|
May is Mental Health Month
|
|
|
Because 1 in 5 people will be affected by mental illness in their lifetime...
Because nearly half of all people with mental illness do not receive treatment...
Because suicide rates continue to climb...
This month we join NAMI affiliates across the country, and community-based organizations throughout Sonoma County, in recognizing mental health awareness as an integral component of overall health. NAMI's WhyCare? campaign emphasizes the importance of caring for individuals and families affected by mental health conditions. Through our words and actions, we can shift the social and systemic barriers that prevent people from building better lives. Together, we hope you'll join us in:
- Listening, to build compassionate and inclusive communities that care.
- Leading the conversation to call for more research, better treatment, and public awareness.
- Learning about mental illness and providing support in our community.
- Speaking up to advocate for those with the greatest needs.
|
|
|
Building Community Mental Health Awareness
At St. Rose Parish on May 19th St. Rose Catholic Church of Santa Rosa has invited NAMI Sonoma County to help their community increase its awareness and understanding of mental illness at a free presentation on Sunday, May 19, 2019 from 12:00 to 1:30 pm. Participants will learn to separate mental health fact from myth, how mental health challenges affect individuals and families, about resources that can help and how to support those impacted by mental illness. Call our Warmline 866-960-6264 for more information.
|
|
|
Join NAMI Sonoma County at Aurora Santa Rosa Hospital's
Lunch & Learn on May 23rd
Aurora Santa Rosa Hospital features a Lunch & Learn workshop once per month on topics related to mental health. On Thursday, May 23, 2019 at noon, NAMI Sonoma County will present a panel discussion featuring family members and individuals who have experienced mental health challenges. Their discussion will focus on what the experience has meant for them as individuals and family members. Topics will include:
- What it is like to receive a diagnosis of a mental illness?
- What happens to the emotional climate of the family?
- What kinds of reactions were experienced when disclosing the illness to others?
- What would a supportive response from others look like?
The workshop takes place at Aurora Santa Rosa Hospital (1287 Fulton Road) from 12:00 - 2:10 PM; optional tours from 2:10 to 2:30 pm will follow. Registration costs $10 (for lunch and training). If you are interested in attending the workshop, contact Jane Rogan at (707) 548-3573 or jane.rogan@aurorabehavioral.com.
|
|
|
|
NAMI Family-to-Family Teacher Training
May 24-25, 2019
NAMI Sonoma County is delighted to host this upcoming training for a new cohort of Family-to-Family Teachers, which will enable us to expand our course offerings in the year ahead and respond to a waitlist of parents, spouses, partners and adult sons and daughters who have expressed an interest in taking the course.
Teacher trainees must have successfully completed a Family-to-Family course, submit an application and be committed to co-teaching in the next 24 months. For more information, please contact Susan Dunn, MA, Education & Support Services Manager at 707-527-6655 x3.
Without these volunteer teachers, this educational opportunity would not exist. Heartfelt appreciation goes to those who have taught this calendar year: Sonja Vincent & Whitney Rodgers, Denny & Barbara Bozman-Moss and Joe Hemp & Ron Stever for their time and dedication. Participant comments, about the usefulness of what they learned in Family-to-Family, have been overwhelmingly positive:
- “Everything! How medication works, how the brain works, how to cope, empathy, and communication skills! Great leaders, knowledgeable, compassionate, professional, and worked great together. Wonderful to be in a group of people with similar problems and feelings.”
- “All of it! Crisis info, resources, drug info, and brain info. This has been a great help. I feel more compassion and understanding and empathy. I also have been able to talk to my family about my loved one.”
- “Learning and hearing other people's experiences. Knowing that many people go through these tough experiences as well, we aren't going through it alone.”
- “Everything, but particularly, accepting the illness and to drop expectations.”
|
|
|
Please join NAMI Sonoma County for Our
Annual Meeting & Presentation on Patient Rights Advocacy!
On Wednesday, June 12, 2019 at 6:30 pm, we will host our annual meeting, open to all members of the NAMI community and anyone interested in learning about Sonoma County Patients Rights Advocacy Services. These include overseeing LPS certification hearings, handling grievances, patient rights' audits and training. Meet the SmithWaters Group, which now manages the Sonoma County Office of Patients Rights Advocacy, the NAMI Sonoma County staff and board members, and bring your questions! Join us at the Church of the Roses in Santa Rosa.
RSVP to the NAMI Warmline to ensure adequate seating is available: 866-960-6264.
|
|
|
|
County Survey Seeks Public Input about Older Adult Services
The Area Agency on Aging (AAA) invites Sonoma County residents of all ages to offer input on future programs and services for older adults, seniors, persons with disabilities, and local caregivers by completing its countywide Senior Needs Assessment Survey by June 30. Community members can take the anonymous survey online or on paper, or join a group discussion on aging issues during April, May, and June. Community members can take the anonymous survey online or on paper, or join a group discussion on aging issues during April, May, and June.
The survey is available in English and in Spanish. Paper copies are available at senior centers and locations where older adults access services. You may also request one from the AAA at (707) 565-5950, or at one of the group discussions about aging issues as listed below. The sessions for May are:
- Tuesday, May 14, 2:30-3:30 p.m., Cloverdale Multipurpose Senior Center, 311 North Main Street, Cloverdale. Register here.
- Thursday, May 16, 1-2 p.m., Sebastopol Area Senior Center, 167 North High Street, Sebastopol. Register here.
- Tuesday, May 21, 11 a.m.-noon, Petaluma Senior Center, 211 Novak Drive, Petaluma. Register here.
- LGBTQ+ Focus, Thursday, May 23, 1-2 p.m., Sebastopol Area Senior Center, 167 North High Street, Sebastopol. Register here.
- Thursday, May 23, 3:45-4:45 p.m., Finley Community Center, Person Senior Wing, 2060 West College Avenue, Room 22 Upstairs, Santa Rosa. Register here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
