VOCAL'S MENTAL HEALTH RECOVERY NEWS FOR 4.17.14
 
In Today's Digest....
New in the Digest Today
VOCAL News
News Around the Commonwealth
Veteran's Corner
Links to Peer-Run Programs
Job Opportunites
Other News


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 Today

 

 

There is Still Time to Register for VOCAL's Annual Conference! - Posted 4.17 
  

VOCAL's Statewide Mental Health Recovery Conference will be held on May 19th, 20th, and 21st on the campus of James Madison University in Harrisonburg. Our keynote speaker will be Michael Skinner, nationally recognized trauma survivor, advocate, and musician. Visit Mike's web site at mskinnermusic.com to read more about him! 

Registrations are due by April 21st - there are a limited number of scholarships available. 

Please visit
www.vocalvirginia.org for the registration/scholarship form.

If you have any questions, please call Yolande or Jane at 804.343.1777 or email Yolande: yolande@vocalvirginia.org
 
Mental Health Recovery Retreat - Posted 4.17
 
Friday, June 6 - Sunday, June 8
Sponsored by DBHDS and DBSA Mood Disorders Support Group of Falls Church (DBSAFC) and to be held at the Virden Retreat Center, University of Delaware, Lewes, Delaware
Registration deadline May 24th 
For information, contact Anne N. Cowley, LCSW, Executive Director DBSAFC
anc436@aol.com or 703.354.5104   
 
Article in Philadelphia Inquirer: Revisiting a Debate - Posted 4.17  
 
 
Free Webinar: "Expanding Your Social Media Presence" - Posted4.17
 
From the National Empowerment Center's Technical Assistance Center
Thursday, May 1 from 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.

 

Request for Comment on the Following State Board Policies by May 23 - Posted 4.17

 

Scheduled Field Review of Three Current Policies 

At its last meeting, the Policy Development and Evaluation Committee of the State Board of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services initiated a scheduled field review of:

 

A.   The following draft policy is recommended for second field review (language attached).  A revised draft policy would be prepared for the board at its next meeting, reflecting comments. 

 

Recommended Staff Action:

Category

Policy (right click to open the hyperlink)

Last Review

Revise and retain.

#1000 (SYS) --- SYSTEM MISSION AND DIRECTION

1004(SYS)83-7 Prevention Services

4/3/2007

 

B.   The following two policies are recommended for initial field review and comment. 

 

Recommended Staff Action:

Category

Policy Number

Last Review

Revise and retain.

#1000 (SYS) --- SYSTEM MISSION AND DIRECTION

1023(SYS)89-1 Workforce Cultural and Linguistic Competency

6/3/2008

Revise and retain.

#1000 (SYS) --- SYSTEM MISSION AND DIRECTION

1043(SYS)08-1 Disaster and Terrorism Preparedness

6/3/2008

 

To assist the Board with this review, stakeholders are asked to consider these current policies and forward your comments about the continued need for these policies and any suggestions for updates, revisions or rescission.

 

Please provide your comments on all of the above by May 23rd to:   sara.maddox@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 on July 23, at DBHDS Central Office, Richmond, VA.  These policies, and any recommendations for edits, are expected to be taken up at that meeting.  Any proposed revisions to the policies will be circulated for comment following the July meeting before a final recommendation is made to the full Board.  

 

All Board policies can be viewed at:

 

Job Opening for Communications Specialist (NOVA) - Posted 4.17

 

The ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia (ECNV) is a 30 year-old nonprofit organization that provides direct services and advocacy and supports individuals with disabilities to live independently and maximize their potential. We provide peer mentoring, life skills education, travel training and assistance with Medicaid and other programs.

 

ECNV is currently accepting applications for the "Communications Specialist" position. The incumbent will present ECNV's mission, values and services to its constituents and the public through electronic and print media and outreach. This position also manages media relations and supervises data collection and management. This is a full-time, exempt
position and reports to the Director of Community Services.

 

Applicants should have a successful and demonstrable record of website design and content management; print media design and production; outstanding and polished writing and editing skills; and enthusiasm for promoting and advancing opportunities for people with disabilities. An understanding of web and other accessibility guidelines for individuals with visual, auditory and other disabilities is key to our work. At least two years of related experience in a business environment are desired and a portfolio of work should be available for ECNV's review. A demonstration of writing, editing, design, social media and web skills will be part of the interview process.

 

ECNV provides a supportive work environment. We are located at the Courthouse Metro. The salary range for this position, depending on qualifications and experience, is $37,500 to $45,000. We offer excellent benefits, including paying full health care coverage and three weeks of paid vacation annually.

 

We will consider only applications that include all of the following: 1) your resume, 2) a cover letter, 3) a writing sample, and 4) links or attachments that demonstrate your graphics and web design skills to:Jobs@ecnv.org or by mail to Jobs, ECNV, 2300 Clarendon Blvd., Suite 305, Arlington, VA 22201; or fax to 703/525-3585. The deadline for applications is Wednesday, April 30, 2014.  

 

ECNV is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

 


 

 

 

VOCAL News

 

 

 

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.

 

Cost for the training, lodging, meals, and training manual is $1500.00

 

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:
  1. Name of center or organization
  2. Director or contact person
  3. Address
  4. Phone number
  5. What services they provide
  6. Email address
  7. Website (if any)
Please send info to: jane@vocalvirginia.org 

 

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.

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

 

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/ 

 

News Around the Commonwealth

 

W.R.A.P. Class at Lakeside House (Henrico) - Posted 3.27

 

Second Saturday of each month from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 a.m.

Contact Kevin Kelly for further information: 


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


http://www.afsp.org

 

facebook.com/richmondoutofthedarknesscommunitywalk

 

 

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.

     

Veteran's Corner

 

Veterans Group to Launch Suicide Prevention Campaign - Posted 3 27

 

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/federal-eye/wp/2014/03/24/veterans-group-to-launch-suicide-prevention-campaign/

 

 

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 .

  
Links to MH Peer-Run Programs in Virginia
Reston Drop-In Center
 
Consumer Wellness Center (Annandale)
 
Recovery In Motion ( Fredericksburg)  
www.recovery-in-motion.org

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://mhav.org/programs/

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

 

Get Involved in SAMHSA's National Prevention Week 2014: May 18-24 - Posted 4.3

 
National Prevention Week is a SAMHSA supported annual health observance dedicated to increasing public awareness of, and action around, substance abuse and mental health issues. This observance is powered by communities nationwide that host prevention-themed events to: increase the visibility of behavioral health and the benefits of prevention; provide a forum to educate the public; create opportunities for networking and collaboration.
  
If you are already planning a prevention event for this year, consider connecting it to National Prevention Week 2014. Capitalize on the momentum and exposure of this national movement. Haven't started planning your event? It's not too late! SAMHSA provides planning tips and tools to help you organize a prevention-focused event in your community. 
Go to:
 

 

 

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.