"New Ideas"
Welcome to NAMI Illinois'
discussion groups, "Communicate." Here's your opportunity
to learn what others are talking about and to share your opinion and ask
questions.
Good communications is the heart of any
relationship and this includes your relationship with NAMI (National,
State and local Affiliates). NAMI Illinois is starting a new service
for its members and local chapters called "Communicate."
Its purpose is to share helpful information. In order to do this you can
ask questions for problems you have or you can share information that has
been helpful to you and/or your organization.
"New Ideas"
This section is for National, State and Local Affiliates
to propose or brainstorm new ideas.
To
submit a question or reply click here.
Postings will be listed below.
Why
can't the behavioral health industry work this way? - Posted 8-29-07
I
called an Ottawa, IL. phone number to make an appt. with an
allergist physician for my father and it was forwarded to the DeKalb
Clinic. There were psychiatrists located here also but I know
one left, one retired. Why can't the behavioral health
industry partner this way?
To my
knowledge they don't at least extending urban resources into more
rural areas so people aren't without services. Wouldn't NAMI
be in a good position to know who is doing this in our industry and
encourage this practice to improve access to care? Especially
when Illinois got an "F"?
Paulette
Sheedy
NAMI-NCI
Ottawa,
IL.
Reaching
Out to Families - Posted 7-26-07
If
NAMI Illinois Affiliates are not regularly reaching out to families
who have lost a loved one through suicide, I encourage them to do so.
One of
our members contacts the families after reading the inquests or
learning of the suicide and lets them know NAMI is there for them. Families
appreciate this support and have attended our NAMI gatherings which is
another source of membership development. Or, she sends cards to
them so they know they are in our thoughts and prayers.
Paulette
Sheedy - NAMI-NCI
Teen Yellow Pages - Posted 7-23-07
Our
Domestic Violence Agency published a "Teen Yellow Pages"
that is very helpful if any affiliate wanted to see it to make sure
your area has access to everything available.
Also, we
printed NAMI Note Cards so we can send corporate donors a decent thank
you note from NAMI. They are on white card stock with the blue
and gold NAMI logo. They were not expensive.
Paulette
Sheedy
NAMI-NCI
Ottawa,
IL
Advocacy Consultant - Posted 7-23-07
One of
our new NAMI affiliate guests want to start a behavioral health
advocacy consultancy business comparable to a health consultant who
helps people plan and connect with the right sources for their
physical health. There is a person in the Chicago area who does
this for physical health and charges $65/hour. This pre-med
graduate would like to be able to help people with medicare, meds,
trusts, healthcare providers for behavioral health.
Anyone
have any ideas as to whether or not you think this could work and to
what audience would be most suitable?
Thank
you,
Paulette
Sheedy
NAMI-NCI
Ottawa,
IL
List of Churches - Posted 7-23-07
Our
NAMI Affiliate is currently in the process of compiling a list of
churches in our whole county, visiting them personally and giving them
an updated brochure of NAMI along with the Ministry Books NAMI
publishes -- well received.
As
my NAMI colleagues make visits, they get names of ministers, RN's
donating their time for behavioral health referrals, etc. and we are
compiling our list from scratch. It's a big job but we've
already had people come to our NAMI gatherings because of this faith
based connection and some churches have run out of brochures because
of the amount of people asking.
Paulette
Sheedy
NAMI-NCI
Ottawa,
IL
"Do you believe
mental illness is caused by demons?"
A week ago today (Sunday, March 12) I
received a telephone call from one of our deacons (First Presbyterian
Church, Danville, IL). He said he had received a questionnaire
from the United Presbyterian Church RE mental illness. Rick knew
I facilitate a support group for family/friends of folks
with mental illness which the church gives me space. (My church
also lends space to a consumer facilitated support group held twice a
month.) He admitted to knowing very little about mental
illness.
The first question on the questionnaire
was: "Do you believe mental illness is caused by
demons?"
After about
1 1/2 hours on the phone, we completed the survey/questionnaire.
Rick said if I ever wanted to do a worship service devoted to
mental health he would be happy to help.
Now - my question: do
we have any type of sketch, outline or formula for such an
undertaking?
Also, I've been asked
to speak at our local Primetimer group (retired folks) in June.
I have been given leaway and can choose a topic (guess what that will
be).
Just wondering and
hoping for some guidance.
Janet Martin, NAMI Vermilion County
NAMW
(National
Alliance
for Mental
Wellness)
Posted 9-19-05
Has
anyone in NAMI thought that we may be contributing to the stigma of
mental illness through our name vs. helping to eliminate the
stigma?
For
time purposes, in lieu of brainstorming with others and thinking of
another acronym/name that better describes what NAMI does for the 21st
century, I believe
NAMW
(National
Alliance
for Mental
Wellness)
is more positive and more suitable for what we "Really" do?
I
am disabled with depression and HATE the words mental illness -- it's
too victimizing, "dark" and negative. Countless people
do too and won't join NAMI because of their name and negative
positioning. Unless a more positive term is communicated
this audience cannot visualize wellness and will not be as likely to
achieve some positive treatment goals. Any thought, much
appreciated!
Paulette
Sheedy, President, NAMI-North Central Illinois
Response
- 12-27-2007
I believe this is a wonderful
suggestion. With recently joining NAMI, it has been
difficult to discuss the organization with others. Once I
mention what the acronym stands for they back away.
Shouldn't mental illness really be managed/treated as a disease
instead of something people think of as viral.
Thank you Paulette for sharing your
ideas and thoughts in this Communicate section. I look
forward to seeing more.
Tonya Kaberna
Faith Based Organizations - 9-2-05
We need to develop a plan for the faith
based organizations to more fully integrate with the mentally ill
people/families of their local communities.
It seems that the local churches could
help integrate people who have come out of the hospital and need a
safe place to regain their skills by helping out in their offices.
Has anyone sucessfully launched
this on a larger scale?
Our churches could:
1. Hold "drop in centers"
places of recreation and fellowship.
2. Hold support group meetings/
educational classes or seminars
3. Help re-connect individuals to
the local churches by assisting the office staff with work.
Some local churches may be interested in
this idea, but they don't know how to "find those people"
interested.
Does anyone have an idea how to hook the
people in the community needing help with the local churches?
Who would maintain a master list like this? Would HIPAA be a
problem?
Pat Doyle, Education Coordinator at
NAMI DuPage
NAMI Illinois expressly disclaims responsibility for,
and liabilities resulting from, any information or communications from and
between users. Messages
that are offensive or misleading will not be posted.
Illinois'
Voice on Mental Illness - NAMI Illinois