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Dear NAMI Supporter:
On behalf of the NAMI Pennsylvania Board and our many members and friends, I would like to thank you for your support in 2009. During the past year, we have had many successful activities.
Our efforts include:
• Family and consumer education
• Advocacy and support throughout the Commonwealth
• Regional conferences
• Forensic training programs
• Consumer support and networking opportunities
• Advocacy and education on criminal justice issues
• Advocacy and support for veterans with mental illness and their families
We have also faced many challenges this year. Recent events in Pennsylvania make it very clear that the need for support to families and consumers is growing. It is important to understand the human impact of cuts for services to those who are most vulnerable. There is also a growing need to better educate and partner with our elected officials.
This past year, Pennsylvania stood out as the only state that failed to pass a budget until October. The negative impact on services to persons with mental illnesses and to the entire disabilities community cannot be overstated. We believe that working with legislators and other public officials will help in reducing the risk of repeating this experience.
As we approach the end of a very productive year, we are aware of the many challenges we will continue to face. Your contribution to NAMI Pennsylvania will assist us in continuing to provide these important services to you and to all those affected by mental illness. Please take a few moments to fill out and mail the enclosed contribution envelope.
NAMI PA, Pennsylvania’s Voice on Mental Illness, is a state-wide 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization created in 1984 by a group of concerned citizens at the grassroots level. Today NAMI Pennsylvania has over 9,000 members in 60 affiliates throughout the state.
Thank you in advance for your support. We wish you and your loved ones a Peaceful and Enjoyable Holiday Season.
Sincerely,
James W. Jordan Jr.
Executive Director
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Due
to the State Budget Impasse, the Annual Conference has been
postponed until Spring 2010. Thank you for your consideration,
and we look forward to seeing you in the Spring.
"The
Human Existence: Mind, Body and Soul;
Explore the Importance of the Integration of
Mind, Body and Soul in Recovery"
Annual
Conference 2009
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Legislation
of Interest
LEGISLATION: as of June 30th, 2009 there were 43 Bills of interest
to NAMI PA in the 2009-2010 Session. The 2009-2010 Legislative
Session continues until November 30th, 2010.
All bills not passed are closed for consideration for that
session. When the Legislature re-convenes bills can be re-introduced
for the next Legislative Session.
Contact
us to see how you can help
State
Budget Updates |
NAMI
PA VETERAN'S
ADVISORY COUNCIL
The
NAMI PA Veterans Advisory Council includes:
- Volunteer
veterans
- Family
members
- NAMI
PA Consumer Council Representative
- Friends
who have an involvement and interest in issues affecting
veterans.
Veterans
Home| Department
of Veterans Affairs
| Vet
to Vet Education Program |
| Veterans
News | Veterans
Resources |
Science
Corner
July
15th, 2009
NIMH:
Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder Share Genetic Roots: Chromosomal
Hotspot of Immunity/Gene Expression Regulation Implicated
A trio of genome-wide studies - collectively the largest to
date - has pinpointed a vast array of genetic variation that
cumulatively may account for at least one third of the genetic
risk for schizophrenia. One of the studies traced schizophrenia
and bipolar disorder, in part, to the same chromosomal neighborhoods.
"These new results recommend a fresh look at our diagnostic
categories," said Thomas R. Insel, M.D., director of
the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), part of the
National Institutes of Health. "If some of the same genetic
risks underlie schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, perhaps
these disorders originate from some common vulnerability in
brain development." Three schizophrenia genetics research
consortia, each funded in part by NIMH, report separately
on their genome-wide association studies online July 1, 2009,
in the journal Nature. However, the SGENE, International Schizophrenia,
and Molecular Genetics of Schizophrenia consortia shared their
results - making possible meta-analyses of a combined sample
totaling 8,014 cases and 19,090 controls.
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Emergency
Preparedness: Swine Flu
H1N1
Influenza
Resources & Updates:
Online
Resources:
Pennsylvania | CDC |WHO | FLU.GOV
New
State of Pennsylvania resources, June 2009:
Flu.gov
website launched July 17th
Guidance
for Camps on Novel Influenza A(H1N1)
Guidance
for Professionals |
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
The
First 72 Hours | 10
Potential Emergencies |
Make a Plan | Get
a Kit | Special
Needs
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/MEDICAID
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 |
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