News
Jan 31, 2012
Black History Month: NAMI Webinar Event
Please join us for a webinar presentation on Tuesday, Feb. 28, at 2-3 p.m., in honor of Black History Month. NAMI will share the release of a new short video featuring African American perspectives on mental health recovery and suggestions of how to utilize this video for outreach efforts of NAMI's programs, including the Sharing Hope education and outreach initiative. Presenters will also provide an overview of 2012 updates to Sharing Hope including mini grant funding opportunities for its implementation. Registrants will receive further details as the event nears.
Click here to register.
A recording of the webinar, access to the video posted on the NAMI website and copies of any presentation materials will be available to registrants following the event.
If you were forwarded a copy of this email and would like to subscribe to receive NAMI African American e-news, click here. To unsubscribe, click here.
Jan 19, 2012
SAMHSA announces a working definition of recovery
A new working definition of recovery from mental disorders and substance use disorders is being announced by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The definition is the product of a year-long effort by SAMHSA and a wide range of partners in the behavioral health care community and other fields to develop a working definition of recovery that captures the essential, common experiences of those recovering from mental disorders and substance use disorders, along with major guiding principles that support the recovery definition. SAMHSA led this effort as part of its Recovery Support Strategic Initiative.
The new working definition of Recovery from Mental Disorders and Substance Use Disorders is as follows:
A process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential.
“Over the years it has become increasingly apparent that a practical, comprehensive working definition of recovery would enable policy makers, providers, and others to better design, deliver, and measure integrated and holistic services to those in need,” said SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde. "By working with all elements of the behavioral health community and others to develop this definition, I believe SAMHSA has achieved a significant milestone in promoting greater public awareness and appreciation for the importance of recovery, and widespread support for the services that can make it a reality for millions of Americans."
Dec 14, 2011
Webcast: Integrating Care for Dual Eligibles
Integrating Care for Dual Eligibles: What Do Consumers Want?
Alliance for Health Reform and the AARP Public Policy Institute
This briefing featured panlists discussing how payment and care is coordinated for beneficiaries dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid and what consumers think about different ways of getting care.
A podcast is also available.
Dec 14, 2011
Confused by health care reform? Kaiser Family Foundation site can answer questions
The Basics
Confused by health care reform? Get basic information here to help you understand the new law. Kaiser Family Foundation Health Care Reform Site
This new interactive feature clarifies how individuals and businesses in a variety of situations could be affected by health reform. Featuring the YouToons characters from the Foundation’s “Health Reform Hits Main Street” animated video, the new feature makes it easy to see how people’s health insurance coverage could change under reform.
Dec 1, 2011
Drug 'doughnut hole' shrinks
According to an Associated Press story by Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar, the prescription coverage gap in Medicare, ‘the doughnut hole,’ is becoming smaller and easier to manage for millions of older and disabled people. Discounts and other provisions in President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul law saw the coverage gap for the average beneficiary fall from $1,504 to $901—a 40% reduction.
The health care law secured a 50% discount on brand name drugs from pharmaceutical companies, saving an average of $581 for those in the ‘doughnut hole,’ while Medicare also picked up more of the cost of generic drugs resulting in an average saving of $22.
“For people with high drug expenditures, the 50 percent discount offers real savings,” said Tricia Neuman, director of Medicare policy for the nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation. “It’s certainly more helpful than no coverage at all, which is what they had previously.”
Beneficiaries have until December 7 to change their drug plans for 2012. Consumer advocates recommend seniors check their coverage during open enrollment to see if their current choice remains the best for next year.
For more information on Medicare and the new health care law click here for the Kaiser Family Foundation Medicare information page.
Nov 4, 2011
Veterans Day and Beyond: A Time to Remember and Support
Rev. Susan Gregg-Schroeder of the NAMI FaithNet Advisory Group, Coordinator of Mental Health Ministries writes in her blog: "Friday, November 11, Veteran's Day provides us the opportunity to remember and honor all persons who have served in the U.S. military--past and present. We can make a difference in the lives of millions if we not only remember, but also reach out to support these men and women returning from combat service. Many service members return experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a major mental health disorder, which is caused in this case by factors relating to enlistment in the miltary, including combat. A Rand Corporation study estimated that one in five U.S. service members who served in Iraq or Afghanistan will experience major depression or PTSD."Click here to read Rev.Gregg-Schroeder's entire blog
ABC's program Extreme Makeover Home Edition is also honoring veterans with a program on Friday, November 4, 2011 at 7:00 pm. Actress Glenn Close, a well known mental health advocate, and the home make-over team help build a house for the family of a soldier who is dealing with PTSD. The program will also honor veterans on a special one hour Veterans Day special, November 11, Rise and Honor with Ty Pennington and singer, Jewel, taking viewers back to other military families' stories. Click here for details on both programs on ABC
Oct 11, 2011
Support ADHD Awareness Week
October 16–22, 2011
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a serious public health issue. Nearly every mainstream medical, psychological, and educational organization in the United States has concluded that it is a real, brain-based medical disorder and that children and adults with ADHD benefit from appropriate treatment.
Support ADHD Awareness Week by learning—and sharing—the facts:
- ADHD is real.
- ADHD is a common, nondiscriminatory disorder.
- Diagnosing ADHD is a complex process.
- Other mental health conditions often occur along with ADHD.
- ADHD is not benign.
- ADHD is nobody's fault.
- ADHD treatment is multifaceted.
Learn More About ADHD and Help Increase Awareness
Sep 14, 2011
ACT NOW to Protect Mental Health from Super Committee Cuts
This past month, Congress came to an agreement with President Obama that lifted the debt ceiling while protecting Medicaid from immediate cuts. As part of this agreement, Congress created a "super committee" charged with finding an additional $1.5 trillion in deficit reduction over the next 10 years.
Many leaders in Congress have already targeted Medicaid and other critical safety net programs, as well as NAMI priorities such as mental health research, and will use the “super committee” process to try to secure cuts to these important programs.
Time is of the essence. The “super committee” has already begun its deliberations and is required to put forward its deficit reduction recommendations by November 23, 2011, with a final vote in Congress mandated by December 23.
ACT NOW
Take two minutes to contact your members of Congress and urge them to ensure that the "super committee" produces a balanced deficit reduction package that rejects deep cuts to Medicaid and Social Security disability programs and critical programs such as mental health research and services, housing and veterans programs.
Advocates are strongly encouraged to contact their Senators and House member and demand they protect the health care Americans depend on. Members of Congress can be reached toll-free at 1-888-876-6242or you may send an email message to your Senators using this web interface.
Remind all Members of Congress to:
- Protect the Medicaid program.Medicaid is a lifeline and the major source of funding for mental health treatment. Many critical benefits such as prescription drugs, case management and rehabilitative services are optional under Medicaid – but are not “optional” in the lives of individuals living with serious mental illness.
- Reject cuts to SSI & SSDI.The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs are critical safety net protections for individuals living with severe disabilities, including serious mental illness, who rely on monthly cash assistance to meet their most basic needs.
- Avoid cuts to important programs such as research at NIH.Significant cuts have already been enacted and further cuts affecting investments in biomedical research and mental health services, housing and veterans programs would be disastrous. Congress needs to protect these important priorities by avoiding additional deep cuts in overall discretionary programs.
Additional Information on Congressional “Super Committees”
What the Debt Limit Agreement Means for People Living with Serious Mental Illness
The Super Committee: Where They Stand on Medicaid, Medicare and the Affordable Care Act (PDF)
Medicaid, the Budget, and Deficit Reduction: The Threat Continues (PDF)
Jul 28, 2011
Medicaid Still at Risk: Keep the Pressure Up!
Thanks to all of you, we have sent thousands of messages to members of Congress about Medicaid!
But, we are not out of the woods yet. Significant cuts to Medicaid—a lifeline for people living with serious mental illness—remain on the table as budget discussions continue.
Take Action
Please continue to contact your U.S. Senators and Representative—and ask your friends and family to join you. Our message is simple. Medicaid must be protected for vulnerable children and adults living with serious mental illnesses. Please oppose converting Medicaid into a block grant or placing caps on federal Medicaid funding!
Legislators need to know that their constituents are watching and will not accept cuts to Medicaid.
All Congressional offices can be reached at (202) 224-3121 or you may send an email message to your members of Congress.
Thank you for your advocacy!
Jun 21, 2011
July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month is an annual opportunity to reach and engage our communities, who continue to increase in their diversity, and raise awareness and hope. Take advantage of this opportunity by hosting or participating in a local event and be a part of NAMI's effort to provide meaningful support and advocacy for all.
Visit the NAMI website to access flyers, logos, sample press releases and other resources you can use, as well as event suggestions and tips on community collaborating. Information and resources are available in English and Spanish. Contact us to share your plans!
Attending the 2011 NAMI Convention in Chicago? Join us for a celebration of National Minority Mental Health Month at our town hall session, Thursday, July 7 at 3:45 p.m. CST, to share ideas and plans for this special month. See the convention website for additional program details.
Jun 7, 2011
NAMI Centers for Excellence Webinar: National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, Tuesday, June 14
Register now to participate in this webinar scheduled for Tuesday, June 14, 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST.
“Beefing Up Your Advocacy Efforts During National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month” is a webinar featuring advocacy opportunities during National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.
This webinar will provide ideas and strategies to help you implement cultural and minority associated issues within your existing mental health policy priorities and advocacy efforts. Most importantly, this webinar will focus on how to engage diverse communities in advocacy related activities. Speakers include Majose Carrasco (director of the NAMI Multicultural Action Center) and Sita Diehl (director of NAMI State Policy and Advocacy).
May 26, 2011
Join Forces initiative launched for veterans and their families
First Lady Michelle Obama hosted a conference call on May 18 to launch Joining Forces. Joining Forces is a national initiative launched by First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden that mobilizes all sectors of society to give our service members and their families the opportunities and support they have earned. Ms. Obama made five suggestions for faith and community organizations in supporting military families and veterans through education and support--two things that NAMI does well.
1. Make as special effort to acknowledge and integrate military families and veterans in the services you offer.
2. Expand current programs and inclusion of military families and veterans.
3. Start a program or partner with another organization to address the needs of military families and veterans
4. Once a year sponsor an event or fair or that focuses on military families and veterans
5. Raise awareness around issues and challenges that military families and veterans face (be the voice in that community)
Visit http://www.whitehouse.gov/joiningforces/ to learn more about this important initiative
May 18, 2011
Rep. Pasch Declares May as Mental Health Awareness Month
MADISON– Representative Sandy Pasch (D – Whitefish Bay) released the following statement regarding the state Legislature’s unanimous passage of Assembly Joint Resolution 40 on May 17, which proclaims May 2011 as Mental Health Awareness Month. Rep. Pasch was the lead author of this bipartisan resolution.
“As a psychiatric nurse and longtime advocate for improved mental health services, increasing awareness of mental illness in our state is one of the primary reasons I ran for office. People living with these conditions should not be looked at or treated any differently than those with physical ailments, and we all share a responsibility in making that happen.
“With passage of Assembly Joint Resolution 40, Wisconsin joined a nation-wide effort to declare May as Mental Health Awareness Month, and I thank all of my colleagues for supporting this important recognition. This month is extremely important to those living with mental illness and those who advocate for individuals living with these conditions.
“Approving this resolution is the least the state Legislature can to do to promote awareness of these conditions, but it is my hope that this and similar efforts will help reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness that continues to exist throughout society. While the stigma surrounding these conditions exists for many reasons, one fundamental reason is the simple of lack of understanding. Promoting awareness of mental health and mental wellness is vital to not only reducing stigma, but also ensuring support for appropriate and accessible services.
“Mental illness knows no age, race, gender, economic status, or political party, so I am happy that this resolution received such strong bipartisan support.”
Apr 12, 2011
First NAMIWalks of 2011
NAMI Greater Milwaukee will host their NAMIWalk on Saturday, May 21, 2011 at Veteran’s Park on Lincoln Memorial Drive. The distance is 3 miles. Check-in time for participants is 10:00 am with an 11:00 am start time. For more information about this event, contact Susan Schoenmarklin at namiwalk@namigrm.org, phone, 414-581-3746, FAX, 414-344-0450 or log on to the NAMI Greater Milwaukee website at http://www.namigrm.org.
NAMI Waukesha will host their NAMIWalk on Saturday, May 21, 2011 at Frame Park, 1240 Frame Park Drive, Waukesha. The distance is five kilometers. Check-in time is 10:00 am with an 11:00 am start time. For more information about this event, contact Aaron Winden at aaron@namiwaukesha.org, phone, 262-524-8886, FAX, 262-547-1321 or log on to the NAMI Waukesha website at www.namiwaukesha.org.
Sep 7, 2010
Social Security Administration proposes changes to criteria for mental disorders
On August 19, 2010, the Social Security Administration (SSA) published a proposed rule revising medical criteria for evaluating mental disorders for purposes of determining eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). These include proposed changes to the criteria for evaluating mental illnesses in adults and mental health conditions in youth. In conjunction with NAMI's Scientific Advisory Council, we will be carefully evaluating these proposed changes and submitting comments to the SSA. All comments are due by November 17, 2010.
If you are interested in reviewing the proposed changes, they can be accessed at Changes. We would like to hear your views and those of your grassroots membership. All comments should be sent via email to Bianca Ruffin, BiancaR@nami.org. We will carefully consider these comments in preparing our own, and will send guidance out to the field prior to the November 17th deadline.