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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 |
Recovery in Motion (Fredericksburg) Offers Variety of Opportunities Each Saturday - Posted 3.20
1:00 - 3:00 p.m. "Pathways to Recovery"
1:00 - 2:00 p.m. "Art from the Heart"
2:00 - 3:00 p.m. "Movement and Music"
3:00 - 4:00 p.m. "Self-Compassion Dieting"
3:00 - 5:o0 p.m. "Recreation and Movies"
4:00 - 5:oo p.m. "General Support Group" Call 540.645.6042 for further information.
Middle Peninsula Northern Neck Consumer Operated Programs (CoOP) Peer Support Specialist Training - Posted 3.20
MPNN Consumer Operated Programs (CoOP) is pleased to announce an upcoming Peer Support Specialist (PSS) training. The 90-hour training curriculum focuses on the principles and philosophy of recovery, facilitating learning by relating the training to the participants' personal experience of recovery while providing practice in the core skills of peer-to-peer support. The MPNN CoOP Peer Support Specialist training is one of the six currently approved peer specialist training programs recognized in the DBHDS Peer Services and Supports Initiative Team report, The Summary and Recommendations for Establishing Competency Requirements and Certification Process for Peer Support Specialists
(December 16, 2013) that meet baseline education requirements for certification of Recovery Support Specialists in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The recommendations contained in this report are a major first step toward the establishment of a certification process.
Becky Sterling, MPNN CoOP Consumer Recovery Liaison, and Anna Mendez, MPNN CoOP Peer Bridger will conduct the training. Both presenters are trained Peer Support Specialists. Becky Sterling participates on the DBHDS Creating Opportunities Plan initiatives that are pioneering PSS training in Virginia. Becky developed the 90-hour curriculum, and has taught the PSST in the Tidewater area and in Northern Virginia. Anna Mendez joined CoOP in the summer of 2013. Previously Anna served as VOCAL's Director of Operations as well as the organization's Recovery Educator. In that capacity she traveled the state and lead workshops and trainings for consumers, family members, and clinicians on various aspects of wellness and recovery, with a focus on new developments in evidenced based care of mental health diagnoses.
This training is for Adults (18+) who have lived experience with mental health and/or substance abuse challenges.
This class begins on April 17th. Spaces are being offered statewide. Consideration will be given to HPR-V applicants and to applicants connected with a Peer Run Program or Center. Candidates will be selected by committee, based upon their answers to questions in the application. The cost of $ 450.00 per person does not include any meals or snacks. Overnight or travel expenses must be covered by the successful applicant or their sponsoring agency. Please contact Avis Webster at 804.758.8014 or awebster@mpnn.state.va.us for further information and an application form.
Application deadline is April 4th.
Tenth Annual "The Art of Recovery" Exhibit Seeks Artwork (Fredericksburg) - Posted 3.20
Featuring Original Artwork of Individuals with Mental Illness
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, VA 22401.
Richmond Out of the Darkness Community Walk Scheduled for September 30th - Posted 3.20
Deep Run Park (Henrico County)
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Registration Cutoff 9.12.2014 at 12:00 p.m.
For more information, contact Shirley Ramsey : 804.868.0082 or shoreyram@gmail.com
http://www.afsp.org facebook.com/richmondoutofthedarknesscommunitywalk
Funding Opportunity: Transforming Lives Through Supported Employment - Posted 3.20
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Mental Health Services is accepting applications for fiscal year (FY) 2014 for the Mental Health Transformation Grant Program: Transforming Lives through Supported Employment (Short Title: Supported Employment Program). The purpose of this program is to enhance state and community capacity to provide and expand evidence-based supported employment programs (such as the Individual Placement and Support model) to adults with serious mental illnesses including persons with co-occurring mental and substance use disorders. The expected outcome of the program is for states to have the necessary infrastructure in place to maintain and expand supported employment services throughout the state and increase the number of individuals with serious mental illness and co-occurring mental and substance use disorders who obtain and retain competitive employment.
Grantees will establish a robust SE program in two communities within the state, secure sustainable funding for on-going community SE services, establish a permanent training program using in-person and virtual platforms, and collect and analyze program data.
Read more about this funding opportunity at: http://beta.samhsa.gov/grants/grant-announcements/sm-14-011
New WRAP Class at Friends4 Recovery Whole Health Center (N. Chesterfield) - Posted 3.20
Mondays, from 2:00 - 3:30 beginning March 24th
Call 804.308.1366 for further information. |
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VOCAL News
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VOCAL To Offer WRAP Facilitator Training - Posted 3.17
VOCAL is preparing to offer WRAP facilitator training July 7 through July 11.
Trainers will be Bonnie Neighbour and William Hart. The location is yet to be determined.
Peers who have a WRAP plan and an intention to offer WRAP groups in their communities are invited to apply to receive the training.
This training is supported by VOCAL's DBHDS grant, and as such is free to qualified peers.
The application is available on the VOCAL web page at:
http://www.vocalsafelink.org/wrap_form.php
Please contact Ann Benner, REACH Program Director, for more information. Contact: ann@vocalvirginia.org or 434.243.7878
VOCAL Seeks Assistance in Updating Records - Posted 3.17
VOCAL is updating our records. If you work in a peer center, drop-in center, or clubhouse, or if you have knowledge of a peer-run organization in your area, please send us the information. We need the following:
- Name of center or organization
- Director or contact person
- Address
- Phone number
- What services they provide
- Email address
- Website (if any)
Welcome to New VOCAL Staff Members - Posted 3.13
VOCAL recently had open positions for the REACH Program Director, the CO-OP Program Director, and the Wellness and Recovery Coordinator. We're pleased to announce that Ann Benner has accepted the REACH Program Director position and William Hart has accepted the Wellness and Recovery Coordinator position. Please feel free to visit VOCAL's website at www.vocalvirginia.org to read their bios. Please join us in welcoming the newest members of the VOCAL staff!
VOCAL Welcomes Michael Skinner as Conference Keynote Speaker - Posted 3.6
VOCAL is excited and proud to announce Michael Skinner as our keynote presenter for our annual statewide mental health consumer conference in May!
A musician, public speaker, advocate, and trauma survivor, Mike gives presentations at conferences, training seminars, and events all over the country that have to do with healing from the concerns of trauma, abuse, and mental health.
Mike explains: "As a musician and songwriter, I like to write songs about life, love, loss and hope. And that's important to me, for at the end of the day I do want to leave people with a sense of hope and inspiration."
To read more about Mike, please visit his website at: http://www.mskinnermusic.com
VOCAL Seeking Consumer Experiences with Mandatory Outpatient Treatment - Posted 3.6
In support of our advocacy efforts, VOCAL is compiling information regarding consumer experiences with Mandatory Outpatient Treatment (MOT). If you have been subject to MOT and are willing to share your experiences please contact Jane Ellis at the Network office. Jane@vocalvirginia.org or 804-343-1777.
VOCAL's Whole Health Network (VWHN) Topic #3 - Posted 3.3
"I've heard the term 'occupational wellness', but what exactly does that mean?"
http://www.seekingwholeness.com/terms-definitions/the-definition-of-occupational-wellness
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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The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance of Falls Church, Virginia (DBSAFC) Mental Health Support Groups - Posted 3.17
Thursdays, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Joe & Fredona Gartlan Center 8119 Holland Rd., Alexandria (22306) Contact: Shavonne Carpenter, CPSS (571)432-8640 Email: Sister_SGC@yahoo.com Thursdays, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. First Christian Church 6165 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church (22044) Contact: Harvey Cash, CPSS (703)864-3404 Email: bloseboy@hotmail.com Coffee House and Karaoke at On Our Own of Roanoke Valley - Posted 3.17 Every Saturday at 3:00 p.m. 540.362.0061 March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month - Posted 3.13 Even if you're not on Facebook, be sure to check out the Board's Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/VABOARD Timely, relevant information is posted almost daily! During March, share the posts that contain the hashtag #ddAwareness to help educate your social media friends about developmental disabilities. It's easy, fast, and your advocacy helps us improve the lives of people with DD.
Apply to Be a Member of the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities - Posted 3.13
Applications are open until April 15 but screening will begin before then; appointments are made by the Governor. Candidates must submit a resume and complete the online application through the Secretary of the Commonwealth at https://solutions.virginia.gov/OASYS. Or you can click "apply to be a board member" under the site tools at www.VaBoard.org and be sure to check out the categories under the 2014 Appointment Openings...candidates must complete all vetting questions, as well as provide background information, a resume, and explain why they are applying for a specific seat on a board. For more information about Gubernatorial appointments, visit https://commonwealth.virginia.gov/applications/gubernatorial-appointments/. It would be helpful if you could also send us a copy of your application and resume so that we can follow up. You can send them to Michal Ketner at Michal.ketner@vbpd.virginia.gov. Programming Change at Friends 4 Recovery Whole Health Center - Posted 3.10 Tuesdays, 3:30-4:30 will be changed from "Book Study" to "What is Peer Support?"
Tuesday's focus is on Leadership and Leadership skills. In this ongoing series we will begin looking at the History and values of the Recovery Movement, alternative Peer Support and how we attempt to put into practice these values at Friends 4 Recovery and in our daily lives. 804.308.1366 Mindfulness Meditation Group (University of Virginia's Mindfulness Center) - Posted 3.5 Intended primarily to provide ongoing support for people with some meditation training - such as graduates of the MBSR program - this group is also open to beginners and anyone willing to sit still for 30 minutes. Each week there is a 30-minute guided meditation followed by open discussion and questions. Free Ongoing Classes on Thursdays from 5:30-6:30 p.m. with Sam Green, PhD
McLeod Hall, 202 Jeanette Lancaster Way, Room #2009 Free parking available in the underground garage at McLeod Hall.
The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance of Falls Church, Virginia (DBSAFC) Meetings - Posted 3.3
Tuesdays, 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Calvary United Methodist Church
2315 South Grant Street, Arlington( 22202)
Contact Mildred Minor, CPSS (703)671-1607
Email: marie12411@live.com
Tuesdays, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Springfield Christian Church
5407 Backlick Road., Springfield ( 22151)
Contact: Tammy Washington, CPSS (703)768-9021
Email: tmi.washington@hotmail.com
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Conferences, Trainings, and Webinars
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From the Copeland Center: Controversial Wellness Tools Webinar - Posted 3.17
May 1 at 2:00 p.m.
Wellness Tools are things we do to keep ourselves well, and the things we do to help ourselves feel better when we are not feeling well. Most of them are simple, safe, free and non-invasive.
In WRAP groups and when writing our own plan, Wellness Tools are usually one of the first things that we work on. We may have discovered them ourselves or learned about them directly from others. When facilitating Wellness Tools we often find people disagree over some "controversial" wellness tools. Should people list them in their WRAP plans? Should they be written up on the easel pad to share with others? What do we do as a WRAP Facilitator when controversial wellness tools come up? How do we explain controversial wellness tools in our groups, to our boss, or our system?
Gina Calhoun, Director of Recovery Education, and Joch Woodruff, Advanced Level WRAP Facilitator, for the Copeland Center will discuss their perspectives on the subject of controversial wellness tools that are guided by the values and ethics of WRAP. Sign up for this thought-provoking encore webinar, back by popular demand, where multiple perspectives will shed light on differences and similarities.
To register:
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/783204104?utm_source=Copeland+Center+E-News+March+14%2C+2014&utm_campaign=CC+4%2F11%2F12&utm_medium=email
BRSS TACS Webinar Series: Lessons Learned from 2013 BRSS TACS Awardees - Posted 3.17
Thursday, April 10, 1:00 pm - 2:30 p.m.
During its second year, the BRSS TACS project provided competitive awards to 14 peer-run organizations/recovery community organizations and 8 state coalitions to promote the adoption of peer-delivered, recovery-oriented services and supports for people in recovery from substance use and mental health conditions. These 22 awards were administered through three different funding opportunities of the BRSS TACS project: Policy Academy Awards, Peer Awards for Health Reform Education, and Peer-Run Organization/Recovery Community Organization Awards. This webinar will highlight the experiences and accomplishments of one awardee from each of the three award programs.
SAMHSA Webinar: The Role of Peer Providers in Integrated Health - Posted 3.17
March 25, 1:00-2:30p.m.
http://www.integration.samhsa.gov/about-us/webinars
SAMHSA's Initiatives to Advance Recovery Opportunities for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Populations - Posted 3.10
March 24, 1:00-2:00 p.m.
To register:
Conference number: 4593703
Passcode: 2900380
To register for this event:
1. Go to the URL listed above and choose Web RSVP under Join Events.
2. Enter the conference number and passcode.
3. Provide your information for the event leader and then click submit.
Participants can register up to an hour prior to the webinar.
"Text, Talk, Act" All Day on April 24- Posted 3.5
The second text-enabled conversation on mental health!
This event is geared toward young people, but people of all ages can participate and benefit from it. It's very simple:
- At any time on April 24th, gather 3-4 of your friends, family, classmates, students, and/or colleagues;
- Text "start" to 89800; and
- Receive polling questions and discussion questions via text messaging while having a face-to-face dialogue with your group.
Across the country, people will get together for one - hour, small group conversations on mental health. Each group will have polling questions, discussion topics and facilitation suggestions delivered to them via text message.
Mental health is one of the most critical and misunderstood public issues we face. Let's have a candid dialogue to think about actions we can each take to strengthen mental health on our campuses and in our communities.
Sign up now: www.bit.ly/texttalkact
Three Upcoming National Conferences - Posted 3.6
Mark your calendars for March, April and June for conferences in Santa Fe (New Mexico), Albany (New York), and Baltimore, respectively. ACMHA: The College for Behavioral Health Leadership will host its annual summit, "Leading the Future of Health," March 26-28. For more information, click here. The New York Association of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services (NYAPRS) is presenting its 10th Annual Executive Seminar on Systems Transformation - "Managing Care: Managing Change" - April 24-25 at the Hilton Albany in Albany, New York. For more information, click here. And the Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association is hosting its Recovery Workforce Summit: PRA 2014 Annual Conference at the Renaissance Hotel in Baltimore June 22-25. For more information, click here.
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 | |
Disability Benefits for Veterans Who Have a Veterans Affairs Compensation Rating of 100% Permanent and Total - Posted 2.27
Starting March 17th, veterans who have a VA compensation rating of 100% permanent and total (P&T) may receive expedited processing of applications for Social Security disability benefits.
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
Veterans' Advisory Council Forming - Posted 1.23
Please call Jane Ellis at the Network office at 804-343-1777 or email: jane@vocalvirginia.org to get involved.
VOCAL is organizing a Veterans' advisory council that will meet by teleconference every other month.
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)
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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Job Opening for Program Driver at PRS (NOVA) - Posted 3.5
PRS, Inc. is a community-based nonprofit organization in the Virginia and DC area that serves individuals living with mental illness, substance use disorders, mild intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders and any combination of these.
The Program Driver will safely transport clients to and from their homes to the DC Recovery Academy in southwest/southeast DC as well as transport clients at the PRS Mt Vernon Recovery Academy to meetings in the Mt Vernon/Alexandria, VA area. In addition, there may be other trips between our Virginia and DC facilities to bring supplies.
This position also ensures that company vehicles have enough gasoline and completes quarterly vehicle safety checklists. This position may be responsible for taking vehicles in for annual inspections and routine maintenance. This position will maintain records of persons transported and maintain mileage logs.
Qualifications:
Must be available between the hours of 8:00am through 4:00pm; possible "split shift" available (example: 8:00am-9:30am and 2:30pm-4:00pm)
Clean driving record and valid driver's license
Strong communication skills including mobile phone text communication
High level of empathy for persons with mental illness, substance use disorders, mild intellectual disorders, autism spectrum disorder or any combination of these
Excellent understanding of client boundaries in regards to clients with mental illness, substance use disorders, mild intellectual disorders, autism spectrum disorders or any combination of these
People with lived experience are encouraged to apply.Interested applicants can apply at www.prsinc.iapplicants.com
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Other News |
The National Council on Disability Publishes Paper on Self-Directed Care - Posted 3.17
The notion of allowing Medicaid recipients more latitude in what services they access and how they manage their own care has become popular as a way to reduce costs, improve outcomes and empower people to take control of their own health. Now the National Council on Disability has published a paper that examines the evidence behind self-directed care, and envisions how it might expand in coming years. Check it out at: http://www.ncd.gov/publications/2013/05222013A/.
Study: Mentally Ill More Often Victims of Violence Than Perpetrators - Posted 3.10
A new study provides more evidence that people with mental illness are more likely to be on the receiving end of violence.
http://consumer.healthday.com/disabilities-information-11/mental-illness-and-retardation-news-474/adults-with-mental-illness-found-more-likely-suffer-violence-than-commit-it-685229.html
State Approaches to Integrating Physical and Behavioral Health Services for Medicare-Medicaid Beneficiaries: Early Insights - Posted 3.10
This report from the Center for Health Care Strategies examines efforts to integrate behavioral and physical health in four states, and determines what strategies have been successful.
http://www.chcs.org/publications3960/publications_show.htm?doc_id=1261627#.UxjbLM6zna0
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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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