Mental Health Association

	Building Connections to Support Recovery

	Mental Health Consumers and Family Members are invited Time: October 9, 2008 5:30 to 7:00 pm Time: October 14, 2008 1:30 to 3:00 pm Place: ARC 215 University Drive North Fargo, ND Topics Discussed: Causes of Mental Illness Brain Basics Effective Communication Strategies Self Advocacy *ADA & Employment Opportunities Sessions are repeated For Free Registration call: 701-237-5871 CALL NOW!! First Come First Served

	Partners in Policymaking Program

	The Partners in Policymaking Program is a leadership training program designed for adults with disabilities and for parents of children with disabilities. The program teaches leadership skillls, and the process of developing positive partnerships with elected officials and other individuals who make the policy decisions about services that individuals with disabilities and their families use. The program is based on the belief that the most effective and enduring public policy decisions are made by the people who need and use services in partnership with elected officials and other policymakers. It is about becoming confident in oneself, competent in the knowledge and information received, and comfortable in sharing the life experiences and expertise one brings to the program. The Arc of Bismarck is currently accepting applications for the next class of eight sessions which will begin in October. With funding provided primarily through a grant from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, The Arc of Bismarck is able to provide this training completely free of charge to selected participants. If you would like more information, email joyce@apsimail.com or call 1-888-258-7949 or 701-258-7949.

	PSR Directors-Psychosocial Rehabilitation Centers

	REGION I Bill Rudolph, Director The Club-212 2nd St West 211 2nd Avenue West (mailing address) Williston, ND 58801-5920 Phone: (701) 577-0267 Fax: (701) 774-4620 E-mail: prc@will.midco.com Center hours: Mon: 9-12, 1-7 Tues-Fri: 9-12, 1-5 Sat-Sun: 12-2 REGION II Jennifer Bartsch, Director Harmony Center 212 East Central Avenue Minot, ND 58701 Phone: (701) 852-3263 Fax: (701) 838-8488 E-mail: psr@minot.com Center hours: Mon-Thurs: 9-5 (every other ) Fri: 9-5 (every other) Sat/Sun: 11-3 REGION III Tracy Hager, Director The Freedom Center 1124 2nd St NE #100 Devils Lake, ND 58301 Phone: (701) 662-8424 Fax: (701) 662-1934 E-mail: psr@gondtc.com Center hours: Mon-Wed, Fri: 9-4 Thurs: 9-7 Sat: 11-6 Sun: 12-4 REGION IV Charlotte Gregorson, Director Mountainbrooke 112 N 3rd Street Grand Forks, ND 58203-3716 Phone: (701) 746-4530 Fax: (701) 775-8645 E-mail: mountainbrooke@yahoo.com Center hours: Mon-Fri: 9-4 Sat-Sun: 1-3:30; 4-7 REGION V Karen Braaten, Director Myrt Armstrong Center 1419 1st Avenue South Fargo, ND 58103 Phone: (701) 293-7716 Fax: (701) 293-7716 E-mail: socialclubfm@juno.com Center hours: Mon-Sat: 1-9 Sun: 1-5 REGION VI Allen Falk, Director Progress Community Center 428 2nd St SW or PO Box 1833 Jamestown, ND 58402 Phone: (701) 251-2964 Fax: (701) 251-2964 Center hours: Mon-Thurs: 8-5 Fri: 8-8 Sat: 1-5 Closed Sunday REGION VII Betty Martin, Director Dacotah Learning Center 522 West Arbor Ave Bismarck, ND 58504 Phone: (701) 255-6402 Fax: (701) 223-5775 Center hours: Mon-Fri: 10:30-5:30 Sat & Sun: 1-5 REGION VIII Jeri Hausauer, Director Prairie Rose Center 202 East Villard Dickinson, ND 58601 Phone: (701) 227-0135 or 1-800-359-2243 Fax: (701) 227-4750 E-mail: jerih@dickinsoncap.org Center hours: Mon-Fri: 9-4 Sat & Sun: 10-1:30

	Stigma: Building Awareness and Understanding

	Mental illness can strike anyone! It knows no age limits, economic status, race, creed or color. During the course of a year, more than 54 million Americans are affected by one or more mental disorders. Medical science has made incredible progress over the last century in helping us understand, curing and eliminating the causes of many diseases including mental illnesses. However, while doctors continue to solve some of the mysteries of the brain, many of its functions remain a puzzle. Even at the leading research centers, no one fully understands how the brain works or why it malfunctions. However, researchers have determined that many mental illnesses are probably the result of chemical imbalances in the brain. These imbalances may be inherited, or may develop because of excessive stress or substance abuse. It is sometimes easy to forget that our brain, like all of our other organs, is vulnerable to disease. People with mental illnesses often exhibit many types of behaviors such as extreme sadness and irritability, and in more severe cases, they may also suffer from hallucinations and total withdrawal. Instead of receiving compassion and acceptance, people with mental illnesses may experience hostility, discrimination, and stigma. Why does stigma still exist? Unfortunately, the media is responsible for many of the misconceptions which persist about people with mental illnesses. Newspapers, in particular,often stress a history of mental illness in the backgrounds of people who commit crimes of violence. Newspapers, in particular, often stress a history of mental illness in the backgrounds of people who commit crimes of violence. Television news programs frequently sensationalize crimes where persons with mental illnesses are involved. Comedians make fun of people with mental illnesses, using their disabilities as a source of humor. Also, national advertisers use stigmatizing images as promotional gimmicks to sell products. Ironically, the media also offers our best hope for eradicating stigma because of its power to educate and influence public opinion. What Is A Mental Illness? A mental illness is a disease that causes mild to severe disturbances in thinking, perception and behavior. If these disturbances significantly impair a person's ability to cope with life's ordinary demands and routines, then he or she should immediately seek proper treatment with a mental health professional. With the proper care and treatment, a person can recover and resume normal activities. Many mental illnesses are believed to have biological causes, just like cancer, diabetes and heart disease, but some mental disorders are caused by a person's environment and experiences. The five major categories of mental illness: Anxiety Disorders Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illnesses. The three main types are: phobias, panic disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorders. People who suffer from phobias experience extreme fear or dread from a particular object or situation. Panic disorders involve sudden, intense feelings of terror for no apparent reason and symptoms similar to a heart attack. People with obsessive-compulsive disorder try to cope with anxiety by repeating words or phrases or engaging in repetitive, ritualistic behavior such as constant hand washing. Mood Disorders Mood disorders include depression and bipolar disorder (or manic depression) symptoms may include mood swings such as extreme sadness or elation, sleep and eating disturbances, and changes in activity and energy levels. Suicide may be a risk with these disorders. Schizophrenia Schizophrenia is a serious disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels and acts. Schizophrenia is believed to be caused by chemical imbalances in the brain that produce a variety of symptoms including hallucinations, delusions, withdrawal, incoherent speech and impaired reasoning. Dementias This group of disorders includes diseases like Alzheimer's which leads to loss of mental functions, including memory loss and a decline in intellectual and physical skills. Eating Disorders Anorexia nervosa and bulimia involves serious, potentially life-threatening illnesses. People with these disorders have a preoccupation with food and an irrational fear of being fat. Anorexia is self-starvation while bulimia involves cycles of bingeing (consuming large quantities of food) and purging (self-inducing vomiting or abusing laxatives). Behavior may also include excessive exercise. Common Misconceptions About Mental Illness Myth: "Young people and children don't suffer from mental health problems." Fact: It is estimated that more than 6 million young people in America may suffer from a mental health disorder that severely disrupts their ability to function at home, in school, or in their community. Myth: "People who need psychiatric care should be locked away in institutions." Fact: Today, most people can lead productive lives within their communities thanks to a variety of supports, programs, and/or medications. Myth: "A person who has had a mental illness can never be normal." Fact: People with mental illnesses can recover and resume normal activities. For example, Mike Wallace of "60 Minutes", who has clinical depression, has received treatment and today leads an enriched and accomplished life. Myth: "Mentally ill persons are dangerous." Fact: The vast majority of people with mental illnesses are not violent. In the cases when violence does occur, the incidence typically results from the same reasons as with the general public such as feeling threatened or excessive use of alcohol and/or drugs. Myth: "People with mental illnesses can work low-level jobs but aren't suited for really important or responsible positions." Fact: People with mental illnesses, like everyone else, have the potential to work at any level depending on their own abilities, experience and motivation. How You Can Combat stigma: Share your experience with mental illness. Your story can convey to others that having a mental illness is nothing to be embarrassed about. Help people with mental illness reenter society. Support their efforts to obtain housing and jobs. Respond to false statements about mental illness or people with mental illnesses. Many people have wrong and damaging ideas on the subject. Accurate facts and information may help change both their ideas and actions.

	Public Policy

	Participate! Legislators must depend on citizen participation in the legislative process in order to truly represent the will of the people. Next to voting, one of the most important ways citizens can participate in their government is to communicate their wishes to their representatives. BECOME INFORMED: In order to communicate most effectively with your legislator, it is necessary to know the issue under consideration. Many issues are very complex, both for legislators and the average citizen. There usually are several positives and negatives in one proposal. If you want to influence the legislator, you must study the issues. An aware citizen can: * Listen to news broadcast or radio and television; * Read the daily newspaper, church publications and news magazines; * Read resource material on the subject from neighborhood or church libraries; * Discuss the subject with family, neighbors and friends; * Request informatuion from any organization or group which has taken a stand on an issue; * Read and listen to the arguments on both sides of an issue under consideration; and * Give serious thought to the moral or ethical implications of the issue. Once you feel comfortable discussing the issue, it's time to communicate your views. PERSONAL VISITS: The best way to express an opinion to any public official, especially a legislator, is a personal visit. Your legislator is really interested in YOU. After meeting you, he or she will have a personal feeling about your concerns. DO'S AND DON'TS WHEN CORRESPONDING WITH GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS The following suppestions are offered by the North Dakota Congress of Parents and Teachers when writing to your legislator or other government official. 1. DO know your legislator's full name. Spell it correctly. 1. DON'T guess at the spelling of your legislator's name or his/her initials. 2. DO inform ourself about the measure of concern to you. Know what you are talking about. 2. DON'T guess at facts or base your letters on rumors. 3. DO use plain stationery or personal stationery. 3. DON'T use mimeographed or printed postal cards; they give no evidence that you can think for yourself. 4. DO use first class mail. 4. DON'T use form letters under any circumstances. 5. DO let the legislator know how a particular measure will affect your locality-his own home district. 5. DON'T limit yourself to generalities. 6. DO be concise. 6. DON'T be wordy. 7. DO be complete enough to give pertinent reasons and facts. 7. DON'T leave out essential details. 8. DO be sincere. 8. DON'T use insincere flattery or flowery terms. 9. DO be courteous always. 9. DON'T use threats-ever! 10. DO clearly identify the bill, using the title and number, if possible. 10. DON'T get mixed up on the name, the number, or the contents of the bill. 11. DO follow through. Let your legislator know you are watching his record with deep interest. 11. DON'T write letters of criticism or request only. 12. DO write a letter of appreciation whenever your legislator does something that meets your approval. 12. DON'T forget to write a thank-you letter. ALL OF THESE SUGGESTIONS APPLY TO ALL LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT-FEDERAL,STATE AND LOCAL. WHEN WRITING TO A MEMBER OF THE STATE LEGISLATURE: The Honorable (Full name of Senator) The State Senate State Capitol 600 E. Boulevard Bismarck, ND 58505 Dear Senator (Last Name): Sincerely (or Respectfully), The Honorable (Full name of Representative) The State House State Capitol 600 E. Boulevard Bismarck, ND 58505 Dear Representative (Last Name): Sincerely (or Respectfully), WHEN WRITING TO A MEMBER OF THE U.S. CONGRESS: The Honorable (Full name of Senator) United States Senate (Address, if available) Washington, DC (Zip Code) Dear Senator (Last Name): Sincerely (or Respectfully), The Honorable (Full name of Representative) U.S. House of Representative (Address, if available) Washington, DC (Zip Code) Dear Congressman (Last Name): Sincerely (or Respectfully), Thank your legislator if he/she pleases you with a vote on an issue. Everybody appreciates a complimentary letter ! Plus, your legislator will know that you are aware of his/her voting record. On the other hand, if a vote is contrary to your position, don't hesitate to let him/her know in a polite letter.

	Children's Mental Health Services

	Children's Mental Health Services Also referred to as the Partnerships Program for Children's Mental Health Purpose: The Children's Mental Health System of Care in North Dakota provides therapeutic and supportive services to children with serious emotional disturbance (SED) and their families so they can manage their illness and live in the community in the least restrictive setting. "Partnerships" involves parents working together with service agencies and their natural supports. The goal is to plan and provide for the care and support for children with complex needs. The planning includes services across system lines and involves all providers of services. The plan is made around family choices and preferences and is focused on goals. All partners put their resources "on the table" for consideration during the planning process. North Dakota Uses the Wraparound Process Wraparound is a process based upon individualized, strength-based, needs-driven planning and service delivery. It builds more effective supports for children and their families. Wraparound changes as the needs of families change. It has core elements, and it is not a program or service. Wraparound is not something you 'get'; it's something you 'do'. It uses a child and family team, which is essential for successful wraparound teams. Child and Family Teams Include informal and natural support people present in one's life, as well as formal caregivers. May include friends, partners, co-workers, or family members as equal partners at the table. Are uniquely crafted, and the child and family select members of the team. Are helpful to get a number of people working together. As a group, teams may generate better ideas. The team process let's children and their families know they are not alone. Accessing Partnerships Services The Partnerships Program for Children's Mental Health has eligibility criteria. The youth must be 18 years of age or younger. The youth must have a mental health diagnosis. The youth must have service needs involving two or more community agencies such as mental health, substance abuse, health, special education, juvenile justice, or child welfare. The child / youth must have symptoms that are expected to last or have lasted one year or longer. The child/youth is not doing well in school, home, or the community and the difficulties strongly interfere in the life of the child. Note: These are general guidelines. Please contact the regional contact person in your area for further information. (Insert partnerships statewide outcome) - Publication to come Other Services Residential Treatment Centers (RTC) Are facilities that provide children and adolescents with a comprehensive 24-hour therapeutic environment integrating group living, educational services, and a clinical program based upon an interdisciplinary clinical assessment and an individualized treatment plan that meets the needs of the child and family Are available to children in need of and able to respond to active psychotherapeutic intervention and who cannot be effectively treated in their own family, in another home, or in a less restrictive setting North Dakota has six residential treatment centers Residential treatment centers are licensed by the N.D. Department of Human Services, and many also carry accreditation by national accreditation bodies. For information on licensing, contact Carla Kessel at (701) 328-2335 To initiate a referral to a residential treatment center, please complete the universal application form (440kb pdf), and the multi agency release of information form (required). Voluntary Treatment Program Is administered by the N.D. Department of Human Services through collaboration between the Division of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Abuse Services and the Children and Family Services Division Is an option for parents to access out-of-home treatment for their children without relinquishing legal custody when the child's circumstances fall within the intent of this program. The child must be covered by Medicaid program and the application be approved by the Division To apply for this program, parents or legal guardians should complete the Voluntary Treatment Program Application form (SFN 507), and the Multi-Agency Authorization for Release of Information (SFN 970) If approved, this program will pay for the non-Medicaid portion of the treatment facilities rate for the approved timeframe For more information please contact Carla Kessel at (701) 328-2335