NAMI Pennsylvania is beginning to roll out the Connections Support Group model. NAMI C.A.R.E. support group facilitators and those interested in facilitating Connections groups are encouraged to Pre-register for trainings.

Connection Support Group Training

All current NAMI-C.A.R.E. Facilitators are invited to attend a one day “link up” refresher training in order to join the NAMI Connection program. NAMI Connection is based upon NAMI-C.A.R.E, with some new additions, including:

• NAMI Connection groups meet once a week
• Changes to the Principles of Support
• Updated charts, manuals and facilitator guides
• New marketing materials
• Group data Collection

Connection support groups are offered at no charge, and are open to anyone living with a mental illness. The groups are now forming all over the country as a new community peer service, and are coming to Pennsylvania state!

To find out more information about a NAMI Connection Link-Up Training Event near you, please contact your state office for more information! Pre-register online

Parity on the Move in the Senate
Call to support bill that includes
mental health parity

The mental health and addiction parity compromise bill that was agreed to by House and Senate negotiators is included in the Jobs, Energy, Families and Disaster Relief Act of 2008 (S. 3335), which is expected to be considered on the Senate floor the week of July 28th.

It is essential the Senate pass S. 3335 before the August recess so that parity legislation can also pass the House and be signed into law by the President before Congress adjourns for the year in September.

Please call your U.S. Senators by using the toll-free Parity Hotline: 1-866-parity4 (1-866-727-4894). The Parity Hotline reaches the U.S. Capitol switchboard, which can connect callers to the offices of their members.

Message: "I'm calling to ask that the Senator vote for the Jobs, Energy, Families and Disaster Relief Act of 2008 (S. 3335). This bill includes lifesaving mental health and addiction parity legislation. Mental health and addiction parity will help reduce suicide in America by providing better access to treatment services. Please vote "YES" on S. 3335 to eliminate insurance discrimination against those with mental health and substance use disorders."

Article courtesy of SPAN USA

Legislation of Interest

HB 80 Mental Health Courts

Leach
(PN 104) Amends Title 42 (Judiciary) providing for a judicial district to apply for a grant to establish a mental health court division. The mental health court division will provide a single point of contact where a defendant with a mental illness may receive court-ordered treatment and support services in connection with a diversion from prosecution, a sentencing alternative or a term of probation or parole. The Administrative Office, consulting with the Department of Public Welfare Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, the Department of Corrections, and the PA Board of Probation and Parole, will establish standards, funding schedules, and procedures for awarding grants to establish the mental health court division. The bill provides guidelines for establishing these grants.

Bill History:
01-25-07 H Filed
01-30-07 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Judiciary
07-28-08 H Hearing set for 10:00 a.m., Hershey Municipal Building, 600, House Judiciary

Contact us to see how you can help

Science Corner

July 15th, 2008

NIMH: Antipsychotic Medications May Ease Some Alzheimer’s Symptoms, Not Others

Antipsychotic medications may lessen symptoms like hostility and aggression in patients with Alzheimer’s disease, but do not appear to lessen other symptoms or improve quality of life, according to a recent analysis of data from the NIMH-funded Clinical Antipsychotic Trials of Intervention Effectiveness Alzheimer’s Disease (CATIE-AD) study. The analysis was published online ahead of print June 2, 2008, in the American Journal of Psychiatry.

Full Article

NIMH: New Grant Aims to Overcome Obesity in People with Serious Mental Illness

A new grant funded by NIMH will test the effectiveness of a promising intervention designed to help people with serious mental illness who are overweight or obese lose weight and keep it off.

Full Article

Criminal Justice Training and the Forensics Interagency Task Force

NAMI believes that education about brain disorders at all levels of judicial and legal systems is crucial to the appropriate disposition of cases involving offenders with brain disorders. Judges, lawyers, police officers, correctional officers, parole and probation officers, law enforcement personnel, court officers, and emergency medical transport and service personnel should be required to complete at least 20 hours of training about these disorders. Consumers and family members should be a part of this educational process.

NAMI believes that state and local mental health authorities must work closely in conjunction with state and local correctional and law enforcement agencies to develop strategies and programs for compassionate intervention by law enforcement, jail diversion, treatment of individuals with brain disorders who are incarcerated, and discharge planning and community reintegration services for individuals with brain disorders released from correctional facilities.

Emergency Preparedness Planning
Resource for the Disabled

Emergency Preparedness Section

Emergencies/disasters are part of every day life. Floods, droughts, earthquakes, snowstorms, the accidental release of radiation and terrorist attacks are just a few examples of problems we may face. Advance planning and coordination of family activities will improve the opportunities for managing and overcoming the challenges of such emergencies. As Benjamin Franklin once said, “it is better to dig your well before you are thirsty.”

Emergency Preparedness Section

Medicare Part D- Prescription Drug Assistance
OPEN ENROLLMENT BEGINS NOVEMBER 15TH for 2008

Medicare Drug Benefit Update: 2008 Plan Year Enrollment Begins November 14, 2007 November 15 marks the start of the open enrollment period for the Medicare Part D drug benefit for 2008. During the “open season” period for 2008 drug plan enrollment, Medicare beneficiaries will be able to select prescription drug coverage that goes into effect on January 1, 2008. The open season ends December 31.
As the 2008 plan year approaches, NAMI is watching closely to ensure that beneficiaries with serious mental illness, especially low-income dual eligibles, are able to maintain continued access to drug coverage that meets their complex treatment needs. Of particular concern are the 2.1 million dual eligibles and low-income subsidy (LIS) Medicare beneficiaries that are being required to switch to different prescription drug plans (PDPs) on January 1.

There are a number of important web-based tools to search available plan options, research whether or not a specific medication is on a plan’s formulary for 2008 – or is subject to an access restriction (placed on a tier requiring higher cost sharing, prior authorization, step therapy, quantity limit, etc.). Most can be searched by zip code to check on availability by geographic region. Click here for Resources for Medicare Part D- Prescription Drug Assistance

CONTACT NUMBERS:

Medicare: 1-800-633-4227 | DPW: 1-800-525-0674 | Medical Assistance: 1-866-542-3015 | Apprise: 1-800-783-7067 | SPBP: 1-800-922-9384

SAMHSA National Suicide Lifeline -
800-273-TALK (8255)