|
|
|
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.
|
|
New In the Digest This Week | |
From Paolo del Vecchio, Director, SAMHSA Center for Mental Health Services - Posted 8.26
Twenty-three years ago, on July 26, 1990, President George H. W. Bush signed into law the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA was the world's first comprehensive civil rights legislation for people with disabilities - including people with behavioral health conditions (mental and substance use disorders). The ADA represented a historic landmark in our nation's commitment to equal opportunity for all of its citizens.
This month, SAMHSA is looking back at the advances of the ADA and what the future may hold for people with behavioral health conditions through a two-part panel discussion series focused on exploring the ADA's impact on the work of SAMHSA, opportunities created by the ADA for recovery and community integration, and on-going challenges for those with behavioral health concerns.
Part II: The ADA and Expanding Use of Psychiatric Service Dogs
August 26, 2013: 11:00am - 12:30 p.m.
To join in via conference call:
Dial: 888-982-4494
Passcode: 4269297
To join the Webinar directly:
Go to: https://www.mymeetings.com/nc/join.php?i=PW7143692&p=4269297&t=c
Audience passcode: 4269297
Please note that lines are limited and calls will be handled on a first come, first serve basis. The event will be recorded.
Join us for a lively, interactive session that will include:
*An overview of the ADA's impact on the use of service animals for people with disabilities related to behavioral health conditions.
* What is a psychiatric service dog (PSD) and how have PSDs impacted community integration?
* The Power of PSDs for trauma healing.
Video clips of PSDs at work and first person testimonies about the impact of PSDs on peoples' lives.
Featured speakers include Mary Blake, SAMHSA Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS); Veronica Morris, Psychiatric Service Dog Partners; Melanie Jannery, House Manager and Peer Support Specialist at the Wellness Co-Op; and Jane Miller, therapist, dog trainer and author of Healing Companions: Ordinary Dogs and their Extraordinary Power to Transform Lives.
"How the Affordable Care Act Will Impact Mental Health Services" - Posted 8.26 The National Capital Area chapter of the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance is pleased to announce speaker program: "How the Affordable Care Act Will Impact Mental Health Services" with presenter Jeffrey A Buck, Ph.D., Senior Advisor for Behavioral Health; Center for Clinical Standards and Quality; Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
This talk takes place Thursday evening September 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the George Washington University Hospital Auditorium (basement level), at 900 23rd Street, NW, next to the Foggy Bottom Metro Station. Free. SAMHSA's Wellness Initiative Webinar (Training Teleconference) - Posted 8.26 Wednesday, August 28th from 3:00 p.m.--4:30 p.m. NATIONAL WELLNESS WEEK 2013 TOWN HALL KICKOFF Register today! http://www.esi-bethesda.com/wellnessteleconference Overview Since 2011, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) Wellness Initiative has highlighted nationwide events that promote wellness every day by embracing the Eight Dimensions of Wellness to achieve holistic overall well-being. In 2012, behavioral health and primary care providers, as well as peer-run, faith-based, and other community organizations in 36 States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, participated in National Wellness Week as part of SAMHSA's National Recovery Month in September. Let's make 2013 even better. You, your organization, and your community can help us improve quality of life and increase longevity for peers by getting involved in National Wellness Week 2013. This year, the Wellness Initiative has chosen to highlight the financial dimension of wellness. Join wellness leaders and advocates to hear their personal and community experiences with wellness at the Town Hall Kickoff training teleconference! During the Webinar, these leaders and advocates will also describe ways to celebrate and promote the third annual National Wellness Week. Presenters include Betty Vreeland, Theresa Strawder, James H. Rimmer, and Kenneth Jue. Participants will have the opportunity to provide feedback and suggestions for National Wellness Week 2013, and to ask the presenters questions. This training teleconference is free and open to everyone. Presenters - Betty Vreeland, APN-C, PMHCNS-BC, ANP-BC,advanced practice nurse at Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care and a SAMHSA's Wellness Initiative Steering Committee member;
- Theresa Strawder, DelaWELL health management program administrator, State of Delaware, Office of Management and Budget;
- James H. Rimmer, Ph.D., professor in the School of Health Professions and first Lakeshore Foundation Endowed Chair in Health Promotion and Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Alabama at Birmingham; and
- Kenneth Jue, MSSA, head of Ken Jue Consulting and authorized representative for Monadnock Family Services.
Target Audience - Peers and persons in recovery, current and past recipients of mental health and substance abuse services, family members, and mental health and substance abuse organizations; Peer-run and behavioral treatment providers;
- Community- and faith-based organizations that support people who have mental and substance use disorders;
- Staff of State and county mental health departments;
- Primary care providers; and
- Anyone interested in promoting wellness, improving quality of life, and increasing longevity for peers.
Learning Objectives This Webinar will inform and inspire people to take action toward improving overall wellness by participating in National Wellness Week 2013. Specifically, participants will learn how to incorporate the Eight Dimensions of Wellness into their lives; how to join the wellness movement and get involved during National Wellness Week; and how the community will work together to achieve the goals of SAMHSA's Wellness Initiative. This Webinar will provide an overview of: - SAMHSA's Wellness Initiative;
- The Eight Dimensions of Wellness;
- National Wellness Week; and
- The impact of a variety of whole-person wellness programs in peer-run, treatment provider, and community organizations.
The HHS Partnership Center Hosts Webinar for Faith and Community Leaders (Open to Public) - Posted 8.26 The Health Care Law - Health Insurance Marketplace 101 September 10th at 4:00 p.m. 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. Please send any questions to ACA101@hhs.gov prior to September 10th at noon. |
|
VOCAL News
| |
VOCAL Announces the Ask VOCAL Column - Posted 8.8
Do you have a question that you wish to direct to the Executive Director about VOCAL? Now is your chance to do so; please direct your questions to askVOCAL@vocalvirginia.org. Your submissions will be answered and published in the Network News following your submission.
|
|
News Around the Commonwealth
|
Friends4Recovery Whole Health Center Update - Posted 8.22
The Center is now open into the evening on Mondays. Join your peers for a peer support group from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m., and then Meditation and Gentle Yoga at 7:00!
An ongoing WRAP class will begin on September 4th from 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. Please call 804.308.1366 to register.
The "Art of Recovery Roadshow" is extended through September 6th.
Request for Comment on the Following State Board Policies by September 20th - Posted 8.21
Scheduled Field Review of Three Current Policies
The Policy Development and Evaluation Committee of the State Board of Behavioral Health and Development Services is limiting a scheduled field review of:
Policy 2010 (ADM ST BD) 88-2 Policy Development and Evaluation
Policy 1004 (SYS) 83-7 Prevention Services
Policy 1010 (SYS) 86-7 Board Role in the Development of the Department's Comprehensive State Plan for Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services
To assist the Board with these reviews, stakeholders are asked to consider these current policies, forward your comments about the continued need for it, and any suggestions for updates, revisions or rescission.
Please provide your comments by September 20th 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 in October 2013, at DBHDS Western State Hospital, 103 Valley Center Drive, Staunton, VA 24401 (note: this is the address for the new hospital). This policy and any recommendations for edits are expected to be taken up at that meeting. Any proposed revisions to the policy will be circulated for comment following the October 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
2013 Mental Health America "Mind Your Health 5K Run and Walk" - Posted 8.19
Saturday, October 5th
Great Waves Water Park at Cameron Run Park Regional Park
4001 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria (22304)
To register:
http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/mindyourhealth5k
Arlington Peers Helping Peers In Recovery H0lds GBLT Fundraising Dinner - Posted 8.19
Tuesday, August 27th from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
$5 per person contribution at the door
3219 Columbia Pike, Suite 101, Arlington (22204)
Please RSVP by August 22nd to 703.567.1346
Central Peer Connect to Meet on Monday, September 9th - Posted 8.19
Central State Hospital, Petersburg
12:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Special presentation by the Beaded Prayer Recovery team from Henrico County.
Please note: this is a change in date/day/time.
"84 Main" in Warsaw Holds Mindfulness Meditation Classes - Posted 8.15
Tuesdays - Fridays, each week
Call 804.333.3581
"Toxic Relationships" at Friends 4 Recovery Whole Health Center - Posted 8.15
Wednesday, August 28th from 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
7420 Whitepine Road, N. Chesterfield (23237)
804.308.1366
Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) Training Offered in Fairfax County - Posted 8.12
November 4-8, 18-22
http://fairfaxfallschurchwrap.org/certified-peer-specialist-trai/
For further information, call Cicely Spencer at 703.324.7167 or cicely.spencer@fairfaxcounty.gov
|
|
Conferences, Trainings, and Webinars
|
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Classes at University of Virginia - Posted 8.22
Developed by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn, MBSR is the core program of the UVA Mindfulness Center. MBSR classes include instruction in meditation, mindful movement, and other mindfulness practices. These practices remind us to return to the present moment and increase the opportunity to make conscious choices rather than react unconsciously.
Classes meet weekly for 2.5 hours over an 8-week period. The course also includes an all-day silent retreat, usually on the Saturday of the 6th week.
Fall 2013
Dates: September 16 - November 11
Day and Time: Mondays, 6:30 - 9:00pm
Instructor: Susan Stone
Location: A Place to Breathe, 4405 Ivy Commons, Charlottesville, VA
Cost: $425
Registration Form
Dates: September 18 - November 6
Day and Time: Wednesdays, 9:30am - 12:00noon
Instructors: Allie Rudolph and Sam Green
Location: A Place to Breathe, 4405 Ivy Commons, Charlottesville, VA
Cost: $425
Registration Form
Veteran Peer Networking Group Conference Call - Posted 8.22 Tuesday, August 27 from 3:00 - 4:30 p.m.
Toll-free call in number: 866-805-9853
Conference code: 8073619425
Are you a Peer Specialist or Peer Mentor providing services and support to Veterans involved in the criminal justice system? Come join our Veteran Peer Networking Group! Veterans are increasingly working as Peer Specialists and Peer Mentors with the VA and community-based organizations. Veterans working with the SAMHSA-funded Jail Diversion and Trauma Recovery with Priority to Veterans Program are extending an invitation to all Vets working as Peer Mentors and Specialists providing services and support to justice-involved Veterans to join them in building a networking group that will strengthen the voice of this emerging workforce.
For more information, please contact David Goldstein at: 774-312-5947. "Working for Yourself with Ticket to Work: Achieving Financial Independence" - Posted 8.19 August 28th from 3:00 pm to 4:30 p.m. Register here:http://fifthfreedom.org/u/he For questions or more information, email support@chooseworkttw.net or call 1-866-968-7842 (V) or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY/TDD). Register Today for the Tackling Tobacco in Behavioral Health Settings Training in Washington D.C. - Posted 8.19 The National Council for Behavioral Health, in collaboration with the University of Colorado's Behavioral Health and Wellness Program, will host a free training, September 15 in Washington D.C., for behavioral health clinicians, peer support professionals, administrators, and others interested in reducing tobacco-related illness among individuals with mental health and substance use disorders. People with mental illnesses smoke more than 34% of all cigarettes and do so 2-4 times more often than the general population. As service delivery models shift and providers begin entering into risk-sharing models, the ability to track tobacco-use and cessation will be imperative. The Tackling Tobacco in Behavioral Health Settings half-day training will be held on Sunday, September 15, from 1:00-5:00 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Washington, DC. Reserve your space for this free training today. 2013 VACSB Public Policy Conference - Posted 8.15 Wednesday, October 2nd from 11:30 a.m. - Friday, October 4th at 11:00 a.m.
Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center, 110 Shenandoah Avenue, NW, Roanoke (24016) For further information and to register, go to:
Fundraising Authority Podcast #11: Getting Your Organization Ready to Raise More Money - Posted 8.1
Listen to well respected fund raising consultant, Sandy Rees, creator of the Get Fully Funded System for Nonprofits. Find out what it means to make fundraising a priority in your organization, as well as how small and mid-sized non profits can avoid feeling overwhelmed by development. This podcast also looks at how to plan you fundraising infrastructure and effectively tell your story to donors and prospects.
Click here to check out this great episode!
Mental Health America of Virginia (MHAV) Now Accepting Applications for Trainings - Posted 7.22
CELT, September 23-27th in Northern Virginia
Pathfinders, November 4-6th in Central Virginia
CELT, December 2-6th in Southeastern Virginia
For further information, call 804.257.5591
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
|
|
Links to MH Peer-Run Programs in Virginia
|
Consumer Wellness Center (Annandale)
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
Other Program Information:
Virginia Peer Support Coalition (Virginia)
Mental Health America of Virginia (MHAV)
|
|
Job Opportunities
| |
Senior Wounded Warrior Peer Support Specialist and Wounded Warrior Peer Specialist Job Opportunities in Northern Virginia - Posted 8.22
http://www.nwcsb.com/jobs.php
Job Opening for Director for "Recovery In Motion" - Posted 8.22
The Mission of Recovery in Motion is to provide resources for and by individuals with mental illness in the Rappahannock Region who choose to share in their mutual recovery and growth.
This is a part time position to begin in November at approximately 25 hours/week.
Duties include to complete startup of a peer run center by end of 2013 that will promote a holistic approach to mental health within the counties of Caroline, Stafford, King George, Spotsylvania and the City of Fredericksburg.
The Director will work with Recovery in Motion's governing board, active members and staff to carry out the fund-raising, membership development and creative curriculum work of the organization. Good communication, administration, fund-raising and organizing skills are a must.
Compensation is based on qualifications and experience.
To apply, please send your resume, cover letter and identification of three professional references to: Karen McDonald at onefromkc@aol.com, preferably by September 15th.
|
|
Other News
|
From Mira Signer, E.D., NAMI VA; Federal Government will Pursue Action in Complaint Filed Against Virginia: Commonwealth Still Promoting Institutionalization of People with Disabilities - Posted 8.15
In a decision dated July 30, the Office for Civil Rights announced that it has "determined that it will pursue action" on the complaint filed against the Commonwealth of Virginia by the Quality Trust for Individuals with Disabilities and the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Virginia. NAMI Virginia is represented on a pro bono basis by Alexander Macaulay and Lindsay Walton of the Richmond law firm Macaulay & Burtch PC.
The complaint alleges that Virginia is violating the Americans with Disabilities Act by requiring people with disabilities to live in segregated group homes - which the Commonwealth admits are institutions - in order to receive benefits under a state program.
Virginia's Auxiliary Grant program serves over 6,000 people, the majority of whom have disabilities and other physical or mental impairments. The program is designed to supplement recipients' Supplemental Security Income ("SSI") to help them maintain a standard of living that meets a basic level of need. The law creating the program provides additional benefits to recipients that live in group homes or adult foster care, but does not require people to live in those settings in order to participate in the program or receive basic benefits.
Unfortunately, the regulations issued by the Virginia Department of Social Services ("DSS") say that people must live in group homes or adult foster care in order to receive any benefits from the program. As a result, even though a 2008 study by Virginia found that recipients could afford one or two bedroom apartments anywhere in Virginia if they were allowed to use their Auxiliary Grant funds to live in housing of their choice, recipients must live in facilities that are segregated, isolated in relatively few areas of the Commonwealth and that even DSS refers to as "institutions."
"Virginia's sad history of segregating people with disabilities in isolated institutions and group homes - against their will, away from their families and friends - must end," said Quality Trust's Legal Director, Jonathan Martinis. "We are pleased and grateful that the Office for Civil Rights will take action."
"Integrated and supportive community-based housing is a cornerstone of recovery from mental illness and independent living for all people with disabilities. For too long, Virginia's citizens with disabilities have been faced with inadequate options and resources for housing. We are encouraged that the Office of Civil Rights will pursue action on this important issue," said Mira Signer, Executive Director of NAMI Virginia.
Mental Health America of Virginia (MHAV) Seeks New Board Members - Posted 8.15
Three-year terms begins January, 2014
MHAV is the statewide affiliate of MHA, a national organization dedicated to advocacy and education on MH issues, with a focus on lived experience and rights. MHAV serves as a statewide umbrella to the 10 local MHAs in Virginia.
If you are interested, please contact Anne Edgerton by email or phone: anne.edgerton@mhav.org; 804. 257.5591.
|
|
|
I look forward to hearing from you!
Sincerely,
Yolande Long
Communications and Events Coordinator
804.343.1777
|
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!
************************************************************************
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.
|
|
|
