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A twice-weekly electronic news-digest delivered to your inbox dedicated to keeping you informed of mental health recovery news and opportunities across the Commonwealth and the nation.
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VOCAL News
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VOCAL Announces Conference Keynote Speaker, Joseph Rogers! 
Joseph Rogers is Chief Advocacy Officer of the Mental Health Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania (MHASP), and found
er and Executive Director of the National Mental Health Consumers' Self-Help Clearinghouse, a consumer-run national technical assistance center funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Mental Health Services.
In 1984, Joseph Rogers created Project SHARE (Self-Help and Advocacy Resource Exchange), a peer-support and advocacy organization, under MHASP's auspices. As a result of Rogers' vision and leadership, Project SHARE grew until it was blended with MHASP, which Rogers had built from a small regional mental health advocacy agency into one of the largest mental health associations in the country, including an array of peer-run programs serving local, statewide, and national constituencies. From 1997 to 2007, Rogers served as President and CEO of MHASP.
A national leader of the mental health consumer movement, Joseph Rogers has testified before U.S. Senate committees and has consulted in more than 30 states, as well as nationally and internationally, on behavioral health policy issues. He has chaired and/or served on numerous boards and committees, such as the Executive Committee of the President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities, and the Congressionally appointed Task Force on the Rights and Empowerment of People with Disabilities, which helped pass the Americans with Disabilities Act. He was a key player in the closing of Philadelphia State Hospital and in the successful struggle to get the dollars to follow the patients into the community, to establish what has become a model system of community-based services, including peer-run services.
Rogers has appeared on numerous radio and TV shows to publicize the self-help/advocacy movement and fight prejudice and discrimination.
His many awards include the Heinz Award for the Human Condition (2005), the Outstanding Non-Psychiatrist Award of the American Association of Community Psychiatrists (2002), and the Timothy Coakley Behavioral Health Leadership Award of the American College of Mental Health Administration (2009), for his leadership in transforming mental health care in this country.
VOCAL's Annual Statewide Mental Health Consumer Conference, "Carrying the Torch"
May 20-22 on the campus of James Madison University in Harrisonburg. The registration form can be found on our website;
the link to same in the top left hand corner of the home page.
Go to: www.vocalvirginia.org to download the form. Please mail it to the VOCAL Network office at 1904 Byrd Avenue, Suite 111, Richmond, 23230, with your check or money order. Please do not send cash through the mail. We are not able to accept credit card payments. One registration form per person, please.
Call for Workshop Proposals for "Carrying the Torch", VOCAL's Statewide MH Conference
VOCAL seeks workshop proposals from members and friends! Workshops are 1.5 hours in length. Proposals are due no later than April 15th - please provide a title, description, names of presenters, and any other information that may be useful for our understanding of your proposed presentation.
You will be notified after the due date
whether or not the proposal is accepted.
Please send via email to yolande@vocalvirginia.org or by postal mail to the Network office address.
R.E.A.C.H. Program News
REACH is currently updating the WRAP Facilitator database and we need your help! In order to have the most recent, accurate information that we can, we are asking that you complete the WRAP Facilitator Questionnaire. Please indicate on the form if you are interested in having your information made available to those who have questions and are looking for WRAP classes in your area. If you have any questions please contact me at debbie@vocalvirginia.org, or call (434) 243-7878, ext. 10. If you leave a message I will contact you at my earliest convenience. REACH is also in the early planning stages for WRAP facilitator trainings, one of which will take place in August or early September this year. Location/specific dates will be announced soon. If you are interested in becoming a WRAP Facilitator, please take a look the VOCAL website where you will find information and an application for WRAP Facilitator training. Complete the WRAP Facilitator Questionnaire here:
http://www.vocalvirginia.org/#/reach-program/4533123877
"Ask Will!"
Do you have questions about VOCAL? Is there something you want to know but just don't know how or who to ask? Now there is an easy way to make it happen: it's called "Ask Will"!
Please include your name and contact information for verification: anonymous submissions will not be accepted. Responses will be published in the VOCAL Network News newsletter which is currently published six times per year. An archive of responses will be made available through VOCAL's website at www.vocalvirginia.org, under the "Ask Will" column. In this column, members can ask questions of VOCAL's Executive Office. The intent of this column is to disseminate information to you - our membership - in a timely fashion. Inquiries can be sent to: askwill@vocalvirginia.org.
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News Around the Commonwealth
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Free Budget Workshop at On Our Own of Roanoke Valley - Posted 3.4
Thursday March 14th
12:00 -1:00 p.m.
429 Elm Street, SW, Roanoke For further information and to register, please call: 540.362.0061
"Introduction to Computers" at Friends 4 Recovery Whole Health Center - Posted 3.4
Friday, March 8th 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
9511 Hull Street Road, Suite A Richmond (23236)
"Double Trouble in Recovery" at WeCare, Martinsville - Posted 3.4
Tuesday, March 5th 3:30-4:30 p.m.
509 E. Church Street
For further information, call: 276-634-0300
On Our Own of Roanoke Valley Has Karaoke! - posted 2.28Join your peers at a coffeehouse on Saturdays at 4 p.m. 429 Elm Street, SW, Roanoke 540.362.0061
Laurie Mitchell Empowerment and Career Center Offers Free Microsoft Office Training for People with Disabilities - Posted 2.28
Option to take the MOS (Microsoft Office Specialist) certification exams.
The course will feature Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook 2007, Windows, and Internet. As part of the program, students will also
receive assistance with resume/interview skills and job placement assistance at completion of training.
Requirements include: basic computer skills, ability to type 20 wpm, documentation of your disability, reside in Fairfax County, City of Fairfax, or City of Falls Church, ability to commit to 19 weeks of training, Monday through Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., interest in becoming employed in the next 6 months.
New classes will start March 18th. Space is limited. Call today to set up an interview/appointment.
To apply please contact Albert Cervantes, email: acervantes@lmec.org703-461-3886 Ext 247; or Lauren Goldschmidt, email: lauren.goldschmidt@servicesource.org
Location: ServiceSource, 6295 Edsall Road, Ste 175, Alexandria (22312)
Laurie Mitchell Empowerment and Career Center also provides free computer classes, workshops, support groups and employment services.
Last Day of Assessments will be: March 8th
Supported by funding from the Fairfax County Consolidated Community Funding Pool System
Friends 4 Recovery Whole Health Center Begins New Series - Posted 2.25
Please call the Center for further information: 804.308.1366
9511 Hull Street Road, Suite A, Richmond (23236)
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Conferences/Trainings/Webinars/Reports
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Report Finds No Relationship Between Gun Violence and the Availability of Psychiatric Hospital Beds - Posted 3.4 A new analysis by the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law has found "no meaningful correlations between the availability of psychiatric hospital beds and either murders involving firearms or incarceration rates." The researchers used data from the U.S. Department of Justice, the FBI and NAMI in order to consider the logic of public policy arguments in favor of increasing the number of psychiatric beds in order to prevent gun violence. "If expanding the number of psychiatric beds is a meaningful remedy to firearm related murders in this country, one would expect a clear inverse relationship, showing that states with low per capita numbers of psychiatric hospital beds have higher rates of firearm-related homicides or higher rates of incarceration. Correlations among these factors were found to be strikingly low and not statistically significant," the researchers found. The report is available for free at the following link: http://www.bazelon.org/portals/0/Archives/Statements%20&%20Releases/Relationship%20Between%20Psychiatric%20Hospital%20Beds%20and%20Firearm%20Murder1.15.13.pdf
SAMHSA Offers Scholarships for Mental Health America Conference - Posted 2.28
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is looking to provide financial support to consumers of mental health services for attendance at Mental Health America's 2013 Annual Conference, Why Wellness Works: Breakthroughs and Pathways to Whole Health, June 5th - 8th in Maryland.
In order to apply for this scholarship you must be a mental health consumer and a United States citizen.
To review the scholarship criteria and to download the application go to,
Complete application must be submitted via U.S. Mail and postmarked on or before the deadline of April 2, 2013. No faxed or e-mailed submissions will be accepted. Questions about the application can be directed to Tim Kennedy at 703-838-7540 or tkennedy@mentalhealthamerica.net. Training Update from Mental Health America of Virginia - Posted 2.28 Advanced Training Topic: Starting Your Own Organization with focus on the initial planning stages, finding funding as well as grant writing, and creating a core structure for success. This training will include key speakers from throughout the Commonwealth. June 17th - 18th in Montpelier. Scholarships are limited but available but you must apply soon. Six more scholarship spaces for CELT in Roanoke March 25th -29th CELT includes classes pertaining to state and community advocacy as well as community initiatives, and personal recovery. CELT graduates are facilitators; it is an intense week of learning and sharing! For further information, call Tiffany Perry at 804.257.5591 or visit: http://www.mhav.org/The Copeland Center Offers Online WRAP Facilitator Renewal Course - Posted 2.28Go to:
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Links to MH Peer-Run Programs in Virginia
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Recovery In Motion ( Fredericksburg)
kakallay@gmail.com
Blacksburg Computer Empowerment Services http://computerempowerment.net/about.htm
Friends4Recovery Whole Health Center (Richmond)
http://www.friends4recovery.org/#!calendar
Center for Recovery and Wellness (Lynchburg)
http://centerforrecoveryandwellness.org/calendar/
Trillium Drop-In Center (Woodbridge)
http://pwdropincenter.org/calendar.php
On Our Own of Roanoke Valley
http://rvonourown.com/Events.aspx
WeCare, Inc (Martinsville)
http://wecaremhc.org/?page_id=42
On Our Own of Charlottesville
http://wwhttp://www.saara.org/events-calendar.phpw.onourowncville.org/structure.html
84 Main (Warsaw)
804.333.3581
Recovery Resources and Support
Other Program Information:
Virginia Peer Support Coalition (Virginia)
Mental Health America of Virginia (MHAV)
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Job Opportunities
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Two Openings for Peer Specialists with Veterans Health Administration in Hampton - Posted 3.4
Job Opportunity with Virginia Supportive Housing for Clinician/Case Manager (APTS) - Posted 2.28
General Statement of Duties:
As part of the Virginia Supportive Housing (VSH) A Place to Start (APTS) team, the Clinician provides a range of supportive services including assessments, service planning, symptoms management, housing stabilization, and crisis prevention and intervention to adults with serious mental illness and co-occurring substance abuse disorders. APTS is an evidence-based program that assists individuals with extensive histories of homelessness to secure and maintain housing and achieve their personal recovery goals. APTS is a multi-disciplinary team that includes a psychiatrist, nurses, clinicians and peer specialists. Supportive services are provided primarily in client apartments in the community. Periodic on-call and weekend duties are required.
Qualifications:
* Master's degree in human services required. At least one year of direct service experience with individuals with low-incomes, mental health and/or substance abuse disorders and/or histories of homelessness preferred.
* Certifications in CPR and First Aid or a dedication and commitment to obtaining them within 3 months of hire.
* Excellent computer skills, with working knowledge of the primary Microsoft Office Suite programs
* Ability to successfully pass a background check and other pre-employment screening
To apply, send a resume and cover letter indicating position of interest in the subject line to:jobs@virginiasupportivehousing.org
Team Leader Position at Virginia Supportive Housing - Posted 2.28
Program Overview:
A Place to Start (APTS) is a program of Virginia Supportive Housing (VSH) that provides permanent housing and comprehensive mental health services to individuals in the Greater Richmond area who are chronically homeless and have a serious mental illness. Comprehensive services (in the form of a DBHDS licensed Intensive Community Treatment Team) are offered to program participants to assist them with maintaining housing and achieving their personal goals. In its 5 years of operation, APTS has been highly successful in housing and serving chronically homeless persons with a serious mental illness and co-occurring substance abuse disorders. More than 95% of clients served have maintained permanent housing and involvement with the criminal justice and inpatient psychiatric services have been dramatically lessened.
Team Leader Specific Duties and Responsibilities:
This position is responsible for providing daily operation and clinical oversight of the APTS ICT team. Provides supervision and leadership to a multi-disciplinary staff that includes a nurse, clinicians, peer counselor, and psychiatrist. Specific duties include staff supervision, staff scheduling to ensure adequate coverage, coordination and direct provision of community-based mental health treatment services, coordination with VSH housing staff to facilitate permanent housing, supervision of clinical records to ensure compliance with all regulating bodies (Medicaid, DBHDS licensing), coordination with community stakeholders, participation in APTS research and evaluation plan, and monitoring of program budget. Coordinates the team daily and on-call schedule and provides on-call and occasionally weekend services.
Essential Qualifications:
* Licensed mental health professional (LMHP) or LMHP-eligible in the Commonwealth of Virginia strongly preferred. Master's degree and at least three years experience working with adults with mental health and/or homeless histories required.
* Supervisory experience strongly preferred.
To apply, send resume and cover letter indicating position of interest to: jobs@virginiasupportivehousing.org
Recovery Specialist I in Chesapeake - Posted 2.25
Chesapeake CSB has a part-time (less than 20 hours per week) peer position available.
Responsible for provision of peer related services to adults receiving mental health and/or substance abuse services. Individual will provide recovery education, outreach supports, and facilitate wellness planning and advance directives. Through these activities the facilitator will work to promote hope, encouragement, self determination, and connection to community resources with their peers. Acts as an advocate for the needs and rights of every person served.
High School diploma or GED required. Individual must have a diagnosis of mental health, substance use, or co-occurring disorders and have been in active recovery for a minimum of one year. The individual must have successfully completed a Peer Support Training Course.
Applicants can contact Melissa Constantine, MPA, at 819-6220 to schedule an interview. Interviews will be scheduled sometime in March.
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Other News
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From Autism to Depression: Largest Genetic Study Shows Mental Disorders Share Genetic Kinks -Posted 3.4
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/from-autism-to-depression-largest-genetic-study-shows-mental-disorders-share-genetic-kinks/2013/02/27/52dbc034-8136-11e2-a671-0307392de8de_story.html
NOTICE March 1, 2013: REQUEST FOR COMMENT on the Following State Board Policies by March 21, 2013
- Posted 3.4
Scheduled Field Review of Four Current Policies
At its last meeting, the Policy Development and Evaluation Committee of the State Board of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services initiated a scheduled field review of:
To assist the Board with this review, stakeholders are asked to consider these current policies and forward your comments about the continued need for these policies and any suggestions for updates, revisions or rescission.
Please provide your comments on all of the above by March 21st to: ruthanne.walker@dbhds.virginia.gov
or by mailing: State Board of BHDS, 1220 Bank Street, Room 1323, Richmond, VA 23219.
Comments received will be considered at the next meeting of the committee on April 9, 2013 at Southwestern Virginia Mental Health Institute, Marion, VA. These policies, and any recommendations for edits, are expected to be taken up at that meeting. Any proposed revisions to the policies will be circulated for comment following the April meeting before a final recommendation is made to the full Board. Please contact me if you have any questions via this email address or the phone number listed below.
All Board policies can be viewed at: http://www.dbhds.virginia.gov/adm-StateBoardDefault.htm
Update on the Human Rights Revision Project - Posted 2.28
The Department of Behavioral Health and Development Services is considering whether the current Human Rights regulations, 12 VAC35 115, should be revised to assure human rights protections related to the health, safety and welfare of individuals receiving services from providers licensed, funded or operated by the Department are effectively administered. With the most recent regulatory revision to the 12 VAC 35-115, the specific rights detailed within the regulations do not need to be modified; rather revisions would focus on enhancing the process for assuring these rights are protected and reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens on individuals receiving services and public and private providers, through simplifying the current administrative process and make it easier to understand and more user friendly.
Last fall, a plan for gaining meaningful constituent feedback was developed and approved by an advisory team made up of representatives from the major stakeholder groups.The Department has engaged Old Dominion University (ODU) to conduct the surveys, interviews and focus groups to ascertain community feedback regarding possible improvements to the current administrative process for assuring the protection of human rights while minimizing regulatory burdens, where possible. If you are interested in participating in the ODU initiative, please email ODU at ssrc@odu.edu.
If you would like to offer the Department suggestions for streamlining the administrative process for assuring the protection of human rights or have identified an opportunity to reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens for individuals receiving services and public and private providers, please click here to email your suggestions to the Department.
The Department anticipates that the State Board may consider proposed regulatory changes as early as this summer. The public will have an opportunity to comment on any changes that the Board decides to propose in the Human Rights regulations, after an Executive branch review of the proposed changes has been completed and the proposed changes have been released for public review and comment. In addition, during this public comment period, the State Board will conduct a public hearing to receive comments on the changes being proposed.
View the Biennial Report of DBHDS' Office of Cultural and Linguistic Competence - Posted 2.28
http://www.dbhds.virginia.gov/2008CLC/documents/DBHDS%20OCLC%20Biennial%20Report%202011-2012.pdf
SAMHSA Seeks Nominations for 2013 Voice Awards - Posted 2.25
Nominations are being accepted for the Voice Awards, offered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: "If you know a consumer/peer leader who has led efforts to promote the social inclusion of people with behavioral health problems; personally demonstrated that recovery is real and possible; and made a positive impact on his/her community, workplace, or school, please nominate him/her for a 2013 Voice Award."
The nomination form is available at this link:
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I look forward to hearing from you!
Sincerely,
Yolande Long
Communications and Events Coordinator
804.343.1777
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Dear Reader,
You are receiving the VOCAL Network Digest because you are on our email list. The Network Digest is a twice-weekly update of mental health announcements throughout Virginia and the nation. If you prefer not to receive these updates, please click the "unsubscribe" button at the bottom of this email. Thank you!
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This page is offered strictly for informational and support purposes. We assume no liability whatsoever for any consequences arising out your use of information or connections provided through any of the above organizations. VOCAL does not necessarily agree with information provided by these organizations, their websites, members or other affiliations.
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