Below is a list of ideas for how you can promote the goals and values of the ITE/MH Campaign during Mental Health Month.

I’m the Evidence/Mental Health Month Activities

Take action and live the ITE/MH values: Belief, hope, giving, connectedness, action, example, encouragement, and possibility.

Increase awareness of recovery.

• Share your recovery journey story.  (Click here for storytelling tips.) Post your story on our stories page and on the Campaign’s Facebook page and your own Facebook page for your friends and family to read.
• Write and submit an OpEd for your local newspaper that highlights how communities can support mental health recovery by living the Campaign values and the difference this can make in the lives of people recovering from mental illness. Use examples from your own life and community.

Engage individuals, organizations, and communities in the support of recovery.

• Host an ITE/MH Campaign presentation (download here), highlighting the values that support recovery, as an educational forum for your family, coworkers (if your workplace allows), church, or a local community organization.
• Promote the values that support recovery on your Facebook page. Every few days in May, highlight a value of the Campaign and give examples of how an individual, program, or service in your community exemplifies the value.
• Encourage others who exemplify the values of the ITE/MH Campaign to get involved with the Campaign as an Ambassador or Partner.

Celebrate individuals, organizations, and communities that support recovery.

• Celebrate yourself and your coworkers, friends, family, and others who support recovery. Thank them by giving them an an ITE product, such as a t-shirt, pendant, hat, or poster. Wear your product proudly and during any community-wide Mental Health Month events.
• Recognize and thank a local business or community leader for living the values of the Campaign and supporting people in recovery. Give them an ITE/MH poster that distinguishes them as “the Evidence” and ask them to display the poster proudly in their business or office.

I’m the Evidence Product Menu

All products are produced and sold by Support the Journey, an ITE/MH Partner that provides products and services that help people understand, embrace, and support the human potential for growth, discovery, and recovery.  Product sales directly support the Campaign’s outreach efforts.

Prices below reflect discounted prices for  ITE/MH Partners and Ambassadors and do not include shipping.

ITE Pendants or Key Chain
This fused glass art pendant or key chain is a great way to recognize those who are the Evidence, living their recovery journey, or staff and volunteers who are the Evidence in supporting recovery.  Suits both men and women.
Handcrafted fused glass art ITE pendants and key chains by Support the Journey.  Sterling silver findings with 18” black cord.
Single glass – $13.95
Colors:  Black, Red, Blue, Green
Double glass – $17.95
Colors:  Black on Red, Black on Light Blue, Black on Light Brown, Black on Green Dichroic

Individual ITE  T-shirt
Sizes Medium – 3X – $20.25
Authentic Pigment ringspun cotton; 6% organic cotton, generously cut with a soft, well-worn feel. Colors: Nautical Red, Sunburst, Chrome, and Bay.
Sizes 4X – 6X.  - $22.50
Port & Company Essential T-shirts, a heavyweight 100% cotton, preshrunk, double needle hem. Colors: Cardinal, Lemon Yellow, Colonial Blue and Athletic Heather

ITE Hat
$18.00
Soft pigment-dyed 100% Cotton cap with eyelets
Color: Khaki
Size: Adjustable
 
ITE Posters
5×7 Posters (pack of 15) – $10.00
8×10 Posters (pack of 10) – $10.00
11×14 Posters (pack of 10) – $10.00
Mixed package of 12 posters: 6 5×7; 3 8×10; 3 11×14 – $10.00

Below is a list of ideas for how your organization can promote the goals and values of the ITE Campaign during Mental Health Month, as well as products that are available for your Mental Health Month walks, recognition activities, or promotion of recovery.

I’m the Evidence/Mental Health Month Activities

Take action and live the ITE/MH values: Belief, hope, giving, connectedness, action, example, encouragement, and possibility.

Increase awareness of recovery.

• Ask individuals to share their recovery journey stories.  (Click here for storytelling tips.) Post these stories on your organization’s website and ask the authors to send them to the ITE/MH Campaign for us to post on our stories page. Ask the authors if they would be willing to share their stories with the media and, if yes, contact a local reporter and offer these personal examples of recovery.
• Write and submit an OpEd for your local newspaper that highlights how communities can live the Campaign values and the difference this can make in the lives of people recovering from mental illness. Use examples of how your organization takes action on the values of the Campaign by offering recovery oriented services–include testimonials from individuals you serve, if available.

Engage individuals, organizations, and communities in the support of recovery.

• Host an ITE/MH Campaign presentation (download here), highlighting the values that support recovery, as an educational forum for your staff, Board of Directors, or community groups.
• Promote the values that support recovery on your organization’s Facebook page. Every few days in May, highlight a value of the Campaign and give examples of how an individual, program, or service exemplifies the value.
• Encourage others who exemplify the values of the ITE/MH Campaign to get involved with the Campaign as an Ambassador or Partner.

Celebrate individuals, organizations, and communities that support recovery.

• Celebrate individuals in recovery, staff members, or volunteers as “the Evidence” in a recognition event.  You could give those being honored an ITE/MH product, such as a T-Shirt, pendant, hat, or poster.
• Recognize and thank a local business or community leader for living the values of the Campaign and supporting people in recovery. Give them an ITE/MH poster that distinguishes them as “the Evidence” and ask them to display the poster proudly in their business or office.

I’m the Evidence Product Menu

All products are produced and sold by Support the Journey, an ITE/MH Partner that provides products and services that help people understand, embrace, and support the human potential for growth, discovery, and recovery.  Product sales directly support the Campaign’s outreach efforts.

Prices below reflect discounted prices for ITE/MH Partners and Ambassadors and do not include shipping.

Bulk ITE T-Shirts
Promote the ITE/MH Campaign and your organization during your Mental Health Month Walk or other event with ITE/MH T-Shirts.  ITE/MH offers bulk T-Shirts made of quality white Gilden Ultra Cotton T-Shirts with the ITE logo and tagline on the front (2 colors) and 2 customized lines on back (black) for the name of your organization or event.
Sizes:  Large to 3X
Color:  White
Price:  $7.25 each
Minimum Order:  50

ITE Pendant
An ITE pendant or key chain by is a great way to recognize those who are “the Evidence.”
Each pendant is handcrafted fused glass art by Support the Journey.  Pendants have sterling silver findings with 18” black cord. Suits both men and women.
Colors:  Black on Red, Black on Light Blue, Black on Brown, Black on Green Dichroic
Price:  $18.00

Individual ITE  T-Shirt
The signature ITE T-Shirt’s are high quality, comfortable shirts with the positive ITE message.
Sizes: Medium – 3X
Authentic Pigment ringspun cotton; 6% organic cotton.  It is generously cut with a soft, well-worn feel
Colors:  Nautical Red, Sunburst, Chrome, and Bay
Price:  $20.25

Sizes: 4X – 6X.
Port & Company Essential T-Shirts, a heavyweight 100% cotton, preshrunk, double needle hem. Colors: Cardinal, Lemon Yellow, Colonial Blue and Athletic Heather
Price:  $22.50

ITE Hat
The ITE hat is fashionable and comfortable, made of soft pigment-dyed 100% cotton with eyelets.
Color: Khaki
Size: Adjustable
Price:  $18.00

ITE Posters
5×7 Posters (pack of 15) – $10.00
8×10 Posters (pack of 10) – $10.00
11×14 Posters (pack of 10) – $10.00
Mixed package of 12 posters: 6 5×7; 3 8×10; 3 11×14 – $10.00

• Proposed Commonwealth Budget
• Department of Public Welfare Budget Information

Employment Awards Nominations for the 13th Employment Supports Symposium, “Spreading Employment 1st”

Hosted by Networks for Training and Development, Inc. (Networks)

As in years past, the Symposium culminates with an Awards Dinner.  Last year, 13 exemplary employers were honored, as well as several self-advocates who took an active role in the pursuit and achievement of their dream jobs.

Please consider nominating an exemplary employer or an individual with a disability who has attained his/her dream job.

Deadline for nomination submissions is March 2

• Information about the awards and the nomination process
• Employer Award nomination form 
• The Octavia Green Dream Job Award nomination form

5 Day WRAP Facilitator Training in Harrisburg – 3 Seats Left!

Sponsored by the Institute of Recovery and Community Integration, a program of the Mental Health Association of SEPA

5 Day intensive training to learn to become an effective Mental Health Recovery Educator and WRAP Group Facilitator, learn a set of values and ethics to  effectively empower and motivate people to work toward recover and move toward life goals.

Featuring Copeland Center National Director for Wellness & Education, Gina Kaye Calhoun

March 12 – 16 in Harrisburg

Application and contact information attached

Three Day Older Adult Peer Specialist Enhanced Certificate Training

Sponsored by the Institute of Recovery and Community Integration, a program of the Mental Health Association of SEPA

This training will prepare current Certified Peer Specialists to utilize existing experience, skills and training to work with Older Adults living with behavioral health disorders. Training will include an understanding of mental health and co-occurring issues as they relate to aging issues. Peers will increase their level of expertise while gaining specialized techniques that support Older Adults.

April 24-26 in Pittsburgh – All registrations must be received by March 14

For more information and registration form, see the attached flyer.

Barbara Dean Johnson Scholarship Award Nominations

The Pennsylvania Mental Health Consumers’ Association (PMHCA) is seeking nominations for the Barbara Dean Johnson Scholarship Award to be presented at the 24th Annual Statewide Consumers’ Conference, June 5 – 7, 2012 in Harrisburg

One scholarship will be given to an individual who is viewed as an emerging leader in the Pennsylvania consumer/survivor movement. The award is focused on an individual who represents the diversity of our state and movement, specifically those from under-represented geographical areas and/or under-represented cultural backgrounds. The award recipient will receive a scholarship to attend PMHCA’s 24th Annual Statewide conference.

Applications must be postmarked no later than February 22

Nomination Information

Early Bird discount for conference registration offered until February 21st

April 17, 18, and 19, 2012 in State College

This year’s PA Association of Psychosocial Rehabilitation Services conference is featuring:

Dr. Michael Fowlin: Nationally known actor and psychologist, Michael deals with the issues of race, discrimination, violence prevention, personal identity, suicide, gender equity, homophobia, and emotional pain. Michael’s mission is to create an atmosphere of worldwide inclusion, not just tolerance, towards all people.

Victoria Maxwell: Actress, researcher, educator, and mental health worker, Victoria describes the light and dark side of living with bipolar disorder, anxiety and psychosis. Her funny and truthful play both entertains and educates, exploding stigmas and portraying the love and resilience it takes to stay together as a family in the mist of illness.

• Conference Agenda
• Registration Form
• Scholarship Application

Scholarships are available – Deadline has been extended until February 17th

Save the Date – CPS Certification Process: Learn More & Tell Us What You Think

The Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, PA Peer Support Coalition, & PA Certification Board are sponsoring teleconferences for CPSs only to provide information on the certification process and to gather feedback.

• Wednesday, February 15th – 1:00 to 2:30
• Friday, February 17th – 10:30 to 12:00
• Monday, February 27th – 1:00 to 2:30

See the attached flyer for call-in information.

Please submit any questions you have prior to the teleconferences to Rachelle Weiss at rachelle@pmhca.org. There will also be a lengthy question and answer session during each teleconference. We will not be discussing the ethics code during these teleconferences and will provide an opportunity to do so at a later date.

Housing 101 and Using the Housing Questionnaire Webinar

Offered by the Long Term Living Training Institute of Pennsylvania

February 9th – 1:00 PM-3:00PM

The presenters will introduce Housing 101, the new 6 module web-based housing and training for NHT Coordinators and partners. They will also explain the purpose of and how to use the Housing Questionnaire to ascertain the individual housing needs and preferences of individuals who are transitioning to the community.

Presenters: Diana Myers and Barbara Hodas, Diana T. Myers & Associates, Inc.

Join Webinar

SAMHSA’s 2013 Budget Briefing – February 14th, 2:30-4:30

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration budget briefing will be streamed live online. To access the webcast, visit the main web page at www.samhsa.gov on February 14, a few minutes before 2:30 p.m. You will be asked for your name and email address to watch the briefing online.

Free SAMHSA ADS Center Teleconference – Breaking the Poverty Cycle: Creating Social and Economic Opportunities

Tuesday, February 28th, 3:00 – 4:30

Learning Objectives:

• To identify components of effective programs and interventions that take a multifaceted approach to assisting people with mental and substance use disorders in exiting poverty, which results in improved mental health and enhanced community engagement.
• To gain a greater understanding for how the cycle of poverty; economic stressors, such as unemployment and substandard housing; and other social determinants of health disproportionately impact people with behavioral health problems.
• To understand from a first-person perspective how someone can engage a range of community supports and services to exit poverty and experience financial health and satisfying community integration.

More information and registration

Sponsored by a grant from SAMHSA and coordinated by Drexel Univ. College of Medicine/ Behavioral Healthcare Education.

March 21-22 in Harrisburg

This year offers distinguished clinicians and veterans, including Captain Luis Carlos Montalván, the author of the NY Times bestseller, Until Tuesday, as plenary presenters.

By the completion of this conference, participants will be able to:

• Identify psychological aspects of long wars;
• Describe the TREM model of trauma treatment;
• Cite approaches and services for veteran’s suicide prevention.
• Regard the positive aspects of service dogs in trauma recovery.

Last year’s conference was extremely popular and registration closed due to space limitation, register early if you are interested in attending.

• Jail Diversion and Trauma Recovery for Veterans
• Brochure
• Register online.

Staff Development for Supported Employment Personnel – Customized Self-Employment for Entrepreneurs with Disabilities

As an initiative of the Medicaid Infrastructure Grant, AHEDD is coordinating reimbursement to PA for this online course through Virginia Commonwealth University’s Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (VCU-RRTC)

March 5 – May 14, 2012

Participants/agencies who want to participate in this reimbursement program must complete registration requirements on or before February 24

For more information, see attachment or visit: Works for Me

Free Training – Creating Welcoming and Affirming Services for Persons Who Are LGBTQI

Presented by the Keystone Pride Recovery Initiative, Pennsylvania Mental Health Consumers’ Association and the Dauphin Club House

Wednesday, February 29, 2012
9:00 am – 4:00 pm in Mt. Gretna

This seminar is for anyone wishing to become more aware of issues faced by persons referred to as LGBTQI. The focus will be on ways to become fully welcoming and affirming to all persons who differ from us and to learn from them how to be helpful as part of a healing community of support.

To learn more visit: Keystone Pride Recovery Initiative

Print application for this program. Registration application must be received by close of business on February 20, 2012.

Save the Date – 2012 STAR-Center (Services for Teens At Risk) Conference: “Protecting Children from Harm”

At the conclusion of this session, participants should be able to:

• Identify impact of sudden loss of a parent on children’s social, emotional, and physical development.
• Explain how strengthening family relationships can support troubled adolescents.
• Describe effective strategies to use with at-risk youth one-on-one and in a group setting.

King of Prussia – Monday, March 19: click here to view the full program brochure

Pittsburgh – Friday, May 4: click here to view a list of some of the topics being offered

STAR Center

In October, the Mental Health Association in Pennsylvaia (MHAPA) and the Pennsylvania Mental Health Consumers’ Association (PMHCA) announced a new scholarship in honor of Glenn Koons, a beloved Certified Peer Specialist who touched many lives before his untimely death. Glenn’s personality and skills led him to become a Certified Peer Specialist. In this role he helped guide people through their mental health recovery journeys. Whether at work or with friends, he brought hope and smiles to people.

In response to our announcement, people from across the state donated to the scholarship. We are grateful to the donors listed here for helping make this scholarship a reality.

Today, MHAPA and PMHCA are pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for the scholarship. Please see below for more information.

About the Glenn Koons Scholarship

The $1,000 scholarship is awarded annually to a promising Pennsylvania candidate for Certified Peer Specialist training who demonstrates the ability to engage people, share life experiences in recovery, provide leadership, and teach others these skills.

To Apply

Print and complete the application. Return your completed application to:
PMHCA
4105 Derry Street
Harrisburg, PA 17111
Fax: 717-564-4708
E-mail: pmhca@pmhca.org

Applications are encouraged via fax and email.

Deadline

Applications must be postmarked no later than February 15, 2012 to be considered. An appointed committee will review applications and the winner will be notified no later than March 30, 2012.

Contact Information

If you have questions, please contact Sue Walther, Executive Director, MHAPA, at 717-346-0549/866-578-3659, ext. 1 or swalther@mhapa.org. Or call the PMHCA office at 1-800-887-6422.

To Donate

If you would like to support the scholarship, please send your donation to PMHCA at the address below. All donors will receive recognition when the scholarship is awarded.

PMHCA
Attention: Glenn Koons Scholarship
4105 Derry Street
Harrisburg, PA 17111
Make checks payable to “Pennsylvania Mental Health Consumers’ Association.”

Or make a donation online using PMHCA’s PayPal account by clicking here.

In October, the Mental Health Association in Pennsylvania (MHAPA) and the Pennsylvania Mental Health Consumers’ Association (PMHCA) announced a new scholarship in honor of Glenn Koons, a beloved Certified Peer Specialist who touched many lives before his untimely death. Glenn’s personality and skills led him to become a Certified Peer Specialist. In this role he helped guide people through their mental health recovery journeys. Whether at work or with friends, he brought hope and smiles to people.

MHAPA and PMHCA are pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for the scholarship.

The $1000 scholarship is awarded annually to a promising Pennsylvania candidate for Certified Peer Specialist training who demonstrates the ability to engage people, share life experiences in recovery, provide leadership, and teach others these skills.

To apply, print and complete the application, applications must be postmarked no later than February 15, 2012

If you have questions, please contact the PMHCA office, 1-800-887-6422.

“Telepsychiatry” – The January 2012 Edition of the OMHSAS QUIC Facts Now Available

The January 2012 edition of the OMHSAS QUIC Facts entitled “Telepsychiatry” has been posted to PArecovery.org.

New One Day No Cost Training Session Presented by the Behavioral Health Connection

Understanding and Accessing Medicare Services for Mental Health Consumers and QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) A Suicide Prevention Training; choose from 2 locations:

• March 7 from 9:30 – 3:15 in DuBois – Online Registration
• April 16 from 9:30 – 3:15 in Sharon – Online Registration

For more information visit: PA Behavioral Health and Aging Coalition – Behavioral Health Connection – Seating is Limited!

Registration form attached may be submitted via fax @ 717-370-6019 to PBHAC/BHC

Free Webinar – Emotional CPR (eCPR): An Introduction to Assisting Others through Emotional Crisis

Sponsored by the National Coalition for Mental Health Recovery – www.ncmhr.org

Thursday, February 16, 1:00 – 2:30, register by February 15th; Space is limited

Emotional CPR (eCPR) is a public health education program designed to teach people to assist others through an emotional crisis by three simple steps: C = Connecting, P = emPowering, and R = Revitalizing.

eCPR gives us the skills to form supportive connections that empower a person in emotional crisis to heal trauma, feel revitalized, and resume meaningful roles in the community. This webinar will introduce you to the skills and values associated with eCPR. It is geared towards peers, peer-run organizations, mental health service providers, family members, policymakers, administrators, and all other stakeholders.

Details and Registration Information.

5 Day WRAP Facilitator Training in Harrisburg – Seats are still available!

Sponsored by the Institute of Recovery and Community Integration, a program of the Mental Health Association of SEPA

5 Day intensive training to learn to become an effective Mental Health Recovery Educator and WRAP Group Facilitator, learn a set of values and ethics to  effectively empower and motivate people to work toward recover and move toward life goals.

Featuring Copeland Center National Director for Wellness & Education, Gina Kaye Calhoun

March 12 – 16 in Harrisburg

Application and contact information attached – deadline for submission is January 30

Facebook provides first-of-a-kind service to help prevent suicides

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline collaborate with Facebook to help those in crisis.

Facebook is announcing a new service that harnesses the power of social networking and crisis support to help prevent suicides across the nation and Canada. The new service enables Facebook users to report a suicidal comment they see posted by a friend to Facebook using either the Report Suicidal Content link or the report links found throughout the site. The person who posted the suicidal comment will then immediately receive an e-mail from Facebook encouraging them to call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or to click on a link to begin a confidential chat session with a crisis worker.

SAMHSA News Release

Presented by the Pennsylvania Behavioral Health and Aging Coalition

This training will prepare current Certified Peer Specialists to utilize existing experience, skills and training to work with Older Adults living with behavioral health disorders. Training will include an understanding of mental health and co-occurring issues as they relate to aging issues. Peers will increase their level of expertise while gaining specialized techniques that support Older Adults.

Choose from 1 of 2 sessions:

• March 27th, 28th, & 29th in Scranton or
• May 2nd, 3rd, & 4th in State College

For more information and registration form see the attached flyer

Register Now for the PAPSRS Annual Conference – Psychiatric Rehabilitation: Creating Positive Outcomes

This year’s PA Association of Psychosocial Rehabilitation Services conference is featuring:

Dr. Michael Fowlin: Nationally known actor and psychologist, Michael deals with the issues of race, discrimination, violence prevention, personal identity, suicide, gender equity, homophobia, and emotional pain. Michael’s mission is to create an atmosphere of worldwide inclusion, not just tolerance, towards all people.

Victoria Maxwell: Actress, researcher, educator, and mental health worker, Victoria describes the light and dark side of living with bipolar disorder, anxiety and psychosis. Her funny and truthful play both entertains and educates, exploding stigmas and portraying the love and resilience it takes to stay together as a family in the mist of illness.

April 17, 18, and 19, 2012 in State College

• Conference Agenda
• Registration Form

Scholarships are available, apply by February 1st

• Scholarship Application

Announcing: An Internet Parenting Education and Support Group for Mothers with Psychiatric Disabilities: A Research Study

The Temple University Collaborative on Community Inclusion has launched a new research study examining the effectiveness of an Internet parenting education and social support program for mothers with a psychiatric disability. The TU Collaborative is looking for women who are interested in participating in an online parental education course designed to enhance parental knowledge and skills in the following areas: illness management, child development, stress reduction, parent-child communication, and promoting resiliency in your child. This program also involves Internet social support through a Listserv, which will be co-moderated by a parent with a psychiatric disability and a mental health professional. This group can connect you 24-hours a day, 7-days a week to a community of supportive peers, in your own home or anywhere you can access the Internet!

Looking for people who:

• Are mothers (over the age of 18) diagnosed with a mental illness (Major Depression, Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder or Mood Disorder)
• Currently have primary/shared custody and are serving as the caretaker for at least one child (natural, adopted, or stepchild) under the age of 18
• Have access to a computer and the Internet
• Would consider using the Internet for support and information
• Are United States Residents
• Are fluent in English

Participants will be compensated up to $100 for their participation in this study.

If you want to participate or would like more information, please contact the following address: momsupport@temple.edu.

Flyer attached.