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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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New In the Digest Today
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From National Institute of Mental Health - Posted 2.17
Last week the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention's Research Prioritization Task Force released A Prioritized Research Agenda for Suicide Prevention: An Action Plan to Save Lives. This is the first ever national Prioritized Research Agenda aimed at guiding research toward efforts to reduce suicide.
To further engage the community regarding the Prioritized Research Agenda, the Research Prioritization Task Force would like to invite you to join us for a Twitter Chat onTuesday, February 18 from 12 to 1 p.m.
Dr. Jane Pearson, Chair of the Suicide Research Consortium at the National Institute of Mental Health and staff lead for the Research Prioritization Task Force, and Bob Gebbia, Chief Executive Officer of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and a member of the Research Prioritization Task Force, will be answering your questions! Join the conversation by following @Action_Alliance, @NIMHgov, and @afspnational and tweeting your questions with the hashtag #SuicideResearch. You can view the live stream of tweets at twubs.com. An archive will be available shortly after the chat.
You may access the full Prioritized Research Agenda, and other documents, at www.suicide-research-agenda.org
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance National Capital Area Chapter's Peer Support Group Facilitator Training - Posted 2.17
Saturday, March 22, from 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Foundry United Methodist Church, 1500 16th Street NW (16th and P St. NW)
Washington, DC 20036 (Dupont Circle Metro, South Exit)
Led by: Ingrid Deetz , Chapter Relations Director, National DBSA
Registration: includes lunch)
$20.00 - DBSA NCA Chapter Members
$30.00 - Other DBSA Chapter Members
Scholarships are available
For further information, contact: Alvin@dbsanca.org
Location:
Foundry United Methodist Church 1500 16th St. NW (16th & P St NW)
Fellowship Hall Washington, DC 20036 (Dupont Circle Metro, South Exit)
www.dbsanca.org
Tenth Annual "The Art of Recovery" Exhibit Seeks Artwork, Featuring Original Artwork of Individuals with Mental Illness - Posted 2.17
Rappahannock Area Community Services Board (RACSB) is currently seeking entries for the Tenth Annual "The Art of Recovery" exhibit. The art show features original artwork by adults with mental illness. The show is organized by members of Kenmore Club, RACSBs psychosocial clubhouse for adults with severe and persistent mental illness. The exhibit will open Friday, May 2nd, at The PONSHOP Studio and Gallery on Caroline Street in Fredericksburg, Virginia. The opening corresponds with 'First Fridays.' The exhibit runs through May 31st and coincides with National Mental Health Month.
The Art of Recovery provides a forum for artists living with mental illness to gain confidence in their abilities, address misconceptions surrounding mental illness, and experience community support.
The RACSB is accepting original drawings, paintings, sculpture, textiles, prints, mixed media, and ceramics. Individuals wishing to submit their work have until April 1st to contact Helen Conley. Submissions may be in the form of photographs. Visit www.racsb.state.va.us for an entry form and display instructions. Entries must be accompanied by a completed entry form with the following requested information: name of the artist; year of completion (if known); locale of the artist; dimensions; medium; and sale price. The PONSHOP will apply a reasonable commission on all artwork sold. Selections will be made by April 11th.
To submit artwork or to learn more, contact Helen Conley at 540-373-7737 or artofrecovery@racsb.state.va.us. Submissions may also be mailed to RACSB, attn: Art of Recovery, 600 Jackson St., Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401.
The National Capital Area Chapter of the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance Presents "Beyond ECT: Non-Pharmacologic Somatic Treatments of Mood Disorders" - Posted 2.17
On Thursday evening February 27 the Chapter will present a talk by Dr. Matthew Rudorfer, Chief of the Somatic Treatments Program at the National Institute of Mental Health.
7:30 p.m.
George Washington University Hospital Auditorium (lower level), at 900 23rd Street, NW, next to the Foggy Bottom Metro.
This program is free and open to the general public. All are invited to attend.
QUEST Training News from Mental Health America of Virginia (MHAV) - Posted 2.17
QUEST will be held in beautiful Smith Mountain Lake in March this year. It is promising to be a full conference and we're excited to all be together in such a lovely location! QUEST is a conference that is geared to those who are newer to recovery. Acceptance into this conference requires that the applicant be three months post-crisis. Topics such as Culture and Diversity, Self-Advocacy, Conflict Styles and Goal-Setting are covered at this conference and participants receive the opportunity to engage one another in team-building and physical activity exercises for the purpose of strengthening relationship building skills.
If you have interest in attending QUEST, please visit our website at mhav.org or call 804.257.5591 for further information.
Center for Recovery and Wellness Offers "Creative Healing" - Posted 2.17
February 20th - Posted 2.17
3:15 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
618 Court Street, Lynchburg (24504)
For further information, call: 434.947.2662
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VOCAL News
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VOCAL's Whole Health Network (VWHN) Topic #2 - Posted 2.3
"I know healthy eating is important to my overall health and well-being, but what does that look like and how can I do it?"
For tips on healthy eating, including a downloadable food diary, go to:
This is also available in Spanish.
Call for Workshop Proposals for VOCAL's Statewide MH Consumer Conference - Posted 1.16
VOCAL's Statewide Mental Health Consumer Conference will be held on May 19th, 20th, and 21st on the campus of James Madison University in Harrisonburg.
We are now accepting workshop proposals from interested presenters. Please email Yolande Long: yolande@vocalvirginia.org with your proposed workshop title and a short paragraph describing your presentation. Workshops are 1.5 hours long. (Please note: Not all workshop proposals may be accepted.)
VOCAL's Advocacy Committee to Meet Weekly - Posted 1.16
Weekly meetings of the Advocacy Committee have begun.
If you would like to join this committee, please email Jane Ellis: jane@vocalvirginia.org , Troy Ark: listening1@gmail.com or Bonnie Neighbour: bonnie@vocalvirginia.org
Virginia's 2014 Legislative Session Open - Posted 1.16
The legislative session opened on January 8th with several mental health bills filed. If you would like to follow VOCAL's legislative advocacy work go to: Vocal.groupsite.com
VOCAL Launches "Whole Health Network" (VWHN) - Posted 1.2
In the first published e-digest each month, VOCAL will offer information about whole health topics. Each month the focus will change as we rotate through topics such as smoking cessation, nutrition, exercise, mindfulness, etc. encouraging your capacity to take control over your own total health and wellness.
Please also visit our FB page for our "Wellness Wednesday" tips! https://www.facebook.com/VOCAL.Inc
VWHN Topic #1
Smoking Cessation Help:
"I really want to try to stop smoking but how do I do it?"
Here are some tips:
http://smokefree.gov/
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News Around the Commonwealth
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Regular Meeting of State Board of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services Changed to April 9th - Posted 2.10
DBHDS Southern Virginia Mental Health Institute in Danville. Board activities also will occur the afternoon and evening of April 8th.
From John J. Pezzoli, Acting Commissioner, DBHDS - Posted 1.23
The final Comprehensive State Plan for 2014-2020 has been posted on the Department's web site at http://www.dbhds.virginia.gov/OPD-default.htm The State Board of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services endorsed this Plan at its December 6, 2013 meeting.
The Comprehensive State Plan for 2014-2020 fulfills the requirement in §37.2-315 of the Code of Virginia that the Department produce a six-year plan for mental health, mental retardation, and substance abuse services. By statute, the Comprehensive State Plan must identify the services and supports needs of persons with mental illnesses, mental retardation, or substance use disorders across the Commonwealth; define resource requirements; and propose strategies to address these needs.
The 2014-2020 Comprehensive State Plan identifies future directions for Virginia's behavioral health and developmental services system and proposes specific actions for addressing critical issues facing the Commonwealth.
RACSB Expanding Consumer and Family Advisory Committee - Posted 1.13
The Rappahannock Area Community Services Board (RACSB) is currently soliciting applications from interested individuals to serve on its Consumer and Family Advisory Committee. The committee works with the Office of Consumer Affairs and Quality Assurance to provide feedback regarding service delivery that will lead to quality improvement. The Committee serves an advisory role to the Executive Director and the Board of Directors.
Potential projects undertaken by the Committee may include: review of satisfaction surveys; review of reports generated by the Office of Consumer Affairs; and recommendations for improvements in delivery of services based on data reviewed. Committee member responsibilities include attendance at quarterly meetings and ability to understand issues on the local, state, and federal level that may impact RACSB services.
The Committee is comprised of five to ten volunteer members meeting the following criteria: the individual must be receiving, or have within two years of joining the advisory Committee, services from RACSB; or the family member must be a family member of an individual that is currently receiving, or within two years received, services from RACSB.
Membership is for a two-year term, with no member serving more than two consecutive terms. The Committee meets every three months in the evening.
Applications for membership on the Consumer and Family Advisory Committee are available at www.racsb.state.va.us or by visiting any of the five RACSB outpatient clinic locations (addresses listed below). Applications are due no later than February 28, 2014. Membership applications will be reviewed by the Program Planning and Evaluation Committee of the Board of Directors with membership recommendations being presented to the Board of Directors on March 18, 2014. Applicants will be chosen based on their familiarity with RACSB services and programs, their ability to commit to meeting attendance, and their overall interest in advising RACSB in its quality improvement activities.
Completed applications are to be mailed to Emily McGarrity, RACSB Office of Consumer Affairs, 600 Jackson Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401. To learn more, please contact Emily McGarrity, Office of Consumer Affairs, at 540-899-4616 or Jane Yaun, Quality Assurance Coordinator, at 540-940-2308.
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Conferences, Trainings, and Webinars
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Free Webinar: "Ticket to Work" - Posted 2.16
Some people with disabilities may be able to work and continue receiving disability benefits. On February 26, tune in to a free webinar from the Social Security Administration to learn about the Social Security administration's Ticket to Work program and support services for people who are ready to work.
February 26th from 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm
Register here:
https://www.chooseworkttw.net/wise/jsp/webinarInfo.jsp
Healthy People 2020 Webinar: "Substance Use and Mental Disorders: Early Detection, Prevention, and Treatment." - Posted 2.13
NIMH Deputy Director Dr. Philip Wang will discuss the state of science for mental disorders, with a focus on suicide prevention and early detection of serious mental illness, including schizophrenia and related disorders.
February 26th at 12:30 p.m.
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2014/healthy-people-2020-webinar.shtml?utm_campaign=home-slideshow&utm_medium=web&utm_source=nimh-home-page&utm_content=more-link
Recovery Resources and Support (RRS) Offers Advanced WRAP Facilitator Training - Posted 2.13
May 5th - 9th, in Richmond
The cost of the training is $1,500 per person(not including expenses).
This training is open to individuals who have attended a Mental Health Recovery including Wellness Recovery Action Planning® (WRAP®) Seminar II training (WRAP facilitator training), significant experience facilitating WRAP® workshops, and are approved after an interview process. Additionally, until March 1st, this training is open to Virginia residents only.
For further information and the application form, please contact: Heather Seaman, 1. (877) 925-4RRS
National Coalition for Mental Health Recovery's 4th Annual Consumer/Survivor Visionary Leadership Teleconference - Posted 2.10
Friday, February 21st from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Call-in information: 866-554-6142, pin 803-6957977#
Join in another lively conversation with consumer/survivor leaders from across the country. There will be a simultaneous Twitter chat - use hashtag #CSXLeads
iNAOPS Webinar: "Taking Arts Seriously" with Gayle Bluebird - Posted 2.6
Wednesday, February 19th from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Join us for a free webinar designed for peer specialists (also applicable for recovery coaches) on how peer supporters can use the arts to support others. The webinar will be presented by Gayle Bluebird, an arts and peer support advocate for many years and recipient of the SAMHSA Voice Award in 2010.
Click here for a PDF flyer with the webinar access information. This webinar is made possible through the generous support of Optum.
To receive a free certificate of participation, complete the very brief quiz after the webinar (the link will be found here and on our prior website www.naops.org).
A certificate will be mailed to you 3-4 weeks after the webinar.
For continuing education credit, contact your state or local certification authority to determine if this webinar qualifies for credit. Questions? Contact us at: webinars@naops.org. Click here to learn about other webinars in the series.
New from SAMHSA's GAINS Center: Webinar Series on Evidence-Based Practices for Justice-Involved Persons, and Guidelines to Help These Individuals Rejoin the Community - Posted 2.3
SAMHSA's GAINS Center for Behavioral Health and Justice Transformation is offering a five-part webinar series on "Evidence-Based Practices for Justice-Involved Persons." The first webinar took place on January 21; it is archived on the GAINS Center website. The four remaining webinars will take place February 18 (3 p.m.), March 11, April 8, and May 12. For more information, including a link to the archived January webinar and links to fact sheets on each of the topics, click here. In addition, SAMHSA's GAINS Center has published "Guidelines for the Successful Transition of People with Behavioral Health Disorders from Jail and Prison." To download a free copy, click here.
Source: http://gainscenter.samhsa.gov
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
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Veteran's Corner
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Veterans Peer Support Group Offered at On Our Own of Roanoke Valley - Posted 2.6
Mondays, at 1:00 p.m.
For further information, call: 540.362.0061
DBSA Veteran Peer Specialist Training and Certification - Posted 2.6
March 24th - 29th, Hampton
This Veteran Peer Specialist training course is reserved for individuals who wish to become eligible for employment as a VA peer support specialist. In order to qualify for a VA peer support position, an
individual must be:a Veteran who has recovered or is recovering from a mental health condition (including addictions), and certified by a qualifying organization (DBSA is such an organization), or by an
appropriate state mental health department's approved process.
For additional information on VA peer support employment requirements, please visit:
or contact the human resources department at your local VA facility or Dan O'Brien-Mazza, VA National Director of Peer Support Services:
Daniel.O'Brien-Mazza@va.gov
or call: (800) 826-3632, x164
Veterans' Advisory Council Forming - Posted 1.23
VOCAL is organizing a Veterans' advisory council that will meet by teleconference every other month.
Please call Jane Ellis at the Network office at 804-343-1777 or email: jane@vocalvirginia.org to get involved.
Veterans Crisis Line Availabe to Vets, Service Members, and Their Families - Posted 1.23
Veterans, service members, and their family members who are in emotional distress are urged to call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and press "1" to be connected directly to a qualified, caring VA professional. All calls are confidential.
To chat online and to receive confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, veterans can visit the Web site: http://www.veteranscrisisline.net .
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Links to MH Peer-Run Programs in Virginia
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Reston Drop-In Center
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)
http://mhav.org/programs/Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance of Falls Church
ANC436@aol.com NAMI Virginia (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
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Job Opportunities
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Three Jobs Open at "Recovery in Motion" (Fredericksburg) - Posted 2.6
Part-time volunteer receptionist; volunteer Support Group Facilitator; Wellness Coach
Email Director Christy Escher for more details about the receptionist position: cescher@mac.com.
Those interested in the support group facilitator and wellness coach positions are to mail a cover letter, resume and references to:
Recovery in Motion
530 George St.
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
For further information about these positions: RecoveryInMotionJobs@gmail.com
PT Relief Peer Support Specialist at On Our Own of Roanoke Valley - Posted 1.30
4-8 hours weekly, starting level $7.25 - $10.65 (depending on qualifications)
Applicant must be a Peer Support Specialist or enrolled in an upcoming training. In addition, WRAP facilitator certification preferred. Prefer applicant to be a consumer of mental health services. He/she must demonstrate through experience knowledge of mental illness. Have good interpersonal, communication, and writing skills. Prefer applicant has completed a pre-vocational program or held competitive employment. Prefer applicant have a completed WRAP Plan. Prefer applicant have a valid driver's license and a car, be willing to provide transportation as needed. Must be comfortable with disclosure of own recovery story and willing to use it within the guidelines of the Peer Support Program ethics.
Have a high school diploma or a GED. Strongly encourage Veterans to apply.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to handle or feel objects, reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision.
Must be able to operate various office equipment including computer, e-mail, and word processing.
For further information:
Please submit application to OOO, 429 Elm Ave, SW Roanoke, Virginia 24016 by February 28, 2014.
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Other News
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Share Your Writing with 40,000 Readers - Posted 2.13
Social Justice Solutions - an organization born out of the Stony Brook School of Social Welfare's commitment to active participation in creating a socially just world - wants to hear from you: "Submit blogs, news and news summaries, or just suggest a story you think we should cover. Please remember to include a link to the original story if you summarize. Click 'Choose File' under the 'Send a text document' box to send a file as your submission. Our editing staff will edit your submission and contact you with the time and link for your post." For more information, write info@socialjusticesolutions.org. SJS also accepts submissions via its Facebook page: Facebook.com/socialjusticesolutions.
SAMHSA's 2014 Wellness Initiative's Million Hearts Program: Request for Proposals (RFP) - Posted 2.13
On behalf of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Abt Associates is accepting applications for SAMHSA's 2014 Wellness Initiative's Million Hearts Program. Abt Associates is operating this initiative by contract. For complete information, access the RFP here. Please contact samhsamillionhearts@abtassoc.com with any questions.
The purpose of this initiative is to invite eligible statewide and local substance abuse and mental health peer-led/run and recovery-community organizations and those under a larger healthcare system to employ innovative strategies and various activities to 1) increase awareness, reduce risk, and improve management of cardiovascular disease (CVD) with an emphasis on promoting blood pressure control, weight loss, and smoking cessation among persons with behavioral health conditions; and 2) promote one the Eight Dimensions of Wellness in behavioral health communities. These two goals are undergirded by principal goals of the Million Hearts® and SAMHSA's Wellness Initiative which are consecutively, to prevent 1 million heart attacks and strokes by 2017; and to motivate individuals, organizations, and communities to take action and work toward an improved quality of life, enhanced cardiovascular health, and decreased early mortality rates.
For more information, access the RFP here. Please email samhsamillionhearts@abtassoc.com to submit letters of intent and/or applications.
From Medical News Today: "Green Spaces Have Long-Lasting Benefit for Mental Health" - Posted 2.10
UK researchers who analyzed data that tracked people's health for 5 years after they moved to greener areas suggests not only that it improved their mental health, but also that the benefit lasted long afterward.
Writing about their findings in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, researchers from the University of Exeter Medical School suggest creating more green spaces in towns and cities - for example parks and gardens - could bring lasting benefits to public health.
Read the article: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/271109.php
From NIMH: A New Research Agenda for Suicide Prevention - Posted 2.6
To read this article, go to:
disAbility Law Center of Virginia Needs a New Logo - Posted 1.30
The disAbility Law Center of Virginia needs a new logo! Join our contest with judges and prizes.
Submit your entry by February 28 and follow these rules at http://disabilitylawva.org/dlcv-logo-contest/
The disAbility Law Center seeks a society where the rights of all people with disabilities are respected. The disAbility Law Center is a new nonprofit, assuming a more effective advocacy vision than its state agency predecessor. Visit www.dLCV.org or 1910 Byrd Avenue, Richmond, VA 23230 or call 800-552-3962 and friend us on Facebook at http://tinyurl.com/dLCV-Facebook.
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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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