NAMI Releases Latest Annual Report

NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania announces the release of its most recent annual report, which highlights a year of significant planning and groundbreaking changes to better serve individuals and families affected by mental illness in our region. NAMI invites you to take a look at its "Commitment to Excellence" during Fiscal Year 2013-2104.  

"Fiscal Year 2013-2014 was a hallmark year for NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania. Two separate but equally important activities... enabled NAMI to forge a pathway not only to excellence but also longevity."  ~Christine Michaels, Executive Director

National Mental Health Awareness Month - Upcoming Events

Source: NAMI

May is National Mental Health Awareness Month and we're only a few days away! If you would like to add an event or activity to our list, please email dgarda@namiswpa.org.
 
Allegheny County

Allegheny Family Network’s 5th Annual Mental Health Expo
Journey’s Through Mental Health, Leveling the Field
Tuesday, May 5
Marriott City Center
9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
http://tinyurl.com/lsjgscz

Day of Self Discovery 15th Annual Conference
The Art of Recovery Management
Friday, May 15
Herberman Conference Center
UPMC Shadyside Hospital
http://tinyurl.com/lyp772f

Senior and Disability Resource Expo
Friday, May 22
Pittsburgh Mills Mall
Begins 9 a.m.
For more information, email Amber Lepic at alepic@pasen.gov

Beaver County

Beaver County’s Annual Youth Community Day
Thursday, May 7
Beaver Valley Mall
3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
http://tinyurl.com/kb253w5

Butler County

Butler County Walk for Mental Health
Saturday, May 30
Alameda Park
Begins 9 a.m.
$20 per walker
(724) 431-0069 or 724-287-1965
Presented by NAMI PA Butler and MHA of Butler County

Fayette County

Masontown Community Health & Wellness Resource Fair

Tuesday, May 5
201 Spring Avenue, Masontown
5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Call Michelle Voithofer at (724) 583-1091 for information.

Chestnut Ridge “Keys to Recovery” Conference

Wednesday, May 6
Jumonville Retreat Center, Hopewood
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Call Marta at (724) 437-0729 x657 to register.

Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day Event

Thursday, May 7

Hutchinson Park, Pavilion 7, Hopewood

5 p.m. to 7 p.m.


Greene County
8th Annual Greene County Recovery and Wellness Conference
Tuesday, May 19
Greene Arc Inc., 197 Dunn Rd., Prosperity
8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
To register, call (724) 852-5276

Indiana County

NAMI- Indiana’s Walk to Raise Awareness
Tuesday, May 5
Indiana County Courthouse
Begins 11:30 a.m.
Call (724) 422-4718 for information.

Westmoreland County

19^th Annual Families, Consumer and Providers Conference

Alternatives

Thursday, May 7

McKinniss Auditorium, Torrance State Hospital

Begins 8:30 a.m.

Call (724) 459-4604 or (724) 459-4482 for information.

The 2015 VBH-PA Mental Health Awareness Walk
Saturday, May 12
Twin Lakes Park, Pavilion 7
Registration begins at 12 p.m.
http://tinyurl.com/kk2vmtz

2nd Annual Mental Health Awareness Fair
Saturday, May 16
Westmoreland Mall, Center Court
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
http://tinyurl.com/m6jqej4

Conference Recap: Coverage Tonight at 5:45p.m.!

Don't forget to tune in to WTAE-TV Action 4 News at 5:45 p.m. to see Brandon Marshall and NAMI!

 

Anticipation in the ballroom of the Pittsburgh Airport Marriot was palpable on Saturday morning. Over 300 attendees awaited the arrival of Brandon Marshall as the morning keynote speaker of NAMI Southwestern PA's 15th Annual Education Conference aptly titled, Game on: Tackling the Stigma of Mental Illness. Brandon was met with a standing ovation as he took the stage, along with WTAE-TV news anchor and sports reporter Andrew Stockey.

 

For one and a half hours, Brandon, who is an all-pro wide receiver for the New York Jets, answered questions from Andrew Stockey and audience members about his diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder, how and where he began treatment, and his outspoken advocacy efforts including the infamous $10,500 fine from the NFL for wearing green cleats during Mental Health Awareness Week.

Brandon insisted that you don't need a platform of thousands to make a difference with advocacy and the lives of those with mental illness. He credits the group therapists and clinicians at McLean Hospital in Massachusetts for their pivotal role on his road to recovery. He talked with candor about growing up in Pittsburgh, his family, his football career, his wife and newborn twins and, jokingly, why he could not play for the conservative owners of the Pittsburgh Steelers -- even though the audience cheered for and encouraged it.

He left the stage to another enthusiastic standing ovation and said NAMI's conference was the best speaking engagement of his life.

 

MEDIA

Following his presentation, Brandon interviewed with Andrew Stockey for a segment that will appear TONIGHT at 5:45 p.m. on Action 4 News. Don't miss it!

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette was present and published an article on Brandon and the conference.

STIGMA

Prior to Brandon's entrance, stigma researcher and professor Dr. Otto Wahl of the University of Hartford gave an excellent presentation on combating the stigma of mental illness. "Stigma undermines the possibility of recovery," Dr. Wahl said.

ADDICTION

In the afternoon, Dr. Dennis Daley of the University of Pittsburgh led an indepth plenary session on addiction as an illness.

ADVOCACY

A highlight of the day was awarding longtime advocate Connie Roman, one of NAMI Southwestern PA's founding members and a former board member, the coveted Dick Jevon Advocacy Award. Mr. Jevon, now retired, was present and also shared a few words.

WORKSHOPS

Six simultaneous workshops closed the day: Ask the Doctor, Two Tales of Suicide Stigma, NAMI Smarts for Advocacy, Teen Social Media and Mental Health Usage Trends, Anxiety and Depression in Children, and Future Planning for Individuals with Special Needs.

Thank you to Value Behavioral Health of PA, pictured below with Brandon Marshall, for serving as our Keynote Sponsor of this event.

On behalf of the NAMI Southwestern PA staff, thank you to all of our board members, sponsors, exhibitors and everyone who attended!

Game On: Tackling the Stigma of Mental Illness



Only four more days until our 15th Annual Education Conference! Don't miss this rare chance to see All-Pro Wide Receiver and Mental Health Advocate Brandon Marshall as the keynote speaker.

Please see the agenda below, noting some speaker times have changed.

15th Annual Education Conference

Game On: Tackling the Stigma of Mental Illness

Pittsburgh Airport Marriott

Saturday, April 11

8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

AGENDA

8:00 - 9:00 a.m. - Registration/Continental Breakfast/Exhibits

9:00 - 9:15 a.m. - Welcome and Opening Remarks
Christine Michaels, MSHSA, Executive Director, NAMI Southwestern PA

9:15 - 10:30 a.m. - "Combating Stigma"
Otto Wahl, PhD, Professor of Psychology, University of Hartford

10:30 - 10:45 a.m. - Break and Exhibits

10:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. - Keynote Address
"Stepping off the Sidelines: Tackling the Stigma of Mental Illness" Brandon Marshall, All Pro Wide Receiver, New York Jets Moderated by Andrew Stockey, New Anchor/Sports Director, WTAE-TV Action News 4

12:15 - 1:15 p.m. - Pittsburgh Style Buffet Luncheon
NAMI Southwestern PA Annual Meeting
Presentation of the Dick Jevon Advocacy Award

1:15 - 2:30 p.m. - Afternoon Plenary Session
"Addressing Substance Use as an Illness: Integrated Approaches to Treatment"
Dennis C Daley, PhD, Professor of Psychiatry and Social Work, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine - Dept. of Psychology

2:30 - 2:45 p.m. - Break and Exhibits

2:45 - 4:00 p.m. - Afternoon Workshops



Everyone in attendance will receive a green awareness band. Special thanks to Keynote Sponsor Value Behavioral Health of PA. This conference is open to the general public. Continuing Education Credits are available for professionals and educators. High school seniors and college students are welcome. Registration is required.





An Invitation: Please join us on April 11 at the NAMI Conference

Dear Friends,
 
I invite you to join us for NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania's 15th Annual Education Conference, Game On: Tacking the Stigma of Mental Illness on Saturday, April 11 at the Pittsburgh Airport Marriott. 

Each spring, we bring remarkable speakers to our regional conference, and this year is no exception. Dr. Otto Wahl, an expert on stigma, will start our day and provide a solid overview in his presentation, Combating Stigma. He will include ideas and suggestions for what each of us can do to help end the stigma of mental illness.
        
With special thanks to Value Behavioral Health of PA, we will hear Brandon Marshall speak in his morning keynote address, Stepping Off the Sidelines: Tacking the Stigma of Mental Illness. Brandon Marshall's courage to speak out and take a stand against the stigma he and so many others faced will inspire us to take action as individuals and a community.
        
After lunch and the presentation of the Dick Jevon Advocacy Award, Dr. Dennis Daley will deliver the afternoon plenary session, Addressing Substance use as an Illness Integrated Approaches to Treatment. Stigma stops individuals from seeking treatment and impedes recovery. The stigma of mental illness is often compounded with the stigma of a co-occurring substance user disorder.
        
Then, our variety of workshop topics will offer something of special interest to everyone.

At the end of the day, every conference participant will leave feeling like they made the team, the NAMI Southwestern PA's All Pro Championship Anti-Stigma Team. GAME ON EVERYONE!

I look forward to seeing you at the conference.

Sincerely,

Chris
Christine Michaels, MSHSA
Executive Director, NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania

Register Now

 

 

Game On! Which Workshop Will You Attend?

 

All-Pro Wide Receiver Brandon Marshall | Source: Chicago Tribune

"Game On: Tackling the Stigma of Mental Illness"

Saturday, April 11

Pittsburgh Airport Marriott

8 am to 4 pm
 

In addition to Brandon Marshall, Stigma Researcher Dr. Otto Wahl and Addiction Expert Dr. Dennis Daley, the NAMI Conference offers six afternoon workshops from which to choose. See the list below to choose your workshop and REGISTER TODAY!  



Source: Medrabotnik

Workshop 1: Ask the Doctor

Individuals with mental health conditions and family members often have many questions that can't be quickly answered in a short doctor's visit. During this workshop, Dr. Curtis Mayernik will answer participants' wide variety of questions concerning mental illness while discussing effective treatments and supports that promote recovery and healthier living.

Source: Kater 4 Kids

Workshop 2: Anxiety and Depression in Children

Presented by Charma D. Dudley, PhD, FPPR, this workshop will provide an introduction to the manifestations of anxiety and depression in children, including a brief overview of their diagnostic characteristic features and various types of therapeutic interventions that can be used. A number of evidence-based practices with proven positive outcomes such as cognitive-behavioral therapy will be highlighted, in addition to other interventions - including relaxation training, development of social skills and effective medication management.

Source: SKAR

Workshop 3: NAMI Smarts
for Advocacy

Do you know how to tell your recovery story in a way that moves policymakers? NAMI Smarts for Advocacy is a popular hands-on training program that helps people living with mental illness, friends and family transform their passion and lived experience into skillful grassroots advocacy. Presented by NAMI Southwestern PA's Executive Director Chris Michaels and Associate Debbie Ference, this training helps participants understand why advocacy is so important for mental health.



Source: PAYSPI

Workshop 4: Two Tales of Suicide Stigma

The stigma attached to mental illness and suicide affects both those who are struggling (or have struggled) as well as those impacted by the loss of a loved one to suicide death. In this session, Jennifer Sikora and Kelly Robinson from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) will discuss how stigma affects these two different groups - illustrated by the speakers' personal experiences - and will provide specific communication
recommendations for help-seeking and grief processing.



Source: BBFA

Workshop 5: Teen Social Media and Mental Health Trends

This training, presented by social media expert Ryan Klingensmith, will raise the awareness of teen culture on the Internet and how adults can communicate with and educate youth to be responsible digital citizens. The presentation will review image boards, untraceable texting/sexting, Internet predators, gossip/rumor spreading sites, video chatting, blogs, eating disorders, self-harm and suicide. The most current social media sites, youth culture and mental health practices will also be discussed.



Source: Archer Law

Workshop 6: Futures Planning for Individuals with Special Needs

Families of individuals with disabilities face significant challenges in planning for their future and ongoing financial stability. The ACHIEVA Family Trust Futures Planning Project, funded through the United Way of Allegheny County, takes into consideration parents' concerns about their children's futures by providing an array of planning services and resources to families and caregivers. This presentation, presented by Maria Smith and Rebecca Tyers Brown of ACHIEVA, will include information about future planning, special needs trusts, powers of attorney, guardianship concerns and caregiver transitioning.


Register today and see you on April 11th!

Top 10 Reasons To Attend the NAMI Conference

Save the date! The 15th Annual Education Conference is swiftly approaching:

 

 Game On: Tackling the Stigma of Mental Illness 
Saturday, April 11

Pittsburgh Airport Marriott

8 am to 4pm

 

Are you still undecided on whether or not to attend? Here are the top 10 reasons why you should register now:

 

Source: Splash

1. Our Keynote Speaker

This will be All-Pro Wide Receiver Brandon Marshall's first time coming to his hometown of Pittsburgh to talk to the mental health community about his diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder. He will also share his story about overcoming the stigma he faced as a professional athlete in the NFL. Don't miss this rare opportunity to hear Brandon Marshall and be inspired by his advocacy message!

 

 

2. The Program!

From beginning to end, our one-day conference will keep you engaged and interested, thanks to our phenomenal speakers, compelling workshops and other special presentations. Take a look!

 

 



Source: University of Hartford



3.  Renowned Stigma Researcher

How often do we get to hear from a stigma researcher whose focus is to study, write and teach about how stigma impacts those with mental illness? Fresh from the 7th International Conference on Stigma in February, Dr. Otto Wahl from the University of Hartford will join us and kick off the day with the most up-to-date information, statistics and ideas on "Combating Stigma."  

4. Continuing Education Credits
Those registering at the MH professional or Educator rate can earn the following CEUs: Counselors (NBCC), Educators (Act 48), Licensed/Clinical Social Workers (LSW/LCSW), Psychologists and/or credits for other healthcare professionals.







Source: ATTC

5. Addiction Expert
If you or someone you know has an addiction, you understand that it affects the entire family. Dr. Dennis Daley will join us to explain how the family can work together to face an addiction disorder. He'll present addiction as an illness, not a choice or a weakness, and help us to break down the stigma surrounding addiction.

6. Scholarships
Scholarships offset the cost of registration. There are plenty of scholarships available for:

• Individuals living with mental illness
• Family members and loved ones
• Parents whose children/young adults have behavioral health issues
• Students/young adults (recommended age: high school seniors and up)

To apply is easy! Contact Sara at slevine@namiswpa.org or (412) 366-3788 ext. 122 for information.




Source: CBS Sports

7. Raising Awareness
Our Keynote Speaker Brandon Marshall was fined $10,500 by the NFL for wearing green cleats during Mental Health Awareness Week. He took the opportunity to spread the word on every news station. Let's continue to raise awareness!







Source: Bleacher Report

8. Awareness Bands
To support Brandon Marshall's anti-stigma efforts, everyone in attendance will receive a green mental health awareness band, compliments of Keynote Sponsor Value Behavioral Health of PA.

9. Great Workshops
The hardest part of your day will be choosing which of the six afternoon workshops to attend.

• Ask the Doctor
• Anxiety and Depression in Children
• NAMI Smarts for Advocacy
• Two Tales of the Suicide Stigma
• Teen Social Media/Mental Health Usage Trends
• Future Planning for Those with Special Needs

10. Dick Jevon Advocacy Award
The presentation of the Dick Jevon Advocacy Award will be a highlight of the day! This will take place over lunch--the Pittsburgh-style luncheon that is a conference favorite!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Register now!

See you on April 11th!

Meet Ryann, Coro Fellow at NAMI

By: Ryann Tanap, Coro Fellow

Mental health affects everyone. One in four people experience a mental health disorder each year. Unfortunately, this is often overlooked in our society. Americans are taught to keep hardships to themselves, for more emphasis is placed on independence and success. Thus, many people live in silence and may be afraid to ask for help.

In September 2013, I became a volunteer field advocate with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). In memory of my good friend and mentor, Steven Enriquez, I participated in my first AFSP Out of the Darkness Walk, which raises money for suicide prevention and research. I also started reaching out to my state legislators to urge them to vote on bills that would bring mental health to the forefront of the national discussion. A month later, in October and over brunch with Leah, a high school friend of mine, I resolved to further pursue my passion for mental health by starting to consider professions in the mental health field.

In January 2014, I started Mama Tanap, a blog that: 1) promotes personal health and wellness, 2) disseminates topics seen in the news, media, culture and through lived experience, and 3) aims to reduce the stigma associated with seeking help (professional, holistic alternatives and self-care). With the support of many advisers, family, friends and mentors, I also submitted my application for the Coro Fellows Program in Public Affairs.

I began the Coro Fellows Program in Public Affairs through Coro Pittsburgh in August and have been learning a lot about leadership and adaptive challenges. Last fall, I also decided to get trained in Mental Health First Aid. After all, it’s free in the state of Pennsylvania, which I was really excited to learn about from a colleague of mine. I finally got trained in Youth Mental Health First Aid this past January, and will be getting trained in Adult Mental Health First Aid in a couple of weeks.

For my final project placement through Coro Pittsburgh, and with the support of UPMC Health Plan to fund a Coro Fellow like myself, I am eager to announce that I am working on a six-week placement with NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania - the same organization that facilitated my Youth Mental Health First Aid Training. NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to improving lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. NAMI’s mission is something I truly value and believe in.

Now, I am wrapping up my first week at my final project placement, where I am researching and making recommendations on online marketing and community engagement. I am assisting in the launch of NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania’s new website, social media strategy and other online exchanges – essentially, what I’ve been doing for Mama Tanap! I look forward to gaining experience and engaging in dialogue in this rising field.


About the Writer: Ryann Tanap graduated from the College of William & Mary in 2012. Her work focuses on youth development in underserved communities. She is an aspiring mental health professional. She aims to educate and empower youth, and promote holistic approaches to wellness (including nutrition, fitness and creative expression).

Game On: Tackling the Stigma of Mental Illness

"Like so many other football players, I thought football made me. It wasn't until I had this struggle, this fight, with Borderline Personality Disorder, that I realized I'm more than a football player. I'm here for a bigger reason. That's why I started dreaming again." ~Brandon Marshall, All Pro Wide Receiver, New York Jets 

●  How did All-Pro Wide Receiver Brandon Marshall recognize and overcome his diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder?

●  What barriers did he face as a young man, a professional athlete and a celebrity in the national spotlight?

●  How did he become the "greatest comeback in the NFL" and a renowned mental health advocate?

Brandon will share this and more at NAMI Southwestern PA's 15th Annual Education Conference on Saturday, April 11. Following Brandon's presentation, Andrew Stockey, news and sports anchor for Channel 4 Action News, will moderate an interactive discussion with Brandon. 

Game On: Tackling the Stigma of Mental Illness

Saturday, April 11

Pittsburgh Airport Marriott

8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Download Conference Brochure 

Email your questions for Brandon to info@namiswpa.org. The audience will also have a chance to ask Brandon questions directly. Special thanks to Keynote Sponsor Value Behavioral Health of PA.

*This conference is open to the general public. Scholarships are available to offset the registration fee. Continuing Education Credits are available for professionals and educators. High school seniors and college students are welcome to attend. Registration is required.  

Conference Scholarships Available

Source: CSN Chicago

Do you want to attend the NAMI Conference but are unsure if you can afford the registration fee?

Do you want to see NFL All-Pro Wide Receiver and Mental Health Advocate Brandon Marshall during a rare visit to his hometown of Pittsburgh. Pa.?

There are plenty of scholarships available so that everyone who wants to attend the NAMI Conference on April 11 is able to join us!

There are scholarships for:

--Individuals living with mental illness
--Family members and loved ones of those living with mental illness
--Parents of children or young adults living with behavioral health issues
--Young adults/students living with mental illness
--Anyone experiencing a financial hardship but wants to attend

If you are interested, please download this registration form and fax/mail/email it to NAMI. Under payment, write "Requesting Scholarship."

Any questions, call the NAMI office or email info@namiswpa.org. 

Join NAMI in February and You Could Win Pens Tickets

It's always a great time to become a NAMI member: It's the first level of grassroots advocacy and the best way to support the NAMI movement. If you join or renew your membership to NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania this month, your name will go into a drawing to win Pens tickets.

When you join or renew your NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania membership in February 2015:

You qualify to win two tickets to the Penguins vs. Oilers game on Thursday, March 12 at Consol Energy Center at 7 p.m. Excellent seats! One winner will be drawn on Monday, March 2.

Join today!

Membership benefits to NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania include:

• New personalized membership card
• Subscription to quarterly newsletter The Voice
• Discounted registration fees to events including our spring education conference
• Automatic membership to NAMI National and NAMI PA
• Call-to-Action Alerts

Donations to NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania are tax deductible. Official registration and 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.

Call for Nominations - Dick Jevon Advocacy Award

Dick Jevon, a longtime and highly regarded mental health advocacy leader, retired in 2013. The Dick Jevon Advocacy Award has been established in Dick’s honor to create a legacy that continues to advance the advocacy movement that Dick and NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania have led for many years.

Please nominate an individual that embodies the unique qualities of Dick Jevon, who remains an Honorary Board Member of NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania. The nominee should:  

• Exhibit leadership abilities and a passion for mental health.
• Have a compassionate spirit, a desire to help others.
• Champion improvements to the mental health system.
• Promote acceptance and understanding as a way of life.
• Believe that recovery is possible for those affected by mental illness.
• Strive to eliminate stigma.
• Embrace Dick Jevon’s words of advice, “Always Have Hope!”

The nominee can be an individual living with a mental illness, a family member or loved one, a mental health professional, or anyone who tries to improve the lives of those affected by mental illness.  The nominee must live in one of the 10 counties served by NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Washington or Westmoreland.  

This is not a cash award but an acknowledgment in the form of a beautiful trophy, a framed certificate and public recognition as an advocate who is part of NAMI’s education movement to end stigma, to change society’s attitude and to create a culture of knowledge and understanding about mental illness.

The deadline to nominate is Friday, March 6. The award will be presented on April 11 at NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania's 15th Annual Education Conference at the Pittsburgh Airport Marriott. Return this nomination form to NAMI along with the nominee's bio by March 6. Questions ?Contact Darcey Garda at (412) 366-3788 ext. 123 or dgarda@namiswpa.org.

Join NAMI Today - We Need Your Voice!

What does it mean to be a member of NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania? It means that you are part of NAMI’s movement to improve the mental health system, to end stigma and to create a culture of knowledge and understanding about mental illness.

 

Membership is the first level of grassroots advocacy and the best way to support the NAMI movement.  The more members who stand behind NAMI, the more it strengthens our collective voice as we advocate!

Join or renew your membership to NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania and you will receive:

• New, personalized membership card.
• Subscription to our quarterly newsletter The Voice. 
• Discounted registration fees to events, including our 15^th Annual Education Conference on Saturday, April 11 featuring all-pro wide receiver and mental health advocate Brandon Marshall.
• Automatic membership to NAMI National and NAMI PA.

Click Here to Join or Renew Your Membership Today

Numbers count. Every membership to NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania is extremely meaningful as we work each day to fulfill our mission of recovery focused support, education and advocacy for those affected by mental illness.
 

Voices count. As a member, you will have a chance to give back. You'll receive Call-to-Action Alerts that give you an opportunity to get involved, reach out and make a difference in the simplest way possible. Your voice is invaluable to the NAMI movement.

Take a stand today. Become a member! This is the single greatest way you can support NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania. 

Donations to NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania are tax-deductible. 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.

Winter 2015 Events Calendar

Join NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania for the following educational events.

Youth Mental Health First Aid Class
Get certified! Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach parents, caregivers, educators, school staff, coaches, human service workers, youth group leaders and caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge or crisis. This free, one-day course is for any adult who regularly interacts with young people. At the end of the class, each attendee will receive a Youth Mental Health First Aid Certificate.

Date: Saturday, Jan. 31
Time: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Place: The Children's Institute,
1405 Shady Ave., Pittsburgh 15217
Cost: Free
Registration: Contact Susan Harrington at sharring@namiswpa.org or (412) 366-3788 ext. 114.

Continental breakfast and light lunch are included.

Family-to-Family Teacher Training
Has someone helped you on your family's journey to recovery? Do you want to help others and give back? Consider becoming a Family-to-Family teacher! Teachers must have a family member living with mental illness. It is not mandatory that participants have taken a Family-to-Family course, but it is recommended. For more information, contact Susan Harrington at sharring@namiswpa.org or (412) 366-3788 ext. 114.

Date: Friday, Feb. 20 to Sunday, Feb. 22
Place: NAMI Office, 105 Braunlich Drive
McKnight Plaza, Pittsburgh 15237
Cost: Free
Materials and food are included. However, participants are responsible for the cost of travel and accommodations, if needed.

NAMI Basics for Parents & Caregivers
NAMI Basics is a six-week course for the parents/caregivers of children and adolescents who have been diagnosed or are experiencing symptoms of mental illness.

Pittsburgh
Begins: Monday, March 9
Time: 6:30 to 9 p.m.
Place: The Children's Institute
1405 Shady Ave., Pittsburgh 15217
Cost: Free
Registration: Contact Julie Trbovich at jtrbovich@namiswpa.org or (412) 366-3788 ext. 125.

Waynesburg
Begins: Wednesday, April 15
Time: 6:30 to 9 p.m.
Place: Green County Education Center
Westmoreland County Community College
100 Evergreene Drive, Room 4
Cost: Free
Registration: Call Barb (724-833-5779) or Brenda (724-998-2023)

Family-to-Family Classes
Our signature education program, Family-to-Family is a free, 12-week course for family members who have a loved one living with mental illness. It is taught by trained family members and has been called "life changing" by many participants.

Ross Township
Starts Thursday, March 12
6:30 to 9 p.m.

Upper Saint Clair
Starts Wednesday, March 4
6:30 to 9 p.m.

Monroeville
Starts Monday, March 9
6:30 to 9 p.m.

Beaver
Starts Wednesday, March 4
6:30 to 9 p.m.

NAMI Southwestern PA 15th Annual Education Conference
Featuring Mental Health Advocate and All-Pro Wide Receiver Brandon Marshall
Date: Saturday, April 11
Time: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Place: Pittsburgh Airport Marriott
Registration: Not open; information will follow.

NAMI to Present at Whitehall Elementary

For the first time, NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania will be presenting a workshop on Anxiety in Children and Teenagers for the Baldwin-Whitehall School District. Parents and guardians are encouraged to attend this free educational event.

What: Anxiety in Children and Teenagers
Date: Wednesday, Jan. 28
Location: Whitehall Elementary School Library
Time: 6:30 to 8 p.m.

NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania's Julie Trbovich and Susan Harrington will present on the signs and symptoms of anxiety in children. Problem solving strategies and positive communication techniques will be discussed. Parents will be given an opportunity to ask questions following the presentation.

For more information or to register, contact Amy Lewis at alewis@bwschools.net or (412) 885-7525.

Open Enrollment: A Message from the Mental Health Association of PA

Only 29 days to go!

The countdown is on to the end of the Health Insurance Marketplace Open Enrollment period for 2015. 

On Feb. 15 - less than one month from today - open enrollment for 2015 health insurance coverage ends. If you need health insurance or want to change your plan, visit healthcare.gov now to get started. Don't wait until the last minute.

Here are some things to know to get you started:

·         Help is Available. If you have questions or are having trouble enrolling, get the answers and help you need from one of MHA's Health Insurance Marketplace Navigators. Call 1-855-274-5626 (toll free) or contact a Navigator serving your region of Pennsylvania.
 

·         You can compare plans and prices before enrolling. You can explore your options, based on your budget, before you apply here.
 

·         You may be eligible for CHIP or Medicaid. Your family might be eligible for the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) or Medicaid, which covers doctor's visits, prescriptions, and immunizations. Learn more here.
 

·         You can change plans for 2015.  No matter what plan you had in 2014, you can change plans - even if you were enrolled automatically for 2015, and even after your new coverage has started. Learn about changing plans here.
 

·         There's a fee for not enrolling. If you don't have qualifying health coverage, you may need to pay a fee with your federal tax return or get a health coverage exemption. Learn more here.

 

·         Gather information ahead of time. To apply for insurance you will need the following: Name, birthdate, social security number, and income information for yourself and all family members needing coverage.

Got NAMI Smarts?

Do you have a story to tell? 

 

Can you tell it such a succinct and powerful way that it may actually effect change?

Many of us struggle to find the words to articulate the struggles and triumphs we have faced on our journey, or our loved one's journey, of recovery. Even if you have the most clear and compelling story, do you know how to use it to make an impact on policy makers?

Now, there is a training program called NAMI SMARTS for Advocacy.

NAMI Southwestern PA’s Executive Director Christine Michaels and Associate Director Debbie Ference were invited by NAMI National to be trained as NAMI SMARTS for Advocacy teachers. 

NAMI SMARTS teaches individuals how to be advocates by providing step-by-step tools and hands-on practice that helps participants enhance their own advocacy skills and help shape a powerful and personal story that will impact policy makers.  The program helps participants understand why advocacy is so important for mental health.

The training is divided into three modules: Telling your Story, Emails and Phone Calls, and Meeting Your Legislator.

Telling your Story  This module guides participants through writing and delivering a concise and compelling version of your story that will serve as a springboard for your advocacy

Emails and Phone Calls  This module shows participants how to write emails that get attention and make phone calls that policy makers remember

Meeting Your Legislator   This module demonstrates how to orchestrate a successful dialogue with elected officials.

Stay tuned for more information about NAMI SMARTS.