Support The Healthy Transition Act of 2008!

NEW UPDATE FROM NAMI

June 30, 2008

Senators Christopher Dodd (D-CT) and Gordon Smith (R-OR) and Representative Pete Stark (D-CA) hosted a press conference on Wednesday, June 25th to announce the introduction of The Healthy Transition Act of 2008 (H.R.6375/S.3195). This federal legislation is designed to address the challenges faced by young adults with mental illnesses who are transitioning to adulthood by establishing a planning grant program that would allow states to implement effective transition-age mental health services and supports.

Senators Dodd and Smith also announced the release of a U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) report titled Young Adults with Serious Mental Illness: Some States and Federal Agencies are Taking Steps to Address Their Transition Challenges. The report focuses on the tremendous struggles that transition-age young adults with mental illnesses face and several innovative programs that exist in four states to address their unique needs.

Andrew Sperling, NAMI’s Director of Legislative Affairs, moderated the press conference. Amy Lydon O’Connor, a policy assistant with NAMI Connecticut and a transition-age consumer, shared her personal story at the press conference about the challenges she faced in transitioning from youth to adulthood while also managing a mental illness. She was joined by another transition-age consumer and a provider of transition-age services in Philadelphia.

NAMI applauds Senators Dodd and Smith and Representative Stark for their leadership in introducing federal legislation that promises to focus national attention on the need for states to develop effective transition-age services and supports for young adults living with mental illnesses.

Act Now!

Email Congress today and urge your Senators and Representatives to co-sponsor The Healthy Transition Act of 2008 (H.R.6375/S.3195), which will provide state grants for much needed support and services uniquely designed for youth and young adults.

Click here to send an email to Congress!

Learn More

To access the GAO report click here.

To access NAMI’s statement on the GAO report and the federal legislation click here.

MEDICAID REGULATIONS APPROVED!

Victory on Medicaid Regulations!

June 27, 2008

Last night the Senate gave final approval to a supplemental war funding bill that includes moratoria on regulations that would have severely limited the ability of states to fund critical mental health services through the Medicaid program. The bill now moves to the White House where President Bush has pledged to sign it in to law.

Your Voice Made This Victory Possible!

The voice of NAMI advocates all across the country made an enormous difference in building strong bipartisan majorities against these Medicaid regulations, forcing the Bush Administration to back off of previous veto threats. NAMI is extremely grateful to all those who took the time to write and call over the past four months on this important issue.

A Busy Week Leading Up to the July 4th Recess

The Senate's action last night caps a very busy week in Congress on NAMI's federal legislative agenda. The House passed measures to broaden the scope of the Americans with Disabilities Act and to stop abuse of teens in "boot camp" residential programs. Unfortunately, the Senate failed to vote on a measure that would have strengthened Medicare. Congress has now begun its July 4th recess and will not return until July 8. Click on the links below for details on the actions taken by the House and Senate during this very busy week.

Medicaid Regulations Delayed

Senate Falls Short on Medicare Package

House Passes ADA Improvements Act

Congress Begins Work on FY 2009 Spending Bills

House Approves Measure to Stop Abuse in Teen Residential Programs

ACT NOW! SENATE VOTES ON MEDICARE THIS WEEK!

June 26, 2008

By the end of this week, the Senate is expected to vote on a package of reforms to the Medicare program, the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (HR 6331). By an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 355-59, the House passed this legislation on June 24 - thanks to your advocacy contacting House members. It is now critical for the Senate to pass this legislation -with a veto-proof margin of 67 votes - to send it on to the President.

HR 6331 includes a number of critical provisions for Medicare beneficiaries living with serious mental illness. The bill addresses the discriminatory 50% cost sharing requirement for outpatient mental illness treatment, gradually lowering it to 20% as required for all other medical treatment. The improvements also include reforming the Medicare Part D benefit by restoring Part D coverage for benzodiazepines, and ensuring that prescription drug plans must maintain broad access on their formularies to medications to treat serious mental illness - including antipsychotics, antidepressants and anticonvulsants.

Act Now!

Call or email Congress today! Urge your Senators to support HR 6331 - the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008. All Senate offices can be reached by calling 202-225-3121.

Click here to send a letter to your Senators

Learn More

View additional background information on HR 6331.

View NAMI's letter of support for HR 6331.

THE NATION'S FOOD BANK NETWORK!

America's Second Harvest - The Nation's Food Bank Network
Help create a Hunger-Free America
Are you aware of the FACTS?

WHAT WILL KIDS EAT THIS SUMMER?

Summer’s here.

America's Second Harvest - The Nation's Food Bank Network

Will the children in your community have enough to eat?

Listen to the NPR podcast!

Tell a Friend!

When summer vacation starts, more than 12 million children in America who live on the brink of hunger will lose the one place they can count on for a meal. The USDA’s Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) offers relief for hungry children when the school year ends. Unfortunately, it only reaches 2 million of America’s hungry children during the summer months. The Hunger Action Center supports the SFSP, and we’re pushing for expanded awareness and funding of this important program.

Under the SFSP, sponsors—such as food banks, schools, public agencies, camps, and other non-profits— receive reimbursement for the cost of providing two meals or snacks per day to children in need. You can learn more about the SFSP by listening to this NPR podcast. In it, Maura Daly of America’s Second Harvest joins Debbie Hammill, site director of Washington, D.C.’s Brooklyn Manor Housing Development, to talk about the issues driving seasonal child hunger.

Unfortunately, only 2 million children nationwide currently benefit from this program, which faces some key challenges:

Awareness. Many families simply don’t know the program exists in their communities.

Sponsorship. The SFSP needs more local organizations and volunteers to support summer food service locations in their communities.

Transportation. Many children who are eligible to participate have trouble getting to an SFSP location because they don’t have or can’t afford transportation.
Learn how the SFSP helps children in need.
Increasing awareness is the first important step.

WE ALL NEED A BREAK...

AmeriPlan®
There is an answer to the high cost of prescription drugs, and Ameriplan® offers you a membership for discounts on services and the opportunity to make money while you share the experience with friends, family or anyone that you know will benefit from this program. We are all going to pay for our medication but we never have to pay full price again with programs like Ameriplan®.
You owe it to yourself to check out this opportunity.

GREATER BOSTON WALK FOR AUTISM...WE NEED YOU

Register Online for the 2008 Walk!
Visit us online for some exciting announcements and incentives
SUNDAY OCTOBER 19, 2008
At SUFFOLK DOWNS
ROUTE 1A
EAST BOSTON, MA


Kick-Off Reception
You are invited. Join us for a fun, informative and inspirational event featuring special guest speakers at 6:30 pm on August 7th at Café Escadrille in Burlington, MA.

Team Fundraising Incentive
Team captains get ready. The next 4 teams that reach $10,000 in fundraising by August 15th will receive 2 tickets to the game on the Red Sox Autism Awareness Day on September 9th AND participation in our on-field opening ceremony.

Top Team Update: Teamsters Local 25
A HUGE thank you to the Teamsters who held a special Gala for Autism Speaks on March 8th and raised $125,000 for their team.

Purchase Puzzle Pretzels
5% of the proceeds from purchases of Bachman’s special Puzzle Pretzel will be donated to Autism Speaks. These fun and tasty puzzle shaped pretzels are available nationwide. Send the following link to your friends and family to find local stores that carry them:

Take Action for Autism Funding
Click on the link to send your support for a letter currently being circulated by Representatives Mike Doyle, Chris Smith, and Carolyn McCarthy, which seeks $15 million for autism research in the House version of the Fiscal 2009 Defense Appropriations bill, as well as full funding for Fiscal 2009 of the Combating Autism Act.
1. Call your state representative and senator at 617-722-2000. Urge them to support the larger Senate appropriation for the Division of Autism (Line Item 5920-3010).
2. Call the House Ways & Means Chair, Robert DeLeo, at 617-722-2990. Thank him for the increase in funding for the Division’s Children’s Autism Medicaid Waiver and urge him to support the larger Senate appropriation for the Division of Autism (Line Item 5920-3010) in Conference Committee.
3. Call the House Ways & Means Chair, Stephen Panagiotakos, at 617-722-1481. Thank him for his support for the increase in funding for the Division of Autism and the Children’s Autism Medicaid Waiver (Line Item 5920-3010) and ask him to please continue to support this funding in Conference Committee.
4. Pass this e-mail on to anyone you know who would make these calls. Send this to anyone who would dedicate 5 minutes of making these quick phone calls in support that can make a difference. Anyone who lives in the State of Massachusetts: grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, neighbors, coworkers, therapists, etc.

Volunteers Needed
Help is needed before the walk, with making phone calls, mailings and more. Contact us if you would like to get involved! 617-924-3300.

Committee Members Needed
We are looking for additional Walk Committee members. If you would like to help plan and implement this year's Walk, please contact us. We especially need assistance with public relations and logistics. Call 617-924-3300.

About the Walk Now for Autism Event

Join Autism Speaks as we tackle autism! Experience the power of thousands united by a single cause by joining Walk Now for Autism. Start a corporate, school or family team today. Walk Now for Autism offers everyone a fun-filled experience with entertainment, refreshments, an autism community resource fair, and much, much more. Be sure to raise $100 to earn your commemorative Walk Now for Autism t-shirt. We look forward to seeing you at the event.

Whether you are walking, forming a team, volunteering, or just passing this e-mail along to your address book, THANK YOU so much for your help.

The Greater Boston Walk Planning Committee

STRAIGHT TALK AND REAL RESULTS: EMPOWERING PARENTS

LATEST BLOG HEADLINES
TEEN PREGNANCY...WHAT WERE THEY THINKING?

DO YOU LIMIT YOUR KID'S VIDEO GAME TIME?

HOW I GAVE CONSEQUENCES THAT WORKED...and lived to tell the tale!

THE MOST EMAILED ARTICLES
HOW TO GIVE KIDS CONSEQUENCES THAT WORK:

YES YOUR KID IS SMOKING POT! What parents need to know NOW.

THE DO'S AND DON'TS OF DIVORCE FOR PARENTS!

PUSH THE HOUSE TO STRENGTH THE ADA!

June 24, 2008

The House of Representatives is scheduled to vote as early as tomorrow on legislation to expand existing protections under the landmark 1990 Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). The bill is designed to reverse a number of Supreme Court decisions that over the years that have narrowed the scope of ADA protections in the workplace. For example, in one decision, the Court held that people who take medications or participate in other therapies that "mitigate" or control the symptoms of their particular condition are not covered by the ADA.

Act Now!

Call or email your House member today! Tell them you support passage of the ADA Amendments Act (HR 3195). All House offices can be reached by calling 202-224-3121. Remind your House member of the critical improvements in this legislation for people living with serious mental illness, including:

* Broadened coverage under the ADA. The bill clarifies that Congress intended the ADA to be interpreted broadly rather than narrowly, as the Supreme Court has held.
A revised standard to qualify for protection broader than that applied by the courts.
* The ADA protects individuals who have an impairment that substantially limits a major life activity, who have a record of such impairment, or who are treated as having such an impairment. This bill provides a new, broader definition of "substantially limits" to make clear Congress' intent to reject the narrower standard that has been applied by the courts.
* New standards for "mitigating measures" (measures a person takes to control the effects of a disability) cannot be held against people with disabilities. Many people with mental illnesses have been denied protection under the ADA because they use medication, therapy or other measures to control the effects of their disabilities. This bill would overturn several Supreme Court decisions and provide that people with disabilities will not lose their coverage under the ADA simply because their condition is treatable with medication or can be addressed with the help of assistive technology.
* Improved coverage for episodic impairments. Many people with mental illnesses have been denied protection under the ADA because their impairments are episodic. This bill would ensure that an episodic impairment counts as a disability as long as it would meet the test for a disability when it is active.
* Broader coverage for people who are subjected to discrimination because they are regarded by others as having a disability. The bill makes it much easier for individuals to obtain protection under the ADA by showing that they were "regarded as" having a disability.

Click here to send an e-mail to your House member

Learn More

View additional information on the ADA Amendments Act.

NAMI E-News Alerts are electronic newsletters provided free of charge as a public service. With more than 1,100 state and local affiliates, NAMI is the nation's largest grassroots organization dedicated to improving the lives of people with severe mental illnesses. Contributions to support our work can be made online.

ARE YOU GRUMPY? MR. POSITIVE WILL MAKE YOU SMILE EACH DAY!

Working Too Much Can Make You Grumpy... kids talk about why it's good to not work too much
Mr. Positive's newsletter gets a smile out of me everyday, and his motivational quotes are just amazing. sign up today...it is FREE.

NEW ENGLAND CHAPTER NEWSLETTER JUNE 2008

SCIENCE

For three days in May many of the world’s leading autism researchers converged on London for the 7th Annual International Meeting for Autism Research (IMFAR), the single most important event for autism research, co-sponsored by Autism Speaks. A record number of 1,150 people attended the conference, which featured outstanding keynote speakers, several invited educational symposia and many oral presentations and poster sessions. This was the largest and most exciting IMFAR since the first conference was held in Florida in November 2002 – initiated by the parent groups that form part of Autism Speaks, NAAR and CAN. In just 7 years the field has made many important and exciting advances. Presentations covered a full range of topics: from genetics (including evidence for several new ‘risk’ genes), to environmental factors (e.g., immune response factors) that contribute to the underlying causes; from differences at the level of the cell to overall brain size and function; from behavioral patterns to new treatments and service delivery models for children and their families.

Even before IMFAR began satellite meetings were held, including one that focused on research and treatment studies for infants at high risk for autism and another that brought together epidemiologists from around the world who investigate the prevalence of autism and monitor changes in rates of diagnoses. These satellite groups drew on research networks (Baby Sibling Research Consortium; Epidemiology Network) that were created by Autism Speaks.

Researchers from the Boston area were very well represented at IMFAR 2008 (e.g., Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard University). Our own group from Boston University School of Medicine contributed to 14 different poster and oral presentations covering the following topics: underlying brain pathology; neuroimaging studies; research on language; developmental and behavioral studies; impact of autism on the family; and several presentations from our collaborative project (with Children’s Hospital Boston) on infants at risk for autism.

We are all looking forward to IMFAR 2009, which will be held in Chicago next May. Not only is Autism Speaks an important sponsor of the meeting, but so many of the presentations and posters that I attended this year were made possible by funding from Autism Speaks. There is no doubt that Autism Speaks is the critical organization that is making the difference in advancing research and in the lives of families every day!

If you want to learn more about our own research see our WEBSITE. We are always looking for families interested in participating – especially for our infants at risk and brain imaging studies!

Helen Tager-Flusberg, Ph.D.
Board Member: Greater Boston Chapter, Autism Speaks
Director, Autism Research Center, Boston University.

It was found that infants who were later diagnosed with autism had a more rapid rate of head growth in the first 2 years of life than infants who did not develop autism. For example, they begin with average size head at birth, and enlarged head size by the preschool years. Monitoring head growth, can easily be done at a well-baby visit, and could be an early risk marker for autism in infants who have an older sibling with autism.

A computer intervention was presented by researchers at Yale University, who hope to teach facial recognition skills using a game in which children practice matching expressions and emotions. The data suggests it is effective at improving face processing.

For a full recap of the IMFAR events READ MORE

ADVOCACY

Autism Votes, an initiative of Autism Speaks that focuses on advocacy, launched a new website in March. The website is designed to keep the autism community abreast of a variety of governmental issues on both the state and federal level. As New England continues to grow their grassroots and work on state based initiatives, we will need your help out in the community.

Our goal is to have 10,000 advocates in New England signed up by the end of this year so that next year will be even more productive! Forward this information to your family, friends, business associates, teachers, therapists and neighbors. Even if they live in another state, their assistance at a grassroots level is very important as we work on a variety of issues!

Please take a moment to sign up for advocacy alerts today to find out how you can help in the near future by visiting HERE. This will keep you updated on legislative issues and is the best way that you can personally make a difference in legislation that impacts families. Thanks

Congratulations to the Greater Hartford for championing HB 5696, Autism Insurance reform and HB 5590, teaching children with autism and developmental disabilities to signing by Connecticut Governor, M. Jodi Rell. Special Thanks to Shannon Knall, Community Advocacy Chair for her untiring efforts.

FAMILY SERVICES

Interested in Participating in Local Research?
The online Family Services Resource Guide lists opportunities for families to make a significant contribution to scientific research. You can join a clinical trial, enroll in a research study, contribute to our rich genetic database, or participate online by adding your family information to a research database. While 90% of children with cancer are enrolled in clinical trials, only 5% of children with autism currently participate in research, which is why your participation will make a BIG difference! In addition to Autism Speaks’ initiatives such as the Autism Genetic Resource Exchange (AGRE) and the Clinical Trials Network (CTN), we also have studies listed for other research organizations at Harvard University and Yale University. Please visit AUTISM SPEAKS and click on “Participate in Research” to find a study near you!

Take Advantage of the Resource Library!
Family Services has developed a Resource Library to provide you with a variety of information and reference materials. The Resource Library includes the latest blogs, books, catalogs, DVDs/CDs, educational toys, magazines, manuals, toolkits, and autism websites. You can access the Resource Library. We hope you find it helpful! If you'd like to recommend

AWARENESS

LADDERS, 13th Annual Current Trends in Autism Conference, April 11, 12, 2008, Burlington, MA.
Vincent Goglia, New England Chapter Executive Director gave welcoming remarks to the several hundred attendees at this year’s conference which presented the most up to date, scientifically sound information in the field of Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders to parents and professionals concerned about children, adolescents and adults whose diagnosis falls along the Autism Spectrum.

Speakers included: Margaret Bauman, MD, conference organizer; Timothy Buie, MD; Charles Henry, MD; Marvin Natowitz, MD, Ph.D and Sheldon Wagner, MD

Family Day at McCoy Stadium
Southern New England Community Leadership Committee invites you to their fifth Annual Family Day on Sunday, June 22, 2008. See flyer for details.(LINK to flyer)

Strike Out Autism Night
Greater Hartford community leadership Committee invites you to baseball action at Rock Cats Stadium for a game between New Britain Rock Cats and Binghamton Mets, Saturday, August 30, 2008 at New Britain Stadium (Link to flyer)

COMMUNITY/LOCAL

Light Up The Night
March 8, 2008
hosted by Teamsters Local 25
Boston, MA... raised $125,000.00. 875 Teamsters members enjoyed music, live and silent auctions and wonderful food. Teamster Local 25 President and Principal Officer Sean M. Obrien was proud and pleased with the results. He gave special thanks to Lt. Governor Tim Murray for taking the time to speak at the event.

Master of Ceremonies was WHDH-TV news anchor Randy Price who introduced the speaking program. Boxing Champ, Mickey Ward pulled the winning ticket for the Harley Davidson, which was won by John Perry, Secretary-Treasurer of the Teamsters Local 25.

Evening of Purpose
Ocean House Restaurant
Dennisport, MA
June 1, 2008...raised $100,000.00. It was a fantastic evening of entertainment, fun, auctions, raffles and culinary delights by Executive chef Anthony Silvestri all benefiting the New England Chapter.

Janet Hart-Barbato, owner of Ocean House and mother of Kristopher, the inspiration for the evening hosted 450 happy patrons. The highlight of the evening was a vocal duet from Kristopher and singer Pam Pryor.

Greater Hartford Walk Now for Autism, June 8, 2008
More than 5000 walkers braved the extreme heat to walk in the Greater Hartford Walk Now for Autism. 218 teams raised $382,000. by walk day and much more money is expected to be sent in in the days ahead. Special thanks to the Co-chairs Noreen Simmons and Shannon Knall and to Logistics Chair, Diana Yeisley and Resource Fair coordinator, Beth Katten.

Vermont Walk Now for Autism, Saturday, June 14, 2008
More than 200 walkers in 23 teams gathered at Battery Park in Burlington Vermont to walk in support of Autism Speaks. More than $36,700. was raised by day’s end and more is expected to be collected in the days ahead Jill St. Thomas, event chair and her able walk committee organized a fabulous morning of fun and excitement. Special thanks to Jill St. Thomas-Benoit, Nancy Reino, Janet LaDuca, Eloy Iebeau, and Helena Haque-Campbell.



Vin Goglia

Executive Director, New England Chapter

Please forward to family and friends

CRITICAL VOTE ON MEDICAID THIS WEEK

Image via WikipediaCritical Vote on Medicaid This Week! Contact Congress Today!

June
18, 2008

Later
this week the House is expected to take up an emergency supplemental
funding measure (S 2642) that includes legislation to delay seven
separate regulations that would result in deep cuts to critical mental
health services under Medicaid. The House has previously
voted in
favor of stopping these regulations and the Senate voted last month to
do the same.

House
leaders are considering removing the delay on at least some of the
Medicaid
regulations, particularly the case management regulation. It
is
critical that the moratoria on all seven regulations stay in the
supplemental funding bill, despite an expected veto
threat from the President.

Act Now!

Please
contact your Representative today and urge support for the emergency
supplemental funding bill and inclusion of the moratoria for all of the
Medicaid regulations. Click here
to send a letter to your House member or call the Congressional
switchboard at 202-224-3121 to be connected to your House member's
office.

For
more information on these Medicaid regulations, click here.

---

NAMI E-News Alerts
are electronic newsletters provided free of charge as a public service.
With more than 1,100 state and local affiliates, NAMI is the nation's
largest grassroots organization dedicated to improving the lives of
people with severe mental illnesses. Contributions to support our work
can be made online.

JOURNAL OF LEARNING DISABILITIES

Image by pinknblack73 via FlickrJournal of Learning Disabilities Online Table of Contents Alert
A new issue of Journal of Learning Disabilities is available online:
1 July 2008; Vol. 41, No. 4

The Table of Contents is available online at: SAGE JOURNALS
This site is a very effective and relevant resource tool for learning disabilities. Membership is free.

WORLD'S STRONGEST DAD! HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

ODD PARENTS GROUP

ODD PARENTS GROUP


KIT KITTREDGE : AN AMERICAN GIRL

Be one of the first to see the best family film of the summer! Exclusive Engagements Start June 20th! In Theaters Everywhere July 2nd!

These exclusive advanced engagements will be held in New York NY, Los Angeles CA, Chicago IL, Dallas TX, and Alpharetta GA. Receive a free children's t-shirt with every ticket purchased to advance screenings of Kit Kittredge: An American Girl. American Express® Cardmember Exclusive: Use your American Express Card to purchase tickets to advance screenings of Kit Kittredge: An American Girl and receive an exclusive souvenir program! PICTURE HOUSE KIT

''Days of Our Lives" Autism Storyline"

"Days of Our Lives" and Autism Speaks Team Up for Autism Storyline
Award-winning daytime drama "Days of Our Lives" is launching a new storyline focusing on how the whole family is affected when a child is diagnosed with autism. The story will be based on the experiences of the series' head writer, Dena Higley, who has raised a child with autism. In the story, Dr. Lexie Carver (Renee Jones) and Commissioner Abe Carver (James Reynolds) are told their 3-year-old son, Theo, has autism. In developing the story, “Days of our Lives” has joined with Autism Speaks to help convey a message of hope and impart accurate and useful information

Read more
Busiest Spring Walk Weekend Raises Nearly $3.5 Million
Seven Walk Now for Autism events took place this past weekend from coast-to-coast and in Canada, where more than 42,500 participants raised nearly $3.5 million. Read more and view photos and video from the Bay Area, Greater Hartford, Iowa, Oklahoma, Ontario, Pittsburgh, and Westchester/Fairfield Walks.

Louisiana Legislature Passes Autism Insurance

In a key victory for children with autism, on June 11, the Louisiana Senate unanimously passed a measure that would require insurance companies to cover evidence-based, medically necessary autism therapies. House Bill 958, the autism insurance reform bill, would cover Applied Behavior Analysis and other treatment costs of up to $36,000 per year with a lifetime cap of $144,000 for children under 17 with autism. The bill now goes to Governor Bobby Jindal for his signature. To learn more about House Bill 958 and to find out what you can do to help the bill become law, click here. To stay informed about autism insurance reform legislation in your home state, sign up for action alerts here.

Autism Speaks Announces Request for Applications Focused on International Autism Epidemiology
Autism Speaks recently announced a new funding mechanism for international records-based epidemiology research and is currently requesting applications. The purpose of this request for applications (RFA) is to lay the groundwork for autism prevalence studies of outside of the U.S., using methodology similar to that used by the CDC from which the current U.S. prevalence estimate of 1 in 150 children was ascertained. International epidemiology studies such as these can help generate clues about the potential causes, both genetic and environmental, that occur with different frequency in different populations around the world. Read more.

International Collaboration to Raise Awareness in Latin America and Caribbean Countries


J. Sisters Hosts "Day of Beauty" Benefit


Comedy Series "Comics Unleashed" to Fight Autism



Jewelry Industry Pledges $100,000 to Autism Speaks

In Their Own Words: A Father's Day Tribute


e-Speaks to Keep Bi-weekly Schedule Until September 5

During the summer, e-Speaks will be sent bi-weekly. The next edition of e-Speaks will be on June 27. e-Speaks will return to its regular schedule on Friday, September 5, 2008. Have a safe and enjoyable summer.

Senate Moves on Medicare Legislation

Next week the Senate is expected to take up legislation to make long overdue improvements to the Medicare program. A bipartisan package of reforms developed by Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT) would add critical beneficiary protections to the Part D prescription drug benefit and require parity for cost sharing for outpatient mental health services.

Action Required
Advocates are strongly encouraged to contact their senators to urge them to support the Medicare Improvement for Patients and Providers Act (S 3101). Remind your senators that S 3101 would:

* Address the discriminatory 50% cost sharing requirement for outpatient mental illness treatment, gradually lowering it to 20% as required for all other medical treatment,
* Amend the Medicare Part D benefit to ensure that prescription drug plan must maintain broad access on their formularies to medications to treat serious mental illness (including antipsychotics, antidepressants and anticonvulsants),
* Restore coverage under Part D for benzodiazepines,
* Enact a series of reforms that would allow more low-income beneficiaries to qualify for the Part D Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) and thereby avoid the program’s “doughnut hole” coverage gap, and
* Expand the Medicare rural hospital FLEX program to authorize grants to increase access to mental illness treatment services for veterans in rural and frontier communities.

For further info CLICK HERE.

Fwd: Father's Day: It's not too late to honor Dad

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: NAMI <auto-updates@nami.org>
Date: Wed, Jun 11, 2008 at 5:37 PM
Subject: Father's Day: It's not too late to honor Dad
To: acunniff4852@gmail.com

A Father's Day Gift to Honor Dad... Father's Day is one day a year, just for Dad. This June, NAMI is honoring fathers and all the men in our lives who guide, support and strengthen us in so many ways. It's not too late to donate online and honor Dad with NAMI's online Father's Day Tribute. Your contribution will be a tribute to all the fathers in your life and will help NAMI support the many fathers, mothers, sons and daughters whose lives are affected by serious mental illness. Make a Tribute Gift | View Tribute Thank you if you have already participated in NAMI's Father's Day Tribute. You may view your tribute here. Know someone who might be interested in NAMI's Online Father's Day Tribute? Forward this email to a friend or loved one. You (acunniff4852@gmail.com) are receiving this email because you have requested to receive periodic updates from NAMI. If you do not wish to receive further updates, please click here, sign in and uncheck the box next to "I would like to receive general email updates from NAMI." If you have any questions or comments, please send an email to webmaster@nami.org.

Leadership Board

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RSS Reader Free Content For Your Web Pages

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re: HUB

https://www2.hubhub.org/registration/index.php?sponsorid=mw113037

WALK NOW FOR AUTISM RESULTS IN CALIFORNIA

Autism Speaks, 15,000 Walkers Raise Over $1.2 Million at Los Angeles Walk Now for Autism

The 6^th Annual Los Angeles Walk Now for Autism
took place at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Saturday, April 26.
The Walk attracted 15,000 participants this year, a 25% increase in
participation over 2007, and raised more than $1.2 million.

NAMI'S FATHER'S DAY TRIBUTE

NAMI | Donate
Use the secure online form to make a contribution in honor of Father's Day.
Your donation will be a tribute to all the dads in your life and will
help NAMI support the many fathers, mothers, sons and daughters whose
lives are affected by serious mental illness.