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To strengthen families and individuals
affected by mental illness through
education, support and advocacy.
NAMI Louisville
708 W. Magazine Street Suite 144
Louisville, Kentucky 40203
502-588-2008
www.namilouisville.org
NAMI Louisville’s Quarterly Newsletter
Volume 2 Issue 3
© NAMI Louisville, Inc. 2015
PROGRAM EXPANSION 1
WALK—SAVE THE DATE 2
SOCIAL CLUB 2
STATEMENT FROM NAMI NATIONAL
DIRECTOR 3
KNOW YOUR MENTAL HEALTH
PROFESSIONAL 4
ADVOCACY UPDATE 5
NAMI SIGNATURE PROGRAMS &
SUPPORT GROUPS 6
UPCOMING EVENTS 8
Quarterly Newsletter
The Derby City’s Voice on Mental Health
Contents
Volume 2: Issue 3 Spring 2015
8TH PRINCIPLE OF SUPPORT
We embrace
humor as
healthy.
NAMI Louisville, Inc. est. 1979
Planning & Progress
for 2015 & Beyond
Early in 2014, NAMI Louisville began
promising our members, our generous
sponsors and donors and the rest of the
community that we will grow to meet the
needs of the families and individuals
affected by mental illness in the
Louisville area. In 2015 and beyond, we
are delivering on that promise with more
education programs, support groups and
advocacy.
The fall 2014 newsletter described the
work of three ad hoc committees formed
to investigate the need for NAMI services
in our community and make
recommendations for future growth based
on that need. In December 2014 and
January 2015, the NAMI Louisville board
of directors officially adopted the
recommendations of all three committees
as our strategic direction for the next five
years. We want our members, friends and
supporters to know the path we have
taken to reach as many people as possible
in and around the city who need our help.
The next three newsletters will summarize
the work and recommendations of the
committees.
EDUCATION Under the leadership of Terry Lee, the
education ad hoc committee met several
times during 2014 and took a very
deliberate approach to ascertain the ways
that NAMI signature programs (e.g.
Family-to-Family, NAMI Basics, NAMI
Provider Education, In Our Own Voice,
etc.) impact people affected by mental
illness. After a brainstorming session, a
needs-based survey and a review of
NAMI affiliates in cities with similar
populations to Louisville, the committee
made the following five-year
recommendations to the board of
directors:
Increase outreach, marketing and
visibility of NAMI Louisville
Increase the frequency of Family-to-
Family to 10 or more classes per year
Increase the frequency of NAMI
Basics to 4 or more classes per year
Initiate In Our Own Voice for people
suffering from mental illness
Initiate Family-to-Family alumni
gatherings and quarterly membership
meetings with educational emphasis Involve local Universities, Mental
Health Professionals and Public
Schools in education initiatives
The board approved these
recommendations and also appointed Mr.
Lee as NAMI Louisville’s director of
education programming for a two year
period. He will work with the executive
director to achieve all of those objectives.
Earlier this year, Mr. Lee assembled a
team that set an ambitious and much-
needed schedule of educational courses.
We are pleased to be offering eight
Family-to-Family courses and two
NAMI Basics courses in the next year.
For a complete schedule, please see
page 6.
Step Forward for Mental Health Walk
The NAMI Louisville Social Club coordinates monthly events for persons with mental illness and
their families. We want to build an atmosphere where family members and consumers can network
and feel accepted, helpful, safe and social with Fun, Food and Friends.
To RSVP for Social Club events, call the NAMI Louisville office at 502-588-2008 or email
The Social Club currently meets at Bridgehaven, 950 S. 1st Street, Louisville, KY 40203 from
2-4 p.m.
The remaining dates for 2015: May 17
September 20
October 18
November 15
December 6
2
SocialClub
Executive Director’s Corner 3
Germanwings Tragedy and
Severe Mental Illness
Worldwide
By Mary Giliberti, JD, NAMI, Inc. Executive Director
NAMI shares the grief of the rest of the world
over the crash of Germanwings Flight
9525. We extend our condolences to the
families of those who lost their lives in this
senseless tragedy.
As often happens in tragedies, information
emerges first through an immediate frenzy of
reporting in news media and then through
more careful analysis. It is always best not to
speculate on causes, but to wait until all facts
are confirmed and assessed.
In this case, as news cycles have progressed,
we’ve been told that the co-pilot who crashed
the plane had some history of depression.
Most recently, a German prosecutor has
reported that he had “received psychotherapy
for an extended period of time, during which
suicidal tendencies had been noted,” while the
airline has reported in 2009 he had disclosed
to them a previous episode of severe
depression. Treatment apparently occurred
before he received his pilot’s license.
He also apparently was being seen for one or
more other medical issues. How relevant those
factors actually are remains to be seen.
We know that by crashing the plane, the co-pilot
killed himself, along with 149 other people.
We know that most suicides involve mental
illness.
In the United States, approximately 40,000
people die from suicide each year. Obviously,
we are falling far too short in suicide prevention.
Typically, suicide involves a struggle between a
person and his or her own psychological
problem. Murder-suicides are very rare. Murder-
suicides conducted by commercial airline pilots
are even rarer—extremely rare—although that
of course is no consolation to the victims of
Flight 9525, their families and friends.
People living with mental illness are rarely
violent. Usually, mental illness is only one
factor, among several, if not many, that set the
stage for violent tragedies.
In the case of Flight 9252’s co-pilot, the fact is
that we don’t know his full history yet. We may
never know every relevant fact. His precise
history of depression, whatever it may have
been, may ultimately be seen as unimportant
compared to other issues in his life.
Please keep that point in mind as the global
conversation now turns to whether anyone who
experiences mental illness should be allowed to
serve in certain occupations or professions.
Mental illness is treatable. People do recover.
Senseless tragedies must not be allowed to
resurrect or perpetuate stigmatizing stereotypes
that associate anyone with a history of mental
illness with a propensity to violence. It will be
an additional tragedy if the crash of Flight 9525
. . . Continued on pg. 4
This page of the newsletter is usually
reserved for the NAMI Louisville
executive director, but in the wake of the
Germanwings tragedy in March and the
ensuing media attention, we want to
share the statement of the national
NAMI executive director regarding the
pilot and mental health.
In the pursuit to access the best possible treatment, mental health
consumers and their families encounter many different types of trained
professionals who provide numerous services. Some mental health
professionals are similar, but the consumer and his or her advocates
should understand the strengths of the people providing treatment.
Possessing that knowledge will make working with all of these
providers easier and will help you better understand the treatment plan.
Recovery is a team effort and these professionals are an integral part of
your team. NAMI Louisville will explain the role of a different member
of your team in each newsletter.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner A registered nurse practitioner is a nurse who has training in
primary health care, including many tasks often performed by
doctors. A psychiatric nurse practitioner has additional training
in diagnosis of mental and emotional illnesses.
Psychiatric nurse practitioners work all over the Louisville area
in large hospitals, clinics, private practice, and other settings.
They are an important part of the treatment team for anyone
suffering from a mental illness because they have advanced
training in mental health and have a skillset for working directly
with patients and families.
Form more information on Psychiatric Nurse
Practitioners:
American Psychiatric Nurses Association
http://www.apna.org
American Association of Nurse Practitioners
http://www.aanp.org
Clinical Social Worker
Psychiatrist
Psychologist
Social Worker
Licensed Professional Counselor
Nurse Psychotherapist
Marital and Family Therapist
Peer Specialist
Certified Drug and Alcohol
Counselor Do you know what all of these professionals
do? What about the ways their training and
experience can help you along the road to
recovery?
Find out more:
nami.org
mentalhealthamerica.net/types-mental-
health-professionals
Continued from pg. 3
leads to “witch hunts” in which people who have sought help for mental illness become
unfairly discriminated against.
Sixteen million American adults—almost 7 percent of the population—had at least
one major depressive episode in the past year. When depressive symptoms occur,
people need to see a doctor for a comprehensive examination. Underlying medical
issues that can mimic a depressive episode, side effects from medications or any other
medical causes must first be ruled out, before a treatment plan is chosen.
As a society, we need to create a cultural environment in which people are
encouraged to seek help when they need it—regardless of whether it is a mental illness
or any other illness. No one should have to hide out of fear of negative consequences or
reprisals such as loss of employment or social ridicule.
We want a society that affirms the worth of every individual—the same kind of
affirmation that causes us to mourn the loss of so many precious lives on Flight 9525.
Know Your Mental Health Professional 4
Advocacy Update 5
Advocacy is a vital part of NAMI Louisville’s mission in the community. Beginning in
2015, the quarterly newsletter will provide an update on our efforts and involvement at
the local, state and national level. For more information, please email
2015 Kentucky Legislative Session
During the 2015 legislative session of the
Kentucky General Assembly, NAMI Louisville
worked alongside NAMI Kentucky, the
Kentucky Mental Health Alliance and other
organizations from across the Commonwealth
to advocate for more and better mental health
services. Notably, we joined the effort to
establish assisted outpatient treatment, or AOT,
procedures in Kentucky. AOT is a process in
which the family, friends and mental health
providers of a person suffering from mental
illness can work with the court system to
determine the least restrictive means of
treatment. It is only suited for people who have
the most severe symptoms of mental illness and
are often unaware that they need treatment.
Without intervention by their families and the
courts, these individuals can end up homeless,
incarcerated or victimized as a result of their
symptoms.
Rep. Tom Burch (D. – Jefferson) proposed an
AOT bill that passed the House Health &
Welfare Committee unanimously but
unfortunately died in the Appropriations &
Revenue Committee due to concerns over the
costs of implementation. We were sad to see
this bill give way to fiscal concerns because
AOT will actually save the state money by
providing community-based outpatient
treatment for individuals who otherwise end up
incarcerated or involuntarily committed to
hospitals. AOT is a cost saving measure, and
for this reason NAMI Louisville is currently
working with NAMI Kentucky and other
organizations to bring evidence of these
financial savings before Kentucky lawmakers.
NAMI Louisville members can look for
electronic updates on this effort in the months
to come. If you do not currently receive emails
from NAMI Louisville regarding our advocacy
work, please write to
[email protected] and join our list.
Local Government NAMI Louisville is pleased to announce that
our executive director, Michael Gray, will be
joining Metro Government’s Dual Diagnosis
Cross-Functional Team, an organization
commissioned by Mayor Fischer in 2013 to
address the large number of people suffering
from substance abuse and co-occurring
disorders who are served by the health care,
criminal justice and other systems on an
ongoing basis. This is an important step
towards NAMI Louisville representing our
membership and others affected by severe
mental illness in local government.
Federal Government Congressman Tim Murphy (R.—Pennsylvania)
will once again this year be introducing
legislation in Congress to address numerous
issues with the mental health system. NAMI
Louisville will update our membership on any
major developments on this and other mental
health legislation.
Support Group Calendar / April—June 2015
Fall 2015
Saturdays
August 22 - November 7
10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Location: TBD
Thursdays
August 27 - November 12
6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Location: TBD
Tuesdays
September 1 - November 17
6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Location: Beechland Baptist Church
4613 Greenwood Road; 40258
NAMI Louisville Signature Programs 6
Group April May June Time Location
For Families
1st Saturday Family 4 Will Not
meet 6 11:00 a.m. NAMI Family Support Group at
Milestone Fitness, 750 Cypress Station
Drive (Sitters available $7.00).
2nd Saturday Family 11 9 13 10:00 a.m. NAMI Family Support Group at 1st
Lutheran Church, 417 E. Broadway,
Louisville, KY 40202
3rd Thursday Family 16 21 18 7:00 p.m. NAMI Family Support Group at Christ
Lutheran Church, 9212 Taylorsville
Rd, Louisville, KY 40299
4th Sunday Family 26 24 28 2:30 p.m. NAMI Family Support Group at Christ
Lutheran Church, 9212 Taylorsville
Rd, Louisville, KY 40299
For People in Recovery from Mental Illness
Tuesday 3:00 p.m. NAMI Connection recovery support
group at Center One, 4710 Champions
Trace, Louisville, KY 40218 Every Tuesday
3rd Saturday 18 16 20 11:00 a.m. NAMI Connection recovery support
group at Shawnee Arts & Cultural
Center, 607 S. 37th St., Louisville, KY
40211
4th Sunday 26 24 28 2:30 p.m. NAMI Connection recovery support
group at Christ Lutheran Church, 9214
Taylorsville Rd, Louisville, KY 40299
Winter 2016
Saturdays
January 9 - March 26
10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Location: TBD
Thursdays
January 14 - March 31
6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Location: TBD
Tuesdays
January 19 - April 5
6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Location: TBD
Upcoming schedule of educational courses: Family-to-Family NAMI Basics
Fall 2015
Saturdays
September 19 - October 24
Location: TBD
Winter 2016
Saturdays
February 13 - March 19
Location: TBD
Please visit
www.namilouisville.org or call
502-588-2008 to sign up for
courses.
NAMI Louisville Leadership
Board of Directors:
Clarence Rode, President Jean Henry, LCSW, 1st Vice President
Terry Lee, 2nd Vice President Richard Pickren, Treasurer
Donna Scott, Secretary Jim Burch Liz Curtis
Kathy Dobbins, LCSW Zach Graham
George Hersch, President Emeritus Dante Murry
Debra Walton-Wells
Executive Director: Michael Gray, JD, MUP
NAMI Louisville Quarterly Newsletter 7
IN MEMORY . . .
NAMI Louisville recently lost someone
very important to our family and the city’s
grassroots mental health community. Harold
E. Smith played an integral part in the
development of our monthly Social Club
meetings. His passion for his own family
and others impacted by mental illness
leaves a legacy of kindness. He will be
missed by his family and friends.
Want to advertise in NAMI Louisville’s quarterly Want to advertise in NAMI Louisville’s quarterly Want to advertise in NAMI Louisville’s quarterly
newsletter? Help us continue to make this great newsletter? Help us continue to make this great newsletter? Help us continue to make this great
communications tool possible. Call NAMI Louisville at communications tool possible. Call NAMI Louisville at communications tool possible. Call NAMI Louisville at
502502502---588588588---2008.2008.2008.
Quarterly Newsletter
The Derby City’s Voice on Mental Health Volume 2: Issue 3
Spring 2015
708 W. Magazine Street
Suite 144
Louisville, Kentucky 40203
Upcoming Events
June 6, 7 Family-to-Family Teacher Training
Louisville, Kentucky
July 6-9 NAMI National Conference
Register at nami.org
August 15 Step Forward for Mental Health Walk
August 22 Family-to-Family Saturday Class Begins
Register at namilouisville.org or call 502-588-2008
August 27 Family-to-Family Thursday Class Begins
Register at namilouisville.org or call 502-588-2008
September 1 Family-to-Family Tuesday Class Begins
Register at namilouisville.org or call 502-588-2008
September 19 NAMI Basics Class Begins
Register at namilouisville.org or call 502-588-2008
September 26 NAMI Kentucky Annual Conference
October 5-10 Mental Illness Awareness Week
