NAMI Walks 2008

I must say what a beautiful  day it was , the rain god held off until the buses left the parking lot which made the event a great event.

Upwards of close to 7,000 people were be estimated to have taken part in this 5th walk to raise awareness about mental illness. This walk was undoubtedly the Largest Mental Health Event  to be held in the State of Massachusetts.

A big Thank You to everyone who contributed to , walked,or help out in any way with NAMI Walks 2008 fifth event that was recently held in Boston May 31, 2008.      

The NAMI Mass walk  help to support NAMI affiliates , raise public awareness about mental illness and the realities of individuals and families living with these disorders, fight the stigma and negative stereotypes associated with mental illness, build a larger NAMI community, outreach to new and culturally diverse populations affected by mental illness , increase NAMI membership, and raise funds to provide new resources for State and affiliate programs and activities.

Talk to someone who understands.......

NAMI Connection Support Group is a recovery support of their diagnosis .

 Is a recovery support group for adults with mental Illness regardless of their diagnosis. Every group is offered free of charge and meets for 90 minutes. The groups  are led by trained individuals who are also in recovery -people who understands the challenges you face.

A vital link to your Community

A key to your recovery                                                                All groups are confidential you can share as much or as little personal information as you wish.

Please join one now in your area, Fall River group is now started , New Bedford will be next .

In November another group  will be  trained  for the      NAMI Connection Support  Groups in your area.

Please call  : Brenda L Venice for time and place for the next training  in November , put your name on the list  NAMI Connection Recovery support group                 508-678-2584

IN Our Own Voice , Learn about Mental Illness from People who have been there.

Recovery Educational Presention

Key program Topics, In our own Voice;Living with mental illness is a practical tool to educate and increase awareness about, the true nature of brain disorders, commonly known as mental illnesses.The presentation covers issues frequently faced by those dealing with severe mental illnessess.

Call Laura Blockel 781-930-4048 or lblockel@nami.org

Children's Challenging Behaviors                                             comming soon in this area !                                                     

A One Day workshop for families that provides information on childhood mental health disorders and offers strategies for home and school along with resources and information that offer hope and encouragement for today.

This free workshop is sponsored by;

The Massachusette Department of Mental Health and the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Massachusetts

 For more information contact: Laura Blockel  781-930-4048 or lblockel@nami.org

UPDATE ! on S 65 ,  Tuesday June 24, 2008

GOOD NEWS !!!!!!!!

NAMI -Mass is thrilled that after years of dogged work and advocacy, we and the Massachusetts Human Services providers scored a major victory today with unanimous passage of S 2467 ( formerly S65 ) . The bill , first proposed by Senator Gale Candaras, will require the Commonwealth to establish a rate setting mechanism to determine fair and adequate rates for the provision of community services for Commonwealth citizens with disabilities. Today on the Senate floor after Senator, rose to offer their suuport to a compromise bill worked out by Senate President Therese Murray, Senate Ways & Means Chair Steve Panagiotakos, Majority Leader Fred Berry and Senator Karen Spika.  But we still have work to do on this bill to be passed.

  If you like to received NAMI Greater Fall River  Newsletter or NAMI Greater Fall River E- Newsletter please email namifallriver@comcast.net  to be put on the mailing list , to get all the updated on what happening in the southeast area.                                        

    Action Needed : Call your State Senator to Support       SB 2518, An Act Relative to children's mental health  For more information about SB 2518 or the Children's Mental Health Campaign or vist www.ChildrensMentalCampaign.org                          

For more information email :namifallriver@comcast.net or call 508-678-2584.