NAMI Pennsylvania is beginning to roll out the Connections Support Group model. NAMI C.A.R.E. support group facilitators and those interested in facilitating Connections groups are encouraged to Pre-register for trainings.

Connection Support Group Training

All current NAMI-C.A.R.E. Facilitators are invited to attend a one day “link up” refresher training in order to join the NAMI Connection program. NAMI Connection is based upon NAMI-C.A.R.E, with some new additions, including:

• NAMI Connection groups meet once a week
• Changes to the Principles of Support
• Updated charts, manuals and facilitator guides
• New marketing materials
• Group data Collection

Connection support groups are offered at no charge, and are open to anyone living with a mental illness. The groups are now forming all over the country as a new community peer service, and are coming to Pennsylvania state!

To find out more information about a NAMI Connection Link-Up Training Event near you, please contact your state office for more information!

Pre-register online

Victory on Parity!
October 3, 2008

By a vote of 263-171, the House this afternoon gave final approval to the Paul Wellstone-Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 as part of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act (HR 1424). President Bush is expected to sign the legislation late today or early tomorrow.

A Triumph for Consumers and Families

This victory in the House ends a nearly 20 year effort to require group health plans to cover treatment for mental illness on the same terms and conditions as all other illnesses. NAMI is extremely grateful for the tireless work of advocates from all over the nation that contacted their Senators and House members to push for this landmark legislation. The advocacy voice of people living with mental illness and their families made a tremendous difference in securing this long sought victory.

NAMI also salutes the leadership of the sponsors of parity in Congress including Senators Pete Domenici (R-NM), Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA), Mike Enzi (R-WY) and Christopher Dodd (D-CT) and Representatives Patrick Kennedy (D-RI) and Jim Ramstad (R-MN). Today NAMI also remembers the contributions of the late Senator Paul Wellstone (D-MN) in bringing parity forward. After nearly 20 years, their efforts have resulted in mental illness treatment no longer being subject to 2nd class status in our health care system.

Full Article

Legislation of Interest

HB 1455 : Act re. Study of Mental Illness in Inmates

Sponsor: Rep. Rapp

PLS Summary:
(PN 2508) The Mental Health and Mental Retardation Facilities Closure and Reduction Moratorium Act imposes a moratorium on the closure of State mental health and mental retardation facilities, and requires the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a study to determine the prevalence of serious mental illness and substance abuse in the inmate population of State correctional institutions and county prisons, with the full cooperation of the Department of Corrections, the Department of Public Welfare and the governing body of each county.

Bill History:
09-25-07 H Filed
09-26-07 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Health and Human Services
10-23-07 H Meeting set for Off the Floor, Rm 205 Ryan, House Health and Human Services
10-19-07 H Removed from hearing for 10/23/07, House Health and Human Services

Contact us to see how you can help

Science Corner

September 15th, 2008

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Effective for Treating Trauma Symptoms in Children and Teens

Individual and group cognitive behavioral therapy is effective in reducing depressive disorders, anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder or other trauma symptoms in children and teenagers, according to an extensive review of dozens of studies conducted by the Task Force on Community Preventive Services, an independent group of scientists partially funded by the federal government. The findings are published in the September issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

Full Article

Homeless Veteran Provider Technical Assistance Center

With funding from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the Governor?s Institute on Alcohol and Substance Abuse is offering a new program to assist communities to meet the needs of Veterans - the Homeless Veteran Provider Technical Assistance Center. This center, known as the TAC, will help non-profit organizations and faith-based agencies create programs to help homeless veterans transition to independent living. The TAC staff will provide free training and consultation in writing successful grant applications to assist organizations in preparing their own grants from federal, state, and/or private funding sources. Homeless veteran providers from all states and territories are invited to participate.

Full Article

Criminal Justice Training and the Forensics Interagency Task Force

NAMI believes that education about brain disorders at all levels of judicial and legal systems is crucial to the appropriate disposition of cases involving offenders with brain disorders. Judges, lawyers, police officers, correctional officers, parole and probation officers, law enforcement personnel, court officers, and emergency medical transport and service personnel should be required to complete at least 20 hours of training about these disorders. Consumers and family members should be a part of this educational process.

NAMI believes that state and local mental health authorities must work closely in conjunction with state and local correctional and law enforcement agencies to develop strategies and programs for compassionate intervention by law enforcement, jail diversion, treatment of individuals with brain disorders who are incarcerated, and discharge planning and community reintegration services for individuals with brain disorders released from correctional facilities.

Emergency Preparedness Planning
Resource for the Disabled

State of Pennsylvania adds new website resource:

The First 72 Hours | 10 Potential Emergencies | Make a Plan | Get a Kit | Special Needs

Emergency Preparedness Section

Emergencies/disasters are part of every day life. Floods, droughts, earthquakes, snowstorms, the accidental release of radiation and terrorist attacks are just a few examples of problems we may face. Advance planning and coordination of family activities will improve the opportunities for managing and overcoming the challenges of such emergencies. As Benjamin Franklin once said, “it is better to dig your well before you are thirsty.”

Emergency Preparedness Section

Medicare Part D- Prescription Drug Assistance
OPEN ENROLLMENT BEGINS NOVEMBER 15TH for 2008

Medicare Drug Benefit Update: 2008 Plan Year Enrollment Begins November 14, 2007 November 15 marks the start of the open enrollment period for the Medicare Part D drug benefit for 2008. During the “open season” period for 2008 drug plan enrollment, Medicare beneficiaries will be able to select prescription drug coverage that goes into effect on January 1, 2008. The open season ends December 31.
As the 2008 plan year approaches, NAMI is watching closely to ensure that beneficiaries with serious mental illness, especially low-income dual eligibles, are able to maintain continued access to drug coverage that meets their complex treatment needs. Of particular concern are the 2.1 million dual eligibles and low-income subsidy (LIS) Medicare beneficiaries that are being required to switch to different prescription drug plans (PDPs) on January 1.

There are a number of important web-based tools to search available plan options, research whether or not a specific medication is on a plan’s formulary for 2008 – or is subject to an access restriction (placed on a tier requiring higher cost sharing, prior authorization, step therapy, quantity limit, etc.). Most can be searched by zip code to check on availability by geographic region. Click here for Resources for Medicare Part D- Prescription Drug Assistance

CONTACT NUMBERS:

Medicare: 1-800-633-4227 | DPW: 1-800-525-0674 | Medical Assistance: 1-866-542-3015 | Apprise: 1-800-783-7067 | SPBP: 1-800-922-9384