MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
| September 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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NAMIBikes Rides Out on Saturday Nov. 2
"The sport allows me to clear my mind for some time, focusing only on what lies about 15 to 20 feet in front of me. Being on a bike is beyond exhilarating."
-- Eric Ward - NAMIBikes 2012 & 2013 rider and mental health advocate.
Fight Stigma and Ride This exciting mental health, anti-stigma event will start and end in Davis and will offer a choice of 15-mile, 30-mile and 60 -mile (25K, 50K, 100K) courses. It is a fully supported ride, including an event t-shirt, light breakfast, lunch and rest stop fuel. Be a Virtual Rider! Even if you can't be in Davis on event day, you can ride along as a Virtual Rider. When you register, choose the option to be a virtual rider. There is no registration fee and if you raise $45 or more, we will send you the event t-shirt. All routes are $45 (registration is waived with $250 in fundraising, however, fundraising is not required). Virtual Riders register for free and can earn exciting incentives! For more information and to register or donate, please visit www.NAMIbikes.org. Read about Eric's journey on his NAMI blog posts: http://blog.nami.org/2013/01/im-just-dad-with-bicycle.html http://blog.nami.org/2013/05/helping-someone-when-they-dont-know-how.html
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NAMI Wins National Honor for "You Are Not Alone" Public Education Campaign on Mental Illness
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has won national recognition for its "You Are Not Alone" public education campaign.
PR News has named the campaign as a finalist for its annual "Platinum Awards," which cover 40 public relations categories. The NAMI campaign is considered one of the "best of the best" in communications strategies that will have large cultural impact and be referred to in years to come.
The NAMI initiative is being honored in the "On a Shoe-String Campaign" category in which organizations have achieved outstanding creative success by "dong more with less" within a limited public relations budget.
"We are immensely proud of the 'You Are Not Alone' campaign," said NAMI Executive Director Michael J. Fitzpatrick. "Many health advocacy organizations operate on budgets 10 or more times the size of ours. NAMI takes pride in achieving high standards of effectiveness with more bang for the buck."
Read more.
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An Inspiring 2013 Annual Conference
12th in a series of columns by Roger Greenbaum
It was an inspiration to be able to hear the speakers in plenary sessions of NAMI California's Annual Conference last month in Burlingame. California Senate President Darrell Steinberg, renowned child psychiatrist Dr. William R. Beardslee, and pioneering radiologist Dr. Daniel Amen, each held me and others spellbound by their enlightening and uplifting remarks.
I encourage anyone reading this column who did not have an opportunity to be at the Conference or to hear these talks, to get information from the NAMI California website, or from your local affiliate, on how to access PowerPoint presentations, audio or video recordings of these talks. If I recall correctly, the PowerPoint files are free, and the audio and video recordings are available at relatively nominal cost.
Each of these three speakers had messages of great potency, great meaning, for all members of our organization.
Read the complete column at NAMI California.
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California's Coordinated Care Initiative (CCI) Update
July's CCI 101 article provided basic information about Cal MediConnect (voluntary plan for individuals who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medi-Cal), Managed Medi-Cal (the dually eligible may be required to enroll), and Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS).
Major Update: During the budget process, the legislature and the governor developed a delinking process that would allow one part of the CCI to proceed without the other parts if the entire CCI is determined to not be fiscally viable. That means that Managed Medi-Cal could remain while individuals eligible for Medicare would continue to be served by the current Fee For Service/private system. The principal obstacle to fiscal viability is rates for the health plans providing the managed care. If the plans determine rates that cause the state to pay out more than CCI's revenues, the CCI would be too expensive for California to run. At this point, the state has signed MOU's with several plans. The Department of Finance will determine if the full CCI can go forward 30 days before the program is set to begin.
Notices to Individuals: Informational notices will go out to dually eligible Medicare enrollees 90, 60, and 30 days before the anticipated program start date - no earlier than April 1, 2014. See the content of the notices. Note that the notices emphasize the voluntary, or passive, nature of enrollment. That means that individuals must opt in rather than having to opt out.
Los Angeles County Update: Enrollment is a little different in this large county because the eligible enrollee pool is larger than the current capacity of the program.
-- Bettie Reinhardt, MPH
Legislative and Public Policy Consultant
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SAMHSA to Honor David O. Russell, Patrick Kennedy, and Peter Chiarelli at 2013 Voice Awards
 The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) will honor David O. Russell, writer and director of Silver Linings Playbook and The Fighter, with a Career Achievement Award at the 2013 Voice Awards for his efforts to educate film audiences about the real experiences of people with behavioral health problems.
In addition, on Sept. 25 SAMHSA will recognize former U.S. Congressman Patrick Kennedy and retired U.S. Army General Peter Chiarelli with Special Recognition Awards for their work to reduce the discrimination and misperceptions associated with people with behavioral health problems and increase access to behavioral health services and supports.
Read more.
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Brenda Scott to Lead NAMI Mt. San Jacinto
Brenda Scott has been named executive director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Mt. San Jacinto. She previously worked as a family advocate with the Riverside County Department of Health for five years, served as vice president and president for the local Mt. San Jacinto board for several years and on the NAMI California board for six years until August 2012.
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NAMI California Staff Corner
NAMI CA New Director of Programs,
Beth Larkins
Beth began her journey with NAMI California on February of 2013, as the SDR Program Coordinator. She loves working with the dedicated people in the Affiliates and providing them with the support they need.Beth was drawn to work at NAMI California out of a desire to help people and do good in the world.
Contributing to a meaningful movement such as mental health is a top priority for Beth. Prior to working with NAMI California, Beth honed her organizational and management skills in teaching and operations management positions. Beth comes to NAMI with a background in education, and she received her Bachelor's degree in Child Development from Sacramento State University.
On a more personal note, Beth comes from a large family of six kids (five boys, one girl) which has grown even more in the past few years. Beth has one niece and one more niece or nephew on the way, which she is thrilled about. Her favorite things are time with her significant other, Zack; cooking new dishes; Chipotle; and her kitten, Ned.
Meet Our New Staff!
Kelly Boyles is our new Program Coordinator for the SDR Programs for NAMI CA. The SDR (Stigma and Discrimination Reduction) Programs are funded by a grant through CalMHSA and include: In Our Own Voice, Ending the Silence, Provider Education, and Parents & Teachers as Allies. Kelly also works with NAMI On Campus Programs, both for high schools and colleges.
Joann Horta is the new Executive Administrative Assistant, joining NAMI California on August 19th of this year. She has a background in History and Political Science. As assistant to the Administrative Manager, she provides administrative support, assists with the NAMI CA Newsletter, and together with the webmaster is in charge of making sure the NAMI CA website is up to date. She also assists with the Board of Directors and will be involved in organizing the 2014 Conference.
Carmen Johnston is the new Front Desk Coordinator. She joined NAMI CA on August 1st of this year. Carmen comes to NAMI with many years of experience in administration and coordination. She is NAMI CA's all-important first contact, directing calls and answering public's inquiries, greeting and directing visitors, assisting with mailings and providing administrative support for our departments.
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NAMI California Programs News
 Family Programs Update
Family Support Group Training
September 27-29th - El Centro, CA
State Trainer Family to Family Training
October 18-20, 2013 - Campbell, CA
Family to Family Teacher Training
November 8-10, 2013 - Chico, CA
Family Support Group and Basics Trainings*
February 7-9th, 2014 - Modesto, CA
De Familia a Familia Teacher Training
March/April 2014 - Ontario, CA
Family Support Group and Basics Trainings
April 11-13, 2014 - Encino, CA
Family to Family and de Familia a Familia Teacher Trainings
May 30-June 1, 2014 Elk Grove, CA
Announcements are also posted at:
http://namifamily.blogspot.com
*The F2F training scheduled in Modesto has been moved to Elk Grove in May. A Family Support Group training is scheduled in its place.
Applications for State Trainer for Family to Family trainings are now being accepted. Candidates must be current Family to Family teachers and NAMI members. For information on additional requirements, please contact Lynn Cathy at Lynn.Cathy@namicalifornia.org.
Provider Education Trainings
September 21-22, 2013 - Sacramento
For information on additional requirements, please contact Nereida Castillo at Nereida.castillo@namicalifornia.org or at 916-567-0163.
PEER PROGRAMS and STIGMA REDUCTION PROGRAMS
NAMI California is currently recruiting for qualified, passionate people to be trained as Mentors for the Peer-to-Peer Program in your community! We are interested in getting your help in finding the best individuals to be trained as Mentors.
To be a Peer-to-Peer Mentor, a person must meet the following criteria:
- Be or become a NAMI Member
- Be an adult with a mental illness who is living in recovery
- Be comfortable sharing your story
- Be passionate about teaching others about mental illness and recovery
Time Commitment, Expectations & Support for Mentors
- 3 days of training to be certified as a Peer-to-Peer Mentor
- Mentors then teach the Peer-to-Peer Program; each class is for 10 weeks, 2 hours a week.
- A Peer-to-Peer mentor will be teaching with a fellow mentor and an assistant
NAMI California is having a Peer-to-Peer Mentor training in Modesto on October 11 - 13, 2013. We are still accepting applications until September 20, 2013. For more information or for applications please contact:
Stephenie Gardella
916-567-0163
Stephenie.gardella@namicalifornia.org
Additional Upcoming Trainings include:
Connection November 9-10, 2013 Campbell - Applications due September 27, 2013
Peer-to-Peer November 22-24, 2013 Orange - Applications due October 11, 2013
Persona a Persona February 21-23, 2014 Ontario - Applications due January 3, 2014
Connection March 15-16, 2014 Ontario - Applications due January 31, 2014
In Our Own Voice Training of Trainers March 28-30, 2014 Sacramento - Applications due February 7, 2014
Peer-to-Peer May 9-11, 2014 Ventura - Applications due March 20, 2014
Peer-to-Peer May 16-18, 2014 Sacramento - Applications due March 27, 2014
Send inquiries to:
Family Programs
Lynn.Cathy@namicalifornia.org
IOOV, Peer to Peer and Connection
Stephenie.Gardella@namicalifornia.org
Provider Education Program
Nereida.Castillo@namicalifornia.org
Parents and Teachers as Allies, Ending the Silence, NAMI on Campus
Beth.Larkins@namicalifornia.org
NAMI California Office: 916-567-0163
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Video Casting Call Opportunity!
CalMHSA has awarded NAMI California the exciting opportunity to culturally adapt NAMI's Signature Program, In Our Own Voice (IOOV) video program for the following CA Reducing Disparities Project (CRDP) Communities: African American, Asian and Pacific Islander, Latino, LGBTQ, and Native American.
We are seeking community leaders and members from the above listed communities living with a mental illness, to participate in the creation of new IOOV videos. The new videos will be culturally specific, featuring people with lived experience that are 18 years and older (young adult to Elder lifespan) and doing well in their recovery. We encourage Veterans and previous foster care youth to participate, as well. Video participants will be compensated and travel expenses will be paid!
"IOOV" is an opportunity for those who have struggled with mental illness to share their individual experiences of recovery and transformation.
If you know someone that you think would be a great candidate for this project, please have them email Veronica J. Delgado, Community Engagement Coordinator at NAMI California (veronica.delgado@namicalifornia.org) to request a Video Interest Form.
All forms must be submitted by September 21, 2013 and video recording is scheduled to begin in December 2013.
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Apply to NAMI CA's Parents and Teachers as Allies Presenter Training Program! Applications due September 20th.
NAMI California is looking for the following people to be trained as presenters for the popular P&TasA program
- Educator - an education professional who is the parent of a child with early on-set mental illness
- Presenter - a NAMI Family-to-Family or Basics Teacher
- Parent - a parent of a child who experienced symptoms of a mental illness while in school
- Young Adult - a young adult who experienced a mental illness as a child and is doing well in recovery
Parents & Teachers as Allies is a one- or two-hour in-service program that focuses on helping school professionals and families within the school community better understand the early warning signs of mental illnesses in children and adolescents. The material also includes how best to intervene so that youth with mental health treatment needs are linked with services. It presents the lived experience of mental illnesses from a youth's perspective and discusses how schools can best communicate with families about mental health related concerns.
Training Dates:
Friday, October 19, 2013 in Ontario, CA
Friday, October 26, 2013 in Campbell, CA
If interested, please contact Kelly Boyles, NAMI California Program Coordinator, for an application and more details. Kelly can be reached at Kelly.boyles@namicalifornia.org, 916-56-0163 (phone) or 916-567-1757 (fax).
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AFFILIATE NEWS
NAMI Placer Co. Awards Members Who Have Volunteered for 10 years or More
Surprise! Pauline Conrad and Sharen Neal were honored with Lifetime Achievement Awards at NAMI Placer County's August business meeting. The meeting opened with the previously unannounced awards, followed by refreshments.
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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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PROUD SPONSORS OF NAMI CALIFORNIA
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| Contact Information |
newsletter@namicalifornia.org
or call NAMI California
(916) 567-0163
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NAMI California's Tree of Tribute
Fiscal Year 2012-13
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, 2012-2013.
Humanitarian: $5,000 - $36,000
Ruth Knudtson
California Community Foundation Short Term Liquidity Account
American Endowment Foundation
May S. Farr
Patron: $2,500 - $4,999 The Thompson Family Trust UA
Attias Family Foundation
William Ortega
Benefactor: $1,000 - $2,499
Stephen Dwelle
Frances Tibbits
Sons of Italy Western Foundation
Gunnar Christiansen
Ronnie Okon
Albert Bendich
Alison C. Marer
Donna Butcher
Henry Garner
Miriam C. Wille
Rita Tamerius
Santos Properties
Schwab Charitable Fund
William Ruiz Shareholder: $750-$999 United Way
Ralph & Denise Nelson
Ray & Dorothy Hendrickson
Teresa A. Walker Sponsor: $500-$749
Order Sons of Italy in America
Monterey Lodge
Rita Tamerius
The Clorox Company Foundation
George Greenspon
Linda K. Pontious
United Way Silicon Valley
Arnold Klein
Bryce Tanner
Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC
Jack Glantz
Jane Hanauer
Joseph Kotzin
Katherine Kitchens
Lorna B. Bjorklund
Rita J. Boppana
Sergio Aguilar-Gaxiola
Virginia Whitcombe
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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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