www.namiwestchester.org Helpline

https://www.facebook.com/NAMIWestchester.org (914) 592-5458

The Official Newsletter of NAMI Westchester, Inc. August 2017

NAMI NATIONAL 2017 CONVENTION By Joseph Fusaro

In June I was able to represent NAMI Westchester and This Is

My Brave at the 2017 NAMI National Convention in Washing-

ton D.C. I enjoyed being able to meet many of my NAMI peers

from all over the country. It is nice to share our experiences,

learn the latest trends in medicine, science, education, and

therapies. I was also very impressed that there were events geared

toward overall health, yoga / meditation, epigenetics, and

informed dialogic practice. I feel that NAMI is taking the right

steps in order to take a well-rounded approach in the treatment of

mental illness. In my experience, medication and therapy are

great first steps, but there are several other lifestyle changes we

can make to help us on our path of recovery.

I am also grateful that I got to sit down with Naomi Judd from

NAMI Nashville, Tennessee. In addition to being kind, beautiful,

and talented, she is also a brilliant woman and an inspiration for

her work and dedication to shining a light on mental health. Her

story is straight from the heart and compelling. I highly

recommend reading her book, River of Time: My Descent Into

Depression and How I Emerged with Hope”, or going to see her

speak if she comes to your town. I am already looking forward to

#NAMICon18 in New Orleans, Louisiana. I hope to see you

there.

NAMI Westchester Presenter Joseph Fusaro with

Naomi Judd at the 2017 NAMI National

Convention held in Washington D.C.

NAMI HOMEFRONT

NAMI Homefront is a free, six-session online course for family, friends and

significant others of military service members and veterans. The class helps

families comprehend what the military service member/veteran is

experiencing related to trauma, combat stress, civilian life, PTSD and other

mental health conditions. Topics covered include mental health,

communication, handling crises, treatment and recovery. Click here for more

information and how to register for the online course or go to:

https://www.nami.org/homefront.

FIND HELP...FIND HOPE

For support and resource information, call our Helpline at (914) 592-5458

“Like” us on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/NAMIWestchester.org

For information about our programs and events,

please visit our website:

http://www.namiwestchester.org/.

To become a member, please go to

https://www.nami.org/Get-Involved/Join

NEW NAMI CONNECTION GROUP

This past Spring we started a NAMI Connection group in Mt. Vernon. This peer-run support group for those in

recovery has not received any participants. The group meets the third Saturday of the month and is located on

a public transportation bus route. If you know of someone who could benefit from this group, please have them

call (914) 592-5458.

www.namiwestchester.org Helpline

https://www.facebook.com/NAMIWestchester.org (914) 592-5458

NAMI PROGRAMS

We are running a Saturday morning Family-to-Family class starting September 30. Family-to-Family is an

11-week education program for family members who have a loved one with a mental illness. The program

covers a variety of topics from medication, communication, problem solving, self-care and recovery.

To register or for more information please call (914) 592-5458.

BRIDGES OF HOPE

NAMI Westchester recently trained 10 people for the Bridges of Hope presentation program. This faith-based

program was created to provide an opportunity to speak to clergy and faith groups about mental illness, the

role of faith communities and NAMI Westchester programs. To schedule a presentation, please call

(914) 592-5458.

BOARD MEMBERS AND COMMITTTEES

At the July Reorganization Board Meeting NAMI Westchester selected new officers for the July 2017 — June 2018 year:

Eva Hale Leighton, President Louise Ellis, Vice President Jana Doty, Treasurer Genna Woods, Secretary

In addition to electing new officers, committee chairs were appointed:

Eva Hale Leighton and Genna Woods, Governance Audrey McInerney, Fundraising Jana Doty, Finance Chris Gaur, Nominating Robert Laitman and Allison Corbie, Advocacy Daniele Vazquez, NAMIWalks Louise Ellis, Educational Event Christina Bauso and Michaele Rizzuto, Film Series

We also welcome new board members:

Allison Corbie: has been involved with NAMI Westchester since 2015 when Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. created a national partnership with NAMI. She has volunteered as a NAMIWalks Westchester team captain and walk committee member.

Audrey McInerney: is returning to our board of directors after taking a leave. She is a facilitator of both our Family-to-Family course and a support group and is a presenter in the NAMI signature programs Ending the Silence and Bridges of Hope.

Kristy Robinson: has been involved with NAMI Westchester for the past two years in her role as social worker and Coordinator of Personal Counseling services at Westchester Community College. She has been instrumental in maintaining the NAMI on Campus club at the college.

We look forward to working with our board members in continuing to help our organization grow in the coming year.

www.namiwestchester.org Helpline

https://www.facebook.com/NAMIWestchester.org (914) 592-5458

NAMI WESTCHESTER UPCOMING EVENT

Westchester County Suicide Prevention

and Awareness Task Force

Click here to purchase tickets, or go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/documentary-film-event-man-of-the-house-tickets-35595944428 NAMI Westchester Members: $10 Students $5 Click here to become a member or go to: www.namiwestchester.org Non members: $15 Students $7

Thursday, September 14, 2017

6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

The Picture House

175 Wolfs Lane, Pelham, NY 10803

The impact of suicide on families and suicide prevention and treatment will highlight the

evening. Following the film showing, a panel discussion will be held with the producer,

clinical psychologists, a family member, and a survivor to address suicide prevention,

treatment, and crisis intervention/prevention.

Documentary screening of MAN OF THE HOUSE

Written and directed by John J. Palomino

John Palomino, a New Rochelle resident, documents the story of his father who suffered from a

mental illness and took his life. A beautiful story of how a young boy and his family overcame

trauma and adapted to a new life.

OUR ANNUAL EDUCATIONAL FILM SERIES CONTINUES

THE IMPACT OF SUICIDE ON THE SURVIVING FAMILY MEMBERS

Hosted in collaboration with:

www.namiwestchester.org Helpline

https://www.facebook.com/NAMIWestchester.org (914) 592-5458

Thursday, October 12, 2017 from 4 to 7 p.m.

New York-Presbyterian Hospital-Westchester Division 21 Bloomingdale Road, White Plains, NY

For more information see www.namiwestchester.org

or call (914) 592-5458

Third Annual Educational Event

Your Brain and Mental Health The impact of trauma, physical illness, past injuries and life experiences on diagnosis and treatment

PANEL DISCUSSION

Moderated by:

Michael Orth, MSW

Deputy Commissioner of Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health

Panelists:

Dr. Mark Herceg, Ph.D., Commissioner of Westchester County Department of Community

Mental Health

Dr. Nikhil Palekar, Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medical College and

Chief of Second Chance Program of New York-Presbyterian-Westchester Division

Jennifer Amar, LCSW, Social Worker at New York -Presbyterian-Westchester Division in the

Second Chance Program

NAMI WESTCHESTER UPCOMING EVENT

Hosted in collaboration with: