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Welcome to the website of the National Alliance on Mental Illness Portage/Wood Counties chapter!  FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK:
A thank you to all who attended the Annual NAMI Portage/Wood Counties meeting November 15th. Also to Emily Fiedler and Nancy Schmitt for their In Our Own Voice presentation.
The results of the election of officers for NAMI Portage/Wood Counties for 2011 are as follows:
President: Marvin Lutz
Vice-President: Jennifer Culver
Secretary: Emily Fiedler
Treasurer: Jan Way
A thank you goes out to those who served as officers and on the board for 2010.
Thank you to Lorri Nandrea for setting up the nice display in the Portage County Library for the month of October.
A NAMI Basics Class is being planned for early 2011.
Lorri Nandrea has agreed to help with the monthly newsletter. However we still need volunteers to help with printing of the mailing labels, mailing the newsletter by e-mail, and updating the website. We could use a good used computer and printer, as some volunteers do not have one.
We will for now continue our monthly informational meetings by attending the Ministry Medical Emotional Support Group held in Stevens Point on the 4th Monday of the month.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
--Marvin Lutz, President ************************************************************************************************** ROCC POINT DECEMBER ACTIVITIES
ROCC Point, Portage County’s drop in recovery center for adults living with mental illness, offers many free activities each month. December’s activities include support groups on Mondays and Thursdays from 1-2; yoga on Mondays from 10:30-11:30; art on Tuesdays from 1-2; crafts and baking on Wednesdays from 1-2, and job skills on Fridays from 1-2:30. A free lunch is served each weekday from 12-1. Special Christmas events include Christmas tree decorating on December 1, and Christmas dinner on December 23 from 3-5:30. ROCC Point is located at 2040 Jefferson St. in Stevens Point and is open Monday through Friday from 10:30 am-3:30 pm. ROCC Point will be closed Dec. 24-27 for the holidays. For more information call 715-344-4210. ************************************************************************************************** BLUE CHRISTMAS WORSHIP SERVICE DECEMBER 21 7 pm, Tuesday, December 21, at The Springs, Plover United Methodist Church, 2820 Plover Springs Drive, Plover, WI 54467. Service is free and open to the public. This service is intended for those for whom Christmas is a difficult time, which can happen for many reasons, including a recent personal loss; depression; an association with painful Christmases past; separation from loved ones; or a feeling of intense disconnection from the prevailing secularism of Christmas.
Providing a blue Christmas service gives space and time away from the hype of Christmas and an opportunity to experience a sacred presence amidst our lives which are sometimes awkward, uncomfortable, and messy.
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WOOD COUNTY CLUBHOUSE PLANNING SESSION NEWS Wood County is in the process of establishing a clubhouse in Wisconsin Rapids and Marshfield. A clubhouse is open to anyone who has a history of mental illness. Membership in a clubhouse means that an individual has both shared ownership and shared responsibility for its success. A clubhouse offers a sense of belonging and a place to fit in where you are always welcome.
A reality for many people with mental illness is that they have a constant sense of not fitting in, of isolation, and rejection. Mental illness has the devastating affect of separating people from others in society. Members work side by side with staff to provide the functions and daily operations of the clubhouse. It's also a social setting for members to gather together.
We are in need of donations. Items such as furnishings, office equipment, kitchenware, etc. are needed. Cash donations would also be most graciously accepted. For more information or questions, please contact Pat Ellis, Wood County Unified Services, 715-387-4529. Thank you.
~ Submitted by Andrew Adams, Clubhouse Committee Member
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NAMI LAUNCHES ADHD ONLINE RESOURCE CENTER NAMI is thrilled to announce the launch of a new, interactive Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)Online Resource Center for children, youth and adults living with ADHD and their families. The resource center includes a wide array of valuable information on issues impacting children and youth living with ADHD and their families, including the following fact sheets: * ADHD and School: Helping Your Child Succeed in the Classroom;
* ADHD and College: Promoting Positive Outcomes;
* Parenting Children Living with ADHD: Tips for Parents;
* ADHD and Co-existing Conditions;
* The Consequences of Untreated or Ineffectively Treated ADHD; and much more.
The online resource center also includes interactive media on ADHD, including:
* a podcast with Edward Hallowell, M.D., child and adult psychiatrist and author of Driven to Distraction:
* Recognizing and Coping with Attention Deficit Disorder from Childhood through Adulthood;
• a video chat between Ken Duckworth, M.D., NAMI medical director, and Michael Houston, M.D., board certified child
psychiatrist, Washington, D.C, about the typical issues impacting children and adolescents living with ADHD and their families;
• a video chat between Dr. Duckworth and William Lawson, Ph.D., M.D., professor and chair, department of psychiatry, Howard University, about issues impacting the African American community;
• an ADHD quiz; and videos of families sharing their personal stories of having a child living with ADHD.
Visit the new ADHD Online Resource Center at www.nami.org/adhd. ************************************************************************************************
LOOKING FOR A FEW GOOD PEOPLE! NAMI Portage/Wood Counties is looking for people to keep our mailing lists up to date, administrate our website, and edit our monthly newsletter. Please contact Marvin Lutz, 715-592-4522 for more information on these vital and rewarding positions! ************************************************************************************************ SURVIVORS OF SUICIDE GROUP MEETS 1ST MONDAY OF EACH MONTH
Ministry Medical Group in Stevens Point sponsors a Survivors of Suicide support group. The group will meet the 1st Monday of every month in the chapel at St. Michael’s Hospital from 6:30-8 pm. The next meeting will be November 1st. Contact Michelle Nelson, MSW, LCSW, CADC at (715) 346-5401 for more information. ************************************************************************************************** HOW YOU CAN HELP
Memberships needed to support individuals and families living with mental illness! Join this crucial grassroots organization and have YOUR voice count at the national, state, and local levels of people who are committed to making life better for all those affected by serious mental illness.
Please complete the membership form on the back page and mail it in TODAY in order to continue receiving this newsletter. Call Kathy Hartman at 341-4483 for information on how to become more involved in the mission of NAMI: offering support, education, and advocacy for all those affected by mental illness.
THANK YOU for your support! ************************************************************************************************** ShArDs Of HOPE
ShArDs Of HOPE is a suicide prevention documentary made possible by a collaboration between Under the Rug Theatre, University of Wisconsin- Marathon County Department of Communication & Theatre Arts and the Americorps Team - Greater Wausau Area. Those of us who worked on this project hope that it will offer those contemplating suicide options that may lead them to recovery, rather than destruction.
This 40 minute documentary features music, artwork and poetry from residents of Portage, Wood & Marathon counties, and involved more than 50 people in its production. Thanks to all of the NAMI members who contributed to this project, and to those members who attended the initial screening on September 10th.
ShArDs Of HOPE is now available for viewing for small to large groups and will soon be available for purchase.
Because of the issues brought up in this film, we recommend that viewing be followed by a discussion or that it be viewed in a setting where counselors are available.
To request a screening or for more information… contact us at
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. ~ submitted by Rick Humphreys ~ **************************************************************************************************
Community Skills Development: Independent living skills development, social skills and community involvement, money management skills training, transportation training
Employment Related Skills: Identifying barriers, job searching, benefits counseling, assistance completing job applications, interviewing skills development
Illness Management and Recovery Education: Illness management, recovery education, managing medication, self advocacy, crisis planning, support system development
Activities: Support groups, cooking, art, rummage room, gardening, movies, games, special projects, social networking, education, volunteer opportunities
Location: 2040 Jefferson Street, Stevens Point
Hours: Monday – Friday, 10:30 am – 3:30 pm
Information: 715-344-4210
Midstate Independent Living Consultants, Inc.
“Working for persons with disabilities towards empowerment to make informed choices”
 
************************************************************************************************ CRIMINAL JUSTICE MENTAL HEALTH LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE REPORT PUBLISHED, IMPLEMENTATION OF INITIATIVES PLANNED
Wisconsin is one of four states selected in 2008-2009 by the Council of State Governments (CSG) to participate in the Criminal Justice Mental Health Leadership Initiative, a project designed at improving the criminal justice's response to people with mental illness. In March 2010, Chief Justice Shirley S. Abrahamson convened a statewide task force representing diverse stakeholders and policymakers in both the criminal justice and mental health systems.
Charge of the task force: The charge of the Task Force Initiative on Mental Health and the Criminal Justice System is to develop a best practices model of evidence-based, cost-effective intervention processes that can be implemented early in an effort to improve responses to persons with mental illnesses.
Report of the task force: The Chief Justice's Task Force on Criminal Justice and Mental Health issued its September 2010 report documenting existing programs and initiatives throughout the state, detailing gaps in the criminal justice and mental health systems, and making recommendations for improving our responses to persons with mental illnesses in the criminal justice system. The report is posted on the Task Force's web page at http://wicourts.gov/about/organization/programs/altmentalhealth.htm .
The Task Force intends to update the report with changes including new organizations and programs. Chief Justice Abrahamson will be convening a small committee to focus on the implementation of the some of the initiatives highlighted in the report. Persons interested in participating in the implementation phase of this process may contact Theresa Owens, Executive assistant to Chief Justice Abrahamson, Wisconsin Supreme Court, Madison.
Call 608-261-4310, or e-mail Ms. Owens:
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RECOVERY: MARV’S STORY
by Marvin Konopa, NAMI member and support group leader
I was born and raised on a farm and worked on the farm until entering Holy Cross Seminary. After studying Latin and Philosophy in LaCrosse, I left there and joined the Air Force in 1963, most of the time stationed in Long Island, New York. After finishing my tour of duty I enrolled in the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. While in college I drove a dump truck and tended bar. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree.
In 1970 I was hired as an insurance underwriter in Illinois. I married Joanne that same year. In 1976 I transferred to Minnesota. Due to the excessive workload, working conditions and continued stress on the job, I had a nervous breakdown. I entered the hospital and was diagnosed with mental illness, schizophrenia, and bipolar. Joanne wanted a divorce which we got in a no fault state. I have three married children, seven step children, seven grandchildren and 17 step grandchildren.
On June 23, 1989 I married Judy. She has seven children and 15 grandchildren which makes for some great family gatherings. What fun!!! We have a good marriage and Judy helps me manage my mental illness and diabetes. I keep busy co-facilitating, attending mental health support groups and volunteering. I have become more spiritual and am happy to see NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) include mind, body and spirit in our resources.
Thanks to God, Judy, our families, the mental health support groups, doctors, counselors, friends, classmates and medications, my recovery is doing well. ************************************************************************************************ FREE QPR (SUICIDE PREVENTION TRAINING) AVAILABLE FOR PORTAGE, WOOD COUNTIES Every 17 minutes someone in America dies by suicide... Spend an hour, save a life! QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) is a 60 minute training that teaches participants warning signs for suicide and the three-step QPR method. To schedule a FREE one-hour training for your organization or business contact: Wood County Health Department, 715-421-8911 or 715-387-8646 or e-mail Karen Brewer at
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. Or call Bobbi Bradley, Portage County Health & Human Services, 715-345-5958. Sponsored by Healthy People Wood County Mental Health Implementation Team and Healthy People Portage County Suicide Prevention Committee. ************************************************************************************************* NAMI LAUNCHES SOCIAL NETWORKING SITE FOR YOUNG ADULTS: Mental Health, Finances, Relationships, Music and More
NAMI has launched www.strengthofus.org, a new online community where young adults living with mental health concerns can provide mutual support in navigating unique challenges and opportunities during the critical transition years from ages 18 to 25. Linked to this site is www.halfofus.com, featuring personal stories of vets, celebrities, etc. living with mental illness.
************************************************************************************************** UW-Milwaukee has posted the 2011 WI Peer Specialist Certification Exams dates: * Feb. 9, 2011 (Application deadline: Jan. 31, 2011)
* May 11, 2011 (Application deadline: May 2, 2011)
August 3, 2011 (Application deadline: July 25, 2011). Important Note: Applications received after the deadline date will be automatically scheduled for the next available exam.
Visit www.sce-peerspecialist.uwm.edu to download application packet.
For information on the exam application and process contact: Alice F. Pauser, CPS; WI Peer Specialist Program Coordinator; Access to Independence, Inc.; 301 S Livingston St. Suite 200; Madison, WI 53703.
E-mail:
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Phone: 608-242-8484 ext 224; TTY: 608-242-8485
Toll Free: 800-362-9877
Websites: www.wicps.org; www.accesstoind.org
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BECOMING A CERTIFIED PEER SPECIALIST? -OR-
ARE YOU PLANNING ON HIRING CERTIFIED PEER SPECIALISTS?
Certified Peer Specialists’ goals are to:
• Focus on recovery
• Promote wellness
• Facilitate self direction
• Foster independent living
• Enhance the ability of service recipients
to achieve their chosen goals
Peer Specialists are examples of recovery with experience and training. Be part of a rewarding career experience by becoming a Wisconsin Certified Peer Specialist! Find out about the 2010 Employment Initiatives. For more information contact Alice F. Pauser, WI Peer Specialist Program Coordinator, 608-242-8484 Ext. 224,
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. ************************************************************************************************* NEW RESOURCES FOR VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES: VETERANS SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINE: 1-800-273-TALK, VETERANS PRESS “1”
The Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has founded a national suicide prevention hotline to ensure veterans in emotional crisis have free, 24/7 access to trained counselors. To operate the Veterans Hotline, the VA partnered with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Veterans can call the Lifeline number, 1-800-273-TALK (8255), and press "1" to be routed to the Veterans Suicide Prevention Hotline.
VETERANS CAN CHAT LIVE THROUGH NEW ONLINE SERVICE
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Lifeline launched an online chat service for veterans in emotional distress available at: www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/Veterans. Veterans are encouraged to chat online anonymously with a counselor during the operating hours of 4:00 pm-7:30 am EST Daily. Friends and family members of a veteran in crisis are also welcomed to use Veterans Chat. ************************************************************************************************** FIND HELP WITH THE COST OF MEDICINE AT NeedyMeds NeedyMeds is a 501(c)(3) non-profit with the mission of helping people who can't afford to pay for their medications. This web-based organization features U.S. programs in all 50 states and serves as a clearinghouse for pharmaceutical assistance programs as well as state and local programs that provide financial or medical assistance. NeedyMeds has information on more than 2,400 programs such as Patient Assistance Programs (PAPS), which provide medicine at no cost or at a discount to people who qualify; a database of Free/Low Cost Clinics; Disease-Based Assistance - programs that help with the costs of specific diseases and conditions, including some insurance co-pays and premiums; State Programs - programs offering various types of assistance with healthcare costs for residents of specific states. Visit the NeedyMeds website: www.NeedyMeds.org, e-mail them at
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, or contact them by mail at PO Box 219, Gloucester, MA 01931.
************************************************************************************************** NATIONAL BIPOLAR FOUNDATION JOINS MedicAlert FOUNDATION TO OFFER MedicAlert® + Safe ‘til Stable® A 24-hour comprehensive protection system for children, adolescents, and adults with bipolar disorder or a related condition and their families (Press Release excerpt from the National Bipolar Foundation)
Bipolar disorder is said to affect at least 1 in 100 people and some say as many as 1 in 25. This cooperative effort between NBPF and MedicAlert Founda-tion will have a widespread impact on our society. Children, adolescents, and adults living with bipolar disorder or a related condition, who are involved in accidents and unable to speak for themselves will have the MedicAlert Emergency Medical Information Service speaking for them, informing hospital staff and medical providers of their diagnoses and current medications in order to avoid potential dangerous withdrawal and acute onset of instability in regards to any symptoms of bipolar disorder. And when a person with bipolar or a related condi-tion finds him/herself in an unfore-seen incident, responders will react in an appropriate manner; thus given the opportunity to defuse the situation or transport the person to an appropriate facility. It is expected that this will ultimately create jail diversion, thereby benefitting all of society. The MedicAlert® + Safe ‘til Stable® program will benefit individuals wearing the identification jewelry, reduce stress on their families and ultimately reduce the cost of their care for all taxpayers.
Each individual enrolled in the program will be provided with a personalized MedicAlert ID and a MedicAlert wallet card that provide emergency responders with identifi-cation information, and details on any additional critical medical conditions or life-threatening allergies. Additional information is provided to first responders when they call the MedicAlert 24-hour Emergency Response Center.
The MedicAlert® + Safe ‘til Stable® program also ensures that designated family members will be notified if an individual requires emergency medical treatment in a caregiver’s absence; caregivers will have the reassurance that any time a person wearing a MedicAlert ID has been located or treated, MedicAlert Foundation will contact them immediately.
For more information, call MedicAlert at 888-633-4298 or visit www.medicalert.org or www.nationalbipolarfoundation.org. |
