NAMI North Carolina presents an evening with Brandon McSwain

Don't miss this great FREE event folks!
NAMI North Carolina presents an evening with Brandon McSwain 

Join us for a FREE community event featuring a full concert, networking, and recognizing stand-out 2014 NAMIWalks participants. Learn how you can become a part of the 2015 NAMIWalks movement!

Brandon McSwain advocates for Mental Health Associations around the US and abroad in places like Ethiopia and Grand Cayman. He also volunteers at the Mental Health Association of the Carolinas as a Mental Health Association Ambassador, where he speaks in churches, colleges, community groups and concerts, to heighten mental health awareness.

DETAILS:
Friday, January 30, 2015 | 5:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Networking: 5:00-5:45 p.m.
Hors d’oeuvres | Meet and greet with Brandon McSwain and the band | Photobooth

North Carolina Prince Hall Grand Lodge Building
101 East Main Street, Durham NC
(Parking available at the Church Street Parking Garage)

RSVP to Robin Kellogg at rkellogg@naminc.org or 919-788-0801.

>> LINK to artist website

Help Support Mental Health in Charlotte, NC: Annual NAMI-Charlotte Event - Sunday OCT 26, 2014

Upcoming Charlotte, NC Mental Health Event

=======================

You Can Help NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Support Mental Health in Charlotte, NC! 

WHAT: NAMI Charlotte "Scoring for Mental Health" 
WHO: NAMI Charlotte
WHEN: Sunday, October 26, 2014 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM (EST)
WHERE: The Duke Mansion   400 Hermitage Rd   Charlotte, NC 28207

CLICK HERE for more information and to REGISTER for this event.

=======================

Event Details

NAMI Charlotte along with former NFL linebacker Keith O'Neil is "Scoring for Mental Health." Scoring for Mental Health is an afternoon of food, music, awareness and awards.

The funds from this special event will help continue funding for NAMI-Charlotte's free support groups and educational programs which they offer to the community.  Funds will also enable NAMI Charlotte to provide respite care services. 

NAMI Charlotte will also honor four outstanding individuals for their continued hard work and dedication to the mental health community.  

We are honored to have Keith O'Neil as our keynote speaker.  Keith O'Neil speaks from the heart about overcoming hurdles throughout his life.  Keith is a former NFL football player having played for the Dallas Cowboys, Indianapolis Colts, and the New York Giants. During his professional football career, he served as team captain and was a member of the Colts Super Bowl XLI Championship team.   

Keith is committed to breaking stigma. He is writing a book,and speaking to audiences in the sports, faith and mental health communities.  Keith is also the President and Founder of the 4th and Forever Foundation which brings awareness to mental health and funds research for mental illness. 

Please join NAMI Charlotte, along with former NFL linebacker Keith O'Neil for this special event.  
http://www.keithoneil.com/

All Sales Final/No Refunds. NO Tickets will be sold at the door.

Click Here to Purchase Tickets.

=======================

ABOUT NAMI-Charlotte

The mission of NAMI–Charlotte is to protect the dignity of, and improve the quality of life for individuals and their families living with the debilitating effects of severe and persistent mental illness through advocacy, education and support.

NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness is a non-profit, grassroots, self-help support and advocacy organization of consumers, families, and friends of people with severe mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar disorder (manic-depression), PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder), obsessive-compulsive disorder, borderline personality disorder and anxiety disorders.

NAMI–Charlotte, an affiliate of both the North Carolina State and National Alliance on Mental Illness, is a non–profit 501(c)(3).

Our members include individuals suffering from mental illness, family members of the mentally ill, professionals in the mental health field and concerned citizens. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION about NAMI-Charlotte, please click here to visit our website.

You Can Help Prevent Suicide - "Out of Darkness" Charlotte, NC Fundraiser Walk OCT 2014

You can help prevent suicide by participating in an upcoming fundraiser "walk" sponsored by the AFSP (The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention). 

Walk to Save Lives!

Suicide claimed 39,518 lives in 2011 in the United States alone, with someone dying by suicide every 13.3 minutes. A suicide attempt is made every minute of every day, resulting in nearly one million attempts made annually.


When you walk in the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Out of the Darkness Walks, you join efforts with thousands of people nationwide to raise money for AFSP’s vital research and education programs to prevent suicide and save lives. The walks raise awareness about depression and suicide, and provide comfort and assistance to those who have lost someone to suicide. These walks raise funds and awareness for AFSP's vision to create a world without suicide. 

The Out of the Darkness Community Walks are the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's (AFSP) signature fundraising campaign, bringing together family, friends, colleagues, and supporters at 3-5 mile walks in hundreds of communities across the country.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is the leading national not-for-profit organization exclusively dedicated to understanding and preventing suicide through research, education and advocacy as well as to reaching out to people with mental disorders and those affected by suicide.   

=================================

CHARLOTTE, NC 

Date:  Saturday, October 25, 2014

Location: Symphony Park at South Park Mall
4400 Sharon Rd (corner of Barclay Downs Dr. & Morrison Blvd)

Registration Opens: 8:30 am


Walk: 9:30 am - 11:30 am

=================================

LINKS: 

Click here for More Information.

Click here to download and print flyer.

Click here to register for the AFSP "Out of Darkness" 2014 Walk.

Click here to donate to this event.

=================================

DETAILS: 

Registration/Check-In:

EVERYONE needs to check-in!  Even if you have already registered online, we need you to stop by our registration table the morning of the walk to check-in.  We want an accurate count of all of our walkers on walk day. PLEASE COME AS CLOSE TO 8:30 AS POSSIBLE

We recommend that you register online to help speed the process. 
The direct link to register online for the Charlotte Walk is  http://afsp.donordrive.com/event/charlotte

Plenty of PARKING: on the Barclay Downs side of the mall near Dick's Sporting Goods, Neiman Marcus, McCormick & Schmicks.

The Walk:
The walk route is approximately 3 miles; please walk as much/as little as you like.

What to Bring:

• Bring the whole family, your friends & colleagues! 
• BRING PICTURES, WRITINGS, ETC. FOR OUR MEMORY BOARD
• BRING CASH - stop by our AFSP merchandise table and make a purchase!
• Please bring a chair or blanket to sit on.
• Wear comfortable shoes and bring a jacket or sweater and an umbrella/poncho if the weather forecast is predicting rain. 
• spring-raingear.jpg We will walk rain or shine!  
• This can be an emotional event. You may also want to bring a few tissues and put them in your pocket ... just in case.

Dogs:
The Charlotte Out of the Darkness Walk welcomes our four-legged friends, as long your dog is friendly (good with children and large crowds),is kept on a leash at all times.
Please be kind and pick up after your pet.

Can my family & friends still register?

Yes! Encourage them to register online today. Click here to register for the AFSP "Out of Darkness" 2014 Walk. Or they may register the day of the walk by going to the registration table to fill out a form and sign a waiver that morning. 
(Note - the walk-up registration lines are MUCH longer than the check-in lines for pre-registered walkers. So - if you know someone will be joining you at the event, strongly encourage them to register online in advance! They will thank you later.) 


Recruit Others to Walk With You!
Let those around you know you are walking and that you want them there with you.

• Friends & Family should be your first asks.  They know why you are walking and will want to support you.
• Co-Workers: Since Walk funds benefit our local community, your co-workers may be interested in giving back and helping people in our area.
• Your Employer:  Many companies are willing to sponsor walk teams.  Talk to your HR department to see if they will sponsor.
• Local Walking Groups: These groups train throughout the year - invite them to participate with you.  They may be flattered that you asked and you may be surprised how many of they have a connection to suicide.
• Volunteer & Social Groups: Any groups you are involved with!  Ask if your fellow members would be interested in getting involved.  They might not already be involved because they don't know about the Walk!

Event T-shirts:
Those who have raised (or turn in) $150 or more will receive a t-shirt when they check-in.

=================================

This Charlotte, NC area Mental Illness related event is shared here by NAMI-Charlotte. NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness is a non-profit, grassroots, self-help support and advocacy organization of consumers, families, and friends of people with severe mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar disorder (manic-depression), PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder), obsessive-compulsive disorder, borderline personality disorder and anxiety disorders.

NAMI–Charlotte, an affiliate of both the North Carolina State and National Alliance on Mental Illness, is a non–profit 501(c)(3).

FOR MORE INFO about NAMI-Charlotte, please click here to visit our website.

Learning to LEAP

Do you spend lots of time arguing with your ill relative about taking his/her medication?

Does your ill relative refuse to believe he/she is ill?

If you answer yes to either of these questions, NAMI Charlotte will be presenting a 4-part seminar “Learning to Leap” featuring Dr. Amador, a clinical psychologist, author of best selling book I AM NOT SICK, I DON’T NEED HELP. Dr. Amador is a world renowned psychologist who has taught this communication technique all over the world! (Please see attached Flyer for more information)

Dr. Amador’s brother suffered from schizophrenia, giving Dr. Amador first hand experience in dealing with a loved one who did not believe he was ill. His DVD’s consist of 7 communication tools for family members, professionals and caregivers. You will learn how to use the LEAP® method, which shows health care professionals, family members and others how to create better communication and stronger partnership with mentally ill relatives/clients using the LEAP communication technique. Each DVD is approximately one hour, leaving 30 minutes for discussion.


LOCATION: Behavioral Health Charlotte, Auditorium

ADDRESS: Carolinas HealthCare System, Behavioral Health

501 Billingsley Road, Charlotte, NC

DATE: Wednesdays October 15, 22, 29 and November 5th

TIME: 6:30 - 8:00 PM

CONTACT: REGISTRATION REQUIRED. TO REGISTER Email Michele Brown (michelebrown1941@gmail.com)

NAMI Basics Class

NAMI Basics is an education program developed specifically for parents and other caregivers of children and adolescents living with mental illnesses. The NAMI Basics course is taught by trained teachers who are parents or caregivers of children who developed the symptoms of mental illness or are experiencing serious emotional disturbances.

NAMI is scheduling a Basics Class to be held on Monday nights from 6:30-9:00 pm. The course consists of six classes, each lasting 2-1/2 hours. The class and all instruction materials are FREE to participants. The class location is close to the University Area at 

Back Creek Church, 

1821 Back Creek Church Rd, 

Charlotte, NC 28213. 

We need to know of the number of participants before materials are printed. Email Michele Brown at michelebrown1941@gmail.com) or call her at 704-576-9452 to enroll or to ask questions.

Thanks to all for your support of NAMI and our programs. Look for upcoming information about our Education Forum to be held on October 14. And, plan to attend NAMI's special event , "Scoring For Mental Health", being held at the Duke Mansion in Charlotte on Sunday, October 26. Super Bowl Champion Keith O'Neil is our guest speaker. Be sure to get your tickets soon - as they are going fast! Purchase online at eventbrite.com

NAMI NEWS: The Second Chance Act? What IS it and WHY should we care?

Senate Judiciary Committee Passes the Second Chance Act 

On Thursday September 18, the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee by a bipartisan vote of 13 to 5 passed legislation to reauthorize the Second Chance Act at $100 million. 

The Second Chance Act, S. 1690, helps youth and adults reentering communities after serving time in jail or prison, including offenders living with mental illness. 

This bill provides funding for mental health and substance use treatment as well as employment and housing supports―critical components of recovery for people with these illnesses. 

Without these vital services and supports, these individuals are at risk of cycling back to jail and prison. 

It does what the title says, it gives them a Second Chance.

What you can do to help?

We encourage you to contact your Senators and ask them to co-sponsor and support this important bipartisan bill.


First, see if your Senators are a co-sponsors. 
If your Senators support the bill thank them and if they do not support this bill ask them to support and to become a co-sponsor. 

Either way, please email your Senators now.

How is YOUR Health Insurance Treating YOU? (Deadline to take survey 10/17/2014)

How is your Health Insurance Treating You?  

Our nation’s health care system is changing dramatically. 

Major changes are happening in mental health care with the new health insurance marketplaces and the final parity rule requiring mental illness to be treated on equal terms with physical illness. 

Because these changes are so important, NAMI-Charlotte wants to understand how they affect your health insurance coverage.

That's where you come in.  We NEED your help/participation!

We at NAMI-Charlotte are asking everyone applicable to PLEASE take this survey on behalf of yourself or your loved ones in need of mental health and/or substance use care. 

It should only take an investment of your time of about 15-30 minutes.

Spread the word to your friends, family, co-workers, and colleagues. Post the link on your Facebook or Twitter! The more responses we get, the stronger NAMI's advocacy will be.

Deadline to take this important survey is Oct. 17.

LINK to take survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/V7Q7ZRC

SURVEY EN ESPANOL: 

LINK to take survey in SPANISH:
http://www.sogosurvey.com/survey.aspx?k=SsRUYQsSYsPsPsP&lang=4&Dir=FST&Data

Thank you for your advocacy!