MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
| November 2012
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National Alliance on Mental Illness, California State Organization
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 Welcome Members and Affiliates
We welcome your ideas for topics to cover, your feedback on issues that face consumers, families, and providers across the state. Contact us at newsletter@namicalifornia.org.
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Mental Illness and Young Adults
California's Lomax family faced a common problem for parents of college age children with mental illness. If the child is over 18, parents do not have access to medical records, cannot compel the young adult to take needed medications and get limited access to health care providers to discuss the child's diagnosis or prognosis. If the patient is delusional, there is little the parent can do legally to force long-term treatment.
In an insightful story on the Lomax tragedy, NAMI California Board Member Amanda Lipp reveals her own struggle to balance recovery with family and school. The Lomax family participated in NAMI Bikes last weekend to help fight stigma.
View the news story.
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Riders and Volunteers Complete First-ever NAMI Bikes for Northern California.
Riders, speakers and volunteers gathered in Davis, Saturday, Nov. 10, at the inaugural NAMI Bikes of Northern California.
All who were participating turned out in good spirits for the anti-stigma ride with three different choices of a 12, 25 and 50-mile route through the beautiful towns of Davis and Winters.
Many riders chose a casual pace that allowed them to meet and network together.
View more photos at NAMI California.
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Workshop Applications for 2013 NAMI National Convention
Workshop applications for the 2013 NAMI National Convention are now open! Our convention theme this year is: Together We Can Make a Difference! The theme reflects our program priorities on inclusion, diversity, recovery and outreach to young adults.
We will be meeting in San Antonio at the Grand Hyatt Hotel over the dates of June 27-30. (Workshops will be scheduled on June 29 and 30.)
Please keep in mind that it is very important to include the perspective of a person living with a mental illness and/or a family member in your presentation
Please note the following important dates:
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Workshop applications opens:
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10-22-2012
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Workshop applications due:
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12-03-2012
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Workshop decisions made:
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02-01-2013
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For more information on the convention and for workshop applications please visit: www.nami.org/convention
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A Special Beginning: Assessment
Third in a series of columns by Roger Greenbaum
For a student experiencing a mental health disability, the school's response should begin with "assessment." An assessment is supposed to provide a custom-fitted lens for seeing whether a young person's schooling-related difficulties are associated with a mental health disability.
It's important for parents and caregivers to know that, for purposes of determining a student's eligibility for special education, assessment is more than just a strange three-syllable word. It's a right.
Read on...
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NAMI California Regional Meeting in Santa Barbara Featured Trainings and Grant Updates
 The staff of NAMI California would like to thank the Santa Barbara and Ventura affiliates for participating in the NAMI California Regional Meeting in Santa Barbara on October 22nd.
Bettie Reinhardt, Kathleen Derby and Margot Carmassi traveled to Santa Barbara and were welcomed by a great group that is passionate about mental health in their communities. Bettie Reinhardt conducted a NAMI Smarts training, and Kathleen Derby presented important information about CalMHSA grant and how it is rolling out in the local affiliate offices, as well as an update on MHSA, the changes in Sacramento and how this can affect services and programs.
The affiliates met with the county mental health directors from their local areas, and an informal roundtable discussion followed that addressed important issues in their communities. A break-out session followed where information was shared with the group.
NAMI California Board of Director Ratan Bhavnani attended the Santa Barbara meeting representing the Ventura affiliate, and we appreciated the great response from this group in identifying the successes and challenges that local affiliates face.
Our special thanks are extended to Ann Eldridge for her assistance in making arrangements for our great meeting location and for helping with the meeting logistics. Thank you, Ann!
We'd like to thank all who have helped host and participate in regional meetings held this year, and if you would like information about upcoming regional meetings in your area, please contact the NAMI California office.
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California Mental Health Planning Council (CMHPC) Is Recruiting
Join the The California Mental Health Planning Council (CMHPC) and help achieve their mission of evaluating the mental health system for accessible and effective care. They advocate for an accountable system of responsive services that are strength-based, recovery-oriented, culturally competent, and cost-effective. To achieve these ends, the Planning Council educates the general public, the mental health constituency, and legislators.
Membership commitment is for three years and all council members are required to participate in four 3-day meetings a year in different regions of the State (the CMHPC pays for travel, lodging, and provides a daily per diem). Committee members are also required to serve on a minimum of two committees within the CMHPC at these meetings.
The vacancies are for:
- 4 direct consumers
- 2 family members
- 3 professional providers,
- 2 state representatives (one is for Medi-Cal and the other is for an Ex Officio which was held by OAC member but is listed as state)
Click for the application. As always, the CMHPC is looking for broad diversity in terms of age, culture, and geography. Please send completed applications to:
Vanessa Baird, Deputy Director
Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Services
Attn: Michele Taylor
1501 Capitol Avenue, MS 4000
P.O. Box 997413
Sacramento, CA 95899-7413
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NAMI California Affiliates Moving Toward the Affiliation Process
NAMI California is excited to announce that we have six affiliates who have passed resolutions that communicate their intent to pursue affiliation through the NAMI Standards of Excellence.
Congratulations to:
- NAMI Alameda County South
- NAMI Amador County
- NAMI Butte County
- NAMI Placer County
- NAMI San Joaquin Valley
- NAMI San Diego County
Currently NAMI is receiving resolutions from NAMI Affiliates whose board of directors expressed the intent to enter into an Affiliation Agreement with NAMI with the intention of achieving and maintaining the NAMI Standards of Excellence.
If you would like more information on how your affiliate can begin working on their resolution, contact Kris Amezcua at kris.amezcua@namicalifornia.org. Or call 916-567-0163.
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President Obama Congratulates Volunteers in Ventura County
 NAMI Ventura County is proud to announce we have awarded 5 volunteers with the President's Volunteer Service Award, a national honor offered in recognition of volunteer service.
The award is given on an annual basis to individuals who have met or exceeded requirements for volunteer service and have demonstrated exemplary citizenship through volunteering.
NAMI Ventura County has a long history of volunteer service, and more than 100 volunteers give their time and energy to us every year-doing things like teaching Family to Family classes, working as a Friend in the Lobby, answering the Helpline, and much, much more. Each hour contributed makes a difference in fulfilling NAMI Ventura County's mission!
To be eligible for the award, NAMI Ventura County submits a record of the volunteer's service hours to the certifying agency. Five NAMI volunteers qualified, each donating more than 100 hours to NAMI Ventura County.
This year, the President's Volunteer Service Award was given to:
- Janna Fabris,180 hours
- Diane Bustillos,176 hours
- Jackie Bradford,142 hours
- Basil Augustine,132 hours
- Sandy Rose,125 hours
NAMI Ventura County thanks all its volunteers, and a special congratulations go out to the recipients of the President's Volunteer Service Award!
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Working Well Together News
 The "Power" of Peer Support: Transforming the Mental Health System A Central Region Training in Kings County When: December 6, 10 am - 4 pm. What: A free training for consumers, family members, and parent partners as paid and non-paid volunteer and stipend reimbursed staff with lived experience in California's central region area. Workshop activities will promote retention and success in the workforce through essential skill building (e.g. communication, team building and recovery support within system transformation). Where: 450 Kings County Drive, Suite 104, Conference Room B, Hanford, CA 93230 Special thanks to Kings County Behavioral Health for facilities. For additional information, contact Ron Shaw, WWT Program Specialist |
College Survey: 64 Percent of Students with Mental Health Problems Withdraw from School
 Sixty-four percent of students who experience mental health problems in college end up withdrawing from school, according to a survey report, College Students Speak, released today by the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
"The numbers are dramatic. They point to a 'shadow' mental health crisis that colleges and universities need to address," said NAMI Executive Director Michael J. Fitzpatrick. "Mental illness can be treated and successfully managed, but too many students are forced to abandon their promise and talent when they confront mental health issues in their college careers. The survey reveals an extremely important need to train college faculty and staff as a first line of defense for mental health awareness," Fitzpatrick said. Fifty-one percent of the students who responded to the survey experienced either depression or bipolar disorder. The 20-page survey report is available at www.nami.org/collegesurvey A total of 765 students living with mental illness took the nation-wide online survey from August to November 2011. This is the first time survey results have been released. Read additional findings. |
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OC Hotline Provides 24/7 Support
In celebration of Mental Illness Awareness Week (October 7-12) and World Mental Health Day (October 10), the Orange County Health Care Agency encouraged people to learn more about mental illness and the available resources in Orange County, by writing down two important phone numbers.
Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services. Hotline: 1-877-7CRISIS: One in four adults experiences a mental health problem in any given year. Orange County's mental health and crisis prevention hotline provides confidential phone assistance 24 hours a day/7 days a week to anyone seeking crisis or suicide prevention services. The hotline is operated by Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services.
NAMI OC Warmline: 1-877-910-WARM: For non-crisis mental health support, the Warmline is available to callers struggling with mental health or substance use disorders. Callers speak with an understanding person who has been through a similar journey and is able to provide a friendly voice and information about mental health resources. The Warmline is operated by the National Alliance on Mental Health, Orange County Affiliate.
Since the inception of both lines in August 2010, there has been an overwhelming response. Over 11,700 calls have been made to the Hotline and nearly 65,000 people that live or work in Orange County have been reached through community events. The Warmline has processed over 18,000 calls-412% more calls than anticipated. In just one month, July 2012, the Warmline handled 998 calls.
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Family Programs News
Save these dates for the Family Programs trainings for the fiscal year:
2012
- November 30 - December 2, Train the Trainer - Support Group - in Sacramento, CA
2013
- January 18-20, Spanish Familia a Familia, in Los Altos, CA
- February 8-10, Teacher Training, Pittsburg, CA
- April 12-14, Support Group, Pasadena, CA
- May 31 - June 2, Teacher Training in Citrus Heights (Sacramento) CA
If you are a current NAMI support group leader, please consider applying for becoming a support group trainer. Contact Lynn Cathy at: Lynn.Cathy@namicalifornia.org
If you would like to become involved as a Family to Family teacher or support group leader, please contact your local affiliate.
Thank you!
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NAMI California Financial Statements and Supplemental Information
NAMI California is posting the most-recent Independent Auditor's Report, June 30, 2011.
Click here to read the full report.
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| Contact Information |
newsletter@namicalifornia.org
or call NAMI California
(916) 567-0163
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Proud Sponsor of NAMI California: 
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NAMI California's Tree of Tribute
Fiscal Year 2011-12
Each year many donors elect to give a gift in celebration of an event, in honor of a special individual or in memory of a loved one.
The Tree of Tribute formalizes this tradition by providing a lasting acknowledgement
for individuals who are remembered, individuals who are honored or have an enduring record of a significant celebration.
Gifts in Celebration, in Honor or in Memory
Gifts of $500 or more will be eligible for an engraved leaf on the Tree of Tribute or an engraved stone at the base of the tree.
$500 - Bronze leaf
$1,000 - Silver leaf
$2,000 - Gold leaf
$3,000 -- Small stone
$5,000 - Large stone
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Major Donors 
NAMI California thanks the following for their very generous contributions of $500 or more.Humanitarian: $5,000-$15,000 Kelly Foundation, Sacramento, CA
Janssen Pharma, New Brunswick, NJAstraZeneca, Wilmington, DE
Ruth Knudtson, Redlands, CA
Phrma, Sacramento, CA
Lilly Grant Office, Kalamazoo, MI Patron: $2,500 - $4,999 May S. Farr, Upland. CA
Samira V. Moran, Encino, CA
Sidney Stern Memorial Trust, Pacific Palisades, CA
Teva Biologics & Specialty Products, North Wales, PA
Lilly Grant Office, Kalamazoo, MI Benefactor: $1,000 - $2,499
The Knudtson Family Donor Advised Fund, CARalph E. Nelson, Visalia, CA Attias Family Foundation, Los Angeles, CA
Frances Tibbits, Pacific Palisades, CA Pfizer Inc., New York, NY David M. Knapp Special Needs Trust, San Diego, CA Dwelle Family Foundation, Visalia, CA
Shackleton Adventure Racing, LLC, Carmel, CA Edward Gaston, MD, San Rafael, CA Ngena Asante, Cypress, CA Henry Garner, Yorba Linda, CA NAMIWalks Los Angeles County Shareholder: $750-$999 Orange County's United Way, Irvine, CA Teresa Walker, San Mateo, CA Ralph E. Nelson, Visalia, CA Ronnie Okon, Tarzana, CA Sponsor: $500-$749
Joseph Kotzin,, Los Angeles,CAPatricia Goldring, PhD, Sherman Oaks, CA Kessel, Young, & Logan, Charitable Account, Long Beach, CA NAMI Glendale in honor of Tom & Kay Connus, Glendale, CA Virginia Whitcombe, Palos Verdes Estates, CA Linda K. Pontious, Grass Valley, CA Miriam C. Wille, Ventura, CA Elizabeth Chamberlain, Woodside, CA Michael Aldrich, Glendale, CA Arnold Klein, Malibu, CA George Greenspon, Westlake Village, CA
Elizabeth Chamberlain, Woodside, CA Google, Inc., CA Joseph Kotzin, Los Angeles, CA Patricia Goldring, PhD, Sherman Oaks, CA Corning Exchange Club, Corning, CA Linda K. Pontious, Grass Valley, CA NAMI California Annual Conference Donors, 2012 Janssen Pharma, $7,500 Lilly Grant Office, $7,500 Teva Biologics & Specialty Products, $2,500 River City Bank, $2,500 Turning Point Community Programs, $500 _________________________ All donations,large and small,
are greatly appreciated by
NAMI California and help
us achieve our mission
at the state level.
_______________________
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This educational newsletter is supported, in part, by an educational grant from Lilly USA, LLC. For further information concerning Lilly grant funding visit www.lillygrantoffice.com. |
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