NAMI CARES Concern, Advocacy, Research, Education, Support
JUNE 2010 |
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Supportive Financial PlanningThis information comes from the website: wid.org World Institute on Disability
The tips are intended for support staff , but most of the tips could be applied to helping a family member or loved one with saving money.
Tips for helping people with mental illness wanting to save money and build assets
The consumer-operated agency Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey (CSP-NJ) (in collaboration with their subsidiary organization Community Enterprise Corporation, CEC) has successfully developed a supportive housing model and now serves more than 380 consumers. Since 1985, CSP-NJ has developed programs based on a philosophy of mutual aid that is not primarily diagnosis focused and embraces the fact that there is always hope. They offer a few tips for helping people with mental illness wanting to save money and build assets:
1. Recovery from mental illness is a process. Relapses can often happen due to life stressors or crisis, medication issues or for other reasons. A relapse or re-occurrence of symptoms could be a barrier to achievement of financial goals. We suggest that participants develop a Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP), which helps a person plan ahead in case of a crisis. This can be a great tool to prevent a person from withdrawing from the program.
Click this link to see more tips.
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Patient Prescription Drug Assistance Programs
Free or low-cost medications provided by pharmaceutical companies
Some pharmaceutical companies offer medication assistance programs to low-income individuals and families. These programs typically require a doctor's consent and proof of financial status. They may also require that you have either no health insurance, or no prescription drug benefit through your health insurance. You will need to contact the pharmaceutical company directly for specific eligibility requirements and application information. For a list of pharmaceutical companies that offer programs, the drugs that are covered and contact information you can click on this link to the NAMI website.
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Mental Health Parity
Insurers still battle the new law
 Often those with mental illness are forced by the insurance companies to pay one deductible for medical/surgical benefits and on top of that pay another deductible for mental health/substance abuse benefits. Because it is not uncommon for those with mental illness to also have medical issues, this is a hardship for those with mental illness. It could easily result in some people going without treatment.
In the new Mental Health Parity law the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) ruled that having both deductibles
would not be allowed under the new parity law. DHHS wrote the regulations that will guide the practical application of the Mental Health Parity law. They stated in a press release that, "A plan may not apply separate deductibles for treatment related to mental health or substance use disorders and medical or surgical benefits-they must be calculated as one limit".
The insurance companies seem poised to oppose this. One insurance company reasons that since they will have to raise the limit of the deductible to cover both types of issues, this will raise the limit for those that are not getting mental health benefits. They believe that this was not what the law intended. They made this objection just before the deadline was up for making comments about the new regulations. We will have to wait and see how DHHS deals with this. The fight is not over yet!
For more details go to the National Public Radio website.
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Coming Events
July 2010 - No Board MeetingJuly 1 - SaturdayValley West Wellness Fair See details below. July 17 - Saturday
NAMI Illinois Fundraising Gala at the InterContinental O'Hare. Includes a reception with open bar, dinner, several speakers, and silent auction, reverse auction and raffles. Cost per person: $150. For information or to purchase tickets email call: 630-896-6264.
August 3rd, 2010
Cougar's Game: fund raiser for the Kane County Mental Health Court. Donations will be used for program incentives.
August 9th, 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) 896-6264Save These Dates:October 3 through 9, 2010 Mental Health Awareness Week The theme is "Changing Attitudes, Changing Lives." October 9, 2010 - Walk/Run in Batavia: RUN FOR MENTAL HEALTH (Previously called the Bat Run) 9:00am
Go to the website: nami5k.com for more details and to register.
February 5, 2011 - Dinner/Raffle in Geneva
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Health Fair at Sandwich Hospital
Let's Play!
Valley West Community Hospital, part of the KishHealth System, will sponsor the Valley West Wellness Fair. Kicking off the annual Freedom Days celebration, the Wellness Fair is Thursday, July 1, from 1 - 4 p.m., on the north campus of Valley West Community Hospital in Sandwich. The Wellness Fair is open to the public with no admission charge and free parking. The event is designed to share health, safety and wellness information with the community. Last year approximately 2,000 people attended. This year's theme is Let's Play! They will focus on the health benefits of becoming and staying active as a family. Studies have shown that children who develop healthy habits when they're young carry those healthy habits into adulthood. Most booths will have interactive activities, give-a-ways and product demonstrations to compliment the focus and the fair atmosphere. Please stop by the NAMIDKK booth at the fair and say hello.
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New View of Mental Illness
Deep Brain Stimulation may change how we describe mental illness.
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) sends electrical impulses to specific portions of the brain. It requires surgery in order to implant electrodes in the brain and is a newer and more experimental therapy than Electroconvulsive therapy. Previously used for illnesses affecting movement such as Parkinson's disease it is showing promise in use for affective disorders such as severe depression, bipolar disorder and even obsessive complusive disorder.
Researchers are now using brain imaging to map which regions of the brain are affected by DBS. They are learning that DBS stimulates more than just the immediate region where the electrodes are placed. This has lead to a new understanding of how extensively mental illness affects the brain.
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) wants researchers to think of mental illnesses more as "disorders of networks" rather than describing them by "how they make people feel" according to an article in New Scientist. This may lead to new treatment options in the future.
The Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital in Hoffman Estates and Dr. Anthony D'Agustino are part of a study on deep brain stimulation as a way to treat medication-resistant depression. For additional information, contact Dr. Anthony D'Agustino at 847-755-8081. You can also visit the study website. Back to Top |
$$$ Fast Fact $$$
Intensive community mental health services provided to high risk individuals diagnosed with serious mental illness in three California counties revealed significant reductions in days of incarceration, homelessness and hospitalization. Days incarcerated dropped 85 %, hospital days dropped 78% and number of days spent homeless dropped 69%. (Mayberg, S.W., Effectiveness of Integrated Services for Homeless Adults with Serious Mental Illness: A Report to the Legislature, California Department of Mental Health, 2003).
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Mental Health Council
Message of the Month
June 2010
Mental Health Services, a Good Investment
June's message states, "Many feel that treatment for people with Mental Illness is too costly to be considered. However when you do NOT treat people with serious mental illness the results can be far more costly."Find out the facts about why this is true and read the entire article at the Kane County Mental Health Council website.Back to Top
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Stigma!
You are invited to participate in a discussion about the stigma of certain words
Pam Hyde, head of the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), has opened a dialogue about words that are used -- or avoided -- in the mental health community. For example, some believe "consumer" is too vague or demeaning for a person who lives with mental illness, but "patient" and "client" are too medical or subservient in nature. Other terms that may lack clear definition include "mental health" and "recovery."
What do you think? Please read Hyde's invitation for dialogue and the list of terms she mentions. She asks you to let her know your opinion. Please also send NAMI your thoughts at info@namidkk.org and stigmabusters@nami.org. Your opinion is important.
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Readers' Corner
Within Our Reach: Ending the Mental Health Crisis.
By Rosalynn Carter, Susan K. Golant, and Kathryn E. Cade
Rosalynn Carter's new book has received high praise from among others, actress Glenn Close. "As a freshman mental health advocate Within Our Reach: Ending the Mental Health Crisis is now my primer on the state of mental health in our country and the monumental challenges we face. It is not only a clear-eyed, compassionate, deeply-informed call-to-arms from a woman who has been in the health care trenches for forty years, it's also a really good read" (inside front cover of the book).
This book is a critical look at the treatment of people with mental illnesses in this country. While she praises the recent advances in research and treatment, she is quick to admit that stigma is still a problem. She states, "Stigma is the most damaging factor in the life of anyone who has a
mental illness. It humiliates and embarrasses; it is painful; it
generates stereotypes, fear and rejection; it leads to terrible
discrimination. Perhaps the greatest tragedy is that stigma keeps
people from seeking help for fear of being labeled mentally ill".
In a video that can be viewed on Amazon Mrs. Carter expresses confidence that we can and will succeed in improving our mental health care practices, but she asks for help in the monumental task. She also tells us that we don't have a lot of time to waste. We need to get our act together now!
I have not yet read this book, but just by reading about it she inspires me to work harder at making a difference for those with mental illnesses. I should still have many good years of service ahead of me if I consider that Mrs. Carter is 82 years young.
Nina Finch
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Media Corner
National Video Contest: Beginning July 15
SAMHSA and the U.S. Ad Council are sponsoring a video contest beginning July 15 to help educate and inspire young adults 18-25 years old to support friends and family they know are experiencing a mental health problem.
Creative background for the "What a Difference a Friend Makes" campaign can be found at adcouncil.org and whatadifference.samhsa.gov. The contest's goal is to find an engaging, short video to generate content for viral dissemination and to create online "buzz" about the campaign.
The contest will end August 15.
The winner will be announced on September 15 and will receive an all-expenses paid trip for two to the annual Voice Awards gala on October 13, 2010 in Hollywood, where the video will be showcased. Smaller runner up prizes such as Flip cameras will also be awarded.
The contest website will not be "live" until July 15 so please make sure to save this address until then to get full official information: www.whatadifference.samhsa.gov/contest.
Submissions will need to demonstrate a creative and fun way to help a friend during a tough time in their lives. Stories can be drawn from real life or be fictional. The identity of a friend does not have to be revealed.
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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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NAMI Illinois Training Classes
The following training classes will be offered by NAMI Illinois from Nov 12 - 14, 2010:
NAMI Family-to-Family Teacher Training
NAMI Family Support Facilitator Training
NAMI In Our Own Voice Presenter Training
NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group Facilitator
Training
NAMI Basics Teacher Training
There is an application process for these classes. If you are interested in taking any of this training please contact NAMI-DKK at 630-896-6264.
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 Supportive Financial Planning (Cont.)
2. Develop Support Systems. Helping a person develop
circles of supporters who can remind them of their goals and help them
celebrate their accomplishments can be an important factor for success.
Help the person identify supporters.
3. Frequent Check-ins.
Offering regular support via phone contact is key for helping a person
remain focused and motivated towards their goal. Financial services
staff should make a regular effort to contact the individual to check
in and congratulate them on their efforts toward their goals.
4.
Emergency or Short-term Loan Program. Offering a loan program has
helped some people who may have otherwise dropped out of the financial
service program.
5. Start with Small Asset Purchases. We secured
some funds to develop a Savings Club Program so participants could save
for smaller assets (computer, bike, etc) to develop the capacity to
save for larger assets (homeownership, business and post secondary
education). This became a stepping-stone for the longer-term commitment
with the IDA. Participants could experience more immediate success and
this led to being successful with the IDA.
6. Include Everyone
in Financial Training. It has been helpful to also provide financial
service training for the direct support staff that provides services to
the participants. Many times supporters feel so incompetent in terms of
their own finances they lack confidence and skills to be helpful or
supportive. Offering support staff (and even family members) can be
important so the participant's supporter system help them sustain their
efforts toward completing the program.
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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)
Elgin (NAMI, Kane County):
2nd Tuesday
6:30-8:00 p.m.
St, Joseph Hospital
(St. Mary's Room lower
level)
Call Laurie 847-695-7957
NAMI 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 KANE COUNTY ELGIN SUPPORT GROUP:
CARES Support Group - led by and for individuals working towards recovery
Monday
mornings 11:00 - 12:00 p.m.
Ecker Center, Elgin - 2nd Floor
for information: NAMI -
847-426-4594
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
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Consumers' Corner
Calling all consumers!
We would love to have contributions for our newsletter from Consumers who 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. 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.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. |
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.
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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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