October 5 through October 11, 2008
What is Mental Illness Awareness Week?
In 1990, the U.S. Congress established the first week of October as “Mental Illness Awareness Week” (MIAW) in recognition of the National Alliance on Mental Illness ‘s (NAMI) efforts to raise mental illness awareness. This is a national effort to raise awareness about mental illness and a public campaign to eliminate stigma. This has become a tradition in NAMI. We at NAMINH use this as an opportunity to realize these goals through outreach, education and advocacy. We hope you will review the events planned for that week and join as a participant, volunteer or event leader.
“Building Community, Taking Action”
Real recovery from mental illness requires community action, understanding, and teamwork. Recovery is possible because of improved science, better community supports, and reduced stigma. But significant barriers still exist. Services are at risk, insurance can be insufficient, and stigma, though less today than when MIAW was founded, is still prevalent.
NAMI NH’s MIAW Events
Sunday, October 5, 2008
NAMI NH Walk 2008 was a great success with an estimated 400 Walkers participating in the 5k Walk through downtown Concord. For details on the day, visit the NAMI NH Walk page.
Internet Radio Show on Suicide Prevention
Monday, October 6, 2008
On October 6, Ken Norton, Project Director of NAMI NH's Frameworks Suicide Prevention Program, joined Mary Woods, CEO of WestBridge Community Services and host of One Hour at a Time for a discussion on suicide prevention and the importance of MIAW on WestBridge's weekly internet radio show which aired on Voice America Health & Wellness. To listen to the show, click here.
National Day of Prayer for Mental Illness Recovery and Understanding
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
NAMI NH was contacted by Faith Communities around our state to join with others on a national level and observe this Day of Prayer. Many faith communities chose to put a write-up in their bulletin/newsletter with the MIAW PRAYER which they asked members recite on Tuesday, October 7. Some faith communities opted to hold a prayer service, set up a resource table in their place of worship or have an In Our Own Voice or Life Interrupted Speaker. NAMI NH wishes to thank all of those faith communities who participated in this national event.
Participants included:
Emmanuel Advent Christian Church, Rochester, NH
St. Theresa Parish, Rye Beach, NH
St. Michael Parish, Exeter, NH
New Hampshire Hospital, Concord, NH
Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Concord, NH
East Congregational United Church of Christ, Concord, NH
Juvenile Justice and Mental Health Conference
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Nearly 200 participants from around the state were welcomed to the Juvenile Justice and Mental Health Conference held at the Grappone Conference Center in Concord. The Honorable Edwin W. Kelly, Administrative Judge, NH District Court and Judicial Family Division and William W. Fenniman, Jr., Director, Division of Juvenile Justice Services provided the introduction and opening remarks. Following the Keynote Address “Mental Health and Juvenile Justice: A National Overview of Issues, Trends and Needed Directions” presented by Joseph J. Cocozza, PhD, Vice President for Research with Policy Research Associates, Inc., a panel discussion ensued.
PANEL DISCUSSION
Moderator: David Lynde, MSW, LICSW, Dartmouth Psychiatric Research Center
Honorable Susan B. Carbon, Supervisory Judge, New Hampshire Family Division
Donna F. Esposito, JD, New Hampshire Public Defender
Robert Kinscherff, PhD, JD, Director of Clinical Services for Easter Seals of New Hampshire
James Panzer, MSW, LICSW, JPPO, Juvenile Justice Services
Steven Ranfos, JD, Prosecutor, Nashua Police Department
This program was sponsored by the National Alliance on Mental Illness of New Hampshire, the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office, the Disability Rights Center, the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services – Division for Juvenile Justice Services and Bureau of Behavioral Health.
This project was supported in part through the Endowment for Health.
Screening of the Film Canvas and Reception for Actor, Joe Pantoliano
Thursday, October 9, 2008
NAMI NH presented an exclusive screening of the film Canvas at the Red River Theatres in Concord on Thursday, October 9. Special Guest, actor and producer of the film, Joe Pantoliano, then spoke to the audience about his own story of mental illness (he has been diagnosed with clinical depression).
Prior to the movie, a private reception was held at the Centennial Hotel giving participants an opportunity to meet the actor and discuss how mental illness has affected his life.
To view photos of this event, click here!
In Our Own Voice Presentations
Throughout MIAW, In Our Own Voice Presentations were held at locations around the state including Plymouth State College, UNH Durham, Keene State College and Harbor Homes in Nashua.
Book Discussion Group for Elementary School Students
October and November
A book discussion program for elementary school students kicked off this week and is being held in NH schools during the months of October and November. The book Cories Stories by Jeanne Kraus and illustrated by Whitney Martin is what the program is developed. We have 20schools participating this.
This is the third year NAMI NH has offered this program. It is so important that children be provided accurate information about mental illness to help dispel any myths and misconceptions they may have about mental illness and how to ask for help.
NAMI NH's local affiliates also held a wide range of activities int their local communities.
