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| Who We Are |
NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation's foremost grassroots mental health organization. We are dedicated to improving the lives of people living with serious brain disorders that cause mental illness and to improving the lives of their families. Founded in 1979, NAMI is active in all 50 states, Canada, and Mexico with over 1100 local chapters across the country. Our mission is one of education, support, self help, advocacy and research.
NAMI Barrington Area is a new NAMI chapter located in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. We are a dedicated group of people serving Barrington and nearby suburbs hoping to help you or someone you love on the path to recovery from mental illness. Call us at 847-496-1415.
About NAMI Barrington area chapter
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Family to Family classes for the fall
It's time to register for Family to Family, a series of 12 weekly classes structured to help you understand and support individuals with mental disorders while maintaining your own well being.
These NAMI classes are for family members, partners and friends of individuals with serious mental illness. "This course is a wonderful experience," said one student. "It balances basic education and skills-training with emotional support, self care and empowerment."
There is no cost to participate in a Family to Family class, you don't need to be a NAMI member, and it doesn't matter if you live in a particular chapter's area to attend a class. Just pick out a date and location that's convenient. Please note, however, that registration is necessary as class size is limited.
Barrington Area Chapter
At Northwest Community Hospital, Arlington Heights: (date change): Wednesdays, starting August 26, 6-9 p.m. Contact Maryrose at 847-496-1415 with questions or to register.
In Barrington (date change): Tuesdays starting September 15, 6-9 p.m. Contact Maryrose at 847-496-1415 with questions or to register.
Elk Grove Chapter
In Elk Grove: Tuesday nights starting September 8, 6:45 - 9 p.m. Call Jenny at 630-289-0383 to reserve your spot.
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August Events
Friday, August 7, all day. "Chip-In, Do Your Part for Mental Health" Golf Outing to benefit Alexian Brothers Center for Mental Health. Cost is $150 and includes continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Options include attending the full event, purchasing a sponsorship, advertising in the ad book, attending dinner only, purchasing raffle tickets, etc. At Randall Oaks Golf Club, Dundee. For more information about this event, please contact Bob Marovich at 847-385-7309
Tuesday, August 18, 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. NAMI Barrington Area board meeting in the Barrington Area Library, Large Meeting Room B. Drop in and learn what's going on in the chapter!
Beginning Wednesday, August 26, and continuing through November 18, NAMI Barrington Area presents Family to Family at Northwest Community Hospital, Arlington Heights, 6-9 p.m. Contact Maryrose at 847-496-1415 with questions or to register.
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September Events
Thursday, September 19, 1:00p.m. The National Technical Assistance Center for Children's Mental Health is sponsoring a conference call on Safe Schools/Healthy Students: A Unique Federal Initiative to Promote Safe and Healthy Environments in School Settings. PowerPoint slides and other reading materials available on website. Free! For more information and to register visit their website.
Beginning Tuesday, September 8 and continuing for 12 weeks, 6:45 - 9 p.m. NAMI Elk Grove/Schaumburg presents Family to Family. Call Jenny at 630-289-0383 to reserve your spot.
Beginning Tuesday, September 15 and continuing for 12 weeks, 6:00p.m. - 9:00p.m., Family to Family in Barrington. Contact Maryrose at 847-496-1415 with questions or to register.
Monday, September 21, 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. NAMI Barrington Area board meeting in the Barrington Area Library, Large Meeting Room B. Drop in and learn what's going on in the chapter!
Wednesday, September 23, 7:30p.m. Speaker Jill Dressner, Attorney and Executive Director of Special Ed Advocacy Center, will present "Educational Advocacy for Children with Special Needs". At Alexian Brothers Center for Mental Health, 3350 Salt Creek Ln., Ste 114, Arlington Hts. Refreshments will be served. For more information on NAMI NW Suburban e-mail NAMINWSub@aol.com or call (847) 899-0195
Saturday, September 26, 9:00 AM until noon. Six area NAMI chapters are sponsoring a workshop/training session, "NAMI Smarts: How to More Effectively Advocate." At Northwest Community Hospital, Arlington Heights. Registration required. Fee to be determined. Call Hugh Brady for details at 847-215-4104.
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Area Support Groups
NAMI Barrington Area would like to invite you to our monthly support groups - for family, partners and friends of people with mental illnesses (or "consumers" of mental health services). This month we will offer one group on Tuesday, August 11 at the Barrington Area Library (call Mary at 847-381-6919 or Trowby at 847-382-6015 for information) and a second on Monday, August 24 at Northwest Community Hospital (call Mary 847-381-6919 or Elba 847-963-9330).
Support groups can be very helpful, especially for those going through a crisis. There are a number of groups meeting in our area for consumers as well as family members and friends. These include:
Every week in August, the NAMI Consumer Connections support group meets in multiple locations in the suburbs. For adults 18 and over with any type of mental illness. No charge/no registration: Mondays 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Alexian Center for Mental Health, 3350 Salt Creek Lane, Suite 114, in the large group room. Call Star at 847-899-0195 for details. OR 4:00-5:30 p.m. at the Beth Emet Synagogue, 1224 Dempster (Ridge and Dempster) in the lower level, Evanston. Call 847-716-2252 for details. Tuesdays 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Kenneth Young Center, 1001 Rohlwing, Elk Grove. Call Michelle at 224-653-9878 for information. Wednesdays 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. at Central DuPage Hospital Behavioral Health Services Building, 27W350 W High Lake Road in Winfield. Call 630-752-0066 for details. Thursdays 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. at Good Samaritan Hospital North Pavilion (Building 4), basement level in Cancer Care Conference Room in Downers Grove. Call 630-752-0066 for information. Fridays 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Alexian Brothers Behavioral Hospital, 1650 Moon Lake Blvd, Hoffman Estates. Call Carol at 847-352-6708 for details. Saturdays 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. at Lutheran General Hospital, 1775 Dempster, Room 1062, Park Ridge (call NAMI CCNS for details at 847-716-2252).
Every Monday, the Depression Bipolar Support Alliance support group meets in Arlington Heights from 7.30 to 9.00 p.m. It's open to people living with depression and bipolar disorder and their family and friends. No charge. Contact Leah at mrsn@comcast.net or (847) 541-7754 for information and location.
Every Monday, the RECOVERY Inc. self-help mental health support group (led by trained consumers using cognitive behavioral methods) meets at 7 p.m. at the National City Bank (rear entrance), 13300 S. Route 47 / Oak Creek Pkwy, Huntley, IL. For information call 815-338-5609, email m50@recovery-inc.org or visit www.recovery-inc.org
Every Thursday, the NAMI DuPage chapter's Peer Recovery support group meets from 7 - 8:30 p.m. at Good Samaritan Hospital, 3815 Highland Ave., Downers Grove. (No charge, no reservation needed.) Call 630-752-0066 for information.
Every Saturday, the RECOVERY Inc. self-help mental health support group (led by trained consumers using cognitive behavioral methods) at 10a.m. at St. Paul United Church of Christ, 144 E.Palatine Road, Palatine. For information call 815-338-5609, email m50@recovery-inc.org or visit www.recovery-inc.org
Monday, August 3. NAMI CCNS "Care & Share" family support group meets from 7 - 8:30 p.m. the 1st Monday of the month at the Kenton-Knox Conference Center at Rush North Shore Medical Center, 9701 N. Knox, Skokie. No charge. No reservation needed. Call Jan Magoc at at 847-297-0396 for information.
Monday, August 3 and 17 . NAMI of Greater Chicago Consumer Support Group NAMI Greater Chicago consumer support group meets twice monthly (usually the 1st and 3rd Mondays), 2:30 - 4 p.m. at their offices, 1536 W. Chicago Ave, 1st Floor, Chicago. Call Betty at 312-563-0445 or visit their website for information or for other city and suburban support groups.
Monday, August 3 and 17 . NAMI of Greater Chicago Spanish Consumer Support Group meets the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month, 5:15 - 6:30 p.m. at their offices, 1536 W. Chicago Ave, 1st Floor, Chicago. Call the office to put your name on the list: 312-563-0445.
Wednesday, August 5 and 19. NAMI of Greater Chicago Spanish Family Support Group. meets the first and third Wednesday of the month at 7 - 9 p.m. at their offices, 1536 W. Chicago Ave, 1st Floor, Chicago. Call 312-563-0445 to place name on support group list.
Thursday, August 6. NAMI McHenry County dual diagnosis family support group meets the first Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at the NAMI-McHenry County offices, 333 Commerce Drive, Suite 900A, Crystal Lake. Call 815-444-9991 for information.
Monday, August 10 and 24. The NAMI DuPage parents with children with a mental illness support group meets the 2nd and 4th Monday of the month at 7:30 pm at the NAMI office, 2100 Manchester Road, Bldg. B - Suite 900, Wheaton. (No charge, no reservation needed.) Call 630-752-0066 for information.
Tuesday, August 11. NAMI Barrington Area Chapter family support group, 7 - 8:30 p.m. at the Barrington Area Library, Large Meeting Room B. (No charge, no reservation needed.) Call Mary at 847-381-6919 or Trowby at 847-382-6015 for information for information.
Tuesday, August 11 and 25. NAMI DuPage Chapter family support group meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month from 7 - 8:30 p.m. at the NAMI DuPage office, 2100 Manchester, Building B, Suite 925, Wheaton.(No charge, no reservation needed.) Phone 630.752.0066 or email: il@namidupage.org for information.
Wednesday, August 12. NAMI Greater Chicago Family Support Group meets monthly (usually the 2nd Wednesday), 7 - 9 p.m. at their offices, 1536 W. Chicago Ave, 1st Floor, Chicago. Call 312-563-0445 or visit their website for information or for other city and suburban support groups.
Thursday, August 13. The NAMI Elk Grove Chapter family support group meets the 2nd Thursday of the month from 6:45- 8:45 p.m. at the Kenneth Young Center, 1001 Rohlwing Rd., Elk Grove. Family, friends, and recovered consumers are welcome Call Gina at 630 302 2530 for more information.
Thursday, August 13. The NAMI CCNS Basics Support Group for caregivers of children and adolescents with brain disorders meets the 2nd Thursday of the month (except August) from 7:30 - 9 p.m. at the Kenilworth Union Church, 211 Kenilworth Ave, Kenilworth. Call 847-716-2252 for more information.
Saturday, August 15. The NAMI DuPage Minds in Motion social group (18 - 20-something) meets the 3rd Saturday of the month. Visit NAMI DuPageor phone 630-752-0066 for location and time.
Wednesday, August 19. NAMI Hanover Township family support group meets the 3rd Wednesday of the month from 7 - 9 p.m. at Downey Hall, 250 S. Route 59, Bartlett, IL. Call 630-736-2823 for details.
Wednesday, August 19. NAMI Northwest Suburban Chapter family support group meets the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. at Alexian Center for Mental Health, 3350 Salt Creek Lane, Suite 114, Arlington Heights. Call Star at 847-899-0195 for details.
Thursday, August 20. NAMI McHenry County Family Support and Education group meets the 3rd Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at the McHenry County Mental Health Board Building, 620 Dakota St., Crystal Lake. Call 815-444-9991 for information.
Thursday, August 20. NAMI-C.A.R.E. (Consumers Advocating Recovery through Empowerment), a peer-based, mutual support group program led by trained consumers for individuals facing the challenges of recovering from a serious mental illness. For 2009, the group will meet just once a month on the 3rd Thursday at the McHenry County Mental Health Board, 620 Dakota Street, Crystal Lake, following the 7:00 p.m. general support group.
Friday August 21. The NAMI CCNS Basics Support Group for caregivers of children and adolescents with brain disorders meets the 3rd Friday of the month (except August) from 9:30 - 11 a.m. at the Wilmette Public Library, 1242 Wilmette Avenue, Wilmette. Call 847-716-225 for more information.
Monday, August 24. NAMI Barrington Area Chapter family support group meets the 4th Monday of the month at 7 - 8:30 p.m. at Northwest Community Hospital Mental Health Network, 901 Kirchoff, Arlington Heights. call Mary 847-381-6919 or Elba 847-963-9330 for information.
Monday, August 24. The New Foundation Center (formerly Wilpower) family support group meets the 4th Monday of the month (except December) from 6 - 7:30 p.m. at 444 Frontage Road, Northfield, IL. Call Wendy Trafny at 847 386 3082 for information.
More support groups listed at the NAMI Illinois website
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Budget passes - but the problem's not solved!
Legislative Alert -by Hugh Brady
Illinois finally has a budget. Passed on July 15, two weeks after the end of Illinois' fiscal year, the budget will cut mental health and other human service programs by an average of 14%. While that's not good news, the 50% budget the General Assembly passed in June, but which Governor Quinn vetoed, would have been much worse.
Even so, some critics are calculating that under the new budget the state will run out of money sometime around January of 2010. And at this point it is unclear what human service programs will be cut and by how much. It looks like we'll have to keep after our state legislators.
Read more about the budget and what you can do.
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State Budget Crisis Hits NAMI Illinois
by Hugh Brady
By now most everyone has read or heard about Illinois' budget cuts and how they have affected human service programs. But readers may not know that State budget cuts have also hit NAMI Illinois.
More than 40% of NAMI Illinois' revenue comes from grants from the State of Illinois. NAMI Illinois has a core contract with the Illinois Division of Mental Health (IDMH) to provide education and support for people with mental illness and for their families. Among other programs, the State subsidizes In Our Own Voice and NAMI Connections in particular.
The earlier 50% "Doomsday" budget the General Assembly passed at the end of May would have been a total disaster for NAMI Illinois. The 14% budget cuts the Governor will have to make in human service programs as a result of the budget the legislature passed in July will also hurt, but which programs will be cut and by exactly how much is not yet known. The budget will hurt NAMI Illinois in an additional way: under the new budget the State will delay until next year paying some of what it owes to NAMI Illinois just as it has delayed paying many other service providers.
As a result of these cuts, NAMI Illinois is scaling back its programs; it has already cancelled training programs which had been scheduled for August. The NAMI Illinois Board of Directors will meet in September, when more information about state funding will be available, to consider further budget cuts or fund-raising activities.
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A great explanation of the budget mess in Illinois
State Rep Kathy Ryg just sent out one of the clearest explanations of the state budget mess that we've ever read. Considering the source, it's also probably pretty reliable!
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Homeless Count - Final Report
From the Alliance to End Homelessness in Suburban Cook County:
After many months of compiling, computing, organizing, analyzing and reviewing... the 2009 Homeless Count results are COMPLETE!!
You can now download a PDF version of the Final Count Report, save and pass along to staff, volunteers, partners, and community members. The more we get out there, the better the advocacy!
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You're invited to a non event
From the President's Desk - by Hugh Brady
How would you like to attend a non-event fund raiser? That's right, you'd help out a worthy cause (NAMI), but not have to get dressed up and go to a fancy banquet hall and risk eating too much (Which heaven knows I've done too often!) or risk drooping your head into your chocolate mousse trying to stay awake during some "less than exciting" speeches.
Well, on Saturday, August 15, NAMI Illinois is having a Non-Event Event! NAMI Illinois is inviting everyone who helps support people with mental illness or who advocates for better mental health care in Illinois to participate.
WHO: Everyone is invited!
WHAT: NAMI Illinois' Non-Event Event
WHERE: Whereever you want
WHEN: Saturday, August 15 - any time of day or night
ACTIVITES: Whatever you want to do!
DRESS: Whatever you want!.
You can make your contribution by credit card or by mail. And once you've done that, take the rest of the day off and do whatever you want to do as your reward for a job well done! Click to participate |
Microsoft offers free vocational training
News from NAMI Illinois
From August through October, Microsoft and the State of Illinois will offer free online training that can lead to Microsoft Business Certification.
To participate in this Elevate America program, you will need to apply for a voucher through one of several workforce networks. There will be 51,000 vouchers available, starting July 31. A great opportunity to learn computer skills or start on a path toward a career in IT management!
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Using MRI in Schizophrenia Diagnosis
From the Chicago Tribune
Thanks to a study conducted at Northwestern University, doctors are now using MRI equipment to help diagnose schizophrenia, a devastating mental illness.
"Diagnosing schizophrenia is more of an art than a science," said Dr. John Csernansky, who heads Northwestern's psychiatry and behavioral sciences department, "but by using a computer to chart subtle changes in the brain from [magnetic resonance imaging], we can create brain maps." Accurate diagnosis is crucial to effective treatment.
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Housing Update
Progress Continues - by Hugh Brady
The long delayed Catholic Charities/Alexian Brothers permanent supportive housing project for homeless individuals with serious mental illness, once scheduled to open this July, received a setback in the form of the state's budget crisis, but is once again moving forward and is anticipated to open later this summer.
The project is dependent on two revenue sources, one from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, (HUD) and the other from the Illinois Division of Mental Health (IDMH). HUD will pay for the housing and IDMH for the supportive services. HUD was ready to release its share of the funding on July 1 of this year, but thanks to Illinois' continuing budget problems, IDMH was beginning to back out on its commitment to fund the supportive services.
But the housing grant from HUD is contingent upon the state's commitment to fund the services. No funding for services? No housing grant from HUD!
But the folks at the Alexian Brothers community mental health center have been working hard to seek other ways to fund the supportive services and now that the state finally has a budget, the state funding cuts Alexian Brothers was anticipating have been less severe than originally assumed.
So the project is now back on track. HUD has told project sponsors they will release the grant funds either on August 1 or September 1. Once that happens, lease-up will begin shortly after.
People interested in applying for one of the openings should contact Eileen Higgins at Catholic Charities. Reach her by e-mail.
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Workshop - Advocacy Basics
If you are interested in legislative advocacy to mend our wretched mental health system, here is a workshop you won't want to miss!
On Saturday, September 26th, six area NAMI chapters are sponsoring a workshop/training session on how to more effectively advocate with your legislators for improvements in our mental health systems. The training program, entitled "NAMI Smarts," is one of NAMI's national signature programs, and it has been very well received everywhere it has been presented.
People who take this workshop walk out of the session energized and full of the confidence, information and skills needed to 'rassel their elected officials to the mat and get them to do what we all know they must do!
Workshop details are still being worked out at this time, but we know this much so far:
-The workshop will be held at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights.
-It is projected to run from 9:00 AM until noon on Saturday, September 26.
-If there is enough interest, we will offer a second section from 1:00 until 4:00 PM.
-Advance registration will be required, and
-The cost will be minimal, just enough to cover the cost of materials and refreshments.
Subscribers to NAMI News and Notes will be receiving an e-mail with registration information sometime in August.
Meanwhile, stay tuned for further details!
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Treatment Not Incarcaration
Joseph Jason, a member of the NAMI BA board of directors, has asked us to publicize a petition regarding his son, Daniel, who has had some terrible problems related to his mental illness, and which touch on the treatment of many of our friends and family members. Joe writes:
"I have a son who graduated in December of 2005 from the University of Iowa with an A- average and a Finance degree. He has Asperger Syndrome (high functioning autism) and severe mental illness and has been in jail and prison since March of 2007. My son's name is Daniel. He is not faceless. He is one of many who are presently incarcerated for the crime of being mentally ill. He is non-violent. I have advocated for Daniel by contacting all of the legislators in Iowa, some in Illinois and his attorneys, etc. In 2005, I never would have believed that I would be an advocate for the mentally ill and involved with NAMI. Now I cannot imagine not being totally involved."
Read Joe's petition
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Free help with recovery plan for people with biploar disorder
Research study oportunity through the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
Researchers at Group Health's Center for Health Studies in Seattle are working with the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance to test a new support program for getting and staying well. The program offers information, recovery tools, and community discussions. As part of the study, you might be chosen to receive one-on-one support from an online peer coach.
There is no cost to participate, but you do need to be at least 19 and have access to a computer with an Internet connection. This research project is funded by the US National Institute of Mental Health.
Registration is open through August 2009, and enrollment is limited. Learn more and sign up online.
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New WRAP Locator website
From the Illinois Division of Mental Health (DMH)
The link below will take you to an introduction to WRAP -Wellness Recovery Action Plan- and an easy way to search for WRAP classes by entering your city and zip code.
A WRAP can help a person with a serious mental illness navigate the process of recovery, stay healthy, deal with challenging times and reach individual goals. Components include a Key Concepts of Recovery section, a Wellness Toolbox, a Daily Maintenance Plan, Triggers, Warning Signs and Crisis Planning sections.
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Pediatric Bipolar Depression
Research study at Alexian Brothers
Alexian Brothers Center for Psychiatric Research is currently enrolling eligible participants, ages 10-17, with pediatric bipolar depression. We are also currently enrolling participants for:
-Schizophrenia (ages 18+)
-Depression (ages 18+)
-Autism (ages 6-12)
-Bipolar Depression (ages 10-17)
Clinical research very often presents people with renewed hope and the possibility that something different may be available for them. If you or someone you know is interested in learning more, please call call the research recruitment line at 847-230-3591 or visit their website at www.abbhh.org/research
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When the City Turns Cold
Roosevelt University students look at homelessness
A poignant series of articles and videos.
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Volunteers Needed
Do you really mean it when you say you want to help people with mental health issues?
If so, we can use your help at NAMI Barrington Area. I want to invite you to help us support and advocate for people with brain disorders, and in so doing, help yourself. Are you willing to lend a hand? It's a wonderful experience to be involved and make a difference!
There's so much we can accomplish, but only with more good people like you pitching in. Please call Maryrose at 847-496-1415.
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| Community Mental Health Services
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Please pass on this newsletter
We hope you'll pass this newsletter on to friends, family members or professionals who might get some useful information from it. Even though you don't know if your friend would need this valuable information and support, you never know who may have a co-worker or neighbor who would.
The best way to pass it on is to hit the 'forward email' button at the bottom. You can write a note when you forward it, and you may mention that if he or she enjoys it, to be sure to hit the 'join our mailing list' button in the left-hand column.
There's no need to worry if your friend lives in the area, as NAMI has chapters throughout the United States. It's a free newsletter. You don't have to be a member to receive it. No one will call, email or otherwise bother new subscribers.
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| Join NAMI
We hope you'll join NAMI and support our advocacy for the mentally ill. The cost is only $35 (adult and spouse) or $10 (for consumer). If this cost will create a financial hardship, we have a limited number of open door memberships available at a reduced fee.
If you don't wish to join right now, but you'd like to receive our free newsletter, simply use the "Join our mailing list" button in the blue column to the right.
Membership form
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| Emergency Numbers
Local police/ambulance: 911
State police: 847-294-4400
Crisis team, Alexian Brothers, Hoffman Estates
(24 hour): 800-432-5005
Illinois state suicide line: 800-784-2433
Ecker Center 24-hour emergency program (Elgin) 847-888-2211
More emergency numbers
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