VOCAL'S MENTAL HEALTH RECOVERY NEWS FOR 2.19.2015

In Today's Digest....

VOCAL News

Conferences, Workshops and Webinars

News Around the Commonwealth

Veteran's Corner

Links to Peer-Run Programs

Other News

Look What Our Members Are Doing!

Career Opportunities

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

Sharon Wise , Keynote Speaker at "Charting the Journey", VOCAL's Annual Recovery Conference- Posted 2.19

VOCAL is pleased to announce Sharon Wise as our keynote speaker for our Annual Mental Health Recovery Conference, "Charting the Journey"! Sharon calls herself a "Surviving Spirit"; she is a trauma expert, consultant, whole health and peer specialist, a certified WRAPŠ facilitator and a visual and performing artist. In addition to the keynote, Ms. Wise will also present a workshop.

The Conference will be held from Monday, May 18th until Wednesday, May 20th on the beautiful James Madison University campus in Harrisonburg.

The registration form will be available in the coming weeks.

If you are interested in presenting a workshop at the Conference, please visit:

http://vocalvirginia.org/#/vocal-conference/4534274248

GAP (Governor's Access Plan) Richmond Town Hall Meeting - Posted 2.19

Tuesday, February 24th from 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Deep Run Recreation Center, 9900 Ridgefield Parkway, Henrico (23233)

For uninsured, making under $11,790 annually and have a serious mental illness or provide health care for those who do.

http://www.dmas.virginia.gov/Content_pgs/gap.aspx

1.800.424.4279

Richmond Latino Mental Health Connection - Posted 2.19

Launchpad Counseling, National Counseling Group, and the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services have partnered to create a space where behavioral health providers can collect and share information regarding culturally and linguistically appropriate services for Latinos seeking mental health, substance use, and other behavioral health services. Here we hope to share research, web links, pose questions, and share local resources.

To join: https://groups.google.com/forum/?hl=en#!forum/rvalatinomentalhealth

Assertiveness Group at On Our Own of Charlottesville - Posted 2.19

Fridays, from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

123 4th Street, Charlottesville

434.979.2440

"The Murphy Bill: Ethical Considerations for the State of Mental Health Care and its Consumers" - Posted 2.19

Read it here

Cafe TA Center "Depression in the Workplace" - Posted 2.19

http://cafetacenter.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/focus39.pdf

"Fragile Mental Health": Emotional Health of College Freshman at All-Time Low - Posted 2.19

https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2015/02/05/incoming-students-emotional-health-all-time-low-survey-says

"Early Intervention Could Change Nature of Schizophrenia - Posted 2.19

http://www.usatoday.com/longform/news/nation/2014/12/31/early-intervention-mental-illness/18183737/

VOCAL Proposed Bylaws Changes Document - Posted 2.19

The link below will take you to the bylaw changes document, in draft, the final of which will be presented to the membership for a vote at our next annual meeting in May at our Annual Conference in Harrisonburg. We welcome your comments to: network@vocalvirginia.org

http://vocalvirginia.org/#/key-documents/4534481121

"Respite from the Storm" - Posted 2.19

This piece illustrates the power of peer support by examining the experiences of people in a peer respite program.

http://www.wnyc.org/story/respite-storm/

VOCAL News

VOCAL's Whole Health Network (VWHN) Topic #13 - Posted 2.5

Why is physical activity so important?

http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/everyone/health/index.html

http://www.choosemyplate.gov/physical-activity/why.html

http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/fitness/in-depth/exercise/art-20048389

VOCAL Whole Health Network (VWHN) Topic #12 - Posted 1.8

Taking a look at how to eat healthier in 2015 and beyond!

http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/NutritionCenter/HealthyEating/Tips-for-Eating-Healthy_UCM_457979_Article.jsp

http://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-eating/healthy-eating.htm

http://www.choosemyplate.gov/healthy-eating-tips.html

VOCAL Whole Health Network (VWHN) Topic #11 - Posted 12.4

The Definition of Spiritual Wellness

http://www.seekingwholeness.com/terms-definitions/the-definition-of-spiritual-wellness

Check Out VOCAL Workshop Offerings: Twenty-Five Topics on Recovery, Peer Support, Advocacy and Peer Run Programs

VOCAL has been a leader in Virginia's mental health recovery movement since 2002. Our workshops and professional trainings uniquely blend the experience of individuals who live with conditions commonly referred to as mental health disorders with an up-to-the-minute understanding of state and national mental health systems, and evidence-based recovery tools.

Developed by people who have personally experienced mental health crisis, VOCAL programs value the worth and dignity of each individual, the right to self-determination, and the important contributions of peer support and self-help.

These workshops are designed for peers, peer support specialists, providers, family and supporters of those in recovery.

We can deliver a one-day conference, half-day workshop, or one presentation, all especially designed for the interests of your group.

Workshops are free to peer-run organizations.

For complete workshop descriptions go to:

http://www.vocalvirginia.org/#/vocal-events/4533123864

Link to VOCAL Board Calendar

https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=8n1cslha5ohv0sp6ghf2n25mbc%40group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America/New_York

Join VOCAL's State-Wide W.R.A.P. Facilitator Network

If you've trained in facilitating Mental Health Recovery including Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP) workshops, the program developed by Dr. Mary Ellen Copeland, Join VOCAL's network today!

Email Ann Benner, R.E.A.C.H. Program Director: ann@vocalvirginia.org

Conferences, Trainings, Workshops, and Webinars

Webinar: "How Can We Better Detect and Predict Suicide Risk?" - Posted 2.16

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

Presenter: Jane Pearson, Ph.D., Chair, National Institute of Mental Health's (NIMH) Suicide Research Consortium; Lisa Colpe, Ph.D., Chief, Office of Clinical and Population Epidemiology Research at NIMH

Register at: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2414700522357385986

Reducing the number of annual deaths by suicide requires finding a way to accurately predict suicide risk for individuals and across populations. Research on suicide shows that expanded screening for risk in health care is one important part of this effort and that there are multiple methods of screening that may be effective. It is also critical to determine imminent risk and degrees of risk (i.e., high, moderate, low), approaches to longer windows of risk (e.g., 12 months) and how our assumptions about the 'suicidal process' (i.e., ideation, plans, attempts) affect approaches to risk detection.

Join this webinar to hear from the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention's Prioritized Research Task Force about advances in detecting suicide risk, various approaches to screening for suicide risk, the latest science on imminent/near-term risk assessment and the research challenges that remain.

Copeland Center's Intro to WRAP - Posted 2.16

http://copelandcenter.com/sessions/online-seminar-i-introduction-wrap-1

Save the Date: VACSB May 2015 Congerence in Williamsburg - Posted 2.16

May 6-8

The Annual Conference on Trauma 2015 Call for Proposals - Posted 2.16

http://www.thecampbellcenter.org/annual-trauma-conference-cfp.php

Meditation Classes Offered to Public by the Compassionate Care Initiative, UVA - Posted 2.12

Go to:

Compassionate Care Initiative

Led by Sam Green
Tuesday evenings 5:30-6:30 pm
McLeod Hall 2025

Led by Jonathan Bartels
Wednesday mornings 6:00 - 7:00 am
McLeod Hall 5060

Co-led by Susan Bauer-Wu, Julie Connelly, and Michael Swanberg
Thursday evenings 5:30 - 6:15 pm
Claude Moore Nurs. Ed. Bldg. 3020

Ticket to Work Webinar: "Support for People with Disabilities on the Journey to Financial Independence" - Posted 2.5

February 25th from 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm

https://www.chooseworkttw.net/webinar/

Mental Health America 2015 Annual Conference - Posted 2.5

www.mentalhealthamerica.net/annualconference

Save the Date: ADA25 Celebration - Posted 2.2

July 27^th from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at the Grand Hyatt in Washington, D.C.

DBSA Peer Specialist Core Training - Posted 1.29

http://www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageServer?pagename=education_training_peer_specialist_core

2015 Virginia Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association Conference December 2nd-4th in Norfolk - Posted 1.29

www.vapra.org

Join the "Dialogues of Discovery, A Process of Connecting and Sharing Our Collective Wisdom" with Lauren Spiro - Posted 1.22

#2 "What is the Relationship Between Our Emotions and Our Soul" on February 24th from 3:00 - 4:30 p.m.

#3 "Envisioning and Creating the World You Want" on March 24th from 3:00 - 4:30 p.m.

NARPA (National Association for Rights Protection and Advocacy) 2015 Annual Rights Conference - Posted 1.22

August 20 - 23 at the Embassy Suites Washington, D.C. Convention Center

Click here to access the request for workshop proposals - Deadline: March 15.

NARPA's mission is to promote policies and pursue strategies that result in individuals with psychiatric diagnoses making their own choices regarding treatment. We educate and mentor those individuals to enable them to exercise their legal and human rights with a goal of abolition of all forced treatment.

Mental Health America of Virginia's "Pathfinders" (MHAV), March 23rd-25th - Posted 1.15

To be held in Madison

Pathfinders is a conference for veterans and service members of the military. This conference is three days long and focuses on trust, self-care, healing from trauma, and intentional and effective peer support. This program provides veterans with the tools necessary to serve as change agents in their community, effectively advocate for self and others, participate in system reform, and educate policy makers. Applicants are required to be 6 months post-crisis and provide two references.

Topics include relationship building, cultural competency, trauma awareness

Apply at mhav.org

Free Webinar, "One Size Does Not Fit All: Closing the Health Disparities Gap for African-American Communities" - Posted 1.12

Tuesday, February 24th from 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.

WRAP Seminar II Training (Facilitator Training) in Richmond - Posted 1.12

February 23-27

To qualify for this Seminar II training one must have successfully completed a 2-day, 3-day or 8-week Seminar I training facilitated by a Certified WRAP Facilitator and have completed a personal plan.

Cost $1,250.00

To apply, go to www.rrs4hope.com

WRAP Around the World Conference in Washington, DC - Posted 1.12

August 24th - 26th

Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill
400 New Jersey Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20001

Conference registration $425.00

Reserve your room here

News Around the Commonwealth

"Brave Souls on Fire" - Posted 2.12

Looking for talented spoken word poets with a lived experience of depression and/or mental health issues who live in the Charlottesville and Albemarle area.

Brave Souls on Fire is dedicated to bringing forth the power of poetic expression to mental health consumers through fusing classic poetry with contemporary Spoken Word performance techniques. Words transform lives. Whether spoken, written, read, or performed - self-expression is fundamental to success and happiness in our society. For more information call 434.282-0096 or email bravesoulscville@yahoo.com.

Request for Applications, Community Innovation Funding Awards - Posted 2.12

The purpose of Community Innovation Funding is to support the influence of innovative programs offered by Peer Run programs throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Community Innovation Funding will also increase the ability of Virginia Peer Run programs to overcome financial hurdles that hinder the development and implementation of innovative approaches that support people through the process of Recovery from mental illness or addiction

Funds are to be used to support innovative programs that will support the development of Peer Specialists, to promote increased awareness of recovery possibilities for people who have experienced mental illness, addiction, or a combination of both, or to contribute to Mental Health Service delivery systems becoming Recovery focused.

For further information about applying, email Becky Sterling: Becky.Sterling@dbhds.virginia.gov

"Recovery Through Music" at On Our Own of Charlottesville - Posted 2.12

Mondays, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m., 123 4th Street

For details: 434.979.2440

Computer Class Offered on Fridays at "84 Main", Warsaw - Posted 2.12

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Call 804.333.3581 for details.

Read "All In!": DBHDS Commissioner Ferguson's Monthly Update- Posted 2.12

http://www.dbhds.virginia.gov/library/document-library/cmsr-allin-150205.pdfÂ

New WRAPŠ Group in Hampton/ Newport News - Posted 2.5

Every Wednesday in March and April at the HNN CSB, Building 300

Contact Chris Yanez at 757.788.0053 or cyanez@hnncsb.org

Shea's Corner/Healthy Living Group at On Our Own of Roanoke - Posted 2.2

Began Friday, February 6th at 12:30 p.m.

Call 540.262.0061 for more information.

Eleventh Annual "Art of Recovery" Seeks Exhibits - Posted 1.29

Rappahannock Area Community Services Board (RACSB) is currently seeking entries for the Eleventh Annual "The Art of Recovery" exhibit. The art show features original artwork by adults with mental health challenges. 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 1, 2015 at PONSHOP Studio and Gallery on Caroline Street in Fredericksburg, Virginia. The opening corresponds with 'First Fridays.' The exhibit runs through May 24, 2015 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 1, 2015 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. PONSHOP will apply a reasonable commission on all artwork sold. Selections will be made by April 10, 2015.

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.

Henrico MH Consumer Recovery Council (CRC) Open to All - Posted 1.22

You don't have to live in Henrico County to get involved! This group meets the third Tuesday of each month at 1:00 p.m. at Henrico Mental Health, 10299 Woodman Road.

For more information contact Kevin Kelley:

kel50@co.henrico.va.us

DMAS and Magellan to Host Weekly GAP Calls - Posted 1.22

DMAS (state Medicaid) and Magellan will host a weekly GAP call just for individuals with mental health issues, family members of individuals with mental health issues, and mental health advocates. This is an opportunity for members, families and advocates to talk with DMAS representatives about the new GAP project. This call will help to address screening concerns and recommendations with the GAP eligibility questions, how to get a screening, covered benefits or other concerns.

Fridays 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

1-866-842-5779 (no RSVP required)

Conference Code: 7439901269

"Family Dynamics" Group at On Our Own of Charlottesville - Posted 1.15

Thursdays, from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

Call 434-979-2440 for details.

"Recovery Among Friends" Support Group Meets at Henrico Mental Health - Posted 1.15

Meets the fourth Thursday of the month from 2:30 - 3:30 p.m; next meeting is January 22nd.

Contact Nancy: ede01@co.henrico.va.us for more information.

Mental Health Recovery Group (Including WRAP) Meets at Lakeside Center (Henrico) - Posted 1.15

A continuing self-paced workshop for people who experience mental health challenges and meets every second Saturday of the month from 10:30 - 12:30 p.m.

Facilitated by Kevin M. Kelly (Copeland Center Certified)

wrapnrecovery@gmail.com or 804-727-8597 for more information.

Veteran's Corner

New W.R.A.P. Group for Military and Veterans Only at McGuire VA Hospital - Posted 1.12 (Please note: this is a CHANGE)

Beginning February 4th, every Wednesday for eight weeks

4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

This is free to attend but there is a $10 cost for the red book.

Meets on first floor, room # 1D-162

For more information: Shirl Selah: 1st.spirit@gmail.com or Jane Ellis: jane@vocalvirginia.org

Veterans Crisis Line

Call: 1-800-273-8255

http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/

Virginia Wounded Warrior Program Link

http://www.wearevirginiaveterans.org/

Veterans Peer Support Group at On Our Own of Roanoke

Every Monday at 1 p.m.

540-362-0061

New Tool Connects Vets and Employers

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.govwill connect veterans and service members with public and private sector employers who are looking to hire people with military experience, including individuals with disabilities.

For more information and employer resources, visit www.AskEARN.org.

Links to MH Peer-Run Programs in Virginia

Arlington Peers Helping Peers in Recovery
www.aphpr-rpsva.org

Reston Drop-In Center

restondropincenter.org

Consumer Wellness Center (Annandale)

http://consumerwellnesscenter.org/services.html

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

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
www.onourowncville.org

84 Main (Warsaw)
804.333.3581

Recovery Resources and Support
http://www.rrs4hope.com/

The Laurie Mitchell Empowerment and Career Center (Alexandria)

www.lmec.org

Our Family (Winchester)

540.667.8888 or dking@nwcsb.com

Other Program Information:

Virginia Peer Support Coalition (Virginia)

http://vpsc.groupsite.com/main/summary

Mental Health America of Virginia (MHAV)

http://mhav.org

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/

Roads to Recovery (Lynchburg)
http://roads2recovery.org/

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
http://www.afsp.org/

Other News

Clay Hunt Veterans Suicide Prevention Act Passes Congress - Posted 2.16

Congress has passed legislation to try to stem the epidemic of suicide among veterans. Read about the details of the bill here.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/checkpoint/wp/2015/02/03/clay-hunt-veterans-suicide-prevention-act-passes-in-senate-will-head-to-white-house/

Social Security Expanding Field Offices Nationwide - Posted 2.2

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/news/#!/post/1-2015-1

New Peer Services Toolkit - Posted 2.2

https://www.acmha.org/images/uploads/files/Peer-Services_Toolkit_2014.pdf

Look What Our Members Are Doing!

"UNHOLY HELL: A Preacher's Journey Through Depression and Recovery"

Book written by Terry Dow

Available on March 6 on Amazon in print and on Kindle

"Walking in Hope, Living in Grace: The Tapestry"

Book written by Maryalyce Poole, available at Amazon

"A Rooted Mind: Saying Yes to Beauty, Wellness and Deeply-Rooted Mental Health"

Book written by Beth Gager, available at Balboa Press

Career Opportunities
FT Peer Support Position at Hampton Newport News CSB - Posted 2.5 Full time Peer Specialist I position in the SEFP program, providing peer support to expectant mothers with a history of MH/SA concerns. Contact Chris Yanez at 757.788.0053 or cyanez@hnncsb.org or call the HR Department directly at 757.788.0321 or 757.788.0301

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.