In This Issue

DMH Office of Communications and Community Engagement

DMH is Getting Social! 

DMH is on Twitter!

 @MassDMH  

Click here to view the video on the YouTube site

The show's title, Picking Up the Pieces: Dare to Persevere, tag line and video introduction were chosen by young adults with mental health conditions to demonstrate both the challenges and the possibilities that young adults face. The show often highlights different career paths that young adults may take in their desire to make a difference. This particular episode focuses on what it means to be both a Peer Support Worker and a Certified Peer Specialist and points out the important distinctions between the two. Kim is currently running a training for DMH for young adults who would like to enter the workforce as peer support workers.  This training provides an overview of how to identify one's core gifts and turn them into assets and provides some career development supports and skills. It is also a great introductory training for those considering taking the Certified Peer Specialist Course. The next training will start on April 2, 2013 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for 10 weeks at the Young Adult Resource Network (YARN) of the Home for Little Wanderers. For more information, contact Kim Bisset at kim@radiatecareers.com.

Asian American and Pacific Islander Community focuses on Peer Support Whole Health and Resiliency

The National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association (NAAPIMHA), in collaboration with the DMH Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Office of Recovery and Empowerment, held a pilot training of Peer Support Whole Health and Resiliency (PSWHR) specifically for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI). It was a great opportunity for DMH to follow up on one of the important recommendations in the Consumer Track of the Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Forum in June 2012. In the June forum, individuals with lived experience, providers and community health centers indicated that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are under-represented in our statewide consumer empowerment and recovery movement. This was a nationwide pilot, with the intention of modifying the course to make it more culturally relevant to the AAPI Community in Massachusetts and across the country. The graduates of this program are part of the 95 individuals trained as Peer Support Whole Health and Resiliency facilitators in Massachusetts.

The two-day training was very successful. Twenty-three consumers, peers, providers and also community partners from the Asian Mental Health Network, Statewide Immigrant and Refugee Mental Health Network, Transformation Center and Parent Professional Advocacy League attended the interactive training.  One of the highlights was a discussion of the chasm of the pursuit of individual's health goals versus the subordination of personal health to the goal of the family.  The culture of individualism and collectivism poses both strengths and challenges on one's health particularly for Asian women and caregivers. Some concrete strategies are in development to make the training more culturally and linguistically competent.

Peer Support Whole Health and Resiliency training participants and speakers joined with Commissioner Fowler for a photo during the event.   Click here for a large printable version of this photo.

 March WellMASS Wellness TipsMarch is a time to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, and and other springtime traditions and holidays and with these comes the temptation to overindulge in food, and sometimes alcohol and tobacco use.

Click here to learn more about the benefits of reducing or eliminating your alcohol and tobacco use in social settings. Also included is a delicious and healthy recipe for beef stroganoff and a March Challenge. The March challenge contains items to try throughout the month to make small, but achievable changes that really make a difference and will keep you and others safe while still having fun.

Register Today!

B.A.T.T.L.E.M.I.N.D

TRANSITIONING FROM COMBAT TO HOME

Presented by Kevin Lambert 

Department of Veteran Services Statewide Advocacy for Veterans Empowerment (SAVE)   

May 8, 2013

10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
DMH Central Office

25 Staniford Street, Boston  

Boston Room, Plaza level 

The "military mindset" of  a service member is often times not easily understood by their civilian counterparts. Understanding the reintegration process of a returned service member is often difficult without understanding the transition they are making from "soldier to civilian."

In this highly acclaimed presentation, combat injured Army Veteran Kevin Lambert describes the on-the-ground military mindset to civilian audiences. Kevin's presentation highlights the sources of trauma and the significant reintegration and transition challenges veterans face returning to communities, workforce and schools. 

This workshop will also provide a better understanding of the psychological and social stressors endured by service members both during their deployment and upon returning home as well as providing information on how families members, health and human service providers and community members can better assist them in coping with the transition process.

Please email Lisa Colozzo @ CoStaffDev@Massmail.state.ma.us with any questions or to register

Conferences and Events

MA Department of Public Health Suicide Prevention Program 

2013 Trainings  

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health Suicide Prevention Program Workshop Calendar is available with the full schedule of trainings. More workshops will be added throughout the year. When registering, note that each event has tabs titled with information regarding the workshop. Space is limited for each workshop and fills up quickly, so register before the deadline. Click here to view the current Suicide Prevention Training Calendar.

Upcoming Trainings from The Bridge Training Institute

Click here for the complete 2012-2013 training schedule.

Training Institute events are held at the DoubleTree Hotel which is wheelchair accessible to people with mobility limitations. If accommodations such as ASL interpreters or visual aids are needed, please contact Stephen Murphy at:

stevem@thebridgecm.org 

or 508-755-0333 three weeks in advance of the training date.

 Upcoming Workshops at the Center for Professional Innovation 

(formerly Community Program Innovations) 

 CPI offers continuing education for mental health and healthcare professionals and educators, holding day-long workshops throughout Massachusetts on clinical and management topics. Trainings are held in Billerica, Foxborough and Springfield. To view the complete schedule and to register visit  

 http://bridgewellcpi.org   

All facilities are wheelchair accessible. If accommodations such as ASL interpreters or visual aids are needed, email:info@BridgewellCPI.org 

 or call  339-883-2118.

 Click here for the Transformation Center website and all the latest information and events happening throughout the mental health community.   

Please send your event information to

  Michelle Cormier Tallman

by the 15th of each month for publication in DMH Connections 

DMH Holds 2013 Citizens Legislative Breakfast Series

Commissioner Fowler and  the Rokosz Family

Tunefoolery warmed up the crowd at the Northeast region Breakfast at the State House as emcees Ryan Murray and Annabelle Shestak led the program and eloquently introduced DMH Commissioner Fowler and Northeast-Suburban Area Director Susan Wing and legislative sponsors Senator Barry R. Finegold and Representative Theodore Speliotis. Two persons and families with lived experience shared their stories--Mary Rokosz who introduced her daughter Sophie Rokosz. Sophie is currently attending Westborough High School and is an avid book reader. She hopes to attend the University of Vermont to become a writer and a therapist specializing in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Restructuring Therapy. Another speaker, Tori Frazier, is a goal oriented and selfless young woman with great perspective in her life and a desire to help people. She hopes to fulfill this desire by pursuing a career in Psychology

Advocates Music Jam Band woke up the crowd as returning emcee Alan Jensen led a heartfelt program at the Metro Suburban Communities Breakfast, held on Valentines Day. The legislative sponsors were Senator Karen E. Spilka and Representative Ruth Balser. Senator Spilka, pictured left, heard the personal stories speakers Mark Ethridge and family member Katie Harlow, and shared hew own personal experience growing up in a home where her family member lived with mental illness. Mark Eldridge, who receives CBFS supports through Eliot Community Human Services Inc., now lives in his own apartment. He has worked hard for many years to increase his independence and has met many personal goals. 

The Central Communities breakfast was held for the first time in the Conference Center of DMH's Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital (WRCH). DMH Central-West Area Director Susan Sprung introduced legislative Sponsors Vice-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means Senator Jennifer L. Flannigan, pictured here with Commissioner Fowler, and Representative James O'Day. Recovery perspectives were shared by Eric Vassar, Beth Griffin, John Trask and Meri Viano and her son Nico Viano. Both Beth Griffin and John Trask have pursued careers in the mental health field as Certified Peer Specialists and are currently employed at WRCH. Mr. Vassar participated in transitional employment and training through his local clubhouse and today works at Home Depot. He was recently awarded employee of the month for his outstanding work ethic and customer service. His employment has given him the opportunity to be independent and a connection to the community through the colleagues and friends he has made there.

"We have evolved and aligned our programs and services with the preferences of consumers and families who have told us over and over that people recover faster when they are reintegrated into the community and resume their relationships, work, education and life. Ultimately, it is a home, a job, an education, the relationships and social connections that people living with mental illnesses want - it's what we all want - and that is what Community First is all about," said Commissioner Fowler.

The breakfasts continue to be a shining example that our legislative leaders are committed to supporting and funding mental health services to support consumers and families in achieving their goals. Stay tuned to the next issue of DMH Connections for highlights from the Metro Boston, Southeast, and West Communities Breakfast.

Click here to view all of the photos from these breakfasts.

Commissioner Fowler Visits MPHI Residence in Chelsea

Commissioner Marcia Fowler and Deputy Commissioner of Mental Health Services Clifford Robinson recently visited a Chelsea residence operated by MHPI, Inc. to see first-hand the unique and innovative model in place at the facility.

The building is home to elderly residents as well as some individuals with psychiatric needs and is one of few of its kind within the Commonwealth where such an integrated environment exists. Commissioner Fowler and Deputy Commissioner Robinson toured the 60-unit facility, met with two DMH consumers and engaged in a lively discussion with members of MHPI senior management.

"We impress upon our staff just how valuable the work they do on a day to day basis is, and having our special guests learn about it reaffirms this," said MHPI President Sheldon Bycoff.

Since 1975, MHPI, Inc. has worked to enhance the lives of those it serves through a variety of programs. Today, MHPI and its division RSSI Home Care enjoy a presence in Metro Boston, the Greater Worcester Area, Southeastern Massachusetts and Cape Cod.  

On your mark: NAMIWalks ready to go on May 11, 2013!

The National Alliance on Mental illness of  Massachusetts (NAMI-Mass) is gearing up for another record-breaking, stigma-busting, hope-instilling NAMIWalks event Saturday, May 11, 2013 at Artesani Park in Brighton for a 10th consecutive year. The much anticipated walk raises awareness for NAMI-Mass programs, benefiting people affected by mental illness across the Commonwealth. 

Last year, DMH's Walk team, Recovery is Real, trekked the 3 mile course around the Charles River in solidarity with over 6,000 other walkers. On this one day each year, advocates across the state of Massachusetts come together to break down the misconceptions and stereotypes often associated with mental illness. The air is filled with the spirit of hope, recovery and respect and it is a celebrative and empowering event for all who participate.

Get ready to lace up your sneakers, and join the thousands who support people living with mental illness on Saturday, May 11. Registration opens at 9 a.m. and the walk begins at 11 a.m.

To register online, join the DMH Walk Team, or to read more about the NAMIWalk, visit www.namiwalks.org/massachusetts 

For additional information contact Walk Manager Karen Gromis at kgromis@namimass.org or 781-938-4048.

Would you believe this beautiful piece of art was destined for the wastebasket? Artists from the VAST program of the Northeast-Suburban Area took recycling to another level and used iTunes gift cards that would otherwise be thrown out in the trash. The cards were shredded and assembled into this original colorful "DMH" artwork.

Access photos of DMH Events anytime at the DMH Photo Gallery on Shutterfly   

If you have photos from a DMH event that you would like featured as photo of the month or on the site, please send them to

Michelle Cormier Tallman