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
Friday, December 25, 2009
Sunday, November 1, 2009
NAMI Butler County Awards Dinner Nov. 14
Save the Date!
November 14th:
NAMI Butler County's 4th Annual Awards Dinner,
November 14th, 2009, 6:30 PM
Michael Colligan Lodge
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
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Ready for NAMIWALKS
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.
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
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!
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!
Saturday, September 26, 2009
NAMIWALK 2009 Kickoff Luncheon Photos
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.
Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Sign Up for Sept. 2009 NAMI Education Programs
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.
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.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Support Group for Family to Family Graduates
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)
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
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)
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)
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
2009 NAMIWALK KICKOFF EVENT AUGUST 27
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
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
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
NAMI Starts a Book Club
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.
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
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.
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.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Columnist: Lack of Housing Assistance "Crazy"
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.
"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
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
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.
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
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.
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
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!
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!
Monday, April 13, 2009
MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCATES, OTHERS MAKE STATE FUNDING CASE TO FULL BUDGET PANEL
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."
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."
Friday, March 20, 2009
Planning for the Financial Future for Individuals with Special Needs
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:
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.
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.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Youth & Young Adults in Transition: Powerful Voices, Practical Strategies
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.
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.
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.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
NAMI RELEASES GUIDE TO CRISIS INTERVENTION PROGRAMS FOR YOUTH
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
Friday, January 9, 2009
2008 Awards Dinner Photos
We've posted over 60 photos of the Nov. 20, 2008 NAMI Butler County Awards Dinner.
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