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Events and Announcements
This page lists dates, locations, and registration information for important Mental Health related events and conferences, plus announcements and special notices. Events and Conferences are listed in sequence by date.
Events and Conferences | Announcements and Special Notices
- AU to participate in "Red Tie" Affair
~ All are welcome! ~
The "Red Tie" Affair
February 10, 2012
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
- at -
Spanish American Merchants Association (SAMA)
95 Park Street
Hartford, CTAU will be participating in the "Red Tie" Affair on February 10th from 11:00 am -3:00 pm at the Spanish American Merchants Association building located at 95 Park Street in Hartford. Angel Rivera, AU Graduate and volunteer outreach coordinator for the Hartford Foundation, will be representing AU and providing information about Advocacy Unlimited, Recovery University, and AU's Advocacy Education Course. This event is being hosted by Latino Community Services, Project Reach, and the Prevention and Health Ed. Dept. There will be information, free health screenings, and activities.
For more information, contact Annette Deonarine, AU's Director of Multicultural Affairs, at 860-667-0460 ext. 312, or adeonarine@mindlink.org.
- Low Key Café
Low Key Café
Sunday, February 19, 2012 at 6:30 pm
(Third Sunday of every month)
Milford Christian Church
989 New Haven Avenue
Milford, CT 06460
(203) 878-6365, Ext. 633
See mapThis month at the Café!
This month's meeting is sure to be a evening of fun and entertainment! The café is a community wide event which means that you can bring your family and friends. This would be a great time to come out and experience the café first hand as you celebrate recovery with us.
The Low Key Café is a café for persons in recovery, a cozy and inviting "low key" atmosphere suitable for all ages. Songs, poetry, short stories, music videos, and more! Open mic, free refreshments, guest artists, and an atmosphere/forum to express yourself through art. Meetings are held monthly on the third Sunday of every month at the Milford Christian Church, 989 New Haven Avenue, Milford, CT 06460. Doors open at 6:30 pm, open mic starts at 7:00 pm, and the special featured artist will perform at 7:30 pm. Pastries, coffee, tea, cocoa, and admission are free!“For those of you new to Bridges, the Low Key Café is a monthly open mic 'coffeehouse' hosted by the YAS program. Our featured guests have come from within the Bridge's 'community,' as well as artists from the community-at-large. We like to think of the café as a melting pot, where people from all walks of life can gather to express who they are and where they come from…through the arts. We are recovery-oriented and pride ourselves on a safe, low-key atmosphere. No one is deemed 'inexperienced' or 'untalented.' Everyone who performs is respected and appreciated. There is food and, of course, coffee/tea/hot cocoa (all free!). The café is open to the community (bring your friends!). There is no cover charge.”
~ John Ciambriello
YAS Case ManagerRemember…
Free admission! As always, pastries, coffee, tea, cocoa, and admission are free. Bring a friend!For more info, contact John at (203) 878-6365, ext. 633.
- FOR-U Self-Esteem and Healthy Relationships Training
Focus On Recovery-United, Inc. (FOR-U) presents…
Self-Esteem 101 & Healthy Relationships 101
~ Every Wednesday for 12 weeks ~
February 1 - April 18, 2012
1:00 to 3:00 pm
- at -
Greater Bridgeport Mental Health Center
1635 Central Avenue
Bridgeport, CT
(directions)FOR-U has combined these two great trainings into an educational and fun filled 12-week session…
You start with Self-Esteem and end with Healthy Relationships. Come and explore ways to boost your self-esteem to be able to meet life's challenges head on and realize you are worthy of happiness. Learn how to recognize your self-worth, self-stigma, etc. We will also explore what a healthy relationship is! Learn skills to help you set the needed boundaries that will get you equality, respect and happiness in your relationships. Learn other valuable tips to help make your current and future relationships with friends, partners, siblings, parents, co-workers, etc., healthier.
All Connecticut Adults are Welcome!
For seminar training details and registration information, contact:FOR-U
100 Riverview Center, Suite 272
Middletown, CT 06457
(860) 704-0556
Toll Free In CT: 1-866-255-5029
focusonrecovery@gmail.com
www.focusonrecovery.orgSee the Event Flyer.
- NAMI Basics Course - Behavioral and emotional health of your child or adolescent
Concerned about the behavioral or emotional health of your child or adolescent? You are not alone! Join us for NAMI-Basics - the fundamentals of caring for you, your family, and your child with mental illness. This FREE course provides vital information to parents or caregivers of children affected by mental health issues. In six 2-1/2 hour sessions, you will learn about:
- Attention Deficit, Bipolar, Conduct, Oppositional Defiant, Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive and Substance Abuse Disorders, Major Depression, Childhood Schizophrenia, etc.
- Problem Solving, Listening and Communication Skills
- Advocating for your child in the School and Mental Health Systems
- Personal Record Keeping Systems
- Crisis Management and Relapse
…and much, much more!
Classes are being offered in several locations across Connecticut…
For dates, times, and locations, visit NAMI-CT Educational Programs (scroll down to the NAMI-Basics course listings - opens in a new browser window on the NAMI-CT website).
For more information about the NAMI-Basics course, contact Paloma Dee at the NAMI-CT office (1-800-215-3021) or by email to familyeducation@namict.org.
- NAMI Connection Support Groups
NAMI Connection support groups are held weekly, and are open to anyone who needs support as they recover, regardless of diagnosis. Each group is facilitated by people in recovery who have reached a point in their journey where they want to assist others. They are trained and certified by NAMI to conduct Connection groups. Groups are free.
Connecticut meetings… meetings are held in several towns across Connecticut. For dates, times, and locations in Connecticut, see:
• NAMI Connection Support Groups in Connecticut
• You can also visit NAMI Recovery Support Groups on NAMI's national website.
Anyone interested in finding out more about these programs or how to become a support group facilitator, IOOV presenter or Peer to Peer mentor can contact the Consumer Programs Coordinator at the NAMI CT office.
- Recovery Is for Everyone Peer Support Group
Recovery Is for Everyone
A Peer Support Group
Saturdays 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
Fairfield Public Library - Main Branch
Conference Room D
1080 Old Post Rd.
(Corner of Post Rd. and Route 1)
Fairfield, CTRecovery is the process of reclaiming your life after being given a mental health diagnosis. A diverse group of Persons in recovery from mental illness, we have formed a Peer support group to share healing information in the community.
Our goal is to inspire Peers to live recovery everyday. We explore the many ways to live richer, more satisfying lives out in the community, beyond just managing symptoms.
We share our struggles and what challenges us, coping skills developed along the way, recovery stories, favorite activities, and Recovery friendly resources in the community.
All are welcome to share the Recovery Experience. Join us and discover "thinking outside the clinical box" works!
Contact us directly at (203) 218-7233 (voicemail available), or email us at recoveryisforeveryone@gmail.com. Fairfield Library is located on a CT Transit bus route. See CT Public Transportation for bus schedules. Please download and share our Flyer.
Please do not call the library. We are not associated with them or their events. We meet in conference room D of the library. Open to persons age 18 and older.
- DBSA Greater Hartford Support Group
The Greater Hartford Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA Greater Hartford) holds a weekly support group run by and for people with affective disorders. See DBSA Greater Hartford for details.
- Schizophrenics Anonymous
This self-help group meets weekly every Thursday evening from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. at the Institute of Living in Hartford. See Schizophrenics Anonymous for more info, or call Kevin L. at (860) 253-5031
- AU Calendar
The schedule of workshops and presentations hosted by the AU Advocate team.
- Concerts and Exhibits
The schedule of concerts, performances, exhibits, art shows, and other similar types of events presented by many of AU's talented and special friends in recovery.
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Announcements and Special Notices
- Cheri Bragg receives 2011 Karen Kangas Award
Advocacy Unlimited and its Board of Directors are honored to have presented the 2011 Dr. Karen Kangas Award for Excellency in Advocacy to Cheri Bragg. The award was presented at the AU Annual Meeting and Holiday Party held December 10, 2010. Cheri was selected from over 30 well qualified individuals who were nominated for this prestigious award.
Cheri earned her undergraduate degree in Human Development and Family Relations from the University of Connecticut in 1991. She began working at Genesis Center, a local mental health agency in Manchester, working as a case manager and then as a rehabilitation coordinator. It was there that she first began to visualize a career path combining her personal and family experience of mental illness with professional experience.
While working at Genesis Center, she had the opportunity to participate in legislative advocacy as a member of the Keep the Promise Coalition, along with members of the Genesis "We Can" clubhouse. Cheri's opportunities included testifying before the State legislature; writing Letters to the Editor; planning and implementing Legislative Breakfasts and Candidate Forums; and learning about current issues, the legislative process, and how to effect change as a mental health advocate.
From 2007 through 2011, Cheri was employed as the Keep the Promise Coalition Coordinator at NAMI-CT, where she used her skills, experience, passion, and enthusiasm to support, educate, and advocate for people living with mental illness, their families, and other professionals. She has volunteered to teach many education courses and has always been involved in statewide and local community efforts.
Cheri is currently working at FAVOR, Inc. (Family Advocacy Organization for Children's Mental Health), passionately applying her skills and experience to helping children living with mental illness and their families.
Cheri feels blessed to be able to interact every day with people in recovery, their families, legislators, and mental health professionals. She has always selflessly placed an emphasis on outreach to individuals and groups statewide. A major challenge is the continuous need to educate legislators and the general public about the cost-effectiveness and positive effects of serving people with mental health needs. The countless others that she has helped motivate her to continue to advocate as they share their personal experiences, the barriers they have faced, and the solutions necessary to ensure a comprehensive community mental health system for youth, adults, and families in Connecticut. Witnessing the empowerment of people living with mental illness and their family members as they tell their story, sometimes for the first time, is an incredibly rewarding and unforgettable experience for Cheri.
Congratulations to Cheri! This recognition is, and will continue to be, well deserved and earned.
- AU Launches Shining Stars
AU was honored to have Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy at the launch of Shining Stars. Held September 20, 2011 before a large audience at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford, Governor Malloy congratulated and commended the four Shining Stars on their recovery and triumphs, and thanked them for their commitment to helping others.
AU also thanks and sincerely appreciates guest speakers DMHAS Commissioner Pat Rehmer, DMHAS Director of Young Adult Services Cheryl Jacques, and Ruth Montag of SAMHSA's ADS Center (Resource Center to Promote Acceptance, Dignity and Social Inclusion) for helping make this such a successful event. Special thanks goes to DMHAS Communications Specialist and award-winning videographer Tom Gugliotti for filming and directing the “Shining Stars” documentary.
At the heart of "Shining Stars" is a 17-minute culturally sensitive documentary written by, directed by, and starring young adults and filmed by an award winning producer. Complementing the video will be a web-based forum allowing young adults as well as all site visitors to connect with one another for mutual networking, encouragement, and support. Centered on the theme of education and recovery, the outcome of "Shining Stars" is a highly motivational recovery symposium offered free to young adults in mental health settings, educational settings, and hospitals for the purpose of inspiring hope and allowing young adults to "Uncover, Discover, and Recover." To view the documentary and participate in the forum, see Shining Stars.
"Shining Stars" is made possible through a grant from SAMHSA.
- 2011 ING Hartford Marathon / 3rd Annual AU Fundraiser
AU is proud to have been an official charity of the ING Hartford Marathon again this year as part of AU's 3rd Annual Fundraiser. Thanks to AU staff members Linda Lentini and Lyne Stokes, AU Board member Kathy Flaherty, former P & A Director and AU Board member Susan Werboff, RU grads Jean-Marie Monroe and Adam Osmond, and AU supporter Jen Leavitt who ran in the 2011 ING Hartford Marathon on behalf of AU and all the people and families we help!. They were "Racing for Mental Health."
Will you join Linda, Lyne, Kathy, Susan, Jean-Marie, Adam, and Jen in supporting AU?
As an official charity of the ING Hartford Marathon, you can donate safely and securely by credit card on AU's Official Active Giving web page. Every donation, no matter how small or how large, will help AU continue its mission of helping persons in recovery from psychiatric disabilities or co-occurring disorders. Visit AU's Active Giving page to donate. 100% of your donation is tax deductible, and 100% of your donation goes to helping persons in recovery and is sincerely appreciated. Thank you for supporting Advocacy Unlimited!
Board Member Kathy Flaherty
::: Running for AU :::
AU - Official Charity of the
2011 ING Hartford Marathon
~ Visit the Hartford Marathon website for the results of the 2011 ING Hartford Marathon ~
- Help with Medicaid/HUSKY Application Delays
There has been a serious problem in processing Medicaid/HUSKY applications for benefits through DSS, as the caseloads have increased and as the number of caseworkers has shrunk due to early retirements and some planned staff reductions. The situation has become intolerable in general, but particularly for Medicaid applicants whose applications now regularly linger for months.
The deadline under federal law for acting on applications is 45 days, except in the relatively rare situation of applications based on disability, for which the deadline is 90 days. The deadline for children, families, the elderly, blind individuals, and low income Adults is 45 days. Over 5,000 applications are delayed beyond the legal limit each month, each application representing at least one person, if not an entire family with children, who faces the ongoing lack of essential health insurance as they wait.
Many clients have experienced significant hardship as a result of the serious statewide problem with Medicaid application delays. For this problem to be fully addressed, it is important to have additional real cases of affected people willing to tell their stories.
Anyone with ongoing medical needs who has been waiting long past these deadlines for DSS to act on their Medicaid or HUSKY application is asked to contact New Haven Legal Assistance Association (LAA) and give them permission to refer their situation to legal services. Because the situation has become very serious, please contact LAA as soon as possible. Contact…
Sheldon V. Toubman
New Haven Legal Assistance Association
426 State Street
New Haven, CT 06510
(203) 946-4811, ext. 148
Fax: (203)498-9271
stoubman@nhlegal.orgIf you know anyone in this situation, please pass this information on to them.
The New Haven Legal Assistance Association (LAA) provides high-quality legal services to individuals, families and groups in the greater New Haven area, including the lower Naugatuck Valley, who are unable to obtain legal services because of limited income, age, disability, discrimination and other barriers. LAA was one of the first legal services programs established and the federal government used it as a model for similar programs throughout the country. LAA continues to provide free legal services to eligible individuals and families in the greater New Haven area.
- Kathleen Flaherty receives 2010 Karen Kangas Award
Advocacy Unlimited and its Board of Directors are honored to have presented the 2010 Dr. Karen Kangas Award for Excellency in Advocacy to Kathleen Flaherty. The award was presented at the AU Annual Meeting and Holiday Party held December 10, 2010. Thirteen other qualified individuals were also nominated for this prestigious award (see the list of nominees).
Kathy is a long time dedicated advocate with 12 years of experience in poverty law and a particular focus on housing, benefits and consumer law. Kathy has always been committed to working in the public interest. She graduated from Harvard Law School in 1994. Prior to that, she earned a BA in Biological Chemistry from Wellesley College in 1988. She is currently a Staff Attorney at Statewide Legal Services of CT, Inc. (Housing, Consumer, Benefits Units), a position she has held for the past nine years. She is also a State Trainer, Presenter, and Facilitator with NAMI CT. Previously, she was a Staff Attorney at Connecticut Legal Services.
Kathy is affiliated with Legal Aid Group (nonprofits providing non-criminal legal assistance to the poor and underserved people in America), Harvard Law School Alumni Network, Kingswood Oxford School Alumni, Wellesley College Alumnae Association, Wellesley College Alumnae of New England, and the American Bar Association - Commission on Mental and Physical Disability Law.
Congratulations to Kathy! This is a recognition that has been, and will continue to be, well deserved and earned.
- Moe Armstrong receives Lifetime Achievement Award
Connecticut's Moe Armstrong was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his leadership and contributions to the mental health recovery movement and veteran's mental health. The presentation was made at the 2010 Voice Awards held October 13th at Paramount Studios in Hollywood, CA.
The Voice Awards were developed to acknowledge entertainment writers and producers who give a voice to people with mental health problems by incorporating dignified, respectful, and accurate portrayals of people with mental illnesses into film and television productions. The Voice Awards also provide the opportunity to acknowledge the tireless efforts of community leaders who have played a vital role in both raising awareness and understanding of mental health issues and promoting the social inclusion of people with mental health problems.
The Voice Awards are part of the Campaign for Mental Health Recovery, a multi-year public service advertising program of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Ad Council to promote understanding and support for young adults and others with mental illnesses.
- Long-time Advocate Extraordinaire Susan Werboff Retires
After more than 30 years of dedicated service, Susan Werboff has retired as Director of PAIMI at the Connecticut Office of Protection and Advocacy. A celebration was held for Susan on Thursday, August 19, 2010 at the Community Renewal Team office in Hartford.
Emceed by Advocacy Unlimited's Executive Director Dr. Karen Kangas, the celebration was a recognition of the years of service and compassion Susan has selflessly given to the mental health community and persons in recovery. Many individuals, including P & A Executive Director James McGaughey and former DMHAS Medical Director Dr. Ken Marcus, paid tribute to and thanked Susan for the help and support she has provided to so many individuals over the years. Of special note was the presentation of a very touching and distinguishing commemorative proclamation to Susan from Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell honoring Susan's contributions.
In addition to being a long time advocate extraordinaire for persons with psychiatric disabilities or co-occurring disorders, Susan has served on many boards and councils, has been a long-time supporter of AU, a former AU Board of Directors member, and recipient of the 2008 Dr. Karen Kangas Award for Excellency in Advocacy.
Susan's list of accomplishments and service to the consumer community is extensive, having helped 1,000's of persons with psychiatric disabilities or co-occurring disorders, often being selflessly available for them regardless of the time of day or night. Advocacy Unlimited and its entire Board of Directors were extremely pleased to recognize Susan for her life-long contributions and present her with the 2008 Dr. Karen Kangas Award! AU and the Board extend their sincerest thanks and best wishes to Susan in her retirement.
While Susan has retired from her position at P & A, it is extremely unlikely she will ever retire from being an advocate for persons with psychiatric disabilities or co-occurring disorders, and that is very consoling to many, many people in Connecticut!
- ADA 20th Anniversary Celebration
An extremely successful and moving celebration in recognition of the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act was held at the LOB in Hartford on Monday, July 26th. Former Connecticut Governor and U.S. Senator Lowell P. Weicker, Jr. provided the keynote address. The event also featured the premier showing of ADACC's informative and exciting video "The 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act: Human Rights in Progress."
A panel of noted disability rights leaders provided insightful personal stories of how the ADA has affected their lives. In addition, "Groundbreakers" and ADA Leaders from Connecticut were recognized. Stan Kosloski of the CT Disability Advocacy Collaborative spoke on the challenges ahead and provided closing remarks.
The event was hosted by the ADA Coalition of Connecticut with support from numerous other individuals and agencies, including Advocacy Unlimited.
• View the video - Includes the premier showing of ADACC's film "The 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act: Human Rights in Progress"
• See pictures from the event
- Pat Rehmer reappointed as DMHAS Commissioner
Governor-Elect Dan Malloy today announced that he has reappointed Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services Commissioner Patricia Rehmer. Rehmer has more than 25 years experience with public and private behavioral health agencies. She has served as Commissioner of the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) since November 2009 after first serving as DMHAS Deputy Commissioner from 2004 through 2009.
"Commissioner Rehmer has been a leader in the fields of mental health and addiction services throughout her career, and I'm pleased that she and I will be working together to help those citizens in Connecticut who need our help the most," said Governor-Elect Malloy.
See the full press release.
- The Gardens at Saint Elizabeths: A National Memorial of Recovered Dignity
The Gardens at Saint Elizabeths is a national memorial to remember once forgotten psychiatric patients -- a place of remembrance as well as a place of recovery, offering dignity and hope to anyone living with mental illness.
In addition, OptumHealth is making a "Recovered Dignity" traveling exhibit available to all consumer run organizations free of charge. OptumHealth pays the shipping and stocks the booth with materials for use at conferences or events. The exhibit raises awareness of and restores dignity to the hundreds of thousands of consumers who died and were buried in unmarked graves on the grounds of psychiatric hospitals nationwide. By honoring these individuals, we give voice to generations of consumers who had no voice and recognize today's consumers and our journey to reach recovery. For more information and to learn how to order the exhibit, visit Recovered Dignity Exhibit.
- Winners Announced at PRISM Award Ceremony
The PRISM Awards, which are produced by the Entertainment Industries Council in collaboration with SAMHSA and FX, honor actors, movies, music, media, and TV's top shows that accurately depict and bring attention to substance abuse and mental health issues.
Jeff Bridges, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Kevin McKidd, Tony Shalhoub, Hector Elizondo, Timothy Hutton and Rosie O'Donnell receive top honors at the 14th Annual PRISM Awards. Breaking Bad, Law and Order: Special Victims Unit, Law and Order, and Dr. Phil also receive PRISM recognition.
See the full press release. Also see the complete list of all winners.
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Judi Chamberlin, long-time mad movement activist, dies at age 65
Long-time mad movement activist Judi Chamberlin, a remarkable advocate, friend, and civil rights hero, died January 16th at the age of 65. Judi was widely considered a grandmother of the mad movement: author, leader, activist, psychiatric survivor. Judi began her pioneering work for empowering alternatives for mental health consumers and psychiatric survivors in 1978 with her book "On Our Own: Patient Controlled Alternatives to the Mental Health System." She served on the MindFreedom Board of Directors for many years. She took her inspiration from the heroes of other civil rights movements to start something she liked to call Mad Pride – a movement for the rights and dignity of people with mental illness.
See the NPR Tribute, and read Judi's article Confessions of a Noncompliant Patient.
- Connecticut Joint Force Military and Family Readiness Group
Many Connecticut Reserve, National Guard, and Active Duty Service Members and families are geographically dispersed from their units or military installations. Many are unable to attend unit Family Readiness Groups or Key Volunteer Networks due to location, or perhaps scheduling conflicts, but would like to participate in an organization that shares quality information and provides support. Therefore the Joint Family Support Assistance Program has created a new Joint Force Military and Family Readiness Group to meet monthly:
Joint Force Military and Family Readiness GroupPlease feel free to download and share the flyer (.pdf document, opens in a new browser window).
6:30 pm on the 3rd Thursday of every month
- at the -
Charter Oak Chapter of the American Red Cross
209 Farmington Ave.
Farmington, CT 06382
Farmington was chosen for its central location in Connecticut. The Charter Oak Chapter of the American Red Cross has generously allowed the group to utilize space in their building and there is no charge for parking. All branches and components are welcome to participate and it is encouraged to share this meeting information with all Connecticut residents who may be affiliated with the military. Military service providers are welcome to attend as participants only, not as organization representation. Reservations are suggested, but not required. Reservations can be made by calling Jessica Koehler at 860-493-2703 or by email to Jessica.koehler@militaryonesource.com. Children are welcome to attend but child care is not provided.
- Free Cell Phones and Minutes
Lifeline Assistance is part of a program that was created by the government to provide discounted or free telephone service to income-eligible consumers. Over twenty years ago, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) created the Lifeline Program to help guarantee Universal Service in the US. The Lifeline Program provides discounted telephone service to low-income families and individuals that otherwise would find it difficult to pay for telephone service. To help bring you this important benefit, SafeLink Wireless is pleased to offer Lifeline Service.
SafeLink Wireless is a government supported program that provides free cell phones and airtime each month for income-eligible customers. Through SafeLink's Lifeline Service, you will receive FREE cellular service, a FREE cell phone, and FREE Minutes every month! SafeLink Wireless Service does not cost anything - there are no contracts, no recurring fees and no monthly charges.
See SafeLink Wireless for complete info and to begin the application process. You can see if you qualify here. También disponible en español.
Caution: SafeLink Wireless is completely free. There have been reports of companies not affiliated with Safelink who are offering to help consumers apply, but charge a fee. Apply for Safelink Wireless only through their official website - see the link above.
- Medicare Part D Low-Income Subsidy
If you are on Medicare Part D, you might be eligible for the Low-Income Subsidy that provides financial assistance to help you afford your medications. Thousands of people in CT are eligible for this assistance but have not applied. See Low-Income Subsidy for more info and how to apply.
In addition, NAMI-CT offers to host presentations and informational tables for your organization, group, or clubhouse to raise awareness of the Low-Income Subsidy. See NAMI-CT Offer for details.
- CT Mental Health System Among Best in Nation
In a March 12th press release, Governor M. Jodi Rell announced that Connecticut continues to be recognized for having one of the top adult mental health systems in the country, according to a comprehensive survey by NAMI.
"This validates the strengths of the Connecticut mental health system and our commitment to improving the lives of those living with mental illness and their families," Governor Rell said. "I commend Commissioner Kirk for his strong leadership at the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) and for the effective teamwork that goes into delivering quality care and support."
NAMI's "Grading the States Report 2009" is a comprehensive state-by-state analysis of public mental health care systems. Connecticut received the highest grade in 2006. This year, each state was scored on 65 criteria resulting in an overall grade and four sub-category grades for each state. Connecticut again received the highest grade awarded along with five other states.
…Read the full press release: HTML | MS Word
- Commissioner Thomas A. Kirk, Jr., Ph.D receives 2009 Dr. Karen Kangas Award
During AU's 38th Graduation Ceremony, AU Board of Directors President John Sims and AU Executive Director Karen Kangas, Ed.D, presented DMHAS Commissioner Thomas A. Kirk, Jr., Ph.D, with the 2009 Karen Kangas Award for Excellence in Advocacy for his outstanding contributions to the field of mental health and substance use disorders…
"In recognition of his tireless efforts and dedication in support of persons in recovery, his vision of recovery and a transformed mental health system, his support of Advocacy Unlimited, Inc., and his successful leadership of Connecticut's Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services into the national forefront, Advocacy Unlimited proudly presents this 2009 Dr. Karen Kangas Award for Excellency in Advocacy to Commissioner Thomas A. Kirk, Jr., Ph.D"
~ July 8, 2009
- Susan Werboff receives 2008 Dr. Karen Kangas Award
Congratulations to advocate extraordinaire and P & A Director Susan Werboff, recipient of the 2008 Dr. Karen Kangas Award for Excellency in Advocacy!
Susan, a long time advocate for persons with psychiatric disabilities and director at CT's Office of Protection and Advocacy, was presented this prestigious award at the 2008 AU Holiday Party on December 12, 2008.
Susan's list of accomplishments and service to the consumer community is extensive, having helped 1,000's of persons with psychiatric disabilities, often being selflessly available for them regardless of the time of day or night. Advocacy Unlimited and its entire board of directors was extremely pleased to recognize Susan for her contributions and present her with the 2008 Dr. Karen Kangas Award for Excellency in Advocacy!
- Glenn Close, Mental Health Advocate
Oscar nominee, mental health advocate, and Inspire Awards 2009 Honoree Glenn Close headlined a national advertising campaign in 2009 intended to diminish the stigma of mental illness. See Inspire Awards 2009 Honorees for the full story. Also see BringChange2Mind, the anti-stigma web resource created by Glenn Close, the Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation (CABF), Fountain House, and Garen and Shari Staglin of the International Mental Health Research Organization (IMHRO) for help in dealing with mental health stigma, misconceptions, and bias.
- ADA Amendments Act (ADAA) of 2008 signed into law
Sept. 25, 2008 -- The ADA Amendments Act (ADAA) of 2008 was signed into law in a White House ceremony this morning, after identical bills were passed by the Senate (unanimously, on September 11th) and the House (by voice vote, on September 17th). The law's effective date is January 1, 2009. This is a great victory for people with disabilities.
Since the ADA became law in 1990, a series of court decisions have narrowed the category of who qualifies as an "individual with a disability," contrary to Congressional intent. By raising the threshold for an impairment to qualify as a disability, these court decisions have deprived individuals of the discrimination protections Congress intended to provide.
The ADA Amendments Act remedies this problem and restores workplace protections to every American with a disability. The bill leaves the ADA's familiar disability definition intact, but takes several specific steps to direct courts toward a more generous meaning and application of the definition. This legislation makes it easier for people with disabilities to be covered by the ADA because it effectively expands the definition of disability to include many more major life activities, as well as a new category of major bodily functions.
For the Hartford Courant article (December 2, 2008) providing an assessment of the ADA Amendments Act, see Amended Law (opens in a new browser window).
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AU releases Spanish language version of its website
En español
To better support persons with psychiatric disabilities and their families in the Hispanic community, Advocacy Unlimited is pleased to have launched the first release of a Spanish version of its website. Developed completely in-house with translations done by AU's bilingual staff, this first release explains who AU is, what we do, our philosophies and goals, and our stand on many of the issues surrounding mental health. It also provides contact info and a full description of the Advocacy Education Course along with the schedule of courses being taught in Spanish and the capability to apply for the course online. Like the English site, the Spanish site will continue to grow as more and more info, resources, and functionality are added.
This project is part of AU's overall Latino Initiative which includes the expansion of AU's outreach into the Hispanic community and translation of the entire Advocacy Education Course curriculum.
The development was funded through grants from SAMHSA and the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving. Many thanks to our Advocates and volunteers who make up the Translation Review Committee. Visit the Spanish site now!
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Charter Oak Health Plan - Connecticut's new affordable health care
For the first time, Connecticut adults of all incomes have access to health coverage! Connecticut adults who aren't lucky enough to get health insurance on the job will have access to decent, affordable coverage. As proposed by Governor M. Jodi Rell and approved by the General Assembly, Charter Oak offers coverage to the uninsured and to many adults experiencing financial hardship in paying unaffordable, non-group premiums on their own. The State of Connecticut is contracting with three private insurers -- Aetna Better Health, AmeriChoice of Connecticut, and Community Health Network of Connecticut -- to coordinate benefits and medical providers.
Charter Oak will cover enrollees with pre-existing medical conditions (no exclusions).
For complete details, visit www.charteroakhealthplan.com, or call I-877-77-CTOAK. Download the application form here (these links open in a new browser window).
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FDA requests warnings on older class of antipsychotic drugs
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today exercised its new authority under the Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007 (FDAAA) to require manufacturers of "conventional" antipsychotic drugs to make safety-related changes to prescribing information, or labeling, to warn about an increased risk of death associated with the off-label use of these drugs to treat behavioral problems in older people with dementia. Read the full article
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No Kidding, Me Too!
Founded by actor Joe Pantoliano (The Sopranos), No Kidding, Me Too! is a nonprofit organization comprised of entertainment industry members united in an effort to educate Americans about the epidemic related to mental illness in all forms. The goal is to tear this stigma out of the closet and de-isolate it so that these people will be surprised to find millions of others like themselves and say, "No Kidding, Me Too!"
See more here, or watch Joe Pantoliano's (The Sopranos) in-depth interview on NBC News with Brian Williams.
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Comfortably Numb: How Psychiatry is Medicating a Nation
Written by Charles Barber, author and lecturer in psychiatry at the Yale University School of Medicine, "Comfortably Numb: How Psychiatry is Medicating a Nation" is an unprecedented account of the impact of psychiatric medications on American culture and on Americans themselves.
Public perceptions of mental health issues have changed dramatically over the last fifteen years, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the rampant over-medicalization of ordinary Americans. In 2006, 227 million antidepressant prescriptions were dispensed in this country, more than any other class of medication. In that same year, the U.S. accounted for 66% of the global antidepressant market. In his latest book, "Comfortably Numb," Charles Barber provides a much-needed context for this disturbing phenomenon.
See more about Mr. Barber and his books on his website at www.charlesbarberwriting.com (opens in a new browser window).
Also see Mr. Barber's article Healing a Troubled Mind Takes More Than a Pill.
- AU receives 2006 Spirit of the ADA Award
AU is proud to have received a 2006 Spirit of the ADA Award. The award was presented to AU, along with the other nominees, on July 26, 2006 at the Second Annual Spirit of the ADA Celebration sponsored by the Developmental Disabilities Network. See Spirit of the ADA Award.
- New book features chapter on AU
"On our Own, Together: Peer Programs for People with Mental Illness", a new book now available, includes a chapter about Advocacy Unlimited written by AU's Founding Director Yvette Sangster.
- HUD Inventory of Multifamily Units (opens in a new browser window)
Information that can assist advocates in finding affordable and accessible units is available from HUD on their "Subsidized Multifamily Units" web page.
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