From NAMI National
New Announcements
- NAMI 2010 National Convention is Open for Business
- NAMIWalks - Surging Across America, Raising Community Awareness
Repeated Announcements
- Media Interview Requests
- October Adult "Ask the Doctor" Call with Guest Andrew Sperling
- Media Opportunity: New MTV Series
- NAMI's Puzzle Pieces PSA Quarterly Results - Take Action to promote NAMI in your Community.
- Unmasking Mental Illness Gala
- $250 Challenge Still Open
- NAMI Identity Guide Updates
NAMI Education and Program Information
New Announcements
- Peer-to-Peer Grants Now Available
Repeated Announcements
- Education, Training, & Peer Support Center Electronic Newsletter
Deadlines and Dates to Remember
From NAMI National
NAMI 2010 National Convention is Open for Business
Registration for NAMI's 2010 National Convention began this week. Although June, 2010, might seem like a long time from now, it's never too early to make plans to attend this very special event. The 2010 National Convention will be held June 30 - July 3 at the completely renovated Washington Hilton in Washington, DC. It's scheduled to end the day before Independence Day so you can join your NAMI family and tens of thousands of Americans in the incredible Fourth of July celebration in our Nation's Capitol - or get home in time to enjoy the celebration in your own home town. For more information, a preliminary convention schedule, hotel reservation information, and a convention registration form, visit the Convention Web site. And, remember, you'll save big bucks the earlier you register.
The 2010 National Convention Committee is now accepting proposals for workshops to be presented at the convention. Workshops are 75 minutes in length and will be presented on Friday or Saturday, July 2nd or 3rd. The submission process for workshops is on-line. The deadline for submitting a proposal is December 1, 2009. Workshop presenters are eligible for a discounted convention registration fee
NAMIWalks - Surging Across America, Raising Community Awareness
The Fall NAMIWalk season continues this weekend with 7 events on Saturday.
NAMI Ft. Wayne is holding their first Walk on Saturday at IPFW Campus and has generated a tremendous amount of excitement about the NAMIWalk program.
The Northern Arizona Walk will be held for the first time in Flagstaff on Saturday at Buffalo Park and is working toward a goal of $50,000.
NAMI Kern County will be holding their third Walk at Yokuts Park in Bakersfield, CA. They are working towards their $100,000 goal.
NAMI Lexington will also be walking on Saturday in their 5th NAMIWalk at the Kentucky Horse Park as they move closer to their goal of $125,000.
NAMI Butler County will be at the Fitton Center in Hamilton, OH for their 4th Walk as they take aim on their goal of $50,000.
NAMI Austin holds their 4th Walk at Auditorium Shores on Saturday and is working toward their goal of $125,000.
NAMI Greater Toledo is planning their 4th NAMIWalk on the campus of Lourdes College and hope to raise $50,000.
If you are reading this and are near one of the 31 NAMIWalks being held this fall, get connected and join the fun!
In the 7 years since its inception, NAMIWalks for the Mind of America has become the largest national mental health awareness event and one of the fastest growing programs of it kind. More than 350,000 walkers have participated, raising over $37 million to fund state and local NAMI advocacy, education and support programs. To find the NAMIWalk nearest you, visit NAMI's Web site.
Media Interview Requests
Custody Relinquishment
A reporter with a major newspaper is working on a story about families who have had to relinquish custody of their children in order to access mental health care. She would like to speak with a family that is currently going through this process.
If you would like to share you story, please send a short description (250 words or less) of your experiences to Christine Armstrong via e-mail. Please include your name and phone number. NAMI will not release any personal information without your explicit consent. The reporter will ultimately decide which stories may be the best fit for this article.
Insurance Barriers to Youth Mental Health Care
An author working on a book proposal about youth and mental illness would like to speak with the parent of a child/teen who has faced insurance hurdles when trying to access mental health services and supports for their child.
If you would like to share you story, please send a short description (250 words or less) of your experiences to Christine Armstrong via e-mail. Please include your name and phone number. NAMI will not release any personal information without your explicit consent and ultimately the reporter will decide which stories may be the best fit for this article.
October Adult "Ask the Doctor" Call with Guest Andrew Sperling
Save the Date: Friday, October 23, 2009
Please join us for our monthly adult issues conference call with NAMI's Medical Director Dr. Ken Duckworth and guest Andrew Sperling. Andrew Sperling is the Director of Federal Legislative Advocacy for NAMI. In this position, he leads NAMI's legislative advocacy initiatives in Congress and before federal agencies. Mr. Sperling works on issues affecting the mental health community with a focus on improving the lives of people with severe mental illnesses.
The topic of his discussion will be "Healthcare Reform."
The call is toll free and scheduled from 11-12:30 Eastern Time on Friday, October 23rd. To access the call, please dial 1-888-858-6021; access number 309918. This call can be made from any phone.
If you have any questions, please contact Bianca Ruffin via e-mail.
PLEASE NOTE: The November and December Adult Ask the Doctor calls have been re-scheduled to Friday, November 6th and Friday, December 4th to accommodate holiday schedules.
Media Opportunity: New MTV Series
The producers of MTV's True Life, a respected documentary series, are developing a new documentary series that focuses specifically on young adults living with mental illness.
Producers are looking for 18- to 25-year-olds living in the continental U.S. who have been diagnosed with a mental illness and are willing to share their personal experiences with a television audience.
MTV expects to start filming this fall and a camera crew would follow participants going about their daily life over the course of two to three months.
Participants should be comfortable sharing the ups and down of living with their illness, including the effect the illness has had on their relationships with family and friends, side effects from medications, therapy and other ways to manage their illness and challenges they take on in their academic and/or professional lives.
If you would like to be considered, please send your name, phone number and a brief description of your experiences (250 words or less) to MTV via e-mail.
If you also would like to be considered for future media opportunities with NAMI, please send a copy to Christine Armstrong.
MTV producers will decide which candidates will be selected for the series.
NAMI's Puzzle Pieces PSA Quarterly Results - Take Action to promote NAMI in your Community.
In June 2009, NAMI launched the Puzzle Pieces PSA initiative with a national distribution plan targeting 400 television and over 1,000 radio stations in local markets across the country.
The first quarter's stats are in, demonstrating great results, including:
- 209 stations airing the TV spot an average number of 33 broadcasts per station
- Nearly 1,500 radio stations have aired the PSA in 150 markets
- Resulting in over $1 million in value
- Impacting 82 of the top 100 media markets
- Engaging all networks and cable television
Your engagement in supporting the PSA are of critical importance to our cumulative success.
Check it out and plan to engage today! Visit NAMI's PSA web page and click into the INFORMATION FOR NAMI LEADERS tab by scrolling down to the end of the content information. Here you will be able to access reports, tools and other resources to assist your efforts.
Three things you can do to help join the success of this outreach and awareness initiative, using the report's contact information and templates:
- Write or call station representatives who have aired the PSA and THANK THEM for airing the PSA
- Write or call station representatives who have NOT aired the PSA and ask them to consider airing the piece.
- Engage in a supplemental PSA distribution initiative for your local market.
Contact us via e-mail with questions or comments, and give yourselves a big BRAVO for a strong early effort!
Unmasking Mental Illness Gala
WHAT: NAMI's Fifth Annual "Unmasking Mental Illness" Gala
DATE: Wednesday, October 14, 2009
PLACE: Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium, 1301 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, D.C.
TIME: 6:30 pm Silent Auction and Reception | 7:30 pm Dinner
TICKETS: $300. Please call Susan Gaffney at 703-516-7967 or Natalie Duarte at 703-516-7970 for more information.
Join us as we host our 5th Annual Gala Dinner celebrating NAMI's work and dedication to improving the lives of more than 15 million Americans living with serious mental illnesses and their families. Founded in 1979, NAMI has become the nation's voice on mental illness.
NAMI will present its "Mind of America Scientific Research Award" at the Gala to Dr. William Carpenter for his groundbreaking research which has made a significant contribution to a better understanding and treatment of mental illness, particularly schizophrenia.
The prestigious audience includes members of Congress, political leaders, sports figures, the corporate sector, academia, the media, community leaders and many scientists and researchers from across the country. The event provides networking opportunities with an audience as impressive as our honoree and speakers.
Proceeds from the Gala benefit NAMI programs that serve individuals with serious mental illness and their families in all 50 states.
We hope you will join us for a stimulating and entertaining evening. If you are unable to attend the Gala, you can still be a part of the evening and show your support by making an online donation today. Your name will be displayed online or you may wish to remain anonymous.
For additional information about the Gala and sponsorships, please contact Susan Gaffney at (703) 516-7967, Natalie Duarte at (703) 516-7970 or Natalie Shear Associates at (202) 833-4456 x101.
If you are interested in sponsoring this event, please download this form and mail the completed to:
Susan Gaffney
3803 N. Fairfax Dr.
Suite 100
Arlington, VA 22203-1701
$250 Challenge Still Open
Fred Friendly Seminars, Inc. (FFS) which produced Minds on the Edge has issued a challenge to people who register as friends on the program's Facebook page. There currently are 700+ friends. Whoever the 1000th person is that registers, FFS will donate $250 to the non-profit mental health organization of that person's choice. Expand the discussion! Reach out to colleagues and friends! Have them register on the Minds on the Edge page and don't forget to register yourself.
NAMI Identity Guide Updates
NAMI has a new editorial style guide, available both in English and in Spanish as well as a new, expanded color palette. NAMI's editorial style is based on the Associated Press style book.
Check out all of the useful tools the Identity Guide has to offer, including downloadable templates for business cards, letterhead and more.
Also new in the Identity Guide is the NAMI Hearts and Minds logo.
And don't forget to grab your MIAW logo if you're planning activities around Mental Illness Awareness Week.
Both logos are available here along with many other NAMI logos.
NAMI Education and Program Information
Peer-to-Peer Grants Now Available
NAMI Peer-to-Peer grants are now being made available to States on a competitive basis. Seven grants of $5,000 will be awarded to NAMI State Organizations wishing to implement or expand the already existing program. Download the request for proposals and grant application for more information. Application deadline is Friday, November 6, 2009.
Education, Training, & Peer Support Center Electronic Newsletter
The Education, Training & Peer Support Center has issued its second departmental electronic newsletter, highlighting this year's Convention activities as well as the various program activities happening throughout the country.
The newsletter will provides updates on NAMI signature programs: Family-to-Family; De Familia a Familia; Basics; Connection; Peer-to-Peer; In Our Own Voice; Provider Education Course; and Family Support Group Facilitator Skills Training Program.
Enjoy!... Education, Training & Peer Support Center Newsletter.
Deadlines and Dates to Remember October 14 - Unmasking Mental Illness Gala
October 23 - October Adult "Ask the Doctor" Call with Guest Andrew Sperling
November 6 - Deadline for Peer-to-Peer Grant Applications
December 1 - Deadline for submitting a workshop proposal for NAMI's 2010 National Convention
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