Mental Health First Aid Training Offered In Partnership with Allegheny HealthChoices, Inc.

Depression? Anxiety? Substance abuse? Psychosis?

Mental illnesses are very common – more common than you might think.  But help is available.  If you’d like to learn how to help reach out to someone, attend the

Mental Health First Aid Training

Similar to First Aid/CPR, Mental Health First Aid is provided to a person developing a mental health problem or having a mental health crisis.

Class Dates:

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

  Tuesday, January 24, 2012

      All classes run from 5:30 – 9:00pm

    **A light dinner will be provided**

Class location:  Crossroads Church, 325 N. Highland Ave., Pittsburgh, 15206

This training is FREE, but limited to the first 25 registrants. Attendees MUST attend all 3 days in order to receive certification. 

             

To RSVP, call Jessica Strong at

412-325-1100 x7773 or email jstrong@ahci.org

           

Depression Support Groups

Some say this is the most wonderful time of the year. But for many, the holiday season causes stress, memories and other feelings that can trigger or contribute to depression. For our friends in southwestern Pennsylvania who could use extra support this time of year, take a look at the following support groups for individuals with depression and bipolar disorder. Thank you to the Bipolar and Depression Support Alliance for providing us with the updated list below.

Depression and Bipolar Support Groups

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance-Pittsburgh (DBSA-Pittsburgh)
The Big D: 2nd & 4th Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m.
Oakland: Western Psychiatric Hospital, 4th Floor, Room 413
Contact: Ray Millsap 412-379-3902

Mood Support for Manic Depressive and Bipolar Disorder
2nd and 4th Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.
Mt. Lebanon: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Rt.19
(Washington Rd. & Mayflower Rd.)
Contact: Tony (cell) 412-779-5834

Bipolar and Manic Depression Support Group
Every Tuesday 7-8 p.m.
Butler: Grapevine Drop-In Center, 221 West Brady St.
Contact: Bette Peoples
724-283-1704

Westmoreland County
Depression & Bipolar Support Group
1st Tuesday 11 a.m. to 1p.m. & 3rd Thursday 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Greensburg: 409 Coulter Ave., Suite 409
Contact: Julie Kostenbader 724-858-7533

Depression Support Group
1st Thursday @ 7:30 p.m.
Bethel Park: Christ United Methodist Church Youth Center
44 Highland Rd., Rte 19 (across from Village Square)
Contact: Duba Weinstein 412-344-6600 Ext.2320

For more information on depression or bipolar disorder, visit the NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania website.

The Win-Win Workplace Workshop a Success

Yesterday morning marked our first-ever employment workshop for both mental health consumers and employers. Titled "The Win-Win Workplace: Creating Opportunities for Meaningful Employment," the event attracted nearly 100 attendees to the Dept. of Human Services building in downtown Pittsburgh. Hosted by NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania in partnership with the Allegheny County Dept. of Human Services' Employment Transformation Committee, the workshop was supported by funds from the CMS Medicaid Infrastructure Grant (CFDA #93.786).  Special thanks to our esteemed and well-informed panelists and speakers for helping to make the day a success!

NAMI's Lora Dziemiela and Susan Harrington greet guests at the registration table.

Mercy Behavioral Health exhibited at the event, along with Goodwill, ACHIEVA, the Dept. of Human Services and of course NAMI.

NAMI Executive Director Chris Michaels and Mary Jo Dickson, administrator of the Bureau of Adult Mental Health Services at the Office of Behavioral Health, welcomed guests and kicked off the event.

NAMI's Sara Levine was instrumental in the workshop's success and handled the audio visual equipment at the event.

NAMI's Paul Freund gave an overview of the workshop.

Our first panelist was Joy Smith of AHEDD. She discussed working and SSI/SSDI benefits.

Janice Meinert of Pennsylvania Health Law Project gave an information overview of Medical Assistance health insurance and full-time work.

ACHIEVA's Lynda Marnoni talked to the audience about community supports for employment.

Samson Murage (left) of the Three Rivers Workforce Investment Board offered information about job opportunities in the Pittsburgh region; Carol Horowitz of Disability Rights Network of PA covered the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); and NAMI's Alan Corn gave a talk titled "Best Practices for Employee Supports and Success."

Mike Gruber, the systems transformation coordinator at the Office of Behavioral Health, wrapped up the program and asked the audience for input.

After the event, attendees spent some time with the exhibitors, collecting information on employment and related topics.

Has Your Medicaid Been Recently Terminated?

Recently there has been been a closure of 105,000 Medicaid cases in Pennsylvania. The Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) says the overwhelming majority of the terminations are legitimate; however, advocates continue to hear from eligible people who had their benefits terminated.

What To Do If You Or Your Family Member Believes Benefits Were Wrongly Terminated

--File an appeal to the advance termination notice within 13 days on the postmarked date (make a copy to keep).

--Mail the appeal via certified mail and request a return receipt.
 
--Contact the OMHSAS Western Operations Field Office in Pittsburgh at 412-565-5226.

--Contact your respective state legislators to inform them of your situation.

--Contact NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania at 1-888-264-7972 as we are attempting to track the number of people living with mental illness that are affected.

People needing assistance with filing appeals or who have other questions relating to benefits can contact the PA Health Law Project Helpline at 1-800-274-3258.

Next week, we will be posting a questionnaire from Community Legal Services, which is researching and documenting recently closed Medicaid cases and the individuals who are being affected.

Pittsburgh Schizophrenia Conference

The 28th Annual Pittsburgh Schizophrenia Conference is being held on Friday, Dec. 9 at the Sheraton Station Square. This conference is the longest running scientific meeting devoted to exploring the latest research findings related to schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. Each year, internationally recognized experts provide comprehensive reviews of advances in their areas and emphasize the clinical relevance of the research. 

This year's meeting will cover a range of topics, including the neurophysiology of schizophrenia as well as the the significance of inflammation and the role of pharmacogenetics in the treatment of schizophrenia. It will also examine the possible connection between infection, cognitive functioning and schizophrenia.

Presentations by the faculty awarded the two 2011 Pittsburgh Schizophrenia Conference Awards and the Gerard Hogarty Research Excellence Prize will also take place during the meeting. In addition, there will be a panel addressing issues related to the closing of a state hospital.

Details can be found at this website. For additional information, contact Maria Pena-Jordan at penajordanmi@upmc.edu or (412) 802-6917.

Free NAMI Employment Workshop

Join NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania for its first-ever employment workshop for mental health consumers and employers.

In any given workplace, it is likely that one in four employees will experience a mental disorder each year. While common, mental illness in the workplace still poses many questions both to the mental health consumer and the employer. NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania's first ever employment workshop brings together consumers, employers and local experts to help answer questions on this topic, and to enable attendees to ask questions of their own.

WHERE: Allegheny County Dept. of Human Services, The Liberty Room

One Smithfield Street, Pittsburgh PA 15222

WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 1

8 a.m. to 9 a.m. - Registration and Continental Breakfast

9 a.m. to 12 p.m. - Employment Workshop

COST: No cost to attend

Space is limited, and you must RSVP to attend. Please RSVP to Lora at ldziemiela@namiswpa.org or (412) 366-3788 by Nov. 23.

This event is hosted by NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania in partnership with Allegheny County Dept. of Human Services Employment Transformation Committee. It is supported by funds from the CMS Medicaid Infrastructure Grant (CFDA #93.768).

First Media and Mental Illness Awards A Success

NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania was pleased to join the Entertainment Industries Council (EIC) and Staunton Farm Foundation for the first-ever Media and Mental Illness Awards last night at the Sheraton Station Square in Pittsburgh.

Hosted by Susan Brozeck Scott, regional director of EIC, the awards ceremony honored regional journalists who reported accurately and responsibly on mental health topics.

And the winners are...

Television News - Program Length
Losing Lambert: A Journey Through Survival and Hope
Producers David Solomon and Paul Ruggieri of WQED Multimedia

Television Community Affairs Program
Long Road Home
Producers David Solomon and Paul Ruggieri of WQED Multimedia

Television News Series
The Impact of Mental Illness in Pittsburgh and the Hope of Recovery
WTAE-TV's Michelle Wright, Mike Lazorko, Tim Lohle and Terry Connell

Television News Segment
Doctor: Pittsburgh Police Murder Suspect Doesn't Seem Insane
Paul Van Osdol, WTAE-TV

Internet News Story
A Soldiers Heart - Part 3 (PTSD)
Andrew Rush, Michael A. Fuoco and Rebecca Droke of Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Radio
Does Summer Make You Depressed
John Shumway and Larry Richert of KDKA Radio

Magazine
Moving Beyond Mayview
Sean Hamill, Pittsburgh Quarterly

Newspaper Story
Millions of us Have Mental Illness; You Are Not Alone
Tony Tye, Pittsburgh Post Gazette

Outstanding Achievement
Mayview State Hospital: Last Reminder of a Lost Era Closes Parts 1 and 2
Joe Fahy and Dennis Roddy, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The late Joe Fahy, writer for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, was also recognized for his outstanding achievements and contributions to the industry. Joe covered many mental health issues and was a friend of NAMI. A well respected journalist, Joe lost his battle with cancer nearly three years ago. His son drove from New York to accept the award on his dad's behalf.

NAMI would like to extend its heartfelt congratulations to all of the winners, as well as the other distinguished nominees. We know the impact the media can have on the public's perception of mental illness, and we are grateful to have worked with many of you in the past few years. Thank you for all of your efforts to portray mental illness accurately in the news.

Flu and Pneumonia Vaccines Available

Community Human Services (CHS) opened a influenza and pneumonia vaccine clinic on Oct. 1. The clinic offers flu and pneumonia vaccines, while supplies last, at the following locations, days and times:

• Every Monday through 12/12/2011:
Location: CHS Health Station, 374 Lawn Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Time: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

• Every Tuesday through 12/13/2011:
Location: Jubilee Medical Clinic, 2005 Wyandotte Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Time: 9 a.m. - 11:30 p.m.

The vaccine will be provided free of charge to adults 18 years and older. Individuals who are specifically targeted are adults with chronic medical issues, person aged 65 and older and populations who suffer disparity and may not otherwise have access to receiving these vaccinations.

The vaccine protects against three strains of influenza virus expected to circulate this season –H1N1 Type A, H3N2 Type A, and a Type B influenza virus. 

Influenza is a highly contagious upper respiratory infection that can cause mild to severe illness, sometimes leading to death, primarily in the elderly and the chronically ill. 

There are many sources for the flu vaccine. Ample supplies are expected to be available this flu season and can be obtained with minimal charge through many local pharmacies, primary care physician offices and the Allegheny County Health Department. Anyone who wants the vaccine should be able to get it.

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can cause mild to severe illness, sometimes leading to death, primarily in the elderly and chronically ill.

There are many sources for the pneumonia vaccine. Ample supplies are typically available and can be obtained through primary care physician offices.

Suggested ways to find where you can receive information about a vaccination:

• Call your Primary Health Care Provider
• Call your local Health Department
• Check your local newspaper or local newsletters
• Check with your employer/employee health if applicable

For more information, contact:
Community Human Services Corporation
374 Lawn Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
412-246-1600

Contact: Rebecca LaBovick, RNBC
412-532-2132, e-mail: rlabovick@chscorp.org

Top Walk Fundraisers... WOW!

For the NAMI Walk, our participants were given a deadline of Oct. 31 to turn in funds for our team and walker contests. We will be announcing winners and totals over the next week. Today we are thrilled to announce our top five fundraisers for 2011. Their enthusiasm and commitment to NAMI is evident in their efforts. The funds they have raised--along with the rest of our walkers and sponsors--will support the NAMI mission all year long. Thank you, our superstar fundraisers!

1. Jim Ehrman (Jim's Jocks) - $7,850

2. Raymond Baum (Leo's Team) - $2,234.44

3. Lora Dziemiela (Porky's Paws for a Cause) - $2,175

4. Stephanie Sluka (NHS Human Services) - $1,745

5. Eileen Lovell (South Hills Stampede) - $1,565

We are collecting donations through November for the NAMI Walk. If you have not yet made your donation, click here and support us today.

NAMI Walk In The News

Did you happen to see our NAMI Walk in the news? Take a look below at some of the great coverage we received. The Pittsburgh media have been extremely helpful in raising awareness of mental illness and recovery!

Channel 11 News did a two-minute segment on the walk! Take a look.

Channel 4 Action News also covered the event with their News Anchor Michelle Wright leading the walk.

Michelle Wright also posted this video on Facebook of her interview with NAMI Southwestern PA Executive Director Chris Michaels at the walk.

The Pittsburgh Tribune Review made the NAMI Walk the cover story of its magazine insert with four pages of editorial content on NAMI, mental illness and the walk! Special thanks to journalist Gen Payne for her work on this piece.

If you are not already following us on Facebook or Twitter, please do so and keep abreast of happenings, photos and more. You can also link to our social media on the NAMI Southwestern PA website.

Fall Newsletter

Have you had a chance to look through our fall newsletter?  It's chock full of information on:

- Integrating physical and behavioral health
- Legislation and policy updates for the southwestern Pa. region
- A recap of our mental health system breakfast event
- Highlights of the NAMI National Convention
- Interview with Patricia Valentine, Executive Deputy Director for Integrated Program Services, Allegheny County Department of Human Services

As always, keep up with the latest in mental health news in southwestern Pa. by visiting our website and following us on Facebook and Twitter! Interested in becoming a member? Click here!

Contributed by Lora M. Dziemiela, Program Secretary

October Events at the EECM Community Stress Center

Come out for the following free events, sponsored by the East End Cooperative Ministry Community (EECM) Stress Center:

Tuesday, October 18

East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh PA  15206

1 - 3 p.m.

"Ask the Pharmacist" - Laura Schmidt, Lincoln Pharmacy

2:30 - 3:30 p.m.

"Stress and Illness" - Dr. Charlotte Brown, Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh

Wednesday, October 19

Carnegie Library - East Liberty Branch, 130 S. Whitfield Street, Pittsburgh PA  15206

5:30 - 6:45 p.m.

"Taking Care of the Caregiver:  Understanding Memory Loss and its Effect on Family Members" - Dr. Jennifer Lingler, Director of the Education and Information Core of Pitt's Alzheimer Disease Research Center

Thursday, October 20

East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh PA  15206

1 - 3 p.m.

"Ask the Psychiatrist" - Dr. John Kasckow

1 - 3 p.m.

Zumba Class - Lisa Sobek, fitness instructor

Saturday, October 22

St. Paul Baptist Church, 6701 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh PA  15208

10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Blood Pressure Screenings, Blood Sugar Screenings

Workshops on: Stress and Illness, Menopause, Prostate Cancer, Diabetes, Navigating the Maze of Today's Healthcare System: A Basic Survival Guide

For more information, call 412-383-5137 or visit the East End Cooperative Ministry's website at www.eecm.org/programs.

Contributed by Lora M. Dziemiela, Program Secretary

WOW, What A Walk!

It's hard to imagine worse weather than what we experienced at the NAMI Walk on Sunday, Oct. 2 in Pittsburgh's SouthSide Works. It was cold (39 degrees) with sharp winds and rain showers. Volunteers and sponsors--and a few brave walkers--trickled in slowly in the early morning hours. By 9 a.m., there were a few dozen walkers, all bundled and seeking shelter under any tent that was available.

Even our mascots--the Pittsburgh Pierogies in their weatherproof costumes--were hesitant to run around in the rain!

But something happened. People started coming in droves. The coffee, hot chocolate and gourmet tea provided by Bean Catering, as well as refreshments from the Kaufman House, warmed our walkers and got them moving.  DJ Dale McCue started playing lively music, and to our surprise, people began dancing in the rain!

By 10 a.m., when John Tucci regaled us with the Star Spangled Banner and our dedicated walkers waved tiny flags in the air, over 1,000 people had arrived and were lined up and ready to walk.

Our three major television news stations covered the event: all of these wonderful walkers coming out in horrible weather to raise awareness of mental illness and to celebrate recovery. That is the NAMI spirit, and we are still amazed by our phenomenal teams, walkers, volunteers and sponsors who brought sunshine on a cold, wet and dreary day. And yes, the sun came out right as the walk began!

The 5th Annual NAMI Walk may be over, but our teams are still holding fundraisers and we are still collecting online donations on the walk website throughout October. We are inching our way to our $150,000 goal and appreciate every dollar we have received so far. Thank you for your generosity and support!

Join Us On Walk Day!

Visit our walk website for more information! 

The NAMI Walk is the one day each year that we celebrate recovery in a big way! Thousands of people join us at the SouthSide Works for a wonderful morning of laughter and fun. You can expect the great feeling of being part of something special and rewarding.

Special Note:  Our location has been moved ONE BLOCK. If you look at the site map, we are now located on the Temporary Surface Lot. Look for the colorful balloon arch and listen for high energy music, and you'll find us! Four parking garages are within walking distance and charge $3 on Sundays.

Registration and activities run from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. The walk starts promptly at 10 a.m. You will walk 1.5 miles down the river trail and 1.5 miles back. If you are unable to walk that distance, feel free to turn around early or stay back and enjoy music and refreshments with staff and volunteers.

The walk features fun activities and special guests including:

- Our Amazing NAMI Walk Chairs
- Miss Pennsylvania Juliann Sheldon
- Singer John Tucci
- The Four Fun Loving Pittsburgh Pierogies
- Complimentary Breakfast Refreshments
- Reiki and Massage Tent
- Moon Bounce
- Face Painting and Tattoos
- Caricature Artist (complements of Community Care)
- Mike the Balloon Guy
- Sponsor Exhibits (with giveaways and promotions)
- Team Photos
- High Energy Music
- Raffle Drawing (after the walk)

We hope to see you there! If you haven't already registered, click here to join us!

Upcoming Mood Disorders Conference

While NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania is focused on its NAMI Walk event this Sunday, Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic is preparing for its mood disorders conference later this  month.

The Advances in the Treatment of Mood Disorders: 2011 conference is scheduled to take place Friday, October 21 at the Sheraton Station Square. This meeting will offer a succinct way for clinicians to assimilate recent advances in mood disorder treatment. Michael E. Thase, MD and the other speakers will present new developments in the treatment of depression and bipolar disorder.

This conference will also include a series of workshops, which will offer an intimate didactic learning opportunity for increasing understanding of psychopharmacologic and psychotherapeutic techniques. Some of the topics to be addressed include depression and cardiovascular disease, postpartum depression, depression and panic disorder, new brain modulation therapies, the use of neuroscience in mood disorders, and treatment guidelines for depression as well as the intersection of basic biology and clinical practice.

Details can be found at www.wpic.pitt.edu/oerp/conferences.

For additional information or to receive a brochure, contact Maria Pena-Jordan at penajordanmi@upmc.edu or (412) 802-6917.

Another Chance to Win Steeler Tickets!

The 5th Annual NAMI Walk is two weeks away! Taking place at the SouthSide Works on Sunday, Oct. 2, this is our biggest awareness raising event and fundraiser of the year.

Our latest promotion is this: for every $25 online contribution, that donor receives one chance to win two Steeler tickets. Example: if a person makes a $100 online donation, he or she earns four chances to win.

Steelers vs. Rams

Saturday, Dec. 24

1 p.m. 

Visit our NAMI Walk website and register today! If you cannot join us at the walk, Find a Walker to support or make a general contribution to the walk. You will still qualify for the Steeler promotion. Good luck and thank you!

Special thanks to our generous donors Ralph and Mary Ann Farmerie.

Community Health Fair

A Community Health Fair will kick off the Urban Renaissance Art's Movement Week!

When:
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Noon - 3 p.m.

Where:
Community Empowerment Association, Inc.
7120 Kelly Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15208
(former Holy Rosary School in Homewood)

Free Health Screenings will include:

- Blood Pressure
- BMI (Body Mass Index)
- Dental
- Depression
- Diabetes
- Drug and Alcohol
- Eye Care
- Flu Shots
- Heart and Lung
- HIV
- Sickle Cell Disease
- Sleep Apnea

For more information, contact 412-371-3689, ext. 14, or visit www.ceapittsburgh.org.

Contributed by Lora M. Dziemiela, Program Secretary

NAMI Walk Contest Announcement

 Some rights reserved by Cesar Dominguez

We’re announcing a brand new contest for the NAMI Walk on Sunday, Oct. 2.

For every $50 raised online beginning today through Friday, Oct. 7, you will earn one entry in the drawing to win your choice of an iPad 2 or Flat Screen HDTV. Example: If you raise $500 during that time frame, you will earn 10 entries.

Let's do it! Register online, create your personal page, and email your family and friends today! Need help? Email dgarda@namiswpa.org or call (412) 366-3788.

All proceeds from the NAMI Walk support the mission of NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania.

NAMI Basics Classes This Fall

NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania will be holding a NAMI Basics class this fall - details below!

 Some rights reserved by o5com

Class Dates: Classes start Thursday, Oct. 13 and will meet weekly for six weeks through Thursday, Nov. 17

Class Time: 6:30 p.m - 9 p.m.

Location: NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania, 105 Braunlich Drive Suite 200, Pittsburgh PA 15237

To Register: Contact the NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania office at 412-366-3788

About NAMI BASICS
Parents and other primary caregivers of children and adolescents living with mental illness have diverse and complex needs. Getting the right diagnosis and treatment, as well as education and support, is critical for the entire family.

Education and support for families helps them to live the best life possible while managing the trauma that often accompanies the onset of mental illness.

NAMI Basics allows families to connect to one another while learning about mental illness and empowering themselves to overcome new challenges. It provides information families want and need about their child.

What makes the NAMI Basics education program unique?
Taught by parents or other primary caregivers who have lived similar experiences with their own children, NAMI Basics is an educational program that provides learning and practical insights for families. Course elements include:

- The trauma of mental illness for the child and family

- The biology of mental illness: getting an accurate diagnosis

- The latest research on the medical aspects of the illness and advances in treatment

- An overview of treatment options

- The impact of a child's mental illness on the rest of the family - caregivers and siblings

- An overview of the systems involved in caring for children and teens and the importance of record keeping

The course:
- Consists of six different classes, 2 1/2 hours each, offered on a weekly basis

- Is offered free of charge

- Is taught by trained NAMI family members who have children with mental illness

- Follows a structured format covering issues frequently faced by families dealing with a child or teen living with mental illness

Who can attend a NAMI Basics course?
The NAMI Basics course is specifically designed for parents and other primary caregivers of children and adolescents who are living with mental illness. It is not necessary that the child has received a specific diagnosis. Caregivers who suspect their child is experiencing symptoms of mental illness can also benefit greatly from the course as they begin to navigate the evaluation and treatment process.

Contributed by Lora M. Dziemiela, Program Secretary

Family to Family Education Class for Spanish-Speaking Families

De Familia a Familia - Las clases de salud mental para familias

For the first time in the Pittsburgh area, NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania will be offering a Family-to-Family education class for Spanish-speaking families!

The NAMI Family-to-Family Education Program is a free, 12-week course for family caregivers of individuals with severe mental illnesses. The course has been described as "life-changing" by many of its participants.

The Spanish-speaking class will begin on Wednesday, Sept. 28 at the St. Regis Social Church Hall, 235 Parkview Ave. in Oakland from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Alby Gates and Jorge Tizol will be teaching the class. All calls regarding this class should be direct to Alby (412) 244-3142 or Jorge (412) 788-4582.

Visit our website for more information on De Familia a Familia and for more information on additional upcoming Family to Family classes.


Contributed by Lora M. Dziemiela, Program Secretary

Aloha! What a Kickoff!

As seen on Channel 4 Action News, 150 NAMI Walk supporters convened at the Sheraton Station Square on Thursday for the 5th Annual NAMI Walk Kickoff Luncheon. A palm tree, tropical menu and hundreds of leis set the tone for the announcement of an exciting travel incentive for team captains. Click these links to read about the travel reward program or watch the video. Thanks to all who attended! If you did not make it and need materials, call the NAMI office at (412) 366-3788 or email slevine@namiswpa.org.

Friend us on Facebook and view all NAMI Walk Kickoff photos! All proceeds from the NAMI Walk benefit NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania.