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What's New in Mental Health Recovery?
VOCAL's Mental Health Recovery
News for March 22, 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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VOCAL Update
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Change occurs all the time as part of life and it is no different at VOCAL! One of the biggest changes that has recently happened at VOCAL is that we are happy to announce that Anna Mendez has accepted the role of Director of Operations.
In this new capacity Anna is responsible for, among other things, overseeing the responsible, timely and effective management of VOCAL's state and Federal grant reports and contracts; maintaining organizational documents, ensuring VOCAL's adherence to all organizational processes and policies; compliance with legal and nonprofit regulations and supervising office management. Anna is excited to serve her peers in Virginia in this new capacity and she is actively seeking input and feedback from all members on VOCAL programs. Please contact her directly at anna@vocalvirginia.org or 540.908.6392 with your questions, comments, thoughts, praises, volunteer-availability, and concerns as they pertain to VOCAL!
VOCAL wishes continued success to all current and former VOCAL staff and board members who have served the organization and our fellow peers in Virginia. As the composition of the VOCAL staff and board family continues to change and evolve, VOCAL wants to assure our membership that the dedication and focus of the organization remains, as always, on the fulfillment of the VOCAL mission and vision.
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Save the Date! Friday, April 20th: VOCAL Recovery Education Open House!
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Have questions about mental health recovery? Want to learn more about recovery education opportunities in Virginia? Want to know what great things VOCAL's REACH Program is up to? Interested in serving on the REACH Advisory Council? If you answered yes to any of these questions we hope you'll stop by the VOCAL Charlottesville Office from 3-5pm on Friday, April 20th for the first annual REACH Open House. Stay tuned to the VOCAL Digest for more information!
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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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Unique Volunteer Opportunity Available in Charlottesville
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Calling all VOCAL gardeners! VOCAL has recently received a small, anonymous donation to cover the cost of new grass seed, flower seeds and bulbs, and gardening supplies to help beautify the outside of the VOCAL Charlottesville Office.
VOCAL is now looking for a local volunteer who is willing to but these supplies to use! If you are a gardener in the Charlottesville area looking for an outlet for your green-thumb and are interested in providing volunteer gardening services to VOCAL, please contact Anna Mendez at anna@vocalvirginia.org or 540.908.6392.
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Firewalkers and Arm Wrestling?
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Firewalkers in gearing up for a great fundraiser and outreach event!
CLAW (Charlottesville Ladies Arm Wrestling http://www.clawville.org/) is a hoot and a holler. People line up around the block to get into the circus tent, listen to We are Star Children and watch this incredible, theatrical sporting event like no other! (Well, to be fair, it has gone national. It is just that cool.) It is a wonderful spectacle and all for a good cause!
March 24th at the Blue Moon Diner 8pm, doors at 7pm. General Admission tickets at the door are $5.
Ringside VIP seats are $75. This money will go directly to The Firewalkers Project at VOCAL. Maybe you know someone who would love these tickets? Please put them in touch with malaina@vocalvirginia.org.
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"Planning a Recovery-Oriented System of Care (ROSC): Lessons from Texas"
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FREE Webinar on March 29th from 1:00-2:30 p.m. Register Now
This webinar will focus on SAMHSA's Recovery Support Strategic Initiative (RSSI), specifically, how recovery and recovery support can be implemented to best meet the needs of people experiencing mental health, substance use, and co-occurring conditions. After reviewing the goals of the RSSI, the webinar will explore the planning process undertaken by the Texas Department of State Health Services to implement a Recovery-Oriented System of Care (ROSC) for Houston and communities throughout Texas. Participants will hear from two service providers as they discuss their efforts to use the ROSC planning process, as well as have the opportunity to ask questions of the presenters.
Who should attend: State, territory, tribe, and county-level mental health and substance use disorders treatment/recovery systems administrators, consumers and people in recovery, behavioral health providers, peer providers, providers of other health and human services (primary health care, housing, employment), policymakers, and researchers.
Register Now
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Survivors of Sexual Abuse Co-Ed Group
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SAARA Center 306 Turner Road, Suite L
Richmond, Virginia 23225
Every Monday beginning April 2nd
Further questions or concerns contact:
Hallie at (804) 971-1777 or
halliehartman@rocketmail.com
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Register for the RTP Webinar: Understanding and Building on Culture
and Spirituality in Recovery-Oriented Practice
********************************************************** The next RTP Webinar will describe three components of culture and spirituality in recovery-oriented care: cultural and spiritual assessments, culturally appropriate interventions, and ways in which spirituality and culture can shape an individual's recovery journey. Our presenters will introduce a range of strategies that ensure care is responsive to a person's cultural identity and discuss approaches for fostering cultural strengths and spirituality in care planning and recovery practices. An important facet of culture and spirituality in recovery-oriented care addresses the aging process-how can practitioners be cognizant of person- and family-centered culturally specific needs?
April 4th from 3:00-4:30 p.m.
Description
Three multidisciplinary specialists will share their perspectives. Reverend Laura Mancuso, M.S., CRC/CPRP, will describe practical tools for making assessment culturally and spiritually oriented. Dee Bigfoot, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, will discuss recovery-oriented interventions that have spiritual and cultural components. Finally, National Association of Peer Specialists President Gladys Christian will address how spirituality and culture have affected her recovery journey.
Registration
Click here to register.
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NAMI of Roanoke Valley's 28th Annual Dinner Meeting
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April 26th at 6:00 p.m. at the Salem Civic Center
Dr. Otto Wahl, Professor of Psychology and former Director of the Psych.D. Program at the University of Hartford will be guest speaker. He has been the recipient of numerous awards for his efforts to combat the stigma of mental illness.
Annual meeting dinner cost is $25.00 per person, although a $5 scholarship registration is available, first slots to NAMI members.
For further information, and to register, call 540.761.3856
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Understanding and Building on Culture and
Spirituality in Recovery-Oriented Practice
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Wednesday, April 4th from 3:00-4:00 p.m.
FEATURING
Rev. Laura Mancuso, M.S., CRC/CPRP
Interfaith Chaplain, Chaplaincy Institute for Arts and Interfaith Ministries
Dee Bigfoot, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
Gladys Christian
President, National Association of Peer Specialists
MODERATED BY
Larry Davidson, Ph.D.
Recovery to Practice Project Director, Development Services Group, Inc.
This session will describe three components of culture and spirituality in recovery-oriented care: cultural and spiritual assessments, culturally appropriate interventions, and ways in which spirituality and culture can shape an individual's recovery journey. Our presenters will introduce a range of strategies that ensure care is responsive to a person's cultural identity and discuss approaches for fostering cultural strengths and spirituality in care planning and recovery practices. An important facet of culture and spirituality in recovery-oriented care addresses the aging process-how can practitioners be cognizant of person- and family-centered culturally specific needs? Three multidisciplinary specialists will share their perspectives. Reverend Laura Mancuso, M.S., CRC/CPRP, will describe practical tools for making assessment culturally and spiritually oriented. Dee Bigfoot, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, will discuss recovery-oriented interventions that have spiritual and cultural components. Finally, National Association of Peer Specialists President Gladys Christian will address how spirituality and culture have affected her recovery journey.
As with all RTP Webinars, participants are welcome to call in or submit their questions and comments for presenters to address at the end of the session.
TO REGISTER
https://www.livemeeting.com/lrs/8000963084/Registration.aspx?pageName=7mf1dd6wqv671fzs
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Richmond Mental Health Group Meets in Fan District
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First and Third Wednesdays of Each Month at 6:30 p.m.
First English Lutheran Church at 1603 Monument Avenue (intersection of Monument and Lombardy Streets) Parking available behind the church on the first level of the up ramp in the parking deck.
Enter building under the awning at the back of the church, and follow the signs to the meeting room.
Questions? Contact Bryan Tunnell at nousns@gmail.com or 804.641.6164
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Writer's Camp Thursday Afternoons in Falls Church
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Welcome all Happy Campers!
Writer's Camp Thursday afternoons at Falls Church Consumer Wellness Center, (6245 Leesburg Pike, #420 Falls Church, VA 22044, 703.531.4650). Flash fiction, micro fiction, haiku, poetry, postcards, want ads, and other forms of creative expression practiced and enjoyed! Lots of prompts and good ideas shared to help you get started submitting for print, or getting a different perspective on things in your life and your world!
For more information call Violet at 703.207.7147 write away. (spelin 'n grammer doan cownt.)
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SAMHSA's 2012 Voice Awards Nominations Now Open
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Join the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in recognizing consumer/peer leaders in recovery from mental health and/or or substance use disorders, as well as TV and film professionals, for their efforts to educate the public about the real experiences of people with behavioral health problems. Through their work, both groups of leaders demonstrate that people can and do recover from these conditions and lead full and meaningful lives in their communities. Each year, the Voice Awards features a theme that supports SAMHSA's key strategic initiatives and is integrated throughout all facets of that year's program. In 2012, the awards program will spotlight the strength and perseverance of athletes who face unique challenges in managing mental health and/or substance use disorders while continuing to train, compete, and remain in the public eye. Consideration is being given to consumer/peer leaders who educate the public about the behavioral health challenges of athletes and help empower them to begin the journey of recovery. Additional consideration is being given to TV and film productions that accurately and respectfully portray the behavioral health struggles of athletes, their resilience, and their paths to recovery. The Voice Awards honor consumer/peer leaders who have played a vital role in raising awareness and understanding of behavioral health problems. The awards also recognize TV and film writers and producers who have given a voice to people with behavioral health problems by incorporating dignified, respectful, and accurate portrayals of these individuals into their scripts, programs, and productions. If you know a consumer/peer leader who has led efforts to promote the social inclusion of people with behavioral health problems; personally demonstrated that recovery is real and possible; and made a positive impact on his/her community, workplace, or school, please nominate him/her for a 2012 Voice Award. Similarly, if you know of a TV or film production released after April 15, 2011, that contains a positive behavioral health storyline, please nominate it for a 2012 Voice Award. CONSUMER/PEER LEADER NOMINATIONS ARE DUE FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 2012. ENTERTAINMENT NOMINATIONS ARE DUE FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012. Nominations are open to anyone and are free. There is no limit to the number of nominations an individual can submit and self-nominations are welcome.
The 2012 Voice Awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday, August 22, at Paramount Studios in Hollywood, CA. Please consult the Voice Awards Web site for more information about the program, event updates, and instructions on how to submit a nomination(s).
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Webinar: "Ticket to Work: Preventing and Managing Overpayments"
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Some people with disabilities may be able to work and continue receiving disability benefits. On March 28, tune in to a special webinar to learn about the Social Security administration's Ticket to Work program and other work incentives. You'll also learn about what a Social Security overpayment is, what to do if you get one, and how to avoid overpayments.
March 28th at 3:00 pm
Register here: http://chooseworkttw.net/wise/jsp/wise.jsp
For questions or more information about this webinar or Ticket to Work, contact Ticket To Work: http://www.chooseworkttw.net/help-desk/help-overview.html .
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************************************ Exciting News from the Firewalkers Project!
************************************ Spiritual breakthroughs. Mad gifts. Visionary meltdowns. Do these themes resonate with you? We are publishing an anthology of creative non-fiction about what is called mental illness and mystical experiences, shifts in consciousness and unexpected blessings. Deadline is June 21, 2012. Please see full details at www.thefirebook.org
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National Empowerment Center Presents: "Expanding Our Vision: Positive Outcomes from around the World"
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Friday, April 27th, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Denver, Colorado
For complete details and to register, click here.
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"Living the Dimensions of Recovery" Conference in NOVA
************************************************ Regional Community Support Center will offer this year's conference on Thursday, June 7th, at the Ernst Community Center on Little River Turnpike in Annandale, VA from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Dr. Dan Fischer will be the keynote speaker. We will have music during lunch, and some great, info on system transformation as well as updates from the consumer-operated programs. Good things are happening and this promises to be another important event in celebrating positive changes. Please email Lauren Davis, with "RCSC Registration Form Request" in the subject area of your email. (lauren.davis@dbhds.virginia.org) for a registration form, they will be available a little later on this month. If you don't have an email, call Violet Taylor at 703.207.7147. Register early, these conferences get filled quickly!
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National Prevention Week: May 20-26
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From May 20 through May 26, community organizations throughout the country will be hosting events that raise awareness about the importance of substance abuse prevention and the promotion of mental, emotional, and behavioral well-being as part of a new SAMHSA observance, National Prevention Week.
Please join SAMHSA and more than 50 SAMHSA-supported community organizations in celebrating National Prevention Week 2012. The National Prevention Week 2012 theme - We are the ones. How are you taking action? - embraces the idea that small, everyday actions contribute to healthier and more vibrant communities, and that everyone has the ability to make a difference in their own lives and the lives of those around them.
Highlights of National Prevention Week Include:
· SAMHSA-supported events hosted by community organizations in nearly all 50 States, the District of Columbia, and Territories of the Pacific Islands;
· The National Prevention Week Web site, where visitors can learn more about this observance, its background and alignment with SAMHSA's Strategic Initiatives and the National Prevention Strategy, and access a list of helpful community resources that support the prevention of underage drinking, prescription drug abuse, illicit drug use, alcohol abuse, and suicide, as well as the promotion of mental, emotional, and behavioral well-being;
· The interactive "Prevention Pledge" available at SAMHSA's Facebook page, where visitors can commit to a healthy lifestyle, and share their pledge with friends, family, and loved ones;
· The National Prevention Week Toolkit, which includes information on this national observance, event ideas, budget-saving tips, a planning timeline, tips and tools for event promotion, fact sheets, and recommended resources (coming in late spring)
Join the National Prevention Week Conversation!
Follow us on Twitter at @samhsagov and use the hashtag #NPW2012 to join the conversation about National Prevention Week 2012! Join the National Prevention Week discussion on Facebook as well, and take and share the "Prevention Pledge" with friends, neighbors, and loved ones.
For more information on National Prevention Week, visit http://www.samhsa.gov/preventionweek
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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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