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Putnam NAMI’s "In Our Own Voice" (IOOV)

Putnam NAMI’s "In Our Own Voice" (IOOV) trained speakers share personal testimonies of living with and overcoming the challenges posed by mental illness throughout the county. Audience participation and discussion are encouraged. By expanding people's knowledge of mental illness, we replace misunderstanding, fear, and judgment with insight, awareness, and acceptance. The program is a powerful tool for community education and dispelling stigma by putting a human face on this often misunderstood area of human suffering.

Looking for Presenters! 

If you are a consumer, facing the daily challenges of living with a mental illness, and are willing to share your personal story with the general public, we would lke to meet you.

Please call Putnam NAMI at 845-278-7600 ext 246 and leave a message to set up an interview with Linda Weintraub. Or email the request to PutnamNAMI@aol.com.

A modest stipend is provided. Must have your own transportation, be available weekdays and have at least six (6) months free of hospital treatment.

Putnam NAMI IOOV Presentations

Putnam NAMI’s IOOV speakers gave 10 presentations from June, 2010 – May, 2011.

2011 – 2012 Schedule

Women’s Resource Center – June, 2011
Mahopac, NY

Family to Family Group – November 30, 2011
Mahopac, NY

Putnam Hospital Outpatient Partial Program – March, 2012

Putnam County Sheriff’s Dept. Sergeants – April, 2012

Putnam County Department of Social Services – May, 2012

December, 2012 - Current

IOOV has been seeking new venues  and expanding our services throughout our community since Dec. 2012.

We did a presentation at ST. Christophers Inn, at Graymoor, Garrison, NY in late Dec.  2012.  More than 30 males working thru their substance abuse as well as  suffering from various types of mental illness attended.  The feedback that our speakers  ( Laura D. and Kevin L ) received confirmed that the group found our message of hope valuable.  Helping rid the invisible stigma  is one of the most important messages that the IOOV presenters can impart.  The professional  staff has requested our return  in the later spring of  this year.

In early March , our newly appointed assistant director, Laura deToia,  orchestrated a presentation at Dutchess Community College  for their  nursing students. Laura and John M. were the  presenters. This venue  was made possible  via the help of William Crowley, a long term NAMI member , and a recent  graduate of the Psychiatric nursing program . The nurses were given insight into  mental illness,  beyond what they have learned thru text books, from those who have been there and who have made a healthy life for themselves.  Once again, the message is of recovery.

Laura and Linda  have set up a presentation  for the professionals and consumers at “Search for Change” at their Mahopac facility April 17.

Linda Weintraub, NAMI Putnam  IOOV director, and Laura DeToia, Assistant director.

How can I schedule an In Our Own Voice presentation for my group?
Call Putnam NAMI at 845-278-7600 ext 246 and leave a message for Linda Weintraub.
Or email PutnamNAMI@aol.com.

In Our Own Voice Complete Program Description from National NAMI

Including:

• Description
• History
• Presentation Topics
• Six Testimonials plus a video

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