| 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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We've Got a Problem!
Legislative Alert -by Hugh Brady
As you may have heard, the news from Springfield is bleak: The state is broke - because of the recession, revenue from sales and income taxes is way down. In fact, to balance the coming year's budget the state must either find $12 billion in new revenue or $12 billion in spending cuts, or some combination of the two.
Unfortunately for people who need mental health services, legislators are running away in droves from any proposals for an income tax increase. As a result, cuts in services are looming. On May 18th, Governor Quinn put forth the "Doomsday Budget," a list of deep budget cuts the state will be forced to make if the General Assembly doesn't find additional revenue. This Doomsday Budget would cut state spending by 37%!
The legislature is scheduled to adjourn on May 31st. So we've got just a couple of days to make a difference.
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June Events
Thursday, June 4. The Illinois Mental Health Court Association invites you to the second annual conference focused on mental health courts in Illinois, hosted by the DuPage County Health Department. The keynote speaker is Hank Steadman from Policy Research Associates, Inc. The conference is designed for those currently participating in, those thinking of forming, or those interested in learning about mental health courts. All are invited. At College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn. Register online or for more information, contact Sandra Emory at 630-682-7979 ext 7607.
Thursday, June 11, 1:00 - 2:30p.m. National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) offers a speaker series, available via Internet Explorer. The topic for June 11 is Engaging Adolescents in Treatment. Registration with NCTSN's website is required, participation is free, Continuing Education credit is available. For assistance with this web site, contact NCTSN at help@nctsn.org
Friday, June 12, 8:30a.m. - 3:30p.m. Faces of Recovery Consumer Conference. At Herman Union Building, Illinois Institute of Technology, 3241 S. Federal St, Chicago. Any Questions? Please contact: Virginia Goldrick 773 794-5680 or Virginia.Goldrick@illinois.gov
Thursday, June 18, 1:00p.m. The National Technical Assistance Center for Children's Mental Health is sponsoring a conference call on Supporting Young Children in the Child Welfare System through Mental Health Consultation. PowerPoint slides and other reading materials available on website. Free! For more information and to register visit their website.
Monday, June 22, 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!
Saturday, June 27, 7:00a.m - 4:00p.m. Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital sponsors a seminar "Beyond the Yellow Ribbon: Diagnosing and Treating Anxiety, Depression, and PTSD in Returning Veterans." Aimed at health care professionals, program includes lots of speakers and special guest, Heidi Squier Kraft, author of "Rule Number Two: Lessons I Learned in a Combat Hospital" At the Stonegate Conference Centre in Hoffman Estates. For more information, please contact Carol at 847-755-8325 or via e-mail at Carol.Hartmann@abbhh.net
Saturday - Sunday, June 27 - 28. Out of the Darkness Overnight Walk for suicide prevention. Walk up to 18 miles in Chicago, starting at dusk, ending at dawn. To register or for more information, contact coaches@TheOvernight.org or 888-843-6837.
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July Events
Thursday, July 16, 1:00p.m. The National Technical Assistance Center for Children's Mental Health is sponsoring a conference call on Making Services and Supports Work For Youth and Young Adults With Mental Health Needs Who are Transitioning to Independence: A Pioneering Community Program. PowerPoint slides and other reading materials available on website. Free! For more information and to register visit their website.
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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, June 9 at the Barrington Area Library (call Mary at 847-381-6919 or Trowby at 847-382-6015 for information) and a second on Monday, June 22 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 June, 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 Mary at 847-895-382 or Michelle at 847-524-2690 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 Tuesday, 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, June 1. 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, June 1 and 15. 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 groupsThursday, June 4. 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.
Tuesday, June 9. 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 for information.
Wednesday, June 10. 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, June 11. 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, June 11. 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.
Monday, June 8 and 22. 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, June 9 and 23. 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, June 17. 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, June 17. 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, June 18. 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.
Thursday, June 18. 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.
Friday June 19. 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.
Saturday, June 20. 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.
Monday, June 22. 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 Maryrose at 847-382-6623 for information.
Monday, June 22. 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.
Date and time to be determined: NAMI of Greater Chicago Spanish Family Support Group. Meets monthly, 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. List members are called monthly as support group meeting day changes.
More support groups listed at the NAMI Illinois website
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Family to Family classes for the fall
It's not too soon 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: Wednesdays, Starting September 2, 6-9 p.m. Contact Maryrose at 847-496-1415 with questions or to register.
In Lake Zurich: Mondays starting September 21, 6-9 p.m. Contact Maryrose at 847-496-1415 with questions or to register.
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The Power of Real Life Education
From Carol's Corner - by Carol Ziolo
Mental health professionals who work in an acute care hospital setting rarely get to interact with consumers who are well and functioning. But I had the opportunity this past April to organize several NAMI presentations at Northwest Community Hospital's Mental Health Network.
I invited several consumers who are trained to present "In Our Own Voice" and several family members to speak about their experiences. What strong performances!! These people spoke to approximately 130 staff throughout our two-day educational lab. I applaud their strength to stand up in the front of a room of providers who may have been part of their treatment in the past. The staff learned from first hand knowledge what it means to have a mental illness and what recovery looks like. Important feedback was offered by family members, which helped staff understand the impact of loving someone with a mental illness has on him/her.
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| Released - the Video
At the end of April the PBS series Frontline aired a program called "Released." It is about the expensive, immoral and ineffective cycle of prison to homeless shelter and back to prison which our country inflicts on hundreds of thousands of people with mental illness. The way we treat our fellow Americans with mental illness is inexcusable.
If you didn't get a chance to see the program last night, you can see it online. It underscores the importance of our advocacy work for people with mental illness.
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CSH Housing News
From the President's Desk - by Hugh Brady
NAMI Barrington Area is one of the supporters of a group that is working to bring supportive housing for people with mental illness to the northwest suburbs.
While it's too early to start counting our chickens, the housing eggs seem to be getting ready to hatch. At this point, our major hurdle is finding a site, and we're looking for suggestions. Would you have any ideas?
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Changes in Insurance Law
Two important changes may affect you:
Group Insurance coverage for Children to age 26. Under new legislation (HB5285) passed by the Illinois General Assembly, coverage for children under an employer offered family insurance plan must be available at least until the child reaches the age of 26. The new legislation will be effective on June 1, 2009 but will not apply until the next anniversary of the employer plan. The child must be unmarried but is not required to be a student or live with their parent. This new legislation does not apply to self-funded insurance programs, or to counties, municipalities or schools.
COBRA Subsidy 2009. Good news for employees who loose their jobs but who elect to continue their employer offered medical insurance under the COBRA program. Under President Obama's economic stimulus program, a subsidy is now available to assist with paying the cost of COBRA insurance. If employment is terminated between 9-1-08 and 12-31-09 a 65% COBRA subsidy for 9 months is now available.
Under the new program, eligible individuals will pay only 35 percent of their COBRA premiums and the remaining 65 percent is reimbursed to the coverage provider through a tax credit. The premium reduction applies to periods of health coverage beginning on or after February 17, 2009 and lasts for up to nine months for persons who were eligible for COBRA during the period from September 1, 2008 through December 31, 2009 due to an involuntary termination of employment that occurred during that period.
For more information, see articles on the Department of Labor website here or here.
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Alexian Opens New MH Programs
Alexian Bothers Center for Mental Health in Arlington Heights, our area's community mental health center, has recently opened two new programs. The first is a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), a comprehensive 2-4 week program that provides support and treatment for adults and seniors who require more treatment than traditional outpatient services, but do not need an ovenight inpatient stay at the hospital. The second new program, Medical Psychotherapy groups, is designed to assist skilled nursing, intermediate care and assisted living facilities with their residents who are struggling with mental health issues.
For all services, please call their Intake Department at 847-952-7473.
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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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Local Hospitals
With Mental Health Serivces
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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
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