NAMI CARES Concern, Advocacy, Research, Education, Support
April 2010 |
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Voice
Your Views!
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Clip this coupon for 15% off your taxes
If Illinois legislators will spend tax dollars now and fund adequate health care services can we save millions in tax dollars down the road?
It is a known fact that Legislators do listen to their constituents. That means YOU! Yes, you really can make a difference. The very best way to let them know your concerns is to visit them in their office. The next best way to contact them is with a personal letter through the mail and after that it is probably a pre-written letter that you copy and send with your signature. Somewhat less effective is a call or an email. Petitions show a strength in unity. ANY way that you do it counts!
Give them facts that will help them overcome their concerns about the budget. Providing adequate health care services prevents incarceration, homelessness, and major physical health problems. It is like buying a more efficient home appliance. It will pay for itself quickly by reducing energy costs.
To find the name of your elected officials see the Resources section below. Some statistics are listed below in the article, "Untreated Mental Illness has Deadly and Costly Consequences".
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Your chance for voicing your views is expiring tomorrow! Do something today!
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Untreated Mental Illness has Deadly and Costly Consequences
Statistics from NAMI Illinois Stateline, March, 2010
+ In 2006, 1,010 Illinoisans died by suicide. Suicide is almost always the result of untreated or undertreated mental illness.
+ In 2008, approximately 10,900 adults with mental illnesses were incarcerated in prisons in Illinois
+ Illinois's public mental health system provides services to only 19 percent of adults who live with serious mental illnesses in the state.
Statistics from NAMI Voice, Spring, 2010
+ Major mental disorders cost the nation at least $193 billion annually in lost earnings alone, according to a new study funded by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Statistics from National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare
+ 15% of total state spending ($127.6 billion out of $862.1 billion in total state spending) results from the failure to prevent and treat addiction in public systems from criminal justice to Medicaid to transportation and public safety.
+ For each additional dollar invested in addiction treatment, taxpayers save at least $7.46 in costs to society, including the cost of incarceration. |
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Coming Events
April and May events
April 12th, 2010 - Monday5:30 pm
NAMIDKK Board Meeting
Location: Mental Health Board Room, 400 Mercy Lane, Aurora, IL
Time: 5:00PM Meal/Committees, 5:30 Meeting
Please call the office for more information (630) 896-6264.
May 10th, 2010 - Monday 5:30 pm
NAMIDKK Board Meeting
Location: Mental Health Board Room, 400 Mercy Lane, Aurora, IL
Time: 5:00PM Meal/Committees, 5:30 Meeting
Please call the office for more information (630) 896-6264
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We Appreciate Your Thoughtfulness
Two Families Give Generously
The National Alliance on Mental Illness of DeKalb, Kane South, and Kendall Counties would like to thank the families of Virginia Lightfine and Virginia F. Dolan for directing memorial donations to NAMI.
Memorial donations can be designated for a specific purpose or for the general fund.
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Mental Health Lobby Day
Mark your calendars!
Wednesday, May 5 is a day for action.
The Mental Health Summit, an umbrella group of mental health service providers and advocacy groups, including NAMI Illinois, has tentatively set this year's mental health lobby day for Wednesday, May 5. Early plans call for two simultaneous rallies, one in Chicago and one in Springfield. The Springfield rally will also include time for participants to meet their legislators in person and make the case for protecting mental health services and fixing Illinois broken budget system.
The Summit plans to provide busses to Springfield from several Chicago area locations. Stay tuned for further details.
Can't make it to Lobby Day? Find out how to contact your elected officials in our Resources section.
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Help Fight Mental Illness Stigma
Actress Glenn Close's Anti-Stigma Campaign Joins NAMIWalks
Raising Funds for Hope and Recovery from Mental IllnessThe National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is teaming up with a not-for-profit organization called BringChange2Mind. BringChange2Mind was started by Glenn Close and other organizations that believe in the importance of challenging the stigma associated with mental illness.
Stigma comes from a fear because there is a lack of understanding of what it is like for someone that has experienced a mental illness. BringChange2Mind.org is a website where people with mental illness can share their stories. You can also learn more about mental illnesses and other ways that you can help eliminate stigma associated with mental illness.
Ms. Close is encouraging people to join in the NAMIWalks which are held throughout the country. She will be joining a walk in Maine this coming May. NAMI-DKK holds a run/walk near the end of October around Halloween called Bat Run. Keep watching this newsletter for more information about how you can join the walk later this year.
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NAMI National Convention
Celebrating the Fourth
In Our Nation's Capital!
What better place to celebrate the Fourth of July than in our
nation's capital! Washington's celebration of Independence Day - known
locally as A Capitol Fourth -- opens with day-long performances on the
National Mall by some of the country's top musicians and ends with a
spectacular fireworks display over the Washington Monument accompanied
by a live performance by the National Symphony Orchestra. And, it's ALL
FREE! (The line-up of performers hasn't been announced yet but we'll
share it with you as soon as it is.)
We've planned our 2010 NAMI Annual Conventionprogram to end on the
evening of July 3rd (with our annual banquet) which gives you all day
on the Fourth to enjoy the sights and sounds of one the country's best
celebrations. And, the Hilton's discounted NAMI convention hotel rates
of $155/single and $165 double are good through July 6. So, make your
travel plans now and join us in Washington, DC!
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DeKalb County Resource Fair DEKALB COUNTY MENTAL HEALTH PARTNERSHIP
RESOURCE FAIR
MAY 27, 2010 4:00PM-7:00PM
ORGANIZED BY FAMILY LEADERSHIP ACTION NETWORK-NORTHERN
REGION -DEKALB, DUPAGE, KANE & KENDALL COUNTIES (ILLINOIS CHILDREN'S MENTAL
HEALTH PARTNERSHIP) NAMI DKK WILL HAVE A TABLE AT THIS FAIR WE
NEED VOLUNTEERSTO DISTRIBUTE
LITERATURE AND EXPLAIN WHAT PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES NAMI HAS TO OFFER TO
RESIDENTS IN THE DEKALB COUNTY AREA PLEASE
CONTACT: PHYLLIS GRAESER ( phyllisgraeser@comcast.net) Or CAROL
KLOPP ( caklopp@sbcglobal.net)
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Educational Programs
Helping schools reach out to children with mental illness
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PARENTS AND TEACHERS AS ALLIES:
Parents and Teachers as allies was created to help families and school professionals identify the key warning signs of early-onset mental illnesses in children and adolescents in our schools. The program is intended to provide an educational tool for advancing mutual understanding and communication between families and school professionals. This program is designed for two-hour teacher in-services, parent PTA sponsored evenings, and mental health professional classes.
RED FLAGS:
Red Flags is a depression awareness program for middle school students. It is generally taught in health classes and takes 3-5 class periods. The teacher can choose between 2 DVD's: "Claire's Story," or "Thick'n Thin," a more recent story of teenage depression. Two additional DVD's go with the program, as well as suggested class activites, information on mental illness and discussion topics.
ENDING THE SILENCE:
Ending the Silence is a high school health class presentation, typically presented during the mental health portion of the curriculum. This interactive program teaches the basic signs and symptoms of mental illnesses in teenagers, presents personal stories to reduce stigma, and provides many resource materials for students.
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Consumer Corner
Calling all consumers!
We would love to have contributions for our newsletter from Consumers that would like to share personal stories, poetry, ideas that have helped you make it through the rough times, or any creative work. If you would like to contribute visual art please contact Nina for details on how to do that.
How do you feel about the word "Consumer"? That is the word used by NAMI to indicate a person with a mental illness. Does that word work for you? Do you have an idea for another word that might indicate who you are, yet do it in a positive way? Let us know what you think. Please send your ideas to Nina and she will pass that information on to our Board for consideration.
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Mental Health Council
Message of the Month
March 2010
Mental illness can be hereditary
The Kane County Mental Health Council presents a monthly message discussing many issues concerning coping with mental illnesses. The message for March covers the topic of the cause of mental illness in general stating that research finds that some mental illness have a definite hereditary link. The article concludes with a message of hope that even if a person has a predisposition for a certain mental illness, reducing stress in our lives can help reduce the chances of developing that mental illness. You can read the entire article at the Kane County Mental Health Council website.
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Reader's Corner
Three new books share experiences and hope
NAMI Advocate (NAMI'S monthly magazine) presents some readings that might be of interest.
This month: We've Got Issues: Children and Parents in the Age of Medication, Acing Depression: A Tennis Champion's Toughest Match and The Boy Who Loved Tornadoes
We've Got Issues explores three questions:
Are parents and physicians putting medical labels on children to explain away bad behavior?
Are drugs being used as a substitute for proper parenting?
Do these questions suggest "unacknowledged" issues surrounding how parents perceive themselves?
Using extensive research and interviews the author cuts through myths and hysteria to answer these questions. This book will help you discuss with friends, family, co-workers and others the common misconceptions about how mental illnesses are diagnosed and treated in America.
For more information about We've Got Issues and the other two books go to the NAMI Advocate website. You can order them from Amazon.com through the NAMI Advocate website and part of the proceeds will be donated to NAMI. |
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Fast Fact
When workers with depression were treated with prescription
medicines medical costs declined by $882 per employee per year and
absenteeism dropped by nine days (Health Economics in NAMI Voice,
Spring 2010)
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May is Mental Health Month
The National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare is providing four free webcasts. To learn more about understanding webcasts or to register for the webcasts click on this link to their website.
Understanding Mental Health-Free webcasts
Time: 5-6pmEastern; 4-5pmCentral; 3-4pmMountain; 2-3pmPacific
Dates: May 5, 12, 19, 26
Mental health issues affect all of society in some way, shape, or form. It is estimated that one in four Americans have a diagnosable and treatable mental disorder at some point in their lives. It is extremely likely you will encounter someone in your family, workplace, school, church, or community who is experiencing mental health challenges and requires support and intervention. YOU can help, if you understand....
Join us for a series of four live webcasts
May 5 Understanding Depression
May 12 Understanding Anxiety Disorders
May 19 Understanding Psychosis
May 26 Understanding Substance Use Disorders
Time for all Webcasts: 5 - 6 pm Eastern; 4 - 5 pm Central; 3 - 4 pm Mountain; 2 - 3 pm Pacific
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NAMIDKK
Vision Statement
VISION: NAMI-DKK is dedicated to the eradication of the stigma of mental illness by
improving the quality of life of all those striving for mental health wellness.
NAMIDKK
Mission Statement
MISSION: The mission of NAMI-DKK is to advocate, educate
and support persons, family members and communities dealing with mental health
issues
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Support Groups
NAMI-DKK FAMILY SUPPORT GROUPS
(No charge, no reservations needed)
These support groups provide relevant information, valuable
insight, and the opportunity to engage in support networks. The groups are lead by family members
that have been trained in classes provided by NAMI Illinois.
Aurora:
3rd Tuesday of
the month,
from 7:00-8:30 p.m.
The McDermott room, Provena Mercy Hospital (lower level),
in Aurora.
630-761-6971 (Buzz Hays)
DeKalb:
This support group is not currently meeting. Please contact
our NAMI-DKK office at (630) 896-6264 for the latest information.
St. Charles:
1st Thursday of the month at
7 p.m.
The Congregational
United Church of Christ, 40W451 Fox Mill Blvd. St. Charles, IL. (To get there, go west on Route 64 to
Fox Mill Blvd. and turn left. The
church is south of Fox Mill on the left. The entrance is on the south corner from the parking lot.)
630-584-7481 (Lynette Niequist)
NAMI-DKK CONNECTIONS RECOVERY GROUPS
(No charge, no reservations needed)
Currently the NAMI-DKK Connections Recovery Groups are not
meeting.
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OTHER AREA SUPPORT GROUPS
KENDALL COUNTY SUPPORT GROUPS:
The Kendall County Health Department provides the following
support groups lead by mental health professionals. For further information please contact the KCHD Admissions
Coordinator, Rhonda at (630) 553-9100 X8053
· Life Strengths: Peer
Support for those dealing with chronic mental illness.
· Understanding your
Diagnosis: Family support and for those individual(s) working towards mental
health recovery.
. Dual Diagnosis Group: Treatment for those individuals
addressing both substance abuse and mental health issues.
NAMI DUPAGE COUNTY SUPPORT GROUPS:
NAMI DuPage has several support groups that are open to
anyone no matter where you live. There is no charge for these groups. To find out more about these groups and where they meet you
can go to: http://www.namidupage.org/support/support-groups
NAMI BARRINGTON SUPPORT GROUPS: NAMI Barrington has two family support groups that are open to
anyone no matter where you live. There is no charge for these groups. To find out more about these groups and where they meet you
can click on this link. Back to Top |
Resources
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Volunteer Opportunities
Do you want to help?
NAMIDKK would love to be doing more but there is just not enough time in our days to do everything we think of. If you have an hour or more to help us out we would be glad to hear from you. For some things you do not even need to come into our office to help. If you can help us returning phone calls we will provide training and resource materials. If this is something you would like to do, please contact Elaine at 630-377-1563 or epmulligan1@gmail.com.If you can spend close to 10 hours per week for the next 3-4 weeks we could use your help updating our handbook resource information. You could do much of it from home or possibly the public library. Your help as volunteers would increase our ability to help improve the quality of life for individuals with mental illness and their families. We need: a grant writer, a publicity coordinator, speakers bureau volunteers, help line call takers, dinner/raffle help, more people for our educations programs, someone to join NAMI National's Stigma Buster Alert program, people to help update resource information, as well as newsletter submissions. Back to Top |
Membership BECOME A MEMBER OF NAMI DEKALB, KANE SOUTH & KENDALL COUNTIES
NAMI DKK is a nonprofit organization affiliated with NAMI - The National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Membership includes: Membership in Illinois and National NAMI
NAMI National's publication Advocate (quarterly)
NAMI Illinois' publication Stateline (quarterly)
NAMI DKK CARES email Newsletter (monthly) New members receive a welcome packet and our NAMI-DKK Handbook (when available). Please complete the information below and mail your check or money order to NAMI-DKK 400 Mercy Lane, Aurora, Illinois 60506 Name:___________________________ Address:_________________________ City:_____________Zip:_____________ Telephone (s):_____________________ Email (s): ________________________ Individual: $30/year _______ Advocate: $100/year _______ Lifetime: $500 _______ Written Newsletter Only _______ ($10 suggested donation) Open Door $3/year _______ (Those with limited means/fixed incomes are invited to join at this reduced rate) Donation Only $ _______ Total Enclosed: $ _____________ Note: Membership and donations are tax deductible. Back to Top
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Forward This Newsletter
PLEASE PASS THIS ON
If you know someone that might benefit from getting this newsletter you can use the link below to forward this newsletter to them. If they enjoy it and want to get it all the time they can subscribe, but only if they want to. They will not be automatically put on our mailing list. The newsletter is a great way to keep up with what is going on with NAMIDKK, find resources, and learn about ways you can help.  Back to Top |
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About Us
NAMIDKK can be reached by
phone: 630-896-6264
fax: 630-896-6365
email: info@namidkk.org
mail: 400 Mercy Lane
Aurora, IL 60506
website: namidkk.org
NAMIDKK is an affiliate of a national network of NAMI groups all over the world. The national website
has many resources for both consumers and families, educational
information about mental illness and treatments, and the latest news
concerning our issues.
NAMI Illinois is the state organization
that can direct you to local events and groups as well as keeping us
updated about what is happening in our state. The state website also has resources and links to other organizations.
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NAMIDKK Board of Directors
Phyllis Graeser - President Nina Finch - Vice President Jack Hazel - Vice President Walter Deuchler - Treasurer Mary Ihnenfeld - Secretary Suzanne Deuchler Denise Edwards Bethany Genenbacher Regina Harris Jim McNish Elaine Mulligan Betty Schoenholtz Jennifer Wilcox Legal Advisor: Alschuler, Simantz & Hem, LLC - Jan OPittman, Legal Assistant Accountant: Borhart, Spellmeyer & Co. Back to Top |
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