| 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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| NAMI Illinois Conference in just two weeks!
If you haven't registered for the NAMI Illinois 2009 Conference yet, we'd encourage you to do so!
Investing in the Future will be held locally, at the Westin Chicago Northwest in Itasca on Friday, October 16 through Sunday, October 18. It's a great opportunity to hear some great speakers, attend workshops and meet others with similar issues and interests. Professionals, consumers and family members are all welcome. Some highlights:
Keynote speaker Xavier Amador, a leading psychologist, educator, founder and director of the LEAP Institute, and author of I'm Not Sick, I Don't Need Help!
Andrew Sperling, Director of Federal Legislative Advocacy for NAMI will speak about Federal Policy for Health Care Reform.
Nanette Larson, Director of Recovery Support Services for the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health will present Recovery: the Journey.
The documentary: The Rite of Spring will be screened
Illinois' Vision for a Public Mental Health System presented by the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health.
The conference will also host the Awakenings Project art show.
Visit the website for more information and to register.
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October Events
Saturday October 3, 10:00a.m. NAMI-McHenry County hosts annual Walk for Mental Illness. 5K walk with 1 mile option available. No registration fee. Register online. At Jaycees Pavilion at Veterans Acres Park, Crystal Lake.
Week of October 4 - 10, Mental Illness Awareness Week 2009. See the NAMI Illinois website for information.
Sunday, October 4. 1 - 4 p.m. Mind Your Health Fair at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital, 3815 Highland Avenue, Downers Grove. Intended to help people with a menal health diagnosis achieve optimal physical health. Free diabetes risk assessments, nutrition information, blood pressure checks, dental screenings and more. No charge. No reservation. Contact Susan Piasecki at 630-275-6265 with questions.
Wednesday, October 7, 6:30p.m. NAMI-Northwest Suburban hosts annual fundraiser at Lou Malnati's in Buffalo Grove. A celebration of friendship and fundraising for our many program needs. The All-You-Can-Eat Dinner includes salad, mostaccioli, pizza buffet, beverages and dessert. Tickets are $25/adult or $10/child. Door prizes and raffle prizes including including a stay for two at the Lincolnshire Marriott with breakfast and dinner. Email Gertie for more information or phone NAMI NWS at 847-899-0195.
Wednesday, October 7, 6:30p.m. NAMI Northern Illinois is bringing inspirational speaker Marc Elliot to NIU-Rockford to share his message about tolerance and his struggle with Tourette's Syndrome, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and serious health issues in Don't Judge a Book by Its Noises. No charge. No reservation required. (CEUs and CPDUs (1.5) available - $15 fee.) Questions call Robin Garvey at 815-332-6064.
Thursday, October 8, 6:30 to 8:00p.m. NAMI Northwestern's monthly meeting features a speaker on mental health courts. At the Feinberg Pavilion, 251 E. Huron Street, Room 2-715, Chicago. For more information call 312-404-3038 or 773-528-2840.
Thursday, October 15, 1:00p.m. The National Technical Assistance Center for Children's Mental Health is sponsoring a conference call on The Elimination of Disparities in Mental Health Care: Call 1. PowerPoint slides and other reading materials available on website. Free! For more information and to register visit their website.
Friday, October 16 - Sunday, October 18, all day. NAMI Illinois Conference: Investing in the Future. Keynote speaker Xavier Amador, Ph.D., will give a presentation of the empirical research on the prevalence, etiology and treatment of both poor insight and poor adherence. He will discuss how to build a collaborative relationship with a mentally ill person, and a four-step process involving a set of communication and interviewing skills: Listen, Empathize, Agree, and Partner (L.E.A.P.) The conference will also host the Awakenings Project art show. At the Westin Chicago Northwest, Itasca. Visit the website for more information and to register.
Monday, October 19, 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, October 28, 7:30 p.m. NAMI Northwest Suburban Speaker Meeting: Linda Koester, Social Worker, Public Guardian Office, Chicago - Guardianship: How it Works for You. At Alexian Brothers Center for Mental Health, 3350 Salt Creek Lane, Suite 114, Arlington Heights.
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November Events
Thursday, November 12, 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!
Tuesday, Nov. 17 at 7 p.m., NAMI Barrington Area Annual Meeting at the Barrington Library.We need all members to attend (others very welcome) as we elect a new board of directors, vote on the annual organizational plan and budget, hear the latest MH news and a couple of good speakers. Please save the date!
Thursday, November 19, 1:00p.m. The National Technical Assistance Center for Children's Mental Health is sponsoring a conference call on The Elimination of Disparities in Mental Health Care: Call 2. 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 Monday, October 12 at the Barrington Area Library (call Mary at 847-381-6919 or Trowby at 847-382-6015 for information) and a second on Monday, October 26 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 October, 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
Thursday, October 1. 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, October 5. NAMI CCNS "Care & Share" family support group meets from 7 - 8:30 p.m. the first 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, October 5 and 19 . 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, October 5 and 19 . NAMI of Greater Chicago Spanish Consumer Support Group meets the first and 3rd Monday of each month, 5:15 - 7 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, October 7 and 21. 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, October 8. 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, October 8. 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, October 12. 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.
Monday, October 12 and 26. 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, October 13 and 27. 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, October 14. NAMI Greater Chicago Family Support Group meets 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, October 15. 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, October 15. 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. The group meets 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 October 16. 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, October 17. 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, October 21. 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, October 21. 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.
Monday, October 26. NAMI Barrington Area Chapter family support group meets the 4th Monday of the month at 7 - 9 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, October 26. 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 and the NAMI Connection website.
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| In Our Own Voice a Success in Barrington
Audience reaction to the In Our Own Voice presentation on September 17 was very positive.
Karen and Nora from NAMI Barrington Area spoke about their own journeys to recovery. The audience walked out of the talk, which took place at the Barrington Village Hall, with a better understanding what a person goes through with mental illness and how they cope with it.
The audience for the session was large: 64 people attended, including students from the Harper College Nursing program as well as the general public. Of the 50 audience members who returned our evaluation forms, 43 rated the session as excellent. Snacks were offered after the talk.
In Our Own Voice is a unique interactive program where you will hear about their own journeys:
· Dark Days - The speakers explore their feelings and experiences during the darkest moments.
· Acceptance - Acceptance is essential to beginning recovery. Each presenter explains how his or her own acceptance was achieved.
· Treatment -Every recovery is different. Presenters explain what treatment plan worked for them.
· Coping Strategies - The speakers will discuss what coping skills worked for them.
· Successes, Hopes and Dreams - Our presenters will share their own successes, hopes and dreams.
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| NAMI Walks a Success
It was a beautiful, sunny day September 13 - perfect weather for the 3-mile NAMI WALKS CHICAGO along the beautiful Chicago lakefront. Among the estimated 1,000 people who participated were NAMI BA's Hugh Brady and Joe Jason.
Beyond spreading awareness, this walk supports the vital services of NAMI of Greater Chicago, all available to the public free of charge. NAMI of Greater Chicago offers a referral hotline, informational publications, family and consumer support group meetings, a training program for Chicago Police Officers, and educational meetings and programs including a speaker's bureau, a family education course, a consumer education course, and more.
This year the fundraising goal was $100,000 and to date $102,657.00 has been raised. This was the 4th annual walk and there were over 92 teams participating. All walkers that raised $100 or more received a NAMIWalks Chicago 2009 T-shirt.
Come join us next year. Beyond the fundraising and awareness boost, there were activities for the kids, exhibits, and a great chance to meet others who have faced the challenges of mental illness either personally or in a friend or family member. It was an inspiring day!
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| Exercise and Depression
An interesting story from the Washington Post - the author writes about the dramatic relief she's gotten over the years from long walks and long runs.
Worth a read, although please read carefully. There's a point where she seems to advocate exercise as a replacement for her medication...that's a very questionable idea for many people.
Read the story
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| Housing options you may not have considered
This month Eric Rubenstein, Executive Director of the Single Room Housing Assistance Corporation (SRHAC) writes about why you might consider single room occupancy appartments (SROs) as a suitable source of affordable housing in our area.
SROs have long had a very bad reputation, but since the late 1980s the City of Chicago and the Single Room Operators Association of Chicago (SROA) have been working together to improve conditions. SRHAC has also played a major role in helping to improve SRO housing.
SRHAC serves hundreds of needy single adults yearly, helping to provide permanent SRO housing with supportive services and housing referrals. They also work to stabilize needy SRO residents, expand social service networks, offer training programs for clients as well as SRO operators, assist with financial and technical resources for SRO operators, and promote SRO preservation initiatives.
Hugh Brady also suggests that people consider the Arlington Heights-based Faith Community Homes (FCH), which helps low income, employed or employable families with children to secure rental housing in Arlington Heights.
Read the article
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Good news on housing
Legislative Update - by Hugh Brady
The US Senate recently passed next year's budget for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and it contains some good news for housing advocates: The budget calls for substantial increases in Community Development Block Grants and other community development-related programs.
The $48-billion Senate bill passed 73-25. It now goes to a House-Senate conference committee to resolve differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill.
Community Development Block Grants, which are used to fund many housing assistance programs for individuals with mental illness will be increased by nearly $50 million in the House version of the bill and $35 million in the Senate bill. Either way it is good news for people interested in supportive housing for people with mental illness. HOME housing investment programs and Homeless Assistance Grants will increase by similar amounts.
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| Housing Survey Update
Results from the Housing Task Force/ Daveri housing survey have begun to come in, but more are always welcome. If you, a family member with mental illness or a client is interested in supportive housing, do take a moment and fill out the survey.
The N/NW Suburban Housing Task Force and the Daveri Development Group are conducting the survey to help determine housing needs for individuals with mental illness in the north and northwest suburbs. The more responses we get the better case we can build for the need for this type of housing. The survey can be taken by consumers, family members and mental health professionals.
Take the survey
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A huge step in the right direction
Tamms prison conditions to be overhauled, says Tribune
The new head of Illinois' penal system unveiled a plan September 17 to overhaul conditions at the state's only super-maximum security prison following sharp criticism from human rights advocates who compared the facility to Guantanamo Bay. Tamms prison conditions are of special concern to NAMI members because of the large number of inmates with mental illness imprisoned there.
In a speech to a prison reform group, Department of Corrections Director Michael P. Randle said he is focusing on rewarding positive behavior, increasing mental health screenings and holding more frequent review hearings where inmates can try to appeal their transfer to the prison.
Hanke Gratteau, executive director of the prison watchdog group the John Howard Association, hailed the changes, saying they represent "the most meaningful reforms we've seen since that prison opened."
"We also know that reform is a process, so we will keep a watchful eye," said Gratteau. "These are enormous first steps, but I would emphasize they are first steps.
Read the full article in the Chicago Tribune |
A New 911 Initiative
From the President's Desk - by Hugh Brady
A few years ago, Pat Rodbro began discussions with her local police department in Lincolnshire about an idea she had regarding the village's 911 call system. Wouldn't it be beneficial if, when the police responded to a 911 call from a residence where a person with severe mental illness lived, they would already know some basic information about the individual so as to be able to respond appropriately?
Well, it was a good idea, and it spread: This summer the General Assembly adopted it as a statewide program with Public Act 96-0788, the Illinois Premise Alert Program Act.
We'd like to ask you to contact your local police department and see what they are doing to implement the new law. No sense for every police and fire department to reinvent the wheel!
Learn how to help
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| Research Update
Two very interesting articles published recently about the causes of mental illness:
1. The Dallad Morning News published a piece linking the economic downturn with onset of depression. They also included tips on how to cope with this type of stress.
2. Another author looks at worldwide rates of mental illness and how different governments support people with these issues. Of interest to anyone following the health care debate.
Read our research update. |
| Clinical Psychiatric Research Offers Hope
The Alexian Brothers Center for Psychiatric Research is looking for participants in the following studies:
Bipolar Disorder (Age 10-17)
Depression (Age 18-80)
Opiate Dependence (healthcare worker: Age 18+)
Autism (Age 6-12)
Schizophrenia (Age 18-65)
Eligible participants may receive medical and psychiatric evaluations along with medication provided at no cost. Compensation for time and travel may also be available.
If you think clinical research might be right for you or someone you care about, please call the center now at 847-230-3591 for a brief phone screening. Learn more.
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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 4 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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