***********************************************************

"Changing Course: New Directions in Mental Health and Recovery" With
Mary Ellen Copeland and Robert Whitaker
***********************************************************

Thursday, June 14^th, from 7 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Join author and journalist Robert Whitaker and mental health educator Mary Ellen Copeland for this important webinar.Respected and rigorous research is showing that mental health challenges are "episodic", which means that they go away over time. Psychiatric medications can cause long term health problems like diabetes, obesity, and sexual dysfunction. These problems do not necessarily resolve when the medications are no longer being taken, and the mental health issues may become more extreme than before.

Robert Whitaker will give an overview of his important book, Anatomy of an Epidemic. As he searched for answers to the troubling question of why the number of disabled mentally ill in the US had tripled over the past two decades, his investigation led to an intensive study of the merits of psychiatric medications and his documentation of the phenomenon that occurs when people who have been taking medications for a long time no longer take them. He found that they experience mental health challenges that are far worse than anything they experienced before they began taking the medications.

Mary Ellen Copeland will share her vision of a mental health system where people who reach out for assistance and support are first encouraged to use their own personal resources to find simple, safe solutions to their mental health challenges. She will speak specifically to the efficacy of using the evidence-based Wellness Recovery Action Plan as the initial and primary support on the journey to recovery.

Click here for more information and to register:

https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/414815536

************************************
New Event Starting at 84 Main in Warsaw
************************************

Every Tuesday from 1:00-2:00 p.m.

"Laughter is the Best Medicine" - inspired by a workshop at the VOCAL conference!
The folks at 84 Main are dedicating an hour each week to increasing the laughter in their lives.

For further information, call 804.333.3581

***********************************************
"Peer to Peer Mental Health Recovery" in Charlottesville
***********************************************   

Saturdays, 10:30 until 11:30 a.m.
JMRL Central Branch, 3rd Floor Jefferson Room in Charlotesville
Contact Pattianne Waters at 540-223-7053 for further information.

********************************************************
Listen to the Webinar! "Shared Decision Making and Recovery: Using
Decisional Support Tools to Advance Recovery Support"
********************************************************

Shared Decision Making and Recovery: Using Decisional Support Tools to Advance Recovery Support

On May 10, BRSS TACS hosted a webinar entitled, "Shared Decision Making and Recovery: Using Decisional Support Tools to Advance Recovery Support." A recording can be found at the link above.

*****************************************************
"Engaging Women in Trauma-Informed Peer Support: A Guide"
*****************************************************     

The draft of the new trauma-care guide for peers is out!

Written by Andrea Blanch, Beth Filson, and Darby Penney with contributions from Cathy Cave

http://www.nasmhpd.org/EngagingWomen.cfm

***********************************************************
Free Webinar: "Ensuring Access & Inclusion in Higher Education: Rights,
Rules, and Responsibilities" on June 6^th from 3:00-4:30 p.m.
************************************************************

The significant disparity in education and literacy levels for people with mental and substance use disorders compared to the general population is a matter of serious concern. For people with mental health and substance use disorders, access to and inclusion in higher education is a central issue in achieving social inclusion.

Access to education impacts the individual in terms of personal satisfaction, wellness, financial stability, and overall opportunity. The community also benefits when people with mental health and substance use problems have access and support to pursue education, graduate, and secure meaningful and rewarding work that contributes to their becoming full participants in the life of their communities.  The statistics show the need for action. Only 35 percent of persons with mental illnesses have a high school diploma, 24.8 percent have completed some college education, and 9.5 percent hold a bachelor's degree or more. These data represent the lowest educational attainment levels of any disability group.

Ensuring proper access for students calls for a proactive approach from the entire higher education community. Most students with these challenges need more than the "reasonable accommodation" offered by the current model of disability services.  Administration; faculty; student services, especially those related to disability; and mental health care providers need a proactive person-centered approach that focuses on how to keep students in school and fosters a system of outreach and support. This outreach and education, along with enforcement of the law, positively impacts the system, supports students in need, and contributes towards moving to a more inclusive society.  

During this webinar you will learn about the administrative, legal, and personal issues related to access and inclusion in higher education for students with mental health and substance use problems and about one university that is leading the way in ensuring that students have the comprehensive supports they need to stay in school and pursue their vocational goals. You will hear how education has made a difference.  

To register:

http://promoteacceptance.samhsa.gov/teleconferences/archive/training/teleconference06062012.aspx

**********************************************************
SAMHSA's Shared Decision-Making Tool for Consumers and Providers
**********************************************************

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has announced the availability of new Shared Decision-Making resources, including an online decision aid that helps consumers make informed treatment decisions about antipsychotic medications. Sections of the tool can be accessed on SAMHSA's website, or you can order a copy of the tool on CD at no additional charge. 

******************************************
Peer Support Group Meeting at 84 Main in Warsaw
******************************************

Wednesday, June 6 from 11 a.m. - noon

Topic: Anger Management

For further information, call 804.333.3581

***************************************************
Eighth Annual "The Art of Recovery" Exhibit Traveling Exhibit
Locations and Dates Announced
***************************************************

The Art of Recovery provides a forum for artists living with mental illness to gain confidence in their abilities, address misconceptions surrounding mental illness, and experience community support.  A record number 170 submissions were received from across the state. A total of 60 pieces from 38 artists were displayed. A total of 17 pieces were sold during the month. (Sold pieces will not be a part of the traveling exhibit.)

The Walkerton Tavern, Henrico: June 2 - 20

The exhibit will once again travel to the beautiful Walkerton Tavern for display from June 2 through June 20, 2012. The Walkerton Tavern is located at 2892 Mountain Road, Glen Allen. This is the third consecutive year they have hosted this exhibit. It will be a part of the first annual Mountain Road Art Exhibit. The traveling exhibit is being coordinated in partnership with the Henrico Area Mental Health and Developmental Services Board. A public reception will be held June 3, 2012 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. An agency reception will be held June 6, 2012 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The Walkerton Tavern hours of operation are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.   

Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, Richmond:
June 25 - July 13

At the invitation of Commissioner James Stewart, pieces from the exhibit will also be on display at the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) from June 25 through July 13, 2012. An open house will be held Thursday, July 12 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Jefferson Building, 1220 Bank Street, Richmond. Artists are encouraged to attend.

****************************************************

Free Third Thursdays Workshop on June 21^st in Charlottesville
****************************************************

7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at the Orange Hill Wellness Center, 401 Orange Street

"How to Improve & Maintain Your Physical & Psychological Health: THROW EVERYTHING AT IT!"

Invite a friend for an informal evening of discussion and interactive activities.

If you would like to register or would like more information, call 434-977-6918 or Workshop@CareerWithHeart.com

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.