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11 Annual Massachusetts Suicide Prevention Conference: Connecting for Safe and Resilient Communities: Suicide Prevention Across the Lifespan
The Best Western Royal Plaza 181 Boston Post Road West Marlborough, MA 01752 For more information or to register for this conference please Click Here
Amendments 551 and 553 to MA House of Representatives budget would increase funding for community-based mental health services. Representative Ruth Balser has filed two amendments to the House budget to increase funding for adult and children's community-based mental health services. Please ask your State Representative to co-sponsor these amendments. Click here to login and send your message via FundMentalHealth.org
The 2012 NAMI National Convention is Almost Here!We look forward to seeing everyone in Seattle, June 27-30, for the 2012 NAMI National Convention. If you have not yet registered and reserved your hotel room we encourage you to do so as soon as possible. To register and see the great rates NAMI members receive at the Seattle Sheraton Hotel, click here. Our program is almost complete and we have an outstanding schedule planned.
Frank La Frazia recommends this event. The Two Of Us Productions will be opening our latest production, NEXT TO NORMAL, on April 20th for six thought provoking performances. This Tony Award winning musical just left Broadway and we are very pleased to present the regional premier of this fresh and modern Broadway musical. We have assembled a very talented cast, complimented by a tight pit orchestra to tell this haunting story of a family dealing with loss, grief, and mental illness to let some light into their lives. NEXT TO NORMAL plays on April 20th, 21st and 22nd, and the following weekend of April 27th, 28th, and 29th at Hudson High School in Hudson, NY. Tickets are $18.00 for adults and $14.00 for students and seniors. Discounts are available for groups of 8 or more. Tickets can be purchased through Theater Mania at 1-866-811-4111 or locally at 518-758-1648. For information and directions call 1-518-329-6293. You can also purchase tickets on-line through our web site at www.TheTwoOfUsProductions.org. 1 in 4 adults & 1 in 10 children will experience a mental illness in their lifetime. May is Mental Health Month- come to these upcoming events to learn more. Wednesday, April 25, 2012-NAMI BASICS Education Program for parents/caregivers of children & adolescents with mental health issues Wednesday, May 9, 2012 Panel Presentation on Children's Mental Health from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Berkshire Medical Center Private dining rooms A & B Thursday, May 17, 2012 "Minds Matter" The Berkshires' Premiere walk for mental health awareness. Walkers register 5:00 p.m. North St. Pittsfield at 3rd Thursday street festival. For more details call 413-443-1666 or visit www.namibc.org NAMI announces a special program to recognize National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day on Wednesday, May 9 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at Berkshire Medical Center's private dining rooms A & B, 725 North St, Pittsfield. "Positive mental health is essential to a child's healthy development," said Marsha Burniske, NAMI Education Committee Chairperson. "This program will emphasize the critical importance of effective school and community based mental health services for children." The panel presentation titled, "Helping Children and Adolescents with Mental Health Challenges" will discuss the home, school, and community supports available in Berkshire County. Vickie Smith, M.D., will speak about screening tools used by physicians for early identification and treatment. Kathy Gaspardi, The Brien Center's CSA Director, will address treatment services. Topics will also include the various configurations of educational supports and collaborations with other service providers. Kathy Quinn, NAMI advocate, will describe how NAMI helps individuals and families learn to navigate these systems of care. "Most families take their physical and emotional health for granted, but for one out of every five someone will be diagnosed with a serious mental illness. One out of ten of these will be children under the age of 18," said Brenda Carpenter, Executive Director. A question and answer period will conclude the evening. Parents, educators, professionals and members of the general public are welcome to attend. Title: NAMI Basics Education Program
YouTube link to Patrick Kennedy saying what NAMI Means to him… (check it out) Congressman Patrick Kennedy speaks about NAMI
FundMentalHealth.org Support funding for high quhe right thing for individuals, families and the Commonwealth Mental illness is a serious condition that affects 1-in-4 families and 1-in-10 children. We know services work and people recover. Yet, today people and families are waiting for community based services that are essential to their recovery. A recent report issued by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) found Massachusetts has cut funding for mental health services by more than $55 million since Fiscal year 2009. Massachusetts has cut more mental health funding than any other New England state. Fund Mental Health Services Last year, Governor Patrick and the Legislature made significant progress in beginning to restore these cuts and providing services to those living with a mental illness. As a result, more children, adolescents, adults and seniors began the journey to recovery, but many are still waiting. People living with mental illnesses can recover and live successfully in the community when there are a variety of community based services such as peer directed programs, clubhouses, case management and residential supports, to name a few. For children and youth, DMH provides funding for unique services that prevent costly out-of-home placements and enable children to attend school in their own community. Funding mental health services is both cost-effective for the state as well as consistent with the core principles of a humane, civilized society. What YOU Can DO Contact your state legislators and urge them to increase funding for Department of Mental Health community-based services by $30 million in the Fiscal Year 13 state budget: Visit FundMentalHealth.org to: Write your State Senator and State Representative Write a letter to editor of your local newspaper Sign up to support the campaign Call your State Senator and State Representative at 617-722-2000 Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FundMentalHealth Follow us on Twitter at mentalhealth4MA
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