Our Sponsors Make It Possible

With the NAMI Conference only two days away, we'd like to thank our sponsors who make this annual educational event possible. It is with their financial support that we are able to present an accredited conference each and every spring.

Thank you to:

Diamond Sponsor
Community Care Behavioral Health

Gold Sponsor
AstraZeneca

Silver Sponsors
Staunton Farm Foundation
Value Behavioral Health of PA

Bronze Sponsors
Allegheny HealthChoices, Inc.
Bristol Myers Squibb
Eli Lilly and Company
Mercy Behavioral Health
Project Transition
Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic of UPMC

Conference Workshop Spotlight: Complicated Grief

Do you know someone who is still greiving the loss of a loved one many years later? Has the grieving process affected his or her ability to find joy and meaning again in life? If so, this afternoon workshop at our conference on Saturday may be the one for you. Note: Pre-registration for our conference has closed, but walk-ins are welcome.

Complicated Grief: Recognizing the Needs of People who Struggle with Intense, Prolonged Mourning

Presenter: Charles F. Reynolds III, MD

Complicated or prolonged grief occurs when someone has difficulty accepting the loss of a loved one and is unable to move on with life to find joy and meaning. Complicated grief may be more likely depending upon the circumstances of the death, such as suicide. This workshop will focus on complicated grief and how it differs from normal grief, including indicators to recognize that someone may be living with complicated grief. The workshop will also provide information on how people living with complicated grief can be helped to get their grief back on track and move on with their lives. Dr. Reynolds will also discuss a new study of treatment for complicated grievers, sponsored by the National Institute of Mental Health and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Conference participants desiring more information about complicated grief may visit the Web site (http://healstudy.org/) or call 412-246-6006.

For more information about our conference, visit the NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania website.

Contributed by Lora M. Dziemiela, Program Secretary

Last Day To Pre-Register

Today is the final day to pre-register for our education conference Embracing Diversity: Cultivating Respect and Inclusion for a Stronger Mental Health System on Saturday at the Pittsburgh Airport Marriott.

You can register online or fax a registration form to our office today. We will be taking walk-ins the day of the conferece; however, payments on conference day can be made by cash or check only.

To find out more about the conference, visit our website.

NAMI in the News

Our upcoming conference "Embracing Diversity" can be found in the pages of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette today. Take a look!  

Click here for more information about the education conference, scheduled for Saturday, April 30 at the Pittsburgh Airport Marriott. This conference is designed for individuals with mental illness, family members, treatment professionals and anyone interested in the topic of diversity. Continuing educations credits are available at no extra charge.

Conference Workshop Spotlight: Co-Occurring Disorders

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It is now generally agreed that as much as 50 percent of the mentally ill population also has a substance use problem. With such a large number of individuals dealing with substance use issues, it is important to know more about co-occurring disorders and how they impact the landscape of mental illness.

Interested in learning more? Join us at the 2011 NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania Education Conference for our workshop, "A Consumer and Family Guide to Co-Occurring Disorders: Psychiatric Illness and Substance Use Disorders":

A Consumer and Family Guide to Co-Occurring Disorders: Psychiatric Illness and Substance Use Disorders

Presenter: Dennis C. Daley, PhD

Substance use disorders (SUDs) are common among consumers with psychiatric disorders and can complicate their recovery if both types of disorders are not addressed in an integrated manner. This presentation will review the prevalence of co-occurring disorders, types and causes of SUDs, effects on the consumer and family, treatment options (medications and counseling), relapse risk factors, recovery, and how mutual support programs can help. Helpful strategies for consumers and families to cope with co-occurring disorders will be reviewed.

For more information about our conference, view our online brochure or visit our website. We hope to see you there!

Contributed by Lora M. Dziemiela, Program Secretary

Conference Workshop Spotlight: Disclosing Mental Illness at Work

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Employment is an important aspect of life, and working can positively impact the life of a person living with mental illness. The question of whether or not to disclose a mental illness in the workplace is a personal one, and there are many aspects to the decision making process.

Interested in learning more about disclosure in the workplace? Join us at the 2011 NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania Education Conference for our workshop, "To Tell or Not to Tell: Disclosing Mental Illness at Work":

To Tell or Not to Tell: Disclosing Mental Illness at Work

Presenters: Carol Horowitz, Esq., James Kindler and Debbie Ference, MA

A job can provide many financial and psychological benefits, and fulfilling work contributes significantly to recovery efforts for those with mental illness. The decision to tell your employer about your mental illness is a very personal one, and each individual has the option whether or not to disclose this information. This workshop features a discussion of the legal, personal and employer perspectives of workplace disclosure. Through an open dialogue, they will discuss the clear benefits of disclosure, as well as the risks. Mental health problems are not always obvious to other people, so disclosure is necessary for those who need to ask for a reasonable work accommodation. By disclosing your mental illness, you may be better understood, and you will gain legal coverage under the Americans With Disabilities Act. You may also receive more emotional support from co-workers and your supervisor. Unfortunately, because of continued misinformation and stigma surrounding mental illness, people may treat you differently once you disclose. Attendees will leave this workshop able to make an informed personal decision after learning the legal requirements for disclosure and the accommodations available for those who do, as well as legal remedies for those who have suffered violations after disclosure.

For more information about our conference, view our online brochure or visit our website. We hope to see you there!

Contributed by Lora M. Dziemiela, Program Secretary

Conference Workshop Spotlight: Mindfulness

Mindfulness training has been shown to make positive impacts on mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)and eating disorders.

Interested in learning more about how mindfulness can impact your mental well being? Join us at the 2011 NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania Education Conference for our workshop, "Mindfulness: Learning to Listen to Our Bodies and Inner Needs":

Mindfulness: Learning to Listen to our Bodies and Inner Needs

Presenters: Ricardo Stephen Marsili and Ruthann Valentine

Hidden in the word "listen" is the word "silent." What often happens for many of us is that we do not listen to our bodies or our inner needs. We often try to run from our conflicts. Through the practice of mindfulness, we can begin to heal from within. Mindfulness is being present to the current moment through the process of listening and quieting our own minds. During this presentation, the presenters will describe and demonstrate mindfulness approaches to stress, pain, grief and anxiety and share research supporting mindfulness benefits in the clinical setting.

For more information about our conference, view our online brochure or visit our website.

Contributed by Lora M. Dziemiela, Program Secretary

NAMI Walk Kickoff Scheduled

It is never too early to mark your calendar for an exciting event. We have scheduled the 5th Annual NAMI Walk Kickoff Luncheon for Thursday, August 18 at the Sheraton Station Square in Pittsburgh.

This free luncheon is for NAMI Walk team captains, sponsors, volunteers and others interested in building or being part of a successful NAMI Walk team.

While updating your calendar, please mark Sunday, Oct. 2 for the 5th Annual NAMI Walk at the SouthSide Works. Funds raised from the NAMI Walk directly support the mission of NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania. Happy trails!

Children's Mental Health Awareness Day

NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania is pleased to announce Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day on Tuesday, May 3. The Allegheny County Department of Human Services will be planning Awareness Day activities throughout the month of May.

A project of The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day began in 2005 as a grassroots initiative designed to demonstrate that children with mental health needs can thrive in their communities. This year’s national theme is “Building Resilience for Young Children Dealing with Trauma.”

According to SAMHSA’s website:

As resilient as children may be, they can — even at an early age — experience trauma that can have long-term effects on their behavioral health. Research shows that when exposed to traumatic events, even children as young as 18 months can develop serious psychological problems later in childhood and in adulthood. As they grow, these children take with them the effects of traumatic events, and are more likely to experience problems with substance abuse, depression, and stress management as a result.

Click here to read about childhood trauma’s impact on health risks.

Communities around the country will be holding Awareness Day events. To learn more about national Awareness Day efforts, visit SAMHSA's Awareness Day website. .

NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania Conference: Continuing Education Credits Available

Did you know that Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) are available for attending the NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania Education Conference?

Our 11th annual conference, Embracing Diversity: Cultivating Respect and Inclusion for a Stronger Mental Health System, offers the following Continuing Education Credit opportunities:

Psychologists:

Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic is approved by the American Psychological Association to offer continuing education for psychologists.  Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic maintains responsibility for this program and its content. This program is being offered for 5.5 continuing education credits.*

Counselors: 

Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic is recognized by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) to offer continuing education for National Certified Counselors.  Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic adheres to the NBCC Continuing Education Guidelines. This program is being offered for 5.5 continuing education credits.*

Licensed/Clinical Social Workers, Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LSW/LCSW/LPC/LMFT):

This program is offered for 5.5 hours of social work continuing education through co-sponsorship of the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Social Work, a Council on Social Work Education-accredited school and, therefore, a PA pre-approved provider of social work continuing education. These credit hours satisfy requirements for LSW/LCSW, LPC and LMFT biennial license renewal.  For information on social work continuing education call (412) 624-3711.*

Act 48:

Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic is recognized by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to offer continuing education credits under Act 48 guidelines.  WPIC adheres to the ACT 48 Continuing Education Guidelines.*

Mental Health Professionals:

Nurses and other health care professionals are awarded 0.55 Continuing Education Units (CEU's).  One CEU is equal to 10 contact hours.*

- Nurses:  For attending this program you will receive a Certificate of Attendance confirming 5.5 hours of continuing education.  These hours may be considered eligible for completing the 30 hours of continuing education required for biennual nursing re-licensure in Pennsylvania.

- Peer Specialists:  This program fulfills requirements for Certified Peer Specialist continuing education.

PA Certification Board (PCB) 6.5 credits:

Certified Addiction Counselors (CAC), Certified Addiction Counselor Diplomate (CAC Diplomate), Certified Allied Addiction Specialist (CAAS), Certified Case Manager (CCSM), Certified Case Manager Supervisor (CCMS), Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS), Certified Criminal Justice Addictions Professionals (CCJP), Certified Co-Occurring Disorders Professionals (CCDP), Certified Co-Occurring Disorders Professionals Diplomate (CCDP Diplomate), Certificate of Competency in Problem Gambling, Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS), Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS)

*A $25.00 administrative fee will be deducted from all refunds for cancellations requesting Continuing Education Credits. No refunds can be issued once the program has begun.

Check out our conference brochure and visit our website for more details about our conference.  We hope to see you there!

Contributed by Lora M. Dziemiela, Program Secretary

Conference 2011: Meet our Speaker

NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania is pleased to welcome Dave Reynolds from The Trevor Project to its 11th Annual Education Conference on Saturday, April 30 at the Pittsburgh Airport Marriott.

Dave Reynolds, The Trevor Project

A Pittsburgh native, Dave currently serves as The Trevor Project’s Senior Public Policy and Research Manager. Located in southern Ca., The Trevor Project is a national organization providing crisis and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth.

In his presentation LBGTQ: Creating a World of Acceptance and Inclusion, Dave will talk about his ground-breaking work to help create a future where the possibilities, opportunities and dreams are the same for all youth, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Click here for information on our schedule, speakers, panelists and more! Just interested in getting a registration form? Click here. Registrations can be faxed to our office at 412-366-3935.

Visit the NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania website for more information, or call us at 412-366-3788. We hope to see you there!

Post-Gazette Covers "Next to Normal"

Photo by Craig Schwartz
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reviewed Next to Normal playing at the Benedeum Center now through Sunday, April 10.  Check out the review here.

Tickets are still available for this riveting musical about a woman living with bipolar disorder and the effect it has on her family. Next to Normal won the Pulitzer Prize for drama and three Tony Awards. 

For more information on bipolar disorder and other mental illnesses, visit the NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania website. 

"Next to Normal" in Pittsburgh

The Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning Broadway musical Next to Normal is off to a great start in Pittsburgh! Playing at the Benedum Center now through Sunday, April 10, Next to Normal is described as "an emotional powerhouse of a musical about a family trying to take care of themselves and each other." It focuses on a mother struggling with bipolar disorder and the effect that her illness has upon her family; the show also touches on themes such as grieving, suicide and psychiatric ethics.

Tickets are still available for this phenomenal play. Check out our NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania information table in the Benedum lobby!



2011 NAMI Conference: Scholarships Available for Parents

Did you know that scholarships are available for the 2011 NAMI Conference?  If you are a parent of a youth aged 18 or younger receiving mental health services in Allegheny County, you may qualify.

This year's conference has many offerings that might be of interest to parents of youth in the mental health system. Our previous blog post highlighted our keynote speaker Alex White, who will be discussing his experience of growing up with intolerance.  In addition, we are offering workshops on topics of interest to parents, including:

Ask the Doctor:
Mental health consumers and family members often have many questions that can't be quickly answered in a short doctor's visit. Do you have questions about: Medications and their side effects? The symptoms of different mental illnesses? How to make better lifestyle choices? During this workshop, Dr. Chaudhary will answer participants' wide variety of questions concerning mental illness while discussing effective treatments and supports that promote recovery and healthier living.

What Are The Options? An Up-to-Date Look at Best Practice Therapies and Treatments:
People living with mental illness can be helped greatly in their ongoing recovery with pharmacological and therapeutic interventions. Implementing early intervention with effective treatments in mental health programs requires informed and educated consumers and family members advocating for availability of evidence-based therapies. This workshop will provide a brief overview of best practice therapies for treating mental illnesses.

A Consumer and Family Guide to Co-Occurring Disorders: Psychiatric Illness and Substance Use Disorders:
Substance use disorders (SUDs) are common among consumers with psychiatric disorders and can complicate their recovery if both types of disorders are not addressed in an integrated manner. This presentation will review the prevalence of co-occurring disorders, types and causes of SUDs, effects on the consumer and family, treatment options (medications and counseling), relapse risk factors, recovery, and how mutual support programs can help. Helpful strategies for consumers and families to cope with co-occurring disorders will be reviewed.

For more information about our conference, visit our website.  For more information about available scholarships, contact Susan Harrington at 412-366-3788.

Contributed by Lora M. Dziemiela, Program Secretary