EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Jessica Gruneich, JD

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR

Marie Krysnoski, MBA

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Kami Bonnell

EXECUTIVE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Beverley Watkins, PhD, LCSW, President

Peter J. Dodge, JD, Vice President

Sonja Vauters, Second Vice President

Mary Pat Dejarnette, Secretary

Royal Boeder, Treasurer

DIRECTORS

Victoria Gonzalez, NAMI National Director

Karoline Carstens

Kris Gamm-Smith

Jennifer Gerlach

Amber Kaan

Kimberly McClellan

Kelly Medlin

Larry Stevens

Angela Townsend

Tai Venuti

Katie Venvertloh

Susy Woods

NAMI Southwestern Illinois proudly

serving the twelve IL counties of:

See page 2 for HOTLINE phone #s & state crisis psychiatric services for the 12 counties of NAMI SWI.

Bond

Calhoun

Clinton

Greene

Jersey

Macoupin

Madison

Monroe

Montgomery

Randolph

St. Clair

Washington

NAMI SWI

Gateway Regional Medical Center

2100 Madison Avenue, 4th Floor

Granite City, IL 62040

Website: http://namiswi.org

E-mail: info@namiswi.org

Phone: (618) 798-9788 October - November 2016

NAMI SWI, together with SIUE, will present a pilot program, a unique, first of its kind, mental heath awareness event “Tuning Out Stigma”. Our presenter, Theresa San Lis, is a former SIUE graduate who will share the message that hope is possible through recovery from mental illness. Theresa will tell about five parts of her story: 1) Dark Days; 2) Acceptance; 3) Treatment; 4) Coping Skills and Successes; and 5) Hopes and Dreams, along with her original music repre-senting each of the five phases. She will play copyrighted pieces on the piano that she wrote such as "Lament for my Friend" for Dark Days, a piece that she wrote when she was 14 for the Acceptance component; "Lullaby for Colin" for Treatment; "Andrew's Lullaby" for Coping Skills; and "Leap of Faith" for Successes, Hopes and Dreams. Theresa will end with a splash of entertainment with a medley on the piano and some viola play-ing. The final 20 minutes will consist of a NAMI board/staff/volunteer-led panel discussion. This event is FREE and open to the public. Come join us for this hour of pleasure and inspiration.

UNING OUT STIGMA… An artist’s endeavor

Wednesday, October 12, 2016, 3:00- 4:00pm SIUE’s Morris University Center - Mississippi Room

Presented by Theresa San Luis

ABOUT OUR PRESENTER...

Theresa San Luis is an SIUE 2015 MPA Graduate and has been interviewed on KSDK and PBS television for her accom-plishments. She is an award-winning composer, former stu-dent of a Chicago Symphony violist, and earned her music degree from the University of Notre Dame.

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BOND COUNTY

Prairie Counseling Center (618) 664-1455 (8:30AM - 4:00PM)

After hours, call Greenville Hospital (618) 664-1234

CALHOUN COUNTY JERSEY COUNTY

CenterStone (618) 639-2016 (Call 24/7)

or (618) 465-4388

CLINTON COUNTY Community Resource Center

(618) 533-1391 (Call 24/7)

GREENE COUNTY MACOUPIN COUNTY

Locust Street Resource Center Weekdays only - (217) 854-3166

After hours/weekend - (217) 854-3135 calls go to Police Department who will notify a crisis worker

NORTHERN MADISON COUNTY CenterStone

(618) 465-4388 (Call 24/7)

SOUTHERN MADISON COUNTY Chestnut Health Systems (618) 877-0316 (Call 24/7)

MONROE COUNTY Human Support Services

(618) 939-4444 (8:00AM-4:30PM) After hours, dial 911; Police will contact crisis worker

MONTGOMERY COUNTY County Health Dept. - Hillsboro

1-888-324-5052 (Call 24/7)

WESTERN ST. CLAIR COUNTY Comprehensive Behavioral Health

(618) 482-7330 (Call 24/7)

EASTERN ST. CLAIR COUNTY Chestnut Health Systems (618) 877-0316 (Call 24/7)

RANDOLPH COUNTY

WASHINGTON COUNTY Human Service Center

(618) 282-6233 (8:00AM-4:30PM) After hours, dial 911; Police will contact crisis worker

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Hotline Information

Website WordPress Twitter Facebook

MOVING: If you move, don’t forget to call the NAMI SWI Office at (618) 798-9788 with your new address, and phone number or send an email with info to: info@namiswi.org.

Newsletter Article Due Dates

Email your articles to Newsletter Editor, Sandy, skgiger@hotmail.com & CC Webmaster, Mary,

webmaster@namiswi.org on or before

due dates listed.

Issue Article Due *

Dec-Jan Nov 15 Feb-Mar Jan 15 Apr-May Mar 15 Jun-Jul May 15 Aug-Sep Jul 15 Oct-Nov Sep 15

*These are the regular due dates unless otherwise noted in newsletter.

1 Tuning Out Stigma 2 Table of Contents 2 Moving??? 2 Newsletter Due Dates 2 Social Media 2 Hotline Information 3 Report from Executive Director 4 NAMI SWI Support Group Meetings 5 Other Local Support Group Meeting Information 5 LINKS: Creating A Healthier Life 5 LINKS: Accommodating Mental Illness...Workplace 6 Veterans Day 6 Message from NAMI Llama 6 NAMI Illinois Conference 7 NAMI SWI Volunteer Spotlight Is On… 7 Free Dental Care for Kids at Annual...Dental Medicine 8 A Message from NAMI SWI President 8 Bimonthly Business Meeting 9 Volunteer Page 10 Mental Illness Awareness Week Flyer & Information 11 20th Annual Recovery Conference 11 CIT Report 11 News from Monroe County 11 Go Green - Mental Illness Awareness Week 12 CIT in Illinois 12 Thank You 13 SAVERS Update 13 VOTE 13 No Family Left Behind Conference 14 What is NAMI SWI?

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September 13, 2016

Office Administration:

Thank you to the 2016 NAMI SWI Agency Site Visit United Way Presentation Team: Beverley Watkins, Peter Dodge, Royal Boeder, Mary Pat DeJarnette, Sonja Vauters, Vickie Gonzalez, Marie Krysnoski, and Matt Gauen. NAMI SWI conducted another very successful site visit with United Way of Greater of St. Louis on August 16, 2016 at Gateway Regional Medical Center. Thanks to NAMI SWI CIT project leader, Tom Johnson, for helping with the site visit preparation and attending our affiliate presentation. Our presentation team did an excellent job presenting information on NAMI SWI programming and sharing updates with the United Way panelists.

I attended the annual Executive Director meeting with United Way leadership on August 18th in Granite City. United Way staff shared information with all Executive Directors regarding: campaign goals for 2016, allocation processes, and data reporting.

Thanks very much to Marie Krysnoski and Kami Bonnell for all their work in conducting a successful Savers Clothing Drive during the month of August. Our affiliate raised $300.00 in donations and received a matching gift of $300.00, for a total amount of $600.00. Our affiliate will likely continue this fundraiser in 2017.

Marie will be attending United Way’s UMSL’s 2016 Nonprofit Management & Leadership Program Fundraising Institute from September 26 to 29, 2016. This is an excellent opportunity for our affiliate to learn best practices in fundraising strategy, research, grant writing, special events, and planned giving. The seven sessions are facilitated by nonprofit professional and consultants; we look forward to hearing about the program and implementing the new strategies and programs.

Thanks to Sandy Giger for her fabulous work in developing the NAMI SWI 2016 Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) fliers. MIAW is October 2-8 2016. More information is available at namiswi.org.

Programming Updates:

Thanks to Diane and Paul Borawski for teaching the affiliate Summer Session of Family to Family Education, the class finished with a party at Bella Milano in Shiloh, IL on August 18th.

Thank you Judi Boker and Cortnie Stone for teaching our affiliate’s Fall Family to Family Education program, the class began Thursday, September 8, 2016 in Edwardsville at First Baptist Church.

A special thank you to Board Member, Kim McClellan, and Connection Coordinator, Matt Gauen. Together they presented NAMI Ending the Silence to 470 high school students at Southwestern HS in Piasa, IL on September 9th.

Thanks to Vickey Gonzalez and Tricia Hogan for leading our affiliate’s recent Peer to Peer Education Program; the class finished on Saturday, September 10, 2016.

Thanks to Linda Methvin and Sr. Linda Hylla for facilitating our affiliate’s new Family Member Support Group in Carlyle, Illinois, which started on September 12th.

Thanks to Donna Sheard for facilitating our new Specialty Support Group for parents and caregivers of youth and adolescents with mental health conditions. This group met for the first time on September 7th.

Thanks to Tricia Hogan for leading our new Specialty Connection Recovery Support Group, which features animal-assisted therapy in partnership with Furry Friends Recovery. The group met on September 20th for the first time.

In recognition of Mental Illness Awareness Week, (MIAW), NAMI SWI has partnered with Human Support Services, (HSS), and will present the NAMI In Our Own Voice Recovery Presentation. The program will take place on Tuesday, October 11, 2016, at the HSS Waterloo, Illinois offices from 5pm-6:30pm.

Finally, NAMI SWI will also present NAMI In Our Own Voice, “Tuning Out Stigma, An Artist’s Endeavor” in collaboration with Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE), on Wednesday, October 12, 2016 in the Morris University Center, the program will be in the Mississippi Room from 3pm to 4pm. Special thanks to NAMI In Our Own Voice Presenter, Theresa San Luis, for all her work in coordinating and conducting this uplifting and inspiring presentation!!

Jessica Gruneich, J D Executive Director, NAMI SWI

Report from…

NAMI SWI Executive Director, Jessica L. Gruneich, JD

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BELLEVILLE (St. Clair County) Second Friday of each month, 3:30-5:00PM, Chestnut Health Systems 12 N. 64th St., Belleville, IL 62223. Contact Matt G. at magauen@gmail.com

BENTON (Franklin County) Temporarily On Hold. Will resume on Tuesday, January 17, 2016 Questions, Cara E. at cara.e.health@gmail.com.

EDGEMONT (St. Clair County) First Wednesday of each month, 2:00-3:30PM at Call For Help, 9400 Lebanon Road, Edgemont, IL 62203. Contact John Person at john.person@ymail.com

GRANITE CITY (Madison County) First Tuesday of each month, 6:30-8:00PM at Gateway Regional Medical Center, 2100 Madison Ave, Granite City, IL 62040, in the Pascal Hall Meeting Room. Use the main entrance, sign in, and then immediately make a left. Pascal Hall is the last room on the left. Contact Matt G. at magauen@gmail.com.

WATERLOO (Monroe County) Third Wednesday of each month, 6:30-8:00PM at Human Support Services, 988 North IL Route 3, Waterloo, IL 62298. Contact Marie Krysnoski (618) 558-7938 or email her at mariekrysnoski@gmail.com.

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EAST ST. LOUIS (St. Clair County) Third Monday of each month, a support group meeting for parents/caregivers of children & adolescents with brain disorders, 6:00-8:00PM at 908 N. 11th St. Emerson Park Metro Station, East St. Louis, IL. Contact Kim McClellan at (618) 407-9081 or email Kimberlyjmcclellan@yahoo.com.

EDWARDSVILLE (Madison County) Third Tuesday of each month, a support meeting for individuals living with mental illness, 7:00-8:30PM, at Stillwater Senior Living Center, 1111 University, Drive, Edwardsville IL 62025. This meeting will provide educa-tional and therapeutic need-based support by connecting pet therapy teams to people who experience mental and emotional challenges. Contact lead facilitator Tricia Hogan at (618) 558-5386.

MARYVILLE (Madison County) First & Third Wednesdays of each month, a support meeting for parents & caregivers of children and adolescents living with a mental illness plus who are dealing with the juvenile justice system, 6:30-8:00PM, Oliver C. Anderson Hospital, Maryville, IL. Use the main hospital entrance then take elevator to the basement; exit to the right and go to the vending classroom on the left near the cafeteria. Meeting offers a safe, non-judgmental and confidential outlet for shar-ing with others who have experiences similar to your own. Contact facilitator Donna Sheard at (618) 567-3228.

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CARLYLE (Clinton County) Second Monday of each month, 7:00-8:30PM, First Christian Church, 1025 Lake Road, Carlyle, IL 62231. Contact Linda Methvin at 618-541-2407.

EDWARDSVILLE (Madison County) Fourth Tuesday of each month, 7:00-8:30PM, First Baptist Church,534 St. Louis St., Edwardsville, IL 62025; use church parking lot entrance. Contact Pat Rudloff at (618) 656-6781.

GREENVILLE (Bond County) Third Tuesday of each month, 7:00-8:30PM, St. Lawrence Catholic Church, 512 S. Prairie Street Greenville, IL 62246. Contact Linda Methvin at (618) 541-2407.

O’FALLON (St. Clair County) Third Tuesday of each month, 7:00-8:30PM, Faith Lutheran of O'Fallon, IL, held in the Youth House, 520 E. U.S. Hwy 50, O'Fallon, IL 62269. Contact Mike or Kathy Janik (618) 277-5459.

WATERLOO (Monroe County) Second Monday of every month, 7:00-8:30PM, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, 522 S. Church Street, Waterloo, IL 62298. Contact Royal Boeder at (618) 340-9911.

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NAMI Military and Veteran Family Support Contact Peter Dodge, JD, at vetsupport@namiswi.org or call (734) 330-6776. ____________

You Are Not Alone!!

NOTE: For questions or more information about any of these meetings, please contact the listed facilitator at the phone number/email provided for that particular meeting or call the NAMI SWI Office at (618)798-9788. INCLEMENT WEATHER: When Southwestern Ill College (SWIC) classes are cancelled because of bad weather, NAMI support meetings will also be cancelled. SWIC cancellation notices will be broadcast on all major TV and radio stations in the St. Louis area. If there is a tornado watch or warning for an area during the timeframe where a support meeting is to be held, that meeting will be cancelled.

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NAMI SWI SUPPORT MEETINGS

Military Family Support Group

Specialty Groups

A support meeting for individuals living with mental illness.

A support meeting for family & caregivers of persons with mental illness.

See each meeting for intended participants.

A support meeting for military and veteran families.

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St. Louis Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Support Group: 3rd Saturday of each month, 10:00AM to Noon at Missouri Baptist Hospital Auditorium #1, 3015 N. New Ballas Road, Creve Coeur, MO 63141. Contact: Jan at (314) 291-7556.

DBSA of Madison County: Every Monday at 7:00PM, Anderson Hospital, 6800 Hwy 162, Maryville, IL, on Level B, behind vending area by cafeteria. Facilitated by Nicole Meyers (618) 225-7709.

DBSA of Hope-Belleville: Every Tuesday, 7:00PM, St. Mary Catholic Church, 1701 W. Main St., Belleville, IL 62226, in the convent to the right of church front. Park on 18th St., then walk past carport, and enter on your left. Facilitated by Lisa Wojick, 618-581-4179 and Marie Krysnoski at (618)558-7938

DBSA of Hope, Belleville: Every Thursday at 5:45PM and every Saturday, Noon. Both groups meet at Call for Help-Recovery Support Center, 9400 Lebanon Rd, Edgemont, IL 62203, 1st building, side entrance. Facilitated by Roger Wegener, (618) 444-6927 and Deanna Kelsay, (618) 799-2851.

Nar A Non: meeting for families seeking help and support who are facing dual diagnosis issues. Every Monday, 7:00PM at Bridge Church, Steiss Road, Glen Carbon, IL 62034. For information call 618-973-6863.

Karla Smith Foundation Support Group for family and friends of anyone with mental illness: 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month, 7:00–8:30PM, Peace Chapel, 10101 W. Main St., Belleville. For more information call Tom or Fran Smith at (618) 624-5771 or email to ksf@karlasmithfoundation.org.

Belleville Location - Karla Smith Foundation Sui-cide Survivor Support Group: 2nd & 4th Thur. of each month, 7:00 – 8:30PM, Peace Chapel, 10101 W. Main St., Belleville. For more information or questions, call Tom or Fran Smith at (618) 624-5771 or send an email to ksf@karlasmithfoundation.org.

St. Louis Location - Karla Smith Foundation Support Group for families and loved ones of anyone who has lost a loved one to suicide: 4th Tuesday of each month, 7:15-8:30PM, at Clayton Behavioral, 9890 Clayton Road, Suite 100, St. Louis, MO 63124. For

more information contact Tom and Fran Smith at ksf@karlasmithfoundation.org by phone at 618-628-3129.

Youth M.O.V.E. meets on the 3rd Monday of every month and meets in conjunction with NAMI SWI East St. Louis Child and Adolescent Support Group, 6-8PM, 908 11th Street, Emerson Park Metro Station, East St. Louis, IL For information email Jennifer Johnston at jjohnston@childrenshomeandaid.org

GROW has weekly meetings in two locations. Wednesdays from 7:00-9:00PM at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, 2167 Grand Ave., Granite City, IL 62040. On Thursdays, 7:00-9:00PM at St. Matthews Methodist Church, 1200 Moreland Drive, Belleville, IL 62223. For more information, contact Sharon at (618) 581-9101 or 1-888-741-GROW.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call toll-free 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or go to their website at http://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

Stop Bullying: See information on website at www.stopbullying.gov.

IL Warm Line (866) 359-7953: Phone support for persons with mental health and/or substance use chal-lenges, their families, friends, and community. Staffed by Recovery Support Specialists who live out recovery. Monday through Friday, 8:00AM-5:00PM. From Main menu, select option #2, then #5.

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ATTENDEES: Please note that these support group meetings are not affiliated with NAMI SWI. Although we strive to keep all information up-to-date, sometimes we are not notified of any changes and we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. We suggest

you call the facilitator before going to that specific meeting to verify that the location, time, etc. is still current or if you have any other questions regarding that meeting. Thank you.

FACILITATORS: Please contact newsletter editor at skgiger@hotmail.com if you have any changes to your meetings or if they have been suspended. Thank you.

OTHER LOCAL MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT MEETINGS/WEBSITES/PHONE NUMBERS

Accommodating Mental Illness

in the Workplace

Mental illness can present unique challenges to employment. Unlike physical disabilities that can be seen and recognized, employers may not realize that a person with a mental health condition is ex-periencing an issue and needs a workplace accom-modation to remain employed and productive. http://newsletter.samhsa.gov/2016/06/22/mental-illness-in-the-workplace/?utm_source=govdelivery&utm_medium=email-sn&utm_content=mental-illness-workplace&utm_campaign=samhsanews-fy16

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Creating a Healthier Life: A Step-By-Step Guide to Wellness

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Wellness Initiative envisions a future in which people with mental or substance use problems pursue health, happiness, recovery, & a full and satisfying life in the community. Each individual’s path will be a bit different. Every aspect of wellness can affect a person’s life. Working toward all of them in one way or another is a great goal, because well-ness relates directly to the quality of a person’s life. This guide offers a broad approach for things we can do—at our own pace, in our own time, and within our own abili-ties—that can help us feel better and live longer. http://store.samhsa.gov/shin/content//SMA16-4958/SMA16-4958.pdf? ____________

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Many Americans mistakenly believe that Veterans Day is the day America sets aside to honor American military personnel who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained from combat. That's not quite true. Memorial Day is the day set aside to honor America's war dead. Veterans Day, on the other hand, honors ALL American veterans, both living and dead. In fact, Veterans Day is large-ly intended to thank LIVING veterans for dedicated and loyal service to their country. November 11 of each year is the day that we ensure veterans know that we deeply appreciate the sacrifices they have made in the lives to keep our country free.

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NAMI Illinois Conference

“We Are Stronger When We Speak as One Voice” October 14 & 15, 2016

Friday – 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturday – 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Techny Towers Conference and Retreat Center Techny, Illinois

Unbroken Glass Preview Friday Deeply personal, Unbroken Glass follows the filmmak-er’s emotional journey to finally piece together the story of the death of his parents twenty years later. At just six years old, Dinesh’s parents died. Raised by his siblings, he had little idea who his parents were or where he came from. Now as an adult with a burning curiosity, Dinesh travels across the United States and India to piece together his parents’ story. Uncovering a silenced family history of mental illness, Dinesh confronts the legacy of having a schizophrenic moth-er who died by suicide, the reality of growing up an or-phaned immigrant, and the trauma of these events. Dinesh will be available for Q & A after the film.

Friday Keynote Speaker: “Understanding the Illinois Budget” Ralph Martire, Executive Director Center for Tax and Budg-et Accountability In February 2011, Ralph was appointed to serve on the U.S. Department of Education Equity and Excellence Com-mission. Mr. Martire teaches a Master’s class on Education Finance and Fiscal Policy for the University of Illinois and Roosevelt University where he is also a distinguished lectur-er on public policy. He was elected to serve on the School Board of River Forest District 90, where he still serves. Ralph is also a regular columnist on education, fiscal and economic policy for the State Journal Register and Daily Herald and makes regular appearances on PBS’s Chicago Tonight.

Saturday Keynote Speaker: “The NAMI Movement” Mary Giliberti, JD – NAMI Chief Executive Officer Prior to becoming chief executive officer of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Ms. Giliberti served as a section chief in the Office for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Prior to that, she was the director of public policy and advocacy for federal and state issues at NAMI. During her 20+ years in the mental health field, Ms. Giliberti also served as a disability counsel for the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions and as a senior attorney at the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law. Mary earned her B.A. at Harvard College and her J.D. at Yale Law School. She is a native of North Bellmore, N.Y.

To Register: https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07ecj6a3q87e10ce83&oseq=&c=&ch=

Contact: John Fallon, NAMI Illinois by email at: 332-john1305@aol.com or call him at 312-332-6690, extension 21.

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On behalf of NAMI SWI,

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NAMI SWI VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT IS ON…………… Our affiliate is proud to announce that Geri Touchette and John Person are the NAMI SWI spotlight volunteers!! Geri has been a member of NAMI SWI since 2012. Geri has been active with the NAMI SWI Connection and In Our Own Voice programs for many years. In 2012, Geri attended NAMI Connection Facilitator Training in Itasca, Illinois. She led a Connection meeting in Belleville at Chestnut Health Systems. In 2016, Geri attended In Our Own Voice presenter training in Granite City, Illinois. Her dedication to our organization has helped our affiliate increase funding and public awareness of our affiliate’s mission to provide education, support, and advocacy programs to individuals, family members, and others impacted by mental illness. Currently, Geri co-facilitates the monthly NAMI Connection meeting at Call for Help, Inc. with NAMI SWI Member, John Person. John has been a NAMI member since 2014. His efforts have increased the number of individuals and family members served by NAMI SWI programming. John and Geri also volunteer with the IL Division of Mental Health Region 5 Leadership Council and annually serve on the Recovery Conference planning committee. Our affiliate says “THANK YOU” to Geri Touchette & John Person for their many efforts to help improve our affiliate and increase awareness of NAMI SWI throughout the St. Louis Metro region!!! More information about Connection and In Our Own Voice is available at nami-

swi.org. ___________

Geri Touchette and

John Person

Free Dental Care at Annual Give Kids A Smile Day at SIU School of Dental Medicine

Southern Illinois University’s School of Dental Medicine is urging parents of qualified children between the ages of 3 and 13 to bring their children to this year’s 11th annual Give Kids A Smile Day from 7:30 a.m. to noon, Monday, Oct. 10 at the School’s main clinic in building 263, 2800 College Ave. in Alton. Setting Give Kids a Smile Day apart is free comprehen-sive dental care, including examinations, X-rays, cleanings, fluoride treatments, fillings and extractions. All services will be provided by SIU School of Dental Medicine faculty, students and staff, members of the Madison and St. Clair district dental societies, Lewis and Clark Community College dental assisting and dental hygiene faculty and students, and faculty and students from the Missouri College of Assisting. Professionals and volunteers from the community will also participate. Children qualified to participate in the event are those eligible for free and reduced-priced meal programs. “We are once again prepared to treat approximately 300 children and hope that the children needing urgent dental care will be able to use this wonderful opportunity to receive treatment,” said Dr. Poonam Jain, professor in the SIU School of Dental Medicine and director of community dentistry. “Each child must be accompanied by a parent or guardian in order to be treated. Apart from dental treatment, fun educational activities and light snacks will be available for all children.” Give Kids A Smile Day is a national event sponsored by the American Dental Association to provide free dental treatment for underserved children. The event is organized to promote community awareness of the need for dental services among the underserved.

In Alton, the one-day event allows an average of more than 200 children to receive care from dental professionals each year. The volunteer dentists and staff offer an annual average of more than $50,000 in preventive, restorative and surgical treatment for the children who participate. Fun activities for children will take place throughout the event. As the wait and treatment may sometimes take several hours, parents are encouraged to bring food for young children with them. First-year dental students from the SIU School of Dental Medicine will host a “Smile Station” featuring fun, educational activities and games to help children learn the importance of a good diet, oral hygiene and the connections between their mouths and bodies. For more information, contact Sherie Gottlob from the School of Dental Medicine, (618) 474-7200, or sgottlo@siue.edu. While pre-registration is preferred, it is not required. Walk-ins are welcome from 7:30a.m. - noon.

Photo: Kelly Bishop as The Tooth Fairy with a young patient at the SIU School of Dental Medicine’s 2015 Give Kids a Smile Day.

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September 15, 2016

Hello Members and Allies.,

The last two months have been so very exciting for our affiliate. On August 16, we had our annual site visit with the United Way. Jessica Gruneich, executive director, and Marie Krysnoski, associate executive director, participated as staff. The executive committee, Peter Dodge, first vice president; Sonja Vauters, second vice president; as well as me as president were part of the presentation. Mary Pat Dejarnette, secretary, put together the PowerPoint, although she could not attend in person. Matt G. participated as a consumer who has achieved long-term successful recovery with the help of NAMI. Victoria Gonzalez, NAMI SWI board member, also shared her long-term experiences with NAMI recovery and empowerment, which culminated in NAMI National Board service and serving on a number of work groups and committees at the national level. Matt shared his recovery story, which was and is very compelling. He experienced depression as a teenager and first episode psychosis as a young adult. After several scary brushes with the legal system, he found successful treat-ment and began the recovery journey. NAMI has helped Matt and his family in finding recovery and empowerment. I think Matt’s story of recovery and empowerment and his sharing about creating the NAMI Llama were real highlights of the site visit. All of us shared our personal and/or family experiences with mental illness in addition to sharing information about the workings of NAMI SWI. The United Way Site Visit Team shared with us that they were impressed with our presentation and our organiza-tion in general. We have received very positive feedback about the site visit. On September 13th, John Schladweiler and Sue Spears, president and vice president of NAMI IL, visited NAMI SWI. John and Sue met first with the executive committee and then with the full board of directors. The executive committee gave an overview about our operations and programming, and John and Sue suggested ways we can collaborate. In the general meeting, John and Sue shared about recent challenges faced by NAMI IL’s having lost state funding and staff. They are seeking new funding and hoping to build relationships with other statewide organizations with similar missions. Brainstorming was done around marketing and branding and about building membership statewide. John and Sue also asked our group to send additional ideas for helping build the collaboration process. A new executive director of NAMI IL, Mary Colleran, was recently hired and is very experienced in fundraising and working to improve behavioral health care in Illinois. We look forward to working more closely with NAMI IL. I want to thank several people for their recent contributions to our affiliate in teaching and leading signature programs: Tricia Hogan and Victoria Gonzales recently completed teaching the Peer to Peer Education Program. Judi Boker and Cortnie Stone taught the Family to Family Education Program. Matt G. and Kim McClellan did an Ending the Silence presentation. We now have a team ready to develop the Provider Education Program in our area. This team includes Victoria Gonzalez, Angie Townsend, Sonja Vauters, and me. This program educates medical and behavioral health providers about NAMI and how we can help them with our resources for the individuals and families they serve. As a provider, I am personally looking forward to helping providers learn how NAMI can enhance their work and enrich the lives of the people they serve. A reminder: If you have not joined NAMI SWI or have not renewed your membership, now is the time. We have much to offer members and our community, and a robust membership is an important part of our being able to do that. Thanks once more to all of you in fulfilling our mission of educating, supporting, and advocating for mental health awareness. Dr. Beverley Watkins, Ph.D., LCSW President, NAMI Southwestern IL

BI-MONTHLY BUSINESS MEETING LOCATION IN PASCAL HALL CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF GATEWAY REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER. Business meetings are held on the 2nd Tuesday of the odd months: January, March, May, July, September, and November and meet at 7:00PM. These business meetings are open to volunteers, project leaders, and all NAMI SWI members.

Next business meeting is November 8, 2016!!

A Message from NAMI SWI President,

Dr. Beverley Watkins, PhD, LCSW

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Volunteers Representing NAMI SWI July 17, 2016 through September 15, 2016

Marie Krysnoski, Tricia Hogan, and Kami Bonnell at-tended In Our Own Voice Presenter Training July 22-23 in Wheaton, IL.

Beverley Watkins and Sonja Vauters represented NAMI SWI at the United Way of Greater of St. Louis’ Leadership Learning Series, Non Profit Financial Planning Series on July 22 in Belleville, IL.

Kim McClellan organized the 2nd annual NAMI SWI East St. Louis Community BBQ July 23 East St. Louis, IL.

Judy Boker and Cortnie Stone began a new Family to Family Education Class on Sept 8 in Edwardsville, IL.

Sr. Linda Hylla and Linda Methvin began a new NAMI Family Member Support Group in Carlyle, IL on Sept 19, 2016.

Cindy Mayhew and Tricia Hogan began a new NAMI Connection and Recovery Support Group on Sept 20 in Ed-wardsville, IL.

Peter Dodge, represented NAMI SWI at the VA St. Louis Mental Health Recovery Summit on August 19 in St. Louis, MO.

Beverley Watkins, Peter Dodge, Royal Boeder, Sonja Vauters, Vickey Gonzalez, Tom Johnson, Marie Krysnoski, and Matt Gauen represented NAMI SWI at our annual United Way site visit on August 16 in Granite City, IL.

Carlos and Efrend Garcia represented our affiliate at the annual When Mental Illness Hits Home Conference at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows on August 26 in Belleville, IL.

Matt Gauen, Vickey Gonzalez, and Tricia Hogan repre-sented our affiliate at the When Mental Illness Hits Home Conference, presenting 2 breakout sessions, entitled, “Help and Hope for Mental Health on August 26 at the Shrine in Belleville, IL.

Kimberly McClellan and Matt Gauen, presented NAMI Ending the Silence at Piasa High School on September 9 in Piasa, IL.

Efrend Garcia and Amber Kaan, spoke at NAMI Peer to Peer on September 10 in Granite City, IL.

Linda Methvin and Sister Linda Hylla, began facilitating our affiliate’s new Support Group on September 12 in Carlyle, IL.

Monthly Volunteers Representing NAMI SWI

Webmaster Mary Gauen for keeping the website current and user-friendly.

Tom Giger for coordinating NAMI SWI brochures, resource guides, community directories, and overseeing the office equipment!

Marie Krysnoski and Kami Bonnell for distributing and stocking Gateway ER and Kettler Center with newsletters and NAMI brochures/pamphlets!!

NAMI SWI Social Media Coordinator Ann Barnum.

NAMI SWI Helpline Volunteers: Bill Jeffreys, Ann Barnum, Amanda Corrado, Joan Foster, Claudia Voris, Bev Churchill, and Kami Bonnell!!

Linda Methvin who facilitates the Greenville, IL family member support group!

Mike and Kathy Janik who facilitate the NAMI SWI Support Group Meeting in O’Fallon, IL!!

Pat Rudloff who facilitates the NAMI SWI Edwardsville Support Group Meeting!

Peter Dodge who facilitates the Military Families Support Group!

Kim McClellan who facilitates the new NAMI SWI Child & Adolescent Family Member/Caregiver support group meeting in East St. Louis, IL.

Royal Boeder who is facilitating the Waterloo, IL family member support group in Monroe County!

Marie Krysnoski who is lead facilitator for the Connection Recovery Support Group in Waterloo, IL.

Cara Emrich who is facilitating a NAMI Connections Meeting in a new location of Benton, IL.

John Person & Geri Touchette who are co-chairing the new NAMI Connections Meeting in Edgemont, IL

Our NAMI SWI IOOV Presenters: Katie Crockett, Dan Crockett, Sharon Diaz, Dani Robinette, Heather Harris, Jen Gerlach, Pat Norris, AJ French, Melody Corbin, & Jeremy Lincicum!

Kami Bonnell, Shirlee Byrd, Jen Gerlach, Matt Gauen, John Malson, and Patrick Norris who facilitate the Con-nection Recovery Support Group meetings in Belleville and Granite City!

Jim Isaac, Mary Gauen, Matt Gauen, Ann Barnum, and Marilyn Vise for working on the marketing team!

Tom Johnson who is our NAMI SWI CIT Project Leader!

Chestnut Health Systems & WellSpring Resources who have been printing our newsletters for many years as a service to NAMI SWI!

Pat Rudloff for coordinating NAMI SWI press releases in Madison County!

NAMI SWI TEAM NEWSLETTER including: Kami Bonnell, Mary Gauen, Tom and Sandy Giger, Jessica Gruneich, Marie Krysnoski, David Malear, Carol Morrow, Lynn Piggott and NAMI Llama!

Jessica Gruneich for setting up NAMI SWI as an available charity with AmazonSmile, eBay Giving Works, and eScrip at Schnucks too!

Kami Bonnell, Shirlee Byrd and Lisa McMichael have volunteered weekly at the NAMI SWI office!

Bill Jeffreys is the NAMI SWI Helpline Coordinator! Board Development Committee consisting of Bev

Watkins, Peter Dodge, Royal Boeder, Mary Pat DeJarnette, Tom Johnson, Jim Isaac, and Jessica Gruneich!

NAMI Llama for being an awesome mascot!!

Thank You, Volunteers!!

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Help NAMI replace stigma with hope.

Each year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental health condition.

During the first full week of October, NAMI and participants across the country are raising awareness of mental illness. Each year we fight stigma, provide support, educate the public and advocate for equal care. Each year, the movement grows stronger.

During Mental Illness Awareness Week on Oct. 2-8, join NAMI in shining a light on mental illness and replacing stigma with hope by taking the StigmaFree pledge at www.nami.org/stigmafree.

We believe that mental health issues are important to address year-round, but highlighting them during MIAW provides a time for people to come together and display the passion and strength of those working to improve the lives of the tens of millions of Americans affected by mental illness.

If you or someone you know may need a mental health assessment, anonymous online tools are available. For National Depression Screening Day on October 6, 2016, you can get a free mental health screening at HelpYourselfHelpOthers.org.

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20th Annual Recovery Conference

Friday, October 7, 2016

9:00AM - 3:15PM

8:00AM Registration

IL Region 5 Metro East will be hosting their 20th Annual Recovery Conference on Friday, October 7th. The conference will be held at The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, 442 South DeMazenod Drive (Route 15), Belleville, IL. The cost of conference is FREE and lunch is provided. The 2016 theme is “Think Positive for a Better Tomorrow”. Keynote speaker will be Nanette Larson, Director of Recovery Support Services for the Illinois Department of Human Services/Division of Mental Health. Other highlights: Afternoon Recovery & Wellness Workshops Information Tables Consumer Art Show For more information, contact Cindy at (618) 474-3813 or by email at cindy.mayhew@illinois.gov.

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Crisis Intervention Team Report by Tom Johnson, NAMI SWI CIT Liaison

CIT in Illinois has the largest fiscal year budget it has ever had being doubled this year from $400,000 to $800,000. That amount should cover all of the nearly 30 training classes from our CIT team but also all of the clas-ses done by the Chicago Police Department and they do a class every other week. Allowing for turnover and promo-tion of officers who've been trained in the past we should be doing CIT training for the foreseeable future and at least under Governor Rauner I think we can anticipate broad support. We are working with DuPage County which has asked to develop and provide their own CIT classes as they are a really big county (second largest in Illinois behind Cook) and they want officers trained faster than we can accom-modate. So our CIT team is working with the DuPage County Sheriff to bring their training to a comparable lev-el to our own with a big emphasis on role play. The change in the training locally which will make our training on Monday conform to other parts of the state will, as we know, significantly involve our committed NAMI SWI members who also participate on Thursdays. Having our involvement on both days should significantly enhance the training experience for all of you and officers in the class alike. My thought is that officers you meet on the first day will be much more comfortable talking with you by Thursday - at least that's our hope.

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News from Monroe County

Monroe County Human Support Services Hosting “In Our Own Voice”

What: In Our Own Voice: People with mental health conditions sharing their powerful, personal stories.

When: Tuesday, October 11, 2016 5:00pm to 6:30pm

Where: Human Support Services 988 N. Illinois Route 3 Waterloo, Illinois 62298

Highlights of Presentation:

A first-hand account of what it's like to live with a mental illness. Presenters humanize this misunder-stood topic by demonstrating that it's possible—and common—to live well with mental illness.

A chance to ask the presenters questions, which allows for a deeper understanding of mental health conditions & dispel stereotypes and misconceptions.

The understanding that every person with a mental illness can hope for a bright future.

This presentation is FREE and open to the public. For questions, contact NAMI SWI Office at (618) 798-9788.

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WHAT YOU CAN DO: Help shine a light on mental illness in your home, online or in your community. Once again this year, NAMI is coordinating with hundreds of people, landmarks and organizations across the U.S. to get everyone to “go green.” Across the country, buildings and landmarks are lighting up green to show support and raise awareness for mental health. The green light is meant to start a conversation and inspire hope. Wear a green ribbon. The whole purpose of going green is to have people ask “what is all this “green about?” Tell them it’s MIAW and we are trying to inspire hope and rid stigma that is still so prevalent with mental illness in this day and age. Tell them “mental illnesses are no different than other illnesses because like the heart and lungs, the brain can get sick also.

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October 2-8, 2016

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CIT in Illinois by Tom Johnson,

NAMI Member & CIT Project Leader

First a short history of CIT as we know it. In 1988 a man who had a serious mental illness in Memphis, TN, was shot and killed by police during a call for ser-vice. Afterward, when police looked back at what hap-pened and why they determined the police shooting was justified under the circumstances but that had police re-ceived more training in working with people who had a mental illness a different outcome would've been ex-pected. That case was the start of CIT in Mem-phis. Subsequent to that incident Tennessee and other states began to implement CIT training in response to hearing about what happened in Memphis or, more often, because of similar cases elsewhere. CIT was not what happened in Illinois in the 1990s, and around 2000 various incidents with police transpired in Illinois but none rose to the level of pressing training need until the Illinois State Police standoff in Roby, IL. While I don't remember the details of that case I do recall that a woman who was believed by those she knew to need treatment was to have been served with a court order for evaluation but she refused to answer her door. I under-stand that police were unsure what to do since she wouldn't answer her door but hadn't committed any crime and that resulted in a forty-eight day standoff. I recall that ultimate-ly Illinois State Police forced their way into her home and took her into custody to receive the ordered evaluation. I have been told that Roby was the pivotal event that caused Illinois to develop a statewide CIT response. In Illinois there is a central authority responsible for statewide law enforcement training and standards which places the state in an enviable position by other states. That authority has been in place for fifty-one years and it is because of the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) the state is able to develop, fund, and deliver uniform training and policies statewide, and CIT certainly benefits accordingly. The first Illinois CIT class was conducted by Shelley Daunis, a contractor of ILETSB, in Springfield in 2003; subsequently Ms Daunis delivered the next training classes in Madison County because SILEC, our area's regional police training agency, saw CIT as a very needed addition to police offic-ers' available "toolkit". During the early years, while Ms Daunis was doing CIT training around the state, SILEC sought and received state funding to train as many officers as possible. Within the first two weeks after the first Madison County class an Alton CIT officer convinced a person not to jump off of the Clark Bridge and that success cemented CIT in the minds of many chiefs and sheriffs in Madison County. In 2004 SILEC asked me to help organize the mental health provider community to become part of the CIT training team and I gladly accepted; by 2005 demand for CIT training in our area was such that I was engaged on a regular basis to help Ms Daunis with classes. We did multiple CIT classes in the seven county region starting in 2004 which is how we've gotten more than 600 CIT officers training in our area. In 2007

Ms Daunis abruptly left the CIT program and I was asked if I would take over running the State's CIT marketing, development, and training. I said I would with the under-standing that this had become too big of a role for one per-son to handle statewide and that I'd focus on getting train-ing done AND on recruiting and mentoring peers to also deliver CIT training. From 2007 I built a team of very competent advocates and professionals to advance CIT training to stronger and stronger levels. During that same period as NAMI SW advanced its mission and profession-alism it became a key partner in CIT classes around our area - we (NAMI and I) worked diligently to build the kind of participation that would enable officers to interact with our many people who, and whose families experienced serious mental illness, for the benefit of all con-cerned. While I'm a bit biased on this issue I think we have the best NAMI buy-in with CIT of anywhere in Illi-nois. In 2008 I got John FS Williams to become a peer, as well as CIT officer Andy Feller, and in 2010 Mark Benson joined our team. My intent all along was that we would develop a close-knit professional training delivery team which would, in time, take my place in CIT training for the future. We are at that juncture - John has responsibility for everything north of Interstate 80, Mark has the rest of Illinois, Andy manages the all important role play training function, and we all interchange roles as we must to help one another get all of the training done. Mark has had cen-tral Illinois since 2013 and in 2016 he picked up our area and far southern Illinois completing my transfer to him. Here's a bit about Mark Benson - born and raised in Marinette, Wisconsin, B.A. in psychology from University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire, M.S. in counseling education from Illinois State University, 19 years at Human Services in McLean County, 10 years in the student counseling program at Illinois Wesleyan University, jail counselor for 18 years, private practice 5.5 years, and 5 years working with the drug and mental health courts. Needless to say most of these jobs have been worked simultaneous-ly. Mark is married to Jill, has three children, and lives in Bloomington. He has been very innovative in his facilita-tion of CIT classes and I know you will love working with him. Mark is passionate about CIT and helping people who have serious mental illnesses. I will remain involved in CIT in other capacities which could include filling in for Mark if there were some conflict in his schedule.

____________ On behalf of NAMI SWI, we would like to take this opportunity to say “Thank you, Tom Johnson”, for the part you played in helping with the training of CIT officers through-out the state of Illinois”. Your

dedication to the CIT project has been very rewarding to the individual as well as the family member/caregiver involved. We are anxious to work with you again in your new capacity with CIT. Thank you again. NAMI SWI would also like to welcome Mark Benson and we look forward to working with you with the CIT

trainings. ____________

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SAVERS Update

As you were aware, all during the month of August

2016, we were collecting used clothing. These donations were taken to Savers, a local thrift store, and raised money for NAMI SWI while your items are getting a second life. We want to thank all the folks that donated used cloth-ing to this drive. It could not have been done without everyone’s help. Special thank you goes to Sheri Kraus, St. Clair County Regional Office of Education; Paul & Diane Borawski; Carlos & Efrend Garcia; Leslie Heilig, and Tom & Sandy Giger for collecting/donating the most items. All in all, we took in $300 and someone matched that total giving us a grand total of $600. That’s not too bad considering our first advertising was on the front page of the August-September 2016 newsletter. Look out next year. We will get the word out early and maybe if you have anything in the meantime, you’ll set it aside in a box and store it for next year’s clothing drive. Something one member said is that now that she has their closets all cleaned out, she is turning their hangers in all the closets around to the wrong way. That way when they look for clothing items for the next clothing drive, all they have to do is check their hangars. If the hanger is still in the “wrong” position, that means they didn’t wear that article of clothing for a year…yep, you got it…that article will find a new home at Savers!!!

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Mental Illness Awareness Week is Near and Election Day Is One Month Later

Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) is October 2 through 8. This year, MIAW ends exactly one month before Election Day, November 8, and candidates for pub-lic office in particular should be talking about mental health care. They should at least learn the facts necessary to inform their decisions if they are elected.

Mental illness does not discriminate. It strikes Democrats, Republicans, and independents alike. During MIAW, everyone should make a point of looking at candi-date website and pamphlets to see what they have to say about strengthening and expanding mental health care. Let candidates know that “Mental Health Care Gets My Vote.” Send them emails with questions through their websites. Ask for group meetings with candidates or their staffs to talk specifically about mental health care.” Share information with friends. And, of course, make sure to vote on November 8. Many people are still shocked to learn that one in four adults experience a mental health problem ever year. One in five children and teens also live with mental illness. One-half of these cases begin by the age of 14 and three-quarters by age 24. Unfortunately, there are long delays — sometimes decades — between the time symptoms first appear and when people get help. Early identification and treatment can make the difference for successful manage-ment of an illness and recovery, but only one-third of adults and less than one-half of children with mental illness receive treatment. Help raise concern, Get people thinking and talking. Whether a candidate is running for Congress or a county board, they need to see and hear that people in their com-munities care about mental health care. Dialogue will also need to extend beyond MIAW and Election Day. On Veteran’s Day, November 11, for example, elected officials should be reminded that 22 veterans die every day from suicide and that strengthening the mental health care system includes helping the families of military service members and veterans. No one should be left behind. Additional information about mental illness and public policy issues is available from the National Alliance on Mental Illness at www.nami.org or from its HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264).

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NO FAMILY LEFT BEHIND

Operation Honor Presents

“No Family Left Behind”

Healing the Invisible Wounds of War

2016 Conference & Connection Fair

Registration $10 Includes resource packet & lunch

Friday, November 11, 6:00-8:30PM Saturday, November 12, 9:00AM-5:00PM

Location: Faith Family Church 704 N. Green Mount Road

Shiloh, IL 62221 (618) 277-0232

Conference will feature: * Expert Speakers * Resource Guides * Veteran Advocacy Groups

Special Viewing In Honor of Veterans Day

Thank You for Your Service A film by Tom Donahue

The US military faces a mental health crisis. This film takes aim at our superficial understanding of war trauma and failed policies that result. Observing the systemic neglect, the film argues for significant internal changes and offers a road map of hope.

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Register in advance at www.operationhonor.net

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RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

What is NAMI SWI?

NAMI Southwestern Illinois (NAMI SWI) is an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. It is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, self-help, volunteer organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for peo-ple with mental illnesses and their families. There are more than 950 NAMI Affiliates in communities across the country in addition to NAMI State Organizations. NAMI SWI is one of the 25 affiliates in Illinois and serves the following 12 Illinois counties: Bond, Calhoun, Clinton, Green, Jersey, Macoupin, Madison, Monroe, Montgomery, Randolph, St. Clair, and Washington. We provide free education and support programs for persons with mental illnesses and their families. We provide a voice for individuals affected by mental illnesses by advocating for them with public and

private policy makers for better legis-lation and more effective treatment options. NAMI SWI is here to help. Please call the office at (618) 798-9788 or send an e-mail to info@namiswi.org or attend one of the support group meetings listed on page 4.

What Are the Benefits

of NAMI SWI Membership?

All NAMI members receive the benefits of membership at all three levels of the organization, including: NAMI Affiliate, NAMI State

Organization, and the NAMI National organization;

Eligibility to vote in all NAMI elections;

A subscription to The Advocate, NAMI's flagship magazine, as well as access to optional sub-scriptions to specialty newsletters and information at the national, state and local levels;

A subscription to NAMI SWI Newsletter;

Member discounts on brochures,

videos, promotional items and registration at NAMI's Annual Convention and many state and local conferences;

Access to exclusive members-only material on www.nami.org;

Access to NAMI SWI library; And maybe the best of all,

you’ll meet a great group of folks who share your same concerns.

Not a NAMI SWI member yet? Call the NAMI SWI Office at (618)798-9788 to have a registration form mailed to you or register today by clicking: http://namiswi.org/namiswiMembershipAPP.pdf.

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NAMI Southwestern IL Gateway Regional Medical Center 2100 Madison Avenue, 4th Floor Granite City, IL 62040

TO: