Annual Convention 2005: On the Frontier of Recoveryof …namitexas.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2014/11/NL2005summer.pdf · Annual Convention 2005: ... Frank Webb of the Houston

Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage: Ready for Change?Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage: Ready for Change?

Annual Convention 2005:Annual Convention 2005:

Summer 2005The State’s Voice on Mental Illness

Look inside for more info…Look inside for more info…

On the FrontierOn the Frontierof Recoveryof Recovery

2 NAMI TEXAS Summer 2005

3 Executive Director’s Report

4 On the Frontier of Recovery: Convention 2005

9 Convention Spotlight: Insanity Defense Seminar

10 Celebrating Success and Creating Hope:Celebration Recovery 2005

12 Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage: Are You Readyfor Change?

14 Mental Health Worker Knows Enemy

15 My Son, Our Story: Steps to Recovery

16 With Hope In Mind

17 Visions for Tomorrow Curriculum Revision

18 Election: Meet the Candidates

21 NAMI Rockport’s 1st Annual Award Presentation

21 NAMIWalks: Build Your Team NOW!

22 79th Legislative Report

24 Affiliate News

27 NAMI Texas Annual Conference

contentsNAMI TEXAS Staff

Executive Director Joe Lovelace

Executive Assistant Marie Alkis

Special Events Coordinator Diana Kern

Education Director Pennie Hall

Consumer Education Director Cliff Gay

Grants Manager Jim Jimmerson

Receptionist Kristin White

The NAMI Texas News is published fourtimes a year by the National Alliance for theMentally Ill of Texas, Fountain Park Plaza III,2800 S. IH35, Suite 140, Austin, TX 78704.Phone: (512) 693-2000.

This newsletter does not offer medical advice.Readers should seek advice from qualified professionals.

NAMI Texas is a grassroots, family and consumer, self-help, support, education, andadvocacy organization dedicated to improvingthe lives of people with severe mental illness.Severe mental illnesses are biologically basedbrain disorders that can profoundly disrupt a person’s ability to think, feel, and relate totheir environment and others.

To find a NAMI Texas affiliate in your area, pleasecall 1-800-633-3760 or visit www.namitexas.org

Cover photo: Mike Ciesielski, Photographer, NAMI National 2005

Michael J. Fitzpatrick, MSW, Executive Director of NAMI National, spoke at the OpeningPlenary session of the NAMI National Convention on Sunday, June 19th in Austin, Texas.His topic was Campaign for the Mind of America: NAMI Drives the Debate on MentalIllness Across America. He closed his remarks by encouraging a rousing chorus of“Together We Can, Together We Will” from the crowd.

One of my favorite quotes comes out ofmy mother’s mouth – “Lead, Follow, orGet out of the Way.” A modification ofthat I’ve heard – “Leaders must Lead.”

Governor Perry hasn’t been identified by many in NAMI Texas as a “leader” insupporting persons with serious mentalillness but his veto of HB 2572 may havebeen his finest hour.

For those of you who did not followclosely the continuation of the effortthat sought to bring systems change tothe community behavioral health level,it played out dramatically in the clashbetween two major bills this session – HB 470 and HB 2572.

HB 470 sought to transform the commu-nity mental health system by requiring a split between provider and authority;advancing the movement to a “fee forservice” system and a regional governingstructure.

But, HB 470 became too complicated tobe swallowed during our 140 days.

HB 2572, legislation supported by thecommunity centers, began to gather significant support and momentum as a counter-measure to HB 470. Its provi-sions stalled the implementation of “fee-for-service” and any systems change byrequiring a study of each and a report to the legislature. HB 2572 addressed the “provider of last resort” by lettingcommunity centers continue to be theauthority and the provider.

Governor Perry ultimately found HB2572 objectionable and vetoed it. In hisVeto Proclamation he spoke to the needto effectively deliver services and forconsumers to encounter a system withgreater choice, which he felt HB 2572failed to address.

Let it be said here that there is blame to be shared by all for letting “systemschange” occur within the Legislativeprocess.

It is also wrong to believe that as a resultof the veto, we have a “divided house.”

Governor Perry’s Executive Order is for-ward looking. It keeps in play the trans-formation of the behavioral health servicesystem while protecting the communitysafety net.

Representatives of Consumers, Families,Advocates, Stakeholders, Providers, andState & Local Authorities should nowcome to the table to develop a plan (for we have plenty to work from) thatincludes a request for more funding (forwe surely need that) to forge a consensusaround what we need to say to theLegislature in 2007.

More to come on this at our AnnualConference in Austin on Saturday,October 1, 2005 as Department of StateHealth Services Deputy CommissionerDave Wanser will give our KeynoteAddress.

LeadersMust Lead

Joe LovelaceExecutive Director, NAMI Texas

Summer 2005 NAMI TEXAS 3


n CONVENTION 2005

NAMI members, friends and staff descended on Austin, Texas, June 18–21, for the2005 NAMI Convention. The convention, with a theme of Transforming the MentalHealth System in America, featured three days of workshops, seminars, programtracks, receptions and exhibits. Attendees came from around the country and theworld to network, learn, gather materials and energize themselves.

The Convention ended with a bang at the NAMI Fiesta! held at the Alumni Center atthe University of Texas. Convention goers left energized and looking forward to the2006 NAMI Convention in Washington, DC.

On the Frontierof RecoveryPhotographs by Mike Ciesielski

Clockwise from top right: Eduardo Sanchez, MD, Commissioner, Texas Department of State HealthServices; a full room at the session on spirituality; Ken Duckworth, MD, Graham Emslie, MD, andThomas Insel, MD, Director of NIMH, answer questions from attendees; the hallways were always busy;Susan Beattie and Duane Thomassen from San Antonio volunteering in the Welcome Center.


CONVENTION 2005 n

Clockwise from top left: OfficerFrank Webb of the HoustonPolice Department receives theCompassion in Law EnforcementAward from Tom Hamilton,Frances Wise and Sam Cochran;Roger Morin of San Antonio and Mike Katz of Dallas relaxbetween sessions; MichaelSchwartz, MD; Robert Scogin of Austin at an Ask-The-Doctorsession; author Bebe MooreCampbell signing copies of her new book, 72 Hour Hold;attendees take a break in theWelcome Center. Center: LeonAutrey of Houston and CharlotteDallas of San Marcos making alittle music.


n CONVENTION 2005


CONVENTION 2005 n

Clockwise from upper left: Elvia Ruelas from Laredo at the “Salud Mental” session; attendees get information in NAMILand;Melvin Miller of Austin speaking about thepower of NAMI Walks; Mental Health Issues in the Asian American and Pacific IslanderCommunity workshop; King Davis, PhD,Executive Director of the Hogg Foundation;convention ribbons; over 100 exhibitors filledthe Exhibit Hall; Julie Noble, President ofNAMI Dallas accepting a NAMI Walks awardon behalf of her affiliate from Mari Pierce,National NAMI Walks Coordinator; VictorOrtiz of El Paso; a standing ovation; NAMIWalks Managers from around the country. Center: Asian American Family Services Staff.


n CONVENTION 2005

Clockwise from upper left: Marie Alkis,NAMI Texas staff member and NAMI AustinPresident, Pat Cramer taking pictures at theNAMI Texas/NAMI Austin photo booth in theexhibit hall; attendee Vicki Krimmer enjoyinga coffee break; Derald Walker, Marion Shawand Diane Liara, staff members for ValueOptions, sponsor of the Consumer WelcomeCenter; the new green “Expect Recovery”bracelets which you will see on more andmore wrists; attendee checks his e-mail fromthe Connection Café during a break; dancingat NAMI Fiesta! – a fantastic dinner partyheld on the final evening of the convention atthe Alumni Center at The University of Texas;Veterans Council meeting.


CONVENTION SPOTLIGHT n

Insanity Defense SeminarReflects Tragedy, Pain and Inadequaciesof Criminal and Mental Health Systems

by Joe Lovelace, Executive Director

Contrary to popular perceptions shaped by the media, “theoverall contribution of mental disorders to the total level ofviolence in society is exceptionally small,” according to theU.S. Surgeon General’s Report on Mental Health (1999).

Similarly, the insanity defense in criminal cases is seldom usedand seldom successful.

On June 20, NAMI’s national convention in Austin, Texas, con-vened a special seminar, “The Insanity Defense: Time for a NewModel?” The discussion was especially poignant as a result ofpresentations from George Parnham, attorney for Andrea Yates,and David Kaczynski, brother of “Unabomber” Ted Kaczynski.

In 2001, Yates drowned her five children. In 1995, the Una-bomber was apprehended after killing three people and forawhile becoming, with his identity still unknown – the mostwanted man in America. Both were living with schizophrenia– a severe mental illness.

David Kaczynski reported his brother to the FBI after recogniz-ing an anti-technology manifesto written by the Unabomberthat was published in the national media. Ted is serving a lifesentence in federal prison.

Yates is awaiting a new trial in Texas, after her conviction wasoverturned because a psychiatrist hired by the prosecution gavefalse testimony in opposition to her insanity defense.

Two weeks before her children’s deaths, Yates was dischargedfrom the hospital. She had been taken off medication necessaryto stabilize her condition. During the session, Parnham playeda tape of her police interrogation. When asked why she haddrowned her children, there were 14 seconds of silence.

“Her [brain’s] frontal lobe was so impacted by her illness thatshe could not connect the dots,” Parnham said. “When it cameto the ‘why?’ question, she couldn’t handle it.”

Under Texas law, and in many other states, the standard forinsanity is whether a person “knows” an action is right orwrong at the time it occurs. But the American Bar Association,other legal authorities, and medical experts maintain that thestandard is too narrow.

The preferred, alternative approach would hinge on whether ornot a person lacked substantial capacity to “appreciate” right orwrong, or was incapable because of illness to conforming con-duct to the law.

“What does it mean to ‘know’ when you are mentally ill?”Parnham asked. “Did [Yates] simply perceive that societywould view her as wrong, when she knew she was right?”

Yates believed that killing her children at a young age was theonly way to be sure that they would go to heaven, because sheconsidered herself a bad mother, and could not raise them tobe righteous.

David Kaczynski, who serves as executive director of NewYorkers Against the Death Penalty, told the audience: “I amthe brother of a person with a very serious mental illness.”

Despite an assessment by a psychiatrist, based on lettersreceived from Ted, that his brother was very sick, their familywas unable to find a way to persuade him to get medical treat-ment. They had almost no options. Their efforts pushed himaway and he became a recluse living in a cabin in Montana.

In making the painful decision to report Ted as a suspect tothe FBI, David said, “We had to place our trust in the criminaljustice system. We had no other place to turn.”

“But the system we placed our trust in then turned on us andtried to put my brother to death and to add to the violence. Itwas not about trying to find the

David Kaczynski and George Parnham

See Insanity Defense…page 26


n CELEBRATION RECOVERY 2005

“Recovery is a triumph

of the human spirit

over illness and

suffering. This triumph

deserves to be celebrated.”

—Michael Schwartz, M.D.

founder, The Irwin Foundation

Celebration Recovery 2005 sparked a new passion for recovery in cities across thecountry. By combining this year’s Celebration Recovery event with the NAMINational Convention, Austin’s passion for a purposeful celebration was shared withover 2,000 convention attendees and consumers, family and friends of the localcommunity. Several consumers powerfully shared their message of hope and recov-ery. Thirty local and state organizations had booths with games, raffles, giveaways,recovery literature and even pet therapy!

Austin stayed true to it’s slogan “Live Music Capital of the World” as we listenedand danced to local bands and singers, including Ruthie Foster, John Pointer, SarahSharp, and Newsboyz. Hundreds of consumers took the opportunity to create theirpersonal rendition of recovery through writing and artwork on a banner providedby The Irwin Foundation.

Celebration Recovery offers an unique opportunity to celebrate the good news thatthose individuals with mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, major depressive dis-orders, bipolar disorders, and anxiety disorders can and do recover.

Our thanks to NAMI National, NAMI Austin, Austin Travis County Mental HealthMental Retardation Center and Fifth Column Music for their support of this year’sevent. And to Glenda Pittard, of 3dASAP, and her wonderful committee of volun-teers who spent many months planning this fantastic event.

Celebration Recovery is a program initiated and sponsored by The Irwin Foundationwith support from both private and public sources, including AstraZeneca Pharma-ceuticals LP. The Irwin Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed toadvancing community, educational, research, and training and consultation initia-tives and activities related to recovery from mental illness.

Celebrating Success and Creating HopePhotographs by Mike Ciesielski

Suzanne Worrell, Ermine Smith and GeorgeWorrell of Austin at the Imagine Art booth.

Ruthie Foster


CELEBRATION RECOVERY 2005 n

Clockwise from upper left: Austin StateHospital Pet Partners; people of all ages hadfun; PLAN booth with Doris Goewey, YvonneHansen and Lisa Belli; Diana Kern speaks onExpect Recovery; Kelly Peck, Ann Nagle andDianna Mason don cowboy hats to have theirphotos taken Texas-style; Rep. Garnet Colemanspeaks on recovery from mental illness; funwith balloons; Imagine Art client WallaceCarpenter; MC Brenda Coleman-Beattie getshelp from Adam Roch for the raffle drawing;NAMI board member Fred Frese.

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Medicare Rx – The BasicsIn January 2006, the largest expansion toMedicare since its inception will go intoeffect – Medicare Rx, otherwise known asPart D. Medicare Rx is a prescription drugbenefit being made available to all peo-ple on Medicare. There is a lot to know,important decisions to make and actionsto take before January 1, 2006. In thisarticle you will find basic informationprovided by the federal Centers forMedicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) andinformation from the state perspectiveabout this new benefit and how it mayaffect persons with mental illness.

In that Medicare Rx has a complex struc-ture, meaning it affects each Medicarebeneficiary differently, it is important tostart with the basics and build ones’understanding a step at a time. I willintersperse comments in the text of thebasic information provided by CMS:

What are the Medicare prescrip-tion drug plans?Beginning January 1, 2006, prescriptiondrug coverage will be available to allAmericans with Medicare. Every personwith Medicare, no matter how they gettheir health care today or whether theyhave existing drug coverage will be eligi-ble for drug coverage under a Medicareprescription drug plan. Insurance compa-nies and other private companies willwork with Medicare to offer these drugplans. Medicare prescription drug planswill be available in every part of thecountry, and all plans will cover bothbrand name and generic drugs.

Texas will be its own region for theimplementation of Medicare Rx. Expectto see at least 10-20 prescription drugplans to choose from.

Medicare prescription drug plans provideinsurance coverage for prescription drugs.Like other insurance, if people with Medi-care join they will pay a monthly premium

(generally around $37 in 2006) and pay ashare of the cost of their prescriptions.Costs will vary depending on the drugplan that is chosen.

Drug plans may vary in what prescrip-tion drugs are covered, how much some-one has to pay, and which pharmaciescan be used. All drug plans will have toprovide at least a minimum standardlevel of coverage, which Medicare willset. However, some plans might offermore coverage and additional drugs for ahigher monthly premium. When a per-son with Medicare joins a drug plan, it isimportant for them to choose one thatmeets their prescription drug needs.

The good news for people with mental illness is that CMS is requiring each planto have “all” or “substantially all” anti-psychotics and antidepressants in theirformularies. Formularies are the list ofdrugs the plan will cover. In addition,plans will not be allowed to placeextraordinary restrictions on access tothese medications during the transitionperiod beginning January of 2006. CMShas emphasized with the plans thatrestrictions to these medications coulddestabilize people who have found amedication that works well for them.The use of restrictive practices, referred to as “utilization management” will haveto be monitored by CMS and each planwill have to have an appeals process forpeople who have been denied access to amedication.

Other good news includes the fact thatpeople will have access to medications forother medical conditions and there is notthe three prescription limit that manypeople experience today with Medicaid.

A person in a Medicare prescription drugplan that covers the minimum standardwould expect to pay a $250 deductibleand then 25% of their drug costs up to anout-of-pocket limit of $2,250. Medicare

drug coverage includes coverage whichbegins when a person with Medicare drug coverage spends $3,600 for covereddrugs in a year. Once this level is reached,the person pays only 5 percent of theirdrug costs. Again, some plans will offeradditional coverage, this is a descriptionof the minimum that must be offered.

When can people with Medicarejoin the Medicare prescriptiondrug plans?Those people who have Medicare Part A(Hospital Insurance) and/or Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance), can join aMedicare prescription drug plan betweenNovember 15, 2005, and May 15, 2006. If they join by December 31, 2005, theirMedicare prescription drug plan coveragewill begin on January 1, 2006. If they joinafter that, their coverage will becomeeffective the first day of the month afterthe month they join. In general, they can join or change plans once each yearbetween November 15 and December 31.

Everyone should join a plan. Even ifsomeone doesn’t use a lot of prescriptiondrugs now, they still should considerjoining a plan. If they don’t join a planby May 15, 2006, and don’t have a drugplan that covers as much or more than aMedicare prescription drug plan, theywill have to pay more if they decide tojoin later.

Is there additional assistance forthose who need it?People who qualify for extra help payingfor Medicare prescription drug costs willget continuous coverage with a smallout of pocket cost. The amount they payout of pocket depends on their incomeand resources. A beneficiary with limitedincome and resources who enrolls in a prescription drug coverage plan andqualifies for the most generous help willhave more than 95 percent of their drugcosts covered.

n MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION DRUG COVERAGE

Are You Ready for Change?By Sam Shore, Assistant Director of the Center for Policy and Innovation, DSHS


Certain low-income beneficiaries willautomatically qualify for the additionalhelp and then will enroll in a prescrip-tion drug plan during the regular enroll-ment period beginning November 15.

An important thing to note is thatalmost all Medicare beneficiaries willhave some out of pocket expenses.

If a Medicare beneficiary is also eligiblefor Medicaid, referred to as a dual eligi-ble, that person is automatically eligiblefor a subsidy that pays the premium anddeductible for a basic plan and the copayfor each prescription will range from $1-$5, depending on if the drug is gener-ic or name brand. That person will auto-matically be enrolled in a plan and noti-fied as to which plan in October 2005. It is important to review the plans todetermine which one best meets the per-son’s medication needs and choose that

plan when open enrollment begins inNovember 2005. A dual eligible individ-ual can switch plans at any time if theyneed to. CMS will make comparisoncharts available before open enrollmentbegins. Dual eligible individuals who cur-rently get their prescriptions throughMedicaid will no longer be able to afterDecember 31, 2005. These individualsmust be enrolled in a plan to get theirprescriptions paid for by Medicare.

If a Medicare beneficiary is not eligiblefor Medicaid but has an income below$14,355/individual or $19,245/marriedcouple then that person may be eligiblefor a partial subsidy to help with out ofpocket costs. This person must applywith the Social Security Administration(SSA), which will determine eligibility.Applications can be submitted beginningJuly 1, 2005. In addition, this person

must choose a plan during open enroll-ment beginning November 15, 2005.

As you can see from this article, there is a great deal to understand about thisnew Medicare benefit. There are manyissues not mentioned that one shouldreview. Information is coming out ofCMS in stages and can be accessed bygoing to www.medicare.gov or calling 1-800-Medicare. For information specificto Texas Medicare coverage you can go towww.TexasMedicareRx.org.

Sam Shore is currently the Assistant Directorof the Center for Policy and Innovation atDSHS. In this role he coordinates the imple-mentation of the Medicare prescription benefitfor several DSHS programs including mentalhealth, HIV, Kidney Health Care, PrimaryHealth Care and Children with Special HealthCare Needs. His background includes special-ization in psychiatric rehabilitation services.

MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION DRUG COVERAGE n


“I’ve been able to reach goals that I wouldhave never been able to reach,” the Planowoman said.

As a mental-health advocate, she uses herexperience with depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder to speak and teachothers about mental illness. It is a role shehas always wanted to fulfill.

“I want to raise awareness about mental-health issues for everyone – not just inour own community – because mostsocial problems we have are intercon-nected due to mental illness,” she said.

However, Ms. Clark said it wasn’t easy toreach the road to recovery.

She said there was a lack of awarenessabout mental-heath disorders when shestarted experiencing the symptoms. Forsix years, she said, she slept and cried,isolating herself either in a small bed-room of her mother’s house in Frisco orat a friend’s apartment.

“It never occurred to me that I had amental illness,” she said. “People justthought I was lazy. They just wonderedwhat was wrong with because I was sototally different than I had been before.”

Ms. Clark’s emotional state also had affect-ed her physically. She said she gained 70pounds.

Before her isolation, she had been a mort-gage loan officer. She also was raising two children. However, in 1994, she saideverything started going downhill. Shehad lost her ability to concentrate, whichaffected her career.

Twice divorced and no longer able tokeep a job, she was unable to pay the

bills and care for her children, so theywent to live with their fathers. Shedivorced her third husband in 1990.

In 1998, Ms. Clark learned she might besuffering from depression after a physi-cian heard she had experienced weightgain, fatigue and a loss of interest ineverything.

“I was just thrilled it had a name,” Ms.Clark said. “I had some kind of hopesomebody could do something for me.”

In 1999, a psychiatrist diagnosed herwith having major depressive disorderand obsessive-compulsive disorder.

In addition to taking medicine, Ms. Clarksought help from a therapist who had herwork on five easy tasks, including open-ing the door and walking out of a room.

“That sounds elementary, but for me itwas hard,” she said.

Since 2001, Ms. Clark has helped otherswho have been diagnosed with mental-health disorders through her involve-ment with the National Alliance for theMentally Ill. She regularly facilitates peer-to-peer support groups for the organiza-tion’s Dallas and Collin County affiliates.

“When I help others, I can see it,” shesaid. “It means the difference betweenlife and death sometimes.”

Ms. Clark was appointed to the organiza-tion’s Texas board of directors, which shesaid is the biggest honor she’s everreceived. She is the Region II director.

When she talks to others about mentalillness, she said she likes to use an anal-ogy that illustrates her own experience:

n CONSUMER CORNER

Mental Health WorkerKnows EnemyAlice Clark views her mental illness as a gift

By Marissa Alanis, The Dallas Morning News

More about Ms. Clark

I moved here from: Frisco, about 20years ago

Community activities: graduate ofPartners in Policymaking, a programsponsored by The Texas Council forDevelopmental Disabilities; past mem-ber of the Consumer Council Board of Directors for the Mental HealthAssociation of Greater Dallas

If I had a different job, I’d be an:author

Birth date and place: Dec. 29, 1950,McKinney

Family: daughter, Taylor Schmidt, 23;son, Tyler Clark, 18

The four guests at my fantasy dinnerparty would be:Kahlil Gibran, Oprah Winfrey, JoshGroban and David Letterman

My hobbies are: writing, advocating for people with mental illness and otherdisabilities, playing computer games andreading

The book I most recommend others toread is: Feeling Good by Dr. David D.Burns

I think the best thing about myself is:I will not give up

My worst habit is: procrastination

My greatest hardship was: battlingmajor depressive disorder

My ideal vacation is: flying to Australia

I’m happiest when: I’m with my children

I regret: never having the opportunityto attend and graduate from college

“When you’re living with a mental ill-ness, it’s like you’re drowning. If you takemedication, you can hold your headabove the water. When you take therapy,you start to swim.”

E-mail [email protected].

Lawrence Jenkins was a Special Contributorfor this article.

This article was reprinted with permission ofThe Dallas Morning News.


Shortly after Jeremy turned 16 and pur-chased his first vehicle, he was involvedin a serious car accident. He had suffereda brain trauma which went undiagnoseduntil the onset of a mental illness at theage of 19. Battle after battle with physi-cians and insurance companies finallyled to his receiving the testing necessaryto diagnose his condition.

But before his diagnosis of Bipolar Schizo-affective Disorder could be made, we hadentered into a new battle front – mentalillness vs. the legal system.

During his first major break from reality,Jeremy encountered the most serious ofhis entanglements with the law resultingin his being put on probation for fiveyears. More than three years into his goalof completing probation without inci-dent, Jeremy due to non-compliance,had another psychotic breakdown andwas once again hospitalized. Shortly afterhis release from the hospital, he waspulled over for a traffic violation. He wasstill in a delicate state of mind and verylittle external pressure was needed topush him towards another breakdown.The police due to lack of knowledgeapproached Jeremy aggressively whichlater resulted in excessive use of force,additional trauma to the brain and newcharges being filed against him whichviolated the conditions of his probation.

Jeremy was arrested and spent a total offour months in two county jails. Whilehe was found competent to stand trial,his thought process was not intact dueto the brain trauma, the mania and psy-chosis brought on by the stress of beingincarcerated.

The physician who conducted the neu-ropsychological testing of Jeremy heldthe opinion that incarceration of my sonwould only lead to further deteriorationof his mental faculties and could be quitedamaging and would be a major setbackfor him.

The legal system presented Jeremy withan offer of three years in prison. Jeremywas going to accept the offer. I managedto contact the attorney representing myson. Fortunately, he agreed to speak withme on my son’s behalf and acceptedinformation I was able to present to himconfirming Jeremy’s illness. During hisfirst appearance before the court, thejudge allowed me to present informationto him regarding Jeremy’s illness, thesupport available to him from his familyand treatment team and NAMI. I wasgiven the opportunity to share with thecourt the education and support we hadreceived from NAMI and the availabilityof the same education and support toJeremy as a consumer.

The hearing was reset pending researchby the probation clerk and the counselfor the judge. Upon return to court andonce again presenting additional infor-mation to the court, the judge advisedJeremy’s attorney that he would give himseven years in prison but it just did notseem right. We had presented him withan abundance of information but noobvious solution. In the midst of what Ifelt would soon be defeat, a question wasposed as to placing Jeremy on an elec-tronic monitor (ankle bracelet) and toallow him to return home with his par-ents. It became obvious to the judge thatJeremy held the love and support of his

family. This, as well as the trust andrespect we had for one another and ofhis treatment team and support group,showed our strength and desire to makethis a positive decision for Jeremy andfor the court.

On November 10th of 2004, Jeremy wasplace on the electronic monitor and hasbeen living at home under the supervi-sion of his parents, treatment team andadult probation. To date, we have beencompliant and satisfied the terms andconditions of his probation. AlthoughJeremy remains on the monitor, he wasrecently granted permission to attendCapitol Day in Austin to represent NAMIon behalf of his peers. This was madepossible by Jeremy’s willingness towardsrecovery and the support of his proba-tion officers and their desire to see himsucceed and once again become a pro-ductive member of society. It was a yearago that Jeremy was on his collegehonor roll.

We were told by a supervisor of the pro-bation department that this is the firsttime this has been done in a situationsuch as Jeremy’s and should it prove tobe successful, then it is something for thecourt to consider in the future in similarsituations. We recently heard throughNAMI that another consumer had beenplaced on a monitor in lieu of prison. Jail

CONSUMER CORNER n

My Son, Our StorySteps to RecoveryBy Marcia WilliamsReprinted from the NAMI Dallas News, March 2005

See My Son, Our Story…page 21


n EDUCATION

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEELinda Groom [email protected]

Ed Kuny 1st [email protected]

Stephanie Contreras [email protected]

Doug Elbert [email protected]

REGIONAL DIRECTORSDeAnna Gibson Region [email protected]

Alice Clark Region [email protected]

Bette Cox Region [email protected]

Andrew J. Dillard, MD Region [email protected]

Victor Ortiz Region [email protected]

Jackie Shannon Region [email protected]

Lee Burns Region [email protected]

Tom Akin Region [email protected]

JoAnn Arscott Region 6

Roger Morin Region [email protected]

Bill Matthews Region [email protected]@agedwards.com

Mary Robins Region [email protected]

Donna Fisher Region [email protected]

Barbara Duren Region [email protected]@grantprideco.com

Nina Shannon Region [email protected]

CONSUMER REPRESENTATIVESBruce [email protected]

Donna [email protected]

There is a special freshness in the air overthe great State of Texas! During the week-end of July 15–17, over forty individualstraveled statewide to Austin to learnabout With Hope In Mind, while trainingto be teachers for their community. Someattendees stayed an extra day to becomestate trainers for the various areasthroughout Texas. With Hope In Mind isdeveloped under the auspices of Centerof Understanding.

For many years, families have been insearch of program options offering edu-cation and support about mental illness.Recovery, although a concept we oftendiscussed, had not been researched scien-tifically until recently. Now, scientificand advocacy organizations interested inthis recovery concept, acknowledge thatboth individual and family recovery are apossibility. Each person affected withmental illness holds the realistic promiseof recovery as a goal toward which theymay strive.

Encouraged by recent evaluation resultsthat empirically document that family-lededucation programs are effective in help-ing families cope with their loved ones’mental illness, With Hope In Mindemerges. You will note the fresh and com-prehensive curriculum with everythingyou need at your fingertips. There areseven videos which may be used to edu-cate the participants about brain biology,depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, OCD,Panic Disorder and PTSD. These videosprovide just one option for teaching WithHope In Mind; there are other choices.

Based on the recommendations of ThePresident’s New Freedom Commissionthat urges families and consumers to worktogether, the Center of Understandingacknowledges the need to revamp severalof its curricula. The With Hope In Mind

curriculum incorporates the findings froma five-year NIMH (National Institute ofMental Health) funded, controlled studyof 462 families. This study demonstratesthe effectiveness in improving outcomesfor families. It is, therefore, appropriateand timely to make programs such asWith Hope In Mind available throughoutthe mental health service networks.

NAMI Montgomery County and Tri-County Mental Health Center, just northof Houston in The Woodlands/Conroearea, have successfully implemented WithHope In Mind in accordance with theResiliency and Disease Managementthrough Texas HB 2292. Staff from theCenter and NAMI volunteers work collab-oratively to meet the needs of the popula-tion in the community through this cur-riculum. It has been proven that flexibili-ty, creativity and options are essentialwhile working together to expand servic-es throughout the community, as per theR/DM model. What many of us haveoften discussed and wished for in ourlocal communities is now possible. It hasbeen proven that we can no longer sur-vive as an island or in a cocoon. We mustbreak the barriers; lead with extremeuprightness proud to be whom we are;impact our communities; expect changewith a new spirit; announce to the worldthat there is no shame in mental illness;and, become the leaders in today’s worldof mental health matters. Mental healthdoes matter! Recovery is an option and agoal attainable by individuals affected bymental illness.

As you let your fingers do the walkingthrough With Hope In Mind, symptoma-tology is presented in an interesting andeasy-to-understand manner. The symp-toms of mood or affective disorders,

With Hope in MindBy Linda A. Zweifel, Center of Understanding, Director

With Hope In Mind, Director

See With Hope In Mind…page 26


EDUCATION n

The rewriting of the Visions for TomorrowCurriculum by Dr. Marcela Garces beganon November 1, 2004. The followingchanges are being made to the currentcurriculum:

nUp-dating the medical and psychiatricinformation to stay current on best prac-tices, research developments and reports,trial studies, medications, current treat-ment trends, and alternative treatments.

n Expanding the curriculum to age 22.We decided this action because SpecialEducation services and IDEA continues toage 22. In addition, when assisting theircollege or college-bound child, parentsmay face and need to be knowledgeableabout housing issues, transportationissues, insurance issues, transition ofservices, adult mental health laws. Pleasenote: Caregivers whose children are beyondage 18, and are NOT attending college, willbe encouraged to take the Family-to-Familyor Journey of Hope course.

n The order of the disorders as presentedin the current curriculum has changed toreflect the order of the DSM IV TR and

the Concise Guide to Child and Adoles-cent Psychiatry, third edition. Group Iare disorders common to adulthood butmay be present in childhood. Group II isprimarily childhood on-set disorders.

nWe have added teenage driving. Thisissue is such a rite-of-passage, but whenthere is mental impairment, it can createstress and hardship in the family. Com-munication techniques, coping strategies,and questions to consider, traffic lawsand juvenile justice involving vehicularcitations will be included in this topic.

nWe have had multiple requests nation-wide to include adoption of children withmental illness. That will be included inthe new curriculum.

n A new workshop on PsychiatricRehabilitation will be added. Topics inthat new workshop will be:

1. Recovery Model2. Person Centered Planning3. Empowerment4. Advocacy

n The new format of the curriculum isdivided into three major sections:

I. Nature of Mental Illness (includes anintroduction to mental illness in childrenand adolescents, an explanation of thebrain, and a short description on how touse the DSM IV TR).

II. Mental Illnesses (includes disordersusually diagnosed in childhood and adolescence).

III. Practical information for families and caregivers (includes transition issues,legislation and legal issues, and psycho-social treatments).

n The discussion of mental illnesses insection II will follow a question andanswer format. Each of the 24 disorderswill answer the following questions:

1. What is this disorder?2. What causes this disorder?3. How do you feel if you have this

disorder?4. What are the most common symp-toms of this disorder?

Visions for TomorrowCurriculum RevisionBy Dr. Marcela Garces, Stephanie Contreras and Pennie Hall

See Visions Revision…page 27


n ELECTION

Jim BlischkeJim Blischke is afounding member ofMidland’s new NAMIaffiliate (Region 4) andis completing his sixthyear as a trustee forthe Permian Basin

Community Centers for MHMR. He isvice-chairman of the board, a member of the Finance and Public LiaisonCommittees, and meets with the Planningand Network Advisory Committee. Jim’sinterest in mental health stems from his belief that all persons, regardless ofincome, are entitled to the best availablecare for both mental and physical ill-nesses. His wife, Alathea, suffers fromfibromyalgia; one of the disease’s sec-ondary effects is clinical depression. Thedisease is managed through medical careand joint changes in their lifestyle.

Currently retired, Jim’s professional back-ground includes 34 years as a marketingand general management executive for a Midwestern insurance company plus stints as a bookseller and bookstoreowner and public broadcasting fundraiser.He serves as an elder, Missions chairper-son and adult teacher in his Presbyterianchurch. He and Alathea have four grownchildren and seven grandchildren. Theyenjoy travel, including this summer’s mis-sion trip to Uganda.

Paul Jurek, PhD.Paul has been a mem-ber of NAMI Texassince 1990. In thepast, he belonged toNAMI in Midland,Odessa, Denton,Concho Valley and

now serves on the Board of NAMIAndrews. He is eligible as a consumer,family member and mental health pro-

fessional. Paul assisted NAMI and MHMRin creating a drop-in center and twomental health centers. He has also beenvery involved in the delivery and advo-cacy of children’s services.

Paul believes NAMI is a big influence onmental health delivery and should workclosely with MHMR, but we need tobecome more visible to the private sector,while continuing our effort to eliminatestigma. We need to expand our educa-tion programs so NAMI will be moreaccessible and available to our communi-ties. He also believes that NAMI Texasneeds to focus efforts on attractingyoung families, teens and young adultsand allow them to be a bigger voice inour organization. As someone who hasworked with large budgets at MHMR,Paul has the knowledge to help with fiscal responsibility. He has experiencewith grant writing and marketing.

Paul believes he can be a good over-all representative for the West Texas areabecause of his urban and rural experience.

Wayne Gregory,PhDWayne’s career as apsychologist in theVeteran’s Adminis-tration (VA) hasenabled him to be an effective advocate

for people with serious mental illnessesand their families. While most of hiswork has been with veterans with PostTraumatic Stress Disorder, Wayne inrecent years has become more involvedwith helping implement psychosocialrehabilitation and recovery concepts inlocal and state-wide venues. Because thiswork required him to get off the VAgrounds and into the community, he wasintroduced to many wonderful people

You will receive your official ballot inthe mail. Please follow directions tocomplete your ballot and mail it in theenvelope provided by September 15th.

Alice ClarkAlice Clark lives in Frisco in CollinCounty Texas. Shewas diagnosed withMajor DepressiveDisorder andObsessive Compulsive

Disorder in 1999. Medication therapy wasstarted and a month later, Alice beganCognitive Behavioral Therapy. At the ageof 48, her healing and a better way of lifereally began.

Since 1999, Alice has found her purposein life through education and advocacyrevolving around mental illness recovery.It is not a journey she has chosen, butthe trip has been priceless.

Presently, Alice serves on the Board ofDirectors for NAMI Texas representingRegion 2. She works on the NAMI TexasConsumer Network as a Director. Facili-tating consumer support groups sinceearly in 2001 has been a major factor inher ability to maintain recovery.

In 2004, Ms. Clark graduated from aninnovative leadership training programfor persons with disabilities and theircaregivers called “Partners in Policy-making.” Also, she completed the “Trainthe Trainer” course in New Jersey forTeam Solutions. This year, Alice attendeda training session in St. Louis for NAMICARE mutual support groups.

Alice believes education is the key torecovery for consumers as well as under-standing for their families. Her motto is:“Excellence does not require perfection.”

Meet the CandidatesBios for Candidates on the NAMI Texas Ballot


ELECTION n

associated with NAMI. Wayne became amember of NAMI Waco two years ago andis now the President of this affiliate. Hefelt NAMI Waco provided a very uniqueopportunity to create partnerships amongthe Waco agencies. The partnerships haveproduced a newsletter in which all thepartnering agencies have columns and aconsumer operated drop-in center, theIndependence Center, has opened.

Wayne is very interested in helpingstakeholders from all areas combineefforts to improve the quality of life forall people with mental illness.

Donna FisherNAMI Gulf CoastDonna is the parentof a child diagnosedin 1993 with ADHDand in 2000 withbipolar disorder and acurrent member of

the NAMI Texas Board. She has beenworking with the school system and themedical system since her child’s firstdiagnosis.

Donna advocates in the communities ofBrazoria and Galveston Counties for theindividual rights and needs of childrenwho have mental illness. She educatesfamilies, agencies and the general com-munity about mental illness and therights of consumers. Donna’s dutiesinclude attending the Gulf Coast CenterChildren’s Mental Health PAC meetings,preparing families for ARD meetings andattend with them as necessary. She alsoattends NAMI meetings, facilitates when necessary and teach Visions forTomorrow classes.

Roger MorinNAMI San AntonioRoger has over 30years of in-depthexperience in socialservices, includingexperience in gangintervention, con-

sumer advocacy, group home supervi-sion, respite and various projects for thehomeless.

Roger’s current position is communityliaison with the Center for Health CareServices, the MHMR authority in SanAntonio. He promotes the center as acredible and responsive entity and devel-op relationships with local communitycenters, law enforcement, private behav-ioral hospitals, homeless organizationsand shelters that deal with the mentallyimpaired. He investigates customer com-plaints and maintain good relations withadvocacy groups.

Roger is a NAMI Texas Board member rep-resenting Region 7 since 2004; Member ofthe PAIMI Council (Advocacy, Inc.); BoardMember of San Antonio Clubhouse; com-mittee Member of the Bexar County andSouth Texas Family Support Conferences;and a Chairman of the San Antonio AreaHomeless Action Coalition.

Bruce A. BlackMr. Black is Chair of the Board ofDirectors of the EL Paso Advocacy forMental Health, Inc. and ExecutiveDirector of Casa Esperanza, operated bythe Advocacy. Mr. Black encourages youto come by and visit Casa Esperanza,House of Hope, and speaks to our finevolunteers on duty to find out moreabout the organization’s activities.

Mr. Black performs outreach to the com-munity with the assistance of NAMI ElPaso and NAMI, Texas. Mr. Black goes toin-patient mental health hospital wardsand instructs patients on acceptance oftheir mental illness and teaches that suchmental illnesses are not disabling for life,but, instead partial or full recovery arepossible – along with return to the com-munity as a fully functional communitymember. He also instructs the El PasoPolice and Sheriff’s Departments on howto better handle encounters with thementally ill on the beat and how to moreeffectively work with them in jail orprison, so as to better understand eachother and allow the policemen to be, notan antagonist or minimally acceptableperson in a stand-off, but to be a profes-sional who actually signifies aids andassists mentally ill clients.

Mr. Black was appointed and is on many

local and state boards, the most recent isNCED Mental Health Center, whichyears ago he was an in-patient manytimes in their hospital. In 2004, EPAMH,Inc received two demonstration start upgrants from the Federal through the Stategovernments to open and begin opera-tions of the EPAMH, Inc. expansion andfirst operations facility called CasaEsperanza (The House of Hope) Activityand Learning Center, CEALC. CEALChouses a library of general non-fictionand fiction titles and brochures and med-ical journals on mental illness condi-tions, treatments, and causes some inSpanish as well as English. CEALC alsohouses a computer laboratory to assistclients, and even volunteer staff withtheir duties for the clients.

Aaron SpencerAaron Spencer, fromNAMI MetropolitanHouston, has beeninvolved in NAMI for5 years. In 2004, hereceived the MarshallConsumer Advocacy

Award from the Mental Health Associa-tion of Greater Houston. Aaron has beeninvolved in the Harris County area since2000 in promoting recovery through vis-iting inpatient facilities and talking aboutrecovery from a personal standpoint. He has been a member of the HarrisCounty MHMRA Planning and AdvisoryCommittee since 2002. In this role, Aaronoffers advice about issues that pertain toconsumers: housing, medication, jobs,review of mobile crisis effectiveness, etc.

Along with 13 years of service work intwelve step recovery programs, Aaron wasfeatured in an article for the MHMRAInterfaith Newsletter sharing his experi-ence of recovery.

Thomas CortinoUpon becoming a consumer of mentalhealth services some years ago, Thomas had very little information about theseillnesses. He feared that he was alone,without knowing where to go or what todo. Then a friend referred him to NAMISouth Texas See Candidate Bios…page 20


three years ago. NAMIhas taught Thomasthat education is anessential part ofunderstanding andcoping with mentalillness. NAMI hasenriched all the previ-

ous learning opportunities he has experi-enced in his life. Thomas was born andraised in the Rio Grande Valley of SouthTexas. The construction business formedan important part of his life. He haslearned business techniques, how to dealwith many different types of people, and how to instruct others from owningand working in residential/commercialconstruction companies. Thomas alsoworked for a school district as Director of Operations of Transportation, FoodServices, and Inventory. This challengingyet rewarding opportunity fine-tuned hisleadership skills.

As a volunteer with NAMI South Texas,Thomas now has the privilege of assist-ing other individuals and families; assur-ing them that they are not alone withtheir mental illness. At support groupmeetings every month in Hidalgo andCameron Counties, Thomas provides the peer-to-peer based support group. In July, he will be teaching Texas TeamSolutions to a group in Harlingen. TheNAMI South Texas Board of Directorsrecently instated Thomas as the newestmember of their board. He plans to assistothers in every way possible here inSouth Texas.

Thomas would like to serve every con-sumer in Texas as their representative tothe NAMI National Consumer Council.He would like your vote so that he mighthave an opportunity at the national levelto continue to support NAMI Texas in itsprograms, workshops and educationalcourses directed by and to mental healthconsumers, family and the general public.

n ELECTION

NAMI TexasElection Ballot

NAMI TEXAS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Directions: You must vote for five (5) candidates total. If you vote for moreor less than 5 candidates, your ballot will be disqualified. Please follow thedirections for each section:

REGION 2: Select one (1) candidate by circling only one (1) name:

Alice Clark


Jim Blischke Paul A. Jurek


Wayne Gregory

AT LARGE: Select two (2) candidates by circling two (2) names:

Donna Fisher Roger Morin

NAMI TEXAS REPRESENTATIVE TO THE NAMI CONSUMER COUNCIL

Directions: You must vote for only one (1) candidate. If you vote for morethan one (1) candidate, your ballot will be disqualified.

Directions: Select one (1) candidate by circling only one (1) name:

Alice Clark Bruce Black Aaron Spencer Thomas Cortino

You must return the ballot in the envelope provided by September 15!

Candidate Bios…continued from page 19

Watch for your ballotto arrive by mail!


NAMI WALKS n

diversion can work with the properknowledge, trust and support.

We do not know how long Jeremy willbe on the monitor, but for the timebeing, he is home, healthy and workingdiligently towards recovery. We are veryproud of his success. We would like toexpress our thanks for those who havetaken an interest and have been essentialin Jeremy’s recovery. Thank you. You arein our thoughts and prayers. Thank you,most of all for your compassion. Thankyou, Your Honor.

My Son, Our Story…continued from page 15

NAMI Rockport’s 1st Annual AwardPresentationNAMI Rockport, the local chapter of theNational Alliance for the Mentally Ill,held their first annual Awards Presen-tation Luncheon at the Back 40 onValentine’s Day.

Honorees were: Valerie Guillory, rec-ognized for the start-up and teaching ofthe “Computers Are Fun” class for men-tal health consumers for almost threeyears; Jowell Hearn, awarded for histireless work as computer collector, pro-grammer, and mechanic, also for hiswork as NAMI Treasurer and ConsumerFacilitator. Lou Ann Garcia was recog-nized for her tireless work in fundraising,meeting facilitation and all around con-tributions. Kathy Osgood received acommendation for her consistent workas Telephone coordinator for the pastthree years and lastly, Nina Shannonwas recognized for her work in NAMIRockport for the past seven years.

NAMI Rockport, which was a subset ofNAMI Corpus Christi, recently became astand-alone chapter and is preparing fortheir first Family-to-Family training class.This free class is open to all relatives andfriends of people with chronic mentalillness. You don’t have to be a NAMImember to attend. Call (361) 729-4617for more information.

Sunday, October 2, 2005Auditorium Shores, Austin

Registration: 8:30 amStart Time: 10:00 am

Build YourNAMI WalksTeam NOW!NAMIWalks Online Fundraisingat www.nami.org

Contact NAMIWalks Manager, Diana Kern

for more information at [email protected]


Significant Riders to theAppropriations BillView appropriation riders by going to the Legislative Budget Board website –www.lbb.state.tx.us, under Publications andReports look for Conference CommitteeReport – SB 1 – Appropriations Bill 2006 –2007.

n Rider 7 to DSHS – authorizes up to17.5% of funds to be transferred fromMental Health State Hospitals to fundingfor Community Mental Health Servicesfor Adults or Children and/orCommunity Mental Health Hospitals;

n Rider 80 to DSHS – requires localMHAs to conduct CARE system databasechecks within 72 hours of referrals forlocal and county jails to determine ifoffenders have a history of a mental ill-ness and report such information to therequesting jail. Quarterly reports will befiled with TCOOMMI as a part of thecommunity of care mandate;

n Sec. 29 Rider (to all Health & HumanServices) – requires DSHS and DARS toimplement an “equity” plan among localMHMR authorities from FY 2006 – 2013.Funding reductions to a local authorityto achieve equity may not exceed 5%;

n Sec. 44 Rider (to all Health & HumanServices) – authorizes local MHA to expendup to 15% of New Generation Medication(NGM) funding on related services and, if local MHA exceeds NGM to the extentthat patient assistance programs have beenmaximized, this amount may be expendedon direct services to clients;

n Rider 8 to HHSC – HHSC will developa plan to prevent custody relinquishmentof youth with serious emotional distur-bances and request any necessary waiversfrom the federal government to do so;

n Rider 67 to HHSC – Continue MedicaidCoverage of certain excluded MedicarePart D Drug categories. Although there is

a huge shift of full dual eligible clients toMedicare from Medicaid some categoriesof drugs where excluded from coverageunder the new Medicare Part D. Texaswill continue to provide coverage underMedicaid Vendor Drug. For persons withSMI – benzodiazepines are included inthat category.

An interesting twist to the Medicare PartD participation is Governor’s line itemveto of the payment of $444.3 million,which is, required of a state, under theMedicare Drug Benefit law, to helpfinance it, known as the “clawback.”

n Rider 69 to HHSC – $75,000 per yearto provide a grant to a non-profit organi-zation to develop a pilot project directedat enhancing the well being and care ofcitizens who are dually diagnosed withmental retardation and mental illness;

n Rider 83 to TDCJ – $160,000 per yearfor Permian Basin Mental Health DeputyPilot Program for Ector & MidlandCounties;

nRider 2 to Commission on Jail Standards– Commission will amends its rules andprocedures to require county and localjails to:

• check each offender upon intake intojail against the DSHS’ CARE system todetermine if the offender has previouslyreceived state mental healthcare;

• record whether the CARE system waschecked on the initial intake screeningform; and

• include any relevant mental healthinformation on the mental healthscreening instrument and, if sentencedto the DCR, on the Uniform HealthStatus Update form.

Significant LegislationThe full text of each bill can be found bygoing to the Texas Legislature Onlinehttp://www.capitol.state.tx.us/ and typing

in the bill number in the section BillHistory and Vote History.

nHB 2572 – Vetoed by the Governor. Toread the Governor’s Veto Proclamation goto http://www.governor.state.tx.us/divisions/press/veto2005_files/hb2572.pdf

nHB 2572 changed the provider of lastresort language from the 78th Session.Allowed a local mental health authorityto be a qualified service provider if theauthority makes every reasonable effortto solicit the development of an availableand appropriate provider base that is sufficient to meet the needs of the con-sumers in its service area. The bill alsostalled the implementation of “fee-for-service” requiring a study on the impactof various forms of payment for servicesand a report to the legislature. The billalso authorized a joint interim legislativecommittee to study the local mentalhealth and mental retardation deliverysystem and to develop recommendationsfor improving the provision of servicesand increasing the accountability forfunds management in the system.

In its place is an Executive Order byGovernor Perry that directs HHSC todevelop a plan for the implementation forthe “provider of last resort” language. TheOrder also seeks an Attorney Generals’Opinion whether that language applies to the provision of mental health services.The Executive Order can be found athttp://www.governor.state.tx.us/divisions/

press/exorders/rp45

nHB 291 – Requires notification of a victim upon the discharge or release intocommunity outpatient care of certaindefendants found not guilty by reason of insanity.

nHB 2518 – Conditions for a person’sparticipation in a mental health courtprogram – requires appointment of anattorney; requires a court-ordered indi-vidualized treatment plan.

n 79 TH LEGISLATIVE SESSION

Legislative Report


n SB 826 – HHSC shall conduct a studyto determine the feasibility of providing12 months of health services under theMedicaid program to women who arediagnosed with postpartum depression.

n SB 566 – Requires HHSC to implementa Medicaid buy-in program for personswith disabilities authorized by the Ticketto Work and Work Incentives Act nolater than 12/1/2005. Participants musthave a net income at or below 250% ofthe federal poverty level (approximately$24,000 for a family of one), and willparticipate in cost sharing.

nHB 224 – Prevents a minor betweenthe ages of 16 and 18, who has beenadmitted for voluntary inpatient treat-ment by a parent or guardian, from dis-charging him or herself if the parent ofthe patient objects in writing, and allowsthe parent or guardian who admittedtheir minor child to consent to theadministration of psychoactive medica-tion to the minor patient. State mentalhealth facilities are required to consultwith the parent or guardian who admit-ted the patient (instead of merely inform-ing them) regarding the patient’s requestfor discharge, and continue treating thepatient as a voluntary patient if the par-ent/guardian objects in writing.

n SB 1473 – Requires 16 hours de-escala-tion and crisis intervention techniquestraining to facilitate interaction with persons with mental impairments for allpeace officers as a part of their continu-ing education and certification.

n SB 465 – Relating to the administrationof psychoactive medication (forced med-ication) of patients in custody awaitingtrial or those sent to a state hospital forcompetency restoration. This bill bringsTexas law into compliance with a U.S.Supreme Court decision that set forthstandards regarding forced medication inthese cases.

n SB 679 – Allows for videoconferencingbetween the court and the hospital for adefendant who has been committed asincompetent to stand trial and requiresthe defendant to remain in the hospitalto await a competency hearing until 72

hours prior to the hearing, therebyreducing time spent waiting in jail.

n SB 837 – Insanity Defense Reform.Does not change the substantive law inTexas, which still requires a Defendant toprove that as a result of a severe mentaldisease or defect he/she did not knowthat the conduct was wrong. The billmakes the provisions concerning releasestandards and post-release monitoringmore explicit as well as conforming thestandards for experts used in an insanitycase to those standards for experts usedto determine the competency of a defen-dant to stand trial. The bill includes spe-cific release standards and provisionsregarding post-release monitoring. TheTrial Court must receive and approve anindividualized treatment plan; must findthat the services are available; may man-date participation in treatment and ordersupervision by TCOOMMI. The bill alsorequires HHSC to collect and report tothe Legislature annually a report of allperson’s found NGRI; ordered to inpa-tient services; or ordered to communitysupervision and the outcomes.

n SB 410 – Although this bill reauthorizesthe State Board of Pharmacy, it containsprovisions that sets up a state sponsoredInternet site listing Canadian pharmaciesthat meet Texas licensing standards andthat sell drugs approved by the U.S. Foodand Drug Administration. Texans couldbuy direct from the Canadian pharmaciesdespite rarely enforced federal restrictions.Purchases must be limited to renewal pre-scriptions, drugs for long-term use and90-day supplies.

n SB 1188 – Medicaid Reform. Containsmany of the reform proposals from theGovernor’s Medicaid Reform Workgroupthat met during 2004, along with addi-tional Medicaid – related provisions.

n SB 1340 – Addresses the use of trainedhealth professionals (telepresenters) other than physicians, registered nurses,advanced practice nurses, or physicianassistants to present patients. Requires theHealth and Human Services Commissionto develop and DSHS to implement apilot program to provide Medicaid men-

tal health services through telehealth ortelemedicine.

n SB 325 – Sets limits on the use ofrestraints on a variety of state-licensedfacilities, including substance abuse facil-ities and mental health facilities, andcharges the executive commissioner withadoption of rules related to the use ofrestraint and seclusion. The bill alsoestablishes a multi-agency workgroupthat will make recommendations to thehealth and Human Services Commissionrelated to uniform definitions, data col-lection, and minimum standards on theuse of behavioral interventions.

nHB 1771 and a special provision in SB 1 – Integrated Care Management:

• Requires HHSC to develop an integrat-ed care management (ICM) model ofMedicaid managed care.

• The ICM model is a noncapitated man-aged care model with enhancements toimprove patient outcomes, improveaccess to care, constrain health carecosts and integrate acute care and longterm care services and supports.

• ICM will serve the aged/blind/disabledpopulation.

• ICM is an alternative to STAR+PLUS,which is a capitated model.

• HHSC may contract with one or moreadministrative service organizations toperform care coordination and otherfunctions of the ICM model.

• ICM model will be implemented in theDallas service delivery area.

• HHSC will seek federal approval to con-vert the existing STAR+PLUS model inHouston area to a capitated model witha hospital carve out.

• In the service delivery areas of Bexar,Dallas, El Paso, Harris, Lubbock,Nueces, Tarrant and Travis Counties,HHSC will consult with public hospitalofficials and other county officials indetermining the managed care modelto be used for the aged/blind/disabledpopulation in their areas. The managedcare model options included PrimaryCare Case Management (PCCM), ICMor health maintenance organization(HMO) with hospital carve outs.

79 TH LEGISLATIVE SESSION n


n AFFILIATE NEWS

NAMI Waco, a relatively small affiliate,has benefited from participation fromeach of the large mental health serviceproviders in the community. Represen-tatives from the Heart of Texas RegionalMental Health and Mental RetardationCenter (HOTRMHMR), the DePaulCenter and the Central Texas VeteransHealth Care System (CTVHCS) serveeither in the general membership or onthe board of NAMI Waco. As a result,NAMI Waco has become both a founda-tion and an incubator for partnered proj-ects to improve the quality of lives forpersons with serious mental illnesses inour community and for those who careabout them.

The brainchild of former board members,Margaret Stratton and Maurice Dutton,this affiliation among service providers,consumers and advocates has undertakena number of joint efforts. Recently, a new coalition in our state was conceived,calling itself the Texas Peer RecoverySpecialists. This group, formed to pro-mote peer supported recovery in ourstate, emerged from a training partneredby an impressive number of agencies. The training itself, provided by theDepression and Bipolar Support Alliance’s(DBSA) Peer-to-Peer Recovery Center and led by Lisa Goodale and her teamincluding Ike Powell and Larry Fricks, wasplanned in a series of teleconferences byrepresentatives from DBSA, NAMI Texas,NAMI Waco, HOTRMHMR, TarrantCounty MHMR, Center for Health CareServices (San Antonio) and CTVHCS.

The desire to assemble participants fromfederal, state and advocacy organizations

across Texas grew out of very positiveexperiences between CTVHCS, DePauland HOTMHMR in the NAMI Waco envi-ronment. This weeklong training wascompleted by staff and consumers fromeach of the partnering agencies.

This training project followed close onthe heels of a first Recovery and PeerSupport Conference sponsored by theVeterans Integrated Services Network 17and the national VA working group onpeer support. Again, the NAMI Wacoenvironment allowed for planning andparticipation in this conference by MoeArmstrong, the Paradise Center, CTVHCS,NAMI Texas, NAMI Waco, HOTRMHMRand the Texas Mental Health Consumers.While this conference actually began atthe CTVHCS, Waco on a Monday, itbecame a celebration that ended at theDallas VA on a Friday.

The initial project emerging from theNAMI Waco incubator, owed primarilyto the vision and leadership of TomThomas from HOTRMHMR, was thedevelopment of a consumer-operateddrop-in center in Waco.

In one of the NAMI Waco meetings,Tom proposed that CTVHCS’s establishedpeer support program, Vets Helping Vets,team up with HOTRMHMR and eachbring their own limited, but unique,resources to improve the lives of bothveteran and non-veteran consumers inour community.

After visiting the well established Para-dise Center in Fort Worth, this group ofCTVHCS and HOTRMHMR staff and con-sumers planned and celebrated the open-

ing of their center, The IndependenceCenter, in May of this year in what maybe the first, formal partnership between astate MHMR facility and a VA facility.The Independence Center has over 90members within a two month period ofbusiness. Its 16 person Member AdvisoryBoard provides a safe, consumer-friendlyenvironment for 40-50 members eachweekday from 9 a.m until 3 p.m. Modeledafter the Paradise Center, members maysocialize, go on outings, work in a garden,play games, take peer led courses andgroups, or simply do nothing. Everyoneis welcome to participate at whateverlevel desired.

This successful partnering has evenchanged the format of the NAMI WacoNewsletter. In addition to columns fromconsumers and family members, thenewsletter has begun to print regularcolumns from the CTVHC, MHMR,DePaul, NAMI Waco and the NAMIVeterans Consumer Council. This forumserves to keep stakeholders of eachorganization informed about its ownactivities and functions as a vehicle forsharing information with the broadermental health community.

While each of the participating partners,agencies and organizations certainlyretains its own special focus and priority,we have learned that we have muchmore in common than we have differ-ences, especially when we remember thereasons we exist. We are a stronger com-munity when we share our limited, butunique, talents, abilities and resources.

NAMI Waco Parners with Heart of Texas MHMR and the WacoVeterans AdministrationBy Wayne Gregory, President NAMI Waco


AFFILIATE NEWS n

Affiliates of Region II of NAMI Texasraised over $100,000 in walker and corporate donations at its inaugural“NAMIWalks for the Mind of America”Walkathon at historic Old City Park onSaturday, May 7th. The walkathon ispart of a larger, multi-year effort byNAMI to erase the stigma associatedwith mental illness and help local NAMIaffiliates raise much needed funds forvarious educational and support pro-grams. Proceeds from this event will bedistributed among affiliates in Dallas,Fort Worth and Plano.

“North Texans were very generous with

their contributions,” said Acting ExecutiveDirector Lori Palmer. “We expect to sur-pass our financial goal of $100,000. Weare pleased with this outcome, especiallysince there is stiff competition for charitydollars here.”

NAMI also exceeded its goal of 1000walkers, with at least 1,300 people com-pleting a 5K (three miles) route thatincluded some of the most scenic partsof downtown Dallas. “We had over 75teams participate, with some of themvery large (up to 100 members) and oth-ers very small” reported Palmer. “Allaspects of the mental health community

were represented, including consumers,caregivers, and providers.”

Palmer expressed her thanks to the com-mittee that steered the walk to a success-ful conclusion. Committee members andtheir area of involvement included NAMIDallas President Julie Noble, walk manag-er; John Dornheim, business teams; PattiHaynes, family teams; Marion Shaw, kick-off luncheon; Jeff Thiebeault, media rela-tions; Karla Taddiken, event day logistics,and Sharon DeBlanc, SPN sponsors andwalkers. Other representatives includedGeorge Elwell, NAMI Collin County; andBette Cox, NAMI Tarrant County.

Dr. Eric Nestler, chair of the Departmentof Psychiatry, UT Southwestern MedicalSchool, served as the honorary chair ofthis year’s event. Allison Draper, publisherof the Dallas Observer, served as the chairof walk sponsors.

Other key individuals who contributedto the success of the walk included DavidHenry, General Manager of InfinityBroadcasting, Valetta Forsythe Lill, Cityof Dallas Councilperson; Maurine Dickey,Dallas County Commissioner; GarySmith, President of Old City Park, CeliaBarshop, Special Events Manager for the City of Dallas; and Steve Leonard,National Consultant for NAMIWalks for the Mind of America.

NAMI Walks in Dallas:A Huge Success!By Jeff Thiebeault, Media Chair

2005 NAMIWalks for the Mind of America


n AFFILIATE NEWS

truth – not about my brother’s brain andhis illness.”

Shannon Edmonds, legal counsel repre-senting Texas county prosecutors, pre-sented counterpoints to arguments forany major reform in the defense.

“Medical definitions don’t fit legal defini-tions. Where do you draw the line?”Psychiatry is still “a soft science…basedon subjectivity,” he said.

“It’s difficult for two systems to cometogether when they can’t even cometogether to take care of their own prob-lems…From our point of view, the fail-ures of the mental health system end upin the criminal justice system…We havedifferent goals. Protecting the many ver-sus the few.”

He warned against legislating based on“aberrations” – such as the Yates case, oreven the 1983 case of John Hinckley,who attempted to assassinate formerPresident Ronald Reagan. Hinckley wasfound not guilty by reason of insanity,and public outrage at the time promptedthe shift by states to a narrow standard.

Edmonds called the mental health sys-tem into which successful proponents of the insanity defense are committed

with the possibility of early discharge a“black hole.”

“Before we widen the definition, let’s fixwhat we’ve got”—suggesting a possibilityof finding common ground. Panel speak-ers noted that three states—Idaho,Montana and Utah—have actually abol-ished the insanity defense entirely.

Ron Honberg, NAMI’s director of policy &legal affairs, summarized NAMI’s position:

n Preservation of the defense

n Support for the broader “appreciate” or“incapable of conforming conduct tolaw” standard.

nOpposition to a “guilty but mentallyill” standard, which is not essentiallydifferent from “guilty” and still resultsin a prison sentence without appropri-ate treatment.

nDisclose to jurors prior to deliberationsthat a finding of not guilty by reasonof insanity does not result in immedi-ate release, but commitment instead toa secure state hospital, instead ofprison.

n Support for “psychiatric security reviewboards” or other mechanisms to ensurelong-term care, treatment and supervi-sion of a person even after dischargefrom a state hospital.

Insanity Defense…continued from page 9

Brian Shannon, Esq, Associate Dean for AcademicAffairs, Texas Tech University School of Law

thought disorder, anxiety disorders, self-injurious and addictive disorders are amajor focus. The medication section iseasy to access. Families will be amazedwith the format and knowledge provid-ed in this section. It can easily be updat-ed as new medications and data areapproved and released.

Communication skills including listen-ing and de-escalation are presented withgreat clarity. Workshop participants aresubjected to different and innovativeexperiences similar to what persons, whoare affected with mental illness with psy-chotic features, often encounter, therebyenhancing empathy. The simplifiedproblem management workshop is abreeze, providing focused methodologyand allowing time to address concernsfrom many workshop participants.Actual hands-on activities for advocacyin your specific area present a perfectcontinuation from the study of curricu-lum to the transition to support groups.

With Hope In Mind offers exciting oppor-tunities for workshops to be presentedthrough non-profit organizations, localaffiliates, houses of worship and commu-nity organizations and agencies. Uponcontacting the Center of Understanding,you will be provided with specific, factu-al information regarding With Hope InMind, its future and its continued rolethrough a flexible, diverse and updatedcurriculum. Through With Hope In Mind,you will be revitalized with hope andfulfillment.

Linda A. Zweifel, Director of Center ofUnderstanding, brings over 25 years experi-ence in the field of mental illness and isresponsible for education, support groupsand outreach for the persons affected bymental illness, families and friends. Lindaknows well the emotional processes experi-enced by family members, and it is her goalto provide hope for others through educationand support efforts. Linda is co-author ofseveral curricula including the “With HopeIn Mind©” international education and sup-port group program which addresses theneeds of adults affected by mental illness.

With Hope In Mind…continued from page 16

Under Texas law, and

in many other states, the

standard for insanity is

whether a person “knows”

an action is right or wrong

at the time it occurs.

See the Legislative Report on page 22 formore info on how Texas currently dealswith the Insanity Defense issue (SB 837).


ANNUAL CONFERENCE n

5. What are the different types of thisdisorder?

6. What is the course and prognosis ofthis disorder?

7. How common is this disorder?8. What are the most common treat-

ments for this disorder?9. What can families and friends do

to help?

n The question and answer format will be highlighted by small vignettes, realstories from NAMI members, followed bya small section called: Let us think aboutthis information (specific questions aboutthe information presented to encouragecomprehension and discussion).

n A reference list of resources (books, scientific journals and organizations, andwebsites) will be offered.

Dr. Garces, Stephanie Contreras andPennie Hall made a presentation of thenew Visions for Tomorrow curriculum at the NAMI National Convention onTuesday, June 21, 2005. Joe Lovelace andPennie Hall presented a beautiful plaqueto Meg Propes and Marcelo Kort of the EliLilly and Company Foundation in recog-nition of their generous underwriting giftwhich made this re-write project possible.Dr. Garces presented the new curriculumfollowed by a Q & A forum moderated byStephanie Contreras and Pennie Hall.NAMI Texas has been receiving positivefeedback nationally about the re-writeand the future of Visions for Tomorrow.

An e-group website, [email protected] is available for all persons who are interested in becominginvolved with Visions for Tomorrow.Periodic postings with critical informa-tion about VFT, teachers, trainings, etc.will be made available on this site. Pleasecontact Pennie Hall at [email protected] you wish to become a member of thise-group.

Have a great summer and Expect Recovery!

Visions Revision…continued from page 17

Conference Registration: Fill in the Conference Registration Form found onthe back cover of this newsletter and mail along with your $55 registration feeto: NAMI Texas, 2800 South IH 35, Suite 140, Austin, TX 78704.

Hotel Accommodations: Room rates at The Woodward Hotel are $70 (single/double), $90 (single/double suites). In order to receive this room rate you mustregister with the hotel by September 15th. No exceptions.

NAMI Texas Conference Agenda10 am – Noon

n Practical & Effective Grantwriting with Jeff Cohen, President of Cohen and Associates

n The Training Effective Board Members Project and the CHANGE OUR WORLDmanual with Renee Lovelace

nWhat does it mean to me? Medicare Rx Program

Noon – 1:30 PM, Lunch on Your Own

1:30 – 3 PM

nDr. Dave Wanser, Deputy Commissioner for Behavioral and Community Health Services,Department of State Health Services

3 – 3:30 PM, Awards Ceremony

3:30 – 5 PM, Five Workshops you will not want to miss.

5 – 7 PM, Fiesta Party

7 – 10 PM, NAMI Texas Board Meeting

For more information, call Kristin White at (512) 693-2000.

Annual ConferenceSaturday, October 1, 2005

The Woodward Hotel and Conference Center3401 South IH 35, Austin, TX

512-448-2444 or 800-WOODWARD

NONPROFIT ORGU.S. POSTAGE PAID

AUSTIN, TXPERMIT NO. 3441Fountain Park Plaza III

2800 S. IH35, Suite 140Austin, TX 78704

To find a NAMI Texas affiliate in your area, call 1-800-633-3760 or visit www.namitexas.org

NAMI Texas Annual Conference Registration FormThe Woodward Hotel and Conference Center • 3401 South IH 35, Austin, TX • 512-448-2444 or 800-WOODWARD

Saturday, October 1, 2005

Name:

Address:

City: State: Zip:

Phone: E-mail:

Registration fee for the conference is $55. Please make your check payable to NAMI Texas. Mail yourcheck and completed registration form to: Kristin White, NAMI Texas, 2800 S. IH 35, Suite 140, Austin,TX 78704. You may make a photocopy of this form if you don’t want to cut your newsletter.

If you have questions or need more information, please call Kristin White at 512-693-2000.

Sunday, October 2, 2005Auditorium Shores, Austin

Build YourNAMI WalksTeam NOW!NAMIWalks Online Fundraisingat www.nami.org

Documents

Annual Convention 2005: On the Frontier of Recoveryof …namitexas.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2014/11/NL2005summer.pdf · Annual Convention 2005: ... Frank Webb of the Houston