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NAMI Contra Costa July 2017 1
Contra Costa’s Voice on Mental Illness July 2014 61714 1200P
The NAMI Contra Costa Newsletter is available on the web at: www.namicontracosta.org
Email: [email protected] Phone Number 24/7: (925) 465-3864 Office Number: (925) 942-0767 If Your Family Faces The Challenge of Mental Illness . . . E mail: [email protected] and/or crashcoursehelp@ aol.com
July 20, 2017 GENERAL MEETING
7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Thursday, July 20, 2017
:
John Muir Hospital
Concord Campus 2540 East Street
Concord
Open To The Public- Free Admission
Copy to
Follow
NAMI CALIFORNIA
2017 CONFERENCE
August 25 & 26 2017
Newport Beach Marriott Hotel
Newport Beach, California
NAMI is seeking proposals for
presentations.
$$$$$$$
Dollar for Dollar
Matching Membership Drive
We welcome you to join NAMI
CC at the $5 rate and keep our
numbers growing.
Your membership dollars
will be doubled by an anonymous
donor if you join or renew before
July 31, 2017. The more members
we have, the more clout we have
when lobbying the County and the
Board of Supervisors.
We are working hard for
families in Contra Costa County.
The County has earmarked
$600,000 for outreach to families.
We are making your voice heard!
It is so easy to help. Join
at the $5 (Open Door, available to
all) or $40 (Individual) or $60
Household levels.
Join us and support our
efforts to stamp out stigma, pro-
vide education and programs for
families and their loved ones, help
people move toward recovery and
meaningful, independent lives.
Join on line at the website:
Www.namicontracosta.org
or mail your check** made out to
NAMI Contra Costa to:
NAMI Contra Costa
550 Patterson Blvd.
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523-4155
**Please write “Membership” in
the memo line and send your
email address.
GIGI
CROWDER Executive Administrator
Charles Madison, Presi-
dent, NAMI Contra Costa has an-
nounced that Gigi Crowder has
been selected to be NAMI’s Execu-
tive Administrator.
Gigi is a native of Oakland
and is the mother of two children.
They are 25 years old twin boys.
She has also served as a foster mom
and mentor to many more through
divine interventions. Gigi served
for over 9
years as the
Ethnic Ser-
vices Man-
ager for Ala-
meda Coun-
ty Behavior-
al Health
Care Ser-
vices and
has worked
in the be-
havioral
health field
for more
than 25
years after completing her studies at
the University of California, Berke-
ley.
As a family member of
several loved ones who have re-
ceived private and public mental
health services she is a strong
(Continued on page 5)
Gigi Crowder
NAMI Contra Costa July 2017 2
NAMI-CC Care and Support Groups Central Contra Costa County
3rd Monday of Each Month, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., John Muir Medical Center , 1601 Ygnacio
Valley Road, Walnut Creek Campus, downstairs in the Epstein Conference Room. Park in the
FREE public garage on the La Casa Via side of the hospital. The group is facilitated by Sharon
Madison and Bob Thigpen. Email: [email protected], or call: (925) 256-9640, (925) 676-5771.
Open Our Hearts
Family Member Support Group For family members of adults with mental illness.
4th Monday of Each Month 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Temple Isaiah
945 Risa Road, Lafayette
(In The Talmud Torah Center, Room E204)
Call Karen at (925) 945-7272 or
email at [email protected]
www.openourhearts.net
NAMI Contra Costa Writers’ Group All writing levels welcomed. 1st Tuesday of Each Month
10:30 a.m. to 12:00 Noon
Rainbow Center-2118 Willow Pass Road, Concord Roberto Roman 925-957 5105
Margaret Netherby, facilitator, [email protected].
Support Group for Parents of
Adult Children with Mental Illness Meets the 2nd Sunday 2-3:30 pm
San Ramon Valley United Methodist Church 902 Danville Blvd., Alamo, CA 94507
Karen Scalzi: (925) 820-7495 or [email protected]
Marilyn Clarke: (925) 837-5243 Office: (925) 837-5243
NEW HOPE SUPPORT GROUP
Offering support, education and resources to parents, caregivers of children, teens and young adults diagnosed with a mood disor-
der. Meets the 2nd Monday of Each Month
Lafayette/Orinda Presbyterian Church 49 Knox Drive, Room 204, in Lafayette
7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Christina Mellin 925-899 0862
NAMI CC Mandarin Program Family Support Group
Language: Mandarin中文 2nd Saturday of every month
Time 10:00 to 12:00 Noon Location: DCBC, 2278 Camino Ramon, San Ramon,
CA 94583 Contacts: Shelly 925-238-6286; Jane 925-406-9526
NAMI West County Support Group 2nd Wednesday Each Month 6:30—8:00 pm
Richmond Medical Center of Kaiser
901 Nevin Avenue– 3rd Floor Room 317 Conference Rm 1 Richmond Contact Dr. Sumchai 510-237 9277 or
E mail: [email protected]
NAMI SPANISH LANGUAGE
FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP—PITTSBURG
1st Thursday each month 7:00-8:30 pm
Faith Based-ALL Creeds Welcome!
Church of the Living God
1125 Harbor St. Pittsburg
Veronica: 925-250 4032
defamiliaafamilia@namicontracosta
The Crash Course A comprehensive orientation to the
resources in Contra Costa to help
with recovery
EVERY Wednesday night 6:30 pm
2151 Salvio St. Concord 2nd Floor
[email protected] 925-676 5771
Free-RSVP NOT Required
Brentwood Support Group Last Monday Evening of the Month
Raley’s Grocery Store
2400 Sand Creek Road, Brentwood
Contact: Laurel Howard-Fong 925-437 1751
NAMI Contra Costa July 2017 3
NAMI Contra Costa
National Alliance on Mental Illness
OFFICERS:
Charles Madison, President
(925) 256-9640 [email protected]
Douglas Dunn 1st Vice President
Yan Bennis, 2nd Vice President
Mark Cohen, Secretary
David Kahler, Treasurer (925) 676-5771
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Kay Derrico Barbara Scott Susan Horrocks Phil Belisle
Al Farmer
Shelly Ji Don Green
COMMITTEES:
Don Green Criminal Justice
Shelly Ji Mandarin Groups
Susan Horrocks Membership
David Kahler Publishing
Veronica McManus F 2 F Spanish
Barbara Scott Nominating Committee
Nancy Seibert Family-to-Family
Clare Beckner Database
Richard Derrico Behavioral Health Court
Gigi Crowder FaithNet Coordinator
Phil Belisle Internal Auditor
Kay Derrico Outreach Committee
Steve Sullivan Librarian
Douglas Dunn Political Advocacy
Newsletter Group Fran Martin
Peggy Luna Dick Owens
David Kahler Karin Baker Greg Beckner
Rich and Yvonne DeAndre
Email: [email protected] Website: www.namicontracosta.org
Phone: (925) 676 5771 62017 812A OOOO
Newsletter Deadline:
20th of Each Month
PRESIDENT’S
COLUMN By Charles Madison
FAMILY ADVOCATE
Bob Thigpen 925-957 5139
Bob Thigpen is the County’s Family
Advocate. You can talk directly with him
at the Crash Course which is every Wednesday night
(925-676- 5771)
NAMI Contra Costa Mission Statement
Our Mission is to Provide Support, Outreach, Edu-
cation and Advocacy to Families affected by and In-
dividuals living with a mental illness.
NAMI IN MOTION
2017
What: a free event to raise
funds for NAMI CC’s programs
and heighten community aware-
ness about mental health and men-
tal illness. Featured activities to
include a Memory Walk and ac-
tivities for children.
When: Saturday, October 7,
2017, (times to be announced).
Where: Pleasant Hill Park,
147 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill.
Registration for Memory Walk:
Free. Register as an individual or
as a team, on-line at
www.namicontracosta
or at the event. Fundraising for
NAMI programs is encouraged.
Each individual raising $100 or
more will receive a free NAMI in
Motion t-shirt.
On June 13th the Contra
Costa County Board of Supervi-
sors reviewed and heard testimo-
ny on the MHSA proposed plan
for the next 3 year cycle. Doug
Dunn, Lauren Rettagliata, Sha-
ron Madison and I presented
comments in favor since it will
include an allocation of dollars to
support families in the plan. We
were very pleased that the plan
was approved by the BOS 5 – 0.
Next step, to see what
the County will be looking for in
programs to help the families.
SAVE THE DATE: The next
NAMI In-Motion is planned for
October 7th in Pleasant Hill.
There will be more information
coming out on this but we will
have team competitions to see
who has the biggest team and can
raise the most money for our
programs.
On Thursday June 15th
we had an interesting General
Meeting titled Employment Fair.
Thank you Hannah and Mark of
the Putnam Clubhouse and Den-
nis Rojas of the ONE-STOP Ca-
reer Center for providing valua-
ble information on what one may
do to start looking for work.
See page 1 for the July program.
The very best to all and remem-
ber that everyone counts.
NAMI Contra Costa July 2017 4
FAMILY TO
FAMILY Education Classes
Lafayette starts Sept. 2017
Brentwood starts January 2018
Through 12 free, weeknight classes,
families have opportunity to gain
understanding and confidence about
issues and facts related to their men-
tally ill relative or friend. A common
need for caregivers and those who
have a mentally ill loved one is relief
from worry and stress. The facts and
discussions which are a part of this
course support hope and continuance.
For information or to register contact
F2F Program Coordinator Nancy
Seibert, (925) 285-5995,
Family to Family
In Mandarin Language: Mandarin中文
The NAMI signature
course, Family to Family is now
offered in Mandarin for caregiver/
family members.
Time: August 5, 2017 to October
21, 2017, every Saturday from 2:00
pm to 4:00 pm.
Location: DCBC, 2278 Camino
Ramon, San Ramon, California,
94583.
To Register: Phone: 925-238 6286
E mail:
Help Wanted: NAMI CC is looking for some-one, (preferably with personal or family lived experience) to work 8-10 hours per month in a paid position helping us to maintain and monitor or web-site and social media commu-nications. If you have the appropriate skills and are interested; please contact Gigi Crowder at 510-990-2670 by July 31 2017.
RECOGNITION
FOR
COMMUNITY
On May 25, 2017, a number of
well deserving individuals were
recognized for their long-time
commitment to supporting those
who are affected by mental illness
and their loved ones.
During NAMI Contra
Costa’s May is Mental Health
Awareness Month Annual Train-
ing for the faith community, Gigi
R. Crowder, the NAMI CC Faith-
Net Coordinator and Facilitator,
presented awards to three Faith
Leaders, Pastor George Mimms
of Church of the Living God,
Rabbi Emeritus Raphael Asher of
Congregation B’nai Tikvah,
and Father Tom Bonacci.
Each were recognized
for their dedication and demon-
strated commitment to our efforts
to create mental health friendly
communities of faith.
Charles and Sharon
Madison of NAMI CC and Rich
and Kay Derrico of NAMI CC
are each family members who
have selflessly given of their time
and resources to ensure NAMI
CC adheres to its mission to pro-
vide support, outreach, education
and advocacy.
STUDENTS
SUPPORTING
NAMI
NAMIDVC, a newly es-
tablished Diablo Valley College
campus club, is off to a great start
under the fine leadership of Presi-
dent, Yifei Chen. The new club
has been very active in its few
short months of existence: volun-
teering for NAMI CC; procuring
funding for and attending the 9th
Annual Cognitive Science Confer-
ence, UC, Berkeley; providing
mental health information at
school tabling events; hosting an
In Our Own Voice presentation at
a club meeting; and much more.
Regular club meetings will resume
this fall.
For information,
Yifei: [email protected]
Another student club,
HOSA (Health Occupation Stu-
dents of America comprised of
both high school and college stu-
dents) is participating in a commit-
ment through NAMI national to
volunteer and fund raise for local
affiliates. Half of funds raised by
Contra Costa’s HOSA will be do-
nated to support NAMI CC and
half to help send club members to
a leadership conference in Orlan-
do. On May 20, members held a
successful car wash, donating
nearly $300 from that event to
NAMI CC. For information about
HOSA, contact adviser Heather
Kenward of John Muir Health,
heather.kenward@
johnmuirhealth.com
Watch for members of
both NAMIDVC and HOSA at the
NAMI in Motion community event,
Pleasant Hill Park Park, Pleasant
Hill, Saturday, October 7, 9-noon.
A walk and activities for kids will
NAMI Contra Costa July 2017 5
CLOZAPINE BY THE NUMBERS
By Doris Fuller
If a “miracle drug” that
Reliably reduced life-threatening
symptoms of heart disease and
lowered treatment costs were
prescribed to only 4% of the
cardiac patients who would bene-
fit from it, the official and public
reaction likely would be strong
and negative.
Yet this continues to be
the status of the antipsychotic
medication clozapine, often
known by its trade name,
Clozaril, more than 25 years after
the drug’s 1990 introduction in
the United States.
Clozapine today re-
mains the only antipsychotic
medication approved by the Food
and Drug Administration (FDA)
for treatment-resistant schizo-
phrenia. A recent study reports
that as many as one-third of indi-
viduals with schizophrenia are
treatment-refractory, meaning
they experience persistent psy-
chosis despite adequate treatment
with other medications.
Because of a potentially
fatal blood complication in
about eight of every 1,000 users,
patients takin clozapine are sub-
ject to regular blood testing–
initially weekly, diminishing to
monthly after a year. The testing
requirement is often cited as a
reason for the drug’s underuse.
In other nations, howev-
er, the testing does not erect the
same barrier to treatment of psy-
chotic conditions. Australia
makes the most widespread use
of Clozapine, with 35% of schiz-
ophrenia patients receiving the
drug. In England, nearly six
times more schizophrenia pa-
tients receive clozapine than in
the United States; in South Ko-
rea, more than four times as
many patients do.
The care of schizophrenia
patients “represents a major public
health challenge in human and
economic terms, “according to a
recent editorial JAMA Psychiatry,
which termed longstanding re-
sistance to prescribing the drug
“unconscionable.” Direct and
indirect costs of schizophrenia for
2013 are estimated at $155 billion
in the United States- $44,773 per
individual with the disease.
Clozapine is also the only
drug with FDA approval for re-
ducing suicidal behavior, which
kills more than 40,000 people a
year in this country. The medica-
tion additionally has been reported
to reduce mortality risk for people
with serious mental illnesses
including schizophrenia.
Richard Hayes and col-
leagues in 2014 reported clozapine
associated with lower risk of death
from all causes and specifically
from suicide, compared to other
antipsychotic drugs. The authors
found no evidence that the lower
risk of death resulted from the
mandatory clinical monitoring.
Jessica Goren and col-
leagues in June 2016 reported that
the VHA would save $22,444 per
veteran with treatment resistant
clozapine over the first years of
therapy, primarily from reduced
hospitalization.
Gigi Crowder (Continued from page 1)
advocate for promoting culturally
responsive behavioral health ser-
vices for all consumers and family
members.
One of the highlights of
her career is being inducted
into the Alameda County Women
Hall of Fame for her work in de-
veloping programs to enhance
employment opportunities for
individuals with psychiatric chal-
lenges.
SUPERVISORS VOTE
$25 MILLION GRANT
The Contra Costa Board
of Supervisors voted a $25 million
grant for the expansion of the West
County Jail. That money will be
joined with a $70 grant from the
state for the $95 project. This was
the last step in the process to ex-
pand the jail.
The atmosphere was loud
and disruptive. There were over
150 people that claimed their right
to make a public comment, which
is usually 3 minutes. Because of
the excessive number, the time
was cut to just one minute.
Most of the speakers were
very opposed to the approval of the
grant. One theme that prevailed
was that providing additional beds
in the jail of any kind would simply
allow the county to put more peo-
ple in jail.
According to an article in
the Bay Area Times by Sam Rich-
ards the cities of Richmond, San
Pablo and El Cerrito took a firm
stand against the project.
The public speakers were
solidly against the measure said so
in no uncertain terms. Supervisor
Anderson responded “Those of you
who came here today don’t want to
hear the truth.” The crowd re-
sponded by singing “We Shall
Overcome” and according to Rich-
ards tried to shout down the super-
visor’s comments. To which the
chair, Federal Glover told them”
this is the people’s business being
done here; you can be part of it, or
you can leave.”
You see all of this for
yourself by going to the Board
of Supervisors Website, seek out
the June 20 Board meeting and
click on Video.
The vote was 4-1, the
no vote being John Gioia, Dis-
trict I, The Richmond area.
Note: The money is to be used to
improve the conditions for the men-
tally ill.
NAMI Contra Costa July 2017 6
WARM LINE
To make contact with a
live, human being with a back-
ground in mental illness, call the
NAMI Warm Line. The service
will take your name and number
and a NAMI member will then
return your call.
925-942 0767
Book Review
BIPOLAR
DISORDER By: Gary Sachs and Michael Thase
Published by: Martin Dunitz, Ltd.
Paperback, 142 pages
Review by. William O. Boyle
As the authors claim, this
book is “a systematic approach to
treatment.” That’s what makes it so
helpful to those who have a loved
one with a bipolar disorder.
The authors credentials are
most impressive. Gary Sachs, MD
is the Director of the Bipolar Re-
search Program at Massachusetts
General Hospital and Assistant Pro-
fessor of
Psychiatry at
Harvard
Medical
School.
Michael
Thase, MD is
the Director,
Division of
Adult Aca-
demic Psy-
chiatry at the
University of
Pittsburg,
School of
Medicine.
The bipolar disorder
strikes without notice leaving the
family with a blank slate. This
book starts at the beginning and
walks the problem though its vari-
ous stages.
It is written with
professionals and the family in
mind. But the level of writing
would not be a problem for the fam-
ily to understand.
The authors state “Our aim
is to provide a concise, readily ac-
cessible and practical guide to the
pharmacotherapy of the bipolar
disorder . . .”
A lively and interesting
monthly magazine
that deals with the issues.
Bipolar II Disorder
Workbook
Take Charge of
Bipolar Disorder
All medications have side
effects. As a result, many patients
stop taking them. “At the MGH
Bipolar Clinic in Boston the most
common reasons for patients to
discontinue successful treatment
during the maintenance phase
were weight gain, cognitive im-
pairment and gastrointestinal
complaints.”
They recommend on page
60, “Treatment discontinuation
can often be avoided by changing
the amount, timing and form of
problematic medications. This is
particularly true for adverse ef-
fects such as nausea and tremor,
which are associated with peak
drug levels.”
NAMI’s Crash Course
advocates making a family mem-
ber a “case manager” and thereby
regularly monitor the behavior
and moods of their loved one.
Responding to what they observe.
They show the many
things that can be done before the
behavior makes an emergency call
a absolute necessity.
The five books shown to
the right have also proved to be
very helpful in managing a bipo-
lar case. They are available at
most bookstores and on Ama-
zon.com.
NAMI Contra Costa July 2017 7
NAMI CONTRA COSTA DONATIONS
Bipolar Disorder
Survival Guide
Bipolar Disorder
A Guide for the
Newly Diagnosed
The Bipolar Disorder
Survival Guide
ANNOUNCEMENT FROM
NAMI NATIONAL
After July 1, 2017
The dues structure is
changing.
Family Membership: $60
Individual Membership:
$40.
Open Door Membership:
$5.
NAMI BASICS
Course for Parents of Children
or Adolescents
What: NAMI Basics, a free, six-
session program for parents and
other family caregivers of children
with emotional and behavioral dif-
ficulties.
Where: Concord
When: soon, 6 Saturdays, 9 am
to noon
Registration and information:
Contact Nancy
[email protected] or leave a
message with the NAMI CC
answering service 925-942-0767.
In Honor Of:
Barbara Scott
Donor: Dennis O’Connell
In Memory of:
John Macaluso
Son of: Joe & Jo Macaluso
Donors:
Margaret and Frank Wallace
In Memory of:
Sally Grimes
Bob and Judy Myers
George Pauley
Connie Weatherspoon
NAMI Contra Costa July 2017 8
NAMI Contra Costa
P.O Box 21247
Concord, CA
94521
Phone: (925) 465-3864
Email: [email protected]
Stamp
APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP
NAMI CONTRA COSTA Make check payable to NAMI Contra Costa
Complete this information and please return to:
Treasurer
NAMI Contra Costa
P.O. Box 21247
Concord, CA 94521
Name
_______________________________________
Address ______________________
City _________________ Zip ___________
Phone _________________ Cell ___________
Email Address: _____________________________
___________________________________________
______
Renewal New Member
Open Door $ 5 General Membership $40 Family $60
DONATION FORM
Amount ___________ Mail to:
Treasurer, NAMI Contra Costa
P.O. Box 21247, Concord, CA 94521
Note: Tax ID #68-0209474
(No goods or services have been received
from the following donor or donors)
Name ____________________________________
Address __________________________________
City _________________ Zip ________________
Phone ________________ Cell _______________
Email Address ____________________________
3rd Monday Support Group July 17, 2017 7:00 p.m.
John Muir Medical Center
Walnut Creek
Epstein Meeting Room
Basement Area (See page 2)
Email: [email protected]
To:
From:
