The Iris Support, Education, Advocacy Vol 33 No 4 April 2015 Editor, Ann Akland NAMI Wake Contact Information: www.nami-wake.org (919) 848-4490 [email protected] From the President's Desk by Gerry Akland MENTAL HEALTH SYSTEM IN NORTH CAROLINA Underfunded, Fragmented, Without Leadership The Governor’s proposed budget for the upcoming biennium continues to ignore the mental health crisis that is occurring in North Carolina. With all good intentions, mental health reform released mentally ill patients from state hospitals to the community, but it did not provide mental health resources to keep them safe, healthy, and functioning at a level that would insure their well-being. Lack of adequate funding over the years has resulted in additional pain and suffering for those who have mental illness. In my opinion, it is not coincidental that suicide rates have continued to rise in North Carolina since the reform began. local medical hospitals—WakeMed, Rex Healthcare, and Duke Raleigh do not have inpatient units, so all patients needing admission must wait for a bed to become available in other hospitals. The truth is that there is a state-wide bed shortage, so patients are waiting in EDs without treatment an average of 3.5 days. NC leaders need to push back the rhetoric of “getting more for less”, and start providing more services with new money before something tragic happens. Just last month WakeMed had to close its doors because 65 beds in the emergency room (ER) were occupied by behavioral health patients. Must people in cardiac arrest or traumatic injury die due to lack of available ER beds before our state leaders make resources for additional help available? If you have a medical emergency, you expect emergency treatment in the Emergency Department (ED) followed by admission to a hospital bed relatively quickly if needed. This is not the case for people in a mental health crisis. ED staff are generally not trained to treat people with mental illness so treatment for those in a mental health crisis is delayed until they can be admitted to an inpatient psychiatric unit or hospital someplace in the state. Our to bring about change. The state has been making a limited amount of funds available to pay for more psychiatric beds in community hospitals but this does not go far enough to solve the problem. Maybe it will take a violent behavioral health patient waiting for an inpatient bed in an ED to endanger the lives of other patients and staff When mental health reform started in NC, initial funds to help the system set up new community based services were diverted to the state general fund. This was followed by additional cuts to service funds because, without proper oversight, unscrupulous providers wasted millions of dollars. The outcome of these failures and resulting cuts combined with tremendous population growth is that people cannot get the help they need—even when they are in crisis and even when they have private insurance. The services simply are not available. Continued on page 2 NAMI Wake County The Iris Continued from page 1 The problem extends well beyond hospitals to the criminal justice system. The lack of inpatient psychiatric beds and community treatment services has directly resulted in an increase in the number of mentally ill people in our jails and prisons. Over 10 times the number of people with mental illness are incarcerated than are being treated in hospitals. Approximately 20% of the people who are incarcerated have a serious mental illness. And in Wake County, approximately 3000 people are incarcerated each month and up to 60% of those screened are identified as having a mental illness and/or substance abuse problem. Based on the numbers, North Carolina has traded treatment for mental illness to punishment for mental illness. Page 2 to address the care and treatment of all the prisoners is necessary. But, I do not accept that this is the best environment for our mentally ill residents. If incarceration continues to be the only way the citizens of North Carolina want to address the mental health crisis, this will mean additional money for the Department of Public Safety for new “correctional” facilities and staff in the future. If, on the other hand, one believes that treatment for those with mental illness is provided better in the community than by correctional officers, then a major addition in funding is required for these services than what is proposed in the current Governor’s budget. NC leaders need to push back the rhetoric of “getting more for less”, and start providing more services with new money before something tragic happens. This means knocking down the roadblocks to community service – there needs to be An argument can be made that the Governor is attempting adequate pay for the providers, and additional services to to provide better treatment for those with mental illness keep people out of the hospitals and jails, such as more by staffing more mental health beds at Central Prison supported housing for those with mental illness, supported and adding mental health staffing throughout the state’s employment, and a public school system that is educated prisons. His proposed budget adds almost $7 million to in mental health and early intervention techniques. The the Division of Public Safety in 2015-16, and another $18 legislature needs to address the funding needs of group million in 2016-17. In addition, he is proposing another homes that meet quality standards for caring for those $2 million each year for additional case management of with severe mental illness who cannot function safely in criminal offenders once they are released back into the the community without that level of care. community. On top of that, he is proposing increasing salaries for the correction officers, supposedly in The good people of North Carolina deserve a different recognition of their increased risk, for another $21 million, funding priority than that proposed in the Governor’s starting in 2016-17. budget. I would like to think that they want to give everyone a chance for a good quality of life, including an It seems reasonable to me that since we are not opportunity that provides hope for recovery for those with capable of providing services in the community, then brain disease. the approximately $50 million additional money spent Odyssey By Ash Shawwa We all live a life on a journey Cycles within an odyssey And living with bipolar we know this all to well From the moments in our past where we fell To those other moments that caused us to yell We all know this journey all too well But we must recognize And in our minds synthesize Our internal struggles do not control our mind You are in control There may be moments where emotions may take over But I speak to you my sisters in humanity and my brothers For every challenge comes its reward And for every pause in life is an opportunity to step forward Surely those who make the biggest mistakes Carry within them the greatest of lessons So think not of every challenge as a step moving backwards But rather an opportunity to be addressing NAMI Wake County The Iris Page 3 Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Supported Employment More than 60 people attended our March Education meeting to find out more about opportunities for supported employment in Wake County. County. They have contracted with several providers to provide this service--Easter Seals UCP, Monarch, and Community Partnerships. We heard from four providers for a service called Individual Placement and Support (IPS). This is an evidence-based practice that was developed to help promote the recovery of people who have serious mental illness through work. The program is defined by eight principles: If you are interested in finding out more about employment support for someone with mental illness, you are encouraged to contact one of these providers directly & ask for the IPS Employment Coordinator: 1. Every person with severe mental illness who wants to work is eligible for IPS supported employment. 2. Employment services are integrated with mental health treatment services. 3. Competitive employment is the goal. 4. Personalized benefits counseling is provided. 5. The job search starts soon after a person expresses interest in working. 6. Employment specialists systematically develop relationships with employers based upon their client’s work preferences. 7. Job supports are continuous. 8. Client preferences are honored. Alliance Behavioral Healthcare is the Local Management Entity-Managed Care Organization (MCO) serving Wake Easter Seals UCP NC & VA, 800-662-7119, www. eastersealsucp.com http://www.easterseals.com/NCVA/our-programs/adultservices/intellectual-and.html Monarch-Wake County Programs, 855-986-1763, Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm. www.monarchnc.org, http://monarchnc.org/services/ supported-employment Community Partnerships – Raleigh Office 919-781-3616 (phone),919-782-1485 (fax) 3522 Haworth Drive, Raleigh, NC 27609 www.communitypartnerships.org http://www.communitypartnerships.org/supportedemployment Pictured above: March Monthly Education Meeting with panel members from Alliance Behavioral Healthcare, Easter Seals UCP, Community Partnerships and Monarch. NAMI Wake County The Iris Page 4 Wake County Commissioners Meet with Dr. William Roper and Wakebrook Clinical Staff On March 11, 2015, Wake County Commissioners had an opportunity to learn about the psychiatric and medical services provided by UNC Health Care on the Wakebrook Campus at 107 Sunnybrook Rd in Raleigh, NC. Ann and Gerry Akland were invited to the meeting to represent NAMI Wake County. Dr. Roper acknowledged the vision Wake County officials had in creating the Wakebrook facility. He believes it could become a model facility for the state and even the nation. Dr. William Roper, dean of the School of Medicine and vice chancellor for Medical Affairs at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) and CEO of the UNC Health Care System took time from his busy schedule to lead the discussion. He also is professor of health policy and management in the School of Public Health, and is professor of pediatrics and social medicine in the School of Medicine at UNC. Wakebrook is home to several different mental health services which are provided in two buildings. • One building houses a 16 bed psychiatric hospital which is fully staffed and managed by the UNC Department of Psychiatry. Twelve additional beds will be built as an add on to the existing building. The other building houses four separate programs: Drs. Roper, Sheitman, & Naftel • 24 hour mental health crisis and assessment clinic People in need of emergency mental health care can walk in to be evaluated. In addition, Wake County law enforcement agencies can bring people for evaluation. • Medical clinic - This clinic sees patients who have severe and persistent mental illness as well as significant physical health conditions. Clinical staff are also available to care for patients in the psychiatric hospital and other units. • Residential Crisis Unit with 16 beds for overnight stays. This unit is for those patients who do not need the intensive care of an inpatient hospital. It is a lower level of care. • Residential Medical Detoxification Unit with 16 beds. This unit is for patients who need help during withdrawing from drugs and alcohol. Com. Calabria, Dr. Roper, Com. Sullivan The Iris NAMI Wake County Page 5 Other Community Opportunities NAMI Wake County’s 9th Annual Celebration of Courage Event: • • Irises representative of Van Gogh’s painting will go up at Rex Healthcare’s main campus, corner of Lake Boone Trail and Blue Ridge Rd, in Raleigh on April 12 at 1:00 pm. Come & enjoy the fun! They will be up until April 19. Celebration of Courage Luncheon, Join us on April 16, 12:15-1:45 at Highland United Methodist Church, Bradley Hall, 1901 Ridge Rd., Raleigh, NC. Mistress of Ceremonies, Lynda Loveland, WRAL-TV, Come and be inspired by our speakers-General William “Buck” Kernan and his wife, Marianne, Oh! And delicious food, too! Advance registraton required. [email protected] or 919 848 4490. NAMIWalks is Saturday, May 2, 2015 Come Walk with TEAM AWAKE! Team AWAKE, needs YOU! Our official team, Help us change minds one step at a time! Location: Dorothea Dix Campus, Raleigh, NC Check In at 9:00 am Walk at 10:00 am Walking with our team and encouraging your friends and family members to join helps to support the work NAMI Wake County does right here in our community. This dog friendly walk is 3.2 miles long with shorter route options available. Bring the whole family to STOMP out stigma, RAISE awareness & funds, and CELEBRATE recovery! Register for NAMI Wake County’s TEAM AWAKE Today! Use this link (you may have to copy and paste into your browser): https://securewalks.nami.org/registrant/ TeamFundraisingPage.aspx?TeamID=599778#&panel1-1 For questions about Team AWAKE, please contact Heather Scott, Team Captain at [email protected]. If you are interested in forming your own team and walking in support of NAMI Wake County, please contact Virginia Hamlet Rodillas at [email protected]. o Next to Normal production by the North Carolina Theatre North Carolina Theatre (NCT), the region’s premier producer of professional Broadway shows, is excited to announce a unique partnership with a diverse network of non-profits organizations, including NAMI Wake County & NAMI NC, during National Mental Health Awareness Month in May. NC Theatre’s original production of Next to Normal will run May 1-10, 2015, at the A.J. Fletcher Opera Theater in the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts and will feature Raleigh native and Broadway star Lauren Kennedy alongside Ravenscroft and NCT Conservatory alum, English Bernhardt. Both Kennedy and Bernhardt appeared on stage together in last year’s production of Les Misérables. For tickets to NC Theatre’s production of NEXT TO NORMAL, visit NCTheatre. com or call Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000. For groups of 10 or more, call 919-831-6941 x5204. UNC Center for Excellence in Community Mental Health 22nd Annual STEP Symposium The Paul J. Rizzo conference Center at Meadowmont, 150 DuBose Home Lane, Chapel Hill, NC Save the Date: Saturday, April 18, 2015, “Beyond Dopamine: New Approaches to Recovery from Early Psychosis. http://www.unccmh.org Faith Connections on Mental Illness 5th Annual Conference Friday, April 10, 8 am - 4:30 pm, “Embracing Troubled Minds: The Role of Faith Communities,” One-Day Conference,, Multiple Presentations by Mental Health Experts, ♦ Registration remains open until filled, $25 Registration fee by March 20, 2015; $35 after deadline, Professional Credits offered for additional $20 via Wake AHEC Register Online: www.wakeahec.org or Fax: 919-3500467 or Mail: Wake AHEC, 3261 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 212, Raleigh, NC 27604-1657, Call: 919-967-5403 for a paper form or more information, www.faithconnectionsonmentalillness.org NAMI Wake County The Iris NAMI Wake Support Groups & Classes • PEOPLE LIVING WITH A MENTAL ILLNESS Wake County Affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI Wake) is offering free peer support groups where people facing difficulties have a safe place to voice their concerns and explore options for making positive changes in their lives with others who have similar experiences. No matter what your diagnosis or issues, join one of our Free Groups. No need to call. Just come by and participate when you can. Try different groups to find one you like best. Connections Support Groups: 1) Highland United Methodist Church, 1901 Ridge Rd., Raleigh, NC, Rm 206, 7 -8:30, First 3 Mondays of each month. 2) Garner United Methodist Church, Senior Center, 201 Methodist Drive, Garner, NC., NOTE: This group is on vacation.” We will be making an announcement when the FAMILY SUPPORT GROUPS Family & friends of indivudals living with any mental illnesses: Highland United Methodist Church, 1901 Ridge Rd., Raleigh, NC., Rooms 202 & 204, 7-8:30 p.m. on the first three Mondays of each month. Page 6 www.nami-wake.org sessions continue. In the meantime, contact Heather Scott for information. [email protected] NEW Connections Group in Knightdale 1) Northside Community Church, 621 N. First Avenue, Knightdale, NC, First meeting Thursday, April 16 , 7 -8:30, For more information contact Lisa Piratzky, [email protected]. Stress & Depression Support Groups: 1) St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 1005 Wilbon Road, Fuquay Varina, NC. Meetings every Monday, 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. Contact Arline O’Hara [email protected] for more information. 2) Wake County Human Services, 220 Swinburne St., Raleigh, NC, Every Friday: 2 - 3 pm, Rm 1151, -Call Gerry Akland, (919) 848-4490 for more information. Wake Forest United Methodist Church, 905 S. Main St., Wake Forest, NC, 7 - 8:30 pm, 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month. For more information contact Gordon Gogola (gogolags@ hotmail.com), phone (919) 601-3996. Christ the King Lutheran Church, Rm 101, 600 Walnut Street, Cary, NC 27511, 2nd & 4th Thurs., 7-8:30 pm Contact Judy Dehavilland for more information: [email protected]. BASICS is an education program for parents and other for 2 ½ hours. Classes are scheduled once 15 people sign up for the waiting list. All instruction materials are FREE to participants. Please contact Shea Cleveland at shea.cleveland@ frcofraleigh.org, or 919-470-6343 to register and for more information. Family Connections for Borderline Personality Disorder information and research on BPD, to teach coping skills based on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and to develop a support network. caregivers of children and adolescents living with mental illnesses. The NAMI Basics course is taught by trained teachers who are the parent or other caregivers of individuals who developed the symptoms of mental illness prior to the age of 13 years. The course consists of six classes, each lasting Families Connections for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a course for family members with a relative with borderline personality disorder (BPD) or symptoms of the disorder. The program seeks to provide the most current Family to Family NEXT CLASS: Now accepting names for waiting list. Program Details: Free to family members, partners and significant others of individuals living with A series of 12 sessions is structured to help caregivers understand and support individuals with serious mental Next class is scheduled for Saturday mornings from 9:30 till 12:30, April 11-May 16, 201. To register, email Ann Akland, [email protected]. illness while maintaining their own well-being. The course is taught by a team of trained NAMI family member volunteers who know what it is like to have a loved one struggling with one of these brain disorders. We invite you to email for more information: Andrea Whitehouse Chase [email protected] The Iris NAMI Wake County Name: __________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________ City: _______________________Zip: _________________ Home Phone: ______________Work:_________________ Page 7 NAMI ID__________________ ID No.________________ Regular Membership (all household members): Open Door (What you can afford -$3.00 or more): $____ $____ Donation: Tote Bag: No.______@ $5.00 each = Total $____ Shipping: Flat fee for USPS Priority Mail $5.00 (Shipping fee is for 1 to 4 bags) Mobile: __________________________________________ email1: _________________________________________ $35.00 $____ Total: $____ How many members are in the household? _____ You may pay by mail using check or money order, or by credit card by completing the information below or pay online by email2:__________________________________________ going to www.nami-wake.org/Members.html. Preference for receipt of Iris Newsletter: Credit Card Type: Visa, MasterCard, Discover Card Email notification: _______ USPS Mail:________________ Number:_________________________________________ (Check all that apply) NAME on Card:____________________________________ I am a mental health professional___ Family member___ Individual Living with Mental Illness___ Friend__________ Security NO. on Reverse: _____ expiration:______________ Signature:________________________________________ NAMI Wake County is a 501(c)(3) organization and donations and dues are tax deductible to the full extent of the law. Make checks out to NAMI Wake County and mail with the form to NAMI Wake County, PO Box 12562, Raleigh, NC 27605-2562. May we share your email with NAMl NC? _____ Are you interested in volunteering?_____ NAMI is a three level organization. When you join NAMI Wake County WE PAY your dues to NAMI North Carolina and NAMI (national). Les Girls Social Group - Dutch Treat Luncheon Saturday, April 25, 12:00 Noon, Golden Corral, 6129 Glenwood Ave. This is a social opportunity for people living with mental illness and family members. Everyone is invited--not just girls--guys are welcome! Lunch is Dutch-treat. NAMI Wake Board of Directors 2015 Gerry Akland President Amanda Johanson At Large Ann Akland Advocacy Louise Jordan At Large Andrea Chase President, Elect Mary O’Neal At Large Ellen Betts Clemmer Secretary Paul Robitaille Treasurer Dorothy Clift At Large William Stanley At Large Judith DeHavilland At Large Christine Taylor At Large Crystal Farrow ex officio Anju Verma At Large Tom Hadley Membership Secretary Sarah Weathersby At Large Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Raleigh, NC NAMI Wake County NAMI Wake County P.O. Box 12562 Raleigh, NC 27605-2562 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED April 2015 No April Monthly Education Meeting Join us for the 2015 Celebration of Courage Join us on April 16, 12:15-1:45 at Highland United Methodist Church, Bradley Hall, 1901 Ridge Rd., Raleigh, NC. Come and be inspired by our speakers-- General William “Buck” Kernan and his wife, Marianne. Oh! And delicious food, too! Prior Registration is Required by emailing [email protected] or calling 919 848 4490 NAMI Wake Irises representative of Van Gogh’s painting will go up at Rex Healthcare’s main campus, corner of Lake Boone Trail and Blue Ridge Rd, in Raleigh on April 12 at 1:00 pm. Come & enjoy the fun! They will be up until April 19. Presented by
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