Sponsors of NAMI Cycles

We'd like to extend a special thanks to the sponsors whose support is helping us to launch the inaugural NAMI Cycles event on Saturday, May 18. Without sponsors to fund our events--which raise a tremendous amount of awareness about mental illness in the community--events such as this would just not happen.

THANK YOU to:

The Testoni Family

The McHolme Family

Stanley M. Stein, P.C.

NAMI Familias

We are still in search of sponsors for this event! Please take a look at our NAMI Cycles Sponsorship Brochure for monetary levels and benefits, or contact Darcey Garda at dgarda@namiswpa.org or (412) 366-3788 ext. 23.

For Immediate Release: NAMI Cycles for Mental Illness

NAMI Cycles Event To Debut on the Soon-To-Be-Completed Great Allegheny Passage

Rostraver, Pa.— NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania announces its first-ever cycling event to raise awareness of mental illness on the soon-to-be-completed Great Allegheny Passage (GAP), noted as one of the best bike trails in the country. Taking place on Saturday, May 18, NAMI Cycles begins and ends at Cedar Creek Park in Rostraver. It offers four distance options ranging from five miles to 73 miles, perfect for families, casual riders and fitness enthusiasts alike.

WHAT:           NAMI Cycles: The Great Allegheny Bike Ride
 
WHEN:           Saturday, May 18, 2013   ●   9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

WHERE:        Cedar Creek Park, Rostraver Township, Pa.

WHO:             Hundreds of cyclists and mental health advocates

WHY:             To raise awaress of mental illness

HOW:             Information and register at www.namicycles.com

“One in four people are affected by mental illness, and we’re eager to bring our message of hope and recovery to a whole new audience,” said Christine Michaels, executive director of NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania. “NAMI Cycles is a new way for us to engage a different segment of people in Southwestern Pa. and let them know that mental illness is common and that support and treatments are available.”
 

NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania (an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness through recovery focused support, education and advocacy. More information is available at www.namiswpa.org or by calling (412) 366-3788.

###

For Immediate Release: Four Phenomenal Women Offer Hope for Recovery at NAMI Conference

NAMI Southwestern PA Conference This Saturday To Highlight Stories of Hope and Recovery from Mental Illness

Coraopolis, Pa.—During a time when everything is changing—the economy, politics, healthcare, technology—NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania presents an annual conference designed to empower participants to shape their future by following an individual journey based on hope, courage and recovery. Taking place this Saturday, April 6 at the Pittsburgh Airport Marriott, the conference will highlight inspirational  stories of ordinary people who have achieved extraordinary accomplishments during challenging times. Four strong, successful women will each offer something different: a government update, a story of recovery, a personal perspective and an educational lecture—four different pathways to hope.

WHAT: NAMI Southwestern PA 13^th Annual Education Conference

Pathways to Hope: Shaping a Positive Future During Uncertain Times

WHEN: Saturday, April 6, 2013
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

WHERE: Pittsburgh Airport Marriott, 777 Aten Drive, Coraopolis, Pa., 15108

WHO:            

Dr. Jean Bennett, Regional Administrator of SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)

Tracy Carney, Director, Recovery Central Clubhouse, Bloomsburg, Pa.

Laura Miller, Founder, The Secret Agent L Project

Marie-Paule de Valdivia, Facilitator, National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorder

Also available for interview:
Christine Michaels, MSHSA, Executive Director, NAMI Southwestern PA   

“A consistent and ever present theme at NAMI is a focus on hope, being hopeful about the future,” said Christine Michaels, executive director of NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania. “Our keynote, plenary and lunchtime speakers will all, in very individualized presentations, bring a message of hope and recovery."

 

The conference, now in its 13th year, also features six afternoon workshops (participants choose one) including Ask the Doctor, Coping with Anxiety and Panic Attacks, Radical Acceptance for Families Affected by Borderline Personality Disorder, Revealing Your Recovery Story, Understanding Hoarding, and What Can I Do If My Loved One Is Arrested?

 

This event is sponsored by Community Care Behavioral Health, Allegheny HealthChoices, Inc., Staunton Farm Foundation, Mercy Behavioral Health, Project Transition, Value Behavioral Health of PA, and Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic.

NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania (an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness through recovery focused support, education and advocacy. More information is available at www.namiswpa.org or by calling (412) 366-3788.

###

 

Contact: Darcey Garda, Manager of Marketing and Development

(412) 366-3788 or dgarda@namniswpa.org
 

Our 13th Annual Education Conference - This Saturday!

Each year, our spring education conference educates and inspires people from all over the region. With interesting and thought-provoking themes, our conference always attracts excellent speakers from across the country and beyond. (Remember the year we brought in Alex from Kazakhstan?)

This year is no exception. Taking place on Saturday, April 6, at the Pittsburgh Airport Marriott, our 13th Annual Education Conference offers a powerful yet simple theme of hope. As stated by our Executive Director Christine Michaels, "A consistent and ever present theme at NAMI is focused on hope, being hopeful about the future." She goes on to say, "Our keynote, plenary and lunchtime speakers will all, in very individualized presentations, bring a message of hope and recovery."

Prepare to be inspired by our impressive and talented speakers! As Ms. Michaels says, "Four phenomenal, strong, talented women will each offer something different--a government update, a story of recovery, a personal perspective and an educational lecture. Four different pathways to hope: pick one. Choose hope!"

In addition to these four amazing women, the conference offers six afternoon workshops with diverse and relevant topics. Which will you choose? Are you interested in learning about new treatments for Borderline Personality Disorder? Or what to do if your loved one is arrested? Are you curious about "Understanding Hoarding" or "Coping with Anxiety and Panic Attacks?" Perhaps you just wish to "Ask the Doctor" a question or two in her open-ended workshop. Or you can let your creative juices flow and reveal your recovery story with a very special workshop presenter.

To read more about the speakers and topics, take a look at our conference brochure. Although online registration is closed, call us at 412-366-3788 or email info@namiswpa.org if you would still like to register. Continuing Education Credits and Certificates of Attendance are available.

Win Pen's Tickets - 3 Rows Back!

How would you like to sit three rows behind Coach Dan Bylsma at the Consol Energy Center on Tuesday, April 2 for the Penguin's versus Sabres game? Would an end seat work for you and your guest?

Well, here's your chance to win two great tickets donated to NAMI by Dr. Curtis Mayernik. Deadline is tonight at midnight for our Pittsburgh Penguin's contest! Make your $25 online donation to NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania and earn one chance to win these amazing tickets.

Don't delay; make your donation now! Winner will be drawn on Monday, March 25. Could it be you? You'll never know if you don't try.

Every donation will directly support the mission of NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness through recovery focused support, education and advocacy.

Contest began Monday, March 11 and ends tonight at midnight. Good luck and Let's Go Pens!

Donations to NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania are tax-deductible. Official registration and financial information on NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania may be obtained from the PA Department of State by calling toll-free within Pennsylvania: 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.

NAMI Education Conference Coming Soon!

REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS MARCH 25

The deadline for the NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania 13th Annual Education Conference is quickly approaching! The conference is a bit earlier this year so don't miss your opportunity to attend.

 

Pathways to Hope: Shaping a Positive Future in Uncertain Times

Saturday, April 6, 2013 Pittsburgh Airport Marriott

8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Quick and Easy - Register Online

 

Featured Workshops (to name a few!)

"
Radical Acceptance for Families Affected by BPD

 
Coping with Anxiety and Panic Attacks

Understanding Hoarding

 

Scholarship Sources Also Available!!!

 

NEW! Human Services Administration Organization: Full Scholarships are available for any Allegheny County family that has a child with a serious emotional disturbance. Awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. For information contact NAMI at (412) 366-3788.

 

Western Region Community Support Program: The intent of the scholarship program is to expand opportunities for people living with mental illnesses and family members to participate in educational programs and conferences held within PA. If you or someone you know is interested in completing an application for this financial support, contact: Laurie Combs, WRCSP Technical Assistance, Phone: 1-866-400-0620 or email wrcsp2006@yahoo.com.
 

Allegheny County CSP: Limited scholarships available. Please contact NAMI Southwestern PA for application information.

 

Free Kennel for Pet Owners In Crisis

The Human Services Center, a comprehensive community behavioral health center in New Castle, proudly announces the opening of Caritas PetCare, a free full-service kennel for dogs and cats when the pet’s owner is experiencing a short term crisis: in-patient psychiatric hospitalization, a medical emergency, displacement due to a natural disaster, escape from a domestic violence situation or other such emergency.

Additional Details:

• Owner must reside in Western Pennsylvania

• Owner must meet certain income eligibility requirements

• Pet must be up-to-date on all vaccinations

• Except in limited cases, pets may not stay past 30 days

The HSC staff and residents of the Caritas supportive housing program will care for the pet. A local vet is available when necessary. Funding supported in part by Banfield Charitable Trust.

2910 Princeton Road

New Castle, PA 16101

To arrange a stay, call

724-730-9397