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Recovery Will Change Your Mind!
VOCAL's Mental Health Recovery
News for February 16, 2012
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Dear Reader,
You are receiving the VOCAL Network Digest because you are on our email list. The Network Digest is a twice-weekly update of mental health announcements throughout Virginia and the nation. If you prefer not to receive these updates, please click the "unsubscribe" button at the bottom of this email. Thank you!
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*******************************************From Ann Benner, VOCAL Network Program Director*******************************************Dear VOCAL Community, I am sad to announce that I will be resigning from my job at VOCAL. My last day to work will be Friday February 17. My seven years at VOCAL have been wonderful in so many ways. I feel so lucky to have had this fabulous job, working with so many courageous, generous, heroic people -- and doing such important work. I think it's probably rare to be in a job that constantly feeds you and connects you to the core of human spirit. I know that many people reading this have had this kind of experience -- paid or unpaid -- in working for recovery. I believe deeply in the importance and effectiveness of peers helping peers, of our self-empowerment for recovery, and of peer leadership in creating a total environment that supports recovery and the worth and dignity of everyone. I will remain a loyal VOCAL member. I wish you all the best in your recovery and your work towards our mutual goals.
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Come One, Come All! to Ann Benner's Commencement and VOCAL Reunion
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TOMORROW! Friday, February 17th from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.at the Java Dragon Cafe, 923 Preston Avenue (in Preston Plaza), Charlottesville
Everyone is welcome, so please come and celebrate Ann!
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VOCAL Conference: "Strength in Diversity and Purpose" at J.M.U.
******************************************************* The annual statewide VOCAL Conference will be held from Monday, May 21st through Wednesday, May 23rd at James Madison University's Festival Conference Center in Harrisonburg. Please mark your calendar so you can plan to join your peers for recovery education, sharing, networking and fun! A sliding fee scale for registration costs and scholarship opportunities will be available.
Registration forms will be available in March. |
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Call for Workshop Proposals for VOCAL's Statewide MH Consumer Conference
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All those interested in presenting a workshop/break-out session at our conference, "Strength in Diversity and Purpose" must submit your topic/name, outline, and educational/learning goals to Yolande Long:
yolande@vocalvirginia.org
Outlines are due no later than Monday, April 16th for consideration.
Each workshop will be given a one hour and thirty minute (1.5 hour) time slot. You must be able to provide your own handouts if you will use them.
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Paolo del Vecchio Scheduled to Give Keynote Address at VOCAL Conference!
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VOCAL is pleased to announce that Mr. Paolo del Vecchio will give the keynote address at this year's conference, " Strength in Diversity and Purpose".
Mr. del Vecchio is Acting Director of the Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS). Paolo currently serves as the CMHS Associate Director for Consumer Affairs and in this capacity he manages SAMHSA's precedent-setting activities addressing consumer participation and education, issues of discrimination and prejudice, consumer rights, wellness, recovery, trauma, access to treatment, and other issues affecting persons with mental health conditions.
Paolo was the first Consumer Affairs Specialist hired in 1995 by SAMHSA. In this capacity, he promoted consumer participation in all aspects of the Center's policies and operations ranging from public education to developing evidence-based treatment and recovery practices to address the needs of persons with mental illnesses. Prior to joining SAMHSA, Paolo worked for the Philadelphia Office of Mental Health in the areas of policy formulation and the planning of a comprehensive system of community-based mental health services addressing homelessness, HIV/AIDS, and many other issues. He graduated summa cum laude with a master's degree in social work from Temple University. Paolo has been involved for over 40 years in behavioral health as a consumer, family member, provider, advocate, and state and federal policy-maker.
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The Local Human Rights Committee Seeks Volunteers
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The Local Human Rights Committee (LHRC)is an all volunteer committee responsible for monitoring the rights of patients/clients who receive mental health, intellectual disability or substance abuse services from service providers that are either licensed, funded or operated by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. Local Human Rights Committee members are appointed from a variety of backgrounds and experiences and consumers of mental health, intellectual disabilities, substance abuse services and family members as well as licensed health care providers are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Rules and Regulations to Assure the Rights of Individuals Receiving Services From Providers Licensed, Funded or Operated by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (a.k.a. the Blue Book) is the tool used by the Office of Human Rights and providers for determining a provider's compliance with the human rights regulations. Facilities and programs are guided by Rules and Regulations which assure clients' rights and by the Department's commitment to provide services that are responsive to the unique needs of individual clients and which maximize opportunities for self-determination. Nevertheless, these goals must frequently be reconciled with the need to protect the rights of others and the need to minimize the economic burden of service provision on the Commonwealth. Local Human Rights Committees are often called upon to assist in this reconciliation.
As a member of a LHRC, you will be responsible for monitoring a provider's compliance with various sections of the regulations to include but not limited to treatment with dignity, participation in treatment decision making, confidentiality, restrictions, restraint and time out and the complaint resolution process. Occasionally, LHRC members will conduct a fact-finding hearing if a client makes a human rights complaint which is unable to be satisfactorily resolved with a service provider. The LHRC would listen to both parties and then make a determination concerning whether the client's rights were violated, along with recommendations to the services provider for corrective action.
LHRC meetings are open to the general public unless the Committee goes into executive session to protect the privacy of individuals and their personal records not related to public business. Terms for new committee members vary from one to three year appointments. LHRC's generally meet at least four times per year, however, some Committees have chosen to meet more often. The number of meetings held per calendar year is determined by the Committee members and is stated in the committee's bylaws. Once a member completes his or her term, he/she may apply for a second three year term if desired. The Office of Human Rights will provide training for all prospective LHRC members as well as onsite support and guidance during LHRC meetings.
For further information: E-mail: michael.curseen@dbhds.virginia.gov
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March 18th ReelABilities Film Festival in Richmond
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Looking for poets for a live poetry reading in Richmond on the evening of March 18. This event is part of the ReelAbilities Film Festival and will take place before the screening of "Crooked Beauty". More details to follow.
Please contact Malaina at malaina@vocalvirginia.org to reserve a spot.
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Peer Specialist Training to Be Offered in Roanoke **************************************** March 12th - 16th at On Our Own of Roanoke Learn how to use your shared experiences to support peers with mental health challenges to address obstacles on their recovery journey. Why Become a Peer Specialist? You are in a unique position to help your peers. The power of peer support is now recognized as being a major factor in helping peers find and stay on the road to recovery. If you are already working or volunteering in a position to help those with mental illness, this class will give you important skills. If you aspire to hold a job as a Peer Specialist, this training will give you a valuable credential. How Do I Know If I Qualify As An Applicant? Do you possess the ability to actively listen and empathize with others? Do you have strong communication skills? Are you comfortable setting personal boundaries and limits? Are you actively using a WRAP or similar recovery plan? Do you possess the ability to problem solve? Are you able to maintain confidentiality? Do you possess a strong commitment to consumer choice and empowerment? If you answered "yes" to all of the above, please apply! To obtain more information and an application: E-mail dmartin@rvonourown.com or Call Robin Hubert or Alex Davidson at 540-362-0061 Applications must be submitted by February 15th. Instructors trained by Ike Powell of the Appalachian Consulting Group |
*****************************************************SAMHSA Offers Scholarships for 2012 NAMI National Convention*****************************************************888888******************************* The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) scholarship application for the 2012 NAMI National Convention is now available. CMHS provides the scholarship to financially support consumers who wish to participate in the NAMI National Convention. Please distribute the application to your members. The application can also be found online at www.nami.org/convention under "FAQs." The following are guidelines for the scholarship: · The scholarships are only for mental health consumers who are U.S. Citizens. · Scholarships cover the convention registration fee. Travel and/or lodging costs may also be covered. · Applications must be completed carefully and thoroughly. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. · The deadline for submitting the application is March 12, 2012 (no exceptions). · We estimate over 130 people will apply for scholarship funds. We expect CMHS will choose 15-20 recipients. · Applications are NOT to be returned to the NAMI national office. They must be submitted with letter(s) of recommendation by U. S. mail to: Jackee Williams, CMP Scholarship Conference Manager AFYA, Inc. 8101 Sandy Spring Road, Third Floor Laurel, MD 20707 In order to be considered for a scholarship, a completed application must be received by AFYA via U.S. Mail, and be postmarked on or before thedeadline. NO FAXED OR E-MAILED SUBMISSIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED.For questions about the application, contact Jackee Williams at (301) 957-3040, ext. 263
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Honoring Children of Alcoholics Week February 12th to 18th
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An estimated 25 percent of all children in the United States are affected by or exposed to a family alcohol problem. SAMHSA supports the National Association for Children of Alcoholics (NACoA) during its Children of Alcoholics (COA) Week. COA Week celebrates the recovery of the many thousands of children (of all ages) who have received the help they needed to recover from the pain and losses suffered in their childhood, and it offers hope to those still suffering from the adverse impact of parental alcohol and drug addiction.
During COA Week, we acknowledge the millions of children affected by a parent's substance use disorder and celebrate that there is hope and healing for these children now and throughout their lives. This week-and throughout the year-remember to ask, "What about the children?" when speaking about recovery from substance use disorders.
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Upcoming Webinar: Creating A Culture of Wellness: A Path To
Eliminating Seclusion and Restraints
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February 29th from 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
The Copeland Center is hosting a panel discussion with people who are leading or have led initiatives to reduce and eliminate seclusion and restraints. Panelists will give a national perspective on eliminating seclusion and restraints, talk about trauma informed care in the efforts to eliminate seclusion and restraints, and describe creating cultural changes in hospitals that lead toward a wellness oriented environment including the introduction of the Wellness Recovery Action Plan.
Click here for more information and to register
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Free Webinar: "Breaking the Poverty Cycle: Creating
Social and Economic Opportunities"
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Tuesday, February 28th from 3:00 - 4:30 p.m.
To register, go to:
http://www.promoteacceptance.samhsa.gov/teleconferences/archive/training/teleconference02282012.aspx
Registration will close at 5 p.m. on Monday, February 27th
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NEC Technical Assistance Center Presents a Webinar: "Get Social! Using Social
Media to Advance Your Mission, Raise Awareness, and Provide Peer Support"
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March 2nd from 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
Space is limited: Register now by clicking here:
https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/855686286
Registration will close on 5 pm EST on Wednesday, February 29. Please share with others who may be interested.
Facebook, Twitter, Blogging, Podcasting, YouTube, LinkedIn, Google Plus. In an ever-growing social media landscape, it is easy to feel lost and not know where to begin. Our presenters will help you find your place on the social media map and head out on your personal or organizational journey. Using real-life stories, each presenter will discuss how their organization developed a social media strategy, the tools they use and how they use them, and the benefits and challenges they have experienced along the way.
This webinar is geared towards peers, peer-run organizations, mental health service providers, family members, policymakers, administrators, and all other stakeholders.
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VOCAL and On Our Own of Charlottesville Host Youth Create Wholeness
Art Workshops and Art Rave
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Art Rave Workshop: Tuesday, February 21st from 4 to 5:30 pm
Art Rave Community Creativity Event: Tuesday, February 28th from 2 to 6 pm
These workshops will be held at On Our Own of Charlottesville, 123 4th Street NW, in Charlottesville
What is an Art Rave?
An Art Rave is first and foremost an Opportunity to Experience Healing
through Creativity and Community. It is a Drug-Free, Alcohol-Free,
Free to Express Yourself Safe Space to Nurture Connection and
Self-Expression. This can range from painting a canvas, drawing on
paper, singing or making music, written words, or movement on the dance floor.
Contact Flora Lark for more information: flora.baily@vocalvirginia.org or at On Our Own of Charlottesville 434-979-2440
www.vocalvirginia.org/youth
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Exciting News from the Firewalkers Project!
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The Firewalkers Project is looking for well-written, authentic writing for an upcoming Anthology that focuses on the following themes:
Emotional turbulence
Altered states
Spiritual breakthroughs
Visionary meltdowns
Ecstatic visions
Crazy blessings
Mad gifts
What we are seeking is accessible, enjoyable, surprising pieces that relate to the themes listed above. We are interested in creative nonfiction and essays that show insight, humor, quality of writing and diversity of experience.
Submissions can be emailed as an attachment to malaina@vocalvirginia.org. Submissions must be in 12pt Times Roman font, double-spaced, with numbered pages (max 20). All submissions should be accompanied by a one paragraph author biography. One submission per person. No poetry please.
Writers will retain all rights to their work. Previously published work will be considered. There is no payment except for a copy of the book. This is most definitely a labor of love and a chance to define this experience that may be labeled as "mental illness' in our own terms. The anthology is being planned as a self-published book.
Our first book, Firewalkers: Madness, Mystery and Beauty was also self-published and has sold over 1300 copies and 10,000+ people have visited our website, read the book or attended a Firewalkers event.
Please see www.thefirebook.org or www.vocalvirginia.org for more information.
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phone:
804-343-1777
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DISCLAIMER: This page is offered strictly for informational and support purposes. We assume no liability whatsoever for any consequences arising out your use of information or connections provided through any of the above organizations. VOCAL does not necessarily agree with information provided by these organizations, their websites, members or other affiliations.
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