Help NAMI Improve Emergency Care During Mental Health Crisis

Please help our National NAMI Education Team improve the experience of seeking treatment in an emergency department (ED) during a mental health crisis.

If you‘ve gone to an ED while experiencing a mental health crisis or have accompanied someone in crisis, please complete this survey by Wednesday, Nov. 5.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/G5QCPP9

By sharing your experiences with us, you can help NAMI better prepare ED staff to meet everyone’s needs during this often traumatic and challenging time.

Please forward this survey invitation to your networks and distributions lists. And if you know anyone who meets this description, please also forward this survey to them. Results will be used to create training materials for ED staff. The more people who share their experiences, the better these materials will be.

Thanks for taking the time to share with us.

Violence and Behavioral Health Conference

Community Care Behavioral Health and Western Psychiatric are presenting a conference called:

 

Violence and Behavioral Health:

Developing an Evidence-Informed Community Agenda

Monday, Oct. 27

Sheraton Station Square.

 

The overlap of mental illness and violence has emerged as an issue of major importance on the clinical, community and public health levels with serious implications for the legal system and society overall. This conference will feature keynote presentations by Edward Mulvey, PhD and David Kolko, PhD both of whom have done definitive research in this area. It will also include workshops bringing together experts and community representatives to examine and discuss related topics. It aims at facilitating the translation of research findings into clinical practice with an examination of what more needs to be known and potentially done with a view toward prevention. It hopes to provide participants with a greater understanding of the relationship between mental illness and violence and measures the community can undertake to recognize and diffuse potentially violent situations.

 
Details can be found on the website, http://www.wpic.pitt.edu/oerp/conferences

Register online at classes.upmc.com (Search on Violence)

For additional information or to receive a brochure, please contact Nancy Mundy at mundynl@upmc.edu or (412) 204-9090.

 

NAMI Walk in the News

Prize Winners from the NAMI Walk

Thank you to everyone who participated in the NAMI Walk raffle program this year. Each $5 donation made or collected for a raffle ticket was a direct donation to NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania. Special thanks to The Testoni Family who sponsored the raffle and these eight wonderful prizes. 

Winners were drawn on Walk Day, Oct. 5 at 11 a.m.  As always, the winners did not need to be present to win.

$500 Visa Gift Card - Lynda Marnoni

$250 Best Buy Card - Helen Vanover

$200 Macy's Gift Card - Deb Downey

$200 Target Gift Card - Mary Ingram

$100 Dick's Sporting Goods Card - Dorothy Ratesic

$100 Gas Card - Kathy Shucosky

$100 Amazon Gift Card - Becky Shucosky

$50 iTunes Card - Sylvia Chapple

Congratulations!

A Special Request From Our Executive Director

Dear Friends,

I am asking for your support of our largest fundraiser of the year, the 8th Annual NAMI Walk, this Sunday at the Waterfront.  

Each year the NAMI Walk raises an incredible amount of awareness for mental illness and helps to fund our programs throughout the entire year. 

 

How can you help?  In one of two ways: 

• You can walk with us on Sunday morning to raise awareness and celebrate recovery.  


• Or you can make a contribution directly to the NAMI Walk or to any of our teams or walkers.    

Every cent counts as we reach for our goal of raising $180,000 to support our mission of recovery focused support, education and advocacy. Thank you!

 

Sincerely,

Christine Michaels, MSHSA

Executive Director

NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania

Time to Take Action!

TIME IS SHORT. ACT NOW - BY FRIDAY, OCT. 3 - FOR HR 1018

House Resolution (HR) 1018 is a PA House of Representatives resolution that needs republican co-sponsors and votes.

HR 1018 would charge the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee with studying and documenting the impact of the 10% cut in mental health funding two years ago (FY 2012-13).

PLEASE TAKE ACTION TODAY!

Ask your Representative (especially Republican) to support Rep. Murt's HR 1018 by calling his office and co-sponsoring HR 1018 to bring it up for a vote during the last days of this legislative session.

WHAT TO DO

1) Find your State Representative (Elected Official) by clicking here.

2) Email or phone your State Representative, using the wording in the template below. Make sure to personalize it especially the wording in brackets.

Dear Rep. ___________________,

I am a {mental health professional, family member of a loved one with mental illness, individual with mental illness}. The 10% cut in mental health funding had a very negative impact. {Give examples, if possible.}

Please support HR 1018, call Rep. Murt's office and sign on as a co-sponsor. Vote for HR 1018 during these final voting days.

I live in your district and I vote.

Sincerely,

Your Name

Message from Michelle Wright, WTAE-TV

Here is a special message from our NAMI Walk Honorary Chair Michelle Wright, News Anchor of WTAE-TV. Join us at the NAMI Walk on Sunday, Oct. 5!

NAMI Announces First Conference on Suicide

For the first time, NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania will present a one-day conference dedicated solely to the topic of suicide, featuring keynote speaker Ian Cummins, who has been walking across America in memory of his brother Ryan. While this educational event has been in the planning stages for months, it is especially relevant now was we grieve the loss of beloved actor Robin Williams.

Save the Date: Tuesday, Nov. 18

Sheraton Station Square, Pittsburgh

More details and registration information will be posted in the upcoming weeks.

NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania Awarded Seal of Excellence

NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania has been awarded the Seal of Excellence by the Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations (PANO) for successfully completing the Standards for Excellence accreditation program. Only those nonprofits that demonstrate the highest standards of conduct are awarded the Seal of Excellence. Of the approximately one million nonprofits operating today in the United States, only about 200 have earned the Seal. NAMI is one of just 15 nonprofits in Southwestern Pennsylvania to have achieved this distinction.

"The quality of our work matters, and we want to be excellent," said NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania Executive Director Christine Michaels, MSHSA. "Pursuing the Seal of Excellence required us to examine our organization from the inside out, revealing how NAMI was built on a strong foundation and validating that our work is of the highest quality."

NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania earned The Seal of Excellence after a rigorous months-long review process conducted by PANO and a team of independent peer reviewers. They evaluated all of the organization's operations, work and accomplishments and determined that NAMI demonstrated successful compliance in meeting the high standards set forth in PANO’s Standards for Excellence: An Ethics and Accountability Code for the Nonprofit Sector.

"The Seal of Excellence is granted to well-managed, responsibly governed organizations that are deserving of the public’s trust," explained Patricia Mogan, Standards for Excellence Officer for PANO, located in Harrirburg. "NAMI's Board and staff have shown an extensive level of commitment to this process, and their pursuit of the Seal of Excellence confirms that they believe strongly in the integrity of their business." Anne Gingerich, PANO’s Executive Director, added, “NAMI can focus even more fully on advancing its mission of improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness, as staff will be less likely to get bogged down in the issues that can arise due to faulty internal systems. The Seal of Excellence is truly one of the ways that organizations can better position themselves to reach their fullest potential.”

NAMI staff will accept the award at a reception in Pittsburgh on Wednesday, June 25.
 

Announcing New Mental Health Support Group

A group of consumer peer specialists notified NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania of a new mental health wellness support group they have begun in Pittsburgh.

Weekly Mental Health Wellness Support Group
Beginning Monday, June 16
Every Monday from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Location: One Smithfield Street
Rachel Carson Room (Lower Level)
Downtown Pittsburgh

Parking at rear of building is free.

The group will be facilitated by Certified Peer Specialists and will provide a caring community for individuals living with mental illness.

Recovery based. Wellness oriented. Free.

For more information, contact:

Gary Halliday dimmore829@yahoo.com or (412) 708-9423
JoAnn Fueller jody3965@aol.com
Mike Sable recoverysi@earthlink.net

Ask the Doctor

Two more days until our 14th Annual Education Conference! The most challenging part of the conference is choosing which of the six afternoon workshops to attend. With the theme Young Adults and Mental Illness: Voice for Hope, each of the workshops will address a different issue affecting young adults, known as the Millennial Generation.

We've already reviewed the five other workshops: The Most Astounding Fact: A Writing Workshop for Recovery, Eating Disorders and Young Adults, Treatment in the Millennial Age, How Young Adults Can Afford the Affordable Care Act and Exploring Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation. Today we are highlighting our tried and true and always popular workshop Ask the Doctor.

Ask the Doctor

 

People often have many questions that can't be quickly answered in a short doctor's appointment. Do you have questions about: Medications and their side effects? The symptoms of different mental illnesses? Issues related to co-occurring disorders? How to make better lifestyle choices? During this workshop, Dr. Haskett will answer participants' wide variety of questions while discussing effective treatments and supports that promote recovery and healthier living.

 

Presenter: Roger Haskett, MD, is a Professor of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Director of ECT Program at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic.


 

The Most Astounding Fact: A Writing Workshop for Recovery

Our 14th Annual Education Conference is only three days away! The most challenging part of the conference is choosing which of the six afternoon workshops to attend. With the theme Young Adults and Mental Illness: Voice for Hope, each of the workshops will address a different issue affecting young adults, known as the Millennial Generation.

We've reviewed four workshops: Eating Disorders and Young Adults, Treatment in the Millennial Age, How Young Adults Can Afford the Affordable Care Act and Exploring Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation. Today we are highlighting a creative writing workshop presented by one of our keynote speakers, Stacy Pershall.

The Most Astounding Facts: A Writing Workshop for Recovery

Inspired by the words of renowned astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, this writing workshop will provide participants with helpful tools to feel less alone in their journey through recovery. Presenter Stacy Pershall will reveal the power of connections to others and the healing that comes from feeling like a relevant participant in the world. Writing exercises will focus on body acceptance, and each participant will leave with a memento created by all.

Presenter: Stacy Pershall is an accomplished author who lives with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and struggled with eating disorders for 20 years.

Eating Disorders and Young Adults

The most challenging part of our 14th Annual Education Conference on Saturday, April 12 is choosing which of the six workshops to attend in the afternoon. With the theme Young Adults and Mental Illness: Voice for Hope, each of the workshops will address a different issue affecting young adults, known as the Millennial Generation.

We've reviewed three workshops, Treatment in the Millennial Age, How Young Adults Can Afford the Affordable Care Act and Exploring Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation. Today we are highlighting a workshop that will address eating disorders among Millennials.

 

Eating Disorders and Young Adults: What You Need to Know

 

Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses that disproportionately affect adolescents and young adults, causing potentially devastating health consequences. This presentation will reivew the diagnostic criteria, onset and course for anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder. Theories of causation including genetic, familial and personality factors, as well as cultural influences such as technology and media, will be discussed. Medical complications, the importance of medical monitoring and intervention will be explained. A review of empirically supported treatment interventions will be presented, with an emphasis on the family in treatment and recovery.

Presenter: Liz McCabe, PhD, Clinical Administrator for Eating Disorders and Behavioral Medicine, and Director of Social Work at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic of UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside.

Action Alert: Reject "Healthy PA" Waiver

Healthy PA is Gov. Corbett's private pay alternative to Medicaid expansion. His proposal has been submitted to the federal government, and the public has until April 11 at 6 a.m. to submit comments.

NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania opposes Healthy PA for the following reasons, among others. Healthy PA would:

-Reduce existing Medicaid benefits and create High Risk Low Risk categories

-Tie work-related activities to Medicaid participation

-Charge premiums and impose penalty "lockout" periods of no coverage for missed payments

-End the MAWD (Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities) program

Medicaid expansion, on the other hand, will save both the state and federal governments money while extending healthcare coverage to millions of lower-income Pennsylvanians.

Please Take Action Today
We are asking you to send your comments to CMS (the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services).

What To Do
Go to this public comment website. Click "Answer the Questionnaire" and type of paste your comment in the box. Here is a comment you can use:

REJECT the Healthy PA Waiver Application. I support regular Medicaid Expansion.

Or, you can email 1115DemoRequests@cms.hhs.gov and send the message below. You can also refer to the bullet points above, if you choose.

 

REJECT the Health PA Waiver Application. I support regular Medicaid Expansion.

 

Exploring Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation

The most challenging part of our 14th Annual Education Conference on Saturday, April 12 is choosing which of the six workshops to attend in the afternoon. With the theme Young Adults and Mental Illness: Voice for Hope, each of the workshops will address a different issue affecting young adults, known as the Millennial Generation.

We've reviewed two workshops, Treatment in the Millennial Age and How Young Adults Can Afford the Affordable Care Act. Today we are highlighting a workshop that will address gender and sexuality among young adults.

Exploring Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation

The Millennial Generation is seeking to honestly and openly explore gender norms and traditions. What does it mean for young people to identify their sense of gender as different from their assigned gender? How do those with an LGBTQ orientation gain acceptance in a society where heterosexuality is the cultural normative? Being lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer/questioning (LGBTQ) is NOT a mental illness. However, LGBTQ people often face societal stigma and resulting prejudice and discrimination. For some individuals, this can impact wellness and exacerbate other signs and symptoms that might lead to depression, substance use and anxiety. This workshop is designed to give participants a basic understanding of sexual orientation and gender differences in today's young adults and how these traits might impact mental health.

Presenter: Sarah M. Rosso, Director of Public Education at Mental Health America of Allegheny County, and Trainer at Persad Center, Inc.

Letter from Our Director

Dear Friends,

I would like to invite you to NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania's 14^th Annual Education Conference, Young Adults and Mental Illness: Voices for Hope.

Our conference is a really special event this year. For the first time, with thanks to Project Transition, we are able to bring an international speaker, Kevin Hines, to our annual conference. A world famous presenter, Kevin is captivating and inspiring.

Stacy Pershall is a unique young woman, compelling and creative, an author writing her second book. And Dana DeFonso, a community mental health supervisor and clinician, will address the pressing topic of drug and alcohol use and addiction among young adults.

A trio of 30-somethings with a fresh perspective on life in their 20s, each speaker will bring a message of hope and recovery.

Honest, straightforward, positive and confident, Kevin, Stacy and Dana are the "Voices of Hope."

Please visit our website for more information and to register. To apply for a scholarship, contact us at (412) 366-3788 or info@namiswpa.org.

 

Hope to see you at the conference,
 

Christine Michaels, MSHSA

Executive Director

 

 

Scholarships Available for NAMI Conference

Full scholarships are available and easy to access for NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania's 14th Annual Education Conference Young Adults and Mental Illness: Voices for Hope on Saturday, April 12.

Parents and Transition Age Youth Scholarships

• Parents of children with emotional disorders
• Transition age youth and young adults with mental illness
• Must live in Allegheny County

To apply, contact Darcey Garda at dgarda@namiswpa.org or call 412-366-3788.

 

Western Region CSP Scholarships

• Open to all counties of Southwestern Pennsylvania
• Individuals living with mental illness and family members
• CSP participants are given priority but others are encouraged to apply

To apply, email wrcsp2006@yahoo.com or call 814-333-2924. 


 

How Young Adults Can Afford the Affordable Care Act

The most challenging part of our 14th Annual Education Conference on Saturday, April 12 is choosing which of the six workshops to attend in the afternoon. With the theme Young Adults and Mental Illness: Voice for Hope, each of the workshops will address a different issue affecting young adults, known as the Millennial Generation.

Last week, we introduced Treatment in the Millennial Age, and today we are highlighting a workshop that addresses the healthcare needs of Millennials:

How Young Adults Can Afford the Affordable Care Act

Many young adults in America are currently living without heath insurance. The Marketplace is the answer for these young people who are no longer being carried under their parents' plan and do not have access to employment-based coverage. It is available to ensure that health needs are being met.

This workshop will discuss the Affordable Care Act: how the law works; who it is intended to help; and the potential impact it can have related to personal health care needs. The presenter will provide a brief overview of the history and current status of the nation's healthcare system and will help participants to understand how the Affordable Care Act impacts consumers. A review of the application process will be provided as well as some details related to Health Exchanges. Learn how you can find assistance in paying the monthly premium. Real-life barriers to healthcare access and possible solutions to these problems will also be discussed.

Presenter: Jennifer Gybosky, Healthcare Navigator, Mental Health America of Westmoreland County. 

For more information about the conference, or to register, visit our website. 

Action Alert: Suicide Prevention Bill for Schools

House Bill (HB) 1559 is still awaiting action by the Pennsylvania House. We are asking for your help to move this bill forward. The fate of HB 1559 may be decided this week, and we therefore ask that you respond to this alert as soon as you possibly can.

If adopted into law as currently worded, HB 1559 would require schools to adopt youth suicide awareness and prevention policies that include methods of prevention (including a requirement for four hours of training every five years for professional educators serving students in grades 6 - 12), intervention and postvention, reporting procedures, and local resources and contacts.

The Senate passed the bill on Feb. 4 unanimously.

PLEASE TAKE ACTION TODAY!

Please email or call House leader Rep. Turzai (listed below) to request that he send HB 1559 to the House floor for a concurrent vote, with NO changes or amendments, as soon as possible!

Rep. Mike Turzai

mturzai@pahousegop.com

(717) 772-9943

WHAT TO DO

Your email or phone call can be worded like the following template. Make sure to personalize it, especially the wording in brackets.

Dear Rep. Turzai,

I am a resident of {city/town name}, asking that you please send House Bill 1559 to the floor for a concurrent vote as soon as possible with no changes or amendments. HB 1559 is extremely important to me because {insert your connection to suicide here}.

In Pennsylvania, suicide is the third leading cause of death for young people ages 10-19. While some of these suicides occur without any outward warning, most young people who are suicidal do give warnings. Our schools have an important role to play in recognizing these signs and knowing what to do to support students at-risk and their families.  

If passed, I am confident HB 1559 will help save young lives. I am a NAMI family member, and I vote. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

{Your Name}

Treatment in the Millennial Age: Using Modern Technology in Recovery

The most challenging part of our 14th Annual Education Conference on Saturday, April 12 is choosing which of the six workshops to attend in the afternoon. With the theme Young Adults and Mental Illness: Voice for Hope, each of the workshops will address a different issue affecting young adults, known as the Millennial Generation. We will highlight each of those six workshops on our NAMI Blog, starting today with:

Treatment in the Millennial Age: Using Modern Technology in Recovery

Many people, especially young adults, use the Internet as a key source of information and to interact with others. Online communication tools such as chat rooms, discussion boards and social networking sites keep Millennials connected to one another and to the world around them. Therefore, a variety of treatments, as well as peer and other recovery support services, can often be successfully provided to young adults via the Internet. This workshop will review how the Internet can be an effective tool for a number of online screening, treatment and other supports, including: chat room and text message support; group (including in-school) and individual counseling; peer-based recovery support groups and services; screening questionnaires regarding the use of alcohol and other drugs; and information about treatment facilities. 

Presenters: Jen Lukondi, MA, Content Director of MedRespond LLC, and Nicole Campbell, college student living with mental illness.

For more information or to register, visit our website.

Meet Kevin Hines

Mark your calendar for NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania's 14th Annual Education Conference on Saturday, April 12 featuring Kevin Hines.

Kevin Hines has captivated audiences with his story of an unlikely survival and will to live. At 19 years old and recently diagnosed with bipolar disorder, Kevin attempted to take his own life by jumping from the Golden Gate Bridge. He miraculously survived the fall. After regaining full mobility despite the life-threatening injuries he sustained, Kevin now speaks openly about his journey from the edge of despair back to recovery. His story is unforgettable and his message is one of faith, courage and hope.

Join NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania at its 14th Annual Education Conference, where Kevin will speak for the first time in Western Pennsylvania.

Special thanks to Project Transition, a unique recovery-centered psychiatric rehabilitation program, which sponsored Kevin Hines as Keynote Speaker for this conference.

Kevin Hines to Speak at NAMI Conference

NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania is pleased to welcome international speaker and suicide prevention advocate Kevin Hines to its 14th Annual Education Conference on Saturday, April 14 at the Pittsburgh Airport Marriott.

Who is Kevin Hines?
In the year 2000, two years after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, Kevin Hines tried to take his own life by jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge. He immediately regretted his decision and, remarkably, Kevin survived. Since then, Kevin has dedicated his life to living and staying mentally well and inspiring people of all ages to change their lives for the better. In his keynote presentation at our 14th Annual Education Conference, Kevin will discuss his experiences and feelings as a 19-year old on the brink of despair, and how parents, teachers, caregivers, professionals and other role models can connect with and help young adults who are coping with a serious mental illness. He will speak with gripping candor about surviving his suicide attempt and his journey through recovery, and how he has dedicated his life to helping others find the peace and hope that now fills his life.

About Kevin
Kevin has spoken to more than 300,000 people about his firsthand experience with suicidal thoughts and eventual attempted suicide in 2000 by jumping 220 feet from the Golden Gate Bridge. Kevin is a powerful, honest and intimate presenter and has been featured in the critically acclaimed film The Bridge, on Larry King Live, 20/20, Anderson Cooper 360, Good Morning America, and Ireland's famed Tonight with Vincent Brown. He has also been featured in hundreds of national and international print, radio, film and television media outlets. In 2012, he was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding work as a suicide prevention advocate and speaker. Kevin has written several articles about the prevention of suicide and mental health in America and in July 2013 published his memoir, Cracked...Not Broken, Surviving & Thriving After a Suicide Attempt.

Special thanks to Project Transition, a unique recovery-centered psychiatric rehabilitation program, who sponsored Kevin as the Keynote Speaker of our conference.

For more information about the conference, visit our website or call 412-366-3788.

Meet Dana DeFonso, Plenary Speaker

Excitement is mounting for our 14th Annual Education Conference on Saturday, April 12 at the Pittsburgh Airport Marriott. We are pleased to welcome amazing speakers to illustrate our theme: "Young Adults and Mental Illness: Voices for Hope."  You can view the full agenda here.

Last week, we highlighted our morning keynote speaker Stacy Pershall. Today, meet Dana DeFonso, MA, Supervisor for Behavioral Health Rehabilitation Services at SPHS Behavioral Health. Dana will serve as our late morning plenary speaker on the following topic:

The Voice of Addiction: Substance Use Among Young Adults

The voice of addiction is consuming. Drugs and alcohol are becoming this voice for many youth and young adults. How can we as parents, caregivers, family members and professionals help them to hear other positive voices, and not the destructive voice of addiction? This presentation will reveal the drugs of choice for today's youth and young adults, including the effects, dangers of these substances and treatment options. The presentation will also include feedback of consumers from their own voices as to what they needed prior to, during, and after their addiction. What did they wish they would have known? What did they need for success in their recovery? We will discuss the roles connected adults can play in leading, guiding, supporting and strengthening young adults struggling with addition so that they can recover.

Continuing education credits are available for attending this conference. For more information or to register, click here.

Meet Stacy Pershall, Conference Speaker

Much anticipation is building about our 14th Annual Education Conference on Saturday, April 12 at the Pittsburgh Airport Marriott.  We are pleased to welcome amazing speakers to illustrate our theme: "Young Adults and Mental Illness: Voices for Hope." 

You can view the full agenda here. Over the next few weeks on the NAMI Blog, we will highlight each speaker, beginning with the first speaker of the day Stacy Pershall.

Meet Stacy Pershall, Motivational Speaker and Author

Morning Keynote Address - What I Wish I’d Known in My 20s: A Unique Story of Recovery
When Stacy Pershall was a teenager, she knew she was different, both in how she felt and how she acted on those feelings. But what she didn't realize for many years was that she was struggling with a serious mental illness, borderline personality disorder (BPD), as well as an eating disorder. It was only after she reached a state of complete exhaustion, near suicide, that she submitted to treatment. Stacy's presentation highlights BPD, eating disorders and bullying from a young person's perspective. She shares how BPD looks to others as opposed to how it feels, and the healing effect of unconditional love. She also discusses suicide, body modification, dialectical behavior therapy and reducing stigma, and how young people facing serious mental illness have found innovative, highly personalized recovery methods such as tattooing and body piercing.

For more information or to register for this conference, visit our website.

We Must Be More than Supervisors... We Must Be Leaders

We’re pleased to share a new conference offerered by Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic and Community Care Behavioral Health.

SUPERVISION IN BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

We Must Be More Than Supervisors...
We Must Be Leaders
Friday, March 21
Sheraton Station Square, Pittsburgh

Supervision is crucial for professional development. It is essential to examine why supervisors can and must be effective leaders who create an alliance between themselves and their staff. The supervisor and staff must work together in support of the purpose, principles, and mission of their agency to improve services for their clients. During the keynote, Mike Morrison, PhD, the founder of a leadership consulting firm, will address the art and science of personal leadership – a powerful framework for bringing our best self and the best self in others to the workplace.  There will also be workshops focusing on topics for leaders/supervisors including development of a supervisory model, balancing clinical and administrative supervision, and supervision needs for peer and recovery specialists.  Participants should leave the conference with a greater understanding of the importance of providing and receiving effective supervision.

 

KEYNOTE PRESENTATION: Leading Through Meaning

Mike Morrison, PhD

Executive Consultant, Lean Leadership

Los Angeles, California

 

BREAKOUT SESSIONS

·         The Reality of Supervision: Balancing Clinical and Administrative Supervision

·         “I Love My Job!”:  Leading with Compassion, Service, and Hope

·         Effective Leadership Skills for Clinical Supervisors

·         Supervision of Peer and Recovery Specialists

·         Developing Your Model of Supervision

·         Supervision and Trauma                

Details can be found on the conference website or the conference registration page.

 For additional information or to receive a brochure, please contact Nancy Mundy at mundynl@upmc.edu or (412) 204-9090.

Registration Open for 14th Annual Education Conference

Registration is officially open for our much anticipated 14th Annual Education Conference "Young Adults and Mental Illness: A Voice for Hope" on Saturday, April 12 at the Pittsburgh Airport Marriott. Click here for the conference brochure, and click here to register online. Continuing Education Credits are available.

3 Reasons To Join NAMI Today

Joining or renewing your membership with NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania at this exciting time in our organization's history will help advance our mission of recovery focused support, education and advocacy in a very important way. 

Last year, our Board of Directors and staff spent a significant amount of time developing a new, three-year strategic plan. We decided that we needed to change in order to meet the needs of those we serve and represent. As a result, here are some of the many activities underway for the year ahead:   

• We are expanding our focus to better serve children and youth. We have added a full-time position that is focused on children, adolescents and transition age youth and are expanding our education programs to better serve young families and school personnel. 
• We are collaborating with peer organizations to increase our collective impact. We have joined with Allegheny Family Network and Mental Health America of Allegheny County to create a mental health advocacy collaborative.  
• We are diversifying our reach to strengthen our voice. We are developing an advocacy hub to influence public policy and legislation.    

The more members we have who are standing together with us, the louder and stronger it  makes our voice for individuals and families affected by mental illness!

When you join or renew your membership to NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania, you will receive:   

1. Discounted registration fee to our Annual Education Conference on Saturday, April 12 featuring Kevin Hines, an international speaker, author and mental health advocate who will talk about surviving a suicide attempt off the Golden Gate Bridge and his commitment to staying well and inspiring others to live their best lives.  
2. Your New Personalized Membership Card and a subscription to our quarterly newsletter The Voice. (The Winter 2014 edition is hot off the press.)   
3. Automatic membership to NAMI (National) and NAMI PA.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, staff and the people we serve each day, thank you for your support as a member of NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania. Click here to join today! 

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.