NYWe-works: Issue No. 5

September 2004

(See all NYWe-works Issues)

This issue:
Education
*    SAMHSA
*    Supportive Housing Network of NY
*    USPRA (IAPSRS)
News Briefs
*    Bazelon
*    Boston University
*    Families USA
*    Mental Health Alternatives to Solitary Confinement
*    NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
*    NYC Department of Small Business Services
*    SAMHSA
*    VESID
Publications
*    Bazelon
*    Center for Law and Social Policy
*    NAMI-New York State
*    NYS Office of Mental health
*    President's New Freedom Commission
*    Training Resource Network

Education:

• SAMSHA has launched a multimedia mental health education effort over three years with the goal of increasing awareness of stigma and discrimination connected to mental illness. To obtain more information on "Mental Health: It's Part of Our Lives", go to: http://www.samhsa.gov/news/newsreleases/040524nr_ebi.htm
• Supportive Housing Network of NY is hosting two forums: "Introduction to Homelessness & Supportive Housing" including a discussion on employment with Michael Golub on Friday September 10, 8:30am - 12:00pm; and "A Proactive Leadership Approach to Vocational Program - Buy-In & Integration", Thursday September 23, 9:30am - 11:30am with Steve Dudasik, MHA of NYC. The Network cost is $30 for members, $50 for non-members. E-mail mgolub@shnny.org for more information.
• USPRA has posted updated information on the CPRP exam and renewal protocols. Professional references are no longer required on applications. New on-line practice tests, test dates for spring and mid-year 2005, and renewal guidelines for current CPRPs are available. For information on exams and certification go to: http://www.uspra.org/certification/

News Briefs:

• Bazelon has put together a questionnaire to help individuals learn how Congressional candidates will support the goals of the President's New Freedom Commission on Mental Health. Candidates can be contacted with questions and concerns on the country's mental health system including issues on employment for mental health recipients (bullet #6). Download the following document: http://www.bazelon.org/takeaction/elections/2004/HTML
• Boston University's Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation has a newly developed web-based repository of recovery resource information (designed to assist state mental health administrators and consumers working in state offices) to create more recovery-oriented mental health systems. Access the following link to view the repository: http://www.bu.edu/cpr/recovery/
• Families USA has published an article called "Medicaid: Good Medicine for State Economies, 2004 Update". The report shows the impact of state Medicaid spending on employment, wages, and business activity. To view go to: http://www.familiesusa.org/site/R?i=uQvy5NTQ0qwDRYvcWDDmjg
• Mental Health Alternatives to Solitary Confinement is sponsoring a Solitary Housing Unit (SHU) Speak Out and Community Resources Fair on Friday September 17th from 10 AM- 3PM at 163 W. 125th Street and Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard. Organizations that provide mental health services to the prison population are encouraged to register for a table to introduce services and network with similar organizations. For more information call 646-602-5665 or 646-602-5666. NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene in collaboration with the NYS Office of Mental Health, NYC Field Office will be presenting a "Consumer Dialogue on PROS" (Personalized Recovery Oriented Services) on September 23rd from 1:30-4:30 PM at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center, 234 E. 149th Street, Bronx, NY. Consumers are urged to attend with questions and concerns about PROS. Registration is preferred by September 18th and seating will be limited. Call 212-219-5181 for more information.
• NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) with the New York City Commission on Women's Issues (CWI) are launching the "New York City Small Business Awards". "Success in the City" will celebrate the achievements of women in business in NYC. To get qualifying information including hard copies of the application, call 311 and ask for the "Small Business Awards". Applications will be accepted through September 30th. To view the press release go to: http://www.nyc.gov/html/sbs/html/pressrelease_072004_cwi.html
• SAMHSA will be presenting the TAPA (Technical Assistance and Policy Analysis) Net/Tele Conference on Wednesday, September 22nd from 2-3:30 PM. The topic will be "Strategies for Effectively Integrating Consumers as Staff and Experts into Jail Diversion Programs". Participants will listen to the presentation via telephone (toll-free) while viewing a PowerPoint presentation via the Internet (optional). Speakers include: LaVerne Miller of the Howie T. Harp Advocacy Center and Ann-Marie Louison of the Center for Alternative Sentencing and Employment Services (CASES). For full instructions go to: http://www.prainc.com/uploads/TAPA/NetTeleConference/Full%20instructions.pdf
• VESID will hold nine town meetings at various locations from September 9th through November 8th and one virtual meeting as part of the State Plan development. VESID is seeking public comment on a proposed process for designing a future VR service delivery system. Individual recommendations can be submitted in writing to VESID, VR Policy and Partnerships Unit-Room 1603 (OCP), NYS Education Department, Albany, NY 12234. For more information go to: http://www.vesid.nysed.gov/policies/townmtgs/townmtg0904.htm

Publications:

• Bazelon: "Get it Together" examines model programs for improving integration and coordination of behavioral health and primary health services for adults and children with serious mental disorders who rely on the public mental health system for their care. The findings summarize a series of studies and recommendations are offered to policymakers. To view information go to: http://www.bazelon.org/issues/general/publications/getittogether/index.htm
• Center for Law and Social Policy has published a document called >From "Jobs to Careers: How California Community College Credentials Pay Off for Welfare Participants", May 2004. This study looks at employment and earning rates of Welfare recipients and their educational activities after they have exited the system. To view the article go to: http://www.clasp.org/DMS/Documents/1084454956.97/Jobs_Careers.pdf
• NAMI- Queens/Nassau has put together teaching tools to address stigma in the classroom for upper elementary, middle, and high school students. Some of the topics include overcoming stigma and recognizing symptoms of mental illness. The curriculum has statistical and anecdotal information and can be purchased via NAMI- Queens/Nassau. Go to: http://www.btslessonplans.org/
• NYS Office of Mental Health recently released a new "Grief Counseling Resource Guide: A Field Manual". The content includes valuable information on bereavement counseling skills for outreach workers, gender issues in bereavement, rituals, and care for caregivers. To view the manual go to: http://www.omh.state.ny.us/omhweb/grief/.
• President's New Freedom Commission released a report from the Criminal Justice Subcommittee examining mental illness in the nation's criminal justice system. The report discusses the scope of the problem and a range of possible criminal justice and community-based approaches, including employment, diversion programs, and transition planning for this population. Click here for the background paper. http://www.mentalhealthcommission.gov/papers/CJ_ADACompliant.pdf
• Training Resource Network: TRN offers publications (for a fee) on various aspects of job development such as incorporating the ADA and employers' perceptions of workers with disabilities. To view these click on Job Development at the TRN Disability eStore at: http://www.trninc.com/

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NYWe-works is a monthly electronic newsletter for mental health and rehabilitation providers in New York City. NYWe-works contains news briefs, information on publications, funding information, and educational resources.

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