NAMI BUTLER COUNTY NEWS

A Holiday Message from NAMI Butler County

2009-12-25T21:01:00.001-08:00

Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Joyful Kwanzaa and whatever special name defines this common season of peace, joy and fellowship for you, your family and friends. We send wishes for many blessings to all NAMI supporters, walkers, volunteers and NAMI members. We appreciate your being part of the mental health advocacy community in Butler County.

If you would like to become a NAMI Butler County member, you can go to our website: www.namibutler.net and click on "join nami" and follow the directions. By joining online, you pay by credit card and go through the NAMI National Website as an E-join member. If you prefer, you can also join by sending a check for $35.00 to NAMI Butler County, 5963 Boymel Drive., Fairfield OH 45014.

Even though it's late in the year, if you find that you want to get an additional end of year tax write-off in 2009, NAMI is a non-profit organization and donations are tax deductible. You can send a check made out to NAMI Butler County and mail to our office or send a donation online.

Thanks again personally and on behalf of NAMI Butler County.

Sally Fiehrer, Executive Director

Administrative Note ~
Rhonda Benson, Associate Director of NAMI Butler County
has a new office phone number. Please update your information.

(513) 860-8396

NAMI Butler County Awards Dinner Nov. 14

2009-11-01T09:09:00.000-08:00

Save the Date!

November 14th:

NAMI Butler County's 4th Annual Awards Dinner,
November 14th, 2009, 6:30 PM

Michael Colligan Lodge

20 New London Rd

Hamilton, OH 45013

(513) 785-7060

Ready for NAMIWALKS

2009-10-04T05:23:00.001-07:00

Join the 2009 Butler County NAMI Walks for the Mind of America on Saturday October 10th. Registration starts at 8:30; Walk at 10 AM. This is a family event where we welcome children, babies in strollers, family pets and everyone in the community interested in promoting mental health awareness. We have fun, food, music, balloon-making, face painting - something fun for everyone!

If you haven't signed up for our walk you can do so by going to www.nami.org, click NAMI Walks on top of page, and follow directions to sign up online as an individual walker, a team captain or a walker on someone else's team. Or just show up on the day of the walk! The more people we have, the more powerful the message that mental health is important in Butler County.

Team Captains: Last Minute Details and Information to Pass on to Your Team Members

2009-10-04T05:18:00.000-07:00

If you haven’t already, encourage your walkers to email their friends and family members to support them in the walk….this is by far the most effective way to get donations. They can get into the NAMI walk page easily by going to: www.helpnamibutler.org (this is quick entry for Montgomery County and Warren County as well). Make sure all potential donors know what your team name is so they can find your team in the alphabetized list on the NAMI website. Please itemize how many people you have on your team who have raised $100 or more (both offline and online) because our policy has changed regarding tee-shirts. (see NOTE below)

Please arrange to meet the members of your team at the walk site so that you can collect all registration forms (if some have not registered online or have not signed a registration form waiver – get one for them to fill out from registration desk). Team Captains need to fill out the Team Captain’s Collection Form and put it plus their team’s walker envelopes into one big envelope to turn in at the registration desk. If you don’t have these forms or large envelope, pick them up on walk day at the registration desk. Why all these complications? We want to make sure that all donations are attributed to the correct Team Captain/Team Name and also attributed to the designated NAMI affiliate: Butler, Montgomery or Warren County. We also recognize the teams with the most walkers and the most in donations at our Annual Awards Dinner on November 14th at the Michael Colligan Lodge in Hamilton. This year since Warren County is walking at their own site in Lebanon, probably all walkers at The Hamilton site will either be for Butler or Montgomery County.

NOTE: A Big Change This Year for T-Shirt Distribution
This year we were required by NAMI National (who supplies only a limited number of shirts) to give t-shirts only to those walkers who generated $100 or more. In the past we gave out t-shirts on a first come/first serve basis and ran out early, leaving many without shirts who had generously supported the walk. I would like everyone to get a t-shirt but NAMI has it in the contract we signed that we will abide by this policy like all walk sites nationwide.

To eliminate confusion we are asking team captains to provide to the volunteers at the registration desk how many people will be getting a t-shirt from their team on walk day (both offline and online donors of $100+). Registration desk needs both the number of people to get shirts and the sizes required. Registration desk will give you form verifying number of shirts (and sizes needed). Take that form to the t-shirt table where shirts will be issued. Individual walkers not on a team can do the same if they generated $100 when they turn in their donations at the registration desk

Keep Your Team in the Loop
Forward our Constant Contact email blasts to members of your team to keep them informed on walk progress. Also access the website quickly by www.helpnamibutler.org for directions to The Fitton Center and where to park.

This is a family event – we love seeing kids and babies in strollers at the walk. We have face painting, balloon designing by our friend on stilts, donuts and other treats for them. Family pets are welcome also – we have treats and water bowls for them.

Thanks to you and everyone you have invited to be a part of this NAMI Walk – WE COULDN’T BE SUCCESSFUL WITHOUT YOU!!

Registration for Walk starts at 8:30; Walk begins at 10:00.
Come early - socialize with friends over coffee, cider, donuts, and even a few health food items.

Now that you’ve done so much work, have fun at the walk!

NAMIWALK 2009 Kickoff Luncheon Photos

2009-09-26T04:08:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all who participated in NAMI Butler County's 2009 NAMIwalk kickoff. Our walk will take place October 10 at Fitton Center in Hamilton. For more information visit www.namibutler.net/walk.

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

Sign Up for Sept. 2009 NAMI Education Programs

2009-08-11T08:01:00.000-07:00

Family to Family Education series of 12 classes starting on Monday, September 14th at 6:30 sponsored by NAMI Butler County at the Lindner Center of Hope, 4075 Old Western Row Road, Mason, OH 45040. Register through nami email: namibutlercounty@hotmail.com or phone 513-860-8387.

Hand to Hand a 9-week series of classes for families of children (under 18) who have a severe emotional disturbance like ADHD, childhood bipolar illness, oppositional defiance disorder etc. Classes start Monday, September 21, 2009 at 7:00 PM at the NAMI Fairfield office. Register by email: namibutlercounty@hotmail.com or phone: 513-874-0710 or 513-874-0710.

Support Group for Family to Family Graduates

2009-08-06T10:15:00.000-07:00

The new support group for anyone who has graduated from Family to Family meets 7:00 PM on the first Thursday of each month at the NAMI office in Fairfield.

Meeting dates are Sept.3rd, Oct. 1st, Nov. 5th. (see events calendar for other months)

Aug. 25 Book Club Topic: "Broken" by William Cope Moyers

2009-08-06T10:12:00.000-07:00

The newly formed NAMI Book Club meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM.

Book for August 25th meeting is "Broken" My Story of Addiction and Redemption by William Cotes Moyers. (son of Bill Moyers, journalist and host of TVprogram "NOW").

Join us at the NAMI Fairfield office for a lively book discussion, a night out, and snacks.

Mark your calendar for Book Club dates: August 25th, Sept. 22nd, Oct. 27th, Nov. 24th (see events calendar for other months)

2009 NAMIWALK KICKOFF EVENT AUGUST 27

2009-07-29T07:31:00.000-07:00

August 27th at Miami University Hamilton Campus, University Blvd, at 11:30 AM-1:00PM with Guest Speaker Jen Dalton of TV Channel 12. Ms. Dalton talks about her family's very personal knowledge of mental health disorders and how NAMI played an important role in her family's healing and understanding. Her candid and inspiring story will move us all into a new level of advocacy.

Please join us for this free luncheon, hear a terrific speaker, and learn how to sign up to be a Team Captain, a Sponsor, a walker on someone else's team, an individual walker or Walk volunteer. Learn too how to use emails as an effective way to invite your friends and families to get involved. This year we have door prizes!

RSVP info@namibutler.net

NAMI Starts a Book Club

2009-06-03T03:55:00.000-07:00

NAMI is starting a Book Club - for fun and information!

First monthly meeting will be on Tuesday, June 23rd, 7:00 PM at the NAMI office on 5963 Boymel Dr., Fairfield.

First book to read and discuss is "The Soloist", a book writen by a journalist about his chance meeting with a homeless man who is a gifted violinist and graduate of New York's Julliard School of Music. The book takes us on their personal journey as their friendship blossoms. Come prepared to discuss the book or if you prefer, you can initially just sit in on the discussion itself and see if you'd like to be a part of the book club. We'll provide snacks and take suggestions from attendees as to which books to read. We want this to be an evening where people with like interests can join together in special friendship and bonding.

This book club was Amy Fatzinger's idea and will initially be facilitated by Rhonda Benson. As the club progresses, we will encourage others to take turns leading discussions.

New NAMI Support Group for Family to Family Graduates Meets Thursday, June 4th 7:00 PM

2009-06-03T03:50:00.000-07:00

NAMI has started a support group for graduates of NAMI's Family to Family signature education program.

Because F2F gives people a terrific foundation about mental illnesses, treatment options, the mental health system of care and so much more, this group starts off with a broad knowledge base from which to grow.

The meetings are held monthly on the first Thursday 7:00 PM at the NAMI office, 5963 Boymel Dr., Fairfield. (NAMI office is housed in the Butler County Mental Health Board office). Rhonda Benson, NAMI Associate Director, is the facilitator of this support group.

Columnist: Lack of Housing Assistance "Crazy"

2009-05-27T06:51:00.000-07:00

John Young, whose column appears regularly in the Hamilton Journal-News, writes:

"What we do, or don’t do, for severely mentally ill individuals is a scandal. One of the rarely discussed scandals is the lack of housing assistance."

"When it comes to housing the mentally ill, most policymakers don’t get it. They don’t see that permanent housing, with support, for the mentally ill is cost-effective. It helps people recover. It reduces demands on jails and mental hospitals.

"You’ve heard the old definition of insanity — doing something over and over again and expecting a different result. That’s what we do when mentally ill people go from jail, to the mental hospital, and back to the street. Yeah, that’s crazy."

Read the complete article at this link.

NAMI's 30th Anniversary Convention July 6-9

2009-05-27T06:36:00.000-07:00

NAMI National is celebrating its 30 year anniversary at the 2009 Convention this year in San Francisco, CA from July 6 -9th. There is still time to register for the convention by going to www.NAMI.org.

Denise Nichols: The Elememts of Recovery

2009-05-27T06:21:00.000-07:00

Our NAMI speaker for the May 21st meeting was Denise Nichols, a long-time friend of NAMI and provider of services in Butler County. She is now a counselor at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton. Denise discussed the elements of recovery and highlighted getting sleep, having a schedule and exercise as three important components. Also she believes everyone with a mental health diagnosis should have an "advanced directive", a document that clearly states how one wants to be treated, by whom and with what in the event of a serious decompensation in mental health status.

This document gives control to the person with the mental illness and helps family members and doctors know how to proceed according to the patient's wishes. Also for people with bipolar illnesses, it is important that a close friend or family member recognizes the first signs of decompensation and takes steps to avert disasters. Often times, one of the first signs is a person going for days with little or no sleep. With an increased manic state there is tendency to abuse credit cards, some people willingly give up the cards, especially if that if one of the conditions of the advanced directive. This alone saves untold grief and depression for the person once the manic state subsides.

Denise said that a good doctor who finds the right medications plus a trusted therapist are imperative to a successful recovery. Putting together all these pieces can take a lot of time but the payoff is worth the investment.

Treatment Options for Drug-Resistant Depression

2009-05-27T06:18:00.000-07:00

Our speaker for the April 16th meeting was Dr. Dallas Auvil, psychiatrist at the Lindner Center of HOPE. Dr. Auvil talked about the availability now of two new research programs for people with medication-resistant depression. The Center soon will offer ECT (Electro-Convulsive Therapy) and TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation).

Dr. Auvil explained that the ECT is not the ECT depicted in movie "One Flew Over the Cukoo's Nest) that instilled fear and stigma into this form of treatment. He explained it is easily tolerated by elderly, even fragile patients, in controlled dosages. It can be very effective for people who are depression-resistant to typical medications. It can even be successfully used for people with bipolar illness in some cases to control the depression part of their illness.

TMC is also another research-based treatment for drug-resistant patients. This non-invasive method places powerful magnets over the surface of the brain which then offers relief to an estimated 35% of patients. ECT has a much higher success rate than TMS but both offer new approaches to depression treatment at the Lindner Center of HOPE. Memory loss in ECT is usually temporary and involves memory of recent events.

Rhonda Benson named Associate Director

2009-05-27T06:14:00.000-07:00

Rhonda Benson is the new Associate Director of NAMI Butler County. Rhonda’s education and past mental health work experience perfectly suits her for this position. Rhonda graduated from Purdue University with a BA in Sociology, and earned an MSW from the University of Michigan. She has worked for the past 10 years as a case manager for Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services with an intensive caseload, and prior to that worked in the field of substance abuse. Her past professional experience gives her a sensitive perspective on both families and consumers.

Rhonda is also a certified Life Coach, a discipline that assists people in identifying and moving forward with their life goals. In addition to her professional experience, Rhonda has demonstrated excellent organizational skills and is already managing our financial database, doing community outreach, program development and teaching Family to Family classes at the Lindner Center of Hope.

In the near future, Rhonda plans to start a support group for graduates of NAMI’s Family to Family program and is putting together a curriculum for a Boundaries class for families.
Rhonda’s enthusiasm, expertise and personal commitment to NAMI are why we are so excited about having her on our staff!

MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCATES, OTHERS MAKE STATE FUNDING CASE TO FULL BUDGET PANEL

2009-04-13T11:35:00.000-07:00

Download NAMI Ohio's budget message at this link.

Advocates for mental health and other government-funded services made their case for additional funds or no cuts March 31 before the House Finance & Appropriations Committee.

Mental health stakeholders are among groups becoming increasingly vocal with their concerns over the impacts of proposed cuts in the budget.

Representatives of local ADAMH boards raised concerns about a $31 million reduction to their line item within the Department of Mental Health and other issues.

Rod Hollingsworth, executive director of the Muskingum Area ADAMH Board, said the financial squeeze is compounded by a proposed change in how local boards pay when a resident needs care in a state psychiatric hospital. The "significant increase" in costs under a revised formula "would be devastating to our consumers and their family members," he said.

Hubert Wirtz, CEO of the Ohio Council of Behavioral Health & Family Services Providers, said: "The community behavioral health system in Ohio is dangerously close to not being able to sustain itself. Service payment rates have not been increased in 12 years, and the payment structure disincentivises efficiency and uncompensated care. Some provider Medicaid services are now being paid at 80-85% of cost."

Jim Mauro, executive director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Ohio, said funding for the 320,000 Ohioans who receive services through ODMH "has been deteriorating for years."

"There is no question that we are in serious financial difficulty in Ohio and that the state's budget reflects that circumstance," he said. "However, there is a short- and long-term economic advantage to prioritizing and adequately serving the seriously mentally ill. Our failure to meet their needs in the community mental health system will almost immediately shift greater costs to other parts of state and local budgets."

Terry Russell, representing the Ohio Adult Care Facilities Association, spoke in support of the Residential State Supplemental funding in the Department of Aging budget for housing for the mentally ill. The administration has proposed a 20%, or $2 million, cut to RSS, he said.

"Although the agency has assured us that no current participant will lose their supplement, as individuals on the program leave a home, it will be almost impossible to replace that individual with another RSS recipient," Mr. Russell said. "We estimate that more than 200 adult family homes or adult care facilities will close and as many as 2,000 of Ohio's most severely mentally disabled will end up on the streets homeless, in our prisons, jails, or in cemeteries."

Planning for the Financial Future for Individuals with Special Needs

2009-03-20T03:17:00.000-07:00

Four Programs April 20 and 21.

Many families when faced with a loved one’s diagnosis of mental retardation, developmental disabilities, mental illness, or traumatic brain injury don’t know where to turn for services for their loved one or how to plan for the future. A consortium of service providers, governmental agencies and advocacy groups has come together to help families “put the pieces of the puzzle together.”

On April 20 and April 21, Mr. Chuck Locy, Financial Planner with the Division of Estate Planning for Special Kids will give four seminars on “Financial Planning for Individuals with Special Needs.” Mr. Locy has been a financial planner for over 10 years and has an established network of legal and care providers. He is well known throughout the region. His presentation will be easily understood by families and staff.

The sessions will be held as follows:

Monday, April 20, 1:00-3:00 PM, Union Township Civic Center, (Eastgate Area) 4350 Aicholtz Rd. Cincinnati, 45245
Monday, April 20, 6:30-8:30 PM, Workforce One, 300 E. Silver St., Lebanon, 45036
Tuesday, April 21, 1-3 PM, at the Health Foundation, 5th floor, 3805 Edwards Rd., Cincinnati
Tuesday April 21 6:30-8:30 PM, Butler County Mental Health Board, 5963 Boymel Ave., Fairfield.

The same presentation will be given at each session. The sessions are free, but a donation is requested so that more presentations can be planned for the future. Checks should be made out to PLAN of Southwest Ohio and can be turned in at the session you attend.

Registration deadline is April 17. For registration information, please contact:

Kathy Morris at 513-559-6701 or 967-5612 or cfmfsouthohio@yahoo.com to register for the Cincinnati session

Rosalyn Dadas at 513-695-3650 or 937-425-3650 or info@nami-wc.org for the Lebanon session.

Teresa Brand at 867-5700, Ext 19 or teresab@butlermrdd.org for the Fairfield session

Christine Darling at 732-4846 or cdarling@ccmrdd.org for the Union Township session.

This program has been planned by a collaborative group consisting of volunteers and staff of the Hamilton County Board of MRDD, the Butler County Board of MRDD, the Clermont County Board of MRDD, the Warren County Board of MRDD, NAMI Hamilton County, NAMI Warren County, NAMI Butler County, NAMI Clermont County, PLAN of Southwest Ohio, ARC of Southwest Ohio, the Community Fund Management Foundation, and the Brain Injury Support Association of Ohio.

Youth & Young Adults in Transition: Powerful Voices, Practical Strategies

2009-03-18T11:24:00.000-07:00

Youth & Young Adults in Transition: Powerful Voices, Practical Strategies
April 8, 2009 in Columbus, Ohio

Hear from the experts…youth and young adults who are currently in transition…a young man who overcame incredible obstacles to become a clinician serving youth in crisis…providers offering programs and services to youth in transition.

Learn what is needed for successful transition from youth and young adults facing serious challenges
Recognize innovative practices among Ohio’s providers serving youth and young adults in transition
List current policy issues in the area of transition services
Understand Ohio’s efforts to address transition services with input from youth, young adults, families, advocates, providers, policy makers and other stakeholders

This conference is sponsored by NAMI Ohio and the Ohio Department of Mental Health in partnership with the Center for Innovative Practices/Institute for the Study of Prevention of Violence at Kent State University, Community Services of Stark County, Inc. and the Ohio Federation for Children’s Mental Health.

Questions? Please contact NAMI Ohio at (800) 686-2646, (614) 224-2700 or suzanner@amiohio.org.

More information at www.namiohio.org. Download announcement and registration form.

NAMI RELEASES GUIDE TO CRISIS INTERVENTION PROGRAMS FOR YOUTH

2009-03-11T10:24:00.000-07:00

NAMI has published a guide titled, Supporting Schools and Communities in Breaking the Prison Pipeline: A Guide to Emerging and Promising Crisis Intervention Programs for Youth, to help inform advocates about existing crisis intervention programs for youth and what they can do to promote and implement such programs in their states and communities.

The guide responds to concerns about the alarming number of youth with mental health treatment needs who continue to enter the juvenile justice system. Schools in particular have been a pipeline into the juvenile justice for far too many youth in America. Crisis intervention programs for youth promise to support schools and communities in breaking this prison pipeline.

The guide highlights three communities that have adapted the adult Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) model to develop crisis intervention programs for youth that can be used in the school and community setting. It provides an overview of the CIT model and discusses the key components, benefits, and costs associated with crisis intervention programs for youth. It also details what action steps children’s mental health advocates can take to effectively promote and implement these programs for youth in their states and communities.

To download a copy of the guide, please visit NAMI’s CIT Resource Center at www.nami.org/cit or NAMI’s Child and Adolescent Action Center (CAAC) at www.nami.org/caac.

For more information about NAMI’s work on crisis intervention programs for youth, please contact Dana Markey, Program Coordinator, CAAC, at danac@nami.org, or Laura Usher, CIT Coordinator, at laurau@nami.org.

Report Card: Ohio Mental Health Care Losing Ground

2009-03-11T10:20:00.000-07:00

Ohio Receives “C” for Mental Health Care: A Decrease from Last Report Card

Columbus, OH March 11, 2009

Today, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) issued a national report card that gives Ohio a C for its public mental health system.

The report is a follow-up to a NAMI report published three years ago to measure the progress of states in achieving the goals of a presidential commission that called for transformation of the mental health care system – which too often is fragmented, outmoded and inadequate.

In the previous report, Ohio received a grade of B. This year it is one of 12 states that saw their grades decline. The national average is D, remaining stagnant from three years ago. Six states received B’s, six received Fs, and no state received an A.

“This grade is a tremendous disappointment. Three years ago, Ohio received a B and was viewed as a national leader. Instead of moving forward as we should have, we have fallen miserably backwards, and in the process have left many of our most vulnerable citizens behind,” said Jim Mauro, Executive Director of NAMI Ohio, the state affiliate.

“Ohio has worked hard over the years to establish a solid infrastructure, only to have it threatened by funding cuts. NAMI Ohio calls on the Strickland Administration and the members of the General Assembly to stop the erosion of Ohio’s mental health system. We cannot continue to rely on jails and emergency rooms to serve as our safety net. Instead, we must invest in cost-effect, proven mental health services that save lives and save money,” said Mauro.

The report card is based on 65 criteria, including access to medication, housing, family education and support to National Guard members. It includes policy recommendations for federal and state leaders. State governments provided most of the information on which the grades are based. To view the report in its entirety, go to www.nami.org/grades2009.

NAMI Ohio is the statewide association that serves as the voice on mental illness. The organization is comprised of over 16,000 family members, consumers, advocates and professionals working together to ensure that Ohioans with mental illness and their loved ones receive the treatment and support they need. Serious mental illness includes such illnesses as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and serious depressive disorder.

NAMI Recovery Guide for GLBTQI Individuals

2009-03-11T10:14:00.000-07:00

A Mental Health Recovery and Community Integration Guide for GLBTQI Individuals: What You Need to Know is a 12-page colorful booklet that covers a range of key issues in mental health recovery and community integration such as treatment and rehabilitation, financial support, housing, employment, and peer support with specific information to address the unique needs of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, and Intersex (GLBTQI) individuals embedded throughout.

This resource was by the NAMI Multicultural Action Center in partnership with University of Pennsylvania’s Collaborative on Community Integration of Individuals with Psychiatric Disabilities, with a shared desire to promote a message of hope and disseminate practical mental health recovery and community integration information to GLBTQI communities.

NAMI’s 2007-2010 Strategic Plan calls for NAMI to move from good to great. One of the key strategies to achieve this vision is to embrace and empower NAMI leaders and members from diverse communities. NAMI recognizes that our grassroots family includes Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender (GLBT) individuals and allies and that the needs of this community are unique. Visit www.nami.org/glbt for more information on GLBT mental health issues.

Click here to view a PDF of A Mental Health Recovery and Community Integration Guide for GLBTQI Individuals: What You Need to Know. Hard copies of this low-cost booklet are available for purchase through the NAMI store.

2008 Awards Dinner Photos

2009-01-09T07:59:00.001-08:00

We've posted over 60 photos of the Nov. 20, 2008 NAMI Butler County Awards Dinner.

Judge Joyce A. Campbell on Inevitability

2008-12-30T07:27:00.000-08:00

Judge Campbell has served the citizens of Fairfield, Ohio as Municipal Court Judge since June, 1999. She delivered the following remarks at NAMI Butler County's annual awards dinner, November 20, 2008.

INEVITABILITY

I want to thank you for the privilege of speaking with you this evening- it is rare I get to speak without a bailiff with a gun standing next to me to make sure people are in attendance. I had planned on speaking about the current state of mental health courts throughout the United States and in particular Fairfield, Ohio but I decided I needed to speak with you about inevitability.

Let me explain. Last Tuesday I was sitting in my chambers –judge talk for office – just having returned from a trip to the National Institute of Health in Bethesda Maryland. As part of a federal grant to teach judges about scientific matters I had just spent four days meeting with and learning from the leaders in the scientific community about recent breakthroughs in mental health and addiction research. I was rejuvenated and excited that great strides are being made decoding genetic links to mental health and new treatment modalities are being developed. I had renewed hope that someday no one would have to suffer the despair and loneliness of mental illness.

As I was going through the days docket my court administrator came into my chambers and with great difficulty told me that a young man that I love like my own son had just committed suicide that morning.

The grief over the loss of this handsome, witty, charming, well educated 25 year old young man seems to have no end. This very special young man struggled with demons I will never understand and despite medications, therapy, a loving family, many friends and deep religious convictions he felt that suicide was the only way for him to find peace. We spoke often about his therapy and medications and I read every article I could find in an effort to be informed and helpful.

We last heard from him by email the night before his death. There was nothing to indicate that suicide was an option being contemplated or planned. To the contrary, the adjustment of his medications seemed to be working. He was looking forward to purchasing a home, obtaining his MBA, contemplating a job change and was making plans with my 13 year-old son for Christmas break.

How wrong I was. Despite all my efforts with the Fairfield Mental Health Court to help the hundreds of defendants struggling with mental illness in the criminal justice system, despite all my education and research I was unable to save someone I love with all my heart.

My reason for sharing my private pain with you is because of something someone close to this young man said to me at his visitation. She said that his untimely death by suicide was inevitable. I was outraged, angry and defiant at this word.

I refuse to accept that suicide is inevitable for those suffering from severe mental illness. Great strides have been made and continue to be made in medications, genetics and therapy techniques. There is help and there is hope. I never want anyone to suffer the loss of a loved one due to mental illness.

I want it to be inevitable that treatment will work and people will regain control of their lives and vanquish the demons.

I want it to be inevitable that we obtain health insurance parity.

I want it to be inevitable that we fund ongoing research.

I want it to be inevitable that society accept mental illness the same as any other ongoing chronic disease.

I want it to be inevitable that children are screened at a young age so that issues can be addressed early.

I want it to be inevitable that each of us reach out to those who suffer and be a little kinder, a little more patient and a little more loving.

I want it to be inevitable that no one will ever have to cause those who love them such grief and pain in order to find peace.

I leave you with the words of the poet Emily Dickinson –

If I can stop one heart from breaking
I shall not live in vain;
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.

Thank you and god bless you.

Visit NAMI at Atrium Hospital

2008-12-15T06:53:00.000-08:00

Warren County and Butler County NAMI organizations are collaborating to be a presence at the Atrium Hospital in Warren county before, during and after visiting hours every first and third Monday at the hospital's behavioral health division. Visiting hours are from 3:30 to 4:30 PM.

2008 BUTLER CO. NAMIWALK SLIDESHOW

2008-11-10T05:10:00.000-08:00

NAMIWALK Results

2008-11-10T05:05:00.000-08:00

What a Great NAMI Walks for the Mind of America!!

With almost 300 walkers and $18,000 in sponsorships, funds raised from the walk came to $34,000.00. AMAZING, THANKS TO ALL of YOU!

We hope you can join us for our Second Annual Awards Dinner Thrsday Nov. 2 where Awards will be given to the Top Fundraising Team the Team with the most walkers.

2008 WALK Statistics
Walkers Registered Online 182 Donations Online = $6,990.00
Top Twelve Fundraising Teams with Team Leaders
1. Speak Easy Team (Wayne Mays)……………………$2,519.00
2. Butler Behavioral Health Team (Suzanne Beckmeyer).1,782.00
3. TCT (Rhonda/Erin Benson)…...………………………1,400.00
4. TLC (all team leaders together)…………………………763.44
5. The Fiehrer Factor (Sally Fiehrer)………...………….....745.00
6. Lew’s Crew (Lew Kruger)……………………..………. 565.00
7. Spiritual Connections (Theresa Pace)…………………...480.00
8. Miami University Nursing (Paige Walters)………....…..460.00
9. Team Awesome (Kimberly Clark)………………….…...433.00
10. Butler County Mental Health Board (Ellen Harvey)…..380.00
11. GE Walkers (John DaValle)…………………………....350.00
12. Forensic/MH Services and St. Joe/s (Cindee Weber)…..344.00

YWCA Honors Sally Fiehrer

2008-11-10T04:43:00.000-08:00

Sally Fiehrer was named one of the YWCA's Outstanding Women of Achievement at an awards ceremony Nov. 5. The following is an excerpt from the Hamilton Journal-News.

YWCA will salute five women
The organization recognizes those who make a difference in the community through service.

By Tiffany Y. Latta

HAMILTON — Sally Fiehrer didn't set out to become an advocate for people with mental illness.

But when a family member was diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder 20 years ago, she was compelled to learn more and help others.

"Years ago these things were not at all understood. People blamed the person and some accused them of demon possession," said Fiehrer of Hamilton.

"I wanted to help people better understand and hopefully have people with mental illness get the same compassion as anyone with a serious illness."

Since then, Fiehrer has helped pass a mental health levy and founded the Butler County chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, where she now serves as volunteer director.

Fiehrer's dedicated service to others is why she will be one of the five women honored by the YWCA Wednesday, Nov. 5, during the 23rd annual salute to Outstanding Women of Achievement.

The award recognizes women who have made a difference in the community through service.

Life Planning Seminars Nov. 18 and 19

2008-10-15T12:21:00.001-07:00

Putting the Pieces Together –Another Life Planning Seminar

Many families when faced with a loved one’s diagnosis of mental retardation, developmental disabilities, mental illness, or traumatic brain injury don’t know where to turn for services for their loved one or for financial help. A consortium of service providers, governmental agencies and advocacy groups has come together to help families “put the pieces of the puzzle together.”

On November 18 and November 19, Ms. Kathy Morris and Mr. Richard Neidhard will give four seminars on “What Can I do Today to Plan for the Future of my Loved One who has a Disability.” Ms. Morris is extremely knowledgeable in the area of trusts and life planning. She is the Associate Director of the Community Fund Management Foundation and has been in this field for 34 years. Mr. Neidhard is a founding member of P.L.A.N. of Southwest Ohio, (Planned Lifetime Assistance Network) and is currently a board member of P.L.A.N. He is the parent of a special needs adult child. Both are well known throughout the region. Their presentations are easily understood by families and staff.

The sessions will be held as follows:

- Tuesday, November 18, 1:00-3:00 PM, Sharonville Public Library, 10980 Thornview Dr., Sharonville

- Tuesday, November 18, 6:39-8:30 PM, Lebanon Presbyterian Church, 123 N. East St. Lebanon

- Wednesday, November 19, 9:30-11:30AM, Union Township Civic Center, 4350 Aicholtz Rd., Clermont County (Eastgate)

- Wednesday, November 19, 6:30-8:30 PM, Butler County Mental Health Board, 5963 Boymel Ave., Fairfield.

The same presentation will be given at each session. The sessions are free, but a donation is requested so that more presentations can be planned for the future.

Registration deadline is November 14. For registration information please contact:

- Kathy Morris at 513-559-6701 or 967-5612 or cfmfsouthohio@yahoo.com to register for the Sharonville Session

- Rosalyn Dadas at 513-695-3650 or 937-425-3650 or info@nami-wc.org for the Lebanon session.

- Teresa Brand at 867-5700, Ext 19 or teresab@butlermrdd.org for the Fairfield session

- Christine Darling at 732-4846 or cdarling@ccmrdd.org for the Union Township session.

This program has been planned by a collaborative group consisting of volunteers and staff of the Hamilton County Board of MRDD, the Butler County Board of MRDD, the Clermont County Board of MRDD, the Warren County Board of MRDD, NAMI Hamilton County, NAMI Warren County, NAMI Butler County, NAMI Clermont County, PLAN of Southwest Ohio, ARC of Southwest Ohio, the Community Fund Management Foundation, and the Brain Injury Support Association of Ohio.

NAMI Butler County At The Great Miami River Days

2008-09-23T01:38:00.000-07:00

6-7 September 2008

THANKS TO THE VOLUNTEERS THAT STAFFED THE BOOTH !!!!:

Rhonda Benson, Nancy Holtkamp, Jim and Betsey Jones, Bebe and Pat McCurry, Suzan Stracke, Bonnie Williamson, and Steven and Nancy Young

OCT. 11 BUTLER COUNTY NAMIWALK 2008

2008-09-08T09:58:00.000-07:00

We invite all Butler County residents to join us in this our third "mental health awareness" walk and main fund-raiser for our local Butler County NAMI chapter.

The WALK brings attention to mental health needs of our most vulnerable citizens here in Butler County - children with severe emotional disturbances, the elderly and adults with one of the major brain disorders like depression, bipolar illness, PTSD, a host of debilitating anxiety disorders and schizophrenia.

The success of this walk and the delivery of its important message depend totally on the involvement of many people from many different walks of life in our community.

For more information and to support the walk please visit this link.

RSVP Now for 8/29 NAMIWALKS Kickoff

2008-08-20T08:45:00.000-07:00

You are cordially invited to attend the free 2008 NAMI Walks KICK-OFF Luncheon

Guest Speaker: Karin Johnson of WLW TV Channel 5
Date/Time: Friday, August 29th: 11:30AM – 1:00PM

Location:
Miami University Hamilton
Harry T. Wilks Conference Center
1601 University Boulevard
Hamilton, Ohio 45011

We will distribute information and material that will help you organize a team, learn about NAMI’s online sign-up process, and receive posters, brochures, and material for a team, or for walking as a individual on another’s team. If you are interested in volunteering in any capacity, we will discuss these opportunities as well.
Please come and share lunch in the company of others in our community who are dedicated to mental health advocacy.

Please RSVP to Sally Fiehrer [sfiehrer@hotmail.com]

You can download our Kickoff Lunchon flyer and other NAMIWALKS materials at this link.

Lindner Center of HOPE announces Grand Opening Celebration

2008-07-29T09:37:00.001-07:00

Lindner Center of HOPE, the private, nonprofit, comprehensive mental health center of excellence in Mason, Ohio, will open its doors for a public grand opening celebration Saturday, August 9, 2008 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with ribbon cutting beginning promptly at 11 a.m. Members of the community are invited to attend the event to learn more about the Lindner Center of HOPE. Festivities will include tours of the facility, mental health and wellness information, and light refreshments.

The Center intends to begin seeing patients Monday, August 18, 2008.

The Lindner Center of HOPE will create something unique in mental health care. By utilizing the Institute of Medicine’s (IOM) report, Improving the Quality of Health Care for Mental and Substance-Use Conditions: Quality Chasm Series (2006) as a blueprint, the Lindner Center is implementing a quality framework for delivering the best possible mental health care. Leaders at the Lindner Center of HOPE are taking each area of deficiency identified in the current system of mental health care and attempting to address it with a patient- and family-centered system of care.

The traditional system of mental health care is very hospital/doctor-centered. Patients in this system experience long waiting lists, a lack of integration, slow uptake of research advances and inflexible and limited services. The Lindner Center of HOPE’s system of care promises to be patient- and family-centered; responsive and accessible; integrated across age, diagnosis and treatment setting; a contributor to and rapid adopter of research advances, and a provider of individualized care.

The Center of HOPE will provide state-of-the-science diagnostic and treatment services integrated with primary medical care and clinical research. This 100,000 square-foot, premier facility is located on 36 acres in a private wooded setting. The hospital features 64 beds for adolescents, adults, and senior adults and is fully integrated with outpatient services. Staffed by some of the nation’s most notable clinician scientists and affiliated with the University of Cincinnati’s (UC) College of Medicine, the Center will focus on early intervention for people with new mental health problems, and for people who have not had success with their current treatment.

“It is our vision to provide the most advanced diagnostic and treatment services in the region, and to be a national leader in innovative treatment and research. The Lindner Center of HOPE will be a resource to our community and will bring hope to people suffering from mental illness,” said Paul E. Keck, Jr., M.D., President and Chief Executive Officer, Lindner Center of HOPE and Professor, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.

The Lindner Center of HOPE will offer both short-term, hospital-based inpatient services as well as longer-term, private, voluntary live-in services. Additionally, the Center’s nationally acclaimed clinicians will provide seamless outpatient services, including psychiatric evaluation, psychotherapy, psychopharmacology, education, rehabilitation, and expert consultations.

The Lindner Center of HOPE’s approach to patient- and family-centered care will become a national model of mental health care delivery. The Center will offer a level of service to patients, families, and referring physicians not typically found in health care today. The unique inpatient, outpatient and clinical research infrastructure will provide access to cutting edge treatments often years before they are widely available.

The Center will address the needs of patients who are suffering from mental illnesses, including but not limited to:
• Mood disorders (depression, bipolar disorder)
• Anxiety disorders (panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder)
• Schizophrenia and related illnesses
• Impulse control disorders (compulsive gambling, kleptomania)
• Eating and weight disorders
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Co-occurring mental and/or substance use conditions

The Center in affiliation with UC’s College of Medicine will conduct the most advanced research in genetics, brain imaging, psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and health service delivery. This research will provide new methods to better prevent, diagnose and treat common mental illnesses like schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder, eating disorders and obesity, anxiety disorders, ADHD, and cognitive and memory problems in adolescents, adults and senior individuals. Research studies and the advances they lead to will be closely integrated into the evidence-based treatment programs provided at the Center.

To learn more about the Lindner Center of HOPE, please visit www.lindnercenterofhope.org.

Contact: Jennifer Pierson
(513) 585-8670
Jennifer.Pierson@lindnercenter.org