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.