Stories of Hope ~ Voices for Change
Number 194 July-Sept 2016
NAMI Minnesota’s 40th Year Celebration Begins
IN THIS ISSUE
Big Funding Gains con’t. Sister of Soloist to Keynote
Behavioral Health Homes
New Asst. Commissioner
NAMI Spring Gala
Affiliate Features
NAMIWalks Poster
New Support Groups Starting
Fall Family-to-Family Classes
Raising Awareness
NAMI on Campus Groups
Grants Keep Us Going
NAMI Support Groups
p.2
p.3
p.4
p.4
p.5
p.6
p.7
p.8
p.8
p.9
p.10
p.11
p.12
CALENDAR
July - Minority MH Awareness Month
National NAMI Convention
July 6-9
Get to Know NAMI
July 13
August
NAMIWalks Kick-Off Breakfast
Aug. 3
Get to Know NAMI
Aug. 3
NAMI at State Fair
Aug. 25-Sept. 5
September
World Suicide Prevention Day
Sept. 10
NAMIWalks Minnesota Sept. 24
October
Mental Illness Awareness Week Oct. 2-8
World Mental Health Day
Oct. 10
November
NAMI Minnesota State Conference
& Annual Meeting
Nov. 5
The celebration of NAMI Minnesota’s
40th Anniversary begins with this issue.
The organization was formed in 197677, taking on the legislature for the
first time in 1976 and incorporating in
1977. “We’ll do anything. Just call off
the mothers,” one legislator was heard to
say after the fledgling coalition of family members, mostly mothers, barraged
legislators with phone calls and visits to
get the state to transfer funds from the
closing of Hastings State Hospital to create community mental health services.
The legislators gave in, and provided a
little over $1.5 million – the first state
monies for community mental health
programs in Minnesota.
Led by Pat Solomonson, a mother of
five who was unable to get services for
her son with schizophrenia, the mothers
stayed in high gear. Four years later, in
1981 the Coalition – NAMI Minnesota
was then known as the Mental Health
Advocates Coalition – secured nearly $12 million more for community
support programs, day treatment, crisis
intervention, drop-in programs and
residential programs. It was still only the
beginning.
Throughout the year, NAMI Minnesota
will mark this noteworthy anniversary
with a number of events, including a
grassroots 40 city tour by executive director Sue Abderholden to raise awareness; the recognition of 40 people who
have shaped and are shaping the history
See “40th Year Celebration” p.2
Advocates Push Leads to Big Funding Gains
With a strong push from mental health
advocates and the leadership of the
Governor, the 2016 legislature followed
up on last year’s record $51 million gains
and passed another array of key investments to help build Minnesota’s mental
health system. More than $24 million in
new ongoing funding was passed, along
with an additional $28 million in onetime funding.
NAMI Minnesota was at the Capitol
each step of the way advocating to build
the mental health system and to continue making policy changes to improve
existing services. While last year the new
investments focused largely on community-based services and supports, this
year’s increases mainly focused on acute
care needs and state operated programs.
1-888-NAMI-HELPS
The StarTribune noted this year’s mental health
gains with a front page headline and story.
The bulk of the new funding will go to
State Operated Programs - $8 million
this biennium then $13.5 million next
biennium to:
1) Provide a 12-bed competency restoration program at St. Peter Regional
Treatment Center (RTC).
See “More Funding Gains” p.2
www.namihelps.org
11
NAMI Minnesota’s 40th Anniversary
Big Funding Gains...continued from p.1
substance use disorder treatment beds in
the prisons.
2) Increase staffing at the Community
Behavioral Health Hospitals so that all
16 beds in each can be used.
3) Keep the Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Hospital open.
4) Increase clinical oversight and fund a
nursing pool at Anoka-Metro RTC.
New funding was provided – $188,000
this biennium then $8.433 million next
biennium – for Minnesota to become
one of eight states to be a demonstration
site for Certified Community Behavioral
Health Clinics (CCBHCs). These “onestop shops” hold out great hope for a
more seamless system where mental
health, substance use and health care
needs are all addressed in one place.
The legislature also increased funding for
the very effective School-Linked Mental
Health program by $33,000 in fiscal year
2017 and $1.45 million per year in the
next biennium. Thanks to the over 40
organizations, superintendents, principals, providers, teachers and families
who sent letters of support.
School Districts and Cooperatives to reduce the use of seclusions and restraints.
Matching funds are available to increase
the number of school support personnel
such as school nurses, psychologists,
counselors, social workers and chemical
dependency counselors.
The criteria for eligibility for the crisis
housing fund was changed so that people who have a serious mental illness,
not just a serious and persistent mental
illness, can have their rent paid for up
to 90 days while they are in residential
treatment.
The rates for foster care and adoption
and relative care were increased by 15%
in the next biennium.
Funding was increased to expand the
number of schools using Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS).
Funding was also provided for staff
development grants for Intermediate
A Student Discipline Task Force was
created to examine school discipline
policies, practices and procedures and
the impact on student outcomes. NAMI
Minnesota was named to be on the task
force. Teachers will now be required to
have one hour of their continuing education be focused on suicide prevention.
Due to accountability concerns NAMI
supported an amendment that requires
the Dept. of Human Services to submit a
quarterly report to the legislature on the
use of funds at AMRTC, MSH and the
CBHHs which covers specific numbers
on: licensed beds, budgeted capacity,
occupancy rate, clinical & direct care
positions budgeted and those filled,
OSHA recordable injuries and those due
to patient aggression or restraint.
There were some important provisions
that did not pass such as a rate increase
for community mental health providers,
requiring four hours of training for police on mental health and de-escalation,
and increased opportunities for employment.
Additional funds were made available
for both the Homeless Youth Act and
Safe Harbor for sexually exploited youth.
A direct appropriation to increase staffFunding was also included to continue
ing at the Minnesota Security Hospital
the Zumbro Valley Mental Health Cen(MSH) in St. Peter was also not successter’s integrated care project.
ful, but language was added at the last
40th Year Celebration
possible moment to allow the commisSeveral policy items passed including
...continued from p.1
creating stronger standards for Assertive sioner to move around state operated
appropriations to ensure a safe environCommunity Treatment (ACT) teams.
of the organization – including stories
ment at the MSH and other direct care
and video presentations on their involveand treatment state-operated services.
ment; and a 40 for 40 funding campaign Health Plans must update their webAny reallocation of the appropriations
site every month with any changes to
to encourage adding $40 on to regular
must be reported.
donations (or $400 or $4,000!) to show their provider network. If a provider
support for NAMI’s success over the past was listed in-network on their website,
Minnesota continues to be a leader
40 years and spark hope for many, many they have to process the claim that way
even if the provider was no longer in the across the country in its commitment
other gains in the future.
to investing funding to build a mental
network.
health system. This wouldn’t be possible
NAMI’s celebration will also reach out on
without the advocacy of NAMI members.
social media and our website with stories People in prison will no longer be
Thanks to those who wrote, called and
of hope and impact that we are gathering charged co-payments for mental health
visited the Capitol. Your voices are being
treatment. Increased funding is made
from our classes, support groups, partheard.
available to add 70 mental health and
ners, events, donors and volunteers.
2
1-888-NAMI-HELPS
www.namihelps.org
Stories of Hope ~ Voices for Change
Sister of “The Soloist” to Keynote NAMI’s State Conference
NAMI of Minnesota’s State Conference
will be held Nov. 5, at the St. Paul RiverCentre. Jennifer Ayers-Moore, sister
of Nathaniel Anthony Ayers the subject
of the movie “The Soloist” will be the
keynote speaker. The conference, titled
“Stories of Hope – Voices for Change”
in honor of NAMI Minnesota’s 40th Anniversary, will also feature over a dozen
workshops on current mental health
topics, NAMI’s annual awards luncheon
and a celebration of NAMI’s history and
future.
chair of the Nathaniel Anthony
Ayers Foundation
and a passionate,
outspoken advocate
for artistically gifted
people living with
Jennifer Ayers-Moore
a mental illness.
Her journey began over 30 years ago
when her charming, intelligent, talented, and handsome brother developed
schizophrenia, forcing him to drop out
of Juilliard.
Ayers-Moore is also the founder and
The Closing keynote will be on the Im-
Meeting with MN Legislators in Washington
This spring NAMI Minnesota’s executive
director Sue Abderholden attended a
conference in Washington, D.C. hosted
by the National Council for Behavioral Health Care, NAMI, Mental Health
America and others to bring together
advocates from the mental health and
substance use disorder communities
to learn about the issues and to lobby
members of Congress.
portance of Sleep by Imran S. Khawaja,
MD, FAASM, a well-known psychiatrist
and expert on sleep.
NAMI’s Annual Meeting will also be held
Nov. 5, immediately following the NAMI
State Conference. Board members up for
re-election are Emily Ross, Tom Koch,
Nancy Dillon and Patricia Lund.
Cost of the conference, will be $60 for
members or $100 for non-members.
Some partial scholarships will be available. Registration information will be
sent out and will also be available at
namihelps.org.
More National News
Understand Your Parity Rights: The
Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Services Administration and the U.S. Department of Labor issued a new resource
to help people understand their rights
under Mental Health Parity. It’s available
through www.samhsa.gov
Abderholden met with staff from the
congressional offices of Ellison, Peterson,
Emmer, McCollum, Walz and Paulsen,
and with staff from Sen. Klobuchar’s office. She was able to meet in person with
Sen. Franken. A number of issues were
discussed including the IMD (Institution
U.S. Senator Al Franken welcomed NAMI’s executive
director Sue Abderholden, and Jeff and Brock from
Nexus.
for Mental Diseases) exclusion for children’s residential facilities, the Certified
Community Behavioral Health Clinics,
and the major comprehensive mental
health reform bills moving through
Congress.
Education & Training on the Civil Commitment Process
Healthcare Gap: A recent report from
the Agency for Healthcare Research and
Quality found that adults with serious
mental illnesses experience gaps in
access to health care compared to other
populations. Notably, those disparities
were even more pronounced with certain
groups of people with serious mental
illnesses, based on race, ethnicity, homelessness and LGBTQ. Multi-care teams,
housing stability, telemedicine were all
noted as possible effective approaches.
NAMI Minnesota’s booklet Understanding the Minnesota Civil Commitment
Process was updated in May 2016. The
booklet provides information on dealing
with crisis situations, the steps in the
process, pre-commitment screening,
hospitals and emergency treatment, commitment standards, common questions,
and alternatives to commitment.
office at 651-645-2948.
In addition, the MN Dept. of Human
Services, with input from NAMI Minnesota and others, has just developed
an online training and education on the
civil commitment process. The training is written to be especially useful to
attorneys.
Cultural Standards Sought: The HHS
Office of Minority Health released its
first compendium of state-based activities to implement the National Standards
for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services in Health and Care (CLAS
Standards). Information can be found at
www.thinkculturalheatlh.hhs.gov.
The booklet is available at http://www.
namihelps.org/publications.html. Hard
copies are available through the NAMI
The training can be found at http://
www.dhs.state.mn.us/Training/cc/story_html5.html.
The above news is from the National Institute of Mental Health. NAMI Minnesota is
an NIMH Outreach Partner.
1-888-NAMI-HELPS
www.namihelps.org
3
NAMI Minnesota’s 40th Anniversary
Behavioral Health Homes Set to Open
Behavioral health homes were created
to meet the needs of people who have
complex needs. They provide an opportunity to build a person-centered system
of care that achieves improved outcomes
for the individual and reduced costs to
the health care system.
In Minnesota, Behavioral Health Homes
will include access to, and coordinated
delivery of, primary care and mental health and substance use disorder
services. Admittance to the homes is
voluntary, and they are available for
adults with serious mental illness or
severe and persistent mental illness as of
July 1, 2016.
Core services of a behavioral health
home that must be provided include:
comprehensive care management, care
coordination, health and wellness promotion and education, comprehensive
transitional care from hospital to community, individual and family support
and referral and linkage to community
and social services.
There are currently ten certified behavioral health home providers in Minnesota:
Amherst H. Wilder Foundation and
Guild Incorporated in Ramsey County,
Human Development Center in St. Louis
County, Northern Pines Mental Health
Center in Morrison County, Western
Mental Health Center, Inc. in Lyon
County, Fraser and Fairview Clinics –
Hiawatha in Hennepin County, Northwestern Mental Health Center in Crookston, Fairview Mental Health: Smileys
Family Medicine Clinic at the University
of Minnesota, and the Woodland Centers in Willmar.
Note that people from other counties
can apply for services from these homes.
Guild Inc., for example, can serve anyone from the seven-county metropolitan
area.
Governor Appoints Task Force on Mental Health
In April, Gov. Dayton issued an executive order establishing a task force on
mental health aimed at developing comprehensive recommendations to design,
implement, and sustain a full continuum
of mental health services throughout
Minnesota.
At the end of June, a 14-member task
force, in addition to legislators and other
state agencies, was appointed which
includes NAMI Minnesota’s executive
director Sue Abderholden.
The task force is charged with:
• Developing and sustaining a compre-
hensive and sustainable continuum of
care for children and adults with mental
illnesses in Minnesota, including policies, legislative changes, and funding.
• Clearly defining the roles and responsibilities for the state, counties, hospitals,
4
Family Support Group Leaders
community mental health service providers, and other responsible entities in
designing, developing, delivering, and
sustaining Minnesota’s continuum of
mental health care.
• Reforms needed to support timely and
successful transition between levels of
care, including early intervention services and substance abuse services.
• Expanding the capacity of Minnesota’s
mental health system to responsively
serve people of diverse cultures and
backgrounds.
The challenge to the task force is that its
first meeting is in July and recommendations are due in November. Thankfully,
there have been numerous task forces
and studies and a fairly comprehensive
roadmap was developed for the 2015
legislative session.
1-888-NAMI-HELPS
Nine new NAMI family and parent support group
leaders were trained on June 4, in St. Paul.
Helping Families Bill
Takes Huge Step Forward
The Helping Families in Mental Health
Crisis Act took another step forward on
July 6 when it passed the U.S. House of
Representatives on a voice vote. All of
the MN representatives were co-sponsors
except Ellison, who did vote for the bill.
NAMI national says the bi-partisan
bill, H.R. 2646, would enhance crisis
response services and First Episode Programs and support integration of mental
health, substance use and primary care.
It also would refocus existing programs.
Similar legislation is moving ahead in the
U.S. Senate.
New Asst. Commissioner for
Community Supports
Claire E. Wilson has been appointed as
the new assistant commissioner for the
Community Supports Administration
which develops statewide policy direction for mental health, disability services,
alcohol and drug abuse, housing and
support services, and deaf and hard of
hearing services.
Most recently, Wilson served as the executive director of the Minnesota Association of Community Mental Health Programs and has been an ongoing advocate
for the mental health and substance use
disorders communities. NAMI Minnesota is pleased with her appointment and
looks forward to working with her in
this new position.
www.namihelps.org
Stories of Hope ~ Voices for Change
NAMI Spring Gala Has Turn of Century Theme
NAMI Minnesota’s Spring Gala - Music
for the Mind was held April 23, 2016
at the Metropolitan Ballroom in Golden
Valley. Over 260 people attended the
event, which had a turn of the century
England theme.
Gala guests, many dressed in attire befitting the theme, enjoyed an elegant dinner, heard about NAMI’s achievements
and goals, and bid on many exciting live
and silent auction items.
“Tally ho, there are auction items to bid on.”
Turning back the clock to 1900 England when
flappers tripped the light fantastic.
tee members Connie Whitaker, Joanne
Freidlund, Gail Gislason, Jeneal Olsen,
Mary Schulte, Sue Abel, Sandy Menge
and Robby Anderson.
Singer Heidi Ziman and pianist Les
Block entertained with a variety of both
lively and soothing cabaret music selections, and Bryan Piatt of KARE11 did a
Through sponsors, ticket sales and the
wonderful job as our emcee. Thanks also auctions, $90,000 was raised to support
to our terrific auctioneer Karen Sorbo.
NAMI’s programs. Thanks to everyone
for their generosity, and for making the
Special thanks to our Spring Gala
NAMI Spring Gala such a great success.
volunteers and especially to commit-
KARE11’s Bryan Piatt did a great job as emcee.
More than 260 people attended NAMI’s Spring Gala,
held at the Metropolitan Ballroom in Golden Valley.
Author William Kent Krueger, Abby & Don Maier.
Gala committee member Connie Whitaker and her
sister, Jan Peterson having a ball at the annual event.
Thanks Spring Gala Sponsors
GOLD:
HealthPartners, Regions Hospital
Melrose Center
SILVER:
PrairieCare, Mall of America
Foley & Mansfield
Gala-goers shared a fun evening.
Singer Heidi Ziman
BRONZE:
Eli Lilly, Meridian Behavioral Health
Lindberg Law P.C., PhRMA
Allan & Lou Burdick
Rick Lancaster & Abby McKenzie
TABLE HOST:
Maple Grove Hospital
Mark & Jinjer Menge and Tom & Jeneal Olsen, also
a Gala committee member.
NAMI members enjoyed supporting a great cause.
1-888-NAMI-HELPS
SUPPORTER:
Behavioral Staffing
www.namihelps.org
5
NAMI Minnesota’s 40th Anniversary
Affiliate Features: NAMI Washington County & NAMI Grand Rapids
NAMI Washington County
The NAMI Washington County affiliate
is dedicated to improving the lives of
children and adults living with mental
illnesses and their families. It currently
sponsors two monthly family support
group meetings on the east (Stillwater)
and west (Oakdale) sides of the county.
In addition, classes are hosted with the
support of NAMI Minnesota throughout
the year on a variety of topics related to
mental health.
This is one of the oldest affiliate groups
in the state, established by Lois Yehlik
and Eileen Herbert in the mid-1980s.
This Affiliate is seeking energetic community members to join as leaders of
their affiliate to strengthen their organization and its mission. Qualified candidates should have a concern for those
affected by mental illnesses along with a
NAMIWalks Kick-Off
Breakfast Set for Aug. 3
NAMIWalks Kick-off Breakfast, Aug. 3
Join us at the NAMIWalks Minnesota
Kick-off Breakfast! Take an important
step in your NAMIWalks 2016 journey
Aug. 3, from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. at Pinstripes in Edina. Everyone interested in
being a NAMIWalks Team Captain is
encouraged to come to this free event as
we share practical tools & knowledge
and learn from each other’s NAMIWalks
experiences. Kindly RSVP by July 27 by
contacting Emily at [email protected]
or (651) 645-2948 x112.
July is Minority Mental Health
Awareness Month
willingness to learn. If you are interested
in becoming a member of this affiliate,
please contact Dan Parnell at 651-3418918 or [email protected].
out Itasca County, and they recently
hosted guests from Itasca County’s Crisis
Response Team and Grand Itasca Hospital’s ER which created great conversation.
NAMI Grand Rapids
The NAMI Grand Rapids area affiliate is
working to provide education, support
and advocacy for children and adults
with mental illness and their families.
They have made great efforts to collaborate in the community in order to
continue to raise awareness about issues
impacting individuals living with mental
illness and their families.
The affiliate continues to focus on its
growth to be an established community
organization. Outgoing board president
Holly Downing said, “NAMI saved my
life,” as she reflected on the support that
she received as a family member many
years ago.
During Mental Health Month members
took part in a number of events through-
NAMIWalks Minnesota Plans Best Walk Yet
NAMIWalks Minnesota 2016 promises
to be our biggest and best walk yet! Join
us September 24th as our community
celebrates the 10th annual NAMIWalks
Minnesota and 40 years of NAMI Minnesota’s work improving the lives of people
living with mental illnesses and their
families.
NAMIWalks will be held at Minnehaha
Park in Minneapolis – registration starts
at 11:30 and the walk begins at 1:00.
The event will feature the energized and
eclectic music of High Brow and the
Shades, hundreds of walk teams, local
food trucks, and family activities for
everyone to enjoy! NAMIWalks SE Minnesota will also be held on the same date
and time at the Technical & Community
College Fieldhouse in Rochester.
Visit www.namihelps.org and click on
the NAMIWalks logo to sign up, register
your team and begin receiving updates
on team building, creative fundraising
tips and inspirational stories.
How to participate:
• Form a team: choose a team name, set
your goal, register online and invite your
family and friends to join you.
6
NAMI Grand Rapids is essential to so
many families in the area. They are
currently recruiting a volunteer to teach
NAMI’s Family-to-Family course. Contact Holly at [email protected].
1-888-NAMI-HELPS
• Walk as an individual: you may register online or on the day of the walk.
• Volunteer: we need over 100 volunteers to help out on the day of the walk.
• Help us spread the word about NAMIWalks by sharing why you walk. Use the
hashtag: #WhyWalkMN.
NAMIWalks provides funding for
NAMI Minnesota’s support, education
and advocacy programming including
Ending the Silence, NAMI Connection,
Parent Resource Groups, youth Progession classes, Family Support Groups and
much more. This year’s fundraising goal
for NAMIWalks is $450,000 and we
hope to have 5,000 Walkers participate
in Minnehaha Park or virtually. We need
your help to get there!
Thanks to our premier sponsors Allina Health and Cigna, our presenting
sponsor Blue Cross and Blue Shield of
Minnesota, and to the more than 60 corporate and individual sponsors who have
already joined in this year’s NAMIWalks
Minnesota!
www.namihelps.org
10th
Annual
NAMIWalk
2016
5K
Saturday, September 24
Minneapolis, MN
Rochester, MN
Walk with us to raise awareness about mental illnesses.
Register and Donate!
Visit www.namihelps.org
Check in at 11:30 am
Walk at 1:00 pm
For more information contact:
the Walk Manager at [email protected]
651-645-2948 ext 112
Two NAMIWalks locations:
Minnehaha Park
Rochester Community & Technical College
2016 Sponsors:
Premier
Presenting
Gold
Silver
Bronze
Great River Energy
HealthEast Foundation
HealthPartners|Regions Hospital|
Melrose Center
Hennepin County Medical Center
Medica
Meridian Behavioral Health
MHS
North Memorial Health Care
PrairieCare
Debra Hohag Anderson
Discount Steel
Mall of America
Optum
UCare
Canvas Health
CentraCare St. Cloud Hospital
Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota
Headway Emotional Health Services
Jon & Susan Westerhaus
Mental Health Resources
Minnesota Association of Community Mental
Health Programs
Northern Pines Mental Health Center
Nystrom & Associates, LTD.
Supportive Living Solutions
Vail Place
Washburn Center for Children
Start/Finish Line
Al & Pat Rousseau
Allan & Mary Lou Burdick
Behavioral Healthcare Providers
BHSI | Behavioral Health Services
Genoa, a QoL Healthcare Company
LifeSpan of Minnesota
Parker Collins Family Mental Health, PLLC
People Incorporated
Sponsors as of July 7, 2016
NAMI Minnesota’s 40th Anniversary
NAMI Launches Dual Diagnosis Support Groups
Support Group Leaders Trained
New NAMI Connection support group leaders
NAMI Minnesota is launching peer-led
dual diagnosis support groups for adults
living with both a mental illness and an
addiction such as chemical dependency.
312). Street parking is recommended if
available and parking in the ramp is $2
with a voucher available from the group
facilitators.
The support groups will meet weekly for
90 minutes. Participants will learn skills
to help them deal with their addiction
and gain support from people who understand the challenges of having a mental illness and an addiction. The groups
are free and no registration or enrollment
is required.
For more information on parking or directions, see: hcmc.org/directions/index.
htm.
Several NAMI Minnesota dual diagnosis
support groups will be offered in the
near future. The first group started in
Minneapolis on June 5, and meets on
Sundays, from 4:00-5:30, at Hennepin
County Medical Center 701 Park Avenue
South (Orange building, 8th floor, room
New NAMI Dual Disorder support group leaders
NAMI/MOFAS Parent
Support Groups Starting
NAMI Minnesota and MOFAS (Minnesota Organization on Fetal Alcohol
Syndrome, FAS) are teaming to provide
support groups to help parents discover resources to meet the challenges of
raising a child with a mental illness and/
or FAS, learn coping skills and develop
problem solving skills. Groups are set to
start in Prior Lake, Pine River and Fridley
in July, and in Duluth on August 9.
Fall Family-to-Family
Classes Available
New Open Door anxiety support group leaders
Two Minneapolis
Psychiatrists Honored
Two Minneapolis psychiatrists, Judith
Kashtan and Gary Christensen, have been
selected by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to receive 2016 Exemplary Psychiatrist awards. The awards go
to psychiatrists who “go the extra mile”
for mental health care and who actively
support NAMI at the local or state level.
Dr. Kashtan has been in solo private
practice in downtown Minneapolis for
over 25 years and is a Clinical Professor at the University of Minnesota. Dr.
Christenson is the chief medical officer at
Boynton Health Service at the University
of Minnesota, and an adjunct Associate
Professor of Psychiatry. Both psychiatrists
were nominated by NAMI Minnesota.
8
Parents and caregivers of children under
18 living with, but not limited to FAS,
ADHD, anxiety disorders, autism, bipolar
disorder, depression, eating disorders,
NAMI Minnesota’s Family-to-Family
schizophrenia, and others are welcome.
course helps families who have a loved
The support groups are facilitated by a
one living with a mental illness, gain a
greater understanding of mental illnesses, parent who has a child with a mental
illness and/or FAS who has received spediscuss resources, build communication
cialized training. For more information,
skills, reduce stress and find support.
contact NAMI at 651-645-2948 x130.
Over 4,000 Minnesota families have
completed this free, 12-week course
Auditory Hallucinations Study
taught by family members who have
walked the walk. Feedback from families
on the course has been extremely posiThe U of M and the Minneapolis VA systive. Remarks like it was “life-changing,” tem are conducting a study to see how
“gave me hope,” or “taught me empathy,” transcranial electrical stimulation (TES)
are not uncommon.
affects auditory hallucinations. TES is
non-invasive and involves applying a
Family-to-Family courses are already set weak electrical current to the scalp.
in ten locations this fall: Chanhassen,
Coon Rapids, Deephaven, Excelsior, Edi- Participants must be 18-64 years of age,
na, Forest Lake, Lakeville, Minneapolis,
have a diagnosis of schizophrenia or
Plymouth, and White Bear Lake. To get
schizoaffective disorder and experience
more on class locations, times and start
medication resistant auditory hallucidates, go to namihelps.org and click on
nations. For participation information,
classes, or call Marilyn at 651-645-2948 contact Carrie Gentz 612-467-4140 at
x 131.
the VA or Ariel Currie 612-626-7261 at
the U of M.
1-888-NAMI-HELPS
www.namihelps.org
Stories of Hope ~ Voices for Change
Raising Awareness During Mental Health Month Better Sleep Can Mean
The Walk in My Shoes and Ending the
Silence presentations organized by NAMI
Minnesota in area schools to celebrate
Mental Health Month and Children’s
Mental Health Awareness Day on May 5
were a big success. Students heard speakers and took time to write encouraging
messages on shoe cut-outs which were
then posted in the school.
NAMI went to a total of 12 high schools
and one middle school, and had 2,364
student pledges and reached over 3,000
students! It is exciting to know that so
many youth had a chance to share messages of hope, to pledge their support,
and to learn they are not alone.
Better Mental Health
At NAMI’s urging, the 35W and Lowry bridges were
lit in green for Children’s Mental Health Awareness
Day. (Photo from Mill City Times)
land Park Middle School.
This year’s national theme for Children’s
Mental Health Awareness Day was “Finding Help, Finding Hope,” and encouraged strategies for improving access to
mental health services & supports for
children, youth, and young adults with
mental and substance use disorders and
their families.
Scientists have known for decades that
our body uses sleep to restore itself:
during sleep our bodies repair tissue,
grow muscle, and release growth hormones. But recently scientists have also
discovered that the body clears out
waste by-products from our brain during
sleep. Getting enough sleep is one of the
most important foundations for wellness.
This can, however, be a struggle for people living with mental illnesses because
many mental health problems can also
make sleep more difficult.
Fortunately, there are several steps you
can take at home to improve your sleep.
Participating high schools included
First, try to establish a regular bedtime
Duluth Denfeld, Eden Prairie, Lakeville
and wake time. If you usually take a
North, Jordan, Red Wing, Henry Siblong time to fall asleep, try to wait to
ley, Highland Park, Humboldt, Edison,
go to bed until you feel tired enough to
School of Environmental Studies, St.
fall asleep. This will help limit the time
NAMI’s other awareness raising efforts
Francis and Hastings, along with Highyou are lying in bed awake. Having a
during May included offering education- comfortable sleeping environment is also
al presentations, scheduling extra free
important. Cool, dark, and quiet places
classes, targeting social media efforts, and work for most people.
placing awareness-raising information
and articles with the media. In addition, Establishing a relaxation routine before
NAMI prompted the City of Minneapbed is another very effective method
olis to write a resolution declaring May
to improve sleep. Breathing exercises,
5 as National Children’s Mental Health
calming music, meditation, progressive
Awareness Day and also to light the 35W muscle relaxation, or gentle stretching
Students wrote and posted messages of hope on
and Lowry Bridges in Green for mental
are all methods that can be used for
shoe cut-outs as part of NAMI’s Walk in My Shoes
health awareness.
program.
10-15 minutes before bed to help you
relax and release stress. If you have a lot
Seeking to Improve Somali Mental Health Awareness of anxious thoughts, journaling can also
help.
The MN Dept. of Health partnered with
of doctors and language barriers were
Finally, taking care of yourself through
the Somali American Parent Association
cited as key problems. Many would go
diet, exercise, and time outside can help
(SAPA) in the past year to organize a
to a Mosque or seek help from a spiriimprove your sleep. Regular physical
series of community dialogues on mental tual leader rather than seek help from a
activity, not too close to bedtime, makes
health attitudes, knowledge and gaps
mental health provider.
it easier to fall and stay asleep. Avoid
in services. SAPA held 25 community
eating big meals close to bedtime, and
conversations with an average of ten
Leading solutions suggested were: More
participants in each. A persistent theme
community education and materials with avoid nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol at
night. If these strategies don’t work for
was “the intense stigma and negative
relevant language; Better training for
you, talk to your doctor or psychiatrist.
association” related to admitting, seeking interpreters working in mental health;
There are several effective treatments
or experiencing mental health problems More outreach to raise awareness of
available for sleep problems and your
– often characterized as “curses.”
mental health issues and services; and
provider can work with you to find the
More research on mental health issues
solution that works for you.
Lack of awareness of resources, mistrust specific to the Somali community.
1-888-NAMI-HELPS
www.namihelps.org
9
NAMI Minnesota’s 40th Anniversary
Memorials & Tributes
(March 22 to June 29, 2016)
In Memory of
JOE BURNS
From
David Althoff
Shelly Beaver
Deborah Belfry
Martin Bertilsson & Karin Holt
Jane Brasser
Valerie Burns
Judith Harrington
Micah & Kathryn Johansen
Karen Johnson
Donald Lauman
Debra Mussell
Brinda Rogowski
Jenny & Michael Schultz
Jodi Spale
Constance Van Blarcum
Craig & Nancy Welken
GRAYCE MARGARET FORSYTHE
From
Elizabeth & Timothy Koch
JOHN BIRKELAND &
KAYDEN CLARKE
From
Kate Eifrig
NEDRA ECKROTH
From
Randall & Marcia Betcher
Carolyn Briol
BEN ERICKSON
From
Ginny Herman
LEO FOLEY
From
Shirley Lynch
DWAIN KAISER
From
Karla Jans
RICHARD LeMOINE
From
Janet Rosales
LINDAY ‘ERIN’ LOUGH
From
Dara Adams
Paul & Donna Arbisi
Martha & Thomas Kennedy
Regina & Tom Neville
Mark & Sharon Norlander
Karen Bradley
Joan Swendseen
Lisa Yahrmatter
OLLIE MOEN
From
Nancy Garwick
RONALD NELSON
From
Kaylen Gores
Andrea Roth
ANDREW SCHEIG
From
Michael & Linda Cadwell
MARK SNYDER
From
Nadine Fuxa
Carmine Hoyt-Bambenek
Judy & Dennis Moran
Mary & Wayne Overland
JANET SUE STULL
From
Amy & Kevin Allin
Donald & Cynthia Anderson
Gary & Valerie Bollinger
Carl & Fay Caskey
Glen Castore
Charles & Nalongue Cogan
Thomas & Judith Corwin
Darlene Cox
Daniel & Cahrene Dimick
Sandra Drentlaw
Regina Fineran &
Rebecca Fineran Gardner
Diane Genova
Leota Goodney, CPA
Ellen Iseminger
Margaret Jennings
Rich & Elizabeth Kleber
Robert & Ann Marie Knutson
Perry & Ruth Kruse
Christian & Maren Nelson
Rhonda Nelson
Bruce & Ruth Paulson
Kurt Ruppel
Janet & Ross Shoger
Sarah Steil
John Stull
Patricia Van Wylen
Laurie Williams
Robert & Catherine Williams
VAN THOMPSON
From
Sandra Thompson
BECCA VARGO DAGGETT
From
Jennifer McNertney
NANCY WALLEN
From
Gregg & Ellen Pederson
NICK WHITE
From
Marta Edman
In Honor of
Jen Holper’s Birthday
From
Angel Petit
KURT ROUSSEAU
From
His Loving Family
Amy Thie’s Wedding
From
R. P. & Deb Heinrich
Dennis & Susan Larson
Bill & Becky Scheig
Amy Thie
Maryjane & Troy Thie
Todd & Lori Thie
ALBERT STORY
From
Raymond & Erlene Gorder
Ranae Whitbeck
Margaret Yzaguirre’s Birthday
From
Margaret Douglas
Therese Sullivan
TIM POFERL
From Melissa Hunter
10
EUGENE SAGER
From
Julie & Ed Desautels
NAMI on Campus Groups Forming
A NAMI on Campus group will be
starting soon at Metropolitan State University, and another is in the process of
starting at the University of Minnesota.
The groups are student-led organizations
on college campuses that raise awareness
and help educate the campus with guest
speakers, panels and presentations, advocate for improved services and policies
on campus, and support each other with
programs from NAMI state and local
organizations.
Membership is open to any student who
wants to advocate for mental health
resources or simply learn more about
mental illness for themselves, for a loved
one, and/or for career development.
Supporting NAMI’s Work
People fundraise to raise awareness, to
honor a loved one’s memory, to fund
education programs that help educate
first responders, schools – anything that
speaks to the contributor and helps to
make a better future for those who live
with mental illnesses, families, friends
and the communities we all live in.
Ways you can support NAMI Minnesota: Attend a NAMI Minnesota Event
~ Consider an IRA donation ~ Donate
“In Honor” of a wedding, retirement,
birthday ~ Create your own fundraising
event using NAMI’s guide ~ Include
NAMI Minnesota in your estate planning
~ Give a donation of stock ~ Respond to
an appeal letter or email ~ the possibilities are endless!
Interested Metro State students can contact Alysia at alysia.lajune@metrostate.
edu to join or to get more information.
For more information at the University of Minnesota, contact Monica at
[email protected].
U of M Increases Funding for
Student Mental Health Services
The University of Minnesota announced
a new investment of nearly $300,000 for
increasing mental health services for its
students in the Twin Cities. The funding
will add new staff to help meet the demands, and the U of M will continue to
assess its ability to address this important
health issue at its campuses throughout
the state. One third of the new funding
will come from student service fees.
More than 30 percent of students across
the University system report a mental
health diagnosis in their lifetime. “Student mental health is a top public health
issue across our system,” said U of M
President Eric Kaler.
NAMI Award Nominees Sought
NAMI Minnesota Awards recognize
outstanding efforts to support of NAMI’s
mission and goals. To nominate someone, write a note of 100 words or less
about the person or organization you are
nominating. Find more about the award
categories at namihelps.org. Nominations are due by Sept. 2, 2016. Send
to: NAMI Minnesota, 800 Transfer Rd.,
Suite 31, St. Paul, MN 55114. The 2016
awards will be presented at NAMI’s State
Conference on Nov. 5.
Please call or e-mail Andree, our Director of Advancement at 651-645-2948
x104 or [email protected] with any
questions or for event ideas. She would
love to hear from you and talk about
what you would like to do!
1-888-NAMI-HELPS
www.namihelps.org
Stories of Hope ~ Voices for Change
Beyond the Baby Blues Supplies Needed Education
GRANTS KEEP NAMI GROWING
with perinatal mental health complications, impact on fathers, managing postpartum mood disorders, post adoption
blues, and others.
IRIS CIRCLE ($10,000+)
• F.R. Bigelow Foundation – Education
and support for parents in East Metro
• ClearWay Minnesota – Smoking cessation
Nationally known speaker Kim Zittel-Barr, Ph.D., MSW gave a great
presentation on Perinatal Mental Health
Complications - the Access to Care Conundrum, at NAMI’s annual Beyond the
Baby Blues Conference, held May 19 in
St. Paul. The conference supplies much
needed education and training on anxiety and mood disorders before, during
and after pregnancy.
Over 100 people attended the conference, which was accredited for 4.5 CEUs
by the boards of social work, psychology
and behavioral health & therapy.
In addition to the keynote there were
nine workshops to choose from on current mental health topics including, birth
and postpartum period, assisting families
Annual Report Available
Copies of NAMI Minnesota’s 2015
annual report, “Envisioning a Brighter
Future” are now available. To download
or see the report, go to NAMI Minnesota’s website at namihelps.org, and click
on Publications.
NAMI Minnesota Booth Set
for MN State Fair
NAMI Minnesota will have a booth at
the Minnesota State Fair from Aug. 25
to Sept. 5. Staff and volunteers will be in
the education building from 9:00 a.m. to
9:00 p.m. each day to greet fair visitors
and offer information and on mental illnesses. If you would like to volunteer for
one or more 4-hour shifts at the NAMI
booth call 651-645-2948 or email to:
[email protected].
Collaborators and sponsors included:
NAMI Minnesota, University of MN
School of Social Work, Pregnancy and
Postpartum Support Minnesota, UCare,
Postpartum Counseling Center, Be Well
Natural Medicine, Blooma Yoga Wellness
and Education, Star Legacy Foundation,
Wild Tree Psychotherapy, Willow Midwives, North Memorial Women’s Specialty Services, Mama Gracie’s Pregnancy
Shop & Spa, Mother-Baby Program at
Hennepin County Medical Center, and
Amma Parenting Center, Inc.
Survey on Services
The Certified Community Behavioral
Health Clinic (CCBHC) integrated care
model aims to improve community
health, mental health and chemical
health care by creating “one-stop shops”
for individuals and families. There is an
emphasis on comprehensive, coordinated and integrated care, fostering partnerships among providers, counties and
social service agencies. A survey aimed at
better understanding cultural, linguistic
and treatment needs and the barriers
individuals face can be found at https://
www.surveymonkey.com/r/SCDBHL2.
Planning for MIAW
Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW)
is Oct. 2-8 this year. NAMI Minnesota
and its affiliate groups will be offering
awareness raising events throughout that
week. If you are interested in scheduling an In Our Own Voice or MakeItOk
presentation for MIAW contact NAMI at
651-645-2948. More details on MIAW
events will be available at namihelps.org.
1-888-NAMI-HELPS
BENEFACTOR ($1,000-$4,999)
• John and Cynthia Hart Fund of the
Minneapolis Foundation – General
operating
• Roger Heegard Family fund of the
Minneapolis Foundation – General
operating
• Minneapolis Jewish Foundation
– General operating
• Otto C. Winzen Charitable Fund of
the Catholic Community Foundation –
General operating
More on New Grants
NAMI Minnesota is pleased to have been
awarded several large grants that will
help assist in our mission to improve the
lives of children and adults with mental
illnesses and their families.
A grant from F.R. Bigelow Foundation
will support NAMI’s efforts to provide
education and support to parents who
have children with mental illnesses
and increase the mental health literacy
of adults who work with children and
youth in the East Metro.
The Katherine B. Andersen Foundation
funded for three years a part-time staff
person to expand NAMI’s reach in the
East Metropolitan area. Staffing will enable us to increase the number of activities in Ramsey and Washington counties,
collaborate with mental health providers, organize people so that their needs
are fully understood by the counties,
and ultimately, grow our movement.
In addition, the Evert Foundation
provided funding to support the Family-to-Family classes, and ClearWay
Minnesota again funded our efforts to
reduce smoking cessation among people
with serious mental illnesses.
www.namihelps.org
11
Non Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Twin Cities MN
Permit No. 30142
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
NAMI SUPPORT GROUPS
FAMILY SUPPORT GROUPS
Andover
Becca: 612-790-0938
Austin
Shari: 507-433-2301
Chaska
Jan: 612-554-0825
Duluth
NAMI Duluth: 218-409-6566
Eagan
Connie: 952-432-9278
Eden Prairie
Carol: 952-426-0343
Forensic Network
Joe: 651-484-8218
Grand Rapids
Mary 218-230-9553
Mankato
Diane: 507-931-6996
Minneapolis
Dorothea: 612-759-1977
Moorhead
Denise: 218-443-0161
Northfield
Call: 507-663-7950
Oakdale
Dan: 651-341-8918
Owatonna
Judy: 507-451-0043
Plymouth
Elizabeth: 612-432-0471
12
Rochester
Call: 507-287-1692
Roseville
Anna Mae: 651-484-0599
St. Cloud
Mike: 320-492-2024
St. Paul
Jennifer: 507-254-5524
Stillwater
Marie or Bob: 651-770-1436
Virginia
Dan: 218-290-5461
Willmar
Family support: 320-444-4860
Winona
Helen: 507-494-0905
PARTNERS & SPOUSES
Minneapolis
NAMI: 651-645-2948
St. Paul
Melissa: 651-354-0825
PARENT RESOURCE GROUPS
Apple Valley
NAMI: 651-645-2948
Elk River
Sue: 763-633-0894
Hastings
NAMI: 651-645-2948
Inver Grove Heights
NAMI: 651-645-2948
Minneapolis South
Susan: 612-424-1823
Prior Lake
NAMI: 651-645-2948
St. Cloud
Louise: 320-654-1259
St. Louis Park
NAMI: 651-645-2948
St. Paul
NAMI: 651-645-2948 x109
St. Paul Highland Park
NAMI: 651-645-2948
Savage
NAMI: 651-645-2948
U of M Medical Center
NAMI: 651-645-2948
Stillwater (starts Sept. 8)
NAMI: 651-645-2948
NAMI/MOFAS PARENT
SUPPORT GROUPS
Prior Lake, Pine River,
Duluth, Anoka
NAMI at 651-645-2948
NAMI CONNECTION
SUPPORT GROUPS
Albert Lea
Sara: 507-377-5483
Bemidji
Heather: 763-439-1315
Bloomington
Maureen: 612-752-8374
Burnsville
Dana: 612-888-4979
Cambridge
Danie at 763-219-6236
Chisago City
Bob: 651-257-6961
Coon Rapids
Tim: 612-669-5111
Crystal
NAMI: 651-645-2948
Duluth
Jodi: 218-576-4608
Hopkins
Leave message for Calynn:
952-938-9622 x0
Mankato
Brian: 507-317-3595
Minneapolis Mt. Olivet
Kim: 651-280-8527
Minneapolis North
Don: 651-334-1778
Minneapolis Uptown
Jack: 612-310-3628
Minneapolis (LGBT)
David: 612-920-3925
Moorhead
Marian: 218-443-5286
Morris
NAMI: 651-645-2948
Rochester (2 groups)
Contact: 507-287-1692
Roseville
Will: 651-578-3364
Wadena
NAMI: 651-645-2948
Willmar
PJ: 320-262-3224
Winona
Judy: 507-459-3475
YOUNG ADULT
NAMI CONNECTION
Apple Valley (ages 16-20)
NAMI: 651-645-2948
Minneapolis (ages 18-30)
Adam 651-329-4375
Red Wing (ages 16-20)
Mandy: 651-468-5677
St. Paul (ages 16-20)
NAMI: 651-645-2948
OPEN DOOR ANXIETY
SUPPORT GROUPS
East St. Paul
Rachel: 952-818-7343
Edina
Mark: 651-485-1882
Edina
Shawn: 651-239-8381
St. Paul Highland Park
Les: 612-229-1863
Edina
Scott: 612-998-6160
DUAL DIAGNOSIS
SUPPORT GROUPS
Minneapolis
Bruce at 612-338-9084