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Dear Friend: Here's the latest from FAMI-Alberta.
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Potluck barbecue - Tuesday August 14
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Join us for a FAMIA Potluck Dinner on August 14. At our monthly meetings we've often said we wish we could get together informally (with a refreshing beverage). So, our August 14 meeting is a potluck at Averie's house.
The details:
- 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 (or whenever )
- bring your favourite refreshing beverage AND a dish of something that will serve 6 - 8 people. It does not matter what. If we get all desserts, or all salads, that's what we will eat!
- RSVP to famialberta@gmail.com any time up to August 13
- Address - Edmonton - about 5 minutes west of downtown - exact address will be sent to those who RSVP.
Hope to see you on the 14th!
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Thoughts on gun violence and mental health
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A reflection by Penny Omell
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We emphasize negativity and violence in the media because that's what grabs everybody's attention, but in the real world, it's mostly people being very cooperative and caring and connected and kind. That's the norm of human experience. And yet, what gets our attention is the very opposite.
Richard Linklater.
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In light of the recent gun tragedy in Toronto where Faisal Hussain was a person with an untreated mental health issue, it is important that families of those with mental illness speak out. We grieve with the families who have lost their loved ones. We also grieve that Faisal felt called to commit violence against others and himself.
The facts are clear: 97% of gun violence is perpetrated by persons who do NOT have a mental health issues. More often, people with mental health issues are the victims of violence.
The crux of the matter is that Faisal did not for a multiple set of reasons get timely, appropriate, ongoing intervention and care.
We could also assume since he was living with his family who had guns that were accessible in their home, that the family was not given the tools to ensure that their loved one was kept safe.
We recognize when dealing with adults,who are our loved ones, who have a mental health issue that we must be vigilant and draw lines in the sand in regards to their environment and their care.
It seems that the family was overwhelmed and still had this young man living at home despite his inability to self-sustain and live a meaningful independent life.
Where were the tools and support so that he could live independently? Where was the counseling to the family so they could understand better their role in keeping him safe and from harm?
The use of the PROM assessment tool* seems to be a valuable starting point. By knowing that functionally somebody is unable to us can recognize a heightened need for intervention.
Here are the first five key reflections that can point to an urgent need for attention:
- I am motivated to keep myself well
- I can access the health and social services that I need
- I am hopeful about my future
- I feel safe
- I sleep well
If the response to any one of these is less than 75% then we know intercession is needed now.
So what do we need to do :
- continue to work on strategies to enable families to become aware of risk and safety.
- work to ensure that there are community based housing supports.
- work on communication strategies with the providers of mental health interventions.
- speak for those who are unable to advocate for themselves.
- suppport each other.
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Drop-in Support Programs for Families
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We keep a list of family support and education programs in our resources section of famialberta.ca. If you haven't visited for a while, here's a list of drop-in programs, sorted by day of the week.
Tuesdays
Family Matters (Caregivers Alberta – Edmonton)
6:30 to 8:00 pm every Tuesday
9942 108th Street, Room 6-636
More information: 780-710-7370
Wednesdays
Connecting by Choice (Access Open Minds)
6:30 to 8:00 pm, second and fourth Wednesdays of each month
Bill Rees YMCA, 10211-105 St (1st floor)
More information: 780-415-0048.
Thursdays
Family & Caregiver Support Group (Schizophrenia Society of Alberta)
First Thursday of the month at 7:00 pm; third Thursday at 1:00 pm
SSA Edmonton branch, 5215-87 Street.
More information: 780-452-4661
Caregiver Connections (Canadian Mental Health Association – Edmonton Region)
6:30 to 8:00 pm, weekly starting September 6
CMHA Baker Centre, 400 - 10025 106 Street
More information: 780-414-6317 or cbutler@cmha-edmonton.ab.ca
If you know of other support or education groups, or if the information needs to be updated, please contact the webmaster.
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New blog post: Doing no harm?
Updated links, including a page for Patient and Family-Centered Care.
Promising Practices - links to new, innovative practices and programs from other jurisdictions that may also work here in Alberta.
Our other social media:
Our Facebook group continues to be a safe space for sharing articles, concerns and support.
Our Twitter account regularly posts articles of interest.
And, this newsletter reaches a growing audience every month. If you know someone who wants to subscribe, or if you've had this forwarded to you and want to receive it directly, sign up here.
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