged for orders greater than 10 copies), or sign up for the electronic version at www.nami.org/subscribe.

11.  Seeking Nominations for the Family-to-Family Hall of Fame

In celebration of the 4th annual F2F Hall of Fame, it's time to nominate your Family-to-Family teachers who have taught 10 or more F2F classes.   Nominees will be recognized at the NAMI convention in Washington, D.C. during the NAMI Education, Training, and Peer Support Center reception on Friday, June 30, with a special certificate and have their names included in the national F2F Hall of Fame.   We are also seeking nominations for F2F trainers who have trained 10 or more teacher training sessions.   Nominations must be sent to Lynne@... no later than May 31.   Have any of the 10+ teachers reached 20 or more classes?   If so, let us know about them.

12.  Airline discounts available for NAMI Convention Attendees

We have arranged discounts on two airlines, UNITED AIRLINES and AMERICAN AIRLINES, for attendees for the NAMI National Convention in Washington, D.D., June 26-July 2, 2006.

We have arranged the following discount on UNITED AIRLINES:   Book your ticket at least 30 days in advance and receive 7% off the lowest fare.  Simply call the United Airlines Meeting Desk at 1-800-521-4041 and refer to Meeting ID Number 538TO.  Either you or your travel agent can make this reservation.  (To book the United discount fares you must call the Meeting Desk.  These special fares are not available on-line.)

We have also arranged the following discount on AMERICAN AIRLINES:
a)  5% discount off Coach fares.
b)  After the ticket is purchased, but at least 48 hours prior to outbound flight departure date, the name may be changed for a service fee. (This is a great new benefit that AA is offering to our meeting attendees.)

To make your reservations on American, please call American Airlines Meeting Services at 1-800-433-1790 and provide the discount code A5666BG.  If you prefer to make your arrangements on-line, you may review fare and schedule information and make reservations using the 5 percent discount at American Airlines web site:   www.AA.com.

13.  NAMI Legal Center in Need of Mental Health Attorneys

The Legal Center is presently in need of more Mental Health Attorneys in Criminal Defense practice. Nearly one third of callers to the Legal Center request such support for family members in Jail and Prison to present facts on serious mental illness in the Criminal Justice system.   Although we have nearly 100 Mental Health Courts at present, there continues to be a critical need for more Attorneys in this discipline, both for fee and pro bono. Please send nominations for such legal support to stuart@.... Thank you.

Disclaimer - NAMI Legal Center

NAMI does not warrant or guarantee results of referrals from the Legal Center.  However, we use the Disability Directory of the American Bar Association, the Directory of the American Council of Trust and Estate Attorneys, the Directory of the Planned Lifetime Assistance Network, the Directory of Legal Aid and Defender Offices, and our own Directory of mental Health Attorneys. We make our best effort to find legal support for inquiries to the NAMI Legal Center.

14.  Deadlines and Dates to Remember

- May 5 - NAMI State policy conference call to address impact of Deficit Reduction Act, Time: 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Eastern Time; Call-in Number: 1 - 888-858-6021 (Toll Free), Access Code: 309918#.

- May 5:  Multicultural Strategic Summit scholarship applications due. 

- May 5 - Heroes in the Fight Program applications due.

- May 31:  F2F Hall of Fame Nominations due to Lynne@....

- June 28-July 2, 2006:  NAMI's 2006 Annual Convention at the Washington Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C.

- June 28-July 22:  NAMI's Multicultural Action Center (MAC) will host the Eliminating Disparities: Multicultural Strategic Summit as part of NAMI's 2006 Convention.

- September 25-27:  Second Annual CIT Conference

- November 10-12:  NAMI’s 2006 Fall Leadership Conference, St. Louis, MO.


NAMI Friday Facts are electronic newsletters provided free of charge as a service to NAMI members, leaders and staff. With more than 1,100 state and local affiliates, NAMI is the nation's largest grassroots organization dedicated to improving the lives of people with severe mental illnesses. Contributions to support our work can be made online at www.nami.org/donate.

NAMI ~ 2107 Wilson Blvd. ~ Suite 300 ~ Arlington, VA 22201

Web Bug from http://www.nami.org/lstid699.gif


SPONSORED LINKS
Mental health Mental health information Mental health job
Mental illness Mental health depression Mental health los angeles


YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS





#150 From: "Daphna Simpson" <daphna_simpson@...>
Date: Thu Apr 27, 2006 1:25 pm
Subject: how is this, It was on wicrosoft works.l
daphna_simpson@...
Send Email Send Email
 
Just a note to catch up with the Simpson family.

I moved to Mansfield last November (2005) to begin a new job in Arlington
and set up what was left of my accounting practice.

Tim moved in with me on December 31, the day the lease was up on the house
he had been sharing with his brother Jonathan.

Bob moved in March, after selling our home in Lubbock and went to work for
Coldwell Banker of Arlington, in their new Mansfield office.

My  job in Arlington turned out to be a complete fiasco, but I retained 90%
of my old clients.  So I left the job the second week of March and returned
to being completely self-employed.  I supplemented my practice by  doing
contract work for a great CPA firm in North Arlington during  the remaining
tax season.

Tim has been progressing , sometimes slowly, but with few setbacks.  The
maturity we were hoping for has finally arrived.  No matter how much (or how
little) help we are able to give him, he now realizes that recovery is up to
him.

He started doing research on firemen and their training & requirements.
Then he put himself on a rigid training schedule.  Last Saturday, he got up
early, drove to Austin , and took the  Texas Candidate Physical Ability
Test.  At 145lbs, he passed it the first try!

After 48 hours of  no sleep (first anticipation and then jubilation) he spun
into mania and voluntarily brought himself down with Zyprexa (and slept 20
hours straight).  I was worried that he would be disoriented for days, but
he is back up and functioning  well.

Though things are far from good/normal (whatever that is) ,  they are better
than we dared hope this time last year.  Bob brags that this is the best Tim
has been in 15 years!





Daphna

#149 From: "David R. Gibson" <drgibsonlub@...>
Date: Thu Apr 27, 2006 4:20 am
Subject: (No subject)
drgibsonlub
Offline Offline
Send Email Send Email
 
Here's the agenda for the board meeting this week.

#148 From: "David R. Gibson" <drgibsonlub@...>
Date: Thu Apr 27, 2006 4:14 am
Subject: Re: [NAMITX] Financial ties in the field of psychiatry
drgibsonlub
Offline Offline
Send Email Send Email
 
Erin,
This does not surprise me or bother me.  The key sentence of this article is
this:

"Sharfstein added yesterday that the presence of experts with ties to companies
on the manual's expert panels is understandable, given that many of the top
experts in the field are involved in drug research."

This is the way it is with probably all the medical specialities.  The leaders
in the field are doing things with certain companies.  Each expert has to decide
what is more important, the company or his own reputation.

David

---- Erin Graham <erin.lee.graham@...> wrote:
> Does anyone know anything about this?  Frankly, it's a scary thought.
>
> Erin Graham
> Consumer Education Coordinator
> NAMI Lubbock
> (806) 783-9268
> http://namilubbock.nami.org
> Financial ties in the field of psychiatry
> Experts defining mental disorders are linked to drug firms
> By Shankar Vedantam
>
> Updated: 9:00 a.m. ET April 20, 2006
>
> WASHINGTON - Every psychiatric expert involved in writing the standard
diagnostic criteria for disorders such as depression and schizophrenia has had
financial ties to drug companies that sell medications for those illnesses, a
new analysis has found.
>
> Of the 170 experts in all who contributed to the manual that defines disorders
from personality problems to drug addiction, more than half had such ties,
including 100 percent of the experts who served on work groups on mood disorders
and psychotic disorders. The analysis did not reveal the extent of their
relationships with industry or whether those ties preceded or followed their
work on the manual.
>
> "I don't think the public is aware of how egregious the financial ties are in
the field of psychiatry," said Lisa Cosgrove, a clinical psychologist at the
University of Massachusetts in Boston, who is publishing her analysis today in
the peer-reviewed journal Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics.
>
> The analysis comes at a time of growing debate over the rising use of
medication as the primary or sole treatment for many psychiatric disorders, a
trend driven in part by definitions of mental disorders in the psychiatric
manual.
>
> 'Political' process
> Cosgrove said she began her research after discovering that five of six panel
members studying whether certain premenstrual problems are a psychiatric
disorder had ties to Eli Lilly & Co., which was seeking to market its drug
Prozac to treat those symptoms. The process of defining such disorders is far
from scientific, Cosgrove added: "You would be dismayed at how political the
process can be."
>
> The American Psychiatric Association, which publishes the guidelines in its
bible of disorders, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM), said it is
planning to require disclosure of the financial ties of experts who write the
next edition of the manual -- due around 2011. The manual carries vast influence
over the practice of psychiatry in the United States and around the world.
>
> Darrel Regier, director of the association's division of research, said that
concerns over disclosure are a relatively recent phenomenon, which may be why
the last edition, published in 1994, did not note them. Regier and John Kane, an
expert on schizophrenia who worked on the last edition, agreed with the need for
transparency but said financial ties with industry should not undermine public
confidence in the conclusions of its experts. Kane has been a consultant to drug
companies including Abbott Laboratories, Eli Lilly, Janssen and Pfizer Inc.
>
> "It shouldn't be assumed there is a true conflict of interest," said Kane, who
said his panel's conclusions were driven only by science. "To me, a conflict of
interest implies that someone's judgment is going to be influenced by this
relationship, and that is not necessarily the case. . . ."
>
> Social, cultural factors ignored?
> The DSM defines disorders in terms of constellations of symptoms. While
neuroscience and genetics are revealing biological aspects to many disorders,
there has been unease that psychiatry is ignoring social, psychological and
cultural factors in its pursuit of biological explanations and treatments.
>
> "As a profession, we have allowed the biopsychosocial model to become the
bio-bio-bio model," Steven Sharfstein, president of the American Psychiatric
Association, said in an essay last year to his colleagues. He later added, "If
we are seen as mere pill pushers and employees of the pharmaceutical industry,
our credibility as a profession is compromised."
>
> He stressed that the association has strict guidelines to police the role of
the pharmaceutical industry but said the profession as a whole needs to do a
better job monitoring ethical conflicts.
>
> Sharfstein added yesterday that the presence of experts with ties to companies
on the manual's expert panels is understandable, given that many of the top
experts in the field are involved in drug research.
>
> "I am not surprised that the key people who participate have these kinds of
relationships," he said. "They are the major researchers in the field, and are
very much on the cutting edge, and will have some kind of relationship -- but
there should be full disclosure."
>
> Critical of analysis
> At least one psychiatrist who worked on the current manual criticized the
analysis. Nancy Andreasen of the University of Iowa, who headed the
schizophrenia team, called the new analysis "very flawed" because it did not
distinguish researchers who had ties to industry while serving on the panel from
those who formed such ties afterward.
>
> Two out of five researchers on her team had had substantial ties to industry,
she said. Andreasen said she would have to check her tax statements to know
whether she received money from companies at the time she worked on the panel,
but said, "What I do know is that I do almost nothing with drug companies. . . .
My area of research is neuroimaging, not psychopharmacology."
>
> The analysis could not determine the extent or timing of the financial ties
because it relied on disclosures in journal publications and other venues that
do not mention many details, said Sheldon Krimsky, a science policy specialist
at Tufts University who also was an author of the new study. Whether the
researchers received money before, during or after their service on the panel
did not remove the ethical concern, he said.
>
> Krimsky, the author of the book "Science in the Private Interest," added that
although more transparency is welcome, the psychiatric association should staff
its panels with disinterested experts.
>
> "When someone is establishing a clinical guideline for the bible of
psychiatric diagnosis, I would argue they should have no affiliation with the
drug companies in those areas where the companies could benefit from those
decisions," he said.
>
> © 2006 The Washington Post Company

#147 From: "Daphna Simpson" <daphna_simpson@...>
Date: Tue Apr 25, 2006 8:12 pm
Subject: and now the update
daphna_simpson@...
Send Email Send Email
 
Daphna Simpson

#146 From: "Andy Gibson" <agibson@...>
Date: Tue Apr 25, 2006 6:01 am
Subject: This Week in NAMI Lubbock.....
agibson@...
Send Email Send Email
 
Just wanted to remind everyone of our monthly meeting tomorrow night at 7 pm.  Dr. John Cobb (the new psychiatrist in Lubbock I am now seeing) will be speaking on Mood Disorders.
 
Also, Thursday (4/27) will be the quarterly board meeting.  Some of the topics up for discussion by the board currently are:
  • NAMIWalks - past funding and future participation;
  • Mental Health Awareness Month;
  • The Annual NAMI Lubbock Dinner;
  • Nominees for the Lubbock Legacy Awards;
  • The NAMI Lubbock office;
  • By-laws;
  • upcoming trainings and conventions;
  • and a whole lot more!

For more information about any of these things, check out our website at http://namilubbock.nami.org.  If you have a topic you would like to put something on the board agenda, go to the website, and click onto the Meetings page.  At the bottom of the page is a link to e-mail all questions, concerns, etc. you would like brought forth before the NAMI Lubbock BOD.

And remember, the meetings are open to the public.  Membership is encouraged to attend!

Call the NAMI Line or e-mail with further questions.
 
Andy Gibson
Consumer Network Director
NAMI Lubbock
(806) 783-9268
(806) 773-7368

#145 From: "Andy Gibson" <agibson@...>
Date: Tue Apr 25, 2006 5:44 am
Subject: DSHS Hearing in Lubbock tomorrow.....
agibson@...
Send Email Send Email
 
Howdy,
 
Just wanted everyone to know about the below information.  I'm hoping to be there at from 3 pm until about 6 pm although it ends at 7 pm.  For more info, click on the meeting agenda link.
 
Apr.   25, 2006 - 3:00 p.m.

(meeting agenda)

Public Hearing: Draft 2007-2011 Coordinated Strategic Plan
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Academic Classroom Building, Room 150
3601 4th Street
Parking Information: on campus, adjacent to building, Lots D1 and D2
Lubbock, Tx
Contact: Laura Jordan, (512) 424-6946

Back to the Public Meetings Search Page

 
Andy Gibson
Consumer Network Director
NAMI Lubbock
(806) 783-9268
(806) 773-7368

#144 From: "Andy Gibson" <agibson@...>
Date: Sat Apr 22, 2006 10:47 pm
Subject: Friday Facts from NAMI National: April 21, 2006
agibson@...
Send Email Send Email
 

 
NAMI Friday Facts

NAMI National Friday Facts **April 21, 2006**

1.  Heroes in the Fight Program Honors Community Heroes
2.  NAMI State Policy Conference Call Scheduled to Address Impact of Deficit Reduction Act (DRA) on Medicaid Policy
3.  NAMI 2006 Elections
4.  Free Teleconference on Self-Disclosure Offered by SAMHSA
5.  Eliminating Disparities: Multicultural Strategic Summit
6.  Justice Department Announcement On Criminal Justice/Mental Health Grant Funds Expected Shortly
7.  Second Annual CIT Conference Call for Presentations!
8.  Multicultural Mental Health Research Conference Call Postponed
9.  Avanzamos!
10.  Seeking Nominations for the Family-to-Family Hall of Fame
11.  Airline discounts available for NAMI Convention Attendees
12.  NAMI Legal Denter in Need of Mental Health Attorneys
13.  Deadlines and Dates to Remember

1.  Heroes in the Fight Program Honors Community Heroes

The Heroes in the FightSM recognition program celebrates dignity, courage, hope, and recovery in the treatment of people with severe and persistent mental illness within specific local or state communities.

Designed to recognize a wide range of health care and other professionals who provide exemplary care and support for consumers and their families, Heroes in the FightSM was established by Eli Lilly and Company.  The NAMI National Regional Leadership Consultant team is collaborating with Eli Lilly and Company on this project.  Here's a quote from one NAMI Affiliate involved in the December pilot:

"These are dark times for people with mental illness and their families.  Huge budget cuts caused severe rationing of mental health care and thousands have lost their Medicaid coverage.  Tough times challenge everyone and bring out the heroic spirit in some.  We were thrilled to join with our colleagues to call attention to truly heroic individuals and treatment teams.  This program gave us inspiration and new energy to continue the fight."  Cynthia Keele – President, NAMI Missouri

Twenty-four programs are targeted for 2006 with select local or statewide advocacy organizations across NAMI, NMHA or nonprofit mental health advocacy coalitions.  Eli Lilly and Company is responsible for the program design, materials and costs but is not involved in the nomination and selection process or the event planning.  A third party program administrator, VMS Medical, provides each advocacy partner with a full range of planning and logistics and event planning support.

An independent selection committee created by each advocacy partner will review nominations and select seven recipients across categories spanning health care professionals, community supporters and media.  In addition, each advocacy partner will choose a separate nonprofit mental health organization to receive a $500 donation from Eli Lilly and Company in each award recipient's name (seven awards). These donations will be used to improve education or help advance care for persons with severe and persistent mental illness in their community.

Advocacy partner applications will be accepted from Monday, April 17 through Friday, May 5.  Partner selections will be made on a rolling basis based upon pre-defined partnership criteria defined in the application form.  For more information and an application form, contact Cari with VMS Medical at (317) 805-6645 x241 (email cari.nicholson@...) or contact your NAMI Regional Leadership Consultant:  Region 1 and Region 4 – Liz Smith lsmith@...; Region 2 – Teri Brister tbrister@...; Region 3 – Karen Ford Manza kmanza@....

2.  NAMI State Policy Conference Call Scheduled to Address Impact of Deficit Reduction Act (DRA) on Medicaid Policy

On Friday, May 5, NAMI leaders are invited to participate in a conference call to discuss the impact of the Deficit Reduction Act on State Medicaid Programs.   Under the DRA, state Medicaid programs can make significant changes without seeking a waiver from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).  The DRA enables broader use of copays and imposes new documentation requirements for gaining or maintaining eligibility for Medicaid benefits.  New waiver initiatives will also be addressed in the conference call, which is hosted by NAMI staff members Mary Giliberti and Steven Buck.   Please RSVP for the call by emailing Steven at sbuck@....

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Eastern Time
Call-in Number: 1 - 888-858-6021 (Toll Free), Access Code: 309918#

3.  NAMI 2006 Elections

Congratulations to our 2006 NAMI National Board candidates!   The following NAMI leaders have been nominated for the five slots up for election on the National Board of Directors:  

Don Muller (nominated by NAMI Utah)
Dave Lushbaugh (nominated by NAMI Georgia)
Anand Pandya (nominated by New Yor)
Fred Frese (nominated by NAMI Summit County, Ohio)
Eileen Silber (nominated by NAMI North Carolina)
Nancy Carter (nominated by NAMI California)
Suzanne Clifford (nominated by NAMI Indiana)
Marty Raaymakers (nominated by NAMI Michigan)

For information about the election, proposed bylaws changes and the Board candidates (including their letters of nomination, photographs, and answers to five questions on the most pressing issues facing NAMI), visit www.nami.org/voting and watch for your special election edition of the Advocate, coming in May.

4.  Free Teleconference on Self-Disclosure Offered by SAMHSA

The SAMHSA Resource Center to Address Discrimination and Stigma Associated With Mental Illness invites you to participate in a free teleconference training titled, "Self-disclosure: The Public and Personal Effects of Revealing Mental Health Problems."

Date: Thursday, April 27, 2006
Time: 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM (Eastern Time)

To participate in this training teleconference, please complete the online registration form located at http://www.stopstigma.samhsa.gov/regpage.cfm.   For additional teleconference information, please refer to the Training section of the SAMHSA ADS Center web site or contact a technical assistance representative by e-mail at stopstigma@... or by telephone at 1-800-540-0320. Please pass this invitation along to interested friends and colleagues. Please note: Registration for this teleconference will close at 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on Wednesday, April 26, 2006.

5.  Eliminating Disparities: Multicultural Strategic Summit

NAMI's Multicultural Action Center (MAC) will host Eliminating Disparities: Multicultural Strategic Summit on June 28 to July 2 as part of NAMI's 2006 Annual Convention.  The Summit will bring together multicultural mental health leaders from across the nation to address the lack of access to care and the disparities in treatment faced by multicultural communities. The Summit will feature policy and research briefings, plenary sessions and program tracks to address issues specific to African American, American Indian, Asian American and Latino/Hispanic communities.   Nationally recognized consumer and family advocates, researchers, policymakers and providers will work together to offer a vision for change.   For more information contact us at MACenter@... or visit www.nami.org/summit.

6.  Justice Department Announcement On Criminal Justice/Mental Health Grant Funds Expected Shortly

The U.S. Congress allocated $5 million in FY 2007 for the Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction Act, a program which will be administered by the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA).   A notice from BJA announcing the availability of funds through this program is expected in the next several weeks.   These funds, which will be available to state, tribal and local governments, may be used for a variety of purposes to assist non-violent offenders with mental illnesses, including jail diversion, reentry programs, and training programs for law enforcement, corrections, and mental health personnel.  The BJA will solicit applications for these grants through a "Notice of Fund Availability" (NOFA).  While the specific requirements for grantees are not yet available, it is expected that applicants who can demonstrate strong collaborations between criminal justice, mental health and other key stakeholders (including consumers and families) will be favored.   We also anticipate that prospective grantees will have approximately one month after the date the NOFA is released to submit their applications.   NAMI will provide more specific information about the NOFA and how to apply for these grants when it becomes available.   For more information about this program, go to http://consensusproject.org/infocenter/news/Mar06/miotcra-update.

7. Second Annual CIT Conference Call for Presentations!

We are pleased to announce a Call for Presentations for The Second Annual CIT Conference!  The Second Annual CIT Conference will be held this year in Orlando, Florida.  For more detailed information, contact Michele Saunders at Michele.fpic@... or Bonnie Sultan at Bonnies@....  Mark your calendars for September 25, 26, 27! Information on the program, registration and accommodation will be released in the near future at the following website:http://cit.fmhi.usf.edu.

This national conference is designed to highlight effective community collaborations that are responding to the needs of those with mental illnesses including co-occurring substance use disorders. General sessions and workshops will address the development, implementation, advancement, and effectiveness of Crisis Intervention Teams (CIT). Other innovative programs for the diversion of individuals with a mental illness from the criminal justice system will be included. The Conference will be hosted by the Florida CIT Coalition, the Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute, Orange County (Florida) Sheriff's Office, Florida Partners in Crisis, Florida judges, and the National and State Alliance on Mental Illness.

8.  Multicultural Mental Health Research Conference Call Postponed

The American Indian and Alaska Native Mental Health Conference Call scheduled for Friday, April 28, 2006 at 11:00 am will be postponed until further notice.   This conference call is part of the new series of adult conference calls hosted by Dr. Ken Duckworth, NAMI's Medical Director. This new series has focused on mental health research in communities of color. Dr. Duckworth has been joined by prominent researchers who focus on African American, American Indian, Asian American, and Latino/Hispanic mental health.   We will let you know the date in an upcoming issue of Friday Facts.

9.  Avanzamos!

Subscribe to Avanzamos!, NAMI's new Spanish language newsletter. This quarterly magazine features news from NAMI states and affiliates, research and policy updates specific to Latino issues, educational resources, personals stories and more. Also makes a great outreach tool to your local Latino community.   The first issue has been very well received; over 4000 copies have been distributed nationwide.  Order up to 10 hardcopies for free at www.nami.org/store (a shipping and handling fee will be charged for orders greater than 10 copies), or sign up for the electronic version at www.nami.org/subscribe.

10.  Seeking Nominations for the Family-to-Family Hall of Fame

In celebration of the 4th annual F2F Hall of Fame, it's time to nominate your Family-to-Family teachers who have taught 10 or more F2F classes.   Nominees will be recognized at the NAMI convention in Washington, D.C. during the NAMI Education, Training, and Peer Support Center reception on Friday, June 30, with a special certificate and have their names included in the national F2F Hall of Fame.   We are also seeking nominations for F2F trainers who have trained 10 or more teacher training sessions.   Nominations must be sent to Lynne@... no later than May 31.   Have any of the 10+ teachers reached 20 or more classes?   If so, let us know about them.

11.  Airline discounts available for NAMI Convention Attendees

We have arranged discounts on two airlines, UNITED AIRLINES and AMERICAN AIRLINES, for attendees for the NAMI National Convention in Washington, D.C., June 26-July 2, 2006.

We have arranged the following discount on UNITED AIRLINES:   Book your ticket at least 30 days in advance and receive 7% off the lowest fare.  Simply call the United Airlines Meeting Desk at 1-800-521-4041 and refer to Meeting ID Number 538TO.  Either you or your travel agent can make this reservation.  (To book the United discount fares you must call the Meeting Desk.  These special fares are not available on-line.)

We have also arranged the following discount on AMERICAN AIRLINES:

a)  5% discount off Coach fares.
b)  After the ticket is purchased, but at least 48 hours prior to outbound flight departure date, the name may be changed for a service fee. (This is a great new benefit that AA is offering to our meeting attendees.)

To make your reservations on American, please call American Airlines Meeting Services at 1-800-433-1790 and provide the discount code A5666BG.  If you prefer to make your arrangements on-line, you may review fare and schedule information and make reservations using the 5 percent discount at American Airlines web site: www.AA.com.

12.  NAMI Legal Center in Need of Mental Health Attorneys

The Legal Center is presently in need of more Mental Health Attorneys in Criminal Defense practice. Nearly one third of callers to the Legal Centerequest such support for family members in jail and prison to present facts on serious mental illness in the criminal justice system.   Although we have nearly 100 Mental Health Courts at present, there continues to be a critical need for more attorneys in this discipline, both for fee and pro bono. Please send nominations for such legal support to stuart@.... Thank you.

Disclaimer -  NAMI Legal Center

NAMI does not warrant or guarantee results of referrals from the  Legal Center. However, we use the Disability Directory of the American Bar Association, the Directory of the American Council of Trust and Estate Attorneys, the Directory of the Planned Lifetime Assistance Network, the Directory of Legal Aid and Defender Offices, and our own Directory of Mental Health Attorneys. We make our best effort to find legal support for inquiries to the NAMI Legal Center.

13.  Deadlines and Dates to Remember

- April 27 – April 30:  NAMI National Education, Training and Peer Support Center Training of Trainers; Family to Family, In Our Own Voice; Family Support Group Facilitation; and NAMI-C.A.R.E., St. Louis, MO, Airport Hilton.

- April 27:  Teleconference:  "Self-disclosure: The Public and Personal Effects of Revealing Mental Health Problems," Time: 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM (Eastern Time). For more information and registration go to:   http://www.stopstigma.samhsa.gov/regpage.cfm.

- May 5 -  NAMI State policy conference call to address impact of Deficit Reduction Act, Time: 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Eastern Time; Call-in Number: 1 - 888-858-6021 (Toll Free), Access Code: 309918#.

- May 5:  Multicultural Strategic Summit scholarship applications due. 

- May 5 - Heroes in the Fight Program applications due.

- May 31:  F2F Hall of Fame Nominations due to Lynne@....

- June 28-July 2, 2006:  NAMI's 2006 Annual Convention at the Washington Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C.

- June 28-July 22:  NAMI's Multicultural Action Center (MAC) will host the Eliminating Disparities: Multicultural Strategic Summit as part of NAMI's 2006

- September 25-27:  Second Annual CIT Conference

- November 10-12:  NAMI’s 2006 Fall Leadership Conference, St. Louis, MO.


NAMI Friday Facts are electronic newsletters provided free of charge as a service to NAMI members, leaders and staff. With more than 1,100 state and local affiliates, NAMI is the nation's largest grassroots organization dedicated to improving the lives of people with severe mental illnesses. Contributions to support our work can be made online at www.nami.org/donate.

You are subscribed with the e-mail address: agibson@.... If you do not wish to receive further Friday Facts, please click here, sign in and uncheck the box next to Friday Facts. Please do not reply to this email (it will go to an unattended mailbox.) If you have any questions, concerns, or comments, please send an email to staterelations@....

NAMI ~ 2107 Wilson Blvd. ~ Suite 300 ~ Arlington, VA 22201


#143 From: "Andy Gibson" <agibson@...>
Date: Wed Apr 19, 2006 11:53 pm
Subject: FW: [NAMITX] clozaril
agibson@...
Send Email Send Email
 
Note to Team Solutions Students.  Remember class discussion from this past Tuesday.  Great little read.
 
Andy Gibson
Consumer Network Director
NAMI Lubbock
(806) 783-9268
(806) 773-7368


From: NAMITX@yahoogroups.com on behalf of Diana Kern
Sent: Wed 4/19/2006 4:09 PM
To: NAMITX@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [NAMITX] clozaril

Schizophrenia Drug Gets Vote of Confidence

Associated Press - April 01, 2006

NEW YORK - A schizophrenia drug as well-known for its risk of dangerous side effects as for its effectiveness gets a vote of confidence in a new federally financed study.

Researchers explored a common situation in schizophrenia treatment: If the first drug a patient tries fails to control symptoms adequately, what drug should be tried next?

When patients in that situation were randomly assigned a second drug in the new study, Clozaril emerged as more effective than Risperdal, Seroquel and Zyprexa, said lead author Dr. Joseph McEvoy of the Duke University Medical Center.

That's not a surprise, he said, because Clozaril "was believed to be the most therapeutically effective drug out there." But it's under-used because of the risk of side effects that require patients to go through special monitoring, he said.

In a companion analysis of other patients who didn't want to try Clozaril or who'd abandoned their first medication because of side effects, Risperdal and Zyprexa were found to be more effective than Geodon and Seroquel.

Clozaril is sold by Novartis SA, Risperdal by Janssen Pharmaceutica and Zyprexa by Eli Lilly and Co.

Both papers appear in the April issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry. The work, funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, was the second phase of a government study to seek the most effective way to treat people with this devastating mental disorder.

Schizophrenics struggle with such symptoms as hallucinations, delusions, social withdrawal, and other mental impairments that interfere with a normal lifestyle.

Dr. Darrel Regier, director of the research division of the American Psychiatric Association, said the head-to-head drug comparisons are "a major step forward" that will help doctors make a choice for a second drug to try. Doctors have to consider both effectiveness and side effects of the various drugs in deciding what's best for each patient, he said.

In fact, McEvoy said if a patient had gotten inadequate response from a first drug other than Zyprexa, he'd recommend trying Zyprexa because it doesn't have Clozaril's side effects and the need for special monitoring of patients. But if Zyprexa doesn't work, he said, he'd recommend Clozaril.

Clozaril's potential side effects include a loss of disease-fighting white blood cells and a potentially fatal inflammation of heart muscle. The risks make it more complex to use because patients must be closely monitored. For example, users must take weekly blood tests at first.

In the new studies, effectiveness was measured by how long patients stayed with the new drug. In the study that included Clozaril, half the 45 patients on that drug stuck with it for nearly 11 months or more. In the other three medication groups, which contained about 15 patients apiece, the corresponding figure was about three months.

While the difference in that measure between Clozaril and Zyprexa was not significant by statistical criteria, other measures in the study found Clozaril to be superior, McEvoy said.

In the other analysis, which covered more than 300 patients, the results were seven months for Risperdal and six months for Zyprexa, longer than the four months for Seroquel or the three months for Geodon.



Save time by starting a search from any Web page with the MSN Search Toolbar-FREE!


YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS





#142 From: "Andy Gibson" <agibson@...>
Date: Mon Apr 17, 2006 11:03 pm
Subject: DSHS Hearing
agibson@...
Send Email Send Email
 
 
Tuesday, Apr. 25, 2006 - 3:00 - 7:00 p.m.
(meeting agenda) <http://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/news/blankAgenda.html>
Public Hearing: 2007-2011 Coordinated Strategic Plan
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Academic Classroom Building, Room 150
3601 4th
Street                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Lubbock, Tx
Parking Information: on campus, adjacent to building, Lots D1 and D2 Contact: Laura Jordan, (512) 424-6974
 
More information will come on this hearing as it becomes avaliable.

 
Andy Gibson
Consumer Network Director
NAMI Lubbock
(806) 783-9268
(806) 773-7368
http://namilubbock.nami.org

#141 From: "Andy Gibson" <agibson@...>
Date: Sat Apr 15, 2006 4:15 am
Subject: Suicide....
agibson@...
Send Email Send Email
 
Chrissy,
 
Very good points.  I agree 100%.  Thank you for bring that point up.  I had a similar situation about two years ago when I had an individual who chose to end his battle with bi-polar disorder two days after attending a support group which I facilitated.  I tell you, that is one of the worst feelings I have ever experienced; you know that there is nothing you can do or could of done, but the thought of "Maybe there was something I could of said..." echoed in my mind for weeks after.
 
I do want to make the clarification that no one is holding LRMHMR responsible for this.  Let's face reality ya'll; I know the how and why behind this and for dignity reasons will not share it in a public forum, but I will say this.  This came as a complete shock to her friends and family.  Yes, she had been off her meds, but to my knowledge, there had been no prior attempts and "voiced ideations."
 
Andy Gibson
Consumer Network Director
NAMI Lubbock
(806) 783-9268
(806) 773-7368


From: NAMITX@yahoogroups.com on behalf of Chrissy Malson
Sent: Fri 4/14/2006 9:31 PM
To: Clifford Gay; NAMITX
Subject: Re: [NAMITX] Fw: Tina Pollard

I just want to say I co-facilitate a support group for two years for individuals with bi-polar and depression.  Sadly, we had a member commit suicide b/c she could not see her psychiatrist soon enough.  Supports groups are a piece of the treatment puzzle but not the end all be all.  Just one individual experience. 


Yahoo! Messenger with Voice. PC-to-Phone calls for ridiculously low rates.


SPONSORED LINKS
Mental health Mental health information Mental health job
Mental illness Mental health depression Mental health los angeles


YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS





#140 From: "Andy Gibson" <agibson@...>
Date: Fri Apr 14, 2006 11:44 pm
Subject: Fw: Tina Pollard
agibson@...
Send Email Send Email
 
Meant to add this part before I sent the other e-mail.
 
"The Tina Pollard Memorial Fund":  At the the request of the family, NAMI Lubbock has established "The Tina Pollard Memorial Fund."  This fund was set up in memory of Ms. Tina Pollard, a woman who recently lost her battle with bi-polar disorder.  A memoriam to this fund can be mailed to NAMI Lubbock, PO Box 6854 Lubbock, TX 79493-6854.  For more information, call the NAMILine at (806) 783-9268 or e-mail us at namilubbock@...
 
Andy Gibson
Consumer Network Director
NAMI Lubbock
(806) 783-9268
(806) 773-7368
http://namilubbock.nami.org

#139 From: "Andy Gibson" <agibson@...>
Date: Fri Apr 14, 2006 11:34 pm
Subject: Fw: Tina Pollard
agibson@...
Send Email Send Email
 
I'm working on the NAMI Lubbock website right now concerning this issue.  What a shame.  Erin's boss at the A-J was one of her sister's.  It was a suicide.  She had type I bi-polar and lost her job (thus her benefits) in December.
 
She tried desparately to hold on as she was going have her first appointment with MHMR on Thursday.  She just couldn't do it anymore.  I never met Tina, but at the same time, I know her story. In the line of "service" that I feel I have been called to (as well as many of you that are receiving this e-mail), it's a story one that is unfortunately a dime a dozen.
 
The even more unfortunate part is that fact that Ms. Pollard's life will forever be known to the general public as the below few lines; a life that was abruptly ended by a diesease so misunderstood by so many around her.  But personally, what makes me even more upset is how the media reports on deaths of the mentally ill.  A murder by suicide is no story at all for them especially if the person was "crazy," but if the person was "crazy" and it was murder by homicide, than tradition has it that it's wrecklessly splashed all over the news.  You all know exactly what I mean; very few facts, alot of myths, no dignity for the individual whatsoever or separation of illness and individual.
 
Well, here's a fact for ya'll - over the years, several studies have concluded that a person with a serious mental illness is at a much higher risk of hurting themsevles than hurting others reporting a ratio of a least 9 to 1.  Due to the Andrea Yates, Dena Schlosser, and here in Lubbock cases Bradley Calvery, uneducated society automatically thinks that the mentally ill inhumane, mutant misfts that one day just all of a sudden go rogue and kill someone(s) or themselves.  Of course, we know that this is simply not the case and that there are reasons why this happens.
 
Once again, my heart goes out to the Pollard/Shelby family.  We will be avaliable for them if needed.  In fact, we have already received one or two calls from them as they prepared for the funeral which was today.
 
Andy Gibson
Consumer Network Director
NAMI Lubbock
(806) 783-9268
(806) 773-7368
http://namilubbock.nami.org
 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Friday, April 14, 2006 2:04 PM
Subject: {Disarmed} Tina Pollard

Tina Pollard

 

 

Service for Tina Pollard, 50, of Lubbock, will be at 2 p.m. today at St. Luke's United Methodist, with Will Cotton officiating.

She died on April 10, 2006. She was born March 10, 1956 in Abilene to William H. and Joan Howk Shelby. She worked at the Lubbock Avalanche Journal for ten years, West Texas Relay, and Cingular Wireless. She was a graduate of Coronado High School. Tina loved arts and crafts, children, and animals.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Joan Shelby.

Survivors include one daughter, Robin Pollard; father, Bill Shelby; three sisters, Sylvia Covington and Joanna Vail of Lubbock, and Linda Schweickert of Colorado; one brother, Paul Shelby of Lubbock; three nieces, one nephew, four great nephews, and two great nieces.

The family suggests memorials to N.A.M.I. or charity of your choice.

document.write("Send Flowers to this Funeral"); Send Flowers to this Funeral

 

 

Erin L. Graham
CAD Tech. Specialist
AT&T Engineering
(806) 741-6101




 


#138 From: NamiLub@yahoogroups.com
Date: Sat Apr 1, 2006 8:37 pm
Subject: File - NamiLub Egroup Guidelines.txt
NamiLub@yahoogroups.com
Send Email Send Email
 
The NAMI Lubbock Egroup exists to allow members to have intelligent, educational
and spirited discussions on any issues concerning primarily NAMI Lubbock,
especially Support, Education and Advocacy.  The NAMI Lubbock Egroup is open to
only members of NAMI Lubbock who agree to conduct themselves in a professional
and courteous manner.  This group is also governed by the terms of service of
Groups.Yahoo.com as listed on their website at
http://groups.yahoo.com/local/guidelines.html.  While this announcement is not
intended to replace all the terms of service previously referred to, here are a
few of the highlights.
   1. No personal attacks or threats will be tolerated.  You can disagree with
anything or anyone and still be courteous.
   2. Watch your language and choose your words carefully.  We are a family
group.
   3. You need to sign your name to every message.  You are responsible for what
you post to this group.  Your email address appears with your posts so there is
no such thing as an anonymous post here.
   4. Do not write your message in all capitals.  All caps is perceived as
SHOUTING and is harder to read.  Give your Caps Lock key a rest.
   5. Do not cross post messages from other egroups to this one unless they
relate to mental health issues in this area.  This egroup is not designed to
replace or duplicate egroups sponsored by NAMI Texas.  Members of this egroup
are encouraged to also be a member of the NAMI Texas general egroup and should
not cross-post messages from the two groups.  Members do not wish to receive
duplicate messages from the two groups.

Questions may be addressed to David Gibson at drgibson@....

David Gibson
NAMI Lubbock

#137 From: <agibson@...>
Date: Tue Mar 21, 2006 10:14 pm
Subject: Charges Dropped Against Lafave
agibson@...
Send Email Send Email
 
Charges Dropped Against Lafave
By Catherine Donaldson-Evans

This story was sent by our friend, Christal Bennet, a reporter here at Fox 34 in
Lubbock.

Christal was the one who did the story on the Miami shooting and featured NAMI
Lubbock in her report back in December.

Andy Gibson
NAMI Lubbock

Click on the URL below for the rest of this story:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,188646,00.html

Messages 137 - 166 of 268   Newest  |  < Newer  |  Older >  |  Oldest
Advanced
Add to My Yahoo!      XML What's This?

Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Inc. All rights reserved.
Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - Guidelines - Help