VOCAL'S MENTAL HEALTH RECOVERY NEWS FOR 9.9.13
 
In Today's Digest....
New in the Digest This Week
News Around the Commonwealth
Links to Peer-Run Programs
Job Opportunites


Join Our Mailing List
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

Central Peer Connect TODAY - Posted 9.9

 

12:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. at Central State Hospital in Petersburg

Join us!

 

Free Seminar: "Preparing Your Peer Run Program for a Successful Audit" - Posted 9.9

 

VOCAL invites Executive Directors, Board Presidents, and other leaders of peer-run mental health nonprofits to a  special one-day trainingon Thursday, October 17th from 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. in Charlottesville (address and directions will be sent to all registrants)

            

This training will befacilitated by Auditors of the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Disability Services.

 

We recommend attendance by   2 - 4 management staff and/or Board members from each organization. Lunch will be provided at no charge.

 

Space is limited! Please reserve your place(s) by Monday, September 16th

 

Email Cynthia Evans, Program Director, VOCAL Co-Op: cynthia@vocalvirginia.org for more information and a registration form.

 

 

Mental Health First Aid Training - Posted 9.9

September 24th from 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., in Richmond

 

Course Description:

This 6-hour course is geared to anyone who wants to provide Mental Health First Aid to those in need. It is an excellent introduction for addiction staff to the mental health treatment. As we move to a behavioral treatment system it is increasingly important that those in addiction treatment have a better understanding of mental health treatment. This training for addiction counselors can provide an overview of mental health treatment. The training is delivered by a certified Mental Health First Aid USA.

 

What you will learn:

Just as CPR training helps individuals with no clinical training assist an individual following a heart attack, Mental Health First Aid training helps you to assist someone experiencing a mental health crisis. In both situations, the goal is to help support an individual until appropriate professional help arrives. You will learn a single 5-step strategy that includes assessing risk, respectfully listening to and supporting the individual in crisis, and identifying appropriate professional help and other supports. The goal of Mental Health First Aid is to increase mental health literacy. Participants are also introduced to risk factors and warning signs for mental health or substance use problems, engage in experiential activities that build understanding of the impact of illness on individuals and families; and learn information about evidence-supported treatment and self-help strategies.

 

Topics to be covered include:

1. The prevalence of mental illnesses in the U.S. and their emotional and economic cost

2. The potential warning signs and risk factors for depression, anxiety disorders, trauma, psychotic disorders, eating disorders, and substance use disorders.

3. A 5-step action plan to help an individual in crisis connect to professional care.

4. Resources available to help someone with a mental health problem.

 

Faculty:

Thomas E. Arthur, MHA,

is a certified instructor for Mental Health First Aid. He has extensive experience in management, counseling, clinical supervision, teaching, consultation and program design. He is president of his own company; Thomas E. Arthur and Associates in Annapolis. He brings vast years of experience in working in the mental health arena.    

 

To register: www.ceattc.org

 

 

Send a Recovery Month E-Card! - Posted 9.9

 

http://www.recoverymonth.gov/ECards/Send.aspx?topic=0&design=3    

 

ProPublica Compiles the Best Reporting on Mental Illness in Prisons - Posted 9.9


ProPublica - "Journalism in the Public Interest" - has compiled eight articles about individuals with mental health conditions in prison, links to which are provided at the source below. According to ProPublica, "The Department of Justice estimated in 2006 that over half of all U.S. inmates suffer from a mental health problem." Four of the eight articles were published in 2012 or 2013.
 
Source:

 
Support Group Each Wednesday and Friday in Roanoke - Posted 9.9

2:00 p.m. at On Our Own of Roanoke Valley

429 Elm Avenue, SW

Roanoke (24016)

For further information, call: 540.362.0061

 

VOCAL News

Updated Information: Community Forum/Town Hall Meetings  - Posted 9.5 

  

VOCAL, in partnership with Margaret Walsh, Director of the Office of Human Rights at DBHDS, will be holding these meetings  to gather information on the coming changes to the human rights process.  

 

September 26th at 1:00 p.m.

Fairfax

The Heritage Center, East Building

7611 Little River Turnpike, Annandale (22003)

Training Rooms A & B on the first floor

 

October 2nd at 10:30 a.m.

On Our Own of Roanoke Valley

429 Elm Ave SW # 100  

Roanoke (24016)

 

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

 

Free Third Thursdays Gathering in Charlottesville - Posted 8.15  

 

Thursday, September 19th, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.  

Orange Hill Wellness Center

401 Orange Street  

 

The topic will be "The Power of Intention: Create the Life You Want" Invite a friend for an informal evening of discussion and interactive activities.

If you would like to register or would like more information, please contact: 434-977-6918 or Workshop@CareerWithHeart.com

 

"Relating to Family" - Posted 9.5

 

Friends 4 Recovery Whole Health Center

Wednesday, September 11th from 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.

7420 Whitepine Road, North Chesterfield (23237)

Phone: 804.308.1366     

 

"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.
 
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 

 

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

Region Ten Consumer Advisory Council's 8th Annual Recovery Conference - Posted 8.29

 

October 25th  from 9:00 a.m. -3:00 p.m. at the Holiday Inn University Emmet Street.

This year's theme is "A View Inside: Keep it strong. Keep it local".  Our goal is to showcase people in recovery that are a part of our community. We are planning some exciting events in preparation for the conference.

 

There will be two ways that consumers will be able to show their amazing strengths at the conference:

 

1. There will be a portrait photography project of persons in recovery called "A View Inside" by local photographer Keith Alan Sprouse. (To see examples of his other work go to http://cvillepeople.tumblr.com/) Space is somewhat limited . Contact Beth Gager for info. 

 

2. There will be a chance for consumers to share their stories at the conference in a presentation called "Breaking Through". For people who have something to share about their personal story of breaking through mental illness and/or addiction we will have a series of storytelling workshops leading up to the day of the conference. Please contact Beth Gager to register.

 

People can participate in one or both projects. Please get the word out to people who you think have something powerful to share. Please contact with me with any questions or to sign up for either project.

Please contact Beth Gager  by October 18th  by email or by phone to register for the conference or to participate in presentations. 434-970-1480 or beth.gager@regionten.org

 

Registration is free but required. No walk-ins admitted. Space is limited. Special accommodations must be made by October 4th.

 

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

   

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:

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

Recovery Resources and Support
http://www.rrs4hope.com/

The Laurie Mitchell Empowerment and Career Center (Alexandria)
  
Other Program Information:

 

Virginia Peer Support Coalition (Virginia)
  
Mental Health America of Virginia (MHAV)
http://www.mhav.org/Current_Program_Schedule.html

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance of Falls Church
ANC436@aol.com 
NAMI Virginia (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
http://namivirginia.org/

NAMI Central Virginia (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
http://www.namicentralvirginia.org

SAARA of Virginia (Richmond)
http://www.saara.org/events-calendar.php

Spiritworks Foundation Center for Recovery of the Soul (Williamsburg)
http://www.spiritworksfoundation.org/events-calendar/

 

Job Opportunities

Job Opening: Wounded Warrior Peer Specialist - Posted 8.29

 

Veteran needed to provide support services to veterans  in the Central Virginia and Rockbridge CSB areas.

Required: military service with honorable discharge, recent combat experience preferred, associate's degree and two years in human services with knowledge of mental health field, valid driver's license. Competitive salary.

 

Please call Marianne Powell at 434. 847.8035 for more information regarding this position.

 

Other News

SAMHSA's BRSS TACS and CSG Justice Center Launch New Websites - Posted 9.5

 

SAMHSA's Bringing Recovery Supports to Scale Technical Assistance Center Strategy (BRSS TACS) and the Council of State Governments Justice Center have launched new websites. SAMHSA writes: "Here you can learn about BRSS TACS funding opportunities, how to request training and technical assistance, scan the ever-growing Recovery Library or learn more about what other organizations, states and systems are doing to implement recovery concepts, policies, practices and surveys." And the Council of State Governments Justice Center has announced that its overhauled site "embodies the Justice Center's efforts to provide data-driven, consensus-based strategies to increase public safety and strengthen communities. The homepage is organized into eight program areas: Corrections, Courts, Justice Reinvestment, Law Enforcement, Mental Health, Substance Abuse, Reentry, and Youth. Each of these programs includes rich content developed by staff and experts from around the country."  http://www.samhsa.gov/brss-tacs/
http://csgjusticecenter.org/   

 

Mental Health America Provides New Resources on Student Mental Health - Posted 8.29

 

Back to Campus, Back to School Material Offers
Guidance for Students, Parents, Administrators

 

In recognition of the challenges a new school year presents , Mental Health America is providing new resources on student mental health.

 

"A student's mental health is just as important as their general health," said Wayne W. Lindstrom, Ph.D., president and CEO of Mental Health America. "We know the start of a new school year can be a stressful time for students all ages. These resources are designed to help everyone-students, parents and administrators-promote good mental health and ensure resources are available."

 

A Back to Campus toolkit (http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/backtocampus) includes fact sheets for students and information for colleges and universities about what types of services should be in place to address the mental health needs of the student body:

  • Checklist for Institutions of Higher Learning-reviews various programs and services that colleges and universities can implement.
  • Stressed or Depressed? Know the Difference-looks at the common signs of stress and depression and how they differ.
  • Boost Your School Performance by Taking Care of You-provides simple everyday steps for students on taking care of one's mind as well as body.
  • Top Ten Freshman Year Issues (and how to deal with them)-addresses challenges and solutions of the first year in college.
  • A Fact Sheet on Alcohol & Substance Use, and Depression

A Back to School List of Tips (http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/back-to-school) provides important steps parents can take to support their child as he or she heads back to school.

Mental Health America's website has additional material on children's mental health. For more information, go to http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/children.

   

For further information, contact:

Steve Vetzner, 703. 797. 2588 or svetzner@mentalheatlhamerica.net

 

 

From the Editor...
If you have a submission for the e-digest, please email it to me at yolande@vocalvirginia.org
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!

************************************************************************

DISCLAIMER:

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.