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February 2016 The Official Newsletter of NAMI Gulf Coast
Sat, 2/13/2016 & 2/20/2016 Partnerships Class NAMI GC Office, Alvin Thurs, 2/18/2016 Open Late Second Chance Thrift Shop, Alvin
Wed, 2/24/2016 March Newsletter Folding NAMI GC Office, Alvin
Sat, 3/5/2016 Mental Health First Aid-Youth Rosenberg Library, Galveston
Sat, 4/2, 4/9 & 4/6/2016 NAMIBasics Counseling Connections for Change, Pearland
Inside this issue:
Calendar:
CONTACT US!
281-585-3100
888-554-2264
409-944-4328
www.namigulfcoast.org
Mail: PO Box 4096, Alvin 77512
Locations:
2206 N. Gordon, Alvin, TX
6th Fl. Shearn Moody Plaza
Galveston, TX
Support/ Donors 2
Updates 3
Education 4
NAMIFest 5
Save the Date 6
Volunteers 7
Advocacy 8
The Inside Look 9
Resources 10
Thrift Shop 11
The Voice for Mental Illness in Galveston and Brazoria Counties!
Do you have depression? Are you in a relationship with someone
who has depression? Researchers from the University of Illinois
are conducting a study to better understand how romantic
partners communicate when one or both people are depressed.
You are eligible to participate in the study if:
1) You are in a romantic relationship,
2) You and/or your partner have been professionally diagnosed with
depression,
3) Both partners are willing to participate in the study,
4) Both partners are 18 years of age or older, and
5) Both partners have their own email account.
Participation involves completing an online questionnaire, which includes
questions about depression, your relationship with your partner, your
sexual relationship, and how you and your partner communicate. You will
be asked to respond to several questions about your sexual partnership,
including questions about satisfaction and physical function, how
depression does/does not affect your sex life, and how you communicate
with your partner about sex. The questionnaire takes approximately 45 to
60 minutes to complete. All couples who complete the study will receive
$20 in Amazon e-gift cards ($10 to each partner).
If you’re interested in participating, first, talk with your partner about the
study. Make sure both partners are aware of the eligibility criteria and what
participation entails. Then, if both partners are willing to participate, send
an email to [email protected] with:
A) Your Name & Email Address,
B) Your Partner’s Name & Email Address, and
C) Who has been diagnosed with depression (you, partner, or both).
Thank You,
Amy L. Delany, Doctoral Candidate
University of Illinois Urbana-Campaign
National Alliance on Mental Illness
D O N O R S
S U P P O R T
Page 2
JOIN US FOR FAMILY & INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS
Through support groups you will find:
Help with support and recovery.
Friends who care and understand with networking opportunities.
Resources that will help and offer hope to you and your family.
Opportunity to share your story and learn from others who share similar stories.
ALVIN FAMILY GROUP
Thursday, 2/18/16 6-8PM
NAMI GC, 2206 N. Gordon, Alvin
Note The
New
Time!
ALVIN INDIVIDUAL GROUP Thursday, 2/18/16 4-6PM
Westover Cove, 2200 Mustang, Alvin
LAKE JACKSON FAMILY & INDIVIDUAL GROUP
Thursday, 2/11/16 6-8PM
Brazosport Regional Healthcare System
100 Medical Drive, Lake Jackson
LA MARQUE FAMILY & INDIVIDUAL GROUP
Monday, 2/8/16 6-8PM
St. Michael's Episcopal Church
1601 Lake Road, La Marque
GALVESTON FAMILY & INDIVIDUAL GROUP
Tuesday, 2/2/16 6-8PM
Moody Methodist Church
2803 53rd Street, Galveston
This year, Texas New Mexico Power (TNMP) contacted our office looking for two
families to “adopt” for the Christmas Season! Diana V, TNMP’s Regional Community
Liaison, teased that TNMP should stand for The Nice Modest People. We’re with you,
Diana!!! Thank you all so much for your kindness! We truly appreciate you!
Wow! Thank you so
much to everyone
involved with helping
these families!
Pop P. (left) and Mike L. (right
bottom) of TNMP pictured with Torrey
M. (second from left), Westover Cove
Community Director, and the
HAPPY FAMILY!
Be a part of our February Conference Call to discuss our upcoming Education Class,
NAMIBasics • February 18th, 2016 • 6:00pm –7:00pm Register for our Conference Call &
receive the agenda and other materials by emailing [email protected]
National Alliance on Mental Illness
U P D A T E S
Page 3
Adjusting to Adult Life
Jacob Bradshaw, August 26, 2016
The prospect of becoming an adult that can be a bit overwhelming for everyone, but
there are certain questions and considerations that are especially important if you
have a mental health condition.
How Do You Handle a Job?
Now that you are an adult and are able to start working full-time, it’s important to
keep in mind that a job is not worth worsening your condition. Everyone has limits
and you should learn yours. The stress that sometimes comes with some jobs can
often trigger symptoms.
It is OK to have a job that occasionally causes stress, most jobs do. As long as you
have a plan of action or method to manage your stress in a healthy way then your
job should not cause your symptoms to worsen.
If you find your stress increasing, here are some ideas to help relieve it:
• Exercise • Hobbies • Meditation • Breathing Exercises
It is important to remember that it is generally against the law for an employer to
discriminate against you because of a mental health condition. Also, your employer
is required to provide you with certain accommodations, such as modifications or
assistive technology, if you require them. If your employer is refusing to provide an
accommodative service that you believe is a necessity, there are legal options to
consider with federal and anti-discrimination laws.
If you have a complaint, there are three government agencies responsible for
enforcing employment laws:
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which is the agency that
enforces the ADA in the private sector.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Office, which enforces the ADA in the federal
government.
Many states have Fair Employment Practice Agencies that enforce state laws
against employment discrimination.
If you believe your complaints aren’t being listened to, you have the option to take
action in the legal system. There are many organizations that represent individuals
with mental health conditions who face discrimination, including the National
Disability Rights Network and the American Civil Liberties Union...
Want to continue reading?
See more at: http://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/August-2015/Adjusting-to-Adult-
Life?utm_source=naminow&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=august2015#sthash.sIrchnxr.dpuf
National Alliance on Mental Illness
E D U C A T I O N
Page 4
What is mental illness? Need help with a family member?
Don’t know where to turn? Feel like life is spiraling out of control?
Learn how to care for a family member or friend with mental
illness by attending a FREE class:
An educational workshop that provides information to families, mental health professionals and community about:
Depression
Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depression) Schizophrenia
Saturday - February 13, 2016 9:00AM-2:30PM Saturday - February 20, 2016 9:00AM-2:30PM
Location-NAMI Gulf Coast Office
2206 N. Gordon, Alvin 77511
To register for the Partnerships class go to: http://namigulfcoast.org/upcoming-
events/partnerships/
Register now class size is limited!
For class information contact the NAMI GC Office at 281-585-3100 or email Jan at
National Alliance on Mental Illness
N A M I F E S T
Page 5
LUNCHEON Friday Enjoy the keynote speaker, Galveston’s
former Mayor, Lyda Ann Thomas, sharing her
personal story with mental illness. In addition,
NAMI GC’s Second Chance Thrift Shop will have
a style show featuring fashions from the thrift
shop modeled by NAMI GC’s families and
individuals affected by mental illness. Awards
will then be presented to outstanding mental
health community leaders.
DINNER
Friday NAMI Gulf Coast is excited to feature
a special presentation of the Willard
Suitcase Exhibit, as photographed by
renowned artist Jon Crispin. Mr. Crispin will
provide attendees with an in-depth look at
the stories and belongings abandoned in the
attic of a New York psychiatric institution.
Don’t miss this exceptional dinner event
followed by a live band and dancing.
WALKATHON Saturday Things have changed, so look to
find the NAMI Gulf Coast Walkathon on
beautiful Galveston Island at the conference
center. The Walkathon is a wonderful
opportunity to close the NAMIFest by exercising
your mind, body and spirit!
What is NAMIFest?
NAMI Gulf Coast is hosting the annual conference, NAMIFest, October 7-8, 2016 at Moody
Gardens, in Galveston, Texas. The conference will include the following activities:
CONFERENCE Friday Join our 5th annual Mental Health
Awareness Conference with a network of
experienced speakers. The symposium
includes special sessions for families,
professionals (CEUs provided) and individuals
affected by mental illness, community and the
faith based community.
Registration opens online April 2016. Visit www.namigulfcoast.org/namifest
You can also request additional information by contacting the NAMI GC office 281-585-3100 or [email protected]
National Alliance on Mental Illness
THE 2016 DSHS CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH
AWARENESS CREATIVE ARTS CONTEST! HAVE YOUR ART DISPLAYED IN THE TEXAS CAPITOL!
The Texas Department of State Health Services
(DSHS) and Texas System of Care are proud to
announce the 2016 Children’s Mental Health
Awareness Creative Arts Contest! Texas elementary,
middle and high school students are invited to
submit their best work highlighting why Children’s
Mental Health Matters. The three categories for
entries are: Creative Writing, Poster Art and Video
Art.
Winners in each category will receive special prizes
and have their work displayed in the Texas Capitol
during Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week in
May and on both the DSHS and Texas System of
Care Websites.
All entries must be received by March 1, 2016
For contest rules and official entry form go to
https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/mhsa/creativeartscontest.aspx
S A V E
T H E
D A T E
Page 6
National Alliance on Mental Illness Page 7
V O L U N T E E R S
Calling ALL Volunteers!!!
NAMI Gulf Coast and the Second Chance Thrift Shop have numerous volunteer opportunities
for February and the upcoming months!
Wednesday, February 24th, 2016 Newsletter Folding
Help fold & label the March 2016 Newsletter
Tuesdays - Fridays 10:00 am - 3:00 pm, the Second Chance Thrift Shop LOVES volunteers to help with sorting, tagging, and hanging clothing, organizing the store and assisting with customers. We provide lunch and a happy, fun atmosphere! Mondays - Fridays 9:00 am - 4:00 pm, the NAMI Gulf Coast Office needs help with Data Entry and other Office Assistance. You will receive all the training you need for each position. Why should you volunteer? You will receive... A free membership to NAMI Gulf Coast $2.00 off each $10.00 purchase Free lunch every day you volunteer
Call our office and ask for Allyn, the Volunteer
Coordinator, 281-585-3100 or email her at [email protected]
We look forward to hearing from you!!!
National Alliance on Mental Illness
A message from Greg Hansch, Public Policy Director of NAMI Texas:
NAMI TX Advocacy Leads, The Texas health and human services system is going through a major period of change. The process - what is being called HHS Transformation - is the result of the Sunset legislation passed this year (for more on Sunset, see: https://www.sunset.texas.gov/) The Texas HHS agencies are currently taking public comment on the process. Comments may be submitted in the following ways: -Completing this survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HHS-Transformation -Sunset legislation summaries are here: http://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/hhs-transformation/sunset-legislature-summary.shtml -General information about the HHS Transformation process (you can go through and view the individual agency reports, such as DSHS, DARS, and HHSC): http://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/hhs-transformation/index.shtml Please let me know if you have comments, email me at [email protected], on this process and/or plan to testify. I have developed the following draft issues for us to address in our written comments: -The workgroup leading the transition to the new State-Operated Facilities Division needs leadership from top state hospital division management staff in DSHS. The workgroup is currently being led by someone with no state hospital experience. -Similarly, the person overseeing the new Clinical Services & Quality Initiatives Division has no experience with state-delivered mental health services. -Continuation of HHSC Associate Commissioner for Mental Health position is an essential function in coordination and consolidation. -Continuation of the Council on Advising and Planning as not just a subcommittee of the Behavioral Health Advisory Council - consumers and family members deserve their own entity that exists for the sole purpose of receiving input from those with lived experience. -Early Childhood Intervention services should reside at HHSC with other clinical health programs, rather than at DFPS with child abuse prevention services -Opportunity for public input at every step of the way for study assessing stand-alone agency status for DSHS and DFPS -Texas Workforce Commission has no experience delivering supported employment services to persons with disabilities including mental illness. Individuals with mental illness get service at LMHAs and would be less likely to utilize and benefit from supported employment at a separate TWC office. Supported employment counselors - including those who provide job search counseling - should be embedded into the LMHAs.
Thanks, Greg Hansch, LMSW National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Texas Office Phone: (512)693-2000 Website: www.namitexas.org
A D V O C A C Y
Page 8
National Alliance on Mental Illness Page 9
T H E I N S I D E
L O O K
State Mental Health Legislation 2015 Trends, Themes and Effective Practices
Overview NAMI’s third annual report, State Mental Health Legislation 2015: Trends, Themes and Effective Practices, tracks state mental health budgets and identifies legislative trends across the country. The report provides both a summary of leading mental health legislation and appendices with links to legislation grouped by topic. In 2015, many states enacted innovative bills that can serve as models to improve mental health service delivery. However, the overall investment in state mental health budgets continues to decline. State Mental Health Budgets NAMI’s report notes whether state mental health budgets are increasing, decreasing or merely maintaining compared to the previous year as an important indicator of a state’s commitment to mental health care. Alarmingly, the number of states increasing spending on state mental health budgets shrank for the third year in a row. Minnesota stands out for consistently and thoughtfully investing in its mental health system. This year, the state notably invested in first episode psychosis (FEP) programs, housing, employment, Assertive Community Treatment (ACT), hospital beds and workforce development. Recommendation: NAMI encourages all states to invest in improving their mental health system to provide timely, comprehensive and effective services and supports.
Medicaid Expansion Nationally, half of all adults with mental health conditions received no treatment in the prior year. In states that expand Medicaid eligibility, more people have coverage for the mental health care they need. Medicaid expansion also brings added federal resources that allow state mental health systems to better provide mental health treatment and supports. Recommendation: NAMI encourages all states to expand Medicaid to improve coverage for mental health care.
See full report at: www.nami.org/statereport
NAMI ● 3803 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 100 ● Arlington, VA 22203 (703) 524-
7600 ● www.nami.org ● www.facebook.com/NAMI
National Alliance on Mental Illness
R E S O U R C E S
Page 10
Announcing the Launch of SARDAA Health Storylines™
Help for people with schizophrenia and related disorders. SARDAA Health Storylines is developed in partnership with the Schizophrenia and Related Disorders Alliance of America, and is powered by the Health Storylines™ platform from Self Care Catalysts Inc. Now it is easy to record details and specifics about symptoms, medication, moods, and more. Choose what you want to track, and see all the information you need to help you or your loved one who is living with schizophrenia and related disorders. How to Access SARDAA Health Storylines The mobile app is FREE for all users on iOS and Android devices. There is also a web version available, accessible through the browser of any desktop computer or mobile device.
Act B4 Stage 4 Take a Screen!!!
Taking a screening is one of the quickest and easiest ways to determine
whether you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition.
Visit this website: www.mentalhealthamerica.net/mental-health-screening-tools
National Alliance on Mental Illness Page 11
T H R I F T
S H O P
2206 N. Gordon (Bus . 35) Alvin, Texas 77511
281-585-3100 Store Hours:
Tuesday-Friday 10am-3pm
Make a purchase and enter our RAFFLE for $1.00
Cold Hands, Warm Hearts!
Our Volunteers are the
Come by the Shop to meet our
newest employee, Robert! We
are so glad to have him join
our Awesome Team!
February Specials! Tuesdays– Boutique Clothing 1/2 OFF!
Wednesday–Fill–a-Sac for $5.00 (ALL Clothes ON WHITE HANGERS)
Don’t forget about our next LATE
EVENING! Every 3rd Thursday
Thursday, February 18th
We will be open until 7:00pm
Keep posted to learn more
about our upcoming sales!
2015 Board of Directors President: Irene Stone Vice President: Tom Moran Treasurer: Dean Price Secretary: Mary Ferree Board Members: Andrea Hazlitt Louis Sanchez Eddie Karbowski Carla Sanchez Reathea Alexander Nancy Meadows Shawn Lewis Elizabeth Lawhorn Cryder Tricia Garza Executive Director: Jeanette Taylor Emeritus: Carolyn Karbowski Staff: Jeanette Taylor Executive Director [email protected] Jan Melis Director of Education & Support [email protected] Allyn Nault Director of Admin. & Volunteers [email protected] Amber Torres Director of Finance & Development [email protected] Alicia Karbowski Thrift Store Manager [email protected]
National Alliance on Mental Illness
It is the mission of NAMI Gulf Coast to provide support, education, and
service advocacy for families and individuals affected by mental illness.
Eliminating the stigma of mental illness is the primary goal for NAMI Gulf
Coast. The hope is that one day mental illness will be treated with the same
compassion and understanding as any other illness.
February 2016
P.O. Box 4096
Alvin, TX 77512
281-585-3100
409-944-4328
1-888-554-2264
www.namigulfcoast.org
NON-PROFIT ORG
U S POSTAGE
PAID
Friendswood, TX
Permit #4096
OR CURRENT RESIDENT
