Summer 2017

NEW ORLEANS’ VOICE ON MENTAL ILLNESS

Program Spotlight: ICM Intensive Case Management

The Intensive Case Management (ICM) team at NAMI New Orleans provides community-based support to assist individuals in the recovery process. ICM Case Managers assist 150 persons each year and provide navigation of mental and physical health appointments, tools on managing medications and side-effects, and linkage to community services to help program participants reach their goals. The ICM staff pride themselves on providing individualized services that reduce the risk of hospitalization and incarceration.

Back row left to right: Ally Dever, Director of Consumer Services/ICM Program Supervisor since 1995; Kami Landry, LPC, Case Management Coordinator since 2013; Mary Lasseigne, LMSW, Case Management Coordinator since 2015; Sabrina Coleman, Case Manager since 2016. Front row left to right: Maria Burkett, Case Manager since 2006; Patrice Henry, Case Manager since 2009; and La Vondra Green, Case Manager since 2013.

Chuck Credo, IV to donate entertainment for NAMI Rocks ‘n’ Bowls

In This Issue:

NAMI Rocks ‘n’ Bowls

Program Spotlight: ICM

Ongoing Support Groups

Message from the President

Program Spotlight: Womanspace

National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental Health Month Activities in May 2017

Volunteer Opportunities

Mental Health First Aid Trainings

NAMIWalks 2017

NAMI New Orleans is thrilled to announce Chuck Credo, IV and Friends will be donating a special performance at the annual fundraising event at Rock ‘n’ Bowl in New Orleans on Friday, July 7th. Tickets are only $60 each and include live music, bowling, food, beverages, silent auction, and fun! Funds raised from the event support NAMI New Orleans’ education and support programs offered to the greater New Orleans region. Songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist Chuck Credo, IV is a fourth generation New Orleans musician.

Rock ‘n’ Bowl with Chuck Credo, IV and NAMI New Orleans on Friday, July 7th from 7:00 - 9:30 p.m. Purchase your tickets online at www.namineworleans.org or contact Meghan at 504-896-2345.

ONGOING SUPPORT GROUPS

FAMILY SUPPORT GROUPS

A monthly group for loved ones of people living with mental illness offered

at three locations:

Every first Wednesday 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at NAMI New Orleans’ Uptown Office, 1538 Louisiana Ave. in New Orleans

Every third Tuesday 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at NAMI New Orleans’ Westbank Office, 2051 8th St. in Harvey

Every fourth Thursday 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Congregation Beth Israel, 4004 West Esplanade Ave. in Metairie

NAMI CONNECTION WEEKLY PEER SUPPORT GROUPS

Thursdays 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. at NAMI New Orleans’ Uptown Office, 1538 Louisiana Ave. in New Orleans

Fridays 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at NAMI New Orleans’ Westbank Office, 2051 8th St. in Harvey

SURVIVORS OF SUICIDE LOSS SUPPORT GROUP

A peer-led support group for adults whose lives have been impacted by the loss of a loved one to suicide, whether

recently or in the past. The group meets 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. on the second and

fourth Wednesdays of each month at NAMI New Orleans’ Uptown Office, 1538 Louisiana Ave. in New Orleans. Please

contact the volunteer facilitators before attending your first group at

504-410-7025 or survivors.nola@gmail.com.

DEPRESSION AND BIPOLAR SUPPORT ALLIANCE (DBSA)

For people living with these disorders and their loved ones. Adults

only. Meets first and third Tuesdays of each month, 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. at Tulane-

Lakeside Hospital, 4700 South I-10 Service Road in Metairie.

Enter via the main hospital entrance, cafeteria to the left.

Contact Eileen or John, evenings or weekends, 504-286-1916.

www.dbsaneworleans.org

MENTAL HEALTHCARE NAVIGATION TEAM

The NAMI New Orleans Mental Healthcare Navigation Team (MHNT) is here to help individuals and families find

the resources they need. Contact our MHNT Coordinator Debbie at

504-896-2345 (M-F 10:00 am - 3:00 pm) or at debbie@namineworleans.org

A Message From the Board President

William “Chuck” Credo, III While our nation looks forward to those “lazy, hazy days of summer,” those with chronic mental illness face a shrinking allocation of resources by the State of Louisiana. Now, more than ever, NAMI New Orleans will continue to stand with those living with mental illness in the daily fight for treatment and recovery. Give us your time and talent by volunteering. Support us by becoming a member of NAMI New Orleans and participating in one of our upcoming events: NAMI Rocks ’n’ Bowls on Friday, July 7th, and the 8th annual NAMIWalks New Orleans on Saturday, September 30th. Contact us at 504-896-2345 or visit www.namineworleans.org to get involved!

July is Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

See our full events calendar online at:

www.namineworleans.org/calendar/

Program Spotlight: NAMI New Orleans Womanspace

This July, NAMI New Orleans celebrates its one-year anniversary of managing Womanspace, a low-barrier safe haven shelter for up to 24 chronically homeless adult women living with mental illness. Led by Program Director, Nathan Bossick, LMSW, the program provides shelter and support services. It is the only program in Louisiana of its kind. Womanspace offers psychosocial rehabilitation, individual and group counseling, and resume building. Since NAMI New Orleans began managing the program in July of 2016, 89% of women exited the program with income and

97% of women have been placed in permanent supportive housing.

In 2008, the US House of Representatives designated July as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. Campbell, who passed away in 2006, was an author, advocate, and national spokesperson. She also co-founded NAMI Urban Los Angeles. You can help NAMI New Orleans during Minority Mental Health Awareness Month by advocating to improve access to mental health treatment and services in minority communities. Take NAMI’s Stigma Free Pledge at www.nami.org and participate in an upcoming event such as NAMI Rocks ‘n’ Bowls on July 7th and/or Mental Health First Aid on July 18th.

Contact Shannon for more information at education@namineworleans.org or 504-896-2345.

Bebe Moore Campbell

Register for the 8-hour Mental Health First Aid Training Course

NAMI New Orleans Celebrates Mental Health Awareness Month Each year, organizations take the opportunity to educate communities across the nation about mental illness during the month of May. NAMI New Orleans celebrated Mental Health Awareness Month by leading advocacy efforts and hosting community fundraising and awareness events in the region.

On May 2nd, NAMI New Orleans kicked-off the month by raising over $5,200 on GiveNOLA Day.

Yoga on the Patio had participants feeling fit and relaxed at Philips Bar and Restaurant on May 9th.

On May 9th, NAMI New Orleans facilitated a Youth Mental Health First Aid Training for 19 Southern Poverty Law Center staff and community members.

On May 13th, NAMI New Orleans attended the 3rd Annual Single Mom’s Helping Single Mom’s Picnic in Westwego to promote mental illness awareness.

NAMI New Orleans presented to the New Orleans Riverbend Rotary Club on May 23rd.

In Our Own Voice presenters shared their stories with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Department on May 23rd.

On May 27th, NAMI New Orleans’ volunteers testified to Louisiana State Legislators regarding the proposed cuts to behavioral health services.

Executive Director, Lisa Romback, discussed looming state cuts to behavioral health services with WDSU’s Travers Mackel on May 30th.

NAMI New Orleans is now offering the 8-hour Mental Health First Aid Training course for

individuals working with adults or with youth, ages 12-18. Mental Health First Aid helps you

assist someone experiencing a mental health or substance-use related crisis. Course participants

learn risk factors, warning signs, and strategies on how to help someone in both crisis and

non-crisis situations. Participants will be certified in Mental Health First Aid for three years.

Upcoming Training Dates:

June 14th (Youth), July 18th, July 31st/August 1

Register online at www.namineworleans.org

Contact Shannon to learn more about Mental Health First Aid Training at education@namineworleans.org or 504-896-2345

Make a difference in your community. Volunteer with NAMI New Orleans!

Contact Debbie to learn more about volunteering at debbie@namineworleans.org or 504-896-2345

Join the movement to end stigma by becoming a volunteer with NAMI New Orleans! Make a difference in the following areas:

Answering phones at the Westbank office in Harvey, LA

General office support at the Uptown office in New Orleans, LA

Fundraising event support

Public relations and event promotions

Support and education facilitators

Mental Healthcare Navigation Team volunteers

Health fairs and community fundraisers

NAMI New Orleans Mental Health Month Activities

Contact Us!

NAMI New Orleans Uptown Friendship Club 1538 Louisiana Avenue New Orleans, LA 70115 P) 504.896.2345 F) 504.896.2240 E) namino@namineworleans.org

NAMI New Orleans Westbank Friendship Club 2051 8th Street Harvey, LA 70058 P) 504.368.1944 F) 504.368.9784 E) westbank@namineworleans.org

Visit us on the web at

www.namineworleans.org

Connect with us!

R O C k ‘ S ’

Join us as NAMI New Orleans

N b o w l

& FOOD

BEER BOWLING

Friday, July 7th @ 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm Rock ‘n’ Bowl, 3000 South Carrollton Ave., New Orleans

Purchase tickets online at www.namineworleans.org or call 504.896.2345. Make checks payable at $60 per ticket and mail to NAMI New Orleans, 1538 Louisiana Ave,. New Orleans, LA 70115

$60 Ticket Includes: wine

AUCTION

s

and Friends

Live music from Chuck Credo, IV

Honorary Co-Chairs Mr. & Mrs. Johnny Blancher Jr. and

Mr. & Mrs. John Blancher

Annual Membership Dues: $35* Please accept my additional donation of $__________

*On July 1st a national dues increase will make individual membership $40 yearly and household membership $60 yearly.

NAME: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________

ADDRESS: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________

CITY/STATE/ZIP: __________________________________________________________________________________________________

PHONE: __________________________ EMAIL: ________________________________________________________________________

Make checks payable & mail to: NAMI New Orleans ▪ 1538 Louisiana Avenue ▪ New Orleans, LA 70115

Join or Renew Your Membership Today!

Save the date for New Orleans’ only second line walk for mental illness awareness!

Saturday, September 30, 2017

Audubon Park - New Orleans

Start or Join a Team. Become an Event Sponsor.

Volunteer at the Event.

Contact Meghan for more info!

walks@namineworleans.org 504-896-2345

www.namiwalks.org/neworleans