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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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May is Mental Health Awareness Month! - Posted 5.5
In order to increase awareness and help educate Americans about mental health, SAMHSA/CMHS Director Paolo del Vecchio, M.S.W., is releasing a series of blogs that discuss important issues for the behavioral health community and the nation. The first blog focuses on the importance of the concept of recovery and hope, how treatment is included in this concept, and features a powerful personal story.
Free Third Thursdays Workshop - "An Introduction to Meditation" - Posted 5.5
Thursday, May 15th, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Orange Hill Wellness Center, 401 Orange Street, Charlottesville
Invite a friend for an informal evening of discussion and interactive activities.
If you would like to register or would like more information, please call 434-977-6918 or Workshop@CareerWithHeart.com
May 15th from 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
Facilitator: Chacku Mathai, CPRP,STAR Center Director
The STAR Center Community of Practice on Facilitative Leadership and Collaborative Action if for you, if you are involved in mental health systems transformation at any level and you are interested in taking your community organizing and leadership skills to the next level.
To register
Twitter Chat Will Explore How Society Can Support Suicide Attempt Survivors, Who Are Also Invited to Share Their Stories in a Planned Book - Posted 5.5.
Josh Rivedal, an activist and author, will host a one-hour Twitter chat for WEGO Health on May 6 at 3:00 p.m. about how society can best support suicide attempt survivors/persons with lived experience. The hashtag to participate is #hachat. The topics will include what helps and what hurts when someone is feeling suicidal, what kinds of resources exist for attempt survivors, and what kinds of resources they would like to see. In addition, Rivedal is inviting individuals who have survived suicide attempts to share their stories for his book project, on #suicide attempt survivors. For more information, click here. This will be the second volume of Rivedal's "The Good News Project"; the first volume will be published in October. "The concept [of the first book] is similar to 'Chicken Soup for the Soul' but grittier, covering topics that aren't typically brought to light in the mainstream," writes Rivedal. The second volume, to be released in February 2015, will include only the stories of suicide attempt survivors. "It's a way for us to share our stories, create a community, help other people and show the world that we don't just struggle - we can survive and thrive as well," he writes. For more information, contact him at joshuarivedal@gmail.com.
VA Has Launched "Make the Connection" to Help Veterans Connect - Posted 5.5.
The Department of Veterans Affairs has launched a new campaign, Make the Connection, to help veterans and their family members connect with the experiences of other veterans, and with information and resources to help them confront the challenges of transitioning from service, help them face health issues, or help them navigate the complexities of daily life as a civilian. The campaign's central focus is a website, www.MakeTheConnection.net, where veterans and their families can view the candid testimonials of other veterans "who have dealt with and are working through a variety of common life experiences, day-to-day symptoms, and mental health conditions." The website also connects veterans and their family members with services and resources that may help them live more fulfilling lives. Make the Connection is on Facebook and YouTube. Downloadable and printable outreach information to distribute or display can be found here. In a related story, prescription drugs are said to be endangering U.S. soldiers. For the International Business Times story, click here.
New Tool Connects Vets and Employers - Posted 5.5
The Veterans Employment Center, an inter-agency collaboration from the White House's Joining Forces initiative, has announced a new online tool to provide veterans with employment resources. ebenefits.va.gov will connect veterans and service members with public and private sector employers who are looking to hire people with military experience, including individuals with disabilities.
Click here to read more.
For more information and employer resources, visit www.AskEARN.org.
Recovery Movie, "Thanks for Sharing" at 84 Main, Warsaw - Posted 5.5
May 7th, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
804.333.3581
Memorial Day Picnic at On Our Own Roanoke Valley - Posted 5.5.
1:00 - 3:00 p.m., May 26th
Registration required. Call 540.362.0061
VOCAL'S Whole Health Network (VWHN) Topic #5 - Posted 5.5
"Taking a Look at What Makes Up Environmental Wellness"
SAMHSA defines environmental wellness as: "Good health by occupying pleasant, stimulating environments that support well-being". Does where you live and/or work fit this definition? Do you find that your overall well-being is supported there?
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VOCAL's Whole Health Network (VWHN) Topic #4 - Posted 4.3
"Social Wellness"? What's that?
Enhance self esteem
Handle stress better
Fewer cavities
Fewer colds
Social support is one of the most important factors to good mental health. Try these hints to get connected:
* Make a short list of family, friends, and peers who are supportive and positive.
* Make at least one connection per day by calling, emailing, or visiting a friend or family member.
* Join a book club or support group. Volunteer!
More information can be found at:
http://wellness.ucr.edu/SocialWellness.pdf
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:
- Name of center or organization
- Director or contact person
- Address
- Phone number
- What services they provide
- Email address
- Website (if any)
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 Monday 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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Conferences, Workshops, and Webinars
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Center for Dignity, Recovery, and Empowerment Webinar: "Developing Your Personal Story of Mental Health Recovery" - Posted 5.1
Webinar: Reducing Criminal Recidivism for Justice-Involved Persons with Mental Illness: Risk/Needs/Responsivity and Cognitive-Behavioral Interventions - Posted 5.1
May 12, from 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
To complement the "Reducing Criminal Recidivism for Justice-Involved Persons with Mental Illness: Risk/Needs/Responsivity and Cognitive-Behavioral Interventions" brief (available here) written by Dr. Merrill Rotter and released on the GAINS Center website in early December, Dr. Rotter of Albert Einstein College of Medicine and NYC TASC and Eric Olson of the Bonneville County, ID Mental Health Court will hold a webinar on the brief and share their knowledge on what the research says and how to apply cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in real world settings.
This webinar will be followed by three "Ask the Expert" discussion groups in subsequent weeks, allowing participants the chance to converse with Dr. Rotter and Mr. Olson and pose questions to them.
Participants will need to call the number AND log-in to the link to join the webinar:
Call-in #: 888-677-3788
Participant passcode: CBT
Log-in For Participants:
URL: https://www.mymeetings.com/nc/join/
Conference number: PW4853588
Audience passcode: CBT
"I'm Good" Campaign Celebrates Those Who Have Overcome and Those Who Are Trying! - Posted 5.1
In celebration of Mental Health Month, PeersNet has launched the "I'm Good" blog campaign, which "encourages people to take care of their emotional and mental health, as well as their wellness. It's also a celebration of those who are working to, or have, overcome obstacles to wellness through support from family, friends, peers, loved ones and the community." Combatting the stigma that can be associated with a mental health condition, the campaign says, "There is nothing to be ashamed of. Know why? Well, because no matter where you're at, you're good..." For more information, click here.
SAMHSA Launches Free Webinar Series on Crisis Response Services - Posted 5.1
SAMHSA has announced a series of six webinars on how to expand community-based crisis response services and systems. The 90-minute webinars, all of which start at 2 p.m., will begin on Wednesday, May 7, with "The Need for Crisis Response Services." The series will continue on Tuesday, May 20, with "The Continuum of Community Based Mental Health Crisis Response Approaches." The remaining four webinars will take place on June 3, June 18, July 1, and July 15. "These webinars will describe new and emerging crisis response practices ... In addition, the webinar series will explore the types of outcomes sought for different approaches, how these approaches are financed, and provide State and local examples," SAMHSA writes.
To register for one webinar or the entire series, or for additional information, please click here.
Webinar: Support and Services for LGBT Youth in Recovery - Posted 4.24
Thursday, May 8th
1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
This webinar will present information about the experiences of youth, barriers to accessing existing youth-oriented recovery supports, promising approaches to LGBT-specific youth programming and best practices for engaging LGBT youth and fostering safe and inclusive environments.
WRAP Group at Recovery in Motion Center, Fredericksburg - Posted 4.21
Begins Wednesday, May 7, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Second floor at 4701 Market Street, Fredericksburg (22408). This is actually in Spotsylvania near Lee's Hill Shopping Center in the Goodwill Community Service Center.
To register at (540) 645-6042 or cescher@mac.com
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News Around the Commonwealth
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Tenth Annual "The Art of Recovery" Exhibit Opens May 2nd in Fredericksburg - Posted 4.28
The Rappahannock Area Community Services Board (RACSB) is pleased to announce the Tenth Annual "The Art of Recovery" art show opening Friday, May 2, 2014 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at PONSHOP Studio and Gallery located at 712 Caroline Street in downtown Fredericksburg. The exhibit features original artwork of adults with mental illness. The show is organized by members of Kenmore Club, a psychosocial rehabilitation program operated by RACSB. The exhibit coincides with National Mental Health Month and will be on display through May 31st.
"The Art of Recovery" show will feature approximately 50 pieces representing several art mediums. Artwork includes original drawings, paintings, three-dimensional artwork (sculpture), textiles, and mixed media. All of the pieces will be available for purchase.
To correspond with the First Friday opening on May 2nd, there will be spoken word, poetry, and live music in the gallery's back courtyard at 7:00 p.m.
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.
PONSHOP Studio and Gallery is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5:00 p.m.
To learn more, contact Helen Conley at 540-373-7737 or artofrecovery@racsb.state.va.us. Or, visit
Central Peer Connect to Meet June 10th - Posted 4.24
12:30 - 2 p.m.
Virginia House Clubhouse
3052 River Road West, Goochland (23063)
Our program will be about mindfulness. Light refreshments will be served.
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
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Veteran's Corner
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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 .
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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.orgDepression and Bipolar Support Alliance of Falls Church
ANC436@aol.com
NAMI Virginia (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
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Other News
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From SAMHSA: "More Than Half of All Adults with Serious Thoughts of Suicide Do Not Receive Mental Health Services" - Posted 4.28
http://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/advisories/1404171351.aspx
Article in Philadelphia Inquirer: Revisiting a Debate - Posted 4.17
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:
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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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