MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
| May 2013
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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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NAMI California Conference Registrations Are Filling Up
Registration has been brisk and early-bird registration for the conference ends June 24!
 Featured Speaker Keris Jän Myrick
Keris Jän Myrick is the president on the NAMI Board of Directors and the president and CEO at the Project Return Peer Support Network in Los Angeles County.
Ms. Myrick was the recipient of the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health: Bridge Builder Award in 2009 and was the SAMHSA/CMHS scholarship recipient World Federation for Mental Health Conference in Athens, Greece.
For information on other speakers, click here.
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NAMI California to Receive NAMI Provider Education Program Leadership Award
 NAMI California has been recognized by NAMI for its program leadership. At the NAMI Convention this year in San Antonio Texas, NAMI California Director of Programs Holly Davison will be presented the NAMI Provider Education Program Leadership Award.This award is a reflection of all the outstanding work being done by Local NAMI Affiliates, NAMI California Staff and the NAMI California Board of Directors to implement this program statewide.
With funding from CalMHSA and the Mental Health Services Act (Prop. 63), NAMI California held the first-ever State Provider Education (PE) Trainer Training in January 2013, adding 19 new PE State Trainers. Lead Affiliates throughout the state are currently planning 11 regional PE Teacher Trainings, which will be conducted between May and September 2013 and will result in up to 220 new PE Teachers. In addition, between July 2013 and June 2014, 55 PE Courses will be taught throughout the state, reaching up to 1,100 individuals. NAMI California would like to thank everyone that has helped to get this program off to a great start in California. If you would like information regarding upcoming PE Teacher Trainings or PE Courses, please contact Nereida Castillo at 916-567-0163 or nereida.castillo@namicalifornia.org.
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California State Senate Select Committee Of Mental Health: Reducing California's Prison Population & Recidivism Rate
Join Senators Jim Beall and Kevin de Léon for an informational hearing of the Senate Select Committee on Mental Health in Los Angeles. The committee will discuss a plan of action to reduce California's prison population and recidivism rate.
Speakers will examine how increasing parolees' and at-risk populations' access to mental health and substance use treatment will result in lower incarceration rates and save taxpayers millions of dollars.
Friday, May 31st, 11:30 a.m.-1:30p.m.
White Memorial Medical Center, Cafeteria Conference Room
1720 East Cesar E Chavez Avenue, Los Angeles
Among those scheduled to testify are:
- Dr. Richard Rawson, Associate Director of UCLA Integrated Substance Abuse Programs
- Sharon Aungst & Kathy Jett of Partnership for Community Excellence
- Ross Peterson of Telecare Corporation
Click here to RSVP or call Sunshine Borelli at 408-558-1295 for more information.
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Turning a Minus Sign to a Plus at the IEP
Ninth in a series of columns by Roger Greenbaum
At this time of year, many school districts convene team meetings for annual review of existing individualized educational plans ("IEPs").
Some IEP teams pulse with mutual respect and understanding - - immensely reassuring to parent and student alike. And then there are the other IEP teams - - the kind in which something about the conduct of officials makes parents break out into a cold sweat.
Whether or not you're fortunate enough to be in the first of those two categories, this month's column is intended to share ideas on how to make the annual IEP review meeting a catalyst for better access to learning for the special ed student.
Read the complete column.
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Join The Affiliate Development Workgroup
NAMI California is seeking leadership from our local NAMI Affiliates to provide feedback to determine best practices and delineate duties between all levels of NAMI. Each member of this workgroup will be expected to collaborate, share experiences and give feedback to the NAMI California Board of Directors on how to best achieve these goals.
You can make a difference! To apply, complete the attached application and send it, with your bio and resume, to: Steven Kite
Deputy Director
NAMI California
1851 Heritage Lane #150
Sacramento, CA 95815
Fax: 916-567-1757
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Mental Health Month Activities Slated for San Bernardino County
The San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health will host various activities throughout this month in recognition of Mental Health Month.
The national theme is "Pathways to Wellness".
A consumer art exhibit will be available during the entire month of May at the County Government Center in San Bernardino. The theme of the exhibit is "Enlightened and Equipped" and the art on display is a collection from local talent living with mental illness.
On May 23, the National Alliance on Mental Health in conjunction with DBH and the Behavioral Health Commission will host the 8th Annual Recognition and Education Banquet called "Evening with the Stars" from 6 to 9 p.m. The event will honor individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions in providing excellent mental health, alcohol and substance abuse services throughout the county. The banquet will be held at the San Bernardino Hilton at 285 East Hospitality Lane in San Bernardino.
A final event, the 2013 Behavioral Health Symposium called "Enlightened and Equipped: Knowledge Changes Lives", will occur from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 28 at the University of Redlands, Orton Conference Center. The symposium will be hosted by DBH in collaboration with California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA) through United Advocates for Children and Families (UACF).
The purpose of the symposium is to enlighten participants with a greater understanding of just how common and widespread mental illness and substance abuse are within the general public.
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Greater SF Bay Area Regional NAMI Affiliates Update
Our 5th Semi-annual Greater SF Bay Area Regional NAMI Affiliates Meeting was hosted by NAMI Alameda County South on April 27, 2013 at John George Psychiatric Hospital in San Leandro, CA. Two themes were discussed:
- Based on the results of the MoD (Mentor on Discharge) 18-month CalMHSA funded grant observed by John George Psychiatric Hospital, would other local NAMI affiliates be interested and able to replicate the program in their respective local areas? (Results of this program showed a 72.3% reduction in re-hospitalizations.)
- An "Encouraged Recovery Path" pre- and post-psychiatric hospitalization was presented and discussed.
Five NAMI affiliates were in attended along with representation by Alameda County Behavioral Health Care Services and Santa Cruz Health Care Services
Jessica Cruz, Executive Director and Steve Kite, Deputy Director, NAMI California briefed us on what is happening at the state level, followed by a Q& A period.
More details of the meeting and themes discussed can be obtained by clicking: SF Bay Regional-April 2013.
Inquiries can be made by emailing: info@NAMIacs.org.
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Mental Health Disparities in the Workplace
-- From Annelle B. Primm, MD, MPH Deputy Medical Director, American Psychiatric Association
On behalf of the American Psychiatric Association, I would like to invite you to participate in a forum about mental health disparities in the workplace held in conjunction with our 166th annual meeting."Mental Health Matters: Making Culture Work" will take place Friday, May 17, 8:00 - 11:30 am at San Francisco Marriott Marquis, 55 4th St (Room: Foothill G) in San Francisco, CA. This event is completely complimentary and breakfast will be served.
This interactive program will highlight the issue of mental health disparities, why they matter to employers, and what companies can do to take action. This event is open to psychiatrists, employers, and members of the community.
Space is limited, so please register as soon as possible here.
Featured speakers Include:
- Annelle B. Primm, M.D., M.P.H., Deputy Medical Director and Director of the Office of Minority and National Affairs, American Psychiatric Association
- Keris Jän Myrick, M.B.A., M.S., Ph.D.c, President and CEO, Project Return Peer Support Network
- Hyong Un, M.D., Head of EAP and Chief Psychiatric Officer, Aetna
- Lisa Jing, M.A., B.A., Founder/CEO of Synergy at Work, Inc.
Please plan to join us for this interactive forum. There is no fee associated with this forum. No CME credits are available for this session.
Registration with APA's Annual Meeting is not required. Please contact Mary Claire Kraft at mkraft@psych.org for questions.
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Award-winning Documentary 'West 47th Street'
Airs on PBS on May 19, 2013
Life on the streets for the poor and homeless is an unforgiving struggle. For those living with mental illness, it is marked by the additional pressures of fear, isolation and misunderstanding.
West 47th Street, the remarkable, award-winning documentary film airing on PBS on Sunday, May 19 on the WORLD Channel, takes its cameras into the heart of the struggle and provides human faces of mental illness. (Check for listings in your area.)
The national television broadcast comes 10 years after the film first aired on PBS, updated with an interview with producer Bill Lichtenstein. It remains relevant today as President Obama, Congress and state and local governments engage in new debates over mental health policies.
Filmed at Fountain House, the renowned community mental health clubhouse program in New York City, West 47th Street looks at a world of hospitals, group homes, medication regimes, work programs, and personal turmoil and hope that never disappear.
NAMI encourages everyone who cares about individuals, families or friends affected by mental illness to tune in on Sunday. It's time to learn and find ways to help each other.
Click for more information.
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NAMI Can!
How to Submit Data for Contracted Medi-Cal Managed Care Plans
The California Department of Health requires its contracted Medi-Cal managed care plans, including county-administered mental health plans, to submit audited HEDIS (Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set) data. This is important to know because the items measured are important.
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2013 SMI-Related HEDIS Quality Measures For Medicaid-Eligible Adults
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Measure
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Description
(as percentage of members 25-64 years of age during the treatment period or measurement year)
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Use of Antipsychotic Medications for Schizophrenia Treatment
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Individuals with a diagnosis of schizophrenia who remained on an antipsychotic medication for at least 80% of time.
Field Test: An average of 65.7% of the individuals maintained continuous treatment with an antipsychotic for at least 80% of the time.
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Schizophrenia/ bipolar disorder and antipsychotic use: Diabetes screening
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Individuals with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, who were prescribed any antipsychotic medication and received a diabetes screening test.
Field Test: An average of 12.1% of individuals received diabetes screening test.
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Schizophrenia and diabetes: Diabetes monitoring
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Individuals who were diagnosed with schizophrenia and with diabetes, and received both an LDL-C test and an HbA1c test.
Field Test: An average of 57.3% of individuals received LDL-C test and an HbA1c test.
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Schizophrenia and cardiovascular health: Cardiovascular monitoring
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Individuals with a diagnosis of schizophrenia and a diagnosis of cardiovascular disease, who received a cardiovascular health monitoring test.
Field Test: An average of 54.5% of individuals received cardiovascular health monitoring test.
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These new SMI-focused measures are not the only behavioral health measures in the HEDIS dataset - Other measures include:
- Antidepressant Medication Management
- Follow-Up After Hospitalization for Mental Illness
- Initiation and Engagement of Alcohol and Other Drug Dependence Treatment
- Identification of Alcohol and Other Drug Services
- Mental health utilization (number and percentage of members receiving the following mental health services during the measurement year: any service, inpatient, intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization, and outpatient, or emergency. )
How is your county or health plan doing?
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NAMI California Programs News
FAMILY PROGRAM TRAININGS
Family to Family Teacher Training - May 31 - June 2, 2013 in Elk Grove, CA (Sacramento County) Status: Training is full, waiting list is available
PEER PROGRAMS NEWS
Peer To Peer Trainings Spring 2013
Chico - NEW DATE: 5/31 - 6/2
Ontario - 6/7 - 6/9 (Spanish)
Campbell (San Jose) 6/21-6/23
STIGMA REDUCTION PROGRAMS
IOOV Spring 2013
5/18 - 5/19 - Redding, California
6/22-6/23 - Ontario, California
Send inquiries about IOOV and Peer to Peer to Stephenie.Gardella@namicalifornia.org
Send inquiries about Family Programs to Lynn.Cathy@namicalifornia.org
NAMI California Office: 916-567-016
2013 NAMI Education, Training and Peer Support Center Hall of Fame
The NAMI Education, Training and Peer Support Center's Hall of Fame honors teachers, mentors, facilitators and presenters for NAMI's Signature Programs. Each year, we accept nominations for people who have performed exceptional work in these roles and fulfill the specific criteria below:
- 10 or more classes
- 20 or more classes
- 10 or more trainings
- 5 or more years of running support groups
- 10 or more in-service programs
- 30 or more presentations in 30 different locations (not presentations done in the same place multiple times)
- New this year: NAMI Family-to-Family teachers and other program leaders holding 2 or more classes, support groups, or presentations at VA facilities.
People can be nominated for multiple programs. Deadline is May 17th.
Submit nomination:http://www.sogosurvey.com/survey.aspx?k=RQsRUYQsRTsPsPsP&lang=0&data=
If you have questions, please contact Lynne@nami.org
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"Seams of Gold" Conference Revealing in Many Ways
San Diego Union-Tribune writer Greg Scharf attended the Seams of Gold Conference in Southern California and had this to say:
"I have been to dozens of seminars on recovery from addiction and other mental health issues -- I've even been a speaker at more than a few.
"But I have to say that the "Seams of Gold" event held at Rancho Community Church last week was likely the most moving. Oh, I've heard some great speakers -- some very famous -- but there was a level of honesty and intimacy last week that I have rarely seen."
Read his full account.
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Working Well Together News
To our readers and lifelong learners, this is an awesome opportunity to listen and review at your leisure: Connie Burgess' May 7th webinar Improving Our Work Environment Through Transformational Leadership. Just ask for it by phone or email (see below). Plus, upon request of the recording link, we will supply the following attachments:
- Webinar PowerPoint: "Improving Our Work Environment Through Transformational Leadership";
- Transformational Leadership Survey;
- Working Well Together Newsletter (English & Spanish versions) with Regional Forum information and talking points.
Use this opportunity -- the month of May as Mental Health Awareness Month -- for learning and implementing new-found transformational leadership skills. As the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD) visits a county near you, attend a scheduled forum and voice your concerns regarding the Mental Health Workforce Education and Training (WET) Five-Year Plan, 2014-2019. Suggested topics to begin the discussions may include more jobs and career advancement opportunities for peers with lived experience; more practical application trainings; incentives for young people to explore mental health careers; program expansion and curriculum development for mental health providers; and finally, expanded and aligned regional collaborations for mental health workforce development.
California's mental health system needs you! See yourself as a transformational leader, while making an impact.
Contact: Ron Shaw, Technical Assistance Center Coordinator of the Central Region for Working Well Together, ron.shaw@namicalifornia.org or call 916.288.5498.
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Tulare Mental Health Wellness and Recovery Conference
 NAMI Tulare County is sponsoring the Mental Health Wellness and Recovery Conference on May 23, 2013, from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm, at the Holiday Inn, 900 W. Airport Drive, Visalia, California. Registration will be $55.00 for general registration and $40.00 for consumers.
Guest Speaker is Frederick J. Frese, Ph.D. Dr. Frese is a psychologist who has specialized in the area of schizophrenia for over forty years. Diagnosed with the condition when he was 25, he has worked tirelessly as a practitioner and advocate for consumers and their families.
In the afternoon there will be several workshops to choose from, followed by Dr. Arieh Whisenhunt taking questions in "Ask the Doctor".
For more information contact Susie Nickey at 559-624-7476 and/or email, snickey@tularehhsa.org.
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NAMI California Financial Statements and Supplemental Information
Click below to view the NAMI California 2011-2012 Final Audit.
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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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