NAMI Lexington

Warmin' Up!!

2010-06-01T15:15:00.000-04:00

Hi all!

It's been a very exciting Spring here at NAMI Lexington! We celebrated our 25th Anniversary, we had the Grand Opening of Participation Station and we started the State's first consumer run Warm Line!!
A Warm Line is a non-emergency phone line for people living with mental illness. You can call the Warm Line if you "just need someone to talk to" or you are experiencing a stressful time, feeling cut off from the world or isolated. It is staffed by Peer Supporters who have "been there" and have been trained to offer support, help with appropriate referrals or to just listen without judgment. When you need someone to listen, give us a call! (859) 252-0058 in Lexington or call toll free at:(877) 840-5167 Bluegrass Region.
Phill and Kelly Gunning have been working SO hard on grants lately! If you get a chance, give them a pat on the back for all their great work! They are quite the team!
I'm pleased to announce that Participation Station is a huge success! Since March 2010, 628 people have walked through the door and we have had 52 new programs since we opened in December 2009! WOW! We are still growing! Thank you to my dedicated team of volunteers! Without them, this success would not have been possible.

As for me, I am still trekkin' to Cincy every week. Life is so much better since EMDR! I am doing well, but I am still having set backs. I feel like progress is happening but it's slow going. It's like my wonderful husband says, "You're an onion." I guess he's right. Keep me in your thoughts as I travel this journey...

As the weather gets warmer and the sun starts shining, NAMI Lexington is our beacon of hope!

Thanks for listening...until next time,

Val

We're A MAY Zing!

2010-04-12T13:33:00.000-04:00

Hi all!
May is Mental Health Month! Yeah! We have lots of activities planned to celebrate. First, we will have a special presentation on April 19th at 7pm. "Relapse Prevention and Reduction Strategies in Schizophrenia." The guest speaker is Dr. Michael Fuller from Glaveston TX. This will be a great event with refreshments afterwards. Please call Martice at 859-272-7891 to RVSP.

NEXT, May 21st is the Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Participation Station. The Station is a peer operated center that focuses on education, wellness, recovery and fun! If you are a consumer, come visit and get involved. Goto http://psapoc.org for more info and our current schedule. All are welcome to the grand opening.

NEXT, May 27th at 6:30pm we will be celebrating NAMI Lexington's 25th Anniversary!! We will be at Eastern State Hospital in the gym with a night of fiesta, food and focus. NAMIFEST! We will also be viewing the movie"When Medicine Got It Wrong." It is a rivoting film about the history of NAMI and mental illness.

I would love to see you at any or all of these events!

Participation Station is soon going to be offering a Warm Line. This is a phone number that consumers can call in the place of the crisis line if they just need to talk. It will be manned by trained consumers. I'll keep you posted on this one.

As for me personally, I am still making the trip to Cincinnati every week to see my incredible therapist, Dr. Barbara Hensley. I keep thinking that I will be done soon, but something new always seems to pop up that we need to work on. My loving husband is SO supportive of anything I need to do to be in recovery and he drives me up to Cincy every week. God Bless him!!

Until next time America,

Val

Winter Snow Bloggin'!

2010-02-18T15:35:00.000-05:00

So many changes since my last post! Participation Station is up and running! This is a peer operated center for consumers that is led by consumers who are also KY Peer Specialists. The hours for the Station are:

Sun 2:30pm-4:00pm
Tues & Wed 11:30am-4:00pm
Thurs 3:30pm-7:00pm
Sat 5:00pm-8:00pm

We do alot of different things at Participation Station. We have educational classes, a library, computers with internet access and lots of friendships to be made. We do yoga and meditation, we work towards wellness and we work on staying in recovery.

We are currently teaching a Family-to-Family class with 16 students. I think everyone is excited about learning so much about mental illnesses.

Personally, I am still driving to Cincinnati every week for my EMDR therepy. It is very difficult, but I am living through it and I am coming out as a better and healthier person.

Thank you to everyone who attended our NAMI WAlk this year. It was a great success! We had around 1500 people participate this year.

Have a good winter and keep the snow away!! I think a little snow isn't too bad as long as I don't have to drive in it.

Have a good day!

Walkin' & Rollin'!

2009-09-14T14:49:00.002-04:00

Hi all!! Happy late summer, early fall!! The NAMI Walk is quickly approaching on Saturday, October 10, 2009 at noon. Have you got your team online yet? What about your team's t-shirt? Do you have a great design? How big is your team? Can you get it to grow and be the largest team this year? What about fund raising? Has each of your team members raised $100 so they can get a free NAMIWALKS t-shirt? So many questions...Easy answers! Do you have MORE questions? Just email Phill at namiwalks@namilex.org.

NAMI is so excited about our newest project called Participation Station! It is a peer run center where consumers in all stages of recovery can come to attend a educational class, attend an exercise class, listen to a speaker, or just hang out and enjoy a good cup of coffee. Our mission is to provide a program based environment that educates, empowers and enhances the lives of individuals moving towards recovery and mental wellness. What a great opportunity we have! Thank you Shannon Ware,CEO of Bluegrass, and the members of the Bluegrass Mental Health/Mental Retardation Board for the use of the space at the old Comprehensive Care Center on Mechanic Street in Lexington!

Personally, I have been doing very well. I still have my set backs, but overall I am doing well. I started taking a couple classes at Bluegrass Community and Technical College and I will be the Director of Participation Station. Whew! The therapy in Cincinnati called EMDR has changed my life! Thank you Dr. Hensley for everything!

We will need lots of volunteers for the new Participation Station, so if you would like to be involved with this awesome new project, just give us a call at (859) 272-7891 or email me at val@namilex.org and I'll hook you up.

SEE YOU AT THE WALK!!!
Val

Happy Summer

2009-07-20T14:03:00.002-04:00

Hi all! It's summertime and as the temperature gets hotter, so does the excitement at NAMI Lexington! We are gearing up for our Walk on Saturday, October 10, 2009. The next big event is the Kick off Luncheon on Friday, August 14th. It will be held at the Fayette County Extension Office in Lexington from 11:30am-1:00pm. This meeting is for anyone interested in getting involved and learning more about the upcoming Walk. Space is limited, so call our office at (859) 272-7891 to RSVP.

My biggest excitement this summer has been that Shannon Ware,CEO of Bluegrass, and Bluegrass Mental Health/Mental Retardation Board has granted us space for a peer support center (drop-in). We are calling it The Participation Station! This center will be located at the Comp Care Center on Mechanic Street in downtown Lexington. The current Comprehensive Care Center will be moving to the new Joseph A. Toy Center on Newtown Pike. We are expecting to have our grand opening on or around November 1st! This center will be consumer-run. This is a huge opportunity for consumers to help in their recovery. We plan to have alot of different support groups, bring in speakers, have art classes, have movie nights, and just enjoy participating in improving our quality of life. We are thinking about being open some in the evenings and weekends, when most consumers don't have much to keep them busy. I will keep you posted along the way as we get closer to our grand opening!

We have had a change of leadership at NAMI KY. Cathy Epperson, retired CEO of Adanta in Somerset, KY, is the acting executive director and we just elected new officers and board members at the Annual meeting this past weekend.

Personally, I have been having a great summer. I am planning on taking a couple of classes in the fall at Bluegrass Community & Technical College, my doctor has reduced and discontinued a couple of my medications because I have been doing so well, and I am almost finished with my EMDR therapy in Cincinnati, OH.

Keep checking back at this website and this blog for allthe goings on here at NAMI. We do alot and our activities are always growing. So stay tuned!!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

2008-12-16T15:57:00.004-05:00

I didn't realize that had it has been over a year since last you heard from me!!! I guess I had better let you know that this has been an exciting year for me. As the Outreach Coordinator for NAMI Lexington, it has been an exhilarating year. Our work began in advocating for the replacement of Eastern State Hospital. The ESH Town Hall Meeting as well as the days spent in Frankfort, talking to the legislators, was indeed a learning experience. In the midst of all that, I got married in April! Wow, the time has really flown...8 months have passed and my husband Ralph is right there advocating with me. We have so many things to be thankful for.
I am looking forward to the Blue Christmas, Santuary for the Soul, that is happening this Sunday, Dec. 21st at 5 p.m. The interfaith service is open to everyone. This wonderful event is being co-sponsored by Central Christian Church, Short Street, Lexington in the main sanctuary.
Along those lines, I would like to share a message that I wrote...

A BLUE CHRISTMAS, THE DARK NIGHT OF MY SOUL

Why so downcast oh my soul? Put your trust and hope in God! Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD sees you through them all! Inspired by Psalm 34

A Blue Christmas, the dark night of my soul is the thought that came to me as I reflected on my journey. Winter solstice is the longest night of the year. Winter sets in and the darkness of being alone, without loved ones you cherished and held dear comes to call. The last thing you want someone to tell you is “Snap out of it! Pull yourself up by your bootstraps and pray harder!” Sometimes, it is okay to allow yourself to feel the pain and experience the losses without any expectation.
As a Believer in the Jesus Way, my hope is truly built on His love for me. The only way I can begin to receive His love is when I study His word and see what He has in store for me.
The Creator of the universe loved me so much that He came in the form of a baby by humbling himself and being born in a manager because there was no room in the inn. Rejection…plain and simple…literally from the cradle to the grave…without anywhere to be born or later to be buried; Jesus was clearly my example of how to handle the emotions that come when you are dealing with major life changes.
The longest night of the soul for Christ Jesus, came in the Garden of Gethsemane, when he went to the Mount of Olivet and prayed. He asked Father to take this cup of sorrow from him; yet He prayed, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” He submitted His will to Father and died for my sins and yours upon a tree.
Although I have had many dark days due to major depression, my soul is now at peace as I realize ALL things have worked together for my good because I love the LORD, have asked Him to be the Master of my life and trust by faith that I am forgiven!
Prayer: Father, help me to realize today how much you love me and how much you care for me. Thank you for coming into the world and dying for me to have eternal life with you forever. Amen.

It is my hope for you to have a blessed and prosperous 2009! Please support us in the work that still needs to be done for those without a voice...No Stigma, Know More, Know NAMI!!!

Blessings, Yondi and Family

Christmas presents

2008-12-16T08:34:00.002-05:00

We have a great Christmas present in the mental health community! Bluegrass MH/MR announced last week that Shannon Ware has been appointed as the new President and CEO of Bluegrass!!! We look forward to working with her to achieve our goal of getting a new state of the art hospital.

As for me, I am getting a Christmas present in the form of the Blue Christmas service that I discussed in my previous post. I look forward to getting away from the hustle and bustle of the holidays and "resting my soul" for a little while. We are planning a very special service so I hope all of you can join us.

How about that snow this morning? Snow AND ice I should say. I love to be inside watching the snow and not having to drive in it. Be careful out there! The weatherman is forcasting snow on Sunday for our service, but we will still be there as long as the roads aren't too bad. We'll keep you posted.

I'd like to say a special thank you to all our volunteers who have helped us with all our events this past year. Without you NAMI Lexington would never get anything done! YOU GUYS ROCK!

I would also like to thanks to Kelly Gunning, our Executive Director and "fearless leader" for all her dedication to our cause. Without her leadership, NAMI Lexington would not be where it is today. As part of her staff, I just wanted to say thank you to her for supporting me and all the other consumers out there that aren't able to say thank you because of their circumstances.

Thanks also go out the awesome staff I work with. Angelina, Joy, Yondi, Phill, Mama Faye and Gina make everything run so smoothly behind the scenes.

Alright, I got a bit mushy, but I think it needed to be said considering this is the end of a great year for us.

Always remember with NAMI Lexington, YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

Merry Christmas and a marvelous New Year to each and every one of you!

Christmas time is ALMOST here!

2008-11-21T10:13:00.005-05:00

It's been a while since my last post so I wanted to bring you all up to speed. We had a great Walk! We had over 1,100 people there and I know everyone had a great time.

We also had our annual Heroes in the Fight Awards. The Governor and the First Lady were there to receive the Wings Award and Joe Toy, CEO of Bluegrass Mental Health was there to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award. Thank you to both of them for their committment to improving the lives of us living with mental illnesses.

As for the new hospital, it is moving along smoothly. The RFP came out recently giving us some more information about how many beds may be in the hospital. We are very excited about that. There are several more steps until we break ground but our dream is getting closer and closer! I'll keep you posted.

Right now, we are gearing up for our Annual Blue Christmas Service that will be held on Sunday, December 21, 2008 at 5:00pm at Central Christian Church in Lexington. This service is for anyone feeling isolated, lonely, sad, grieving, hurt, overwelmed or empty. We ask that you come to this special service to "Rest your soul."

Our Annual Consumer/Family Christmas Party will be held on Sunday, December 7, 2008 at 2:30pm-4:00pm at the Faye Morton Consumer and Family Center on the grounds of Eastern State Hospital. We will have lots of good food and fun. We will also have a brief business meeting to elect new officers to our NAMI Lexington Board of Directors for 2009-2010. So all NAMI members please try to attend.

As for me, personally, I have begun a new therapy called EMDR (eye movement desensitization & reprossessing). I am seeing Dr. Barbara Hensley in Cincinnati for this specialized form of therapy. It is for trauma survivors. I have had significant childhood trauma. This treatment seems to be working!! I am so excited that I have found something that actually seems to be treating the root of the problem rather than just the symptoms. If you are interested in more information on this life changing therapy please email me at blind.justice@insightbb.com.

Hopefully, I will get to post before Christmas but if not, have a safe and Happy Holiday Season!!!

Kick Off the Walk & Roll at the Cabaret!

2008-07-31T14:59:00.004-04:00

Come join us on 8-8-08 for our annual Kick off for the Walk event. This year we will be having a Cabaret theme. The party will be held in the courtyard at Bluegrass MH/MR Regional Office on Newtown Pike (we ask that you use the Citation Blvd. entrance) under big tents from 7pm-11pm. We will have The Bats performing their Cabaret to Rock n Roll type of entertainment for all the party goers. They promise that you will have a great time and so do we! We will be having great food and drinks and a cash bar catered by the Saute' Cafe' as well. So come out and party with us and we will see you there!

Out of the Shadows on KET

2008-06-12T14:43:00.004-04:00

There is a new special available for online viewing at
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/takeonestep/depression/video-ch_01.html KET has produced this wonderful program. Jane Pauley is also involved with this project. Go check this one out also!!!

MTV True Stories - I Have Schizophrenia

2008-06-09T13:50:00.004-04:00

Hey everyone! I have been missing in action for about a week with my "noise," but I am back and ready to work for NAMI and keep all of you up-to-date on all the goings on at NAMI Lexington.

MTV did a show about 3 people living with schizophrenia and how it affects their lives. NAMI is mentioned a few times during the video. Please check it out...it's eye opening. Here's the link to the special in its entirety:

http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?id=1586145&vid=234632

Don't forget about our Gourmet Social on Thursday, June 12 at 7:00pm at the Bluegrass Board Room on Newtown Pike. Call our office at (859)272-7891 for more details.

Even with setbacks, I continue on this journey...

VM

WTVQ, Channel 36 does a special series

2008-05-12T12:14:00.003-04:00

WTVQ, Channel 36, will be featuring stories on the 5:00pm and 6:00pm newscast on May 13th, 14th and 15th to celebrate Mental Health Month and to try to break the stigma associated with mental illnesses. On May 13th, the topic will be depression, on May 14th, they will focus on bipolar disorder/schizophenia and on May 15th, they will talk about suicide. So tune in to Channel 36 to check out these great stories. Thanks to Greg Stotelmyer for covering our mental health stories!

We did it! We did it! We did it!

2008-05-12T12:10:00.002-04:00

Because of all your phone calls and sending postcards to the governor's office, we are getting a replacement for Eastern State Hospital. You should all pat yourself on the back! Can you believe it's actually going to happen?!? I'm so happy, I'm sure you are too!

CALL YOUR LEGISLATORS!

2008-03-25T14:25:00.002-04:00

Call your legislators now! Especially those in the House of Representatives. We want Bluegrass Mental Health-Mental Retardation Board, Inc. to run the new hospital because they have done such a wonderful job running Eastern State and Oakwood. Where would this State be without Bluegrass? You can find out ho your legislators are by going to www.nami.org/advocacy or you can call 1-800-372-7181 to leave a message to one or all of your legislators. This is so important!!! So act today!

SUPPORT EASTERN STATE HOSPITAL!

2008-02-07T14:00:00.000-05:00

Please go to www.bluegrass.org/supportesh/ to support the building of a NEW Eastern State Hospital!

Open Town Meeting/Media Event

2008-01-22T15:58:00.000-05:00

Hello everybody! Please read and do the following...

Please join NAMI Lexington in creating support for the General Assembly to:

Include funding for a replacement of Eastern State Hospital in his 2008 capital projects budget.

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

Send the message that funding for the new hospital and Behavioral Health need be PRIORITIES!!!

TWO WAYS YOUR CAN HELP...

Create support by attending our Town Meeting/Media Event

Eastern State Hospital Town Meeting/Media Event
Friday January 25, 2008 - 2:30pm
Megowan Gymnasium at Eastern State Hospital

Contacting Governor Besear directly, asking him to include funding for replacing Eastern State Hospital in his 2008 budget.

The Behavioral Health Care System can not absorb anymore CUTS!!!

Governor Beshear
Phone: (502) 564-2611 --- Steve,Beshear@ky.gov

Where there's a will...there's a way!
Creating support~together we will find a way.

For additional information: NAMI Lexington
Phone (859) 272-7891 --- http://lexington.nami.org

" 2 0 0 8...WE WILL REPLACE EASTERN STATE"

Just wanted to say hello

2007-12-12T19:43:00.000-05:00

It has been awhile since I have blogged...Sorry. I just wanted to say Val thanks for all you do. The dancing sistas was cute...too bad I couldn't have danced with you all...Maybe next time. Oh ell everyone have a wonderful and blessed Chrsitmas (holiday) season. Remember the real reason we celebrate all the holidays no matter what you believe. If you need a friend remember NAMI is always here for you no matter day or night...Call and we will be there for you. Thanks to all who has made 2007 special for me. See ya, Jenn

my second year with NAMI!

2007-12-11T15:33:00.000-05:00

this week marks the end of my second year with NAMI Lexington and the beginning of my thrid! I can hardly believe that two years have already gone by!

I love my NAMI Family and i am very impressed with the wonderful group dynamic that this team has established ... and i am very excited to start a third year with NAMI :)

NAMI ROCKS!

The Sistas Moonlighting for NAMI

2007-11-20T08:46:00.001-05:00

Star in Your Own JibJab! It's Free!This is what the NAMI Lexington office staff do to raise money on the side for our organization. LOL! Enjoy!

3 trainings in 9 days!

2007-11-20T08:31:00.000-05:00

Gosh, November has just flown by for me. On November 7th, we hosted a In Our Own Voice refresher course. We had 12 people there and had a very good training. Then on Thursday, November 8th, I traveled to Louisville to be trained as a NAMI Connections Support Group facilitator. I thought I was going to have to battle with the NAMI National trainers about some of our people receiving their certificates, but all worked out fine and everyone passed the course! That training lasted until Sunday, November 11th. I left Louisville around 2:30pm then went straight to Blue Licks State Park to be trained as a KY Peer Support Specialist. This training lasted until Friday, November 17th. This was a grueling training with lots of information overload that overwhelmed many in the statewide group. We did have time to hear some stories about the battlefield and eat smores by the fireplace in the dining room at the lodge. YUM! I was, to say the least, exhausted by the end of the week. I was glad to be home. Life is good. Exhausting, but good!

ooops

2007-05-24T12:18:00.001-04:00

By the way I will be celebrating my 40th birthday on Friday, May 25th. So Happy Birthday to me...

Much better

2007-05-24T12:15:00.000-04:00

Thanks to my NAMI family and my medicaton I am feeling much better. It is a daily struggle but recovery is possible. I just did another IOOV presentation with Jenny Hiler and it went well. IOOV is very helpful for me it allows me to share my daily experieces with other persons who maybe struggle as I am. Just to get out and be among people is very helpful. I get lonely and pray and hope that one day I won't always be alone. I know that life has it's ups and downs but right now I am up and that is all that matters. Thanks for your thoughts, prayers and concerns. Take care, Jenn

sorry been gone

2007-05-11T22:46:00.000-04:00

Life for me has been very difficult lately. I haven't wanted to bother anyone so I keep a lot bottled up inside. I have moved into a house. WOW. That is big for me. I know I can afford it financially but I did something really stupid and it will make me have to struggle next month. I hope I can be ok.
Then my meds don't seem to be working all that well. Well I guess they would work better if I remembered to take them when I am supposed to. Since Jan. my therapist has been off on medical leave and in April they fired my psychiatrist. I have been with them since 1996. I feel like they have been my saving grace many of days. Now I feel lost and alone. I know I have my NAMI family but they have so much stuff going on in their lives as well. The VA doesn't have a plan for real for a new psychiatrist or getting us reassigned but then do I have to start all over again with someone new getting to know me inside and out. Know when I am being honest about my meds or I really need some help. Something made me come here tonight and boy this is helping. Attending the consumer conference was wonderful but I just didn't feel like being there. I fell recently as well causing me to scrape my leg pretty bad and that has been bothersome as well. I don't know what to do anymore. I feel so lost and out of control. My diagnosis is major depression but I wonder if I have a touch of mania as well. You see this is where my mistake recently came into play. I really feel like I am spiralling out of control. I refuse to go back to the VA psychiatric hospital and I refuse to put my child through hell because of my desire for the pain to stop. She deserves so much more then that. She is graduating from high school soon and I am so proud of her. I want to see that day so I have to get better some hoe. I called the VA to see what I needed to do to get my meds increased but they could only say they would send a note to a doctor who doesn't know me from Adam, and see if they will increase it. Well now I have to wait at least the weekend because didn't get an answer today (Friday).
Please keep me in your prayers and pray that this too shall pass...Jenn

Congressman Ben Chandler - Member of the Congressional Mental Health Caucus

2007-04-26T11:15:00.000-04:00

Hello Everyone,

I'm sad Valerie has provided this wonderful tool for us, and we are not using it. I know everyone has been very busy and we have had much illness as well. Hopefully, everyone will be returning to health and we will be able to have a more reasonable schedule of activities (after MAY DAY!! and Mental Healoth Month, of course).

Joy Henderson forwarded this email letter from Congressman Chandler. I have to admit I didn’t even know Ben Chandler was a member of the Congressional Mental Health Caucus. Joy has already responded to his E-Newsletter and I hope many others will respond as well.

Peace,

Phill

April 25, 2007
Dear Friends,
It has been a little over a week since the shooting at Virginia Tech, in which 32 individuals were killed and another 28 were wounded.
While Congress is still grieving with the Virginia Tech community, we are also looking at steps we could take to help prevent tragedies like this from occurring in the future. While we may never fully understand what ultimately drives someone to commit such a senseless act, the Virginia Tech tragedy has certainly reminded us of the seriousness of mental disorders and the importance of early detection and treatment.
It is my hope that Congress will be encouraged to place an added emphasis on mental health in the wake of this tragedy. Please take a moment to read my monthly column on this subject and learn more about what I am working on in Congress to help address this problem.
Combating Mental Illness
As the students of Virginia Tech head back to class struggling to cope with the unspeakable violence that overwhelmed their school, we as a nation are sharing in both their sorrow and their questions of how such a horrific tragedy could occur on one of our college campuses. Unfortunately, school shootings have become all too common in our society. Kentuckians will never forget the 1997 shooting at Heath High School in Paducah. And eight years ago, nearly to the day of the Virginia Tech massacre, our country was confronted by the tragedy at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado.
While we may never fully understand what ultimately drives someone to commit such a senseless act, there seems to be a common thread among these school shootings. Sadly, the Virginia Tech tragedy has reminded us of the seriousness of mental disorders and the importance of early detection and treatment. I have always been a strong advocate for mental health and hope Congress will be encouraged to place added importance on this pressing matter in the coming year.
It is important to remember that the overwhelming majority of people who suffer from mental health issues do not physically hurt anybody. Indeed, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, about one in four adults suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder in any given year. We must also remember that the gunman's mental state in no way excuses him of his actions, but his history of mental problems certainly causes us to reflect on the seriousness of mental illness.
First Lady Rosalynn Carter began advocating for mental health awareness in 1971. When she began her work, mental illnesses were shrouded in shame and largely ignored. While the medical community has progressed dramatically over the last decade in understanding how to treat mental disease, I believe the public stigma that remains comes at a price our society cannot afford.
It is critical that we continue to raise awareness of mental health issues. Since being in Congress, I have been a member of the Congressional Mental Health Caucus to hopefully do just that. Mental disorders are the leading cause of disability in the U.S. for persons aged 15-44. And aside from the enormous personal costs associated with mental health problems, the National Mental Health Association estimates that the American economy loses about $105 billion each year through lost productivity due to untreated mental illness.
It is long overdue for mental illnesses to be treated just as physical illnesses are treated. A 1999 Surgeon General's report showed that mental health illnesses are largely biologically-based and can be effectively treated in a clinical setting. For this and other reasons, I have cosponsored H.R. 1367, the Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act of 2007, which would require insurance companies to treat mental health services as they do other health services. In order to effectively face the problem of mental illness, we must ensure that individuals have the insurance coverage they need to afford treatment.
Looking forward, it is critical that the federal government invest in more training to detect mental health problems, more research to prevent and treat mental disorders, and more treatment options for those suffering from mental illness. We must do all we can to destigmatize mental disorders and provide equity in health care to ensure that the nearly 60 million people in America who suffer from mental illnesses can live healthier, happier, and more productive lives. While we are all still mourning the tragedy at Virginia Tech, I hope soon enough Congress will turn that mourning into a means for improving the mental health of this country.
Sincerely,
Ben ChandlerMember of Congress

SAMSHA Public Anti-Stigma Website

2007-03-23T09:58:00.000-04:00

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) launched the Mental Health National Anti Stigma Campaign. This site is AWESOME! I would suggest checking it out if you are new to mental illness or just want to find out more.

www.whatadifference.org

Kelly, Faye and I are off to the Evidence Based Practice retreat at Natural Bridge State Park starting Sunday, March 25th. We will be back on Tuesday, March 28th in the late afternoon.

Kelly was told by the Herald Leader that her letter to the editor about Eastern State Hospital would probably be published on March 26th, so watch your papers!

Tubby Smith is gone! I am sad about it, but I wish him the best of luck in Minnesota. Tubby, you will be missed!

Feelings, Who Can Trust Them???

2007-03-18T12:59:00.000-04:00

Emotions are a gift--but sometimes they can run away with us. From my own experiences in life, I have found that depression can cast a very dark shadow on all my thoughts. Knowing more about mental illness and brain disorders has given me more liberty to be who I am called to be. I can now check out my feelings in the light. I can begin to incorporate better coping skills today than I ever did in the past. I am better equipped to communicate my feelings (using the first person) not placing blame on anyone else or pointing fingers at them--because 3 point back at me.

I am learning to respect others feelings and some I even choose to love from a distance. I know that I can only change myself and my reaction. It is a healthier place for me to be in today. Recovery is a daily journey. Some days are more difficult than others. I am blessed to have the loving support of my family and my NAMI, KY CAN, REACH KY and Leadership Academy family members as well.

Reach out and know that others are there for you and you are not alone!

Blessings,

Yondi

Stigma Must Go!

2007-03-18T12:44:00.000-04:00

Spring offers the promise of a new day on the horizon. A distress call for many people in 50 communities served by an old facility...Eastern State Hospital. Where is the promise made to us regarding the ground breaking in early 2007? It is now March, 2007 and no mention of this from the powers that be.

A distress call is going out. We need a state of the art facility to ensure quality care for those suffering with a severe brain disorder. The families and consumers need their voices to be heard! Stigma must go! Knowing more enables and empowers us to do more!!!

Won't you join us in the fight? Let's contact our state government officials and see what has happened to the promises. Advocate for the cause!! Join us at the May Day Alert on May 3, 2007 as we come together for change!

Respectfully submitted,
Yolonda Kelsor

RESTLESS

2007-03-15T10:43:00.000-04:00

Hi all,
I have been so RESTLESS since our last Board Meeting a few days ago. I am stuck between disbelief and a smoldering anger that the "new" Eastern State Hospital, which I thought was simply a done deal is not quite such a done deal at all. Now, I might be an attorney by trade, but I admit to being somewhat naive when it comes to the politics of life and/or the life of politics.

However, sometimes a lot of dissatisfaction can morph into even greater inspiration. This is the transformation I hope to make. So, please wish me success and I will be hoping for a similar result for all of you reading this blog. Let's not permit this historic opportunity to pass us by. Let's pull together and create a push for what is right in the adequate treatment for the severely mentally ill like never before. So, join me in writing our government representives and asking them to not just tout "holding their heads up high" after scandal in t.v. commercials, but to actually have a reason to "hold their heads up high" by leaving a legacy like no other. We must replace Eastern State! The fact that we haven't yet is the true scandal and a blight on our state and community. If you never try to affect a change, you are assured only failure. So I say let's keep a tryin'!

Sincerely inspired,
Brandie

2007-03-15T10:35:00.000-04:00

Hey NAMI Family ....sorry to be a "blogger slogger"... but the excuse is the same for alot of folks..."Where does the time go????"

Kudos to Val for keeping me straight and on task! Her new name is "The Taskmaster"!!! instead of the "Webmaster" HEEEEEEE HEEEE HEEE.....

Mental Health Month is in May: Our Theme is "Mental Health... MAY DAY!!! MAY DAY!!!
(is anybody out there?)...Our plan is to try to launch our new public awareness campaign, (hopefully), via a live news conference at (hopefully), Phoenix Park...with speakers, hot dogs, balloon release, information, etc, etc.....we are shooting for Thursday May 3rd @6:30 in the evening....we'll keep you posted!

I've included my "rant-n- rave" on the hospital issue!

$$$$$ 1 Billion in HOSPITAL PROJECTS in KY !!!!
$$$$ 600 Million Planned or Underway in LEXINGTON !!!!
“Holy Hospitals !!! Batman!!!! Where’s OURS !?!?@#?????”. . .

By: Kelly Gunning, Executive Director
NAMI Lexington

A-h-h-h-h-h, the Sunday morning paper; usually one of my favorite, relaxing times. Not so this past Sunday, March 4, 2007. The gleaming audacity of the headline proclaimed, “Hospital Construction Everywhere”. What? Could this be true? Everywhere? Really? ... I read on, fully expecting to see reference to the hospital project that our organization has been tirelessly pursuing since 2004 in cooperation with Bluegrass Regional Mental Health-Mental Retardation Board, Inc.; the replacement campus for Eastern State Hospital. I scanned, eager to read the long awaited proclamation, my eyes feasting on all the statistics and declarations that, “We are going through a hospital BOOM!” and the recognition that some folks have been enduring “their aging buildings” since 1962 !!!! 1962??? Well, have I got a news bulletin for the folks that just can’t fathom treating patients in such dilapidated, out-moded, inadequate facilities - why don’t they feast their eyes on this little tidbit…We take our loved ones to and we are treated in a hospital that was being constructed in…are you ready for this…1822!!! Yes, this is not a misprint, 1822. The Kentucky General Assembly passed an “Act to Establish a Lunatic Asylum” on December 7 of 1822 and the ten acres of original land and the unfinished Fayette Hospital were purchased. May 1, 1824 the first patient was admitted; 183 years ago.

I read on, the visions of:
· “much grander, much larger” lobbies,
· semi-private rooms where family members can sleep (sans, vinyl chairs) and connect to the internet (!),
· healing art, gift shops, healing art, coffee shops, healing art, boutiques and day
spas (!),
· new technologies; citing, of course, “everyone wants the latest equipment” and ”those things factor into size” and “you have to have the physical plant to house the services”.

I love those visions. I support building state-of –the art facilities. I want everyone in our Commonwealth to have the best care in the best environments we can offer. I want everyone to realize that those things have not occurred for the mentally ill in our Community or the 50 other counties that Eastern State serves, for 185 years. We want things like HVAC systems that actually work, we want treatment areas that in and of themselves aren’t so depressing that you hesitate to leave your loved one there or enter yourself. We want a clean slate, defunct of all the horrors and misguided treatment approaches that have been inhumanely utilized throughout history. We want people who suffer with serious mental illness to have ‘the best”; just like people that want “the best” heart care, “the best” cancer care, “the best” prenatal and pediatric care, “the best” diabetic care. Where are the 185 year old hospitals that treat those serious illnesses? That’s right. There are no 185 year old hospitals for those populations; because they deserve and demand “the best”. It would be unthinkable and unimaginable to not offer every nuance that would promote wellness and a return to health.

The fact that we do not have the appropriate setting for treating the mentally ill is based on stigma, lack of education and discrimination. What other illness population sees its patients taken to treatment in handcuffs in the back of a police car? Mind you, because they are ill, not because they are criminals. Yes, people with serious mental illness, can be, because of their brain disease, disoriented and difficult…would we tolerate that same treatment for an elderly person who had Alzheimer’s disease? A cancer patient with a brain tumor? Serious mental illnesses are life threatening brain diseases. Repeat after me. Serious mental illnesses are life threatening brain diseases. People with mental illnesses and their families deserve “the best”. We deserve state-of-the-art. We deserve the support from the medical Community and the Community-at-large to speak out with us and demand that this hospital become a priority. It has been “on the drawing board” for two years now; developed in collaboration with Bluegrass MH-MR Board, with input from providers, family members and persons with serious mental illness. We are ready and we are damn tired of waiting for it while the rest of the population receives ‘the best”.

Peace Out for NOW!!!!! - Kelly G

Webmaster Updates

2007-03-15T07:08:00.000-04:00

Hi all! Long time, no Blog! I just wanted you all to know that I have been updating our website about twice a week.

Be sure to check out the calendar to see where we are on a given day and time.
I have added a link under Resources that lists most all of the current medications available and general information about them. There is also a link on that same page to descriptions of most of the major mental illnesses that NAMI focuses their time on. All this information is written in easy to understand language.
I have compressed the NAMIWALKS information from past walks. For our NAMIWALK 2007, there is a direct link to our NAMI National website where you can register, form a team, donate, and lots of other things pertaining to this years Walk on October 13, 2007.
There is a link under KY Advance Mental Health Directive. This is information about filling out this document & its history. The actual fill-in-the-blanks form is also included. I would HIGHLY recommend completing and printing out this document in you or your family member's time of wellness to be prepared when/if a crisis arises. Keep it in a safe place.
My psychiatrist, Dr. Michael Rieser, has started a radio call-in show called Inside Your Head. It airs every Saturday from 1pm-2pm on 96.1 FM. He does a great job of increasing awareness and stamping out the stigma associated with mental illness. So call-in with your questions or comments. He'd love to have more than his "10 faithful listeners."

If you have anything you would like added to the website or if you have any suggestions on how to improve it, please email me at blind.justice@insightbb.com or leave me a comment on this blog.

UK battles Villanova this weekend in the NCAA Tournament. GO CATS!

Have a Good Weekend Everybody!

Snowy Days

2007-02-08T20:31:00.001-05:00

Sometimes snowy days can really cause you to reflect about life changes. Our lives are a lot like snowflakes...different, yet quite beautiful. I am reminded that ALL things work together for our good and help us to become the best person we can be. I am so blessed to be a part of the NAMI Lexington team.

It has now been one year since my Family to Family class. Like the snowflakes, my life purpose is becoming a lot clearer. Having dealt with depression for the better part of my life...starting at age 15 and not diagnosed until my 30's....I am now seeing how different my life journey may have been had I had a deeper understanding of mental illness and how it had affected my choices and decisions.

So, instead of sitting around depressed..today, I choose to advocate to help others out of the prisions in their mind regarding illnesses of the brain. It is a blessing to be at this point in my journey and I am wanting to obtain more peace within to deal with the issues that face me everyday. My life is not perfect by far and I have daily struggles, but I have a peace that passes understanding and I give the God of my understanding, the glory for this! Hugs, Yondi

Where Are the Bloggers??? Kelly's Weekly Update Blog

2007-01-26T14:35:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone...Kelly's Weekly
Where are all the people...no one is blooging back??

Don't Forget the 874K Breakfast on February 7, 2007

Please send in your time-tested FAVORITE recipes for the Recovery Mall/ NAMI Cookbook!!!
Deadline for recipes is March 1st!!!! Send them or Mail them to the NAMI Office or call Angelina if you need help.....

February 1st is the Medicaid Consortium Meeting in Frankfort...if you know of anyone having problems accessing their medications due to prior authorization problems or limit problems please attend or let us know...Room 125 Capitol Annex, 1p.m.

Support Group Facilitator Idea Exchange and Potluck, February 2, 7-9p.m. @ Faye Morton Center...

Consumer Valentine Party, February 2, 2:30-4p.m....Call Val or Angelina for more info

NAMI Lexingon Board of Directors Meeting, Tuesday, February 13 @ 6p.m.
Cathy Vance is nominated to the BOD... we will vote on Tuesday...Cathy has been an amazing volunteer and is a Family member and Consumer...you are all familiar with her wonderful food and support!!!

Weekly (hopefully) Kelly Blog

2007-01-19T15:06:00.000-05:00

We have had a typically busy and rewarding week here at NAMI Lex...

Since last Thursday, the 11th Valerie and I have taught about 40 new psychiatic nursing students at UK about NAMI... and a Consumer... and a Family perspective on current mental health issues. We have been put on the class schedules of three programs now at UK and we teach a minimum of 6 classes per semester, in various disciplines involved with mental health. It is very engaging and gives us hope for the future...all those young minds!!!!

Friday the 12th, Val attended the Supported Living Council meeting in Frankfort, she was appointed to the council by Gov. Fletcher, she has arranged for a speaker from the council to speak on March 4th support group meetings. I worked on the multicultural grant.

Saturday the 13th Phill, Yondi and I attended the Strategic Planning work Group for NAMI KY and followed that meeting up with a meeting on the muticultural grant we were partnering on with NAMI KY...Phill and I worked on the grant all weekend and Monday ...I worked on Content ..he helped with formatting..we finished Monday evening.

Tuesday the 16th Val and I taught a nursing class at UK . Later that day we held a multicultural committee meeting to decide the fate of the multicultural grant with NAMI KY....there were problems in the partnering department and some problems with there having already been a grant filed by NAMI KY for membership....NAMI Lexington could not do the roll out statewide without help from NAMI KY ...and there were "capacity" issues on both sides. Disappointing

On the 17th we attended a meeting at the Recovery Mall and we were asked by Dr. David Susman to partner on a fundraising "Cookbook Project" with ESH... the money will go to support extra curricular activities in Rehabilitation..Please see the Newsletter fro details ...please submit typed recipes with your name on them...deadline for submissions of recipes will be MARCH 1st...send them to the NAMI Office!!!! The cookbook will contain Consumer art and there will be a contest at the Recovery mall to name it! We will have the book ready for sale during Mental Health Month in May!!

Thursday the 18 & the 19th brought much needed "office catch up time" and prep time for the NAMI KY state BOD meeting...which will be all day Saturday the 20th in Louisville.

After 13 straight working days ( I promised myself I wasn't going to do that anymore!) I will be off Sunday and Monday til 3:00 p.m. when we attend a Recovery Mall meeting to talk about "what is working...what we need to tweak" at ESH.

Tuesday the 23rd Phill and I have been asked to Guest on a NAMI National WALK conference call to talk about our WALK success. There is also a Peer to Peer confernce call that Val will be participating in.

Wednesday the 24th Val and I will be doing guest speaking at the LIONS Club in Lexington..we are so happy to be working on this important goal...to stop preaching to the choir and branch out to the Community at large!!!

The 29th and 30th will hopefully see meetings inBourbon and Harrison Conties to work on finalizing their "Town Meeting" plans. To be confirmed.

Thursday, February 1st we will attend a Medicaid Consortium meeting with the Commissioner, Glenn Jennings, in Frankfort.

Friday, February 2nd we are hosting a Support Group Facilitators Idea Exchange to "freshen up" our support groups there will be brainstorming and problem solving and lots of NEW energy!!!

Sunday, February 4th brings the Consumer Valentine's Day Celebration...with Vall and Ella and the GANG!!!

Last but certainly not least !!!! February 7th is the *874K Coalition Breakfast with the legislators and gubernatorial candidates for 08....this is our HUGE advocacy event during the Session with folks representing all of the "disability" groups...NAMI Lex is a sponsor along with NAMI KY, the KY mental health coalition and many other groups...please try and join us...call the NAMi Lex office for help or more info....EVERY ATTENDEE MUST BE REGISTERED...so we are assured of adequate food, etc.......

Peace out....Magic to all - Kelly G

P2P_Outreach_Video.mp4

2007-01-15T17:52:00.001-05:00


This is the Outreach Video for NAMI's Peer-to-Peer Recovery Education Course. Peer-to-Peer is a free nine week--two hours per week--experiential learning program on the topic of recovery for any person who lives with a mental illness. I am hoping that NAMI KY will bring this Program to KY very soon.

2007-01-12T15:21:00.000-05:00

OH MY GOSH -- I have like the smartest coolest team ever to work with ... VAL you are AWESOME, which by the way today I learned that awesome means ‘all inspiring’ and well its true, you are!

Discussion Groups

2007-01-12T14:09:00.000-05:00

I wanted to remind everyone about our discussion groups on this website. Just click on the discussion groups button at the top of the webpage and start chatting! We learn from each other. The discussion group is the place to ask questions, talk about problems with meds, doctors, "the system," etc. Let's get to know each other. But check back here often to see what our NAMI Lexington Leadership is doing in our organization. NAMI ROCKS!

2007-01-12T10:23:00.001-05:00

Hi all,

I have recently assumed the position of President of NAMI Lexington. However, as I am sure everyone already knows, Ms. Faye Morton will be as active as ever and my closest cohort and guide. Some of you may not be aware that I am a family member of a consumer. My spouse struggles with Bi-Polar Disorder. I also deal with some anxiety/depression issues on occasion myself. I hope everyone takes full advantage of this wonderful opportunity to exchange ideas. I also encourage all of you to make your voices known this year as the powerful voters and citizens that you are.

Grant "Hell"

2007-01-12T10:23:00.000-05:00

Yoo Hoo!!!Hi Everyone!

This is very cool Valerie...sorry when you called me this morning my enthusiasm level wasn't higher...but I was deeply entrenched in reading the LONG and technical grant requirements for the MAC grant for NAMI National...deadline the 18th!!!! So....my mind was in Grant Hell...not on blogging!!! Let me tell you...Blogging is WAY more fun!!! HUgs, Kg

KUDOS Valerie!

2007-01-12T10:05:00.000-05:00

This is cool! Please send info to our friends and ask them to forward to all, thanks. I hope folks will come here to discuss the issues, seek and share ideas and information.

Hello

2007-01-12T09:05:00.000-05:00

Welcome to our blog!

UK Nursing Class

2007-01-12T07:56:00.000-05:00

Kelly Gunning and I spoke to a UK Psychiatric Nursing class taught by Perry Bohanon yesterday. These students were getting ready to start their clinicals and so they had lots questions and were very interested in what we had to say. We told our personal stories and talked about NAMI's mission. I think we saw "some lightbulbs" go on as we did the "voices" exercise from the Family-to-Family Class. We will be speaking to Perry's other psych nursing class on January 16th.

874K Breakfast

2007-01-11T17:18:00.000-05:00

Please come join us for the 874K United Coalition Breakfast on February 7, 2007. The 874K Coalition represents over 874,000 Kentuckians who have some form of a disability. We will be meeting with our legislators and discussing mental health issues over breakfast. Breakfast begins at 8:30am in the Frankfort Convention Center, Frankfort, KY. I hope to see you there!