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Monthly Information Meeting – Wednesday, March 8, 2017
A NAMI In Our Own Voice Presentation
Join us for a first-hand account of what it's like to live with a mental illness. Our NAMI trained presenters
humanize this misunderstood topic by demonstrating that it's possible—and common—to live well with mental
illness. Participants will have the chance to ask the presenters questions, which allows for a deeper understand-
ing of mental health conditions and dispels stereotypes and misconceptions. Come and experience the possibil-
ity of hope and recovery for those who live with a mental health condition.
Please join us for a powerful program & light refreshments.
Date: Wednesday, March 8, 2017 Time: 7-8:30 PM
Location: 100 West Main Street, Suite 204, Lansdale, PA 19446
This event is free & open to the public. An RSVP is appreciated by 2/7/17. Please call 215-361-7784.
montco memo Montgomery County, PA March 2017 Volume XXXVI Issue 7
2017 NAMI Recognition Awards
Don’t forget to get your nominations in! We look forward to honoring those in
our NAMI community who deserve recognition for their outstanding efforts on behalf
of persons with mental illness and their families. If you want to nominate someone
for an award, please call our office (215-361-7784) or email us at:
[email protected]. Categories of recognition awards are as follows:
The Maryella Hitt Advocacy Award — presented to the individual/s or organiza-
tion that exemplifies the true advocate for mental illness spirit.
The Peg Cochran Volunteer Award — presented to the individual/s or organiza-
tion that has displayed outstanding volunteer efforts for individuals with mental ill-
ness and their families.
The Glenn Koons Recovery Award — presented to the individual/s or organiza-
tion that exemplifies resiliency and recovery, and overcoming the challenges of men-
tal illness.
The Criminal Justice Award — Presented in recognition of outstanding service in
the realm of mental illness and the criminal justice system.
If you have any questions regarding any of these categories or eligibility criteria
for them, or would like to make a nomination, please contact Abby Grasso, Executive
Director at [email protected] or 215-361-7784. The deadline for nomina-
tions is April 7, 2017.
Calendar 2
Message from our President 3
Message from our Executive Director
3
Position Brief: Responsible Closure of Norristown State Hospital; Repurposing Beds
4
Stand Up for Mental Health 5
Peyton Heart Project 6
NAMIWalks Greater Philadelphia 2017
7
Tributes and Donations 7
Also in This Issue
March 2017 Page 2
montco memo Volume XXXVI Issue 7
the montco memo is published monthly by
NAMI of PENNSYLVANIA
MONTGOMERY COUNTY
Board of Directors
President Neen Davis First Vice-President Dawn Hogan Second Vice President Dave Davis Secretary Beth Milton Treasurer Stephen Nelson
Victoria Bright Lauren Centola Armand DiYenno Rhea Fernandes Tricia Malott Donna McNelis Jerry Rudakevich Mike Solomon
Executive Director Abby Grasso Editor Beulah Saideman Co-Editor Mary Schuck Editor Emeritus Maryella D. Hitt Bookkeeper Kelly DiBetta Walk Manager Danielle Blanchard
Support Group Facilitators Coordinator Abby Grasso
Abington Presbyterian Church Joan Kozlowski Corinne Smith Miriam McCauley
Lansdale Rich Kelble Anne Magowan
Lower Providence Presbyterian Church Neen Davis Sue Soriano
Pottstown Nina & Alan McDaniel
NAMI of PA Montgomery County
100 W. Main Street Suite 204
Lansdale, PA 19446 Phone: 215-361-7784 FAX: 215-361-7786
Email: [email protected] Web page: www.namimontcopa.org
Letters to the Editor and other articles and contributions are welcome. Send them
to the NAMI Office or by Email to [email protected]
by the 15th of the preceding month
NAMI of Pennsylvania Montgomery County is an approved Donor Choice Agency of the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and
Southern New Jersey
United Way Agency Code # 5076
Calendar
Mar. 6 Apr. 3
NAMI Connection is a peer-run support group for individuals living with mental illness, which meets the first Monday of every month, except holidays, at 6:15 PM. William Jeanes Memorial Library, 4051 Joshua Rd, Lafayette Hill, PA
Mar. 6 Apr 3
Lower Providence Family Support Group, Lower Providence Presbyterian Church, 3050 Ridge Pike, Eagleville, Room 205. 7 PM. First Monday except on holidays.
Mar. 7 Apr. 4
Lansdale Family Support Group at St. John’s United Church of Christ, 500 W. Main Street (at Richardson Avenue), Lansdale. First Tuesday, 7:00 PM.
Mar. 8 Apr. 12
Monthly Information Meeting, NAMI Office, 100 W. Main St., Suite 204, Lansdale, PA, 2nd Wednesday, 7:00 to 8:30 PM.
Mar. 9 Apr. 13
Glenside Family Support Group, Abington Presbyterian Church, 1082 Old York Road, Abington — 2nd Thursday, 7:30 PM.
Mar. 13 Apr. 10
Pottstown Family Support Group, 2nd Monday at Creative Health Services, Consumers Library, 11 Robinson Court, 7-8:30PM.
Mar. 16 Apr. 20
Montgomery County CSP (Community Support Program). 3rd Thursday, 12-2:30 PM, Montgomery County Library, 1001 Powell St., Norristown
Mar. 16 Apr. 20
Board of Director’s Meeting, 3rd Thursday, Lansdale Office, 6:30 PM.
A Note About Our Meetings
Although some of our meetings are held at religious institutions, they are non-denominational and open to people of all beliefs.
Inclement Weather Protocol
Please be aware that in the event of inclement weather, safety is
our first priority. If support groups or educational programming are
cancelled due to inclement weather, an announcement will be placed
on our office voice mail (215-361-7784). If a monthly support group
is cancelled, it will resume the next month. Our Family to Family or
NAMI Basics Class will resume the next week. If you have questions
or need further clarification, please call our office at 215-361-7784.
March 2017 Page 3
montco memo Volume XXXVI Issue 7
Message from Our President Dear Friends-
We have been busy at NAMI Montgomery County. A public
hearing took place on January 31, on the Norristown State Hos-
pital grounds, regarding the closure of beds at that hospital. Our
Executive Director, Abby Grasso, one of approximately 37 peo-
ple, provided a statement on behalf of NAMI of PA Montgom-
ery County. This statement was approved by our Board of Di-
rectors and can be found printed in this newsletter. I attended
that hearing.
I am pleased to announce that Abby has been identified by
our NAMI state office to be the NAMI representative to sit on
the Norristown State Hospital steering committee. We will be
sure to keep you apprised of future developments.
On February 13 we partnered with The Montgomery County
Suicide Prevention Taskforce, at our office in Lansdale, to work
on “The Peyton Heart Project”. About fifteen volunteers cro-
cheted, cut and tied hundreds of hearts. These colorful hearts
help raise awareness about suicide and bullying and help end the
stigma around mental health. The project is named after Peyton
James, a 13 year old boy who, in the fall of 2014, died by sui-
cide after years of being bullied.
Our Family-to-Family class started February 21. Two new
classes will start in the fall. Please look for start dates and be
sure to sign up as the classes fill quickly.
A reminder that our monthly meetings take place the second
Wednesday of each month at 7:00 pm at our NAMI office in
Lansdale. Our March 8 meeting will highlight one of NAMI’s
signature programs; IOOV-In Our Own Voice. I urge anyone
who has been touched by mental illness; peer, family member,
friend, to experience an IOOV presentation.
Our Greater Philadelphia NAMIWalks is Saturday, May 6 at
Montgomery County Community College. What better way to
get ready for the Walk than to attend our WALK KICK OFF!
Our Kick Off will be held Tuesday, March 28 at Facenda-
Whitaker Lanes in East Norriton from 3:30-6:00pm. All Team
Captains and Sponsors are invited.
An exciting event is coming up on Saturday, April 22.
“Stand Up for Mental Health” is presented by Mental Health
Consultants and co-sponsored by NAMI of PA Montgomery
County and The Mental Health Association of Southeastern
Pennsylvania. Our affiliate took part in this event last year. If
you were one of the many who attended, you know just how
great it was! This year, our very own board member will be
taking the spotlight. Please come out and support Michael Solo-
mon…star of comedic stage! If you have an interest in at-
tending this event, please contact Carolyn at our office. 215-
361-7784.
I always close my letters with encouraging you to become a
member of this amazing affiliate. If you are already a member,
thank you. If you are not a member, please consider joining.
Please contact me with any questions or concerns. I look for-
ward to seeing you at many of our upcoming events!
Neen Davis President, NAMI of PA Montgomery County
Message from Our Executive Director
Happy March! It is hard to believe that spring is right
around the corner!
The announcement of the closure of Norristown State Hos-
pital has brought anxiety and the unknown for many in our
community. On January 31, 2017 I took part in a public hear-
ing on the hospital grounds and shared a board approved posi-
tion paper that you will find printed in this edition of the
Montco Memo. In addition, I will be representing NAMI, our
consumers, and our families in a community steering committee
relating to the hospital’s closure. If you have questions or con-
cerns regarding the closure, please be in touch so I can ensure
your voice is heard.
Please consider liking our Facebook page and sharing your
email with us. We want to keep you up to date on all the great
events happening and share ways for YOU to get involved with
us. I hope you will enjoy the updates and articles shared in the
newsletter. If you have feedback or ideas, please share them!
In closing, I urge you to get involved with us and with
NAMI. There are so many opportunities to help raise mental
health awareness and support those who struggle with mental
health conditions. You will see many of those opportunities in
this newsletter! From our monthly meetings to our 10th
Annual
NAMIWalks Greater Philadelphia and from Stand up for
Mental Health to Support Groups – there is something for eve-
ryone! If you know someone struggling, please consider shar-
ing the goodness of NAMI with them. We are here to support,
educate, and advocate!
My very best to you!
Abby Grasso
Executive Director
March 2017 Page 4
montco memo Volume XXXVI Issue 7
Good afternoon. My name is Abby Grasso and I am the Execu-
tive Director of NAMI of Pennsylvania Montgomery County.
Thank you for the opportunity to speak here today.
NAMI of Pennsylvania Montgomery County, an affiliate of
the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is a local grassroots or-
ganization with a membership of approximately 250 individuals.
We are committed to providing education, support, and advocacy
to those individuals living with mental illness and their families
in hopes of them living the fullest lives possible. In addition to
the local membership, our affiliate has served thousands of
Montgomery County residents since we became established
through classes, support groups, information meetings, and com-
munity events.
While we understand the decision to close Norristown State
Hospital’s Civil section has been made, the Board of Directors,
staff and membership of NAMI of Pennsylvania Montgomery
County are extremely concerned about the planning process for
closure, how patients and families will be involved in the proc-
ess, and how community resources will meet the future needs of
those affected. It is vital that the needs of those living with men-
tal illness are not lost while time, energy, and funding are put in
to the repurposing of the civil beds to forensic beds. The an-
nouncement of this closure is lacking and leaves many with
doubt and questions regarding the process.
Specifically:
How will the voice of the individual and family member
participate in planning for the closure? How will you ensure that funding is available to provide
daily living necessities such as food, shelter, clothing, etc. to all
those who are in need due to the closure? Will the funding currently dedicated to the treatment of indi-
viduals be committed to supporting new and innovative commu-
nity treatment options? What individualized opportunities for employment, and edu-
cation/vocational training will be available? What community based mental health programs will be cre-
ated or expanded to focus on the increased needs of those being
discharged? How will you provide efficient processes for individuals and
families to share with service providers about their satisfactions
and dissatisfactions of behavioral health services available?
The closure of Norristown State Hospital will fundamentally
disrupt the lives of 122 patients and the lives of their family
members or supporters who care. In the press release put out by
DHS on January 11, 2017 Ted Dallas, DHS Secretary is quoted
to have said “This closure will enable residents to live in the
community when possible.” Further he stated “Research shows
that community settings result in improved quality of life in areas
such as opportunities for choice-making and self-determination,
contact with friends and relatives, adaptive behaviors, and other
indicators of quality of life. Our affiliate is in agreement with
Secretary Dallas as long as our communities provide the needed
treatment modalities and provide a prepared mental health sys-
tem for those seeking recovery. Without a prepared system we
fail, leaving our loved ones who are challenged by their mental
illness segregated, without possibility of meaningful recovery
and without hope.
Since the number of psychiatric beds seems to be shrinking
based on the economic needs of the Commonwealth and not the
healthcare needs of people with mental illness, NAMI of Penn-
sylvania Montgomery County believes we need to do better.
This is the opportunity to further strengthen our mental health
system. While tremendous strides have been made in commu-
nity supports, there are still opportunities to improve our system
for individuals challenged by serious mental illness. Great ef-
forts have been made to build a strong, recovery-oriented com-
munity. If we do not acknowledge the continued need for
growth and support in creating new programming, we may re-
gress; losing the advancements that have been made, but more
importantly losing the hope that some individuals living with
mental illness have found. (continued on page 6)
This is the position statement that was presented at the Public Hearing on January 31, 2017 by our Executive Director, Abby Grasso. Abby was one of 37 people who spoke at the hearing. Presenters included previous patients of Norris-town State Hospital, family members of present patients, providers, and advocates.
January 2017
NAMI of Pennsylvania Montgomery County
Position Brief: Responsible Norristown State Closure / Repurposing Beds
January 31, 2017
March 2017 Page 5
montco memo Volume XXXVI Issue 7
An evening of fun, food and laughter with proceeds supporting Philadelphia’s chapter of Stand Up for Mental Health.
Saturday, April 22nd, 2017 6-9 pm
North Hills Country Club
99 Station Avenue Glenside, PA 19038
For more information go to: http://www.mhconsultants.com/standup-for-mental-health/
Co-Sponsored by:
Research News You Can Use
March 2017 Page 6
montco memo Volume XXXVI Issue 7
(Continued from page 4)
I have the great honor of meeting people who are ensuring that
mental health awareness is happening by sharing their stories.
Since the announcement of the hospital closure, I have received
numerous calls from concerned family members and individuals
with lived mental health experience. One gentleman named Jim
provided permission for me to share his story with you today.
Jim has been an advocate for mental health awareness since
before anyone knew “what mental health awareness was.” He is a
long-time NAMI member and family member of a son with a seri-
ous mental illness. Jim shared that his son’s recovery and treat-
ment have been a long and difficult road with many frustrations,
holding only glimmers of inconsistent hope. Currently his son is
living in a group home, where he “does pretty well.” While Jim
shared his worries for the future, as he identified himself as an
“old man who won’t be around forever,” he shared fear of what
will happen to his son when he cannot advocate for him any
longer. Jim revealed that the journey to locate a quality level-of-
care for his son took some time, persistence, and advocacy. Jim
didn’t just call last week to share about his son’s story, though. He
called to share his concern about what will happen to those at
Norristown State who have needed the highest level of treatment.
He voiced worry that our community is not prepared to transition
those individuals with respect and provide the resources for the
increased needs of those being discharged.
NAMI of Pennsylvania Montgomery County offers its support
and expertise throughout the processes of transition and planning;
bringing to the table the voices of those who may struggle to
speak on their own in hopes of creating a system focused on sus-
taining recovery for all those living with mental illness. Further,
we look to a community that not only has an understanding of
what mental illness is and its impact, but also a community that
lends a hand of support to those suffering. OMHSAS, this is
YOUR opportunity to be part of that vision. This is your opportu-
nity to strengthen our system for those struggling. For this proc-
ess to be successful, there must be transparency, stakeholder in-
put, and communication. Do the right thing and put the needs of
those who are most affected by this closure and the future needs
for community based treatments in the forefront of this planning
process. Those who live with a serious mental illness have the
right to live their lives to the fullest. Let us work together in sup-
porting them to do just that.
Thank you.
Position Brief: Closure of Norristown State Hospital
Peyton Heart Project
On February 13, 2017 NAMI collaborated with the Montgomery County Sui-
cide Task Force to host an afternoon of crafting and kindness. The delicate
yarn hearts that were
created will be left in
the community to re-
mind people how spe-
cial they are and raise
suicide awareness. For
more information on
Peyton’s Heart Project,
please go to:
March 2017 Page 7
montco memo Volume XXXVI Issue 7
Tributes and Other Contributions
The Tribute Fund is a good way to mark anniversaries, weddings and other special occasions, and to express sympathy for the loss
of a loved one. We will send a note of appreciation to anyone you designate. Send your check to NAMI of Pennsylvania Montgomery
County, 100 W. Main Street, Suite 204, Lansdale, PA 19446. When designating NAMI in an obituary notice, please specify NAMI of
Pennsylvania Montgomery County.
In Tribute:
In Memory of Carol Caruso Aidan & Robbie Altenor Gail Beidler Victoria Bright
Judith Coane Ronald Comer David & Rhona Farrell Louise Geisinger
Mary Gilligan Diane K. Gilroy Antoinette Hamner Joan Kozlowski
Barbara Lundgren Miriam McCauley Lawrence A. Real. MD Irene Schilling
Barbara Schneider Libby Schwartz Anthony & Alma Severoni William Smith
Scott Snyder Karen Williman Baum, Smith & Clemens
Citizens Acting Together Can Help, Inc. Creative Health Services, Inc.
Hedwig House, Inc. NAMI Blair County New Vitae Wellness & Recovery
Regional Council Child & Adolescents Psychiatry
In Memory of Dennis & Janet Crosby Laurence & Sherri Belkoff
In Memory of Margaret Ann “Peggy” Suter Gerard & Agnes Smink Individual Donations: Carolyn Bilofsky Marilyn Loos Beth Milton
Reuben Saideman
NAMIWalks Greater Philadelphia May 6, 2017
Montgomery County
Community College
We are pleased to announce that the original walk route will return this year! The 2017 NAMIWalks Greater Philadelphia will begin at the newly renovated Health Science Center at Montgomery County Community College (formerly the Physical Education Building).
CREATE A TEAM! JOIN A TEAM! SIGN UP!
www.namiwalks.org/greaterphiladelphia
Don’t miss the NAMIWALKS Greater Philadel-phia KICK OFF! The event will be held on Tues-day, MARCH 28, 2017 from 3:30 – 6 pm at Facenda-Whitaker Lanes in East Norriton. All Team Captains and Sponsors are invited.
PENNSYLVANIA MONTGOMERY COUNTY
Dues are for one year and are Tax Deductible. Donations are welcome and are also Tax Deductible.
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NAME__________________________________________________________________________________
STREET ________________________________________________________________________________
CITY_______________________________________STATE_____ZIP______________________________
PHONE (H)__________________________________(C)_________________________________________
E-mail __________________________________________________________________________________
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What is the best way for us to contact you? Phone ______ Email ______ Snail Mail ______
Make check payable and return to: NAMI of Pennsylvania Montgomery County
100 W. Main Street, Suite 204
Lansdale, PA 19446
Or join or renew on our website: http://www.namimontcopa.org/join/
Double or triple the impact of your donation at no additional cost! Please check with your employer’s Human Resources Department to
see if your donation can be matched through a company matching gift program.
NAMI of Pennsylvania Montgomery County is also an approved United Way Donor Choice Agency - Code #5076.
NAMI of Pennsylvania Montgomery County is open to all individuals subscribing to its purpose. All members receive NAMI newsletters and are automatically affiliated with NAMI PA and
the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). NAMI is a non-profit organization under Section 501(c)3 and all dues and donations are tax-deductible. Official registration and financial
information of NAMI PA Montgomery County may be obtained from the PA Department of State by calling toll free within PA 1.800.732.0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
The official registration and financial information of NAMI PA Montgomery County can be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free within Pennsylvania:
1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
PENNSYLVANIA
MONTGOMERY COUNTY
100 W. Main Street, Suite 204
Lansdale, PA 19446
montco memo
March 2017