Monthly Information Meeting – Wednesday, March 8, 2017

A NAMI In Our Own Voice Presentation

Join us for a first-hand account of what it's like to live with a mental illness. Our NAMI trained presenters

humanize this misunderstood topic by demonstrating that it's possible—and common—to live well with mental

illness. Participants will have the chance to ask the presenters questions, which allows for a deeper understand-

ing of mental health conditions and dispels stereotypes and misconceptions. Come and experience the possibil-

ity of hope and recovery for those who live with a mental health condition.

Please join us for a powerful program & light refreshments.

Date: Wednesday, March 8, 2017 Time: 7-8:30 PM

Location: 100 West Main Street, Suite 204, Lansdale, PA 19446

This event is free & open to the public. An RSVP is appreciated by 2/7/17. Please call 215-361-7784.

montco memo Montgomery County, PA March 2017 Volume XXXVI Issue 7

2017 NAMI Recognition Awards

Don’t forget to get your nominations in! We look forward to honoring those in

our NAMI community who deserve recognition for their outstanding efforts on behalf

of persons with mental illness and their families. If you want to nominate someone

for an award, please call our office (215-361-7784) or email us at:

info@namimontocpa.org. Categories of recognition awards are as follows:

The Maryella Hitt Advocacy Award — presented to the individual/s or organiza-

tion that exemplifies the true advocate for mental illness spirit.

The Peg Cochran Volunteer Award — presented to the individual/s or organiza-

tion that has displayed outstanding volunteer efforts for individuals with mental ill-

ness and their families.

The Glenn Koons Recovery Award — presented to the individual/s or organiza-

tion that exemplifies resiliency and recovery, and overcoming the challenges of men-

tal illness.

The Criminal Justice Award — Presented in recognition of outstanding service in

the realm of mental illness and the criminal justice system.

If you have any questions regarding any of these categories or eligibility criteria

for them, or would like to make a nomination, please contact Abby Grasso, Executive

Director at agrasso@namimontcopa.org or 215-361-7784. The deadline for nomina-

tions is April 7, 2017.

Calendar 2

Message from our President 3

Message from our Executive Director

3

Position Brief: Responsible Closure of Norristown State Hospital; Repurposing Beds

4

Stand Up for Mental Health 5

Peyton Heart Project 6

NAMIWalks Greater Philadelphia 2017

7

Tributes and Donations 7

Also in This Issue

March 2017 Page 2

montco memo Volume XXXVI Issue 7

the montco memo is published monthly by

NAMI of PENNSYLVANIA

MONTGOMERY COUNTY

Board of Directors

President Neen Davis First Vice-President Dawn Hogan Second Vice President Dave Davis Secretary Beth Milton Treasurer Stephen Nelson

Victoria Bright Lauren Centola Armand DiYenno Rhea Fernandes Tricia Malott Donna McNelis Jerry Rudakevich Mike Solomon

Executive Director Abby Grasso Editor Beulah Saideman Co-Editor Mary Schuck Editor Emeritus Maryella D. Hitt Bookkeeper Kelly DiBetta Walk Manager Danielle Blanchard

Support Group Facilitators Coordinator Abby Grasso

Abington Presbyterian Church Joan Kozlowski Corinne Smith Miriam McCauley

Lansdale Rich Kelble Anne Magowan

Lower Providence Presbyterian Church Neen Davis Sue Soriano

Pottstown Nina & Alan McDaniel

NAMI of PA Montgomery County

100 W. Main Street Suite 204

Lansdale, PA 19446 Phone: 215-361-7784 FAX: 215-361-7786

Email: nami-montcopa@verizon.net Web page: www.namimontcopa.org

Letters to the Editor and other articles and contributions are welcome. Send them

to the NAMI Office or by Email to brsaideman@comcast.net

by the 15th of the preceding month

NAMI of Pennsylvania Montgomery County is an approved Donor Choice Agency of the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and

Southern New Jersey

United Way Agency Code # 5076

Calendar

Mar. 6 Apr. 3

NAMI Connection is a peer-run support group for individuals living with mental illness, which meets the first Monday of every month, except holidays, at 6:15 PM. William Jeanes Memorial Library, 4051 Joshua Rd, Lafayette Hill, PA

Mar. 6 Apr 3

Lower Providence Family Support Group, Lower Providence Presbyterian Church, 3050 Ridge Pike, Eagleville, Room 205. 7 PM. First Monday except on holidays.

Mar. 7 Apr. 4

Lansdale Family Support Group at St. John’s United Church of Christ, 500 W. Main Street (at Richardson Avenue), Lansdale. First Tuesday, 7:00 PM.

Mar. 8 Apr. 12

Monthly Information Meeting, NAMI Office, 100 W. Main St., Suite 204, Lansdale, PA, 2nd Wednesday, 7:00 to 8:30 PM.

Mar. 9 Apr. 13

Glenside Family Support Group, Abington Presbyterian Church, 1082 Old York Road, Abington — 2nd Thursday, 7:30 PM.

Mar. 13 Apr. 10

Pottstown Family Support Group, 2nd Monday at Creative Health Services, Consumers Library, 11 Robinson Court, 7-8:30PM.

Mar. 16 Apr. 20

Montgomery County CSP (Community Support Program). 3rd Thursday, 12-2:30 PM, Montgomery County Library, 1001 Powell St., Norristown

Mar. 16 Apr. 20

Board of Director’s Meeting, 3rd Thursday, Lansdale Office, 6:30 PM.

A Note About Our Meetings

Although some of our meetings are held at religious institutions, they are non-denominational and open to people of all beliefs.

Inclement Weather Protocol

Please be aware that in the event of inclement weather, safety is

our first priority. If support groups or educational programming are

cancelled due to inclement weather, an announcement will be placed

on our office voice mail (215-361-7784). If a monthly support group

is cancelled, it will resume the next month. Our Family to Family or

NAMI Basics Class will resume the next week. If you have questions

or need further clarification, please call our office at 215-361-7784.

March 2017 Page 3

montco memo Volume XXXVI Issue 7

Message from Our President Dear Friends-

We have been busy at NAMI Montgomery County. A public

hearing took place on January 31, on the Norristown State Hos-

pital grounds, regarding the closure of beds at that hospital. Our

Executive Director, Abby Grasso, one of approximately 37 peo-

ple, provided a statement on behalf of NAMI of PA Montgom-

ery County. This statement was approved by our Board of Di-

rectors and can be found printed in this newsletter. I attended

that hearing.

I am pleased to announce that Abby has been identified by

our NAMI state office to be the NAMI representative to sit on

the Norristown State Hospital steering committee. We will be

sure to keep you apprised of future developments.

On February 13 we partnered with The Montgomery County

Suicide Prevention Taskforce, at our office in Lansdale, to work

on “The Peyton Heart Project”. About fifteen volunteers cro-

cheted, cut and tied hundreds of hearts. These colorful hearts

help raise awareness about suicide and bullying and help end the

stigma around mental health. The project is named after Peyton

James, a 13 year old boy who, in the fall of 2014, died by sui-

cide after years of being bullied.

Our Family-to-Family class started February 21. Two new

classes will start in the fall. Please look for start dates and be

sure to sign up as the classes fill quickly.

A reminder that our monthly meetings take place the second

Wednesday of each month at 7:00 pm at our NAMI office in

Lansdale. Our March 8 meeting will highlight one of NAMI’s

signature programs; IOOV-In Our Own Voice. I urge anyone

who has been touched by mental illness; peer, family member,

friend, to experience an IOOV presentation.

Our Greater Philadelphia NAMIWalks is Saturday, May 6 at

Montgomery County Community College. What better way to

get ready for the Walk than to attend our WALK KICK OFF!

Our Kick Off will be held Tuesday, March 28 at Facenda-

Whitaker Lanes in East Norriton from 3:30-6:00pm. All Team

Captains and Sponsors are invited.

An exciting event is coming up on Saturday, April 22.

“Stand Up for Mental Health” is presented by Mental Health

Consultants and co-sponsored by NAMI of PA Montgomery

County and The Mental Health Association of Southeastern

Pennsylvania. Our affiliate took part in this event last year. If

you were one of the many who attended, you know just how

great it was! This year, our very own board member will be

taking the spotlight. Please come out and support Michael Solo-

mon…star of comedic stage! If you have an interest in at-

tending this event, please contact Carolyn at our office. 215-

361-7784.

I always close my letters with encouraging you to become a

member of this amazing affiliate. If you are already a member,

thank you. If you are not a member, please consider joining.

Please contact me with any questions or concerns. I look for-

ward to seeing you at many of our upcoming events!

Neen Davis President, NAMI of PA Montgomery County

Message from Our Executive Director

Happy March! It is hard to believe that spring is right

around the corner!

The announcement of the closure of Norristown State Hos-

pital has brought anxiety and the unknown for many in our

community. On January 31, 2017 I took part in a public hear-

ing on the hospital grounds and shared a board approved posi-

tion paper that you will find printed in this edition of the

Montco Memo. In addition, I will be representing NAMI, our

consumers, and our families in a community steering committee

relating to the hospital’s closure. If you have questions or con-

cerns regarding the closure, please be in touch so I can ensure

your voice is heard.

Please consider liking our Facebook page and sharing your

email with us. We want to keep you up to date on all the great

events happening and share ways for YOU to get involved with

us. I hope you will enjoy the updates and articles shared in the

newsletter. If you have feedback or ideas, please share them!

In closing, I urge you to get involved with us and with

NAMI. There are so many opportunities to help raise mental

health awareness and support those who struggle with mental

health conditions. You will see many of those opportunities in

this newsletter! From our monthly meetings to our 10th

Annual

NAMIWalks Greater Philadelphia and from Stand up for

Mental Health to Support Groups – there is something for eve-

ryone! If you know someone struggling, please consider shar-

ing the goodness of NAMI with them. We are here to support,

educate, and advocate!

My very best to you!

Abby Grasso

Executive Director

March 2017 Page 4

montco memo Volume XXXVI Issue 7

Good afternoon. My name is Abby Grasso and I am the Execu-

tive Director of NAMI of Pennsylvania Montgomery County.

Thank you for the opportunity to speak here today.

NAMI of Pennsylvania Montgomery County, an affiliate of

the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is a local grassroots or-

ganization with a membership of approximately 250 individuals.

We are committed to providing education, support, and advocacy

to those individuals living with mental illness and their families

in hopes of them living the fullest lives possible. In addition to

the local membership, our affiliate has served thousands of

Montgomery County residents since we became established

through classes, support groups, information meetings, and com-

munity events.

While we understand the decision to close Norristown State

Hospital’s Civil section has been made, the Board of Directors,

staff and membership of NAMI of Pennsylvania Montgomery

County are extremely concerned about the planning process for

closure, how patients and families will be involved in the proc-

ess, and how community resources will meet the future needs of

those affected. It is vital that the needs of those living with men-

tal illness are not lost while time, energy, and funding are put in

to the repurposing of the civil beds to forensic beds. The an-

nouncement of this closure is lacking and leaves many with

doubt and questions regarding the process.

Specifically:

How will the voice of the individual and family member

participate in planning for the closure? How will you ensure that funding is available to provide

daily living necessities such as food, shelter, clothing, etc. to all

those who are in need due to the closure? Will the funding currently dedicated to the treatment of indi-

viduals be committed to supporting new and innovative commu-

nity treatment options? What individualized opportunities for employment, and edu-

cation/vocational training will be available? What community based mental health programs will be cre-

ated or expanded to focus on the increased needs of those being

discharged? How will you provide efficient processes for individuals and

families to share with service providers about their satisfactions

and dissatisfactions of behavioral health services available?

The closure of Norristown State Hospital will fundamentally

disrupt the lives of 122 patients and the lives of their family

members or supporters who care. In the press release put out by

DHS on January 11, 2017 Ted Dallas, DHS Secretary is quoted

to have said “This closure will enable residents to live in the

community when possible.” Further he stated “Research shows

that community settings result in improved quality of life in areas

such as opportunities for choice-making and self-determination,

contact with friends and relatives, adaptive behaviors, and other

indicators of quality of life. Our affiliate is in agreement with

Secretary Dallas as long as our communities provide the needed

treatment modalities and provide a prepared mental health sys-

tem for those seeking recovery. Without a prepared system we

fail, leaving our loved ones who are challenged by their mental

illness segregated, without possibility of meaningful recovery

and without hope.

Since the number of psychiatric beds seems to be shrinking

based on the economic needs of the Commonwealth and not the

healthcare needs of people with mental illness, NAMI of Penn-

sylvania Montgomery County believes we need to do better.

This is the opportunity to further strengthen our mental health

system. While tremendous strides have been made in commu-

nity supports, there are still opportunities to improve our system

for individuals challenged by serious mental illness. Great ef-

forts have been made to build a strong, recovery-oriented com-

munity. If we do not acknowledge the continued need for

growth and support in creating new programming, we may re-

gress; losing the advancements that have been made, but more

importantly losing the hope that some individuals living with

mental illness have found. (continued on page 6)

This is the position statement that was presented at the Public Hearing on January 31, 2017 by our Executive Director, Abby Grasso. Abby was one of 37 people who spoke at the hearing. Presenters included previous patients of Norris-town State Hospital, family members of present patients, providers, and advocates.

January 2017

NAMI of Pennsylvania Montgomery County

Position Brief: Responsible Norristown State Closure / Repurposing Beds

January 31, 2017

March 2017 Page 5

montco memo Volume XXXVI Issue 7

An evening of fun, food and laughter with proceeds supporting Philadelphia’s chapter of Stand Up for Mental Health.

Saturday, April 22nd, 2017 6-9 pm

North Hills Country Club

99 Station Avenue Glenside, PA 19038

For more information go to: http://www.mhconsultants.com/standup-for-mental-health/

Co-Sponsored by:

Research News You Can Use

March 2017 Page 6

montco memo Volume XXXVI Issue 7

(Continued from page 4)

I have the great honor of meeting people who are ensuring that

mental health awareness is happening by sharing their stories.

Since the announcement of the hospital closure, I have received

numerous calls from concerned family members and individuals

with lived mental health experience. One gentleman named Jim

provided permission for me to share his story with you today.

Jim has been an advocate for mental health awareness since

before anyone knew “what mental health awareness was.” He is a

long-time NAMI member and family member of a son with a seri-

ous mental illness. Jim shared that his son’s recovery and treat-

ment have been a long and difficult road with many frustrations,

holding only glimmers of inconsistent hope. Currently his son is

living in a group home, where he “does pretty well.” While Jim

shared his worries for the future, as he identified himself as an

“old man who won’t be around forever,” he shared fear of what

will happen to his son when he cannot advocate for him any

longer. Jim revealed that the journey to locate a quality level-of-

care for his son took some time, persistence, and advocacy. Jim

didn’t just call last week to share about his son’s story, though. He

called to share his concern about what will happen to those at

Norristown State who have needed the highest level of treatment.

He voiced worry that our community is not prepared to transition

those individuals with respect and provide the resources for the

increased needs of those being discharged.

NAMI of Pennsylvania Montgomery County offers its support

and expertise throughout the processes of transition and planning;

bringing to the table the voices of those who may struggle to

speak on their own in hopes of creating a system focused on sus-

taining recovery for all those living with mental illness. Further,

we look to a community that not only has an understanding of

what mental illness is and its impact, but also a community that

lends a hand of support to those suffering. OMHSAS, this is

YOUR opportunity to be part of that vision. This is your opportu-

nity to strengthen our system for those struggling. For this proc-

ess to be successful, there must be transparency, stakeholder in-

put, and communication. Do the right thing and put the needs of

those who are most affected by this closure and the future needs

for community based treatments in the forefront of this planning

process. Those who live with a serious mental illness have the

right to live their lives to the fullest. Let us work together in sup-

porting them to do just that.

Thank you.

Position Brief: Closure of Norristown State Hospital

Peyton Heart Project

On February 13, 2017 NAMI collaborated with the Montgomery County Sui-

cide Task Force to host an afternoon of crafting and kindness. The delicate

yarn hearts that were

created will be left in

the community to re-

mind people how spe-

cial they are and raise

suicide awareness. For

more information on

Peyton’s Heart Project,

please go to:

March 2017 Page 7

montco memo Volume XXXVI Issue 7

Tributes and Other Contributions

The Tribute Fund is a good way to mark anniversaries, weddings and other special occasions, and to express sympathy for the loss

of a loved one. We will send a note of appreciation to anyone you designate. Send your check to NAMI of Pennsylvania Montgomery

County, 100 W. Main Street, Suite 204, Lansdale, PA 19446. When designating NAMI in an obituary notice, please specify NAMI of

Pennsylvania Montgomery County.

In Tribute:

In Memory of Carol Caruso Aidan & Robbie Altenor Gail Beidler Victoria Bright

Judith Coane Ronald Comer David & Rhona Farrell Louise Geisinger

Mary Gilligan Diane K. Gilroy Antoinette Hamner Joan Kozlowski

Barbara Lundgren Miriam McCauley Lawrence A. Real. MD Irene Schilling

Barbara Schneider Libby Schwartz Anthony & Alma Severoni William Smith

Scott Snyder Karen Williman Baum, Smith & Clemens

Citizens Acting Together Can Help, Inc. Creative Health Services, Inc.

Hedwig House, Inc. NAMI Blair County New Vitae Wellness & Recovery

Regional Council Child & Adolescents Psychiatry

In Memory of Dennis & Janet Crosby Laurence & Sherri Belkoff

In Memory of Margaret Ann “Peggy” Suter Gerard & Agnes Smink Individual Donations: Carolyn Bilofsky Marilyn Loos Beth Milton

Reuben Saideman

NAMIWalks Greater Philadelphia May 6, 2017

Montgomery County

Community College

We are pleased to announce that the original walk route will return this year! The 2017 NAMIWalks Greater Philadelphia will begin at the newly renovated Health Science Center at Montgomery County Community College (formerly the Physical Education Building).

CREATE A TEAM! JOIN A TEAM! SIGN UP!

www.namiwalks.org/greaterphiladelphia

Don’t miss the NAMIWALKS Greater Philadel-phia KICK OFF! The event will be held on Tues-day, MARCH 28, 2017 from 3:30 – 6 pm at Facenda-Whitaker Lanes in East Norriton. All Team Captains and Sponsors are invited.

PENNSYLVANIA MONTGOMERY COUNTY

Dues are for one year and are Tax Deductible. Donations are welcome and are also Tax Deductible.

(Please print clearly)

NAME__________________________________________________________________________________

STREET ________________________________________________________________________________

CITY_______________________________________STATE_____ZIP______________________________

PHONE (H)__________________________________(C)_________________________________________

E-mail __________________________________________________________________________________

_____Annual Dues $35.00 _____Open Door $3.00 - 30.00 (Amount $_____) _____Donation $______

What is the best way for us to contact you? Phone ______ Email ______ Snail Mail ______

Make check payable and return to: NAMI of Pennsylvania Montgomery County

100 W. Main Street, Suite 204

Lansdale, PA 19446

Or join or renew on our website: http://www.namimontcopa.org/join/

Double or triple the impact of your donation at no additional cost! Please check with your employer’s Human Resources Department to

see if your donation can be matched through a company matching gift program.

NAMI of Pennsylvania Montgomery County is also an approved United Way Donor Choice Agency - Code #5076.

NAMI of Pennsylvania Montgomery County is open to all individuals subscribing to its purpose. All members receive NAMI newsletters and are automatically affiliated with NAMI PA and

the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). NAMI is a non-profit organization under Section 501(c)3 and all dues and donations are tax-deductible. Official registration and financial

information of NAMI PA Montgomery County may be obtained from the PA Department of State by calling toll free within PA 1.800.732.0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.

The official registration and financial information of NAMI PA Montgomery County can be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free within Pennsylvania:

1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.

PENNSYLVANIA

MONTGOMERY COUNTY

100 W. Main Street, Suite 204

Lansdale, PA 19446

montco memo

March 2017