NAMI Newsletter Q&A with Dr. Ellen Patterson, Director of Interprofessional Education at Tufts Dental School

Table of ContentsDr. Ellen Patterson, Tufts Dental .......................1

Criminal Justice Diversion Project ..................1

Board President & Executive Director .......2

Advocacy/Public Policy ...............................................3

Advocacy Day ..........................................................................4

Education & Support Programs ........................5

NAMIWalks .............................................................................10

Dr. David D. Satcher event ..................................10

CEOs Against Stigma...............................................11

Affiliate News .......................................................................12

Diversity & Inclusion Matters .............................16

by Eliza Williamson, Program Director, In Our Own Voice

1) What is the connection between oral health and mental health? Any statistics?

We know from studies that individuals with mental illness (MI) have poorer over-all health outcomes relative to the gen-eral population, and this disparity holds true for oral health outcomes as well. Symptoms of mental illness may influence a range of factors that increase a person’s risk for oral diseases—factors such as impaired ability or motivation to care for one’s oral hygiene and difficulty accessing affordable dental care. Side effects of psy-

2016 Spring Newsletter

A Brief Guide to Promoting Police-based Jail Diversion in Your Community

by Meghan Phillips, Criminal Justice Intern

Across the state, people with mental health conditions experience arrest and incarceration at disproportionate rates. All too often, a mental health crisis leads to an unnecessary arrest rather than access to appropriate treatment. Police officers who are well-trained in handling mental health issues and aware of resources in their communities can make a crucial dif-ference in preventing this cycle of arrest and incarceration and promoting mental health recovery.

continued on page 8

continued on page 9

Dr. Ellen Patterson, Tufts Dental School

chiatric drugs, most notably dry mouth, can also significantly increase one’s risk for oral diseases.

Individuals with MI may be fearful of vis-iting the dentist and of dental treatments, and the appropriate management of den-tal anxiety is an important treatment issue for these individuals. Dentists themselves may have concerns about sedating patients due to their uncertainty about medication interactions or potential negative reactions to sedation. Sadly, persistent negative biases and stereotypes may contribute to some dentists’ reluctance to treat people with symptoms of mental illness.

A Brief Guide to Promoting Police-based Jail Diversion in Your Community

by Meghan Phillips, Criminal Justice Intern

Across the state, people with mental health conditions experience arrest and incarceration at disproportionate rates. All too often, a mental health crisis leads to an unnecessary arrest rather than access to appropriate treatment. Police officers who are well-trained in handling mental health issues and aware of resources in their communities can make a crucial difference in preventing this cycle of arrest and incarceration and promoting mental health recovery.

NAMI Mass developing a toolkit as a resource for community members to support their local police departments in strengthening these skills and offer a brief overview here. You can be a powerful advocate for this important work!

ACTION STRATEGY

Step 1: Know the benefits of jail diversion programs for law enforcement

Training police officers in mental health response benefits individuals, police departments, and communities:

Increased  safety  for  individuals  and  

officers  

Individuals  are  more  likely  to  

access  treatment  and  recovery    

Lower  arrest  rates  

More  efficient  use  of  police  resources  

NAMI Mass is developing a toolkit as a resource for community members to support their local police departments in strengthening these skills and offer a brief overview here. You can be a powerful advocate for this important work!

2

President/Executive Director Remarksby Steve Rosenfeld, NAMI Mass Board President and Laurie Martinelli, Executive Director

Dear Friends of NAMI Massachusetts:

We have several exciting events happening this spring! Dr. David Satcher will be speaking at our spring fundraiser on Sunday, April 3, 2016, at the Canary

Square Restaurant in Jamaica Plain in

Boston (see flyer on page 10). Dr. Satcher was the US Surgeon General under President Clinton. In 1999, Dr. Satcher published, “Mental Health: A Report of the Surgeon General.” This report highlighted the importance of increased attention to mental health, confirming what NAMI members already know: access to care and the need for parity are vital, support of friends and families make all the difference, and recovery is both real and possible.

Dr. Satcher went on to issue several other reports on mental health: “Mental Health: Culture, Race and Ethnicity,” “The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Prevent Suicide,” and a “Report of the Surgeon General on Children’s Mental Health.” Dr. Satcher was the first Surgeon General to write about a topic that affects one in five people—almost every family in America. Currently, he is the Founding Director of the Satcher Health Leadership Institute at Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia. We are honored to have Dr. Satcher speak to us on April 3rd.

NAMI Mass will be hosting our annual Advocacy Day at the State House on Friday, April 8, 2016. This is a day when hundreds of NAMI members flock to the State House to talk to their legislators

about bills and issues around mental health that matter to them. Congressman

Joe Kennedy III will be our keynote speaker at this event (see flyer on page 4.) It looks like Congressman Kennedy is going to take after his cousin, Patrick, by making mental health and addiction issues a priority. He introduced a bill in Congress that would force insurance companies to report annually how often they deny mental health and substance use claims and to explain why. This bill is sorely needed since so many of us know that the Parity law is routinely ignored.

Congressman Kennedy says he will be rolling out more mental health and addiction bills soon. Having another Kennedy spearhead bills around this issue is good news!

The substantive issue we would like to discuss is our Certified Peer Specialist bill. S. 578, An Act Relative to Mental Health Certified Peer Specialists, would force MassHealth to cover certified peer specialist services. This bill was filed by Senator James Eldridge and several peers testified in support of this bill at a hearing last June. The bill now sits in the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing, and we want it to be reported out favorably. Representative Jeffrey Sanchez (Democrat from Jamaica Plain) and Senator James Welsh (Democrat from Springfield) co-chair the Financial Services Committee. Thirty-eight states allow peer services to bill Medicaid (called MassHealth in Massachusetts). This bill

Steve Rosenfeld NAMI Mass Board President

Laurie Martinelli NAMI Mass Executive Director

will make that happen in Massachusetts; it is long overdue. Certified peers have been proven to be a major advancement in the recovery process for many people with mental illness. If you live in Senator Welch’s or Representative Sanchez’ district, please let us know. You can help us move this bill!

Finally, our annual NAMIWalks

Massachusetts will take place on Saturday, May 14, 2016. Many of you know that NAMI Mass runs the most successful NAMI Walk in the entire country—that is, we raise more money than other NAMI’s, and we have a bigger crowd. (See page 11 for more information).

Thank you for all your efforts on behalf of NAMI Mass. n

3

NAMI Mass Advocacy Updateby Elise Ressa, Boston College School of Social Work Public Policy Intern

Throughout 2015, NAMI Mass’ pres-ence on Beacon Hill was instrumental in advancing legislation that supports mental health care in the Commonwealth. Thank you for your continued help and support of our advocacy efforts. It is your voice on advocacy that has always helped NAMI Mass effectively back necessary legisla-tive change. We look forward to working alongside you again this year—advocating at Advocacy Day on Friday, April 8 and throughout 2016.

Repeatedly over the past few years, the Department of Mental Health has been threatened with devastating budget cuts. With your support, we have successfully fought for and won increases to the bud-get. The four percent raise in the FY2015 to FY2016 budget could not have been accomplished without your unwaver-ing activism. Moving forward, it will be essential to continue our advocating for increased funding so that thousands of vulnerable individuals and families do not lose access to appropriate services.

Unfortunately, 2015 saw the con-tinuation of the growing opioid crisis in Massachusetts. To effectively attack this epidemic, it will be necessary to improve the capacity of police departments to respond to behavioral health and sub-stance use crises. To accomplish this goal, NAMI Mass proposes the creation of a “Center of Excellence,” that will be a statewide resource to provide six 40-hour Crisis Intervention Team trainings per year, held at regional training centers across the state. These trainings will help to strengthen partnerships between police and behavioral health providers. Undoubtedly, this will increase access to treatment for those suffering from addic-tion. It is essential that the mental health

care community works alongside police officers to end the opioid crisis that has already damaged so many lives.

As year two of the 2016–2017 legisla-tive session begins, NAMI Mass is excited about our legislative initiatives. Hopefully, this year will bring about sus-tainable change for mental health care in Massachusetts. We look forward to work-ing alongside you to achieve this goal. Below are the highlights of our legislative initiatives for 2016:

Legislation – NAMI has made a priority:

• HouseBill#786-AnActRequiringMentalHealthParityforDisabilityPolicies,Sponsored by Representative Ruth Balser

This legislation eliminates the discrimi-natory practice that allows insurance companies to end long-term disability benefits for people with mental illness after two years, even as policies for those with a physical illness provide coverage while the person is under the care of a doctor and until age 65.

• SenateBill#1027&HouseBill#787-AnActtoRequireHealthCareCoverageforEmergencyPsychiatricServices, Sponsored by Senator Kenneth Donnelly and Representative Ruth Balser

These two bills are identical, and each requires commercial insurance compa-nies to pay for behavioral health emer-gency services provided by emergency services providers (ESPs) across the state. Presently, children and adults who receive MassHealth benefits are covered by ESP providers. Unfortunately, most children and adults with private health insurance are not. This must change.

• SenateBill#578-AnActRelativetoMentalHealthCertifiedPeerSpecialists, Sponsored by Senator James Eldridge

This legislation requires MassHealth to cover certified peer specialist ser-vices, provided that said certified peer specialist has completed training that teaches participating peers specific skills relevant to providing support to other peers.

• ReimbursementRatesforHealthCareProviders

Behavioral health services are under-served, under-reimbursed, and dispro-portionately provided to low-income and physically challenged MassHealth patients. From hospitals to clinics and everywhere else services are provided, there has been no coordinated effort to permanently improve provider reimbursement rates and incentives that will facilitate the delivery of high quality, integrated behavioral health care to all. As a result, many provid-ers have reduced behavioral health services and may be forced to abandon this critical area of need. NAMI Mass will seek comprehensive remedies to these problems in the FY2016 budget that increases funding and incentivizes providers to ensure adequate access to these critical services throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. n

Elise Ressa

4

 

Join Us for NAMI Mass Advocacy Day!  

Friday, April 8, 2016 10 am – 2 pm  

Great Hall, Massachusetts State House  

Congressman Joe Kennedy III

Speak Up, Be Heard YOUR Legislators Need to Hear from YOU! Register online here: bitly.com/2016AdvocacyDay

 If you prefer not to register online, please complete this form and return it to the office.   Name __________________________________________ Phone_______________________  Home Address ________________________________________________________________  City _________________________________________ State ________ Zip _______________  Email _______________________________________________________________________  

Register via Fax: (617) 580-8673, Email: eressa@namimass.org or Mail to: NAMI Massachusetts, Attn: Advocacy Day  

The Schrafft’s Center, 529 Main St. Suite 1M17, Boston, MA 02029

Please notify Elise at eressa@namimasss.org if you need ASL interpretation. Please notify Elise if you want the vegetarian lunch at eressa@namimass.org or 617-580-8541.  

For more information or questions please call Elise or Natalie at 617-580-8541 or email Elise at

eressa@namimass.org or Natalie at nlitton@namimass.org.  

5

Education and Support Programs

by Judi Maguire, Director of Child and Adolescent Programs

In March 2016, NAMI National releases a new version of Basics. The program has undergone a “plain language” edit to give the entire curriculum more of a conversational feel. There will be a single General Resources section at the end of the Participant Manual. This will look like an annotated bibliography of various websites and other resources where more information can be easily located; some of the sites also have materials available in Spanish. This General Resource docu-ment will be posted on the NAMI Basics website. NAMI is also creating videos to explain some of the most technical parts of the program and another video to pro-mote the program itself featuring testimo-ny from Basics teachers and participants. We are looking forward to bringing this new, more user-friendly version of Basics to Massachusetts. n

by Judi Maguire, Director Peer Support Programs

Several new Connection groups have been added in Massachusetts—Acton, Gardner, Newburyport, Everett and Lynn. We hope to open more after our next Connection training on the 7th and 8th of May, 2016. This training is being held in Worcester, and we hope that we can attract new facilitators from Worcester and Western Massachusetts. n continued on page 6

NAMI Mass F2F program had another successful semester in fall 2015 thanks to our team of highly dedicated volunteer teachers. Again we tied our all-time record for the number of classes offered. Almost 300 people graduated from 15 classes across the state. Here we offer testimony from one of the students.

NAMIFamily–to-FamilyProgramExperience

by Cheryl Blanchard, F2F Class Participant

My husband and I attended a Family-to-Family (F2F) class held in Fall 2015. It was a godsend. In our particular case, mental illness was new to our family. When it struck, we were unarmed, unedu-cated, and bewildered. We didn’t under-stand what was happening to our loved one, let alone, know what to do to help him. Our lives had gone from average and predictable to chaotic, frightening, and unstable overnight. Without a warning, the rug had been pulled out from under our lives. We knew no one who had been through a similar situation. Family and friends didn’t know what to say. Doctors and nurses gave limited clinical answers. One of the doctors recommended we get in touch with NAMI Mass to help under-stand the many aspects of mental illness. Not knowing about NAMI Mass at that time, we proceeded to research the clos-est NAMI group meeting in our area. At our first meeting, we were welcomed with open arms and compassion. Listening to the stories and challenges of people in the group, we realized that like us; they were

trying to find solutions and support for a loved one suffering from mental illness.

While at one of these meetings, it was suggested to us that the Family-to-Family program may be a good resource and edu-cational experience; a worthwhile invest-ment of time for us. Eager for all available help, we decided to participate in the next available 12 week program in our area.

This program became a cornerstone for much of our knowledge about mental ill-ness. Well organized, a different topic was covered each week, with solid up to date clinical information and plenty of time for questions and answers. The importance of a healthy life balance for the caregivers was also an integral part of the program. I cannot recall attending any workshop that was better facilitated.

Our facilitators were fantastic. Knowledgeable, compassionate, and pro-fessional, always open to sharing experi-ences; they answered questions patiently. We are most grateful for their kindness shown to us in our time of need.

The other people we met at the F2F program were amazing. The true unsung heroes of this world, the quiet power of love at work. Each person had a slightly different story, yet were bound by the common goal of doing everything pos-sible to help a loved one. The support and comradery within our group was a gift. We feel a forever connection to the heart and spirit of everyone there.

Family-to-Family gave us knowledge, unconditional support, friendship, and most of all hope. Although our challenges are not over, this program has provided

6

Education & Support…continued from page 5

us with the tools and insights to keep our hope alive for the best possible future for our loved one. Many thanks to Family-to-Family; all involved have made such a positive difference in our lives.

For the 2016 Spring classes schedule please go to http://namimass.org/pro-grams/nami-family-to-family or contact Ilya Cherkasov at icherkasov@namimass.org. n

Educating the Educatorsby Nancy Parker, LICSW, Consutlant

The prevalence of mental health chal-lenges among children and adolescents is significant. Consider these data points: about 20% of children will have a severely debilitating mental health challenge; 50% of mental health challenges emerge by age 14, and suicide is the third leading cause of death for youth between the ages of 10 and 24. These numbers are stark, but research also demonstrates that early iden-tification and treatment can change the course of many young lives for the better.

Schools are often the first place that mental health issues appear. Whether it’s “acting out” behavior or extreme intro-version, teachers may be at a loss as to how to address individual student needs, especially when they are trying to meet their educational goals for the entire class. NAMI Mass’ Educating the Educators (ETE) program assists teachers and other school system personnel in recognizing mental health challenges among their stu-dents. ETE provides them with practical

by Judi Maguire, Director Peer Support Programs

The Peer-to-Peer program is a life changer. We are so gratified and amazed by the changes that occur to people who partici-pate in or teach the program. Every day we hear about people who have started volunteering, gone back to work, resumed their education or mended fences because of what they learned in Peer-to-Peer. The additional opportunity to create expressive imagery as part of the Peer-to-Peer experi-ence has been very successful.

“I barely have the words to describe the dif-ference that it made for participants, as well as for me on a personal level!! Whether or not people claimed to be creative or visual, the use of photographs that they could manipulate in extremely unique ways and give a tag line just opened up a whole new medium for self-exploration and even communication with others. It was absolutely fabulous and user friendly to boot!!”

We are very thankful to the Heywood Bank, Forum Pharmaceuticals, the Recovery Learning Centers and a number of NAMI Affiliates which have provided substantial financial support towards run-ning classes and trainings, and the purchase of iPads that are used by class members to create the images that become an integral part of their pursuit of self-knowledge and understanding. Classes have started in

A selection of Expressive Digital Imagery from P2P classes

Gardner, Roxbury and Quincy, and will be starting in Boston, Haverhill, Worcester and Framingham. We will have a Mentor training in Gardner on 3, 4 and 5 of June, 2016.

ElizaWilliamsontobecomeNational Peer-to-Peer Trainer

Eliza Williamson, a State Trainer for NAMI Massachusetts in both In Our Own Voice and Peer-to-Peer has been invited to become a National Peer-to-Peer trainer. This means that she will become part of the National team of trainers who con-duct the “Train-the-Trainer” program in Virginia. This is the first time that some-one from NAMI Massachusetts has been asked to become a National Trainer and recognizes Eliza’s major talent as a teacher and a communicator. n

Eliza Williamson

7

tools and strategies for addressing those challenges. ETE is a 2-hour K-12 profes-sional development program presented by a panel of three people with uniquely rel-evant expertise. They are: a clinician who explains mental health conditions, symp-toms, and behaviors that might be seen in the classroom; a teacher who shares personal classroom experiences, pedagogi-cal strategies, and resources for educators; and a parent who describes the struggles and successes of his/her child as that child progresses through the school system.

ETE was presented to educators at the John A Crisafulli School in Westford, MA on February 10, 2016. The response was overwhelmingly positive. One comment, “All of the presenters were so knowledge-able about the issues relating to mental health. It was beneficial for us as educators to learn more about mental health issues.”

From Sharon Kennelly, Principal of John A Crisafulli Elementary School: “The ETE presentation brought a panel of experts to the school to share information and strategies for use within our class-rooms to support our students in need. The presentation addressed the medical realm, school-based strategies and a per-sonal perspective of living with a child who has anxiety and depression. The three perspectives were blended throughout the presentation to give an insight into men-tal illness and the impact it can have on school-aged children. The speakers shared stories and strategies that can be applied in an educational setting. Their message was that with the right support and inter-ventions, students with emotional and behavioral challenges can be successful within our classrooms.”

Contact Nancy Parker, nparker@nami-mass.org to schedule an ETE presentation in your school. n

by Meagan Traughber and Megan Wiechnik

The NAMI Mass COMPASS has become a hot topic and popular resource; some days the phones are ringing off the hook with a broad range of questions surround-ing mental health and local resources. Fortunately, we have just trained five new Navigators, three peers, and two family members, including our Board President, Steve Rosenfeld! As the NAMI Mass COMPASS grows, we must keep in mind the complex needs of our callers and understand that mental health challenges can impact so many facets of wellness.

Certain topics have been and are likely to continue to dominate our conversations. Finding stable, affordable housing contin-ues to be a major concern for many people with mental health issues and their fami-lies. Right before the holidays, a woman reached out to us for housing options to help a family member. Sarah emailed a brief description of what her brother-in-law, Michael, was struggling with. Michael is a 58-year-old veteran, diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. He had been in and out of homeless shelters on the North Shore and just needed a stable and secure place to live. To make matters more complicated, Michael had previ-ously been in trouble with a local hous-ing authority, so the family was unsure if he could get help or subsidized housing through them.

Education & Support…continued from page 6

Sarah had also reached out to her local NAMI chapter (Affiliate), where she received information about applying for services through the Department of Mental Health (DMH), which we con-firmed could be one pathway into stable housing. Recently, we learned that roughly 25% of people authorized for DMH ser-vices have a critical housing need. We pro-vided Sarah leads to peer support and local resources. We gave her names and contact information of a peer specialist at the Bedford VA and Veteran Outreach Worker at the Lowell Vet Center. Both assured us that they guide vets like Michael through common issues with housing, transporta-tion, finding healthcare providers, and more. Sarah emailed us about a week after our referrals to let us know that they had already had productive conversations with the local contacts.

We understand that navigating the men-tal health system can be frustrating. We always do our best to provide callers with the most up to date and helpful resources we have, and we always start by listening. Talking with a person who’s been there is a great first step in solving a difficult prob-lem. Not only do we encourage everyone to find support in their community, but, importantly, we talk through a situation, what has already been tried, and what other options are available moving for-ward.

Connecting with people who have lived experience, or experience similar to yours, can be invaluable. If you or someone you know is looking for mental health resources, please call 617-704-NAMI (6264), toll-free 800-370-9085, or email COMPASS@namimass.org to connect with a COMPASS Navigator. n

8

Dental disease is a major source of pain, suffering, and lost time from school or work for many individuals. Although the oral health of the general population has improved in much of the world, individuals with MI are more vulnerable and remain at a disadvantage.

2)Canyoutellmeabitaboutwhatyouare doing at Tufts Dental School to pre-pare your students, future dentists, to reach the needs of people with a mental health diagnosis? If you could speak a bit about your background, the reason you brought In Our Own Voice(IOOV)toyourclassesandtheexcitingevolutionto presenting the program to all the first year students.

Traditionally, education about mental health and illness in dental school has been quite limited. In my role as Director of Interprofessional Education (IPE) at Tufts School of Dental Medicine, I am working to build bridges between dental medicine and other health disciplines. We do this by fostering opportunities for our students to work with and learn from other types of clinicians, including clini-cians who provide mental health services. Although I am an educator at a dental school, I’m a physician by training with a background in adult psychiatry and an advanced degree in health communica-tion. I have a keen interest in developing programs that promote patient-centered care and prepare the next generation of healthcare providers with the skills needed to work collaboratively across disciplines.

When I was asked to teach a psychiatry seminar to the third-year dental students last year, I thought the greatest impact I could have in the limited time allotted was to address students’ fears and stereo-types about mental illness. And I felt the best way to accomplish this aim would be to have patient educators speak directly and openly about their personal perspec-tive, including what students could learn

from their experience of being ‘patients.’ The IOOV speakers were able to address these issues in a way that no book or lecture could, and the program had a pro-found impact on how the dental students see mental illness.

It was clear from the course feedback that students valued the patient educators’ per-spectives, and many wished the content had been presented earlier in their train-ing. In response, I am now planning to integrate IOOV speakers into a first-year course that introduces the dental students to communication skills, behavior change counseling, and approaches to patient-centered care.

3) What are you hoping the takeaway is for your students?

I hope students take away a few impor-tant ideas. First, our aim is train dentists who are skilled and comfortable treating the whole patient and not stay exclusively focused on diseases of the oral cavity. Mental health symptoms are extremely common in the general population, and all health care providers need to have knowledge and confidence to treat every patient in a comprehensive, holistic man-ner. Having a more nuanced understand-ing of social and behavioral issues will only help students fully recognize the intersection of oral health with overall health and functioning.

Second, stigma creates such a huge barrier to individuals with MI receiving effective and compassionate healthcare. My hope is that students will become more aware of their unspoken biases and fears about MI. This is why the IOOV program is so important. Giving students an opportuni-ty to hear directly and compellingly about living with MI and the process of recovery is more impactful than any lecture or book could ever be.

Finally, dentists are highly skilled clini-cians who often have more frequent con-

tact with their patients than primary care physicians. I’d like our students to recog-nize that they have valuable opportunities to identify common behavioral issues such as substance use, depression, smok-ing cessation, intimate partner violence, and other types of trauma. Although we don’t necessarily expect our students to feel comfortable treating all of these prob-lems, they can be an important source of support and referral information for their patients.

4) Anything else you’d like to add?

It may sound strange, but I believe den-tistry and psychiatry have quite a bit in common. Both mental health and oral health have traditionally been separated from mainstream medicine and medical education, and there has been limited integration of patient services (and pay-ment for these services) provided by these disciplines. Change is slow, but there is increasing recognition that healthcare must be better integrated if we are to pro-vide care that is high-quality, coordinated, and affordable. Current efforts to bet-ter integrate mental health and primary medicine are beginning to improve the way some individuals receive their care. Although it will take time, a similar effort to integrate oral health prevention and screening into primary care will hopefully “bring the mouth back into the body” and eventually lead to better oral health care for all.

Dr. Ellen Patterson, Director of Interprofessional Education, Tufts Dental School, One Kneeland Street, Boston, MA 02111. n

Dr. Ellen Patterson…continued from page 1

9

ACTION STRATEGY

Step 1: Know the benefits of jail diversion programs for law enforcement

Training police officers in mental health response benefits individuals, police departments, and communities:

Successful jail diversion programs com-bine two essential elements:

• Qualitymentalhealthtraining for offi-cers; and

• Collaboration between the police department, mental health providers, and other local resources

Common training and/or jail diversion models are:

• Crisis Intervention Team (CIT): A 40-hour mental health training for 20–25% of the police force, combined with regular meetings with local providers

• Co-responder clinician: A trained, licensed clinician helps officers respond to mental health calls

• Mental Health First Aid: An 8-hour introduction to mental health and de-escalation skills

Step2:Understandyourlocalcommunity

Understanding the mental health system in your community will help prepare you to advocate effectively and build partner-ships. Reach out to local organizations and individuals who participate in the

mental health and crimi-nal justice systems. The emergency psychiatric

services provider (or ESP) is a crucial contact and potential collabora-tor with the police. These initial contacts should be about listening, learning, building relationships, and exploring the poten-tial for future work.

Step3:Connectwithyour local police depart-ment

A jail diversion program can only be successful if leadership within the police department is invested and engaged. Explore interest in this work through a conversation with your police chief, community resources officer or training officer. Discuss the potential benefits for the department, and present yourself as a partner and support.

The department may have concerns about obtaining funding and other necessary resources, securing time off or schedul-ing shift replacements for officers. While some training options have associated costs, other steps, such as establishing regular case conference meetings with local providers, are free and can have a great impact. There are also grants avail-able through the Department of Mental Health’s Forensic Services.

You can help your police department combine these different levels of collaboration with mental health training models in a way that meets their needs.

This is just a brief introduction; stay tuned for the full-length toolkit, which will provide more resources and information. In the meantime, please contact the Criminal Justice Diversion Project with any questions: 617-580-8541 or alane@namimass.org.

Stakeholder Meeting

•  Hosted by the Police Department •  Gather a range of local

service providers •  What are community

needs and how can systems work together more effectively?

Small Meeting

•  Police Department •  Emergency Service

Provider •  Discuss how these two

key first responders can collaborate effectively. What's working well, what are the barriers?

Provide Information

•  Provide your police department with information about mental health training programs and how to access them

Individuals  with  lived  experience  

Mental  health  agencies  

Domes=c  violence  agencies  

Public  library  

Elder  services  

Housing  authority  Schools  

Law  enforcement  

Substance  use  agencies  

Courts,  proba=on  

Hospitals  

Potential stakeholders

You can help your police department combine these different levels of collaboration with mental health training models in a way that meets their needs.

This is just a brief introduction; stay tuned for the full-length toolkit, which will provide more resources and information. In the meantime, please contact the Criminal Justice Diversion Project with any questions: 617-580-8541 or alane@namimass.org.

Stakeholder Meeting

•  Hosted by the Police Department •  Gather a range of local

service providers •  What are community

needs and how can systems work together more effectively?

Small Meeting

•  Police Department •  Emergency Service

Provider •  Discuss how these two

key first responders can collaborate effectively. What's working well, what are the barriers?

Provide Information

•  Provide your police department with information about mental health training programs and how to access them

Individuals  with  lived  experience  

Mental  health  agencies  

Domes=c  violence  agencies  

Public  library  

Elder  services  

Housing  authority  Schools  

Law  enforcement  

Substance  use  agencies  

Courts,  proba=on  

Hospitals  

Potential stakeholders

Step 4: Move to put the plan in action

Every community is different, and will have varied needs and levels of interest in jail diversion work. There are opportuni-ties to engage at each level.

Level of Community Engagement

You can help your police department combine these different levels of collabo-ration with mental health training models in a way that meets their needs.

This is just a brief introduction; stay tuned for the full-length toolkit, which will provide more resources and informa-tion. In the meantime, please contact the Criminal Justice Diversion Project with any questions: 617-580-8541 or alane@namimass.org. n

Criminal Justice Diversion Project…continued from page 1

A Brief Guide to Promoting Police-based Jail Diversion in Your Community

by Meghan Phillips, Criminal Justice Intern

Across the state, people with mental health conditions experience arrest and incarceration at disproportionate rates. All too often, a mental health crisis leads to an unnecessary arrest rather than access to appropriate treatment. Police officers who are well-trained in handling mental health issues and aware of resources in their communities can make a crucial difference in preventing this cycle of arrest and incarceration and promoting mental health recovery.

NAMI Mass developing a toolkit as a resource for community members to support their local police departments in strengthening these skills and offer a brief overview here. You can be a powerful advocate for this important work!

ACTION STRATEGY

Step 1: Know the benefits of jail diversion programs for law enforcement

Training police officers in mental health response benefits individuals, police departments, and communities:

Increased  safety  for  individuals  and  

officers  

Individuals  are  more  likely  to  

access  treatment  and  recovery    

Lower  arrest  rates  

More  efficient  use  of  police  resources  

10

by Ally Kuriloff, Associate Walk Director

May 14, 2016 is right around the corner, and we need your help to raise funds, end

stigma, increase awareness, and build community in support of mental health. Walk with us in our 13th annual Walkathon, and have fun while sending the message that mental illness is real and that you can recover from it—just like any other illness. Your dollars

raised account for 40% of our budget and help us sustain our educational and support programs, advocacy work, and NAMI Mass Compass helpline that offers guidance and information to thousands yearly.

WHAT: NAMIMass’s 13th Annual Walkathon

WHEN: May 14, 2016 (Registration opens at 9 am, Walk steps off at 11 am)

WHERE: DCR’s Artesani Park, 1255 Soldiers Field Rd, Brighton MA

Anti-Stigma Champion and author of the renowned First Surgeon General’s Report on Mental Health, 1999

Sunday, Apri l 3, 2016 ~ 3 to 5 PM

Canary Square Restaurant ~ 435 S. Huntington Ave. ~ Jamaica Plain

$150 per person

Register at http://bitly.com/2016Fundraiser

Here’s how YOU can get involved:

• Check out our NEW Registration

Platform and Sign Up to Walk at bit.ly/NAMIWalksMass2016

• We need Volunteers, too! Sign Up at bit.ly/NAMIVolunteer

• Interested in reserving a table at the

exhibit area of the walk? Visit bit.ly/NAMIExhibit for more information and to make your reserva-tion (note* absolutely no exhibitors can have a table at the Walk without mak-ing a reservation in advance)

• Help us Spread the Word! RSVP to our Facebook event and invite your friends at bit.ly/NAMIWalksMass2016Event; Follow us on social media: twitter.com/NAMIMass, www.insta-gram.com/namiwalksmass, and www.facebook.com/NAMIMassachusetts. n

11

The NAMI Mass campaign to end the stigma surrounding mental health condi-tions in the workplace is making a state-wide impact. CEOs Against Stigma official-ly kicked off last June and, with the help of nine affiliates across Massachusetts, over 60 business and elected leaders from the Berkshires to Boston are already on the team, making the commitment to promote a stigma-free work environ-ment for their employees. South Shore Mental Health CEO, Harry Shulman and the CEO of LABUR, Darrin Lang both of whom are dedicated to caring for the mental health well-being of all their employees are particularly focused on put-ting the pledge into action.

When Shulman was asked to be a CEO Against Stigma, he did not hesitate to say “yes.” He was one of the very first CEOs to put his signature on the campaign pledge and was front and center at the press conference announcing the initiative. “It’s important to take a leadership posi-tion in this campaign and show that stig-ma related to mental illness should not be tolerated in the workplace,” he said. South Shore Mental Health has a mission to provide education, treatment and recovery services for people living with mental ill-ness. CEOs Against Stigma is allowing his employees to broaden their awareness to encompass their co-workers and friends.

Last fall, the team working with Darrin Lang discovered the campaign on LinkedIn. After researching both CEOs Against Stigma and NAMI Mass, LABUR, a company that provides their clients with exclusive business and technology professionals, moved swiftly to come aboard. After meeting with NAMI Mass in mid-October, Lang signed the pledge —which is proudly framed and displayed for everyone in the company to see—and hosted an In Our Own Voice presentation a short time later. Lang and his team have embraced CEOs Against Stigma with light-ning fast speed because Lang knows that by promoting a stigma-free environment, he is sending a powerful message about the health, harmony and culture of his company.

“Those CEOs and companies who share a common enthusiasm for these principles are remiss if they do not at least consider the material and talk to NAMI directly to learn more about this wonderful cause,” says Lang. “It is the right thing to do.”

LABUR, South Shore Mental Health and many others on our roster have already held In Our Own Voice presentations, which are a vital component of the cam-paign. A leading researcher has recognized IOOV as the most effective anti-stigma program in America.

CEOs Against Stigma is open to companies or organizations with 50 or more employ-ees. Read more about the campaign and the leaders who have made the com-mitment to a workplace recognizing the importance of mental health by logging on to ceos.namimass.org. n

CEOs Against Stigma Campaign Making a Statewide Impactby Joanne Pallotta, Ellis Strategies, Public Relations Consultant

From top to bottom: Harry Shulman of South Shore Mental Health, Darrin Lang of LABUR, Signed pledge at LABUR hang-ing in reception area

12

NAMI Berkshire Countyby Garnet L. Williams

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Berkshire County hosted its 2nd Annual Cupcake Wars fundraiser on Thursday, February 4, 2016 at the ITAM Lodge in Pittsfield. The event began with a delicious Italian dinner prepared by UNICO of Pittsfield for the 175 attendees. Following dinner, three judges were picked at random from the audience to sample the unique confections made by the six bakers/bakeries vying for the best cupcake in various categories: Berkshire Pathways, a program of Human Resources Unlimited, Gimme Some Sugar, Gould Farm Harvest Barn Bakery, Linda’s Pastries, Mary’s Carrot Cake and Sarah’s Cheesecake & Cafe.

The winners were:

• BestAllAround – Gimme Some Sugar

• Most Artistic – Sarah’s Cheesecake & Café

•MostOver-the-Top – Gould Farm Harvest Barn Bakery

Gimme Some Sugar won in the People’s Choice category, which was voted on by event attendees. Capping off the evening

was an auction of a dozen cupcakes from each baker. A variety of raffles were held throughout the evening. Approximately $8,000 was raised through the event, with all funds supporting individuals and families impacted by mental illness throughout Berkshire County. The event’s sponsors included The Austen Riggs Center, Berkshire Health Systems, The Brien Center, Gould Farm, ServiceNet, South Bay Mental Health, Greylock Federal Credit Union and WBRK.

“WOW! I’m in such awe of the outpour-ing of community support from the attendees and donors for our 2nd Annual Cupcake Wars! Thanks to all who made this event a success,” commented NAMI Berkshire County Executive Director Brenda Carpenter.

* * *

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Berkshire County provides information, referrals, classes, workshops, support groups and advocacy to family members and caregivers of people living with mental illnesses as well as individuals with mental health conditions throughout Berkshire County. NAMI Berkshire County’s vision is one of an integrated community where acceptance and hope are widespread. For more information contact Brenda Carpenter at 413-443-1666 or namibc@namibc.org or visit the website at http://www.namibc.org/.

NAMI Cambridge/Middlesex

by Mary Pat Prado

NAMI-CM’s spring schedule of Public Education Programs includes:

RecoveryisReal:PsychoticDisorders Hear from those who have lived it. Tuesday,April12,2016,6:30pm

Cambridge is offering the popular Recovery Is Real, Part II, focusing on psychotic disorders on Tuesday, April 12, 2016, at 6:30 pm at the Macht Auditorium, Cambridge Hospital, 1493 Cambridge St, Cambridge. (Vouchers available for garage parking.)

The following panel of peers will discuss their experiences with recovery:

• BenBoone,BA,EmersonCollege,author of Minority of Mind, and personal coach

• LisaHalpern,BA(summacumlaude),Duke University; MPP, Harvard University; and director of recovery services at Vinfen

• EwaPytowska,interimco-directoratNAMI GBCAN, the Greater Boston Consumer Advocacy Network; a NAMI Mass Peer-to-Peer mentor; member of the NAMI Mass Board of Directors; and a graduate of Bryn Mawr College and the Harvard University Graduate School of Education

• LeonardMulcahy,BA,CPT,CPS,CPRP, fitness coordinator at the Boston University Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation.

The program is free and open to the public.

NAMI Affiliate News

Cupcakes from the 2nd Annual Cupcake Wars

13

continued on page 14

4thAnnualSilentAuctionBenefitsSocialInclusionPrograms

Silent, online, and live auctions offered vacations in Costa Rica, Cape Cod, Aruba, Plum Island, and Florida, sports, theatre, and concert tickets, and gift certificates galore, while guests caught up with new and old friends, and munched on gourmet goodies, all to pleasing live background music.

Thanks to the hundreds of donors, volunteers, bidders, and members and friends who attended our 4th Annual Auction, NAMI-CM raised a whopping $42,000 and established a new Social Inclusion Fund to fight the social isolation of mental health conditions. We awarded grants to the 13 innovative mental health care providers listed below. Special thanks go to sponsors Cambridge Health Alliance, Riverside Community Care, Vinfen, and the 19 individual sponsors who got our Social Inclusion Fund off to a great start.

Recipientsof2015SocialInclusion Fund Grants

• CHAHealthIntegrationProgram for those with psychosis

• CenterClubclubhouse,Boston• ClubhouseCoalition• EmploymentOptions• NAMIGB-CANforOpeningDoors

to the Arts• PotterPlaceClubhouse• RecoveryLearningCenter,Boston/

Cambridge

• RestorationProject(employmenttraining)

• RightTurn,ACreativePlaceforRecovery from Addiction

• RiversideCommunityCare• TunefooleryMusiciansinRecovery• WaverleyPlaceRehabilitationand

Life Planning• Vinfenforgrouphomeactivities

Write to NAMI-CM’s email manager, John Sharp, at baeolophus.d@gmail.com, if you would like to be notified of our next event.

NAMI Cape Ann

by George Howe, President

For the past six months, NAMI Cape Ann’s board of directors has been fleshing out the details of a strategic plan for its operations for the next three years. Our broad goals are to:

• Substantiallyincreaseoureducationaloutreach to our communities, including expanded suicide prevention and anti-stigma awareness and training

• Seekopportunitiesformembershipgrowth and additional support personnel

• Trainmoreeducators,advocates,andsupport group facilitators, including expanded suicide education and prevention training, and try to improve coordination among treatment providers, emphasizing recovery using a person-centered approach.

Our membership has grown to 66 active members. We have over 225 on our e-mail notification list. As members renew and as others join us for the first time, we are issuing “Welcome” packets with important crisis response guidelines and other vital information.

After having committed to expanding our office space, our annual operating budget

Auction Co-chair Areti Yergatian (right) and friends celebrate at Cambridge’s Fourth Annual Auction

has grown from approximately $12,000 to $25,000, plus support for the Cape Ann Social Club. To meet this additional expense, the board of directors has spent considerable effort seeking grants from various businesses, banks and foundations, some successful, others not.

Our Board of Directors has expanded from nine members to eleven, by a vote of the membership at last April’s annual meeting. Members Jaine Stripinis and Laura McDaniel have stepped down from the Board, due to changes in their employment and work schedules. They have been replaced by Lucy Ingram and Florence Williams.

The Board has worked diligently to shore up the finances for the Cape Ann Social Club, for which it serves as fiduciary agent. On an informal basis, the Northeast Independent Living Project—our Recovery Learning Community (RLC)—has agreed to provide some financial support to the Club—for supplies and transportation costs. We look forward to a more formal collaboration between the RLC and the Social Club. In addition to its Social Club funding assistance this year, the RLC has also agreed to co-sponsor and lead a peer support and training group which started in January.

We have been awarded a grant from NAMI Massachusetts to support the CEO’s Against Stigma campaign and are working on enlisting support from CEO’s in the Cape Ann area. Also, we have acted as fiduciary agent for the 99 Faces Project, which is part of our Anti-Stigma campaign, and which will soon be a featured exhibit at Boston’s Museum of Science.

We issued a questionnaire using our e-mail list and Survey Monkey, seeking feedback from our members on what activities they would like our Affiliate to

Affiliate News…continued from page 12

14

provide. The response was disappointingly light. We shall try again. We need your suggestions, folks!

In October, Phil Hadley and Florence Williams attended a three-day symposium at Babson University focusing on the needs of fishermen and their families—economic, medical and social needs.

NAMI Cape Cod and the Islands

by Arlene Hoxie, Program Coordinator

Deb and Rocky Rausch started the New Year leading our first Family-to-Family teacher training on Nantucket. Eight new teachers were trained and four formerly trained teachers came to be “recertified.”

Half of the attendees were from off-island. Among the attendees were several recent Cape Cod and Nantucket Family-to-Family graduates. Two were sponsored by their local Affiliate and NAMI Mass from NAMI Latino. They were an excellent and fun addition to our group. They will be leading Family-to-Family courses on the North Shore this spring in the Spanish version of the program.

Held at the Nantucket Hotel and Resort on January 2nd and 3rd, 2016, it was a wonderful way to start off the New Year. NAMI CC&I is excited to have six new teachers and four recertified teachers ready to teach this spring and summer. Thanks to all who attended and congratulations!

An afternoon class will be held in Mashpee as well as an evening class in Hyannis beginning in mid-March. An evening class in Orleans will begin in April, 2016. A second teacher training will be held in April, 2016.

NAMI Central Middlesex

by Jennifer Payne, President

Fall of 2015 saw our screening of the documentary “Pack Up Your Sorrows” at the Lexington Venue, the story of singer-songwriter Meg Hutchinson learning to live a healthy life with bipolar disorder. We had a packed house for the film and the question and answer session. The moving documentary was enthusiastically applauded at its conclusion. Meg told her story with grace and also skillfully interviewed her parents, mental health professionals and researchers, bringing additional depth to the film. Director Rob Stegman and Meg fielded questions and received many positive comments. We encourage our fellow Affiliates to share this documentary with the widest possible audience. We extend thanks to the Licari Fund and the Lexington Venue for sponsoring the event and to our tremendous program committee for making it happen!

To learn more go to www.packupyoursorrowsfilm.com.

We are looking forward to our Mental Health Stability in College panel presentation at 7 pm on Monday, March 21, 2016. This year Wakefield Memorial

High School will co–sponsor and host the moderated panel with representatives from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Middlesex Community College, and Boston University as well as one or more student representatives. Information relevant to families with a high school student living with known or suspected mental illness is shared, covering college from application through college life, managing a possible leave of absence and achieving a college degree.

NAMI GB CAN(NAMI Greater Boston Consumer Affiliate/Advocacy Network)

From the Greater Boston Consumer Advocacy Network (NAMI GBCAN)

Jon has put in writing what is true for many of us at GBCAN. We are, after all, a group of peers working together to advocate, support and educate those around us about the challenges we face daily. Our work brings meaning and hope to our individual and collective journeys of recovery. After much discussion, we are submitting Jon’s piece as our Affiliate update for its universal message and its timeless quality.

I was just wondering

by Jon Gottlieb

I was just wondering, for those of us who have any symptoms of the brain, just what kind of people are we regarding success rate dealing with anything in life, from holding down a career to having a good relationship?

Perhaps you can clear the air. I have failed in more pursuits than I have excelled in. That bothers me. For all

Affiliate News…continued from page 13

Graduates from the Nantucket F2F teacher training

Participants on the Mental Health Stability in College panel, 2015

Jon Gottlieb

15

the tasks and goals I have set for myself, I have not become a rich man in my pocketbook. I am a more learned person for the experiences, however, so that says something. My riches are in my smarts. But, I don’t know the extent of my level of competency.

I am a more aware person, but I travel daily at a slower pace, where fear grips me at times and doesn’t let me go. I am not capable of doing certain things. Some people are turned off by my behavior; others are enchanted by my interesting characteristics that take me into all kinds of directions, not all good, but not all bad.

I am not the same person I was 25 years ago and may not reach my full potential. They say that because of the illness and the mere fact that we take medications, our life span is shortened. But I don’t believe it.

At times, I am happier than I ever was though sadness often rears its ugly head as it does during my down times. I am like a whirling dervish and a Tasmanian devil, full of change where no mood lasts for very long.

I am critical of myself, always analyzing my very existence, feeling unsure and/or so clear of myself at the same time, making me a contradiction in terms, regularly. This two-headed coin lifestyle makes me question everything from whether I am capable and/or good enough to want and/or need a significant other, hold down a position of some worth or even question my existence. Most would say I am confused. I guess I just like variety and try to leave it at that, trying never to get too down on myself or too high that I can’t see the real picture of where I’m headed.

I used to look for everything. Now, I let things find me. That way, I don’t get very disappointed if something doesn’t happen. As long as I remain confident,

I feel I have chances to get to where I want to go, wherever that is and whatever that may be. I’ve said it before, and I know I will have to say it again to keep me strong, sure, and positive… with age comes wisdom. And I am old enough to have learned that, although I haven’t led

by Larry DeAngelo

In early 1990 Judy McKendry had never heard about NAMI. She had a family member with serious mental health issues and did not know where to turn to for help. Her father, a Pennsylvania pastor, told her “find a NAMI and you will find help.” Judy joined a NAMI Central Middlesex Family Support Group that met at the Concord library. From the very first meeting she realized she was not alone and her 25-year passion for NAMI began.

In January of 2016, Judy ended her three year term as President of NAMI Central Middlesex. Judy identified some of her Affiliate’s important achievements during her term as President as peer program development, re-affiliation with NAMI, a rich Education Seminar program, and a great NAMIWalks Mass team.

Peers serving on the NAMI Central Middlesex board have provided valu-able leadership to the Affiliate. Currently, NAMI Central Middlesex supports a NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group at the Faith Evangelical Free Church in Acton. In the spring of 2015, with the support of NAMI Central Middlesex, Eliza Williamson and Beth Flannery taught their first Peer-to-Peer education class in West Concord Mass.

Under NAMI’s Standards of Excellence Affiliates are asked to meet stringent standards of governance, financial and membership administration, and support NAMI’s education programs in order to re-

Judy McKendry

contract (re-affil-iate) with NAMI. NAMI Central Middlesex along with NAMI Cape Ann, Cape Cod, Western Mass, and South Shore have completed these rigorous requirements.

Judy’s Affiliate has conducted one of the best Affiliate Education Seminar programs in Massachusetts, two of them are: In November 2014, under the leadership of affiliate members Ruthann Minkin and Pam Andrews a panel was organized that included legislators, peers, family caregiv-ers and professionals that supported the call for immediate reform of Bridgewater State Hospital. In February 2015, under the leadership of the new affiliate President, Jennie Payne, a panel discus-sion was held that answered the question: Will your son or daughter have mental health support at college. More seminars followed.

And of course NAMI Central Middlesex supports the NAMIWalks Mass cause big time. Tom Scurfield, NAMI Central Middlesex Walk Team captain, leads the 2nd largest Affiliate walk team in terms of donations.

Congratulations Judy McKendry and your NAMI Central Middlesex Affiliate! Welcome Jennie Payne as the new Affiliate President!

a perfect life, it has certainly been close to a piece of cake even with the crumbs, and I’m sure that the sweets I have eaten have dominated my life for the most part.

Pass this onto your peers who may need a jolt of wisdom and prophecy. n

Congratulations Judy McKendry – Welcome Jennie Payne

The Schrafft’s Center, 529 Main Street, Suite 1M17, Boston, MA 02129

800-370-9085 · www.namimass.org

16

Faith, Hope & Support for Our Communityby Florette Willis, Director of Diversity, Outreach and Inclusion

that stigma is the number one reason that people don’t get help early or at all, resulting in a domino-like effect on the individual, family and our communities as a whole. While many believe that mental illness only affects other people, families and ethnic groups, its impact harms every-one equally and intensifies when it inter-sects with race and culture.

Consequently, NAMI Mass is embracing multiculturalism by providing Diversity & Inclusion training. We are providing all people with the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential. Our trainings focus on sensitivity and awareness, building team dynamics and linking diversity to organizational success to provide optimal advocacy and education and support pro-grams to the people we serve. We’re also expanding services this year to include

Today, mental health problems affect one in five adults as well as 20% of children in the United States. Yet, full inclusion of different ethnic, religious, racial, disability, sexual identity, age and gender groups tend to make some people uncomfort-able in the workplace and community at large. For example, most people describe the feeling similar to “being invited to the party but never asked to dance” which is something few of us want to remember but most of us never seem to forget.

According to Health and Human Services Office of Minority Affairs, studies show

mental health education for faith-based groups to minimize the effects of stigma in conjunction with NAMI’s Multicultural Action Center, Alpha Kappa Alpha and other community partners. NAMI Mass continues to offer Sharing Hope, an inspi-rational presentation of personal stories from the perspectives of family, faith and lived experience to spark necessary con-versations about the possibilities of living, working, growing and healing together. After all, we believe that people can and do recover with faith, hope and the neces-sary supports and environment.

If you’re interested in participating in one of our Diversity & Inclusion trainings and/or partnering on a Sharing Hope or faith-based event, please contact Florette Willis at 617-580-8541 or email to fwillis@namimass.org for more infor-mation. n