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Events and Announcements
This page lists dates, locations, and registration information for important Mental Health related events and conferences, plus announcements and special notices. Events and Conferences are listed in sequence by date.
Events and Conferences | Announcements and Special Notices
Events and Conferences
- The Walk To Washington
The Walk To Washington
A Call to Action!
Signatures needed and welcome
::: Starting from St. Louis on Saturday, August 14th :::
::: Delivering a 1,000,000 signature petition on October 7th! :::
::: 835 MILES, 50 DAYS :::
The Walk to Washington is an awesome event to raise awareness for depression, bipolar disorder, and other stigmatized mental illnesses. WalktoWashington.org has organized an 850 mile walk from St. Louis to Washington, D.C., which started August 14, 2010. They are also looking for 1,000,000 signatures on the petition they will be presenting at the Capitol Building in Washington D.C. on October 7th. More signatures are needed and welcome. AU has signed the petition as an organization, but they need more signatures! Please see the "CLICK HERE" link below to sign the petition. It's real simple and quick!How you can help…
- CLICK HERE to sign the petition. It's real simple and quick!
- Let others know about this event and have them sign the petition!
- SIGN-UP HERE to become a Virtual Walker (Just $25 - get an official WTW T-Shirt and become part of this national event).
Visit the Walk to Washington website for more info about this important undertaking that has never been done before!
- NARPA 2010 Annual Conference
NARPA 2010 Annual Rights Conference
“Choice, Not Force”
September 8-11, 2010
- at the -
Hilton Atlanta
255 Courtland St. NE
Atlanta, GAConference Tracks will include:
- Guardianship/Forced Treatment/Restraint
- Recovery and Peer Run Programs
- Force and Coercion: Beyond the Institutional Setting
The conference begins Wednesday evening and ends at noon Saturday. CLEs and CEUs will be offered. Visit the NARPA website for complete details and registration form, or see NARPA Conference (.pdf document, opens in a new browser window).
Hotel reservations with special NARPA Conference rates available online here.
- 5th Annual Recovery Transformation Celebration
Recovery Transformation Celebration and Picnic
Friday, September 17, 2010
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
- at -
Camp Harkness
301 Great Neck Rd.
Waterford, CT
(directions)Once again this year, FOR-U is hosting the annual Recovery Transformation Celebration and Picnic…
- Food
- Games
- Activities
- Prizes ("Recovery Has Talent" Gong Show!)
- T-Shirts (on a 1st come 1st served basis, so sign-up quick!)Sign-up!
Cost is only $5 per person. Send checks payable to FOR-U along with your name and the names of anyone else you're registering to:Focus on Recovery-United
100 Riverview Center
Suite 272
Middletown, CT 06457
- Low Key Café
Low Key Café
Sunday, September 19, 2010 at 6:30 pm
(Third Sunday of every month at 6:30 pm)
Milford Christian Church
989 New Haven Avenue
Milford, CT 06460
(203) 878-6365, Ext. 633
See mapThis month at the Café…
As usual, there will be an open-mic section of the evening's program beginning at 6:30 pm, followed by a featured artist or event which will start at 7:30 pm. Pastries, coffee, tea, cocoa, and admission are free!
The Low Key Café is a café for persons in recovery, a cozy and inviting "low key" atmosphere suitable for all ages. Songs, poetry, short stories, music videos, and more -- open mic, free refreshments, guest artists, and an atmosphere/forum to express yourself through art. Meetings are held monthly on a Sunday evening at the Milford Christian Church, 989 New Haven Avenue, Milford, CT 06460.“For those of you new to Bridges, the Low Key Café is a monthly open mic 'coffeehouse' hosted by the YAS program. Our featured guests have come from within the Bridge's 'community,' as well as artists from the community-at-large. We like to think of the café as a melting pot, where people from all walks of life can gather to express who they are and where they come from…through the arts. We are recovery-oriented and pride ourselves on a safe, low-key atmosphere. No one is deemed 'inexperienced' or 'untalented.' Everyone who performs is respected and appreciated. There is food and, of course, coffee/tea/hot cocoa (all free!). The café is open to the community (bring your friends!). There is no cover charge.”
~ John Ciambriello
YAS Case ManagerNext meeting is Sunday, September 19, 2010 at 6:30 pm…
Free admission! As always, pastries, coffee, tea, cocoa, and admission are free. Bring a friend!Plan ahead!
Meetings are always held the third Sunday of every month. For more info, contact John at (203) 878-6365, ext. 633.
- Alternatives 2010 Annual Conference
Alternatives 2010
“Promoting Wellness Through Social Justice”
September 29 - October 3, 2010
- at the -
Hyatt Regency Anaheim Hotel
Anaheim, CAVisit the conference website for complete details including the…
- Conference Brochure (Adobe Reader format)
- Hotel reservation information
- Online registration.
- 2010 ING Hartford Marathon / 2nd Annual AU Fundraiser
2010 ING Hartford Marathon
“Simply a great race”
Saturday, October 9, 2010
- starting at -
Bushnell Park
Hartford, CT
AU is proud to be an official charity of the ING Hartford Marathon again this year as part of AU's 2nd Annual Fundraiser.
Last year's marathon was a hugely successful event, raising over $500,000 for charities throughout Connecticut, providing Hartford with positive national coverage, and seeing AU's Linda Lentini completing the half-marathon in under 1 hour, 50 minutes. This year's event could be even more successful. Visit the Hartford Marathon website for complete info about the 2010 event.Your support can really help!
Linda will be running the full marathon this year (26.2 miles!) and you can help support Linda and AU:- Volunteers are needed - AU has been asked to help with Late Athlete Registration/Packet Pickup on Thursday, October 7th from 10:00 am to 2:30 pm at the Health & Fitness Expo in the XL Center in Hartford (see directions and parking info). Anyone interested in volunteering their time on Thursday for a good cause (Advocacy Unlimited!) is asked to please send an email to Linda Lentini at LLentini@mindlink.org as soon as possible. Your volunteering is sincerely and seriously appreciated. AU Graduate Advocate and Recovery University graduate Martin Burke is once again heading up the AU volunteer team with help from Lyne Stokes, AU's Young Adult Program Director.
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AU's 2nd Annual Fundraiser - Linda is racing on behalf of AU and all the people and families we help. She is "Racing for Mental Health." As an official charity of the ING Hartford Marathon, you can donate safely and securely by credit card on AU's Official Active Giving web page. Every donation, no matter how small or how large, will help enable AU to continue its mission of helping persons in recovery from psychiatric disabilities or co-occurring disorders. Visit AU's Active Giving page to donate. 100% of your donation is tax deductible, and 100% of your donation goes to helping persons in recovery and is sincerely appreciated. Please pass this information along to others you think would be interested in supporting AU.
- NAMI Basics Course - Behavioral and emotional health of your child or adolescent
Concerned about the behavioral or emotional health of your child or adolescent? You are not alone! Join us for NAMI-Basics - the fundamentals of caring for you, your family, and your child with mental illness. This FREE course provides vital information to parents or caregivers of children affected by mental health issues. In six 2-1/2 hour sessions, you will learn about:
- Attention Deficit, Bipolar, Conduct, Oppositional Defiant, Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive and Substance Abuse Disorders, Major Depression, Childhood Schizophrenia, etc.
- Problem Solving, Listening and Communication Skills
- Advocating for your child in the School and Mental Health Systems
- Personal Record Keeping Systems
- Crisis Management and Relapse
…and much, much more!
Classes are being offered in several locations across Connecticut…
For dates, times, and locations, visit NAMI-CT Educational Programs (opens in a new browser window on the NAMI-CT website - scroll down to the NAMI-Basics course listings).
For more information about the NAMI-Basics course, contact Paloma Dee at the NAMI-CT office (1-800-215-3021) or by email to familyeducation@namict.org.
- NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group
Do you need a little extra support from people who understand? NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group is a free weekly support group for people 18 and older dealing with any kind of mental health issue. NAMI Connection is non-diagnosis specific peer run support group where you can share as much or as little personal information as you wish. Talk with others to share coping strategies and insight in a safe and confidential way
PEER SUPPORT = Support offered by People of Experience Educated in Recovery
Meetings are held in several towns across Connecticut. For dates, times, and locations, visit NAMI Recovery Support Groups (opens in a new browser window on the NAMI website).
For more information, visit NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group.
Support Group Facilitators Needed…
Are you ready to volunteer your time to help others who are dealing with their mental health issues in a small, organized and safe environment? NAMI-CT will be offering several free NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group facilitator trainings throughout Connecticut during February and March 2010. Once certified as a facilitator, you can help with either an existing group or join others to start a group in the area of your choice. For more info, see the Support Group Facilitator flyer or contact Pete at (203) 715-2537 or by email to connectionadmin@namict.org.
- New Peer Support Group
Recovery Is for Everyone
A Peer Support Group
Saturdays 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
Fairfield Public Library - Main Branch
Conference Room D
1080 Old Post Rd.
(Corner of Post Rd. and Route 1)
Fairfield, CTRecovery is the process of reclaiming your life after being given a mental health diagnosis. A diverse group of Persons in recovery from mental illness, we have formed a Peer support group to share healing information in the community.
Our goal is to inspire Peers to live recovery everyday. We explore the many ways to live richer, more satisfying lives out in the community, beyond just managing symptoms.
We share our struggles and what challenges us, coping skills developed along the way, recovery stories, favorite activities, and Recovery friendly resources in the community.
All are welcome to share the Recovery Experience. Join us and discover "thinking outside the clinical box" works!
Contact us directly at (203) 218-7233 (voicemail available), or email us at recoveryisforeveryone@gmail.com. Fairfield Library is located on a CT Transit bus route. See CT Public Transportation for bus schedules. Please download and share our Flyer.
Please do not call the library. We are not associated with them or their events. We meet in conference room D of the library. Open to persons age 18 and older.
- DMHAS Art Exhibit
Artists and Photographers Wanted
Artists and photographers from the recovery community are invited to show their works in the exhibit space at the DMHAS office in Hartford.
Each show lasts approximately one month. Solo and group shows are now being scheduled. Artists with 30 pieces can schedule a solo show. Artists who have a few pieces are invited to join a show with others. Scheduling will be facilitated by DMHAS. See DMHAS Art Exhibit for details and how to participate.
- DBSA Greater Hartford Support Group
The Greater Hartford Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA Greater Hartford) holds a weekly support group run by and for people with affective disorders. See DBSA Greater Hartford for details.
- Schizophrenics Anonymous
This self-help group meets weekly every Thursday evening from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. at the Institute of Living in Hartford. See Schizophrenics Anonymous for more info, or call Kevin L. at (860) 253-5031
- AU Calendar
The schedule of workshops and presentations hosted by the AU Advocate team.
- Concerts and Exhibits
The schedule of concerts, performances, exhibits, art shows, and other similar types of events presented by many of AU's talented and special friends in recovery.
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Announcements and Special Notices
- Long-time Advocate Extraordinaire Susan Werboff Retires
After more than 30 years of dedicated service, Susan Werboff has retired as Director of PAIMI at the Connecticut Office of Protection and Advocacy. A celebration was held for Susan on Thursday, August 19, 2010 at the Community Renewal Team office in Hartford.
Emceed by Advocacy Unlimited's Executive Director Dr. Karen Kangas, the celebration was a recognition of the years of service and compassion Susan has selflessly given to the mental health community and persons in recovery. Many individuals, including P & A Executive Director James McGaughey and former DMHAS Medical Director Dr. Ken Marcus, paid tribute to and thanked Susan for the help and support she has provided to so many individuals over the years. Of special note was the presentation of a very touching and distinguishing commemorative proclamation to Susan from Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell honoring Susan's contributions.
In addition to being a long time advocate extraordinaire for persons with psychiatric disabilities or co-occurring disorders, Susan has served on many boards and councils, has been a long-time supporter of AU, a former AU Board of Directors member, and recipient of the 2008 Dr. Karen Kangas Award for Excellency in Advocacy.
Susan's list of accomplishments and service to the consumer community is extensive, having helped 1,000's of persons with psychiatric disabilities or co-occurring disorders, often being selflessly available for them regardless of the time of day or night. Advocacy Unlimited and its entire Board of Directors were extremely pleased to recognize Susan for her life-long contributions and present her with the 2008 Dr. Karen Kangas Award! AU and the Board extend their sincerest thanks and best wishes to Susan in her retirement.
While Susan has retired from her position at P & A, it is extremely unlikely she will ever retire from being an advocate for persons with psychiatric disabilities or co-occurring disorders, and that is very consoling to many, many people in Connecticut!
- ADA 20th Anniversary Celebration
An extremely successful and moving celebration in recognition of the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act was held at the LOB in Hartford on Monday, July 26th. Former Connecticut Governor and U.S. Senator Lowell P. Weicker, Jr. provided the keynote address. The event also featured the premier showing of ADACC's informative and exciting video "The 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act: Human Rights in Progress."
A panel of noted disability rights leaders provided insightful personal stories of how the ADA has affected their lives. In addition, "Groundbreakers" and ADA Leaders from Connecticut were recognized. Stan Kosloski of the CT Disability Advocacy Collaborative spoke on the challenges ahead and provided closing remarks.
The event was hosted by the ADA Coalition of Connecticut with support from numerous other individuals and agencies, including Advocacy Unlimited.
• View the video - Includes the premier showing of ADACC's film "The 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act: Human Rights in Progress"
• See pictures from the event
• Visit the ADACC website
- The Gardens at Saint Elizabeths: A National Memorial of Recovered Dignity
The Gardens at Saint Elizabeths is a national memorial to remember once forgotten psychiatric patients -- a place of remembrance as well as a place of recovery, offering dignity and hope to anyone living with mental illness.
In addition, OptumHealth is making a "Recovered Dignity" traveling exhibit available to all consumer run organizations free of charge. OptumHealth pays the shipping and stocks the booth with materials for use at conferences or events. The exhibit raises awareness of and restores dignity to the hundreds of thousands of consumers who died and were buried in unmarked graves on the grounds of psychiatric hospitals nationwide. By honoring these individuals, we give voice to generations of consumers who had no voice and recognize today's consumers and our journey to reach recovery. For more information and to learn how to order the exhibit, visit Recovered Dignity Exhibit.
- Winners Announced at PRISM Award Ceremony
The PRISM Awards, which are produced by the Entertainment Industries Council in collaboration with SAMHSA and FX, honor actors, movies, music, media, and TV's top shows that accurately depict and bring attention to substance abuse and mental health issues.
Jeff Bridges, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Kevin McKidd, Tony Shalhoub, Hector Elizondo, Timothy Hutton and Rosie O'Donnell receive top honors at the 14th Annual PRISM Awards. Breaking Bad, Law and Order: Special Victims Unit, Law and Order, and Dr. Phil also receive PRISM recognition.
See the full press release. Also see the complete list of all winners.
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Judi Chamberlin, long-time mad movement activist, dies at age 65
Long-time mad movement activist Judi Chamberlin, a remarkable advocate, friend, and civil rights hero, died January 16th at the age of 65. Judi was widely considered a grandmother of the mad movement: author, leader, activist, psychiatric survivor. Judi began her pioneering work for empowering alternatives for mental health consumers and psychiatric survivors in 1978 with her book "On Our Own: Patient Controlled Alternatives to the Mental Health System." She served on the MindFreedom Board of Directors for many years. She took her inspiration from the heroes of other civil rights movements to start something she liked to call Mad Pride – a movement for the rights and dignity of people with mental illness.
See the NPR Tribute, and read Judi's article Confessions of a Noncompliant Patient.
- New Connecticut Joint Force Military and Family Readiness Group
Many Connecticut Reserve, National Guard, and Active Duty Service Members and families are geographically dispersed from their units or military installations. Many are unable to attend unit Family Readiness Groups or Key Volunteer Networks due to location, or perhaps scheduling conflicts, but would like to participate in an organization that shares quality information and provides support. Therefore the Joint Family Support Assistance Program has created a new Joint Force Military and Family Readiness Group to meet monthly:
Joint Force Military and Family Readiness GroupPlease feel free to download and share the flyer (.pdf document, opens in a new browser window).
6:30 pm on the 3rd Thursday of every month
- at the -
Charter Oak Chapter of the American Red Cross
209 Farmington Ave.
Farmington, CT 06382
Farmington was chosen for its central location in Connecticut. The Charter Oak Chapter of the American Red Cross has generously allowed the group to utilize space in their building and there is no charge for parking. All branches and components are welcome to participate and it is encouraged to share this meeting information with all Connecticut residents who may be affiliated with the military. Military service providers are welcome to attend as participants only, not as organization representation. Reservations are suggested, but not required. Reservations can be made by calling Jessica Koehler at 860-493-2703 or by email to Jessica.koehler@militaryonesource.com. Children are welcome to attend but child care is not provided.
In addition, Universal Studios Hollywood offers phenomenal discount options to all members of our Armed Forces all year long (see the flyer). Eligible members include retirees, DOD personnel, members of the National Guard/Reserves, dependents and all other base personnel. Tickets for these specially priced offers must be purchased in advance and can only be obtained at participating MWR ITT/ITR offices throughout the United States. These special military rates are not available at the Universal Studios Hollywood box office. A military or U.S. Government ID is required for purchase. To obtain tickets:
Option #1 - Visit your local base MWR ITT/ITR ticket office to purchase your tickets. If your local base does not have tickets on hand, they will pre-order for you. It is recommended that you call them ahead of time to make these arrangements. The ticket office can usually have your tickets within five business days.
Option #2 - Order your tickets via the phone. Simply contact Commander, Navy Region, Southwest at (619) 767-6000. Your tickets will arrive via U.S. mail within 7 business days. Overnight service is available for a nominal fee.
- Governor Rell Nominates Pat Rehmer for DMHAS Commissioner
CT Governor M. Jodi Rell announced the nomination of Patricia Rehmer to serve as Commissioner of the Dept. of Mental Health and Addiction Services, permanently replacing retired Commissioner Dr. Thomas Kirk.
Governor Rell states, "Pat Rehmer's quarter-century of service in mental health agencies – including her five years as Deputy Commissioner at DMHAS – and her commitment to the health and welfare of our residents make her the ideal candidate for this position. I am confident she will continue the tremendous success that DMHAS has had in focusing on recovery, community-oriented services and personal development." Governor Rell continues, "I am confident the Legislature will look favorably on her nomination."
See the full press release.
- AU proud to have been an Official Charity in the 2009 ING Hartford Marathon
AU is proud to have been an Official Charity in the 2009 ING Hartford Marathon held October 10, 2009. Congratulations to AU's Linda Lentini on running the ING Hartford Half Marathon in a breathtaking 1 hour, 49 minutes, and 7 seconds! Linda was also responsible for getting AU named as an official charity in the 2009 event. Thanks also to AU Advocate Martin Burke who coordinated AU's volunteer effort, and to all the AU team members and volunteers who helped out on the day of the Marathon. (See the Plainville Citizen article)
AU is also an official charity in the 2010 ING Hartford Marathon. See 2010 ING Hartford Marathon / 2nd Annual AU Fundraiser above for details.
- Free Cell Phones and Minutes
Lifeline Assistance is part of a program that was created by the government to provide discounted or free telephone service to income-eligible consumers. Over twenty years ago, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) created the Lifeline Program to help guarantee Universal Service in the US. The Lifeline Program provides discounted telephone service to low-income families and individuals that otherwise would find it difficult to pay for telephone service. To help bring you this important benefit, SafeLink Wireless is pleased to offer Lifeline Service.
SafeLink Wireless is a government supported program that provides free cell phones and airtime each month for income-eligible customers. Through SafeLink's Lifeline Service, you will receive FREE cellular service, a FREE cell phone, and FREE Minutes every month! SafeLink Wireless Service does not cost anything - there are no contracts, no recurring fees and no monthly charges.
See SafeLink Wireless for complete info and to begin the application process. You can see if you qualify here. También disponible en español.
Caution: SafeLink Wireless is completely free. There have been reports of companies not affiliated with Safelink who are offering to help consumers apply, but charge a fee. Apply for Safelink Wireless only through their official website - see the link above.
- Medicare Part D Low-Income Subsidy
If you are on Medicare Part D, you might be eligible for the Low-Income Subsidy that provides financial assistance to help you afford your medications. Thousands of people in CT are eligible for this assistance but have not applied. See Low-Income Subsidy for more info and how to apply.
In addition, NAMI-CT offers to host presentations and informational tables for your organization, group, or clubhouse to raise awareness of the Low-Income Subsidy. See NAMI-CT Offer for details.
- CT Mental Health System Among Best in Nation
In a March 12th press release, Governor M. Jodi Rell announced that Connecticut continues to be recognized for having one of the top adult mental health systems in the country, according to a comprehensive survey by NAMI.
"This validates the strengths of the Connecticut mental health system and our commitment to improving the lives of those living with mental illness and their families," Governor Rell said. "I commend Commissioner Kirk for his strong leadership at the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) and for the effective teamwork that goes into delivering quality care and support."
NAMI's "Grading the States Report 2009" is a comprehensive state-by-state analysis of public mental health care systems. Connecticut received the highest grade in 2006. This year, each state was scored on 65 criteria resulting in an overall grade and four sub-category grades for each state. Connecticut again received the highest grade awarded along with five other states.
…Read the full press release: HTML | MS Word
- Commissioner Thomas A. Kirk, Jr., Ph.D receives 2009 Dr. Karen Kangas Award
During AU's 38th Graduation Ceremony, AU Board of Directors President John Sims and AU Executive Director Karen Kangas, Ed.D, presented DMHAS Commissioner Thomas A. Kirk, Jr., Ph.D, with the 2009 Karen Kangas Award for Excellence in Advocacy for his outstanding contributions to the field of mental health and substance use disorders…
"In recognition of his tireless efforts and dedication in support of persons in recovery, his vision of recovery and a transformed mental health system, his support of Advocacy Unlimited, Inc., and his successful leadership of Connecticut's Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services into the national forefront, Advocacy Unlimited proudly presents this 2009 Dr. Karen Kangas Award for Excellency in Advocacy to Commissioner Thomas A. Kirk, Jr., Ph.D"
~ July 8, 2009
- Susan Werboff receives 2008 Dr. Karen Kangas Award
Congratulations to advocate extraordinaire and P & A Director Susan Werboff, recipient of the 2008 Dr. Karen Kangas Award for Excellency in Advocacy!
Susan, a long time advocate for persons with psychiatric disabilities and director at CT's Office of Protection and Advocacy, was presented this prestigious award at the 2008 AU Holiday Party on December 12, 2008.
Susan's list of accomplishments and service to the consumer community is extensive, having helped 1,000's of persons with psychiatric disabilities, often being selflessly available for them regardless of the time of day or night. Advocacy Unlimited and its entire board of directors was extremely pleased to recognize Susan for her contributions and present her with the 2008 Dr. Karen Kangas Award for Excellency in Advocacy!
- Glenn Close, Mental Health Advocate
Oscar nominee, mental health advocate, and Inspire Awards 2009 Honoree Glenn Close headlined a national advertising campaign in 2009 intended to diminish the stigma of mental illness. See Inspire Awards 2009 Honorees for the full story. Also see BringChange2Mind, the anti-stigma web resource created by Glenn Close, the Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation (CABF), Fountain House, and Garen and Shari Staglin of the International Mental Health Research Organization (IMHRO) for help in dealing with mental health stigma, misconceptions, and bias.
- ADA Amendments Act (ADAA) of 2008 signed into law
Sept. 25, 2008 -- The ADA Amendments Act (ADAA) of 2008 was signed into law in a White House ceremony this morning, after identical bills were passed by the Senate (unanimously, on September 11th) and the House (by voice vote, on September 17th). The law's effective date is January 1, 2009. This is a great victory for people with disabilities.
Since the ADA became law in 1990, a series of court decisions have narrowed the category of who qualifies as an "individual with a disability," contrary to Congressional intent. By raising the threshold for an impairment to qualify as a disability, these court decisions have deprived individuals of the discrimination protections Congress intended to provide.
The ADA Amendments Act remedies this problem and restores workplace protections to every American with a disability. The bill leaves the ADA's familiar disability definition intact, but takes several specific steps to direct courts toward a more generous meaning and application of the definition. This legislation makes it easier for people with disabilities to be covered by the ADA because it effectively expands the definition of disability to include many more major life activities, as well as a new category of major bodily functions.
For the Hartford Courant article (December 2, 2008) providing an assessment of the ADA Amendments Act, see Amended Law (opens in a new browser window).
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AU releases Spanish language version of its website
En español
To better support persons with psychiatric disabilities and their families in the Hispanic community, Advocacy Unlimited is pleased to have launched the first release of a Spanish version of its website. Developed completely in-house with translations done by AU's bilingual staff, this first release explains who AU is, what we do, our philosophies and goals, and our stand on many of the issues surrounding mental health. It also provides contact info and a full description of the Advocacy Education Course along with the schedule of courses being taught in Spanish and the capability to apply for the course online. Like the English site, the Spanish site will continue to grow as more and more info, resources, and functionality are added.
This project is part of AU's overall Latino Initiative which includes the expansion of AU's outreach into the Hispanic community and translation of the entire Advocacy Education Course curriculum.
The development was funded through grants from SAMHSA and the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving. Many thanks to our Advocates and volunteers who make up the Translation Review Committee. Visit the Spanish site now!
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Charter Oak Health Plan - Connecticut's new affordable health care
For the first time, Connecticut adults of all incomes have access to health coverage! Connecticut adults who aren't lucky enough to get health insurance on the job will have access to decent, affordable coverage. As proposed by Governor M. Jodi Rell and approved by the General Assembly, Charter Oak offers coverage to the uninsured and to many adults experiencing financial hardship in paying unaffordable, non-group premiums on their own. The State of Connecticut is contracting with three private insurers -- Aetna Better Health, AmeriChoice of Connecticut, and Community Health Network of Connecticut -- to coordinate benefits and medical providers.
Charter Oak will cover enrollees with pre-existing medical conditions (no exclusions).
For complete details, visit www.charteroakhealthplan.com, or call I-877-77-CTOAK. Download the application form here (these links open in a new browser window).
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FDA requests warnings on older class of antipsychotic drugs
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today exercised its new authority under the Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007 (FDAAA) to require manufacturers of "conventional" antipsychotic drugs to make safety-related changes to prescribing information, or labeling, to warn about an increased risk of death associated with the off-label use of these drugs to treat behavioral problems in older people with dementia. Read the full article
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No Kidding, Me Too!
Founded by actor Joe Pantoliano (The Sopranos), No Kidding, Me Too! is a nonprofit organization comprised of entertainment industry members united in an effort to educate Americans about the epidemic related to mental illness in all forms. The goal is to tear this stigma out of the closet and de-isolate it so that these people will be surprised to find millions of others like themselves and say, "No Kidding, Me Too!"
See more here, or watch Joe Pantoliano's (The Sopranos) in-depth interview on NBC News with Brian Williams.
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Comfortably Numb: How Psychiatry is Medicating a Nation
Written by Charles Barber, author and lecturer in psychiatry at the Yale University School of Medicine, "Comfortably Numb: How Psychiatry is Medicating a Nation" is an unprecedented account of the impact of psychiatric medications on American culture and on Americans themselves.
Public perceptions of mental health issues have changed dramatically over the last fifteen years, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the rampant over-medicalization of ordinary Americans. In 2006, 227 million antidepressant prescriptions were dispensed in this country, more than any other class of medication. In that same year, the U.S. accounted for 66% of the global antidepressant market. In his latest book, "Comfortably Numb," Charles Barber provides a much-needed context for this disturbing phenomenon.
See more about Mr. Barber and his books on his website at www.charlesbarberwriting.com (opens in a new browser window).
Also see Mr. Barber's article Healing a Troubled Mind Takes More Than a Pill.
- AU receives 2006 Spirit of the ADA Award
AU is proud to have received a 2006 Spirit of the ADA Award. The award was presented to AU, along with the other nominees, on July 26, 2006 at the Second Annual Spirit of the ADA Celebration sponsored by the Developmental Disabilities Network. See Spirit of the ADA Award.
- New book features chapter on AU
"On our Own, Together: Peer Programs for People with Mental Illness", a new book now available, includes a chapter about Advocacy Unlimited written by AU's Founding Director Yvette Sangster.
- HUD Inventory of Multifamily Units (opens in a new browser window)
Information that can assist advocates in finding affordable and accessible units is available from HUD on their "Subsidized Multifamily Units" web page.
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