RECOVER e-works: Issue No. 24

An electronic circular of the Center for Rehabilitation and Recovery, a project of the Coalition of Behavioral Health Agencies.

The Center for Rehabilitation and Recovery provides assistance to the New York City mental health provider community through expert trainings, focused technical assistance, evaluation, information dissemination and special projects.

April 2006

This issue:

• Campaign for Mental Health Reform
• Coalition of Mainstream Employment Programs
• Coalition of Behavioral Health Agencies
• Columbia University
• Health Resources and Services Administration
• Job Accommodation Network
• Kaiser
• NYS Office of Mental Health
• South Beach Psychiatric Center
• SAMHSA
• United Neighborhood Houses
• US Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association

• Enterprise Foundation
• Medical and Health Research Association
• NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
• NYS Office of Mental Health
• SAMHSA
• US Department of Health and Human Services
• US Department of Housing and Urban Development
• US Department of Labor

• Campaign for Mental Health Reform
• Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
• Howie T. Harp
• Mental Health Media Initiative
• NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
• NYS Assembly
• NYS Office of Mental Health
• Queens Mental Health Council Geriatrics Committee
• VESID

• American Journal of Psychiatry
• American Journal of Public Health
• Bazelon
• Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation
• Kaiser
• Preventing Chronic Disease
• Psychiatric Times
• SAMHSA
• University of Illinois at Chicago

Education:

• Campaign for Mental Health Reform: a webcast on "Returning War Veterans and Mental Health" brought together former members of the President's 2002-2003 New Freedom Commission on Mental Health to discuss the abundance of mental health issues veterans are facing as they return from the war in Iraq. More information.


• Coalition of Mainstream Employment Programs will offer a training on May 11th on "Job Development" and May 25th and 26th on "Ethical Issues in Rehabilitation". All trainings are held at 350 5th Ave in Manhattan, Empire State Building in room 314, 3rd floor. Trainings are from 9am-4pm. For more information call 212-741-0100, ext. 4519.


• Coalition of Behavioral Health Agencies: the Center for Rehabilitation and Recovery's is offering a three day Comprehensive Benefits Training for a fee at the Center on April 17th-19th for rehabilitation specialists seeking updates and specialized approaches to benefits counseling. More information on Benefits Trainings.
  
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  The Center for Rehabilitation and Recovery's second module from the Core Competency Training series will be held at the Center on April 25th-26th. "Integration of Clinical, Rehabilitation and Employment Services" will provide knowledge in the necessary skills and techniques useful in coordinating the integration of services. More information.
  
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  The Professional Learning Center's Integrated Dual Disorder Training Series is offering "Co-Occurring Substance Use & Psychiatric Disorders in Addiction Treatment Programs" April 21st from 1pm-5pm at St. Vincent's Catholic Medical Center 170 West 12th Street, between 6th & 7th Avenues Cronin Auditorium, 10th Floor; "Overview of Dual Diagnosis: Principles of Integrated Treatment & Treatment Planning", April 28th from 9am-1pm at Hunter School of Social Work Harold Lewis Auditorium 129 East 79th Street; and "Family Treatment" on May 18th from 1pm-5pm at Roosevelt Hospital, conference room B, 2nd floor. View more information or call 212-742-1600, ext. 102.


• Columbia University's World Cares Center will host a free workshop series April 11th-July 25th. The Columbia University Resilience Enhancement (CURE) program is based on the concept of resilience or the "power of recovery" utilized in preparation for forecasted major stressful events and specifically designed for individuals affected by the 9/11 attacks. More information.


• Health Resources and Services Administration and SAMHSA will be hosting a HIV/Mental Health Update through the Columbia University HIV Mental Health Training Project on Thursday April 13th from 9am-3:30pm at the New York State Psychiatric Institute. For registration information call 212-543-6776.


• Job Accommodation Network is offering a series of educational opportunities that include audio conferences and webcasts starting May 2nd for a fee. On May 2nd the topic will be "EEOC on Job Accommodation Issues". For more information go to: More information.


• Kaiser is offering a tutorial for Medicare/Medicaid Dual Eligibles in a PowerPoint format that includes a basic description of dual eligibles, charts displaying statistical information on Medicaid assistance and financing information. More information.


• NYS Office of Mental Health's Bureau of Recipient Affairs "White Paper" is a "position paper" prepared by recipients across New York State referenced in the 2005-2009 Statewide Comprehensive Plan for Mental Health Services. It represents a consensus choice of ten points consumers desire as part of services and practices. Trainings on infusing these recovery-based principles is available by calling 212-330-6352 or -6386. More information.


• South Beach Psychiatric Center will host "Return to Community: Beyond the Basics" on May 17th from 9am-3pm at the South Beach Psychiatric Center in the auditorium of building 9. Staff from the Center for Rehabilitation and Recovery will be one of many presenters discussing employment, housing and other community issues. For more information call 718-667-2440.


• SAMHSA's Resource Center to Address Discrimination and Stigma (ADS) is offering a teleconference for free on April 27th on "Self-Disclosure and the Stigma of Mental Illness". More information.


• United Neighborhood Houses and the Geriatric Mental Health Alliance of NY will hold a training symposium called "Strategies for Effective Client Engagement in Geriatric Mental Health" on Friday, April 28th from 8:30am - 12:30pm at The New School. The symposium is for the range of staff working with older adults. To register call 212-967-0322 x307.


• US Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association is offering a teleconference called "Evidence Based Practices" on May 17, 2006 1:00pm-2:30pm Eastern. Included will be topics on the definition of evidence-based practices, fidelity, and implementation issues. More information & registration.

Funding and Grant Opportunities:

• (5/5) Enterprise Community Partners has announced its 2006 MetLife Foundation Awards for Excellence in Affordable Housing. Unrestricted funding for supportive housing developments is available with a first place award of $25,000. Awards are open to 501(c) 3 community-based organizations with a deadline of May 5th. More information.


• (5/5) Medical and Health Research Association of NYC has released a request for proposals for HIV/AIDS services in the five boroughs of NYC under Ryan White Year 16. Services include mental health, harm reduction, housing placement, maintenance in care and early intervention services. Please note that the deadline for submissions for this RFP posted in #23, March RECOVER e-works is now May 5th. More information.


• (4/19) NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene: The School Based Mental Health Program for Children and Families has posted a Concept Paper for a future RFP of $750,000 (anticipated release 4/19) for 5 programs to enhance existing school based mental health treatment and crisis intervention in each borough for youth between the ages of 5-18. DOHMH invites public comments on the Concept Paper by 4/29. In addition the Coalition welcomes comments forwarded to 212-742-1600, 109 to assist with advocacy efforts pertaining to this RFP. View concept paper.


• (4/26) NYS Office of Mental Health has released a Request for Proposals to obtain an external evaluation of the NYS Assisted Outpatient Treatment program (AOT). Five areas of investigation must be addressed in submitted proposals including an examination of regional and cultural differences in AOT programs and utilization of mental health services discharged individuals. Proposals are due April 26th. To receive a copy of the RFP call 518-474-5432.
  
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  (6/12) The NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH) has a Request for Proposal for proposals providing case management and peer services in specific impacted New York City Adult Homes. Interested applicants should submit a letter of intent by 4/26/06. More information.


• (5/16) SAMHSA has $5.3 million available for Targeted Capacity Expansion for Treatment of HIV/AIDS Services to fund 12 awards. Monies will be used to expand and enhance substance abuse treatment, outreach and pretreatment in conjunction with HIV/AIDS services to minorities. Proposals are due May 16th. More information.
  
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  (5/16) $3.4 million is available for Treatment of Pregnant and Postpartum Women distributed among 8 awards up to $500,000/year. Funds will expand the availability of comprehensive, high quality residential treatment services for pregnant and postpartum women (and for their minor children) who suffer from alcohol and other drug use problems. Proposals are due May 16th. More information.


• (5/22) US Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Public Health and Science (OPHS) of Grants Management Adolescent Family Life Care Demonstration Project will issue 15 awards from a total of $5 million to applicants establishing innovative and comprehensive approaches to service delivery for pregnant adolescents and adolescent parents under 19 in the areas of self-sufficiency and parenting. Proposals are due May 22nd. More information.


• (5/25) US Department of Housing and Urban Development has released a RFP from the Continuum of Care Homeless Assistance Program (COC) including 3 separate programs within the COC to reduce the incidence of homelessness in communities by assisting homeless individuals and families move to self-sufficiency and permanent housing. Total funding is $1.2 billion and proposals are due May 25th. More information.


• (5/2) US Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, has announced the availability of $4 million for proposals from "grassroots" organizations indicating connections to the One-Stop Delivery System under SGA/DFA PY 05-08. Proposals are due May 2nd.
  + More information and the full announcement.
  + Frequently asked questions.

News Briefs/Events:

• Campaign for Mental Health Reform: the President's budget is proposing a cut to Supported Employment programs after Congress restored funding in FY 2005 and 2006. A group of national disability organizations are advocating to urge Congress to include more funding for Vocational Rehabilitation State Grants and Supported Employment. View the President's budget at a glance including cuts specific to Supported Employment under Employment.


• Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is facilitating enrollment of certain beneficiaries into prescription drug plans to ensure the benefits of extra help. Mailings regarding this were sent out as of March 24th. For more information go to: More information.


• Howie T. Harp will be hosting a job fair on April 21st from 10am-1pm at 2090 Adam Clayton Boulevard, 12th floor. An opportunity for employers to table information will be provided. For more information call 212-865-0775, ext. 125.


• Mental Health Media Initiative in collaboration with Film-Truth Productions will hold a special screening of the first episode of a film series called "The Legacy of the Harp" on April 14th from 7pm-8:30pm at Tisch School of the Arts/NYU, 721 Broadway, 1st floor, room 108. This documentary focuses on peer support, the peer specialist program and mental health. Perspectives on using the film for outreach efforts will be elicited from viewers.
  + Directions to Tisch
  + Article about the film


• NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene will hold public hearings to gather testimony on New York City's mental health services system on April 26th from 1pm-4pm and 5pm-7pm at the OMH NYC Field Office, 330 Fifth Avenue, 9th floor. This is in preparation for the development of the 2007 Local Government Plan for Mental Health Services. More information.


• NYS Assembly: the NYS Assembly passed legislation that would sharply curtail the State's use of solitary confinement units (also known as Special Housing Units, or SHUs) for inmates with psychiatric disabilities. This legislation (S.2207) will now go before the NYS Senate. More information.


• NYS Office of Mental Health announces the 2006 series of informational briefings and public hearings on the 2006-2010 Statewide Comprehensive Plan for Mental Health Services. The NYC briefing will take place on May 11th from 10am-1pm and the hearing from 2pm-5pm at the OMH NYC Field Office at 330 Fifth Avenue, 9th floor. For more information call 212-330-1651. The 2006-2010 Statewide Comprehensive Plan.


• Queens Mental Health Council Geriatrics Committee, with the Queensboro Council for Social Welfare, and the Queens Interagency Council on Aging are co-sponsoring a conference entitled "The Family as We Age: Preserving the Old Creating the New" on May 25th from 8:30am -11:30pm at the Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation. For more information call 718-224-0566.


• VESID's "Synopsis of State Plans Public Meetings Comments" was posted on the website in March summarizing seven public meetings across NYS. Included are key questions used to facilitate public comment, a summary of comments related to the State Plan and a link to recommendations from "Designing the Future". To access go to: More information.
  
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  The NYC Regional Meeting on the Supported Employment Training Needs Assessment is scheduled for May 31st. Time and location will be forthcoming. Participation of VESID supported employment contract providers is mandatory. A final report recommending future training and technical assistance needs will result from all the Regional Meetings in NY State. For more information call 716-829-2875.

Publications:

• American Journal of Psychiatry: "Barriers to Employment for People with Schizophrenia" (March 2006) is a study that examined variables associated with participation in competitive employment by a large group of individuals with schizophrenia involved in the Clinical Antipsychotic Trials of Intervention Effectiveness (CATIE). More information.
  
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  The CATIE Investigation (April 2006) makes a contribution to informed practice by following up on a study released in September 2005 by the National Institute of Mental Health comparing the effectiveness of anti-psychotic drugs in treating schizophrenia. This multi-phase study provides guidance on issues related to changing medications. More information.


• American Journal of Public Health: "Experiences of Hurricane Katrina Evacuees in Houston Shelters: Implications for Future Planning" (March 2006) sheds light on how the public health community can promote recovery and protect people in future disasters. More information.


• Bazelon has posted a report called "What Deficit Reduction Means for People with Mental Disabilities" (March 2006). Included is a summary of Medicaid changes, Medicaid eligibility and family health information centers. More information.


• Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation: "A National Survey of Consumer Attitudes towards Companies that Hire People with Disabilities" (March 2006) examines consumer perspective on positive aspects and barriers encountered with employers. More information.


• Kaiser: "An Update on the Clawback: Revised Health Spending Data Change State Financial Obligations for the New Medicare Drug Benefit" (March 2006) is a brief that provides an overview of the state financing of the Medicare drug benefit analyzing new data demonstrating a net decline in the amount states will send to the federal government in 2006 in a monthly "clawback" payment. More information.
  
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  A study called "An In-Depth Examination of Formularies and Other Features of Medicare Drug Plans" (April 2006) examines variations across Medicare Plans specifically among drug groups. The study suggests that beneficiaries choose plans cautiously. More information.


• Preventing Chronic Disease: "Uniting Mind and Body in Our Healthcare and Public Health Systems" (April 2006) is an article that discusses possible outcomes from a merged system of mental health promotion and traditional public health work. More information.


• Psychiatric Times: "Treatment Compliance in Patients with Co-Occurring Mental Illness and Substance Abuse" (January 2006) stresses the importance of clinicians working in tandem with each other in service delivery. Innovative approaches towards this goal are examined. More information.


• SAMHSA: enhancements to the National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices (NREPP) have been made to provide the latest information on interventions towards the prevention of substance abuse (March 2006). More information.


• University of Illinois at Chicago, National Research Training Center, has a document called "Consumers at the Center: True Transformation or More Reform without Change?" (December 2005). The document describes barriers and challenges related to the issue of person-directed planning with potential areas of change. This stemmed from the SAMHSA National Consensus Initiative on Person/Family-Centered Planning held in December of 2005.
  + Access the document.
  + The National Consensus Initiative.