Central Peer Connect to Meet Tomorrow, June 11th - Posted 6.10 

12:30 - 2 p.m. , Conference Room I (Second Floor)

Northwest Peer Connect to Meet Wednesday, June 12th - Posted 6.10

Center for Recovery and Wellness

From Fifth Freedom: New One-Stop Resource for Mental Health Tips - Posted 6.10 

The government has introduced a new one-stop resource for comprehensive mental health resources, http://www.mentalhealth.gov . The site offers information on signs of common mental health disorders, treatment options and how to start a conversation around the topic of mental health.

The four main sections of the site are: Basics, What to Look For, Talk About Mental Health, and How to Get Help. The "Basics" section offers a simple definition of mental health, some myths and facts, and information about recovery. The "What To Look For" section offers some very basic information on how to tell if you or someone else might have a mental health issue, such as anxiety disorders, eating disorders, mood disorders, and so on.

The "Talk About Mental Health" section offers tips on starting conversations about mental health issues. Tips include how to talk about your own mental health, how to talk with your friends and family, how educators can help meet the mental health needs of their students, and more. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, there is the "How To Get Help" section. This section offers information about where to get help right away, including phone numbers for treatment referral and suicide prevention. It also offers information for veterans and their families, health insurance, and participating in clinical trials.

In addition to the four main sections, the site also offers videos with stories of hope and recovery, and a treatment locator.

The website is still new, and as yet, does not have as much content as some other government websites. However, the content that is there is valuable. With some expanding, MentalHealth.gov should be a useful resource for everyone impacted by mental health issues.

The Health Care Law: Health Insurance Marketplace 101 - Posted 6.10
 

June 19th at 12:30 p.m.

 This is a presentation on the main provisions in the health care law (the Affordable Care Act) and how to access care in your community. Topics include the Health Insurance Marketplace, how to enroll in health insurance, and how to receive updates on implementation of the law. A brief question and answer session will provide answers to commonly asked questions.

Three Summer Conferences in 2013- Posted 6.6

Three conferences this summer offer knowledge and networking opportunities. The Seventh Annual National Peer Recovery Supporter Conference, organized by the International Association of Peer Supporters (iNAPS), will be held August 27-28, 2013, at the Sheraton Garden Grove Anaheim South in Garden Grove, Calif. (near Disneyland). The 31^st annual conference of the New York Association of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services will take place Sept. 10-12, 2013, at the Hudson Valley Resort & Conference Center in Kerhonkson, N.Y., in the scenic Catskill Mountains. And the Copeland Center Summit will be held at the Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District, in Philadelphia's Old City, near Independence Hall, Sept. 11-13, 2013. For more information or to register, see the sources below, respectively:
 
Sources: http://na4ps.wordpress.com/7th-annual-national-conference/

http://www.nyaprs.org/conferences/annual-conference/2013.cfm 

http://copelandcenter.com/our-services/copeland-center-summit

Link to Virginia Mental Health Conferences and Trainings Calendar for Opportunities to Attend Conferences and Trainings - Posted 4.11  

Go to:  http://tinyurl.com/VirginiaCalendar

Do you know of other things that could be posted on this calendar?? Email Yolande Long: yolande@vocalvirginia.org

Full Time Peer Bridger (Anno. # 41-13) Sought for Middle Peninsula Northern Neck Consumer Operated Programs - Posted 5.16

Location: MH/SA Admin
Type: Full-Time
Salary: Commensurate with Education and Experience.

This position will focus on people being served by the Middle Peninsula Northern Neck Community Services Board, who have been identified as ready for discharge. The MPNN CSB Discharge Planner will facilitate the Peer Bridger's interaction with the hospitalized person prior to their discharge. The Peer Bridger's interaction will help ease the transition into community life for individuals being discharged from Psychiatric Hospitals ( with a focus on Eastern State Hospital ) to significantly decrease their need for readmission by offering an array of both intensive individual and group peer support services. The Peer Bridger will: Engage in a uniquely personal, positive supportive relationship that is the foundation for all future interactions. Provide working knowledge of up to date community resources such as transportation systems, recreation centers and activities, churches, drop in centers, support groups, etc. Partner as the peer gains confidence and knowledge. The Peer Bridger helps to foster hope and serves as a role model for persons who are in recovery. The Peer Bridger will work alongside individuals during and after hospitalization to encourage wellness and independence. Provide support to the individual as they engage in pre-employment/job support services or computer skills training. Will interact positively with clients of various cultural backgrounds, cognitive capacities and psychiatric/physical disabilities. Introduce and provide a strong understanding of wellness and recovery principles, such as WRAP. Assist the individual in writing a crisis plan that explores effective hospital diversion options. Assist, accompany and facilitate the individual's involvement in an array of Peer Support Meetings located at both in the hospital, and following discharge, in the community. Interact closely with the CSB Hospital Liaison to facilitate communication, coordination, and person centered implementation of the Peers Discharge Plan, NGRI Plan, ISP, Crisis Plan or WRAP Plan. Work with a case load of 4 to 8 people depending upon intensity of time and engagement needed with each individual, plus the number needing intense services vs. those nearing independent community interaction.

Education and Experience:

Request lived experience with MHSA challenges coupled with the ability to demonstrate one year successful management of their own personal recovery. Peer Support Training, WRAP Facilitator experience or CELT Leadership training helpful but not mandatory. Knowledge and experience of Mental Health hospital environments preferred. Ability to negotiate successful outcomes in complex situations a strong plus for the successful candidate. High School Diploma or GED. VA Driver's License with acceptable driving record.

Position will remain open until filled. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.