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Stop Automatic Cuts to Mental Illness Research, Services and Housing

Congress faces another major deadline on the federal budget. Unless Congress acts by March 1, most federal programs will face a 5 percent across-the-board reduction, further slashing mental illness research, services and supportive housing programs.

This across-the-board cut, known as "sequestration," must be stopped. Unless Congress acts, the impact of these cuts will be immediate and far reaching.

Still trying to understand Realignment? This presentation by Patricia Ryan of the California Mental Health Directors Association (CMHDA) and Tom Renfree of the County Alcohol and Drug Program Administrators Association of California (CADPAAC) may be just what you need.

The Affordable Care Act

See Covered California's new website, unveiled February 13, 2013. Try out the Cost-Estimate Calculator.

Now Online: Covered California, our state's health benefit exchange for Affordable Care Act, announces standard plan design. Enrollment begins October 1 and implementation begins January 1, 2014.

Covered California (California's Exchange) hosted two informational webinars the week of February 4th to describe opportunities available through the Outreach and Education Grant Program and the In-Person Assistance (IPA) and Navigator Assisters Programs. The Exchange has allocated $43 million in funding for the Outreach and Education Program and has set a flat fee payment of $58 per successful enrollment through the IPA. The Exchange will conduct an IPA gap analysis to determine what types of entities will be funded by the Navigator Program, once gaps have been identified, enrollment grants will be awarded. 

On February 4th, Covered California's Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) Advisory Group convened for its first quarter meeting to introduce advisory group members, provide an overview of program development and status, and discuss upcoming key dates.

Enroll America shared the results of their research about adults who are likely eligible for free or reduced cost coverage through the new health insurance marketplaces

MHSA Advocacy

Susan Inman posted this recommendation on NAMI CA's Facebook page: "Both Canada and the U.S. need better public education about psychotic disorders. I discuss this problem in my latest article, Let's Talk About Psychotic Disorders." Mental Health First Aid is great but it is not enough. California counties are encouraged to develop such early intervention programs as Susan describes with their MHSA funds. Susan has reminded us that this is a local level advocacy opportunity!

"Let's Talk" About Psychotic Disorders, Too

Legislation

The CA Senate and Assembly have begun hearing some of the special session bills related to implementing the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in California. Budget bills will follow. NAMI California is in a "watch" mode at this time since final action on these bills does not seem imminent.   NAMI CAN! Liaisons, look for a conference call in the very near future!

NAMI California's 2013 "Building a Roadmap: From Prevention to Wellness" conference is coming to Burlingame, CA, August 16th & 17th 2013.

NAMI California Voting 2013 Preparation

As the voting season for 2013 draws near, please keep the following important dates in mind:

• February 8, 2013: Board Nomination forms were sent to affiliate offices.
• March 1st, 2013: Deadline for receive Board Nomination Forms in NAMI CA office.
• April 15, 2013: Annual Meeting notice to all eligible voting members will be mailed out. This will include Board of Directors nomination form and deadline for submissions.
• June 20, 2013: Deadline for membership lists to be received by NAMI California to determine eligibility to vote in State Election. All membership lists must be received by 5pm with appropriate payment in order to be in compliance, no "postmarked by" accepted.
• July 1, 2013: Annual Meeting Announcement will be sent as part of the Annual Conference Announcement. This mailer is sent to all eligible voters.
• August 6, 2013: The deadline to have all mail in ballots received by 5pm in the NAMI California office.
• August 16 & 17, 2013: On-site voting opens Friday, Aug. 17th and remains open during Conference Registration hours until it closes for the tallying of votes on Saturday, August 17th at 12pm.
• August 17, 2013: Results of vote announced at the conclusion of the Annual Meeting Saturday, Aug. 17th.

• The Family Perspective: Engaging and Working with Families. Annie Kim and Bettye Foster, Family Education and Resource Center
• Keeping The Village Strong: Utilizing WRAP® for Family Wellness. Ruth Pasillas-Gonzales