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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 |
Do You Have a Submission for the Newsletter?
What's going on in your region to report? Something exciting happening in a group you belong to? Are you writing some poetry or prose? Please send your submissions for the April - May 2013 "Network News" by March 25th to: yolande@vocalvirginia.orgVOCAL 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 July 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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Are You Working or Volunteering as a Peer Supporter? - 3.14
The Northern Virginia Peer Support Coalition is doing a survey of Peer Support Specialist.
We are interested in hearing from individuals working (or wanting to work) or volunteering in the role of a Peer Support Specialist.
Although the survey was designed to find out about individuals in Northern Virginia, we encourage Peer Support Specialist throughout Virginia to participate.The survey is only 10 questions and does not contain any identifying information.
You can find it at the following web address:
We welcome your participation and will share the results on the Virginia Peer Support Coalition website.
"Mindfulness Meditation", at 84 Main in Warsaw - Posted 3.14
Tuesday - Friday
11:30 - 12:00 p.m.
For further information, please call: 804.333.3581
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Conferences/Trainings/Webinars/Reports
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The Virginia Wounded Warrior Program's Family of Heroes - Posted 3.14
The Virginia Wounded Warrior Program (VWWP), a division of the Virginia Department of Veterans Services, in collaboration with the Virginia Department of Health, are making available Family of Heroes, an avatar-based resiliency & PTSD training simulation. All military families and friends in Virginia are eligible to train.
We invite you to join us for a free webinar to learn more about this program and how it can impact our community by supporting families and connecting veterans with support services.
The program has been piloted successfully in VWWP's Northwestern Region and is now available at no cost to all veterans and their families throughout the state of Virginia through June 30, 2013.
Webinars will be conducted by regional directors from VWWP.
Please sign-up for one of the following webinars:
Thursday, March 14, 11:00am - 12:00pm, Hosted by: Matt Wade, director, Region 3
Click here to register
Tuesday, March 26, 3:00pm - 4:00pm, Hosted by: Martha Utley, director, Region 4
Click here to register
Tuesday, April 9, 12:00pm - 1:00pm, Hosted by: Jim Thur, director, Region 2
Click here to register
Wednesday, April 24, 9:00am - 10:00am, Hosted by: Eric Endries, director, Region 5
Click here to register
For questions please call: 212-675-9234 or info@kognito.com.
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Free Webinar, "Using Consumer Self-Help Tools to Improve Organizational Performance: myStrength Demo - Posted 3.14
Wednesday, March 20th from 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
Web technology and consumer empowerment are proving to be a powerful combination in the delivery of health and behavioral health services. Payers and providers using new tech tools to deliver patient-directed care and improve patient engagement have a distinct competitive advantage in today´s dynamic healthcare market as they gear up to meet the significant increase in demand for services. The National Council has forged a partnership with myStrength, Inc., a digital behavioral health company that helps clinicians extend care by offering web-based and mobile self-help resources to patients. Join this webinar for an "up close and personal" tour of myStrength. See how clinicians are using myStrength to help patients manage depression and anxiety in between therapy visits and after therapy ends through interactive coping tools, weekly action plans, daily inspiration, and step-by-step learning modules. Learn how your organization can augment direct intervention with virtual care, enhance and accelerate patient recovery, better manage waitlists, reach remote areas, and offer effective relapse management for patients no longer seeing a therapist.
Register free at https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/167620170
This webinar previews the workshop "Consumer Engagement: How to Do It, How to Measure if You Are" at the National Council Conference, April 8-10, 2013 in Las Vegas. Learn more and register for theconference at www.TheNationalCouncil.org/Conference.
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"Peer-to-Peer" from NAMI Central Virginia - Posted 3.14
Course begins March 26th
Free, 10-week recovery education course for adults living with mental illness. Peer to Peer (and "Persona a Persona" in Spanish) helps participants maintain recovery through Peer-support, lecture, discussion, coping and mindfulness exercises. It is facilitated by a team of trained NAMI Peer Mentors.
For further information , call 804.285.1749 or email: kathy.harkey@namicentralvirgina.org with the subject "Peer to Peer" and provide contact information to receive announcements about upcoming classes. Participants must register ahead of time.
3rd Annual Consumer/Survivor Visionary Leadership Teleconference - Posted 3.11
March 15th from 3:30pm - 4:30p.m.
Hosted by the National Coalition for Mental Health Recovery
Featuring Paolo del Vecchio, Will Hall & Khatera Aslami-Tamplen; moderated by Keris Myrick. Speakers present for 30 minutes followed by 30 minutes of live question and answer.
Call-in information: 866-554-6142, pin 803-6957977#
Join us for a simultaneous Twitter chat - use hashtag #CSXLeads
Click here for the flyer http://www.ncmhr.org/downloads/Leadership-Flyer.pdf
Watch the March Road to Recovery Program: "Join the Voices for Recovery" Together on Pathways to Wellness" - Posted 3.7
Go to : http://www.recoverymonth.gov/Multimedia/Road-to-Recovery-Television-Series.aspx
"Ask the Doctor" Teleconference - Posted 3.7
Friday, March 22nd from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Join Mary Ellen Copeland and
Dr. Ken Duckworth, Medical Director of National Alliance on Mental Illness [NAMI]
Mary Ellen Copeland will talk about the evidence based mental health recovery program, the Wellness Recovery Action Plan.
Dr. Copeland will share her vision of prevention and mental health recovery for everyone, recognizing the person as the expert on themselves, with an approach that focuses on strengths, and simple, safe, non-invasive strategies for getting and staying well.
Click here for info on how to join the call
Free Webinar: "WRAP Around Food" - Posted 3.7
March 21st from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Join WRAP Facilitator,Dawn Heffernan, in exploring how WRAP has helped her create the plan that works for her around food. As Dawn says: "I make no promises but developing your own WRAP around food is possible and achieving your goal is not as impossible as you might think."
Dawn has used WRAP to balance her own life for 14 years. She was proud and privileged to take and complete the WRAP Facilitator Training in NC in August 2012. She comes to us from the UK and hopes you enjoy listening and sharing with her.
This is an excellent webinar for anyone who has struggled with their wellness choices when it comes to food, or anyone who supports people who are struggling with these sorts of issues. SAMHSA's Service Members, Veterans, and their Families Technical Assistance Center Webinar: "Fostering and Expanding Peer Support Services for Service Members, Veterans, and their Families" - Posted 3.7
Wednesday, March 27th from 1:00-2:30 p.m.
Presenters: Moderator: Nicholas Meyer, Assistant Director, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's Service Members, Veterans, and their Families (SMVF) Technical Assistance Center
Daniel O'Brien-Mazza, M.S., Director of Peer Support Services, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) William L. White, M.A., Senior Emeritus Senior Research Consultant at Chestnut Health Systems/Lighthouse Institute John Harris, M.S.W., Q.M.H.P., Military and Veterans Program Manager, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Peer support has been recognized as an important strategy in supporting the behavioral health needs of SMVF. Individuals with lived experience provide a bridge to services and help ease SMVF transition to their communities. Peers with military experience and experience with recovery from trauma, mental health, or addiction issues offer valuable knowledge and skills to assist others. This support can be provided through a variety of established peer models. Many states have already begun to bring their peer initiatives together across systems and now stakeholders must assess how best to work together. Coordinated systems of peer support services for SMVF can succeed with collaboration and consensus. This webinar will include discussions related to best practice resources and tools, how communities can build on commonalities, and the many roles peers play. The presentation will be followed by a question and answer session.
Objectives: - Discuss opportunities for peer support services in relation to SMVF
- Explore the recently issued Presidential Executive Order that advances peer models within the VA
- Identify ethical considerations and decision points for developing SMVF peer models
- Recognize the varied roles and responsibilities of SMVF peers
- Identify resources and next steps for developing peer support services
Target Audience: Representatives from state, territory, and tribal behavioral health systems serving SMVF; representatives from military family coalitions; peer support coalitions; peer support practitioners; and advocates To register in advance of the event, please click here.
If you have any questions about your registration, please contact Michelle Cleary, Project Associate, at 518-439-7415 ext. 5259 or by email at mcleary@prainc.com.
Presenter Biographies Nicholas Meyer is the Assistant Director for SAMHSA's SMVF TA Center, where he coordinates the day-to-day operations of the TA Center and participates in technical activities as a peer subject matter expert. Mr. Meyer is currently pursuing his M.P.A at Marist College. Formerly, Mr. Meyer served as a Sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps with three tours of duty to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. His military decorations include: the Navy Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with three stars, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with three stars. Daniel O'Brien-Mazza, M.S., is the National Director of Peer Support Services at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs where he oversees the national curriculum and credentialing of Peer Support Services at the VA. Previously, he was Team Leader of the Syracuse VA's Community Care Center's Psychosocial Rehabilitation Programs, where he supervised the day treatment, homeless, Mental Health Intensive Case Management, and vocational programs, while also directing the Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 2's supported employment project. He has also provided vocational counseling and substance abuse services to veterans in Syracuse. He received his M.S. from Syracuse University's Rehabilitation Counseling Education program. He is also a recipient of the VA Secretary's Heart and Hands Award. Mr. O'Brien-Mazza is a U.S. Air Force Veteran. William L. White, M.A., is Emeritus Senior Research Consultant at Chestnut Health Systems/Lighthouse Institute and past Chair of the Board of Recovery Communities United. He has worked full time in the addictions field since 1969 as a street worker, counselor, clinical director, researcher, and well-traveled trainer and consultant. He has authored or co-authored more than 400 articles, monographs, research reports, book chapters, and 16 books. His book, Slaying the Dragon - The History of Addiction Treatment and Recovery in America, received the McGovern Family Foundation Award for the best book on addiction recovery. Mr. White's research and work on peer support services has been published extensively and can be found here. He received his M.A. from Goddard College in Addiction Studies. John W. Harris, M.S.W., Q.M.H.P., is a Mental Health Program Manager in the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services in North Carolina's Department of Health and Human Services. Mr. Harris serves as the state of North Carolina's SMVF interagency peer workgroup leader. In this capacity, he has been working to establish a military and civilian reintegration system and is currently developing a peer-to-peer recovery network in connection with local universities. Mr. Harris has 23 years of direct experience in planning, coordinating, and administering behavioral health and social services programs. Mr. Harris received his M.S.W from the University of Georgia. He honorably served as a seaman in the U.S. Navy and as an Officer in the U.S. Army.
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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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Position: Peer Recovery Specialist II #13073 - Posted 3.7Regional Crisis Stabilization - Hampton/Newport News Community Services Board
Salary for this position is commensurate with knowledge and experience. Description: Peer Recovery Specialist II provide group and individual sessions focusing on peer support, symptom and medication education and recovery focused. The Peer Recovery Specialist may assist individuals with basic physical, financial, social, personal, and recovery needs. Services carried out by the Peer Recovery Specialist II include monitoring, advocacy, daily living support, and similar functions. Requirements: Must be a person who has experienced a mental health and/or substance use condition and who has made progress in learning about and managing his or her condition and in developing a life outside of, or in addition to, this condition.
AND Associate's Degree in one of the following related fields (Social Work, Psychology, Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Sociology, Counseling, Vocational Rehabilitation, Human Services Counseling) and has at least one (1) year of experience providing direct services to persons with a diagnosis of mental illness; OR Associate's Degree or higher degree, in an unrelated field and at least three (3) years experience providing direct services to persons with a diagnosis of mental illness, gerontology individuals, or special education individuals. OR A minimum of 90 hours classroom training to include certified Peer Specialist training in behavioral health and at least one year of clinical experience. AND Must provide proof of completion of 12 weeks of experience under the direct personal supervision of a QMHP, providing services to persons with mental illness, within ninety (90) days of employment. OR College credits (from an accredited college) earned toward a bachelor's degree in a human service field that is equivalent to an associate's degree and one year's clinical experience. OR Current and valid state licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse from the Virginia State Board of Nursing with at least one (1) year of clinical experience. Current DMV record within the past 60 days must accompany application.
Please submit application resume**, salary history and current DMV record to: **Please include a detailed resume of your work experience which includes populations served, job responsibilities and length of service 300 Medical Drive
Human Resources, First Floor
Hampton, VA
Telephone 757- 788-0301 Fax 757- 788-0973 WWW.HNNCSB.ORG |
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Other News
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From Paolo del Vecchio, Director, CMHS, SAMHSA - Posted 3.14
I am very pleased to announce the appointment of Steven Fry, M.S., to the position of Associate Director for Consumer Affairs, Center for Mental Health Services. I also want to express my great appreciation to Wilma Townsend, M.S.W., who has been in the acting role in this position for over a year. Wilma has done an extraordinary job meeting the demands of this busy office and ensuring all aspects of consumer affairs responsibilities were met for CMHS.
Steve Fry is leaving his position as the Director of Recovery Community Affairs at the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) to join CMHS. In this position, Steve reported directly to DMHAS Commissioner Patricia Rehmer and served on the Commissioner's executive team. Steve was instrumental as a senior advisor in state mental health and addiction policy development, strategic planning, communications, and program design for the department. He also represented the perspectives and concerns of people living with mental health conditions in all aspects of the work of the department.
Over the last 20 years, Steve has worked in Connecticut developing and managing innovative programs, providing training and education in recovery oriented services, and advocating for people who experience mental health problems and difficulties with substance use. He has extensive experience in delivering peer-operated services as well as designing policies and programs to support their adoption. Steve often shares his own experience with mental illness to help others learn about the possibilities and challenges of recovery. Steve has a Masters of Science degree in Community Mental Health from Trinity College of Vermont.
Steve will begin his new duties on April 7. Please join me in welcoming Steve Fry to CMHS!
My Vision for Columbia Graphics and Printing: from Scott Haugh - Posted 3.7
In my work in mental health, I have realized that many peers, (people with mental health issues), are stuck due to barriers to employment. Many peers with a diagnosis have highly developed creativity living due to overwhelming life circumstances. Columbia Graphics & Printing seeks to tap into the creativity of peers, by empowering them with laptops, software and education in order to employ them as graphic artists. They would learn the tools of graphic art so they can freelance in the community and feed print work to Columbia Graphics & Printing. Ideally there would be around 40 peers all over Virginia creating print-ready graphics. Each peer would either sell their work or be partnered with a sales associate in their region. Marketing would be focused on the Community Service Boards (CSB) across Virginia (there are 40). Each CSB region would have a peer nearby who would supply their graphic needs and promote the work of the local peer. CSBs are filled with social workers and others who have many contacts. These contacts would be the focus of our marketing strategy. Once a peer is hired for a particular region, then that CSB would be formally introduced to their peer contact so that business networking could begin. This company will help many people get on their feet and go a long way toward eliminating stigma of mental illnesses.
Below is a link that people can vote on for an upcoming competition.
It would be great to get funding, which would require people to vote early and often.
Thanks,
http://www.ie-rva.org/contest/start-up-competition-2013/
The above link is a competition for startups. We could be awarded a grant!Stay tuned for on line voting: - Online public voting occurs March 26-28, 2013.
Scott Haugh, Graphic Artist
Columbia Graphics & Printing
Box 754
Columbia, VA 23038 804.878.2782
Virginia's Human Rights Regulations - Posted 3.7
Click here to read the Virginia Office for Protection and Advocacy's (VOPA) letter and comment directly to Margaret.Walsh@dhbds.virginia.gov by March 26.
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.
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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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