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Nothing About Us Without Us!
VOCAL's Mental Health Recovery
News for April 26, 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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A Message from Brian Parrish, VOCAL's Executive Director
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Dear folks-
It has been my great pleasure to have served the peers of Virginia over the past 11 years. In that time, VOCAL has grown from being a shoestring nonprofit operating at the fringes of the mental health system, to a midsize organization involved in state-wide decision-making. It has been a rewarding experience to me, personally, to have been able to share a space at the table with other statewide agencies and organizations, working together to transform the system for the betterment of all. I would like to offer my sincerest appreciation to that group of peers, who in 1999, attended a Leadership Academy led by our friends at CONTAC in West Virginia. It was there that the decision was made for VOCAL to become more than just a volunteer advocacy group, and would begin to offer services to fellow peers throughout the state. It was your hard work, your sweat as well as vision, that brought us to the possibilities we see today. On May 8, 2012, I will be moving on from VOCAL. Throughout this transition, the important work of our statewide peer network will go on. As many of us have learned though our Firewalkers stories, the journey may not be easy, but often the rewards and understandings achieved by the time we reach the other side make it all worthwhile. Many thanks to all of you, VOCAL's membership, for being part of that journey. Thank you to our funders, for believing in the vision. Thank you to our Board members, and to our hard-working staff who, over the years, carried out that vision.
I wish you all the best of luck in your continuing adventures, wherever they may lead you.
All best,
Brian
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VOCAL Conference Registration Form Available for Download***************************************************GO TO: http://www.vocalvirginia.org/#/vocal-conference/4534274248and scroll down to the bottom of the page to this section shown below, and click on 'here'. You will be able to download and print the form!!! How Do I Register for "Strength and Diversity and Purpose"???For a conference registration form, click here. NOTE: This link may not work from cell phones, but does work from a computer.
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Conference Registrations and Scholarship Update
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If you plan to attend the VOCAL Annual Conference in Harrisonburg on May 21-23 (or any part of it), please send in your registrations and payments this upcoming week!
PLEASE NOTE: We have very few scholarships left to give out but plenty of space for full paying attendees.
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Career Connection: Can You Still Receive Social Security Disability
Benefits if You Are Working from Home?
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Most people might be surprised to know that special rules make it possible for people receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to work and still receive monthly payments. While it might sound questionable, it actually makes perfect sense. Why punish someone who is interested in trying to go back to work? If they did, no one would ever be encouraged to try! To assist people with disabilities in returning to the workforce, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has developed a number of work incentives...
Visit Disability.gov for more information about how Social Security can help you return to work, where to find job opportunities, plan for a career, and many other resources that can help you find employment and succeed in the workplace.
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Wellness Initiative's Million Hearts Social Marketing Programs for Peer-Run/Recovery Community Organizations Awards
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The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is accepting applications for the "Wellness Initiative's Million Hearts Social Marketing Programs for Peer-Run Recovery Community Organization Awards". This program is operated by contract with Abt Associates.
The awards will enable consumer run and peer recovery community organizations to conduct community-based social marketing activities to increase awareness about the importance of prevention and management of cardiovascular disease and stroke among adults with behavioral health challenges and the providers that serve them.
Twenty awards of $15,000 each will be distributed. Optional letters of intent are due on April 23rd. Applications are due on May 14th by 5 p.m.
The full RFA can be viewed at www.ctclearinghouse.org/files/customer-files/210-SAMHSA-Million-Hearts-RFA--FINAL-4-15-12.docx ; it can also be downloaded from the SAMHSA website - www.samhsa.gov.
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Alternatives 2012 Call for Presentations
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"Little Black Dress" to Be Presented at University of Richmond in May
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"Little Black Dress", a dramatic presentation for the awareness of depression, anxiety
and suicide, will be presented on Thursday, May 10th at 6:00 p.m. at the University of Richmond, Modlin Center for the Arts - Camp Concert Hall, 28 Westhampton Way. The play is based on a true story of the life of a young woman who committed suicide while in college. A panel discussion with questions from the audience will follow the presentation. The panel includes the mother of the young woman, as well as community mental health professionals: Larry Barnett, Manager, Adult and Emergency Services, Chesterfield CSB Christina Benton, MPH, Suicide Prevention Coordinator, Injury, Suicide & Violence Prevention Program, Division of Prevention & Health Promotion, Virginia Department of Health Margaret Nimmo Crowe, Policy Director, Voices for Virginia's Children, Coordinator, Campaign for Children's Mental Health Dr. Lynne Foreman, Child Psychiatrist, Henrico Area Mental Health & Developmental Services Kim Kittrell, Mother of Brittney Kittrell Sergeant J. J. Riani, Henrico Division of Police
This event is sponsored by Henrico Area Mental Health & Developmental Services, Region IV Consortium (made up of the following Chesterfield CSB, Crossroads CSB, District 19 CSB, Goochland-Powhatan CSB, Hanover CSB, Henrico Area Mental Health & Developmental Services, and Richmond Behavioral Health Authority), Virginia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services, Voices for Virginia's Children and Henrico Crisis Intervention Team (CIT). Admission is free.
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Gina Calhoun at Fairfax W.R.A.P. Facilitator Training
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The Fairfax-Falls Church WRAP Team is excited to report that Gina Calhoun will be coming from the Copeland Center to co-facilitate our WRAP® Facilitator training to be held June 24-29, 2012. Gina is the Copeland Center's National Director of Wellness and Recovery Education and is the 2012 recipient of the Timothy J. Coakley Behavioral Health Leadership Award which honors consumer and family leaders in the behavioral health field. She will be working with two Fairfax-Falls Church Advanced WRAP® Facilitators, Ms. Mimi Ault and Ms. Cici Spencer.
You can find out more by going to the training link on the Team's Website or look here www.fairfaxfallschurchwrap.org
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Mental Health Consumer Art Show Opening Reception
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Mental Health America of Augusta and Western State Hospital art groups are holding
their 4th art show in May, in the R. R. Smith Center, 2nd floor.
On Sunday, May 6th 1:00-3:00 p.m., there will be an art show opening reception in the 2nd floor gallery meeting room. Carole Sease, Occupational Therapist and art group facilitator at Western State Hospital will talk about the therapeutic value of art. Mental health consumers from Staunton, Waynesboro, and Augusta County and from Western State Hospital provide the juried art show of several different art mediums. The public is invited to attend and view the artwork from 10-5, Monday-Friday; 10-4. Saturday; and 1-4 on Sunday. The 2nd floor gallery will be closed to the public after 2:30 p.m. May 10 and May 17th. The Smith Center will be closed Monday, May 28th.
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Connections Support Group in Stafford
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Thursdays from 1:30-3:00 at the England Run Library at Lyons and Plantation
Follows the standards of NAMI and is led by a certified facilitator. Positive supporter for any diagnosis.
Contact Karen at 540.373.1744 or kakallay@gmail.com
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Survivors of Sexual Abuse Co-Ed Group (RIC)
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SAARA Center
Every Monday, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Further questions contact Hallie
halliehartman@rocketmail.com or 804-971-1777
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Mental Wellness Expo: Nurturing a Caring Community
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May 25, 10:00 -4:00 at CitySpace in Charlottesville
Wondering what Charlottesville has to offer when it comes to mental wellness? Expect a day of learning, exchange and community.
We are still seeking exhibitors. Please contact Alice at 434-977-4673 or alicevandersonmha@aol.com at MHA for more information
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Depression and Bipolar Support Group in Fredericksburg
*********************************************** Tuesdays from 7:00-8:45 p.m. at Snowden, side door to room 119. Led by an individual with post-graduate training in counseling. Sponsored by Mental Health America, Fredericksburg.
Contact Lynn at 540.371.2704
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ReelAbilities Film Festival in Richmond
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The Weinstein JCC and the Saul Schottenstein Foundation B are proud to partner with the Richmond Community to bring the ReelAbilities: NY Disabilities Film Festival program to Richmond during the week of May 14-21.
Multiple films and locations.
For tickets call 804.285.6500 or go online at www.weinsteinjcc.org
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Revised Drafts for Review - Second Field Review
Request for Comment by June 1, 2012
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At its meeting on April 10, 2012, the Policy Development and Evaluation Committee of the State Board of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services provided edits to initial revised drafts of the attached policies. The committee is sending the revised drafts out for a second field review (attached in Word documents). To assist the Board with this review, I am requesting that you consider these revised drafts and forward your comments about the continued need for these policies or any suggestions for updates, revisions or rescission.
A. Review of Revised Drafts - Existing Policies
1. Policy 1016 (SYS) 86-23 Policy Goal of the Commonwealth for a Comprehensive, Community-Based System of Services
2. Policy 1034 (SYS) 05-1 Partnership Agreement
3. Policy 1036 (SYS) 05-3 Vision Statement
B. Review of Revised Draft - New Policy: Employment First
4. Policy 1044 (SYS) 12-1 Employment First
Please provide your comments on all of the above by June 1, 2012. Comments received will be considered at the next meeting of the committee in July in Northern Virginia, unless the comments received in coming months warrant another meeting prior to that date. If you have any questions, please contact me.
All information about the State Board of BHDS including policies, meeting dates, etc., can be found on this web page: http://www.dbhds.virginia.gov/adm-StateBoardDefault.htm
Thank you for your assistance,
Ruth Anne Walker, Director, Legislative Affairs DBHDS
(804) 786-1332
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Dual Recovery Anonymous in Fredericksburg
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Thursdays at 8:15 p.m. and Tuesdays and Saturdays from 5:00-6:00 p.m. at Snowden, use side entrance to room 119.
For individuals with both chemical addiction and emotional illness challenges. Reviews national DRA (http.draonline.org) publications. Contacts are Tom and Dawn L at 540.413.6681
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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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