Surviving Holiday Stress

Tips from BP Magazine:

Even positive life events, like a new job or the holiday season, can bring unsettling stress. Here are some survival tips for the next few weeks from Prakash Masand, MD, president of Global Medical Education and a former consulting professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Duke University Medical Center:

Spread out the workload. Make a list of everything you’re trying to get done between now and New Year’s, then divide items into a day-by-day schedule so you don’t get overwhelmed by last-minute tasks. Figure out what you can simplify, what you can offload, and who you can recruit to help out.

Expect things to go wrong. The turkey may get overcooked, your kid may hate the gifts you picked, a family member (or you) might get sick. Something is bound to be less than picture-perfect. Accept the reality and try to focus on positives.

Sidestep family drama. Holidays are not the time to resolve family conflicts. Create a game plan to get through the few days you’re together—from practicing deep breathing to setting an early departure time in advance—and plan to address issues at another time.

Keep up your self-care. When things get rush-rush, it’s tempting to skip meals and skimp on sleep. Make an effort to eat a good diet, drink lots of water, stick to your exercise and medication routines, and attend scheduled appointments with your psychiatrist or other mental health professional.

 

Click here for more “Helpful Holiday Hints”—including why it feels like your moods fluctuate more this time of year—from the "Ask the Doctor" column (Fall 2012).

National NAMI Organization Names New Executive Director

NAMI Southwestern Pennsyvlania is pleased to share the news that its national NAMI organization, located in Arlington, Va., announced the appointment of Mary Giliberti as the new Executive Director.

Giliberti has served as a Section Chief in the Office for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services since 2008. She previously served for three years as NAMI’s Director of Public Policy and Advocacy for federal and state issues.

She also has served as Disability Counsel for the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions and senior attorney at the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law. She is a graduate of Harvard College and Yale Law School. After graduation from law school, she clerked for Judge Phyllis Kravitch on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.

“Mary has had a long and distinguished career advocating for individuals and families living with mental illness," said NAMI National Board President Keris Jän Myrick.

“She was selected after an extensive search informed by many NAMI grassroots leaders and others.

“We are excited by the vision, energy and collaborative style she will bring to NAMI’s mission as we begin a new chapter in its 35-year history.”
While at NAMI previously, Giliberti was a co-author of NAMI’s Grading the States reports in 2006 and 2009.

“NAMI is a powerful agent for change in the mental health care system. Our greatest resource is our people,” Giliberti said.

“I am honored to become executive director at a time when new opportunities are arising for our movement to make a difference. NAMI will be at the forefront of education, support and advocacy  to improve treatment and life outcomes for people living with mental illness.”

Giliberti will assume her duties on Jan. 2. She succeeds Michael Fitzpatrick, who a year ago announced his intention to step down as executive director at the end of 2013.

“NAMI is grateful to Mike for his leadership over the past 10 years, a time of major progress and challenges,” said Myrick. “He has provided a steady hand and is leaving NAMI well-positioned to continue the fight.”

About NAMI

NAMI is the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.

NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania, an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness through recovery focused support, education and advocacy.

A Note from our Executive Director

Seasons Greetings,

During this season of giving, please consider a donation to the Dick Jevon Education and Advocacy Fund to support the education and advocacy activities of NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania.

Dick Jevon, a longtime and highly regarded mental health advocacy leader, retired in 2013. The Dick Jevon Education and Advocacy Fund was established in Dick's honor to create a legacy that continues the family advocacy movement that Dick and NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania have led for so many years.

With continued funding cuts, historical healthcare reform and great uncertainty in the mental health system, the voice of family advocates must be heard. We must be at the table, speaking loudly and clearly!

"Now is the time for a new generation of family advocates to step up and continue meaningful participation in the process. We need others with deep conviction who are willing to participate on behalf of their loved ones to continue this great work begun by parents like Dick." (The Voice newsletter, April 2013)

Please help us continue the Dick Jevon legacy of championing system-wide improvements that promote acceptance and understanding, recovery and a better life for those affected by mental illness. Dick's final words of advice before retiring were, "Always have hope!" 

NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania's education and advocacy activities give the gift of hope to consumers and families. Click here to make a holiday gift to the Dick Jevon Education and Advocacy Fund, which will help give the gift of hope to many in need.

NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania is the leading advocacy organization in the region, and we need your help. Please, before the new year begins, help us raise $15,000 for the Dick Jevon Education and Advocacy Fund.

Thank you for remembering us in your holiday charitable giving. Best wishes and the happiest of New Year's to you!

Warmest regards,

Chris

Christine Michaels, MSHSA

Executive Director, NAMI Southwestern PA

NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, contributions to which are tax-deductible to the fullest extent permitted by the law. The 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.

A Special Report from John Lovelace, President of UPMC for You

Hello,
I am pleased to share with you an engaging, interactive report that chronicles the evolution of the Allegheny County Maternal Child Health Care Collaborative — a community-based collaboration designed to improve health care service delivery and outcomes for Medicaid-eligible parents and their young children in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. UPMC Health Plan, UPMC for You, Community Care Behavioral Health Organization (Community Care), RAND Corporation, The Alliance for Infants and Toddlers, and more than 30 other organizations played pivotal roles in the planning and execution of the Collaborative's four phases of work. The effects of parental depression and childhood developmental delay are closely intertwined, and these issues are more prevalent among low-income and minority families than the general population. This disparity is as real in Allegheny County as it is nationally. The Collaborative successfully addressed this concern, culminating in a groundbreaking effort to connect the childhood early intervention and social service systems with physical and behavioral health systems, and to identify and assist Medicaid-eligible families at dual risk for parental depression and childhood developmental delays. This report, entitled Perspectives on the Allegheny County Maternal Child Health Care Collaborative, highlights the involvement of the key partners and the personal stories of those who were central to operation and success of the Collaborative. I encourage you to share this report with your staff members, colleagues, and friends, and post a link to the report on your organization's website and social media channels. Please take a few minutes to learn about how the Collaborative is transforming the way care is delivered to the Medicaid population in Allegheny County and across Pennsylvania. Warm regards, John Lovelace President, UPMC for You TO VIEW THE REPORT, CLICK HERE.

 

30th Annual Pittsburgh Schizophrenia Conference

The 30^th Annual Pittsburgh Schizophrenia Conference is scheduled to take place Friday, November 15 at the Sheraton Station Square and is the nation’s 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 studies of children and adolescents who may turn out to have psychotic disorders in later life, problems with cognitive impairments and how these can impact day to day functioning in schizophrenia, and the role that viruses and infections may play in schizophrenia. 

 

A presentation by the faculty awardee of the 2013 Gerard Hogarty Research Excellence Prize focusing on the treatment of cognitive impairments in schizophrenia will also take place during the meeting. 

 

In addition, there will be a panel of persons with schizophrenia, their family members and others addressing the issues of symptom management, staying the course, hope, resilience and recovery.

 

Details and registration information can be found on the website or this registration form. If you have questions, contact Nancy Mundy at mundynl@upmc.edu or (412) 802-9090.

NAMI Walk on TV

Our 7th Annual NAMI Walk attracted more participants than ever to the SouthSide Works on Sunday. Take a look at the Walk featured on Channel 4 Action News.

Win a Kindle Fire from NAMI

Thursday marks the deadline to win a Kindle Fire Tablet from NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania! Here is all you need to do to qualify to win:

• Register for the NAMI Walk (Skip this step if you have already registered.)
• Raise $100 online by Thursday, Sept. 26*
• We will draw one winner on Friday!

To receive quick and easy steps to raise $100 online, email info@namiswpa.org.

*Contest began on Sept. 13 and ends at midnight on Sept. 26.

Navy Shipyard Tragedy: NAMI Calls on Congress for Immediate Action on Mental Health

Arlington, Va.—In the wake of the Navy Yard tragedy, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has called on the President and Congress to act immediately on mental health legislation that has been stalled since the collapse of the gun debate earlier this year.

"Congress has bills introduced that are about mental health. They are not about guns," said NAMI Executive Director Mike Fitzpatrick.  "They are modest proposals that will at least begin to make a difference."

"Mental illness does not discriminate between Republicans and Democrats. The bills are bipartisan. There is no reason that they cannot be enacted before the first anniversary of the Newtown tragedy in December."

In a broader statement addressing issues reflected in the Navy Shipyard tragedy on Sept. 16, Fitzpatrick declared:

"Once again, the country is reeling from a senseless act of mass violence. Families and friends are grieving the loss of 12 innocent lives.   Although information about the tragedy is still emerging, it is clear that the gunman lived with mental health issues for many years. In recent weeks, his symptoms seemed like some associated with psychosis, such as extreme paranoia. 

His struggles were not a secret.  People who knew him observed symptoms of mental health disorders.  He had brushes with the law over the years, including misconduct with guns. He had at least eight disciplinary infractions during the time he served in the Navy Reserve. Just last month, Newport, R.I.'s police responded to a call for help from him and were so concerned about his mental health that they reported their concerns to the Navy.  Yet nothing apparently was done at the time of these events to get him the mental health evaluation and care that might have averted tragedy.

The Navy Shipyard tragedy shares common factors with others, such as Virginia Tech, Tucson, Aurora and Newtown. The common denominator is an individual struggling with mental illness with other people being aware of problems, but no meaningful action being taken in time to connect the person with effective services or support. Common factors include failures of understanding, resources, engagement, coordination or accountability. They can occur in schools, the health care system, law enforcement or the criminal justice system. Too often, there are no clear points of responsibility and few protocols.

Too often, the response to people experiencing psychiatric crisis in the United States bears little resemblance to the response given other medical conditions.  People do not know where to turn for help.  Treatment is unavailable or not provided until an emergency occurs.

Furthermore, care often lasts only until the emergency is over. Few people would expect, however, that a person having a heart attack would be given CPR, only to receive little or no care after being resuscitated. We would never tolerate such a system for any other health condition.       

Concrete steps can be taken immediately to address our nation's mental health care crisis and help prevent future tragedies. For example:

• Congress should immediately pass existing legislation introduced following the Newtown tragedy last year: the Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act (S. 689), the Excellence in Mental Health Act (S. 264; HR 1263) and the Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Act (S. 162; HR 461).  These are modest proposals that will at least help make a difference. 

• All communities should have Crisis Intervention Teams (CIT) involving police, mental health professionals and other partners. Approximately 2800 communities in the United States currently have CIT programs that that give police skills to handle psychiatric crises and get them to medical care.

• All communities should have mental health courts to help get treatment for people struggling with mental illness who commit non-violent offenses.

• Public education on mental health should be conducted throughout every community, including schools, military installations and veterans' facilities. Family education and support must also be integrated and routine within the mental health care system. Everyone should know symptoms and appropriate responses for mental health problems-free from prejudice or discrimination.

 

• Greater research is needed into how to engage more effectively individuals who are at risk of harm to themselves or others, in order to improve initial evaluations and ongoing treatment. 

“As a nation, let's not wait again to act."           

About NAMI

NAMI (the National Alliance on Mental Illness) is the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.   

NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania (an affiliate of NAMI) 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.

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Why Walk With NAMI?



It will be an amazing time on Sunday, Oct. 13 at the SouthSide Works beginning at 9 a.m.



With fun balloon art to entertain the kids...



And the hilarious Pirate Parrot to keep us laughing.



Teams will show their true colors: Mental Health Matters!

Caricature artists will capture the moment.

 



And of course there's an invigorating 5K walk along the river trail.





And complimentary refreshments, delicious hot coffee and hot chocolate.





Don't forget the face painting!

FREE flu shots provided by UPMC!

 

 

And lots of love to go around.

 

Grab a quick chair massage.



 

There will be music and maybe some dancing.



And definitely jumping for the kids!



It's truly a celebration!

Empowering.

Inspiring.



And meaningful: all proceeds benefit the mission of NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania to improve the lives of families and individuals affected by mental illness.

 


On your mark, get set... WALK!

www.namiwalks.org/SouthwesternPennsylvania

Look at What UPMC is Doing for the NAMI Walk!

 

Do you know someone with a mental illness? Chances are you do, even if you aren’t aware of it. After all, mental illness impacts the lives of one out of four adults and one out of 10 children. But it’s a disease that people don’t want to admit they have, and one that friends and family members may be reluctant to discuss. 

Too many people assume that mental illness is due to a character flaw or personal weakness. They think that sufferers should just “snap out of it.” No one would ever dream of saying that to someone afflicted with cancer. But most people don’t understand mental illness. And that’s really too bad, because a lack of understanding and the shame mental illness brings can prevent the people who need help from getting it — and getting better.

There is a lot of hope for people with mental illness — with treatment they do recover, and they can lead happy, productive lives. So let’s end the stigma, talk openly, and support people who suffer from mental illness.

Please join us as we support the National Alliance for Mental Illness and the 2013 NAMIWalk with John Lovelace as Walk Chair! To join the UPMC Insurance Services Super Team (includes Community Care Behavioral Health Organization and UPMC Health Plan teams) on Sunday, October 13, at the SouthSide Works, just click here.

Anyone who registers for the UPMC Insurance Services Super Team receives a dri-fit T-shirt and a $50 deductible credit toward their MyHealth requirements. The first 50 people who register get a $20 donation from John Lovelace! And if you raise money for NAMI, you can get even more incentives!

• Raise $25: receive baseball hat
• Raise $50: receive baseball hat, water bottle, and four Zoo tickets
• INCENTIVE: Raise $50 by September 9 and get entered into a drawing to win one of five sets of four Pirates tickets to the September 17 game!
• Raise $100: receive baseball hat, water bottle, four Zoo tickets, and embroidered sweatshirt

SPECIAL INCENTIVE: Raise $100 or more and get entered into drawings for special prizes!

 

Join Us for a Pasta Dinner with NAMI

 

Join us at one of the best Italian restaurants in Pittsburgh for a NAMI fundraising dinner. Enjoy a delicious pasta dinner at Carbonera's Ristorante in Mt. Lebanon on Saturday, Sept. 21 between 3 and 5 p.m. Your donation of $20 benefits NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania and includes:

• Pasta dinner with meatball or sausage
• Tomato, marinara or meat sauce
• Salad
• Garlic Toast
• Soft drink
• Satisfaction of knowing you are supporting a great cause!

Gratuity and bar drinks are not included, and there is a small upcharge if you request gluten free or whole wheat pasta.

Please share this with your family and friends. To make your reservation, contact Jeff at jfitzwilliam@cartallegheny.org or (412) 348-0126 ext. 208.

New Contest for NAMI Walk

The NAMI Walk has awarded its first set of Steeler tickets this year. Now it's your turn to win!

Any person who registers a team on the NAMI Walk website, and whose team has at least $100 posted in online donations, will qualify to win. Deadline to qualify is Sunday, Aug. 18. One winner will receive three tickets to the Aug. 24 pre-season game between the Steelers and Kansas City. Winner to be drawn and announced on Monday, Aug. 19.

Good luck, team captains! Special thanks to Ray and Harriet Baum for donating the Steeler tickets.

NAMI Walk Contest: Win Steeler Tickets!

Today marks the first day of Steelers Training Camp! If you are a returning Team Captain, or would like to lead a team at this year's NAMI Walk, you can qualify to win 3 tickets to the first pre-season home game (Steelers vs. Giants) on August 10. Here's what to do:

Get a head start and register your team for the NAMI Walk on Sunday, Oct. 13.

1) Visit our Walk Website
2) Click "Register to Walk"
3) Follow the directions and register your team

(For Registration Type, select Register and Create a Team.)

The contest runs through Friday, Aug. 2 with one winner to be announced on Monday, Aug. 5.

Remember, the first thing a walker should do is make a donation. As the leader of your team, set an example by making your own personal donation so that others will see your level of commitment.

Special thank you to Ray and Harriet Baum for their generous donation of the Steeler tickets.

Save the Dates: Kickoff Lunch and 7th Annual NAMI Walk

We're excited about our 7th Annual NAMI Walk coming up in the fall! But there is much planning and preparation to do before then. First things first!

 

Save the date:

NAMI Walk Kickoff Luncheon
Wednesday, Aug. 14
Sheraton Station Square
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Reservations required

7th Annual NAMI Walk
Sunday, Oct. 13
SouthSide Works & Three Rivers Heritage Trail
9 a.m. Registration
10 a.m. Walk Start
Register at www.namiwalks.org/SouthwesternPennsylvania

ACTION ALERT: Urge the House to Vote for Medicaid Expansion

On Sunday, the Senate voted to expand Medicaid in Pennsylvania.

Today we need the House to vote to expand Medicaid.

PLEASE TAKE ACTION TODAY
Take the time to send 2 emails. It's important! Click here to find your representative: type in your zip code and scroll down to find your House Representative.

WHAT TO DO
Email your House Representative the following message:

My name is _____________. I live at (street) and (town). Please vote Yes for Medicaid expansion. Thank you.

Send a second email to House Leader Mike Turzai at mturzai@pahousegop.com with the following message:

Please allow the House to vote on Medicaid expansion. Thank you.

ACTION ALERT: The Vote for Medicaid Expansion is Today!

Today the PA State Legislature will be making a critical decision about Medicaid expansion.

Medicaid is a lifeline for people living with mental illness.

PLEASE TAKE ACTION TODAY
Click here to find your representative: type in your zip code and scroll down to find your Senator and House Representative. Contact your representatives today and urge them to support Medicaid expansion in Pennsylvania.

WHAT TO DO
Either call your representatives at their Harrisburg offices or email them. You can cut and paste the sample email below.

I am asking you as my elected official with decision making authority to support and accept Medicaid expansion for Pennsylvania. I live in your district and I vote. Thank you.

Rally for Medicaid Expansion on Thursday

Join Cover The Commonwealth along with NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania and the Consumer Health Coalition at a rally for Medicaid expansion on Thursday, June 27 at 11 a.m. Medicaid expansion will create jobs, secure healthcare and contribute to economic growth in Pennsylvania. Rally with us on Thursday so that our collective voice will be heard!

Rally for Medicaid Expansion

Thursday, June 27 at 11 a.m.

125 Hillvue Lane, Pittsburgh, PA 15237

If you have questions or need directions, pleasee call (412) 512-9225.

SAMHSA Administrator Comes to Pittsburgh to Discuss Mental Illness as Public Health Issue

Pittsburgh, Pa.— Do you consider mental illness a public health issue? Should a person’s healthy mental development be a national priority? These are some of the questions that will be discussed on Friday, June 14, at an event in Pittsburgh featuring Pam Hyde, Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public efforts to advance the behavioral health system of the nation.

“We deal with the social issues of mental health all the time: homelessness, unemployment, dropping out of treatment,” explains Christine Michaels, Executive Director of NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania, the organization that is hosting the event featuring Administrator Hyde on Friday. “But if you start thinking of mental illness as a public health issue, then you begin with prevention. And that’s a new way of thinking.”

WHAT: Mental Health and Substance Use as a Public Health Issue

WHO: Pam Hyde, J.D., Administrator
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

WHEN: Friday, June 14, 2013  ●  11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.  

WHERE: Sheraton Station Square, Admiral Room

WHY: To explain and foster a discussion among providers, advocates and consumers of mental health services why mental health and substance use are public health issues in America.  

“We are thrilled to bring Administrator Hyde to Allegheny County, where we have a rich array of services and a strong mental health system that is focused on recovery during a time of great change,” states Ms. Michaels.  “She represents our leadership at the national level and is our best hope of a recovery focused mental health system in the future.”

The event is sponsored by Allegheny HealthChoices, Inc. with support from Value Behavioral Health.

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.

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NAMI Takes a Stand for Mental Illness in New Documentary on Violence

Last night, thousands of viewers across Southwestern Pennsylvania watched a new documentary on gun violence in America called "Gun Violence: The Voices." Produced by Tonia Caruso for WQED-TV, the 30-minute documentary investigates gun violence and the gun control debate from a variety of different perspectives. One of those perspectives is that of Christine Michaels, MSHSA, executive director of NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania. Michaels represents the mental health community in the documentary, which illustrates that mental illness is common and that people living with mental illness are no more likely to commit a violent crime than the rest of the population.

"In the incidences that we do know of where there has been a tragedy and an act of violence, and we know that the person did have a mental illness or a history of mental illness, we know that it (the mental illness) was untreated," Michaels stated. "And that is the operative word: untreated."

Michaels continues, "So if you're going to create new laws in terms of gun violence in America and you want to focus on mental illness then I think you should focus on treatment, not a list. It is a disincentive to seeking treatment."

To view the entire 30-minute documentary, which was funded by the Pittsburgh Foundation, click here.

New Community Education Classes on Mental Illness & Addiction

NAMI is pleased to announce a series of classes in June that focus on mental health and addiction.   

These Community Wellness Classes are for people who want to learn more about mental health issues and addictions. Whether learning how to care for yourself or a family member, there is much to explore. The interactive classes are taught by experts in the mental health and/or addiction fields along with family advocates. Our experts include physicians and staff at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic of UPMC and NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania.

Registration must be in advance.

• Class size is limited.
• Cost is $30 per class.
• Child care is provided at no charge.
• For additional information, contact Nancy Mundy at (412) 204-9090.

You are Not Alone: Facts About Mental health and Mental Illness
This class provides an overview of some of the more common mental health conditions including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, post traumatic stress disorder, phobias, hoarding and obsessive compulsive disorder. We will review substance abuse, the symptoms, and the different kinds of treatments available. This class will also cover the types of mental health professionals and how to find help.

• Thursday, June 6 at 10 a.m.
• Wednesday, June 12 at 6:30 p.m.

To register for the event, visit the Classes and Events page and use "Community Wellness" as a keyword. Look for the "You Are Not Alone" classes. If you have questions or need help with registration, call the NAMI office at (412) 366-3788.

You are Not Alone: Someone in My Life is Depressed, What Can I Do?

Depressed individuals may withdraw from family and friends and the activities they enjoy. Others may experience symptoms including: low energy, chronic fatigue, decreased effectiveness at school, work or home, a change in eating and sleeping habits, and loss of sexual interest. This class will give an overview of depression and the types of treatment available. Our experts will provide information about available resources and what you can do to help your loved one.

• Wednesday, June 19 at 10 a.m.
• Thursday, June 27 at 6:30 p.m.

To register for the event, visit the Classes and Events page and use "Community Wellness" as a keyword. Look for the "You Are Not Alone" classes. If you have questions or need help with registration, call the NAMI office at (412) 366-3788.

Classes are sponsored by Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic, Allegheny Family Network and NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania.

Big News: Few Waived for NAMI Cycles!

Ride with NAMI for only $30! That's right: to create a more inclusive event for NAMI members and friends, we have waived the $150 fundraising requirement for NAMI Cycles. So register online today and ride with us on Saturday, May 18. Don't miss this first-of-its-kind event on the Great Allegheny Passage to raise awareness of mental illness. Here's how you can get involved:

 

1) REGISTER to cycle for only $30 today at www.namicycles.com. Want to cycle but need a bike?  Find bike rentals here.

2) DONATE if you cannot attend. Click here and become a virtual rider by donating $30, stock up a rest stop for $50, or be a trail champion for $150.  Any amount you can donate is truly appreciated.  

3) VOLUNTEER! We welcome individual volunteers or group volunteers from businesses, schools or community organizations. Contact Susan Harrington at sharring@namiswpa.org or (412) 366-3788 ext. 14.  

While there is no fundraising requirement, riders raising at least $150 will receive a NAMI Cycles T-shirt in a size of your choice. Very cool indeed!  

For more information, call (412) 366-3788 or email dgarda@namispwa.org.

Announcing Honorary Chair of NAMI Cycles

We are pleased to announce WTAE-TV News Reporter Sheldon Ingram as the Honorary Chair of our inaugural cycling event NAMI Cycles, which takes place on Saturday, May 18 at Cedar Creek Park. Sheldon has been with WTAE-TV for 20 years and is devoted to health and fitness, including (of course) cycling! 

With Sheldon Ingram as our Honorary Chair and a growing list of sponsors, NAMI Cycles is only three weeks away. We need your help to make this happen! Can you do one of the following?

 

1) REGISTER to cycle and/or ask a friend to participate. Here is the link for information and to register: http://www.namicycles.com/

 

2) SPONSOR or donate to NAMI Cycles. Sponsors recieve many benefits. Click here for details. Other donations can be made securely online here. 

 

3) VOLUNTEER. We need volunteers to put on this event. We welcome individual volunteers or group volunteers from businesses, schools or community organizations. Contact Susan Harrington at sharring@namiswpa.org or (412) 366-3788 ext. 14.

 

All proceeds benefit NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania in its mission to improve the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness through recovery focused support, education and advocacy.