JUNE 2015

Issue VI Vol. IV

5205 Greenwood Ave. Ste 110 West Palm Beach, FL 33407

561-588-3477 www.namipbc.org

When it comes to financing the care and treatment of its citizens with mental health problems, Florida ranks 50th in the 52 states and territories of the United States. Two hundred fifty million dollars, or one third of Florida’s entire mental health budget for adult mental health services, is spent to help defendants with mental illness become “forensically” competent to stand tri-al. Many of those defendants are charged with minor offenses and will be sentenced with time served or get probation, with little or no follow-up treatment upon re-lease. This expenditure to restore defendants’ competen-cy to stand trial, affects 3,000 defendants a year. Meanwhile, another 170,000 defendants need mental health services at the time of their arrest.

A Palm Beach County judge recently told me that he has nowhere to send someone whom he believes needs comprehensive mental health treatment. The judge la-mented that when he drives home after work, he often sees the same defendants who appeared in his court-room that day, walking aimlessly along the side of the road. His conclusion was that so long as we continue to discharge people with serious mental illnesses into homelessness and so long as we continue to fail to offer follow up treatment, individuals living with mental illness will continue to needlessly end up in the criminal justice system.

At a recent workshop on mental health and criminal justice issues sponsored by the Florida House Judiciary Committee, Dade County Judge Steven Leifman cited the following four factors as “drivers” to creating mental health treatment problems in the state of Florida: a) low expenditures for community mental health services; b) wastefulness in spending the funds that are dedicated to mental health services; c) basing funding for mental health problems on a 1950’s notion of providing only what is “medically necessary,” which often winds up causing people to repeatedly cycle through the judicial system, rather than affording comprehensive treatment and follow up care; and d) involuntary commitment laws that are based on the goal of protecting society, rather

A Message From The President:

By Manuel Kushner

than helping individuals with mental illness.

Judge Leifman said that in his pilot program in Miami-Dade County, the jail population has been dramatically reduced, as have injuries to police by individuals with mental illness, and injuries to individuals with mental illness by the police. He attributes his program’s suc-cess to better training for police, diversion programs for those facing less serious charges, a less fragmented sys-tem that’s easier for those needing help to use, effec-tive case management and treatment beyond simply handing out prescriptions and hoping for the best. For example, in Miami-Dade County, they offer raises for police, supervisors, corrections officers and 911 opera-tors who attend CIT (Crisis Intervention Team) training; they have a mental health court docket in which most charges can be dropped for defendants who succeed with behavioral health care and/or treatment with peer counselors for a year; and individuals with severe and persistent mental illness charged with felonies who are deemed incompetent to stand trial go to an in-patient program where the focus is on eventually returning them to the community, rather than preparing them for court.

Perhaps it’s time to examine the impact of mental illness on our court system, and whether any improve-ments might be warranted in Palm Beach Coun-ty. Unfortunately, by shuttering our mental health hos-pitals and cutting our community mental health ser-vices, our criminal justice system has become the coun-ty’s de facto primary mental health care provider.

The Voice

We answered 216 phone calls 11 took part in NAMI Provider Ed

15 took part in NAMI Family-to-Family Ed 30 participated in NAMI Peer Council activities 43 attended NAMI/PBC Family Support Groups

139 attended NAMI Connection Groups Our staff and volunteers presented to

55 members of our community 33 attended the NAMI/PBC Young Adults Group

16 attended the NAMI/PBC Adolescent Support Groups

In April, NAMI/PBC served 558 individuals

WHAT ‘S NEW

HOW’D WE DO????

The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Palm Beach County is thrilled to an-nounce that we raised $19,383 during the GREAT GIVE from 104 online do-nors from as far away as NY, VA, NC. In addition to the online donations, we received several check donations as well which helped us achieve our goal of $20,000!

In addition, NAMI PBC won the HEALTHY HOUR PRIZE and $500, sponsored by United Way of Palm Beach County, for having the most donors from midnight to 8 am.

We appreciate the generosity of those who donated and we also loved hearing people express their gratitude for the help and support NAMI Palm Beach County has provided them. The fun part of this event is watching the dona-tions’ total rise minute by minute. Within the first 20 minutes over $237,000 had been donated. A total of $2,692,978.00 was donated to local charities in Palm Beach & Martin Counties for the 24 hr. event. We want to thank NAMI PBC’s Board of Directors for 100% participation; Michael Garden, Director and Peer Council President, for all his efforts; all our volunteers, Mitzi, Kim, Bruce, Chris, Andy, Olivia, Carol; and, those that asked their family, friends and colleagues to donate. The Peer Council raised $230 raffling off a brand new bike that was donated anonymously! Chris, our Administrative Assistant was the lucky winner of both the Rainy Day Basket AND the Bike! Hmmmm, that seems a little fishy.

A BIG SHOUT OUT TO THE

WHO ALLOWED US TO USE THEIR SPACE DURING THE GREAT GIVE AND, BY THE WAY, HAS THE BEST

COFFEE AROUND.

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CRISIS INTERVENTION TEAM

By Dorothy Kelleher

If you have a loved one in crisis and need the ser-

vices of a CIT officer, you should call 911 and give

the necessary information to the dispatcher, making

sure the dispatcher understands that you do need a

CIT officer sent to the scene. NAMI

and CIT work closely together in

providing this service.

On May 19, NAMI peer men-tors presented to 35 sopho-more and junior Psychology students at Boynton Beach Community High School. Thank you Boynton Beach Mental Health Initiative for setting up this presentation for us! (Photo from left: Andrew, Faith and Peter)

IN THE NEWS

NAMI PBC Peer Council Activities

N.O.W. (NAMI On Wednesdays)

Wednesdays from 11:00am-4:00pm the NAMI PBC Lake Work Office is now open for Drop Inn. Join us for Arts & Crafts, Book Club, Games, Speakers, Computer Training, Advocacy and more.

Developmental experts say that, on average, a child through young adult should be able to stay focused on a task for two to five minutes times the year of their age. Many studies suggest that everyday play -- especially play that engages the brain and body -- accomplishes the goal of improving attention and concentration better than worksheets, video games, or punishments, but what are some factors that may be contributing to poor attention and concentration?

Nutrition and Sleep - Am I hungry or tired? To combat hunger or fatigue, give yourself a snack before you start work or any structured task. According to the Mayo Clinic, some smart choices include whole-grain pretzels, raw veggies dipped in fat-free dressing or hummus, yogurt, and peanut butter spread on a banana or apple. A good night's sleep is important as well, so make sure you are getting enough rest.

Is the Task Developmentally Appropriate? Children can tune out and stop paying attention when they think a task is too hard for them. They may need instructions broken into small steps. This is often the case when someone has a brain injury, with various mental health concerns or a neurocognitive disorder such as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Sometimes even illustrat-ing a routine on paper and posting it on the wall can serve as one good visual reminder instead of constant missed verbal reminders.

Move It! Research has also shown that exercise can help us pay attention. A CDC and Prevention research review from 2010 revealed that elementary school children who took breaks from classwork to be active during the day could concentrate better on schoolwork. Other studies have reported that parents who make exercise a priority in their family life will have more physically active kids.

Limit Screen Time - Another way to encourage children to be more active is by limiting TV time. A 2011 study pub-lished in Pediatrics found that fast-paced cartoons short-ened the attention spans of 4-year-olds. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more than one to two hours per day of total high-quality screen time, in-cluding TV, videos, computers, phones, and video games. (Kids under age 2 should not be exposed to any screen time). Instead of turning on the TV or handing over the smartphone, have them focus on other activities that will help increase attention spans. Children can read, work on a puzzle, help make dinner, build forts out of blocks and chairs, and help with household chores. Other Concerns - Mental health issues, such as depres-sion, anger, and anxiety, can make it difficult for anyone to focus, and we often need help learning how to cope with these feelings. Make sure you are seeking help to learn how to discuss these feelings in the healthiest way possible!

Bowling at Greenacres Bowl Sunday, June 14, 1:00-3:00 PM $10/per person includes shoes, pizza and soda.

IMPROVING ATTENTION AND CONCENTRATION

Dr. Kelly Everson, Director

June Peer Council Meeting Friday, June 26 at 4:30-7:00 pm NAMI/PBC, 1520 10th Avenue North, Suite D, Lake Worth—Pizza and refreshments will be served.

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Registration for all activities are required. Con-tact the office for more information! 561-588-3477.

SHOUT OUT to all those who donated items

and all the NAMI volunteers who came out to

help with the NAMI Peer Council’s GARAGE SALE

on May 16. Not only did we celebrate Peer Coun-

cil President, Michael Garden’s birthday, but the

Council raised $563.00!!! 100% of the proceeds

will be used for Peer Council activities.

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It’s not all fun and games at NAMI, but we do

find time to fit it in. Are those the faces of peo-

ple who love what they do or not?

Eat Better, Move More Cooking Classes:

May - August 2015

Presented by

Lisa Aronson

Beginning May 28th West Palm Beach 4:00 - 5:30

Fitness Classes:

May - August 2015

Come get fit with

Olivia Greer

Beginning May 20th Lake Worth 4:00 - 5:00

WHAT’S COMING UP and

WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING

We love cake!

NAMI is pleased to announce that Carmen Palacios is now

a CERTIFIED Peer Special-

ist. Carmen completed

the 40 hrs. training, 500

service hours and last

month passed the state

certification board exam.

WAY TO GO CARMEN!

IN THE NEWS

MONTHLY MEMBER TO MENTION: JOAN CANNON

- by Michael Garden

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If any of you know Joan, you know she’s an old time good sport gal. From Virginia roots to years at our NAMI affili-ate, Joan keeps up with NAMI in an old-fashioned way. Through her family and some long-time NAMI peer member friendships, Joan doesn’t have a computer nor does Joan drive a car, yet every week Joan makes it her way to find out what peer events and meetings are going on. It could be through the NAMI newsletter or telephone shar-ing.

Joan sets herself up with Palm Connection (using Share the Fare) as well as making trusted relation-ships for transportation assis-tance. Joan brings her spirited if you want, you can way to attend activities and we’re glad she does!

NAMI’S EXEMPLARY PSYCHIATRIST AWARD

- By Liz Downey

In March, we nominated Christopher Kye, M.D., B.C. General and Child Psychiatry, for NAMI’s Exempla-ry Psychiatrist Award. On April 30, we received notification that Dr. Kye was one of the nationally- recog-nized psychiatrists selected to receive NAMI’s Exemplary Psychiatrist Award. This award is for psychia-trists who go above and beyond the call of duty and actually make a difference.

Dr. Kye was nominated for the service and dedication he not only provides for his patients, but also for our affiliate. Below are a few of his contributions:

He serves on the NAMI Palm Beach County Board of Directors; He writes a blog for our monthly newsletter The Voice; He develops lecture series on neuroscience updates to keep our members and the public informed of

the latest research; He takes the time to research and provide a prompt response whenever a staff or a member has a

question regarding a new medication or therapy; He was the sole highest fundraising team for our NAMIWalks in 2014; He volunteers his time for our annual Mystery Dinner fundraiser; He financially supports all of our fundraising events; He makes himself available late evenings and weekends for his patients; When Dr. Kye is not working with patients or volunteering his time for NAMI, he is staying up-to-date

with the latest research relative to brain illnesses and ASD. Information that he shares with our mem-bers.

Dr. Kye will be recognized in the 2015 NAMI Convention Program. Thank you and congratulations Dr. Kye and keep up the great work!

UPCOMING EVENT

NAMI PBC’S GENERAL MEETING

Behavioral Health Treatment ....on the edge

Presented By

Anna Ciulla, LMHC, RD, LD Executive Director of Clinical Services

Behavioral Health of the Palm Beaches

Join us on June 24, 6:00-8:00 pm at the Mollie Wilmot Pavilion, 5205 Greenwood Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33407

To Learn About Cutting Edge Behavioral Health Treatment

Ms. Cuilla has worked in the Mental Health arena for the past 17 years, both as a Clinician and Administrator, in both public and private sectors. She will provide an over-

view of the programs and services available at Behavioral Health of the Palm Beaches.

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General Treatment Programs

Intervention Programs

Detox Programs

Holistic Treatment Programs

Professional Programs

Mental Health Programs

Spiritual Programs

Family Programs

Please register for this presentation by calling the NAMI Palm Beach County office at 561-588-

Peer and Family Support Groups Call 561-588-3477 for more information

NAMI/PBC Connection Recovery Support Groups

Lake Worth (NAMI Office) 1520 10th Avenue N, Suite D Lake Worth, FL 33460 Saturdays 6:00-7:30pm

Delray Beach (Toole Building So. County Mental Health Center) 16158 S Military Trail, Delray Beach, FL 33484 Mondays 1:45-2:45pm & Wednesdays 10:15-11:30am

Jupiter (Southeast Behavioral Health Network) 140 Intracoastal Pointe Dr., Suite 208, Jupiter, FL 33477 Wednesdays 5:30-7:00pm

Hypoluxo (Amigos Group — Jeff Industries) 111 E Coast Avenue, Hypoluxo, FL 33462 ON HOLD—NEW DAY AND TIME TBD

NAMI/PBC Young Adults Group 18-35 Year Olds

Lake Worth (NAMI Office) 1520 10th Avenue N, Suite D, Lake Worth, FL 33460 First 3 Fridays of the month 6:00-7:30pm

NAMI/PBC Adolescent Support Groups*

NAMI/PBC Family Support Groups

West Boca (West Boca Raton Library) 18685 State Road 7, Boca Raton, FL 33498 1st Tuesday 6:30-8:00pm

Boynton Beach/ Delray Beach (Hagen Ranch Library) 14350 Hagen Ranch Road, Delray Beach, FL 33446 2nd Tuesday 6:30-8:00pm

Jupiter (Southeast Behavioral Health) 140 Intracoastal Pointe Dr, Ste 208, Jupiter, FL 33477 3rd Thursday 6:30-8:00pm

Wellington (Wellington Library) 1951 Royal Fern Dr, Wellington, FL 33414 2nd Monday 6:30-8:30pm

Other Local Support Groups for Peers

Other Local Family Support Groups

GROUP MEETINGS

South County Mental Health Center Depression Bipolar Support Alliance 16158 S Military Trail, Delray Beach, FL 33484 1-877-858-7474 for directions ALL DISORDERS (Building E. — Toole Building) Wednesdays 7:00-9:00pm

Peer Place Support Center 2100 45th Street, Suite B12, West Palm Beach, FL 33407 561-712-0584 for directions and information DRA (Living in the Now) (12 Step Co-occurring) Sat. 10am Here & Now (12 Step) Saturday 11:00am-12:00pm Peer Support Mon-Fri 9:00am-4:00pm; Sat 9am-1pm

Fair Oaks Pavilion (Behind Delray Community Hospital) 5440 Linton Blvd, Ste 1010, Delray Beach, FL 33484 For directions and info: rossdolphins@bellsouth.net

Jupiter Fire Station No. 19 322 N. Central Boulevard, Jupiter, FL 33458 561-427-0840 or 561-575-9787 for information Depression/Bipolar Thursdays 7:00-8:30pm

Holy Trinity Church 211 Trinity Place, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Nancy Drevich 561-499-6716 for information Depression/Bipolar Thursdays 7:00-8:30pm

West Boca Medical Education Center 21644 State Road 7, Boca Raton, FL 33428 For directions and info: Jason Spielman 954-217-1757 OCD 1st Thursday 7:30-9:00pm

Living Grace Group 1st Presbyterian Church Youth Bldg. 717 Prosperity Farms Rd, North Palm Beach, FL 33408 1st Tuesday 6:30pm, Contact Ken 561-379-5675,

Trauma Support Group Center for Trauma Counseling, Inc. 801 Lake Worth Road, Suite 101, Lake Worth, FL 33467 Tuesdays 6:30-8:00pm, Contact Helya 561-444-3914

Support for Eating Disorders and Dual Diagnosis Alliance for Eating Disorder Awareness Office 1649 Forum Place #2, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Thursdays 6:30-8:00pm *18+ females, please

Family Grace Group First Presbyterian Church Youth Building 717 Prosperity Farms Road, North Palm Beach, FL 33408 1st Monday 6:30pm Jeni Ayers 561-309-5675 ayersjeni@gmail.com for more information

Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness Friends and Family Support Group Eating Disorder Alliance Office 1649 Forum Place #2, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 1st and 3rd Wednesday 7:00-8:30pm

West Palm Beach (NAMI Office)—ON HOLD 5205 Greenwood Ave, Ste 110, West Palm Bch, FL 33407 Grades 7-8: Tuesdays 5:30-6:30pm Grades 9-12: Tuesdays 6:30-7:30pm

Lake Worth—ON HOLD 6801 Lake Worth Road, Suite 101, Lake Worth, FL 33467 Grades 7-8: Thursdays 5:30-6:30pm Grades 9-12: Thursdays 6:30-7:30pm

Jupiter 50 South US Highway 1, Suite 309, Jupiter, FL 33477 Grades 7-8: Mondays 5:30-6:30pm Grades 9-12: Mondays 6:30-7:30pm

Boca Raton 800 Meadows Road, Boca Raton, FL 33486 Grades 7-8: Tuesdays 5:30-6:30pm Grades 9-12: Tuesday 6:30-7:30pm

Page 7

The NAMI Young Adults Group is looking for indi-

viduals in recovery with mental illness who want to

get involved helping others. NAMI Palm Beach

County has a Speakers Bureau, peer mentoring, op-

portunities to participate in support groups, go in to

visit those who are in mental health facilities, or

make visits to legislators and other community lead-

ers to talk about the need for services in Palm Beach

County. Our voices are strong and we can make a

difference! If you’re interested, please contact the

NAMI office today! 561-588-3477.

REDISCOVERING RECOVERY — By Peter Davey

It is with my deepest gratitude to stand together with the strength of our young adults that comprise

support groups, education classes, presentations, and activities. I am humbled whenever I can sit down

with the leaders of these groups and feel a great sense of relief. Relief in the love and trust with com-

plete abandon, unconditional support, warm embrace, and that lived knowledge that resolves deep

peace within one another. The challenges we may face every single day within our lives seem to barrage

us like no-other, we may stumble to see the light at times, we may falter to know what's right alongside

our sisters and brothers, but here at NAMI, with hope, we will always have each other.

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WHAT’S HAPPENING?

WALKING FOR MENTAL HEALTH NAMIWALKS.ORG/PALMBEACHCOUNTY

For those of you who were not able to join us at the Walk Information Meeting, below are some highlights of the event. We wish to extend our gratitude to the Courtyard Marriott in Boynton Beach for sponsoring the delicious brunch; and a big thank you to Toucan Press for printing our beautiful color sponsorship brochures. We will be holding our next Walk Committee Meeting on Saturday, June 13th from 10:30am - 12:00pm, at the Lake Worth office, located at 1520 10th Avenue N., Suite D. We need volunteers, so this would be a great opportunity to bring along anyone that is interested.

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Non-Profit Organization

US Postage Paid

West Palm Beach, FL

Permit No. 1327

National Alliance on Mental Illness of Palm Beach County

Mollie Wilmot Center—Palm Healthcare Pavilion

5205 Greenwood Avenue, Suite 110

West Palm Beach, FL 33407

Or Current Resident

NAMI Membership exists at 3 levels: Affiliate, State & National. NAMI is a 501(c)(3) non-

profit, charitable organization—contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

Together, we can continue to fight for all those affected by mental illness. PLEASE NOTE: In

order for NAMI/PBC to receive your full donation, please send your donation to the NAMI/

PBC office. Thank you! FL SOLICITATION REGISTRATION NUMBER: CH6498 “A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SER-

VICES BY CALLING (800-435-7352) TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT

IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.”

Members are NAMI/PBC’s lifeblood; your member-ship helps us continue to

provide free outreach, support & education. In bringing mental health

issues to wider attention, we advocate for better

treatment. As our mem-bership base grows, our voice becomes stronger.

Respect, Compassion & Hope … NAMI Works!

I’d like to support NAMI PBC with a donation of: __ $25 __ $50 __ $100

other: $____

5205 Greenwood Ave., Suite 110, West Palm Beach, FL 33407

T: 561.588.3477 F: 561.588-3499

Email: info@namipbc.org Website: namipbc.org

I’d like to volunteer for NAMI/PBC’s 2015 Walk.

I wish to receive NAMI National’s solicitations.

Check here for renewal: Date:_______

Name:______________________________

Address:____________________________

City/St:_____________________________

Zip:_________....Phone:_______________

Email:______________________________

MEMBERSHIP: Regular $35 Open Door $3

SPONSORSHIP: Family $55 Professional $65 Corporate $250 Pay online through our secure PayPal at: namipbc.org