Ann Kirkwood, ISU-Meridian

Institute of Rural Health

Kathie Garrett, NAMI Idaho

Pulic Policy and Advocacy Committee

The January 21, 2013 West Region Conference of NAMI Idaho featured a presentation by Dr. Charles Novak on the questions posed by the concept of Accountable Care. Ann Kirkwood, Senior Research associate in ISU-Meridian's Institute of Rural Health is a nationally-recognized expert on promoting acceptance, dignity and social inclusion associated with mental health as well as director of Idaho's Youth Suicide Prevention project. She spoke on the subject "Stigma Runs Deep: What is it and What can we do?" Participants also experienced a video and live panel discussion entitled 'Private Combat: Veterans in Crisis' led by Boise Police Chief Mike Masterson, assisted by Sgt. George Nickel, Susie Klepacki of the Boise VA Medical Center and Marnie Bernard of the Veterans Network. Lindsey Altorfer of NAMI Boise and Justin Larsen of NAMI Wood River Valley told the stories of their darkest days of mental illness, their diagnoses, treatment, recovery and hope for the future, using the NAMI In Our Own Voice (IOOV) model. Training in how to meet and talk with legislators about mental health issues was presented by Carla Young and Tom Hanson, in the third and final module of the NAMI Smarts for Advocacy program. Following dinner, Director Brent Reinke of the Idaho Department of Correction addressed the Conference's attendees.

Written feedback from those who attended the Conference was very positive. NAMI Idaho conducts Conferences once annually in each of its three geographical regions for members and friends of NAMI, with programs designed to be helpful to individuals with mental illness, their families and friends, and profesional mental health care providers.