tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61243208472408101832011-07-30T16:51:30.763-05:00National Alliance for the Mentally Ill - Tyler Chaptereditornoreply@blogger.comBlogger731100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124320847240810183.post-54033276518623725842009-12-07T19:37:00.001-06:002009-12-07T19:39:30.450-06:00

Years after mental health overhaul, new picture of needs emergingWaiting lists have ballooned.By Andrea BallAMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFFSunday, December 06, 2009Six years ago, Texas leaders knew the state mental health system was in bad shape.They knew it couldn't help everyone; that patients got few services; that community mental health centers didn't consistently measure how well programs worked;

editornoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124320847240810183.post-86032306289566070312009-12-07T19:34:00.000-06:002009-12-07T19:35:50.435-06:00

From the Tyler Morning Telegraph:By KENNETH DEANStaff WriterAfter her 18-year-old son Jared's suicide, Carol Johnson said she felt helpless and even had thoughts of taking her own life.But, with the help of a group called Compassionate Friends and networking with others who have suffered a loss of a loved one by their own hand, the Lindale native was able to regain control of her life and move

editornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124320847240810183.post-33306945966834171012009-12-06T10:12:00.002-06:002009-12-06T10:19:11.903-06:00

By KENNETH DEANStaff WriterLINK to Tyler Morning TelegraphEmotions rack the mind with numbing pain, mixed with feelings of disbelief and seething anger, as friends and family struggle to find words to comfort those left behind when a loved one commits suicide.Society has placed a stigma on suicide, which not only condemns the person who has committed suicide, but in many cases, sees people

editornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124320847240810183.post-88796245713827749222009-11-13T23:09:00.000-06:002009-11-13T23:10:07.906-06:00

Caring For The Caregivers: The State Of Mental IllnessThursday, November 12, 2009Katy Aisenberg, a psychologist in private practice in Cambridge, reflects on recent events and the often invisible stress that mental health providers endure:As the nation held its breath, waiting for news about health care, violent acts were committed against a caregiver to the mentally ill and by a caregiver

editornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124320847240810183.post-55036410195114256572009-11-08T23:10:00.000-06:002009-11-08T23:12:26.017-06:00

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that can occur after someone experiences a traumatic event that caused intense fear, helplessness, or horror. PTSD can result from personally experienced traumas (e.g., rape, war, natural disasters, abuse, serious accidents, and captivity) or from the witnessing or learning of a violent or tragic event.Read More HERE.

editornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124320847240810183.post-16444550748657060442009-11-04T06:25:00.001-06:002009-11-04T06:28:07.132-06:00

editornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124320847240810183.post-7499518363127720282009-10-25T11:38:00.004-05:002009-10-25T12:47:01.230-05:00

I'll post captions as I get time.

editornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124320847240810183.post-32881620923548608592009-10-08T19:31:00.001-05:002009-10-08T19:32:21.588-05:00

An estimated 60 million Americans suffer from mental illness. One local photographer is working to raise awareness about their stories. He and others have made it their mission to break down stigmas associated with these disorders.FOX 34's Jaime Gerik reports.

editornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124320847240810183.post-28713897230369836832009-10-07T22:34:00.001-05:002009-10-07T22:36:03.644-05:00

This report provides an update on mental health transformation accomplishments in FY 2009, including: a new conceptualization of the project, an updated version of the Texas CMHP goals and subgoals, and progress on all project activities; presents priority projects and measures for the remainder of the grant period; describes how transformation will be sustained when federal funding ceases; and

editornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124320847240810183.post-64483040702455207922009-10-07T22:25:00.002-05:002009-10-07T22:27:35.509-05:00

Via Hope, is Texas Mental Health Resource that willprovide mental health training and technicalassistance for mental health consumers, youth, familymembers and other stakeholders. Via Hope isan effort supported by a partnership with theDepartment of State Health Services, Mental HealthAmerica of Texas and the National Alliance on MentalIllness of Texas to transform mental health

editornoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124320847240810183.post-87792262286031022592009-10-04T21:00:00.001-05:002009-10-04T21:04:07.117-05:00

Mental Illness Awareness Week: What You Should Know, Including PBS Broadcasts, Oct. 4-10Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) is Oct. 4-10, 2009 and as part of its observance, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is calling attention to a program now airing on PBS, Minds on the Edge: Facing Mental Illness.Observed annually the first full week in October, Congress established MIAW as a

editornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124320847240810183.post-5638492563492403982009-10-04T20:59:00.000-05:002009-10-04T21:00:04.118-05:00

Public Policy ReportBoard Meeting, Sept. 29, 2009 As the leaders of Congress are grappling with Health Care Reform, it is important that NAMI Texas and its affiliates officially support the position that NAMI National has developed on Health Care Reform:http://www.nami.org/PrinterTemplate.cfm?Section=August8&Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=84791 Section 3.1 of the NAMI

editornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124320847240810183.post-59682978192630063002009-09-21T16:43:00.000-05:002009-09-21T16:44:25.260-05:00

17th EditionTexas LawsRelating to Mental HealthReflecting changes in law passed by the81st Legislature, Regular Session – 2009*Throughout this book will be various statutory references to the Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation, Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse and the Texas Department of Health. On September 1, 2004 these three agencies were combined to form the

editornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124320847240810183.post-56088639723097855482009-09-14T17:37:00.001-05:002009-09-14T17:39:54.641-05:00

From David Evans, Executive DirectorAustin Travis County Mental Health Mental Retardation Center:Last week the Kaiser Family Foundation released an issue brief examining how individuals with complex health care needs might fare in a reformed health system. The report, Individuals with Special Needs and Health Reform: Adequacy of Health Insurance Coverage , analyzed healthcare coverage for three

editornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124320847240810183.post-40493067620945712582009-08-27T19:44:00.001-05:002009-08-27T19:45:45.139-05:00

Statement of Michael J. FitzpatrickExecutive Director, National Alliance on Mental IllnessNAMI mourns the passing of U.S. Senator Edward M. Kennedy, a true champion for individuals and families affected by serious mental illness. This is a profound loss for the NAMI family.We do not have to struggle to remember what Senator Kennedy accomplished in seeking to improve the lives of millions of

editornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124320847240810183.post-65772810601551870672009-08-26T17:05:00.002-05:002009-08-26T17:08:02.884-05:00

Lopez Details How One Man Helped Him Reconnect With His WorkBy STEWART SMITHStaff WriterSteve Lopez encouraged several hundred incoming freshmen at the University of Texas at Tyler to develop a passion that would define their lives.Lopez, the author and Los Angeles Times columnist who is portrayed by actor Robert Downey Jr. in the film "The Soloist," was the guest speaker at the freshmen

editornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124320847240810183.post-87645942963525052602009-08-17T20:07:00.001-05:002009-08-17T20:09:11.311-05:00

Time to Change, the mental health anti-stigma campaign, launches two provocative films aimed at challenging the stigma surrounding mental health head on. Both films are launched as an exclusive YouGov poll reveals that more than a third of the public believe people diagnosed with schizophrenia are likely to be violent. The reality is that people are as likely to be struck by lightning as to be

editornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124320847240810183.post-5797142784532456282009-08-17T19:55:00.000-05:002009-08-17T19:58:17.519-05:00

President Obama Addresses Mental Health Care at New Hampshire Town Hall MeetingAugust 12, 2009President Obama shared his vision for health care reform—and stressed his support of mental health parity—at a New Hampshire town hall meeting on Aug. 11.Linda Becher, an audience member, specifically asked the president about access to mental health care and its impact on society. The president

editornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124320847240810183.post-7997794925841173712009-08-16T16:59:00.000-05:002009-08-16T17:00:06.004-05:00

MTV Networks casting director is "currently working on a new documentary series about young people living with a mental illness. They are specifically looking for 18-25 year-olds living in the continental U.S. who have been diagnosed with a mental illness, such as OCD, bi-polar disorder, depression or schizophrenia. They should be open and honest about sharing the ups and down of living with

editornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124320847240810183.post-91782039190027407482009-08-15T18:34:00.004-05:002009-08-15T18:46:40.211-05:00

Scope of the ProblemPoor and partial-adherence to treatment presents staggering obstacles to recovery. It is associated with a poorer course of illness, increased involuntary hospitalizations, suicide, poorer subsequent response to treatment, estrangement and discord with caregivers and providers, criminal behavior, and failure to reach optimal levels of recovery. In light of the tremendous

editornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124320847240810183.post-8425108758287027142009-08-14T19:33:00.001-05:002009-08-14T19:35:46.139-05:00

From the Longview News JournalEast Texas families that include members with brain disorders or mental illness may all too often feel they are alone in their quest to understand and deal with the challenges.But Paula Hendrix says support, educational opportunities and information are available locally."There is help out there for people with mental illness and their families," said Hendrix,

editornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124320847240810183.post-29607603593948184182009-08-07T17:23:00.002-05:002009-08-07T17:28:28.151-05:00

MINDS ON THE EDGE: Facing Mental Illness is a multi-platform media project that explores severe mental illness in America.The centerpiece of the project is a television program that will air on PBS stations in October 2009. This video component is part of a national initiative that includes an extensive web site and an ambitious strategy to engage citizens, professionals in many fields, and

editornoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124320847240810183.post-12782029406975427062009-08-07T16:16:00.001-05:002009-08-07T17:27:47.946-05:00

MIAW Teleconference: Tuesday, August 18, 2:00 PM ETOn Tuesday, August 18, the Center for Leadership Development and NAMI Communications team will hold a teleconference on Mental Illness Awareness Week (October 4-10), focusing on opportunities for community events around Minds on the Edge Facing Mental Illness, the PBS program that premieres in October 2009.MIAW is the launch pad for Minds on the

editornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124320847240810183.post-34673156791167991992009-08-04T14:30:00.010-05:002009-08-06T22:33:03.295-05:00

From: Valerie Holcomb [mailto:vholcomb@andrewscenter.com] Sent: Tuesday, August 04, 2009 10:41 AMTo: garthmaier@ktbb.comSubject: Talkback question regarding the rise in the use of antidepressants - Action RequestedTo: Garth Maier, KTBB Program Director, garthmaier@ktbb.comCC: NAMI members and other mental health advocatesMr. Maier,I am glad that you choose at times to discuss mental health

editornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124320847240810183.post-37727203312132823142009-07-27T11:35:00.000-05:002009-07-27T11:36:12.260-05:00

July 27, 2009 On July 24, by a vote of 264-153, the House cleared legislation that includes funding for mental illness research and services for FY 2010. The bill, known as the FY 2010 Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations bill (HR 3293) includes a $52 million increase for mental illness research at NIMH, as well as an $8.4 million increase for the PATH program (outreach services for homeless

editornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124320847240810183.post-71649058345984150452009-07-27T11:33:00.000-05:002009-07-27T11:34:10.990-05:00

Mentally ill immigrants have little hope for care when detained11:20 PM CDT on Sunday, July 12, 2009By EMILY RAMSHAW / The Dallas Morning News eramshaw@dallasnews.com AUSTIN – Jose Fernandez Sanchez was delusional when he broke a window to enter his neighbor's apartment. The schizophrenic and epileptic 45-year-old, who had gone to an Austin hospital the day before, complaining of hearing voices,

editornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124320847240810183.post-15374113171066242792009-07-22T20:11:00.003-05:002009-07-22T22:34:45.784-05:00

In the state of Texas, even if a person is committed involuntarily to the hospital for treatment, that person has a right to refuse medication. So what can be done to help your loved one? An application can be made to the county judge under Texas Health and Safety Code § 574.104. "PHYSICIAN'S APPLICATION FOR ORDER TO AUTHORIZE PSYCHOACTIVE MEDICATION." This can actually be done at the same

editornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124320847240810183.post-70014104981322587432009-07-20T11:34:00.000-05:002009-07-20T11:35:37.710-05:00

Public Comment on Community Mental Health Block Grant Plan The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is submitting an application to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for Block Grant funding for Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2010 for Community Mental Health services for youth and adults throughout the state’s 11 health and human services regions. These

editornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124320847240810183.post-52924244037120861302009-07-14T20:49:00.002-05:002009-07-14T21:31:27.880-05:00

The Criminal Justice Symposium at last week’s NAMI Convention in San Francisco featured excellent presentations by Judge Stephen V. Manley of Santa Clara County’s Mental Health Court and Kathleen Connolly-Lacey who co-founded San Francisco’s Behavioral Health Court. Santa Clara’s Mental Health Court is the largest such court in the nation, serving 1,600 individuals with mental illness and

editornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124320847240810183.post-23511632507246182432009-07-06T18:46:00.001-05:002009-07-06T18:46:50.675-05:00

From my SA news:By Melissa Fletcher Stoeltje - Express-NewsIt's become a given among mental health professionals that jails are now the largest psychiatric hospitals in the country. In Bexar County, as in others around the nation, roughly one out of four inmates suffers from some kind of mental illness.That translates into some 800 inmates at the county jail being treated for a psychiatric

editornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124320847240810183.post-39393127790422971302009-07-02T21:35:00.002-05:002009-07-02T21:38:34.686-05:00

editornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124320847240810183.post-87265607091359543112009-06-18T10:54:00.005-05:002009-06-18T11:09:30.900-05:00

Lawyers and Judges are not immune from mental illness. The Texas Lawyers' Association Program has the following video available on their website "Practicing from the Shadows: Depression and the Legal Profession" DVDs now available. Click here to watch the video. Call TLAP at 1-800-343-8527 for a free copy. This is an excerpt from the Texas Lawyers' Assistance Program:The nationally acclaimed

editornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124320847240810183.post-75301085845243226962009-06-17T19:09:00.001-05:002009-06-17T19:11:04.544-05:00

This is a free download from the American Bar Association.Suicide is our most preventable form of death. Many attorneys are in frequent contact with populations at elevated risk for suicide. In their professional roles, attorneys occupy a strategic position to intercept suicidal communications and identify and refer potentially suicidal clients, as well as employees and colleagues, for

editornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124320847240810183.post-2606204874324532542009-06-16T22:17:00.000-05:002009-06-16T22:18:49.602-05:00

Contempt, by some, for the mentally ill is as old as the hills and much work in our enlightened society still needs to be done. Perhaps this officer falls within that category, or, perhaps not - as preliminary information is sketchy. At first glance: this is another disheartening story and sign of our times. Officer Caught Beating Schizophrenic Says He Did Nothing Wrong

editornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124320847240810183.post-11566164081087344442009-06-15T21:09:00.001-05:002009-06-15T21:09:46.706-05:00

The general sense among Community MHMR Centers is that the 81st Legislative Session provided substantial and significantly new resources for improved community-based services across Texas. Some examples include: increases in medicaid waiver services for developmental disabilities; enhanced crisis services; stimulus and infrastructure funds; and a new benefit package in medicaid for substance use

editornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124320847240810183.post-23812028003046897552009-06-08T18:47:00.003-05:002009-06-08T19:04:52.921-05:00

Download Handbook pdf.The Advocacy Handbook reflects a shared effort among NAMI (the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill), the National Mental Health Association (NMHA), the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD), the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, and the Criminal Justice / Mental Health Consensus Project.

editornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124320847240810183.post-12214531274881204852009-06-08T18:38:00.000-05:002009-06-08T18:40:19.375-05:00

By Sam Shore, MSSWDirector, Texas Mental Health Transformation ProjectDepartment of State Health ServicesAs a recipient of a Mental Health Transformation federal grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Texas is charged with building a solid foundation for delivering evidence-based mental health and related services, fostering recovery, improving quality of life,

editornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124320847240810183.post-83213712349128097412009-06-08T18:36:00.000-05:002009-06-08T18:38:05.476-05:00

By Kay Hart, MPAff CandidateLyndon B. Johnson School of Public AffairsThe University of Texas at AustinNo one leaves war unchanged and those changes may include both physical and mental trauma that adversely affects the quality of life for those who serve in the military and the families that love and support them. Nationally, 1.5 million soldiers have served in Operations Enduring Freedom and

editornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124320847240810183.post-52091937377929052692009-05-27T21:32:00.006-05:002009-05-27T21:49:08.461-05:00

Costs, Consequences, and Cures!!!An Assessment of the Impact ofSevere Mental Health and Substance Abuse Disorders onBusiness Activity in Texas and theAnticipated Economic and Fiscal Return onInvestment in Expanded Mental Health ServicesThe benefits from implementing a $20 million hypotheticaljail diversion program would include a positive net annualimpact of $1.074 billion in total expenditures

editornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124320847240810183.post-4608624810886544802009-05-22T23:01:00.000-05:002009-05-22T23:02:03.303-05:00

A primary goal of the Mental Health Transformation effort in Texas is to make the mental health system consumer and family focused. The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has allocated funding to establish a mental health consumer, family, and youth training and technical assistance center through a contract with Mental Health America of Texas and the National Alliance for Mental

editornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124320847240810183.post-90341242815216551672009-05-22T13:37:00.001-05:002009-05-22T13:37:56.278-05:00

editornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124320847240810183.post-65395614272215536772009-05-18T12:04:00.005-05:002009-05-22T23:08:35.979-05:00

From My S.A.Nicholas Gonzalez, who comes from a San Antonio family of doctors, will soon be playing one on TV.The Central Catholic High graduate portrays a first-year resident in a mental health ward in Fox's new summer medical-mystery drama, "Mental."Gonzalez called the series groundbreaking."For the first time, we have a drama that delves into the head, the psyche, the subconscious of patients,

editornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124320847240810183.post-56953987084034787952009-05-18T10:53:00.001-05:002009-05-18T10:53:59.410-05:00

Dear NAMI-Tyler,After seeing "The Soloist" it makes me want to ask the question does having a mental illness make us criminals? Then we should at least be treated with medications in prison. Does being homeless constitute a crime? Then I think society may need to improve it's treatment of us. If friendship can help a person who is living with mental illness recover then we need to use the

editornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124320847240810183.post-1203428129016294432009-05-15T22:17:00.000-05:002009-05-15T22:18:05.348-05:00

…The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has designated 184 of the state's 254 counties as mental health professional shortage areas, meaning the number of professionals needed to provide adequate care to mental health patients is inadequate. That includes Gregg, Upshur, Rusk and Smith counties. …Since 2000, the number of mental health counselors and social workers dwindled from 72

editornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124320847240810183.post-27426720205034602842009-05-13T19:38:00.001-05:002009-05-13T19:50:11.557-05:00

Mental Health First Aid powerpoint from the National Council for Community and Behavioral Healthcare. I'm working on posting the audio.

editornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124320847240810183.post-65388543343317458812009-05-11T20:15:00.003-05:002009-05-11T20:18:48.077-05:00

Dear NAMI-Tyler, Well, you know a while back 'stop the madness' was a slogan in our country for something. I think drug abuse. I'm not sure. But the madness to me means stigma and intolerance to differences in people. Anyone that seems strange no matter what they really are inside - good or bad - are just picked on more. Maybe I'm the only one that feels this way. The trials I've lived

editornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124320847240810183.post-3515294545961898372009-05-09T23:56:00.000-05:002009-05-09T23:57:13.231-05:00

Each May, mental health providers and agencies prepare themselves for Mental Health Awareness month by exploring opportunities to increase public awareness and understanding regarding mental health. A great example, "Hope for the Mentally Ill," was aired on KEYE-TV, reported by news anchor and New Milestones Foundation Board Member Michelle Valles.But over the last couple of years,

editornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124320847240810183.post-25209790951733166462009-05-09T23:54:00.001-05:002009-05-09T23:56:09.092-05:00

Here's the DSHS website.Federal disability programs provide financial and medical assistance to workers who become disabled, however there are no federal programs designed to prevent workers with significant health problems from becoming disabled and dependent on federal assistance. In Texas, where one third of workers are uninsured, many workers with significant health conditions become disabled

editornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124320847240810183.post-4874090517115615882009-05-09T10:50:00.003-05:002009-05-09T10:58:44.233-05:00

Here's the report from Texas Public Policy Foundation, Center for Effective Justice.The relationship between crime and mental illness has always been complex. Contemporary attitudes and knowledge concerning the treatment of mental illness indicate the urgent need for careful restudy and reshaping of this relationship.Reformers in the late 1960s and early 1970s pressed successfully for

editornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124320847240810183.post-51224492641585842152009-04-29T16:05:00.001-05:002009-04-29T16:07:18.655-05:00

Dear NAMI-Tyler, I joined the NAMI organization in 1993.I was still a patient in Terrell State Hospital serving a 2 year commitment. I had been admitted to Terrell in 1990 following a suicide attempt and several months of severe unremitting illness including psychosis and suicidal/homicidal thoughts. I asked to be sent to Terrell. I realized I had no insurance and my mother was footing the

editornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124320847240810183.post-5539641368200041502009-04-25T10:17:00.000-05:002009-04-25T10:18:56.860-05:00

NAMI Medical Director Ken Duckworth, MD, discusses Schizophrenia.

editornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124320847240810183.post-12618851558272381952009-04-25T10:01:00.002-05:002009-04-25T10:14:06.100-05:00

The Soloist is an emotionally soaring drama about lost dreams and the redemptive power of music. In the film, which was based on a true story, Journalist Steve Lopez (Oscar® nominee Robert Downey Jr.) discovers Nathaniel Anthony Ayers (Oscar® winner Jamie Foxx), a former classical music prodigy, playing his violin on the streets of L.A. As Lopez endeavors to help the homeless man find his way

editornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124320847240810183.post-82413512479370013752009-04-23T17:22:00.000-05:002009-04-23T17:23:45.197-05:00

The Released: Frontline Investigates What Really Happens To Mentally Ill Offenders When They Leave PrisonPBSApril 28, 2009Five years ago, FRONTLINE’s groundbreaking film, The New Asylums, went deep inside the Ohio prison system as it struggled to provide care to thousands of mentally ill inmates. This year, FRONTLINE filmmakers Karen O’Connor and Miri Navasky return to Ohio to tell the next

editornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6124320847240810183.post-36525601190904323982009-04-22T21:36:00.002-05:002009-04-22T21:42:21.754-05:00

About what? you say. Anything about Mental Health or Substance Abuse. The Texas Comission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse built an extensive research and reference collection in the area of substance abuse prevention and treatment. Upon our merger with Mental Health in September 2004, we began collecting materials in that field.The Information Center collection includes not only books and journals,

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The Right Prescription for Crime April 16, 2009 By Marc Levin Mental illness is a key factor in driving up correctional costs in Texas. There are 42,556 offenders with a mental health diagnosis in prison, 55,276 on probation, and 21,345 on parole. Additionally, some 170,000 mentally ill inmates are admitted into Texas county jails every year. Mentally ill inmates cost more to house and they

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Read the report here.In 2007, the 80th Texas Legislature appropriated $82 million to the Department of State HealthServices (DSHS) to address problems in the state’s mental health and substance abuse crisis servicedelivery system. Texas A&M University was selected to serve as an independent, external evaluationteam to examine the impact of Crisis Service Redesign (CSR). This report contains the

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FOUND ON STIR CRAZY IN TEXAS:NAMI Board Advocates for Decriminalizing Mental IllnessIn a move designed to draw attention to the critical problem of criminalization of people with mental illnesses, the NAMI National Board of Directors has released a report calling for more jail diversion, improved services for people at risk of criminal justice involvement, and better collaboration between

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A technical report by Rand Corporation.Consumer providers (CPs) are individuals with serious mental illness who are trained to use their experiences to provide recovery-oriented services and support to others. There are several demonstrated benefits to employing CPs: They can serve as role models, voice and broker the needs of consumers, provide information and motivation, and mentor others (

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Priced Out in 2008: Study Finds That Rents For Modest Studio and 1-Bedroom Housing Units Are Higher Than Monthly Income For People With Disabilities Read the report (pdf) Across the United States in 2008, people with disabilities with the lowest incomes faced an extreme housing affordability crisis as rents for moderately priced studio and one-bedroom apartments soared above their entire monthly

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EASTER DINNERFREE ATEAST TEXAS RESCUE MISSION1023 N Glenwood Blvd.Tyler, TX903-592-9400SundayApril 12, 20091:00 PM Join us for a Ham and Turkey Dinner with all the trimmings. Come and be blessed.

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ATTENTION:Your ideas, opinions and experiences are needed!Please join this important discussion on buildinga coordinated, robust mental health peer specialist certification process in Texas.Consumers, family members, peer specialists and other stakeholders in mental health are invited to participate in person or by phone.DATE: Saturday, April 18, 2009TIME: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. PLACE: Austin State

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From FineLine

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I wrote my book, "In My Head; Living My Life With Bi-Polar", to bring more awareness and understanding to mental illness. I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at the age of twenty-six years old. I wrote explicit details of my horrific thoughts, out of the ordinary behavior, and my treatment. I had a severe episode with depression when I was twenty-two years old, and at that time I had suicidal

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Subject: Upcoming April Autism Awareness Conference in East Texas April Autism Awareness Conference Sponsored By: Parents of Autistic Children of Texas and Tyler Junior College Date: April 22 - 23, 2009 Time: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Where: Tyler Junior College West Campus 1327 South Baxter Avenue Tyler, Texas 75701 Day 1 Part 1 – Functional Behavior Assessment,

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From FineLine

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Depression in Children & Teens: Signs & Interventions Thursday April 9 from 6-7:30pm Social Skills for Special Needs Children Tuesday April 14 from 6-7:30pmChild Sexual Abuse: Signs, Symptoms & Solutions Tuesday April 28 from 6-7:30pmPromoting Healthy Behavior in Kids Thursday April 30 from 6-7:30pmAll classes will be held at the Parents Services Center located at 4411 Old Bullard Rd., Ste.602,

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Mental health care in America is in crisis. The nation’s mental health care system gets a dismal D. As the nation confronts a severe economic crisis, demand for mental health services is increasing -- but state budget cuts are creating a vicious cycle that is leaving some of our most vulnerable citizens behind. We must move forward, not retreat ... more Read the full report here.

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Email from Dawn Trammell:Hello everyone, I am sorry that it has taken me so long to send out an update, but I have been very busy working on this. If you attended one of my workshops or have read my book, you know that I have been working as an advocate for Families of the Mentally Ill. For those of you that are not aware of it, I am taking that one step further and starting a non-profit for

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Martin Sheen Advocates for Treatment Award-winning actor and activist Martin Sheen is working to raise awareness of the need to change state laws to improve treatment for severe mental illnesses. Sheen joined Father Jim Kinney of the Peace of Mind Project during an interview on Philadelphia’s ABC Action News show Puerto Rican Panorama. They discuss the challenges and struggles facing those

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Mental Health: Myths Vs. FactsMyth:There’s no hope for people with mental illnesses.Fact:There are more treatments, strategies, and community supports than ever before, and even more are on the horizon. People with mental illnesses lead active, productive lives.Myth:I can’t do anything for someone with mental health needs.Fact:You can do a lot, starting with the way you act and how you speak. You

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Distributed from the Hogg Foundation, posted by WPXI.comMental Health: TerminologyPosted: 12:45 pm EDT March 25, 2009It is essential to use healthy terminology when writing about mental health. For example, using the word “usual” rather than “normal,” can have a dramatically different affect on your audience. Using the proper terminology can eliminate stigma in society!Also, keep in mind that a

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NAMI TEXAS 2009 Legislative Priorities --------------------------------------------------------------------------------1. Community MH funding in the state budget: Increased capacity for recovery oriented adult services With the new emphasis on mobile crisis outreach, funding is needed for increased capacity in the community for recovery oriented services. Most community mental health centers now

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General Meetings are the 4th Tuesday of each Month at 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at the Andrews Center, 2323 W. Front Street, Tyler, Texas UpstairsNAMI Connections meetings are the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month at 6:00 p.m. at the Andrews Center, 2323 W. Front Street, Tyler, Texas Upstairs

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