VOCAL'S MENTAL HEALTH RECOVERY NEWS FOR 9.19.13
 
In Today's Digest....
New in the Digest This Week
News Around the Commonwealth
Links to Peer-Run Programs
Job Opportunites


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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.

 

New  In the Digest This Week

From the CAFE TAC Center: "A Focus on the Debate Over Community Care" - Posted 9.19

 

One of the long-standing debates in the discussion about how to best meet the needs of people with serious mental illness centers around the issue of whether treating people in the community is the best course, or if in-patient treatment is the better choice for society. For people in the recovery community, the value of community living and the empowerment that comes with meaningful daily activities seems obvious. However, various high-profile incidents involving people with mental health needs have brought about a perspective that says in order to allow people with mental health needs to live in the community, authorities must force them to accept medical treatment under penalty of law.

The latest edition of the Focus newsletter examines the arguments on either side of this debate, while looking at specific examples of forced treatment and how they have been evaluated by researchers and policy-makers. We hope you take a few minutes to read about this critical issue!

 

What is it like to Hear Voices? A Questionnaire Study - Posted 9.19

 

Hearing the Voice, in collaboration with the Lived Experience Research Network, is pleased to announce a new research study into the experience of hearing voices. 

This study - an online questionnaire which can be completed anonymously - takes a philosophical approach to understanding human experience. It invites people who hear voices to reflect upon important aspects of their experience - such as moods and emotions, or bodily sensations - which may not usually be the subject of attention, especially in clinical settings.

You can find out more about the study, and take part, by clicking here. The study will run until November 29.

Developing a better understanding of the experience of voice-hearing is perhaps the central aim of the Hearing the Voice project, and one of the strengths of working as an interdisciplinary team is that we can go about this in a number of ways. We are in regular conversations with voice-hearers from a wide range of backgrounds, and have learned a lot from the narratives of people who have shared their stories of recovery. We work closely with clinicians and carers who have professional experience of working with people who are distressed by their voices. We are critically investigating the psychological scales that psychologists and neuroscientists use to measure and quantify hallucinatory experience. And we are examining the literary, historical and theological record to put all of this into a wider cultural context.

Our hope is that this study will make an important contribution to the wider Hearing the Voice project and so ultimately be of benefit to people who hear voices and to those who care about and for them. This can only happen through the good will of our anonymous participants. If you or someone you know would like to find out more, or are interested in participating in the study, please visit the questionnaire web site for further details.

   

FT Job Available at Eastern State Hospital: Direct Service Associate II / CNA or Peer Support Specialist (POD-3)   - Posted 9.19

 

Accepting Online Applications Only

Eastern State Hospital invites you to apply for a position on a new unit that is designed to model state-of-the-art practices in inpatient recovery. We are seeking direct care personnel, peer support specialists, nurses, a psychologist, a social worker, a recreational therapist, and expert psychiatric personnel to serve persons with serious mental illnesses. The care providers who fill these roles will actively collaborate with patients on their recovery goals and plans, and work collectively with patients in an environment designed to minimize trauma, and support empowerment and self-determination.

The Direct Service Associate II is directly responsible to the Direct Service Associate III and the Program Administrative Manager II for the provision of direct care to mentally ill patients in an assigned unit, according to the philosophy and objectives of Eastern State Hospital Department of Nursing and the Hospital's mission, goals and objectives.

Shift: Rotating (D/E/N) - every other weekend off

Minimum Qualifications:

High School Graduate or GED required. Valid Peer Support Specialist or Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) Certificate required issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia. Prefer previous experience as a Direct Service Associate II in an inpatient program for mentally ill, intellectually disabled or substance abuse patients.  

Preferred Qualifications

Ability to read, write and follow oral and written instructions; a positive and caring attitude. Must complete mandatory training (including TOVA) at Eastern State Hospital upon employment. Must be able to work when needed; provide care to patients individually or in groups; observe and document patient behavior. Must be computer literate, including email experience, and able to accurately utilize electronic health records for data entry and retrieval.  

Special Requirements

Offers of employment are contingent upon passing the background check (Virginia State Police and FBI) and the drug screen test.  

Special Instructions to Applicants

Eastern State Hospital is a Tobacco-Free Facility.  

Optional Applicant Documents

Resume
Cover Letter  

Contact Information:

Crystal Arrington; Phone: 757.208.7717 ; Fax: 757.253.4996 

crystal.arrington@dbhds.virginia.gov  

   

FT Job Available at Eastern State Hospital:  DSA III (Certified Peer Specialist) - Posted 9.19

 

Job Description

 

To plan and implement peer support services and treatment to meet the psychiatric and physical needs of patients. To ensure that all patients will receive the highest quality of care possible.  

Minimum Qualifications

 

Valid Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) certification. Demonstrated experience in applying behavioral intervention methods. Previous experience as a service provider in an inpatient program for mentally ill, mentally challenged or substance abuse patients.

   

Preferred Qualifications

Ability to plan and implement goal oriented peer support treatment appropriate to the needs of psychiatric patients. Knowledge and ability to implement treatment that emphasizes self-directed recovery principles. Ability to integrate knowledge, skills, abilities and peer support principles to practice. Interpersonal communication skills that enhance psychiatric and behavioral impairments. Ability to engage staff and patients to train, encourage and model the principles of self-directed recovery. 

 

Special Requirements

Offers of employment are contingent upon passing the background check (Virginia State Police and FBI) and the drug screen test.

   

Special Instructions to Applicants

Eastern State Hospital is a Tobacco-Free Facility.  

Optional Applicant Documents  

 

Resume
Cover Letter

 

Contact Information:

Crystal Arrington; Phone: 757.208.7717 ; Fax: 757.253.4996 

crystal.arrington@dbhds.virginia.gov  

 

Rally4Recovery in Lynchburg - Posted 9.19

 

Saturday, September 21st from Noon to 4:00 p.m. 

Diamond Hill Community Center, 1005 17th Street and  

Roads to Recovery House, 1100 16th Street 

 

For further information:  sandykanehl@hotmail.com

434.455.0053 

  

   

 

Webinar: "How to Enroll in the Health Insurance Marketplace" - Posted 9.19

 

October 8th at 4:00 p.m.

 

Are you ready for the health care law, what some may know as Obamacare, health reform or the Affordable Care Act? We will explain the health care law, show you how to enroll in health insurance and answer your questions. Open enrollment starts on October 1, 2013 and ends on March 31, 2014. Health insurance will be available for every American as a result of the health care law. Please send any questions to ACA101@hhs.gov prior to October 8 at noon.


To register:

https://www4.gotomeeting.com/register/509127463?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery 

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 10:00 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

Virginia Office for Protection and Advocacy Transitions to the disability Law Center of Virginia Next Month - Posted 9.16 

Effective October 1, the disAbility Law Center of Virginia (dLCV) will take over the duties of the protection and advocacy system for persons with disabilities in the Commonwealth of Virginia. These duties have been provided by the Virginia Office for Protection and Advocacy (VOPA); VOPA staff will transition to the new dLCV. The dLCV is a private, non-profit agency. Further information can be found at www.dLCV.org

The agency toll-free number stays the same: 800. 552.3962.

You Are Invited to a Magellan Community Forum - Posted 9.12

 

Magellan Behavioral Health has been selected by the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) to serve as the Behavioral Health Services Administrator (BHSA). Beginning December 1, 2013, Magellan will work with provider organizations in the community to administer behavioral health services for members enrolled in Virginia's Medicaid and FAMIS programs. This means Magellan will be responsible for managing all behavioral health services for the individuals enrolled in these programs. We will also manage the behavioral health services not covered through DMAS' managed care programs.

 

We will hold six community forums across the state in September. These information sessions will focus on sharing information about Magellan. We will have information tables with representatives who will answer questions about behavioral health services and how we work with consumers and families. These sessions are open to all community stakeholders, members and provider organizations. Separate provider sessions will also be held on these dates at the same locations.

The goal of these sessions is to provide a broad overview to help all stakeholders understand the upcoming changes to the behavioral health system. Magellan and DMAS are committed to a smooth transition that is transparent to members, providers and others.

We welcome and encourage consumers, parents and families, providers and other stakeholders to take part in any of the sessions. The link below will provide dates/times/place for each forum.   

 

Advance registration is recommended but not required. 

Please register at the link below for the session(s) you wish to attend: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/VA-Forums

We hope you will join us and share your ideas. We look forward to meeting you. Please share this information with others who are interested in the VA DMAS transition for the behavioral health system.

Please email VirginiaInfo@MagellanHealth.com with questions you may have about the sessions.   

 

Next Central Peer Connect Meeting on Tuesday, October 8th at RAFT House in Hanover - Posted 9.12  

 

12:30 - 2:00 p.m.
14433 Washington Hwy, Ashland (23005)

 

Our program will be "Poetry Reading and Tea Time". Please bring an original poem or a poem you just like, if you would like to read aloud to the group. RAFT House wishes to offer lunch to our group but MUST HAVE an accurate head count, so if you plan to eat lunch there, please contact Betsy Brown at 804.798.4587 (RAFT House phone, ask for her) or by email :


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

 

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

 

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

September Webinar: "Who's On Your Bus?" - Posted 9.16 

Tuesday, September 24th  from 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

To register, please click here

Our recovery journey is a constant ride and never a destination. As drivers of our own Recovery Bus, we may face unexpected traffic and detours. How we handle changing directions has much to do with the passengers we have on board.

A discussion led by the multicultural panel of George Badillo, Yvonne Smith and Jen Padron will discuss ways you can invite diverse passengers who will support and empower you in your route to recovery.

The message of valuing every voice and inclusiveness will resonate in this thought-provoking dialogue. This webinar will inspire all diverse communities to keep the conversation culturally relevant about who is "on their bus" and the current route they are taking.

In this webinar you will come away with the necessary tools to:

·         Create and define your vision of recovery.

·         Identify and invite the right passengers on your bus.

·         Navigate adversity, potholes and unexpected negative passengers.

·         Fuel your journey with positive energy and enthusiasm.

 

An Informational Alert Prepared by Fifth Freedom: "Disability Disclosure and Self-identification Benefits, Barriers and Implementable Solutions"  Webinar - Posted 9.12

 

On October 10th, the Employer Assistance and Resource Network (EARN) will present a webinar on disability disclosure in the workplace. While this webinar is directed at employers, it can also benefit employees with disabilities to know how employers may address this complex issue.

 

Disability disclosure at the workplace can be greatly beneficial to both employers and employees with disabilities. With the recently released regulations strengthening Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and setting specific recruitment goals for workers with disabilities, the need for creating environments where individuals feel comfortable disclosing a disability has become critical. However, some people may fear repercussions and opt not to self-identify, and many employers do not know how to collect this information. 

 

Using recent research as a foundation, this webinar will examine:

  • The benefits of workplace disclosure for employees with disabilities and employers
  • The barriers and facilitators to disclosure from the perspective of individuals with disabilities
  • Strategies employers have implemented that increase self-identification 

2:00 pm to 2:30 p.m.

Register here: http://askearn.org/ndeam_registration.cfm    

 

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

 

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.

 

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

 

Other News

 

'Peers' May Ease Mental Health Worker Shortage Under Obamacare  (USA TODAY) - Posted 9.16

Disability Community Unveils Key Principles of Community Integration - Posted 9.12   

 

The Judge David L. Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law has unveiled consensus principles - signed by 26 major national organizations comprising and/or representing individuals with disabilities - which lay out a vision in which individuals with disabilities are afforded opportunities to live in their own homes, work in regular, non-segregated employment, and make their own choices. "While most states have expressed a desire to do the right thing," said Bazelon's legal director, Ira Burnim, "they have failed to implement these principles on a large scale." The document - "Community Integration for People with Disabilities: Key Principles" - is available at the following link: http://bazelon.org/portals/0/ADA/7.30.13%20Key%20Principles%20-%20Community%20Integration%20for%20People%20with%20Disabilities.pdf

 

In Celebration of Recovery Month 2013Announcing the 2013 "In My Own Words"Essay Contest! - Posted 9.12

 

The ATTC Network Coordinating Office, in partnership with  Faces & Voices of Recovery, Harm Reduction Coalition,  Hepatitis C Association and Help4Hep invite you to share
YOUR STORY OF RECOVERY from a  substance use and/or mental health disorder while coping with Hepatitis C.

   
As a person in long-term recovery, who is also dealing with Hepatitis C, you have a unique perspective from which to share your own journey. YOUR STORY highlighting how to manage recovery along with the challenges of Hepatitis C can transform lives.

 

Prizes for Essay Contest Winners*

1st Place:iPad mini

 
2nd Place: Kindle
 
3rd Place: $100.00 Visa Gift Card

 

The Top 20 submissions will be included in a published compilation booklet.

Click Here for more information including submission guidelines, judging criteria and eligibility
Download an entry form and submission guidelines!

end a Recovery Month E-Card! - Posted 9.9

 

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

 

From the National Coalition for Mental Health Recovery: "Getting Ready for the Health Insurance Marketplace: Enrollment and Coverage Information" - Posted 9.12

 

On October 1st, the Health Insurance Marketplace will open and individuals and families will be able to apply and enroll in quality, affordable health coverage.

With this date quickly approaching, it is essential that we all work together to make sure that people with lived experience of mental health labels and histories are aware of their new options for health care coverage and that they understand how to take advantage of these options.

To facilitate our efforts to educate consumers about the new Health Care Law, what the Law means for them, and how they can take advantage of the new options for better, more affordable health coverage, National Coalition for Mental Health Recovery (NCMHR) and National Empowerment Center (NEC) partnered with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and other national organizations to develop a 30-minute narrated training toolkit called Getting Ready for the Health Insurance Marketplace.

The toolkit is available online for you to access through the NCMHRwebsite: http://www.ncmhr.org/affordable-care-act/enrollment.htm

The toolkit provides an overview of the new Health Care Law and the Health Insurance Marketplace and how individuals with lived experience of mental health labels and histories might benefit from it. The toolkit also contains numerous outreach materials (including articles, brochures, fact sheets, and other resources) for organizations to use to inform uninsured individuals about their new coverage options under the Health Care Law. Many of the materials are available in multiple languages and customized for specific population segments, like different ethnic/racial groups.

NCMHR and NEC encourage peer-led organizations and individuals to view the toolkit training, incorporate the information it provides, and utilize the toolkit's communication materials to give people with lived experience a better understanding of their new health coverage options and how they can take advantage of them. While there is still much work to be done in transforming the mental health system to a truly person-directed, recovery-oriented model of care, healthcare reform provides the opportunity to promote such services and supports and achieve meaningful systemic change.

Peer-led organizations and our allies have an important role to play in making sure that people with lived experience have the best health coverage they can get, so they can access physical and "behavioral" healthcare services they need to achieve and maintain wellness. This toolkit can be a valuable resource in disseminating information on enrollment and healthcare options to members of our communities.

 

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:

 

 

 
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!

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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.