| 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 September 9, 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.At New Trier West, Northfield: Tuesday nights starting September 8. Call 847-716-2252 to register.
Elk Grove Chapter
In Elk Grove: Tuesday nights starting September 8. Call Jenny at 630-289-0383 to reserve your spot.
Cook County North Suburban
At New Trier West, Northfield: Tuesday nights starting September 8, 7-9:30 p.m.
At the Messiah Lutheran Church in Park Ridge: Thursday nights starting September 17, 7-9:30 p.m.
To register call Joyce at 847-853-6191, email her or phone the CCNS office at 847-716-2252.
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Tired of mental health getting the short end of the stick in Springfield?
Fed up with budget cuts and service cutbacks for people with mental illness?
Well here's your chance to learn how to be a more effective advocate for you and your family!
A group of seven area NAMI chapters is sponsoring "NAMI Smarts for Advocacy," a half-day workshop prepared by NAMI's national staff and presented by local NAMI leaders. The workshop will give you the skills and confidence to contact and interact with legislators in the most effective way. Professional lobbyists can be effective, but nothing beats the impact of grass roots advocates telling their personal stories!
WHO: All NAMI members and others interested in becoming
more effective legislative advocates for mental health
WHAT: NAMI Smarts for Advocacy - a proven advocacy training program
WHERE: Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights
WHEN: Saturday, September 26, 2009. Registration and coffee begin at 8:30. Workshop: 9:00 AM - noonish
WHY: If not us, who? If not now, when?
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In Our Own Voice in Barrington
Thursday, September 17, 7 - 9 pm
Come and learn about recovery from two of our own NAMI Barrington Area members. In Our Own Voice is a unique interactive program where you will hear about their own journeys:
Dark Days - Recovery from a serious mental illness can be a long, difficult path. During the Dark Days portion of the presentation, the speakers explore their feelings and experiences during the darkest moments.
Acceptance -It can be hard for anyone to come to terms with having a serious illness, no matter what it is, but acceptance is essential to beginning recovery. Each presenter explains how their own acceptance was achieved.
Treatment -Every recovery is different. Presenters explain what treatment plan worked for them.
Coping Strategies -Some common coping skills include: making time for leisure activities and rest, exercising, engaging in spiritual activities, developing healthy friendships, getting involved with community charities, and finding ways to keep a sense of self awareness and acceptance. But in this segment, you'll hear what actually worked for these two people.
Successes, Hopes and Dreams - A key component of recovery is setting goals while pursuing personal dreams. Many consumers incorporate what they've learned from their illness into activities and plans for their future. During this section our presenters share their own successes, hopes, and dreams.
The presentation will be upbeat and inspiring. Come and join us as we hear their stories at Barrington Village Hall, 200 S Hough St (at Station Street), on Thursday, September 17 from 7 - 9 p.m.
No charge - no reservation needed. Call Trowby at 847-382-6015 with any questions.
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September Events
Beginning in September and continuing through May, 6-8p.m. two evenings per week. The Odyssey Project provides a college-level introduction to the humanities for adults living on low incomes. Entering its ninth year, the Odyssey Project offers classes at three Chicago locations, including one class offered in Spanish on the West side. Meets at the Howard Area Community Center, 7648 N Paulina on the North Side, and at Donoghue School, 707 E 37th Street on the South Side. Application deadline for the North and South sides is August 28th. There is no charge for the course, and students receive free books, bus fare, and on-site baby-sitting. Students who successfully complete the course receive up to six transferable credit hours from Bard College. For more information contact: Amy Thomas Elder, 312-422-5585 x223.
Beginning Tuesday, September 8, 7:00 - 8:45p.m and continuing for 12 weeks, NAMI Elk Grove/Schaumburg presents Family to Family. Meets at the Kenneth Young Center in Elk Grove Village. Contact Jenny at 630-289-0383 with questions or to register.
Beginning Tuesday, September 8 in Northfield OR beginning Thursday, September 17 in Park Ridge, 7:00 to 9:30p.m. NAMI Cook County North Suburban presents Family to Family Educational Program. Contact Joyce 847-853-6191 or email her at rejoyce@schladweiler.com with questions or to register.
Beginning Wednesday, September 9 and continuing through December 2, 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.
Sunday, September 13, 8 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Alexian Brothers Center for Mental Health First Annual Parking Lot/Garage Sale. Household items, books, clothes, toys, holiday items, appliances, accessories, food and more. At 3350 Salt Creek Lane, Unit 115 (indoors in case of rain). All proceeds to benefit children and adolescent programs and services for the uninsured. Email Maxine Goldstein or call 847-952-7464 for information.
Thursday, September 17, 7:00 - 9:00p.m. NAMI-BA hosts speaker meeting In Our Own Voice. Two NAMI-BA members will talk about their recovery from mental illness. At Barrington Village Hall. No charge - no reservation needed. Call Trowby at 847-382-6015 with any questions.
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 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." This half day workshop will give you the skills and confidence you need to contact or interact with legislators in the most effective way. At Northwest Community Hospital. Registration required, register by Sept 21. Fee $10. Call Hugh Brady for details at 847-215-4104.
Wednesdays, starting September 30 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. NAMI Basics: The Fundamentals of Caring For You, Your Family and Your Child with Mental Illness. A free six-week course for parents of children and adolescents. Registration required. For information call NAMI CCNS at 847-716-2252 or visit namiccns.org.
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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.
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 - gsschenk5@att.net.
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 Hilton Hotel in Lisle. 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!
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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, September 8 at the Barrington Area Library (call Mary at 847-381-6919 or Trowby at 847-382-6015 for information) and a second on Monday, September 28 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 September, 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 (except Labor Day), 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
Wednesday, September 2 and 16. 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, September 3. NAMI McHenry County dual diagnosis family support group meets the first Thursday at 7 p.m. at the NAMI-McHenry County offices, 333 Commerce Drive, Suite 900A, Crystal Lake. Call 815-444-9991 for information.
Monday, September 7. 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, September 7 and 21 . 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, September 7 and 21 . 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.
Tuesday, September 8. 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, September 8 and 22. 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, September 9. 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, September 10. 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, September 10. 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, September 14 and 28. 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.
Wednesday, September 16. 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, September 16. 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, September 17. 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, September 17. 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 September 18. 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, September 19. 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, September 28. NAMI Barrington Area Chapter family support groupmeets 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, September 28. 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 websiteand the NAMI Connection website
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Good Bye and Hello
Thank you Barb
The NAMI BA Board of Directors has accepted the resignation of Barb Kreski as our fundraising chair. But we haven't lost Barb's services. She has agreed to take over the duties of membership chair!
Barb was one of the founding members of NAMI BA and we want to thank her for her hard work and dedication. She organized our participation in two Chicago area NAMI walks and oversaw several other successful fundraisers. Our bank account is as well off as it is because of her efforts.
We are looking forward to our membership rolls and renewals being better organized than ever.
Thank you Barb!
Welcome Nora
NAMI BA has a new member on our Board of Directors: Nora Stankiewicz.
Nora has been trained by NAMI to do In Our Own Voice presentations and gives frequent presentations to consumers, family members and staff at Northwest Community Hospital as well as other venues.
Nora is also involved with NAMI Connections, a weekly support group for consumers and participates in Pet Therapy at the VA Hospital. An often sought after NAMI presenter, she gives willingly of her time and talents to promote awareness of mental health.
We are very pleased that Nora will be on our Board, and she is a great addition to NAMI BA. She is a true inspiration that recovery is possible and offers hope to everyone she touches.
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Thank you Kathy Ryg!
From the President's Desk - by Hugh Brady
As you may have heard, State Representative Kathy Ryg is resigning her seat in the Illinois General Assembly to become the president of Voices for Illinois Children, an advocacy group that works in Illinois to create better public policies, programs and services for our children.
We will miss her. She has been a great voice in the General Assembly for improving state mental health funding and services.
Representative Ryg was first elected to the state legislature in November, 2002. When she took office she found that the state House of Representatives had no mental health committee. So she got one started, and ended up as its chair. From that position she was able to help pass some good mental health legislation and protect mental health funding from even more severe cuts.
She was also a great friend of NAMI. She was always ready and willing to speak at NAMI functions, and talked with our chapter at length when we were first getting started. She was always just a phone call away with good ideas and advice for a wide range of mental health activities.
We couldn't have asked for a better representative in Springfiled. Too bad there weren't 60 or 70 more just like her!
From all of us at NAMI BA, thank you, Kathy, for all your help, and best wishes in your new career.
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Video highlights recovery process
A ten-minute documentary on the fall and rise of Fred Friedman, a man who has gone through tough times indeed but has come back advocating for the mentally ill.
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Need help with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?
OCD Chicago is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of people who suffer from obsessive compulsive disorder. The group is a resource for individuals, families, mental health professionals, educators, clergy and the media.
OCD is a neurobiological disorder that affects one in 40 adults and one in 100 children of all racial, cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. OCD Chicago reaches out with compassion and encouragement to assure people with OCD that they are not alone and help them manage the disorder.
OCD Chicago has a comprehensive web site with information and links to provide support and help people learn about treatment. Or you can contact the group by email.
The good news is that OCD is treatable and people with OCD can feel better!
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Housing Progress Continues
Housing Update - by Hugh Brady
Catholic Charities and Alexian Brothers community mental health center continue to make progress on their planned supportive housing project for homeless individuals with mental illness in the northwest suburbs. Once the project is up and running, the residents will each have their own apartment, with kitchen and bath facilities, and even more important, their name on a lease.
The North/Northwest Suburban Task Force on Supportive Housing for Individuals with Mental Illness, the Task Force for short, is also working hard to develop a permanent supportive housing (PSH) project in the northwest suburbs for individuals with mental illness.
This is important work: Thresholds reports that in a good permanent supportive housing setting 70 to 80% of the residents with mental illness will see their symptoms completely disappear and they will be able to return to a productive life in the community. In addition to that PSH is generally much less expensive than other placements. Better outcomes, less expensive? What's not to like?
In conjunction with Daveri Development, the N/NW Housing Task Force (see accompanying article) is conducting a survey to help determine housing needs for individuals with mental illness in the north and northwest suburbs. If you or someone you know has a mental illness and is looking for housing in our area, please take a moment and complete the survey.
Read the complete housing report for September |
Housing Survey
In conjunction with Daveri Development, the N/NW Housing Task Force (see accompanying article) is conducting a survey to help determine housing needs for individuals with mental illness in the north and northwest suburbs. If you or someone you know has a mental illness and is looking for housing in our area, please take a moment and complete the survey.
The more responses we get the better case we can build for the need for this type of housing.
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End Human Rights Abuses at Tamms Supermax Prison
by Joe Jason
Julie Hamos, 18th District Illinois State Representative, has a petition to Illinois Legislators that states the following:
At Tamms supermax prison over 250 men are being held in permanent solitary confinement, year after year, with no communal activity or human contact of any kind. The Department of Corrections has refused to consider policies or due process safeguards. This form of extreme punishment is beyond the bounds of basic human decency.
We ask that you support HB 2633 to bring this prison back in line with its original legislative intent. This legislation will prohibit seriously mentally ill prisoners from supermax incarceration, establish clear procedures for how men are transferred to and from the supermax, and limit terms of solitary confinement to one-year, unless doing so would pose a risk to guards or other inmates.
Please follow the link and sign the petition. Identical treatment at Guantanamo Bay has been judged by Attorney General Eric Holder to be too isolating for prisoner safety. All prisoners at Guantanamo Bay are now provided social interaction and phone calls, in compliance with the humane-treatment requirements of the Geneva Convention. NAMI supports this petition.
You can also call Governor Quinn at (Springfield) 217-782-0244 or (Chicago) 312-814-2121 and say: REFORM TAMMS SUPERMAX or CUT THE FUNDING and NO MORE TAX MONEY FOR TORTURE AT TAMMS!
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2009 Homeless Conference Recap
From the National Alliance to End Homelessness. A short and sweet recap of the national conference, including goals set and the Annual Homeless Assessment Report.
Of interest to anyone involved in homeless advocacy or housing. Read report.
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Clinical Research Opportunities
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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NAMI Illinois Dodges a Bullet: State budget update
by Hugh Brady
The state budget passed by the General Assembly earlier this year calls for a 14% cut in human services spending. The legislation did not specify that those cuts had to be even across all programs, but left the details of which programs would be cut and by how much up to the Governor, as long as the total cuts reached the 14% target.
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 and more than 40% of NAMI Illinois' revenue comes from state grants.
After the 14% budget cut was passed, it looked like NAMI Illinois would be hard hit by these cuts, and NAMI leaders were anticipating deep program cuts.
But in mid-August there was good news: The Illinois Division of Mental Health has committed to supply NAMI Illinois with its full budget allocation. So the earlier fears of program cuts will not be realized.
Whew!
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A&E needs documentary participants
The A&E series "Obsessed" documents the therapy process as patients with OCD and anxiety go through 12 weeks of cognitive behavioral therapy. (In case you have not seen or heard of our show, you can see clips and full episodes here.)
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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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