| Office of Communications and Consumer Affiars |
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Anna Chinappi, Director
Steve Holochuck, Director of Consumer Affairs
Pamela Mason, Information and Referral Specialist
Sarah Spaeth, Communications Coordinator
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| Please contribute to the next edition of DMH Connections |
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Deadlines for upcoming issues:
May 22 for the June 1 newsletter
June 26 for the July 6 newsletter
Please send all materials to
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| Department of Public Health's Blog |
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Click here to view the DPH blog which features expert tips on nutrition and physical activity as well as a roundup of health and wellness events. |
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Child/Adolscent and Licensing Services Division Recipients of Gloria Huntley Award The Department of Mental Health's Child/Adolescent and Licensing Services Divisions will be presented the Gloria Huntley award by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) July 6 during the 2009 Annual NAMI Convention in San Francisco. The Gloria Huntley Award recognizes significant strides in reducing the use of seclusion and restraints in treatment settings.
The DMH Restraint and Seclusion Reduction Initiative has been a team effort of Janice LeBel, Ph.D., Director of Program Management; Joan Mikula, Assistant Commissioner of Child/Adolscent Services; Annabelle Lim, Policy Analyst; Nan Stromberg, former Director of Nursing; Michael Weeks, Director of Licensing; and Liz Kinkead of the DMH Licensing Unit.
DMH, through its Child/Adolescent and Licensing Services Divisions, embarked on a mission to reduce and ultimately eliminate the use of restraints and seclusions in all child and adolescent inpatient and intensive residential treatment facilities in the state in 2001. Recent statewide data for Massachusetts shows an 87% reduction in restraint use statewide, a 76% reduction in medication restraint and a 67% reduction in restraint duration.
The award is named for Gloria Huntley, a consumer who died while being restrained at Central State Hospital in Virginia. She had spent 26 continuous days in restraint when she died. Gloria's death was part of a national media exposé about the lethal effects of restraint and seclusion that led to Congressional hearings, federal and accrediting body regulatory reforms, and new resources from the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration. |
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DMH Coordinates Training with MA Environmental Police The Department of Mental Health, in collaboration with training officer Kevin Clayton of the Massachusetts Environmental Police, coordinated a series of training sessions entitled "Positive Interactions with the Mentally Ill."
The training course was designed to provide assistance for environmental police officers who interact with people with mentally illness in public management areas such as parks and reservoirs. Officers have found themselves in situations in which they have witnessed suicides or were challenged by people trying to commit "suicide by cop."
There were three four-hour trainings held at different locations across Massachusetts - including at Plymouth Country Training Center, the Environmental Police Center at Regatta State Park in Worcester and the United States Fish and Wildlife Services Building in Hadley. The trainings were lead by Barry E. Foster, Psy.D., DMH Central MA Area Forensic Director; John Barber, Interim Area Forensic Director for Western, MA; and Ted O'Brien, retired Southeastern MA Area Forensic Director. All of the approximately 105 environmental police officers participated in the training.
Topics covered at the training included: mental illness - diagnosis and symptoms; communicating with this population; de-escalating anxiety/rage; suicide by cop; trauma and traumatic events; and debriefing after a crisis.
Feedback from the training was very positive. Officer Clayton said the participants provided glowing feedback, saying the mental health training was one of the most useful and pertinent in the training series. |
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Donate Blood Through the MSEBP  Massachusetts State Employees Blood Program (MSEBP) is a simple way to donate blood. Here is an overview of how it works:
Employees may take up to four hours leave of absence with pay, subject to advance approval by their supervisors, for the purpose of donating blood at any blood collection site or hospital in Massachusetts. The leave must be taken on the day that the blood donation occurs and covers the travel time, donation time and recovery time.
Employees will not accrue compensatory time in lieu of such leave. This leave may be allowed for a maximum of up to five times annually, during the period of October 1 through September 30 each year. This leave is designated on HR/CMS using the payroll exception code of "BLD."
Employees who donate blood five times or more between October 1 and September 30 at the American Red Cross, Massachusetts General Hospital, or UMass Memorial Medical Center are also allowed to take up to four hours leave of absence with pay (BLD), subject to approval by their supervisors, to attend the annual MSEBP award ceremonies, which are usually held in November.
Click here to view the form provided by the employee as evidence of having donated blood.
Any questions concerning this leave policy may be directed to Natalie Wadzinski, at 617-878-9710 or Abby Monska at 617-626-8019.
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It's Consumer and Family Survey Time The 4th annual DMH Consumer and Family Member Satisfaction Survey will begin soon. This survey provides important data to support the Department's quality improvement activities and meet federal reporting requirements. A random sample of DMH clients in community and inpatient settings as well as family members of child and adolescent clients will be asked to complete a telephone or mail survey of their satisfaction and outcomes.
DMH has contracted with the Center for Mental Health Services Research (CMHSR) at the University of Massachusetts to conduct this year's Satisfaction Survey. CMHSR is using the MHSIP Consumer Survey as the survey tool. This tool is currently used in most states and is a reliable assessment of consumer satisfaction and outcomes.
DMH clients and family members in all six Areas will be surveyed. Individual responses will be aggregated by Area. The Satisfaction Survey is not intended to evaluate individual programs.
Individuals selected to participate in the survey will be notified by CMHSR. CMHSR will conduct telephone interviews during the next several months and will send surveys by mail to consumers and family members whom they are unable to reach by phone. CMHSR and Central Office staff will work with inpatient facilities to complete consumer interviews. DMH staff can help us by communicating this important initiative to program and provider staff. For more information, please contact Beth Lucas at Beth.Lucas@state.ma.us.
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Parent Support Subcommittee Seeks Members The State Mental Health Planning Council voted to establish a Parent Support Subcommittee. The need for this sub-committee is based on national data that show adults with psychiatric disorders were as or more likely to be parents than adults without psychiatric disorders. In addition, 11% of DMH eligible adults in Massachusetts are parents of one or more children.
In spite of these data, there is only one formally organized program in Massachusetts that offers specific interventions to support parents and their children in recovery - Family Options and the Employment Options Clubhouse.
The initial focus of the subcommittee will be to develop a strategic plan to advise Massachusetts' efforts to develop effective and accessible support programming for both custodial and non-custodial parents recovering from mental illness. Family Options and Employment Options will provide background information on research, national and international programs and potential collaborators in efforts to develop supports for parents recovering from mental illness.
An initial planning meeting will be held in the beginning of May in Boston. The proposed dates are:
Monday, May 18, 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 21, 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. If you are interested in participating on this sub-committee please e-mail Toni Wolf, Executive Director of Employment Options at twolf@employmentoptions.org or call 508-485-5051 x222. Please indicate preference for date of meeting. If you would like further information about the Family Options Initiative or support for parents in recovery please contact Chip Wilder, Director of Family Options, cwilder@employmentoptions.org or 508-485-5051 x240. |
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Multicultural Corner: DMH Selected for National Policy Summit on the Elimination of Disparities in Mental Health Care
 The Department of Mental Health, through the Office of Multicultural Affairs, has been chosen as one of six states to participate in a National Policy Summit on the Elimination of Disparities in Mental Health Care June 8-11, 2009 in New Orleans. Funded by the Center for Mental Health Services of the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the policy summit allows states to send delegations of key leaders to participate in a unique opportunity to initiate or strengthen a major policy initiative to address racial, ethnic and geographic disparities and disparities related to special populations.
DMH's proposal was to develop an interagency policy agreement among the Children's Behavioral Health Initiative (CBHI) agencies that supports the goal of eliminating disparities in mental health care. Activities will include:
1) Defining common data collection elements for race, ethnicity and language across CBHI agencies and developing the capacity to use data on demographics, prevalence data, service utilization and geographic service availability to measure disparities and their contributing factors as well as inform policy and research development, program development, service delivery and clinical practices;
2) Identifying common standards for cultural and linguistic competence that attend to performance and outcome measures for all CBHI agencies and instituting performance measures for providers in contract language, including joint purchasing, to eliminate disparities in access, availability, utilization and outcomes;
3) Developing a shared logic model to guide the system transformation of children's mental health across CBHI agencies to meet the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse communities including the development of specialized community service agencies and operational by an achievable CBHI Cultural and Linguistic Competence Strategic Action Plan;
4) Developing a common multi-pronged approach including the deployment of bilingual bicultural staff, translated materials, appropriate signage, and the utilization of specially-trained interpreters to increase language access.
As a result of the joint policy initiative, the outcomes to be realized are the refined strategic action steps to meet the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse population through:
1) Improved data capacity for analysis of behavioral health disparities and data sharing;
2) New contracts, contract mechanisms and contract language for monitoring and evaluating performance that will result in an expansion of the current provider network and newly-enhanced services to meet the needs of diverse individuals;
3) Creation of greater choice in resources to meet mental health needs that are culturally and linguistically competent through new and/or enhanced services;
4) Improved service coordination across agencies, regardless of the type or nature of the services received or where the service was delivered. The coordination will be seamless and will be based on the needs of the individual across the system of care and;
5) Enhancing language access through improved interpreter and translation services.
The opportunities that currently exist to implement this policy initiative are tremendous. Massachusetts is in the midst of a major transformation of its children's mental health system, sparked in part by the Rosie D. Medicaid lawsuit and the court-ordered remedy plan for behavioral health screenings, assessments, service coordination and home based behavioral supports, and fueled by Governor Patrick's commitment to develop an integrated system of care for children and families with serious emotional or behavioral health needs, and the Children's Mental Health Act of 2008. This joint policy is aligned with the EOHHS Secretary's vision of cross-agency goals and opportunities to improve services and results.
The CBHI agencies include the Departments of Children and Families (DCF), Mental Health, Public Health (DPH), Youth Services (DYS) and MassHealth, the state's Medicaid agency. The Massachusetts Elimination of Disparities Delegation will have 11 delegates, a mix of individuals who have authority and oversight responsibility and can sustain the proposed policy initiative, as well as those who are the key to implementation.
The delegation co-leaders will be Marilyn Chase, Assistant Secretary of Children, Youth and Families who has oversight responsibility of DCF, DYS, ORI and DTA who also chairs the CBHl subcommittee on disparities and Ed Wang, DMH Director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs, who has responsibility and accountability for developing culturally and linguistically competent child and adult service delivery systems. The other members of the delegation are: Lisa Lambert, Executive Director of PPAL, a family advocacy organization; Brandon Ekahtor and Stephanie Morrill, the Transformation Center/Statewide Youth Advisory Council, a consumer organization; Jan Nissenbaum, DCF Deputy Commissioner; Joan Mikula, DMH Assistant Commissioner of Child and Adolescent Services; Robin Callahan, Director of Member Policy and Program Development, and Ann Lawthers, Senior Director of Evaluation and Management, Office of Medicaid and Georgia Simpson May, Director, DPH Office of Equitable Care. We are still seeking a member who represents the refugee and immigrant community.
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We will be posting DMH Connections on DMH's intranet site | |
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May is Mental Health Month Events
The Massachusetts Department of Mental Health is promoting this year's Mental Health Month by raising awareness about mental health and how important it is that all of us enjoy good mental health. To help observe Mental Health Month, DMH and the mental health community will host a number of events and activities statewide to promote mental wellness and overall health in your community. The theme of this year's observance is "Live Your Life Well."
BostonMay 11 to 22 - DMH and Vinfen present "Recovering Our Dreams: Rehabilitation Through Art," Doric Hall State House; May 11 opening reception at Nurses Hall, State House, 2 p.m. May 21 - Express Yourself "Bounce," features the artistic talents of more than 150 youth from 14 DMH treatment programs at The Wang Theatre, 7 p.m. Free and open to the public. May 31 - NAMI Walk "The Recovery is Real Team" features DMH employees and consumers, at Artisani Park along the Charles River in Brighton. Check in time 9 a.m. For more information visit www.namimass.org. Metro Suburban Area
May 4 to 8 - PhotoVoice: Celebrating the photography exhibits from PhotoVoice parent participants with South Shore Mental Health and Wayside Youth and Family Support Network. An opening reception will be held on Wednesday, May 6, at the State House in Doric Hall 1 to 3 p.m May 5 - "Your Community Breakfast." Members and staff of Neponset River House will host a breakfast for town officials from the 12 towns served by NRH. Leaders of Riverside Community Care will be present, as well as representatives of Riverside Emergency Services 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. Contact Dannielle Ford-Allen at 781-762-7075 May 5 - Potter Place Family and Friends Night. Event to raise awareness and gain support for Clubhouse recovery-oriented services from 5 to 7 p.m.
May 7 to 10 - Annual art exhibit in honor of Mental Health Month. This year's exhibit presented in partnership with the Town of Framingham. All entries in the exhibit will be on display in Costin Room of the Framingham Public Library throughout the month of May.
May 13 - Atlantic Clubhouse at 338 Washington St., Quincy will host a Wellness/Recovery Fair, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Contact: Belinda Ellison 617-770-3314
May 20 - The Hope Fair, as part of the ongoing Hope Project at Westborough State Hospital, in the Day Treatment Center area in the Hennessey Building 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 21 - The Arlington Children's Mental Health Forum, Robbins Library, Mass Ave. in Arlington from 7 to 8:30 p.m. May 25 - Mental Health Awareness Month Memorial Day Cookout, free cookout is offered to the members, friends and family of Neponset River House, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Contact Dannielle Ford-Allen at 781-762-7075 May 25 - Eliot House, 255 Highland Avenue in Needham, will be hosting a barbecue for Mental Health Month at noon. Contact Eric Quist 781-449-1212 Southeastern AreaMay 4 - TSH Developing Collaborative Safety Plans for Children and Families with speaker Peter Evers DMH SEA Director, Gifford Building, 2 to 4 p.m. May 4 - At TSH Glass Building dining room, "In Your Own Voice," a NAMI program with a client in recovery talking about his experiences and ideas on how to cope in the community, 7 p.m. May 7 - "Bipolar and Depression Group" open to the community. Popular group now available to the local community in the Ricky Silvia Recreation Building at TSH, 6 to 7 p.m. May 12 - Basic Education Support for DMH youth and families: tools for child staff to help parents understand special educational services for youth with serious emotional disturbance, at TSH, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. May 12 - TSH COO Roberta Guez will be guest speaker at Taunton City Council meeting, discussing mental health issues, 7 p.m. May 19 - Recognition of Volunteer Chaplains - Recognize three volunteer chaplains during May at their weekly community service at Glass Dining Room 2:30 p.m. May 20 - Plymouth Bay Clubhouse will hold their annual "An Alley Rally for Mental Health Awareness" at the Alley Kat Bowling Lanes in Kingston 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. May 21 - Choose Hope - Resilience and Recovery for Families, sponsored by PIN with keynote speaker school Superintendent Morton Sherman, Ed.D., at the Holiday Inn Taunton, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. North East Area
May 8 - "Fund Raising Yard Sale" at the Point After Club, 43 Jackson Street, Lawrence, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 13 - Community Resources Fair offering information about employment, education, benefits, legal, housing and more. Several providers and community agencies will display tables, at the Point After Club, 43 Jackson Street, Lawrence, 10 a.m. to noon. May 15 - Annual Patient Canteen fundraiser, bake sale and flea market at Tewksbury Hospital from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 21 - Appreciation Night, Annual event to recognize family, friends, employees, employers and community, Point After Club, 43 Jackson Street, Lawrence, 5 - 7 p.m. May 27 - DMH North East Area annual community cookout, an opportunity for those connected with the hospital (past or present) to get reacquainted and reconnect, Tewksbury Hospital at noon. May 27 - Members Reach Out Day, cookout, phone calls, cards and recognition to past and present members, at the Point After Club, 43 Jackson Street, Lawrence 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Western Massachusetts Area
May 5 - Celebrate Children's Mental Health Week with an opportunity to honor those who have worked hard for our children; dinner; and speaker David Lovelace, author of "A Memoir of My Bipolar Family - SCATTERSHOT" at Summit View Banquet House in Holyoke, 6 to 9 p.m. Central Massachusetts Area
May 4 - "Fine Line: Mental Health/Mental Illness," documentary of voices, stories and portraits at Mechanics Hall in downtown Worcester. Contact Paul Richard for information 508-860-1217 May 7 - Susan Giuleo Ph.D. presents "Your Beautiful Child: A Strength-based Approach to Parenting Beyond Diagnosis and Disability," Manor Restaurant in West Boylston, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. For more information call the Parent/Professional Advocacy League 508-767-9725 May 16 to 17 - Outreach van staffed by Bridge employees and consumers will distribute information about mental illness. Stops include Elm Park and the Walk for Homeless May 30 - Alternatives, Inc. Valley Friendship Tour, register here: https://alternatives.dojiggy.com/registration2/index.cfm?EventID=5900 Whitinsville, 9 a.m. |
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Employment Program Enriches Lindemann Community
By Molly Swanberg  The Erich Lindemann Mental Health Center (ELMHC) is a place where peers and professionals work hand in hand to provide a variety of services to DMH affiliates and consumers alike. One of the many unique features of the Lindemann community is the transitional employment program that it houses. With the help of 13 hard-working consumers, a variety of services are available to those who work, live in or visit the building.
Specifically, North Suffolk Transitional Employment (NSTE), funded by the Metro Boston Area Recovery Learning Community, consists of three separate positions which are shared among a group of consumers. The coffee shop on the mezzanine level of the Lindemann Center is peer-supervised and staffed entirely by people diagnosed with various mental illnesses. Secondly, gym attendants are responsible for monitoring the activity in the Lindemann Center gym, replenishing supplies and tracking gym attendance. Finally, NSTE employs five mail clerks who see that everyone in the building gets their mail sent and delivered in a timely fashion. There is consensus at the ELMHC site that the NSTE staffs contribute to the diverse culture and sense of community in the building.
 Following the principles of the DMH "Healthy Initiatives," the Coffee Shop will be changing its menu to include a myriad of healthy items for both breakfast and lunch. Such items may include fruit smoothies, yogurt, whole-grain cereals, salads and several other health conscious choices. Efforts are also being made to increase the hours of operation at the Lindemann Gym and Fitness Center, with the hope that more consumers and staff will incorporate physical activity into their lives.
If you are at the Lindemann please stop by the Coffee Shop. It is located around the corner from the Campus Police desk in the Lindemann Center. We will be serving fresh iced coffee during the spring and summer months. The Coffee Shop is open Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. All Coffee Shop revenue benefits the North Suffolk Transitional Employment Program and supports getting people with disabilities back to work. |
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Day in The Life  Name: Ann Roy
Location: DMH Northeast Area (NEA)
Job Title: Director of Rehabilitation
What are your main job responsibilities?
In order to serve as a link between the North East Area (NEA) community and Tewksbury Hospital, I promote and enhance our continuum of care through communication, shared planning and the identification of gaps in or barriers to service. I also develop and maintain linkage between NEA and local and state rehabilitation agencies.
I solicit suggestions, feedback and information about existing services, needs and barriers from individuals receiving services, their families and friends when indicated, DMH staff and providers to ensure that stakeholders are included in the evaluation and planning of rehabilitation services.
I also disseminate information about current research, trends, resources and best and promising practices in the area of psychiatric rehabilitation and recovery.
What is a "typical" day like? Is your routine basically the same every day? Does it change a lot?
I typically spend at least a portion of my day at the hospital. My day often includes time in the community participating in the disability employment collaboratives in our NEA sites, meeting with and serving as the rehab liaison to NEA community programs and agencies including the Recovery Learning Community (RLC), Clubhouses, MRC, the Career Centers, The Transformation Center, local Youth Council/P21 groups and other agencies. I'm also involved in statewide work groups including the Healthy Changes Task Force, The Civic Engagement Work Group of the Interagency Council on Housing and Homelessness, The Friends' Voices of Rehabilitation and Recovery, MassPRA (the Massachusetts chapter of the United States Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association), and the Employment NOW coalition, a grassroots cross disability advocacy group.
What are your greatest challenges?
Both challenging and rewarding is working with NEA staff and service recipients to operationalize practices that support recovery and resiliency in a way that respects the needs and abilities of the individuals served as well as the staff who are asked to make changes in the way they do their jobs. Of particular importance is ensuring that our services are inclusive and strength-based, promote and support healthy lifestyle changes, and meet the rehabilitation needs of a diverse population.
One other rewarding and challenging part of my job has been working to incorporate recovery/peer specialists into the hospital's Rehabilitation Department workforce.
What are your greatest rewards?
The development of the NEA Recovery Action Team and the ongoing success of its initiatives such as developing a recovery based vision for DMH NEA; planning and hosting two very successful Recovery Events; and supporting the development of an inspirational mini-documentary entitled "Recovery: The Sky's the Limit." This DVD was produced by Tewksbury social work staff along with several persons in recovery who generously shared their journeys and their wisdom. Other rewards are helping to develop guidelines for person centered language and planning several recovery trainings in the NEA community and at the hospital.
Working in both hospital and community settings provides a "link" in the continuum of services and gives me a unique perspective on the strengths, changing needs, potential barriers, and opportunities in NEA rehabilitation services. This in turn enables us to work collaboratively to enhance continuity of care, particularly in the area of rehabilitation.
What advice would you give someone considering your profession?
· Always be hopeful and cultivate hope in others.
· Keep an open mind and be ready to think outside the box to support individuals in their recovery.
· Be ready for and embrace change, as psychiatric rehabilitation is a dynamic and expanding field.
· Be willing to listen carefully to others and really hear what is said.
· Always be respectfully persistent in your advocacy and in promoting best practice.
· Read and network to stay current and connected. It goes without saying that you need to enjoy people, partnerships, and teamwork. |
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Tunefoolery and "The Soloist" Showcase the Benefits of Having a Creative Outlet for Hope and Recovery
By Michelle Cormier, DMH Central Office Tunefoolery is a group of about 50 musicians with mental illness. They are funded by DMH and numerous supporters, and recently moved from Cambridge to Boston when they acquired a new practice and rehearsal space at the Fuller. They come together as ensembles and solo acts and perform many genres of music at mental health programs, hospitals and nursing homes. They also educate their audiences about the talents and capabilities of people with psychiatric disabilities.
A group of DMH staff had the opportunity to see them on April 25 when they performed at the opening night of the film "The Soloist" at Kendall Square Cinema. David played guitar before the first showing and Ruth Anna played keyboard between the first and second showings. Both musicians played smooth and calming selections that brought a refreshing and relaxing ambiance to the movie theater lobby. Rick, a band member who plays guitar and sings '70s cover songs in their rock band, distributed flyers and answered questions about the band. He says he feels "privileged to be here and optimistic about our future and I'm also looking forward to seeing the movie." He says for him the band is "a chance to share my music, the good company of my peers and a talking point with my family and friends which I am proud of."
" The Soloist" was a wonderful movie to pair with this performance as it is based on the true story of Nathanial Anthony Ayers (Jamie Foxx). A very talented musician, Ayers studied at Julliard, but dropped out and became homeless while struggling with schizophrenia. Ayers meets and finds support from Steve Lopez (Robert Downey Jr.) an L.A. Times columnist. Mr. Lopez decides to write a column on Mr. Ayers. After researching his family and background and meeting up with him often, he finds himself becoming very much attached to Mr. Ayers. Through readers of his column, he acquires donations of instruments and even sets him up with an audition to the LA Philharmonic. Mr. Lopez strives tirelessly to change him by finding him an apartment, pleading with case workers to make him get medication and treatment, and having Ayers' sister become his guardian. His intentions are pure with the goal of Ayers getting his life together and playing Beethoven in the symphony. He continues this to the point where he lets his own family and personal issues fall apart. Lopez's mentoring and Ayers' love of music certainly serve as outlets for his self betterment and lead him to keeping his apartment, taking care of his cello and performing for his peers. To Lopez's disappointment, Ayres is not open to the point of medications and treatment or having a guardian and in a fit of rage he turns on Lopez. Lopez feels like he failed and follows Ayers wishes to leave him alone. In the end, Lopez's ex-wife, who he reconciles and remains friends with, finally pushes him to see Ayers again by saying, "just show up and be his friend," which he does. Ayers apologizes and they continue their relationship as friends.
Tunefoolery is a living example of how even in economic hard times, having simple supports like music, art, sports or hobbies can create hope and encourage resiliency and recovery. One of Tunefoolery's musicians was hospitalized several times and spent many years in treatment programs and is now a successful piano teacher and inspiring composer. She wrote her first piece of music in a Tunefoolery songwriting workshop.
I left this night believing that even when an individual with mental illness is not ready or able to seek formal treatment and recovery, we can meet them individually where they are. We can give them the support to take even the small steps that they are willing to receive. Tunefoolery's Ruth Anna says it best in their flyer, "If you have a happy place, you can just keep going. Tunefoolery has been a lifeline to hope for me, and a happy place." Visit their website at www.tunefoolery.org.
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NAMI Walk The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Massachusetts (NAMI Mass) is gearing up for its 6th annual WALK on Sunday, May 31, 2009.
NAMI Mass is a leading non-profit support and advocacy mental health organization that provides education, family and consumer support groups, information and referral services and grassroots advocacy. NAMI Mass provides much of its support through its 23 local affiliate organizations and a membership base of almost 3,000 spread throughout the state.
One of the vital ways in which NAMI Mass and its local affiliates provide programs and support is through the annual WALK. Forty-five percent of the NAMIWalks Boston money goes back into local activities throughout Massachusetts that fight stigma and educate consumers, families and the general public. In 2008, NAMIWalks Boston raised the most money of more 70 NAMIWalks across the nation. Additionally, NAMIWalks Boston had the biggest crowd with over 6,000 participants. For 2009, NAMI Mass hopes to build on its success and raise over $400,000.
Click here to join DMH's "Recovery is Real Team" or to make a donation to a walker. So far the "Recovery is Real Team" has recruited 170 walkers and raised $5,347!
 You can also help support the "Recovery is Real Team" at one of their ice cream fundraisers. See below for locations and times: May 7 - 2 - 4 p.m. in the Turville Conference Room @ the Shattuck
May 8 - noon - 2 p.m. Cambridge/Somerville
May 15 - 1 - 3 p.m. Mezzanine Café @ the Lindemann
May 21 - 12:30 - 2:30 p.m. Patio @ the Fuller
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Former NFL Star Shares His Struggle with Depression Last month the annual Substance Abuse Round Table, an event that focuses on substance abuse and mental health issues for youth in Taunton and surrounding communities, took place at the Taunton Holiday Inn. This event has occurred annually for more than ten years, is supported by local schools, Community Partners - an agency providing support for individuals with disabilities, the Department of Mental Health and the local law enforcement community. This year, the event was organized largely by high school youth from the Area with co-emcee youth and several young people telling stories of their own experiences with substance abuse and mental illness as well as those of peers. The role of youth in managing this conference has gradually increased over the years, culminating in their up-front presence this year.
 The keynote speaker for this event was Eric Hipple (pictured right), a former NFL quarterback who had a ten-year career with the Detroit Lions. Eric described his own struggles with depression during his college years. After leaving the NFL, Eric ran a business and suffered the tragic loss of his teenage son to depression and substance abuse. He was devastated by this loss but chose through his own recovery to become involved in providing outreach and education to his community in Michigan in an effort to help people recognize the signs of substance abuse and mental illness he felt he had overlooked in his son.
The organizers of the Round Table were able to enlist Fox 25 news in filming parts of the event. This led to Fox inviting Eric to tell his story the next day on their morning show. He also described the involvement of the young people leading the Round Table and shared how impressed he was with their commitment and competency. Click here to watch Eric's interview with FOX 25.
The collaboration of the agencies that have worked on the Round Table over the years is also the genesis of a local jail diversion program called the Community Crisis Intervention Team. The CCIT provides annual training for police officers, probation officers and a variety of human services providers on mental illness, services available and ways to divert individuals with mental illness from the criminal justice system towards more appropriate services. This past year, the CCIT offered its first separate training focusing on youth which will, by popular demand, expand to two days next year. This program also creates a forum for case conferences with a wide array of experts and service providers to assist in situations involving mental illness, substance abuse and legal system issues.
Click here to view more information about the Substance Abuse Round Tables that have occurred over the years.
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Young Adult Training Series With the growing interest in Youth Voice, the requests and opportunities for young adult participation and contribution at various venues within DMH also increases. To begin addressing this need, the Department, as part of its efforts with the Transition Age Youth Initiative, and The Transformation Center are collaborating on the development and implementation of a training series designed specifically for transition-age youth ages 16-25. The purpose of these trainings is to help prepare young adults for their involvement across various leadership roles. These roles can range from public speaking engagements at conferences or trainings, participation on advisory councils, to peer mentoring or peer specialist jobs.
The first of this training series was a kick-off event held at the Honan-Allston Branch Library in Allston on April 8. More than 25 participants attended this training and included a combination of transition-age young adults and their supporters. The kick-off event provided an overview of leadership, emphasized the importance and value of young adult leadership, and helped individuals determine their own strengths and interests as leaders.
Two young adults who have taken on leadership roles are Matthew McWade, the DMH Statewide Youth Coordinator, and Brandon Ekhator, a peer mentor at Tempo and one of the two young adult representatives on the Children's Behavioral Health Advisory Council (CBHAC). Both Matthew and Brandon shared their respective leadership experiences with the group. Matthew said that in the development of his leadership role, he came to the realization that his "perspective and experience as a young adult with mental health services IS important and valuable...especially in being able to provide the young adult perspective at the planning stage." Brandon shared that in his role he enjoys helping other young adults by being a "voice of change." In this role, he can address his passion to determine "How can we help young adults heal? How can we help teach them to be adults, learn to be comfortable in their own skin, be confident to grow and not be scared to share their experience?"
The next training in the series will be held on May 8 at the Honan-Allston Branch Library. This training will focus on how to develop and present one's personal recovery story. The young adults will learn the important elements to include in a story, how to prepare, how to respond to someone else's story and the importance of self-care in the process of disclosure.
The intent of these trainings is that the skills learned from these training series will be helpful as young adults take a more active role with various opportunities such as leading and facilitating meetings, participating on advisory or steering committees, speaking in public forums, self-advocacy, or as peer roles/support. The hope is that these skills will be applicable and help young adults with their employment and educational opportunities.
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Conferences and Events
May 11 Youth Mental Health:
Needs, Challenges and Opportunities
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the
Sherman Auditorium
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center-East Campu, No Fee
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