Jim's Jocks Party for NAMI

On Friday, Sept. 18, dozens of people joined hosts Jim Ehrman and Nancy Huff (pictured below) at Amici in the South Hills for a fundraising party. The event was fun-filled with delicious food, great music provided by live band Black Cat Otis, and amazing baskets for a silent auction and raffle drawing.

Jim's son Brennan greeted guests at the door. He took donations and handed out free Pirates tickets and information on NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania.

Not only did Jim host a fabulous party, but he also raised over $2,300! The funds go toward his NAMI Walk team, Jim's Jocks, benefiting NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania.

NAMI Southwestern Pa.'s Executive Director Chris Michaels (pictured below, center) enjoyed the party with volunteer Mary Ann Farmerie and Board Member Mim Schwartz.

Thanks Jim and Nancy--and everyone who came in support of this event!

NAMI Speaks at Torrance Conference

NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania's Chris Michaels and Debbie Ference attended the Torrance State Hospital annual conference "Oasis of Empowerment: Transforming Trauma to Wellness" on Friday, Sept. 11.

Chris (pictured below) participated in a panel discussion titled Making the Media Work for You.

Also participating were Sheila Hyland of KDKA-TV (pictured below), Laurie Barnett Levine, John Hermann, Betty Peoples, Curtis Upsher and Marty Schiff.

Each participant on the panel, including media personality Susan Brozeck Scott (pictured below), gave his or her personal experience and strategy on working with the media.

Chris talked about her recent experience with the television and newspaper media, particularly after the flurry of media attention NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania received in the past year.

MHA of Westmoreland County Rallies for State Budget

Mental Health America of Westmoreland County held a rally last week to protest the ongoing Pa. state budget impasse.

The rally, which took place on Wednesday, Sept. 1, focused on human services and attracted hundreds of people and the attention of the news media.

According to Laurie Barnett Levine, Executive Director of Mental Health America of Westmoreland County, "The theme of the rally was SOS: Save our Services!"

"We must end the state budget impasse now with a responsible budget for quality services," Ms. Levine said.

Sharon Miller, the Director of Education and Community Relations at NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania, was among the featured speakers at the rally.

Click here to see photos.