USEFUL CONTACT INFORMATION

 PRESCRIPTION DRUG PATIENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Full Lists of Maufacturers and their respective products  and contact numbers.

 LOCAL

Pinellas Co. Emergency Mgt.
727 464 3800
727 464 4333

American Red Cross - Tampa Bay
211

Salvation Army
727 550 8080

Here is some helpful information provided by Judy Turnbaugh regarding the 2008 Stimulus Rebate:

From NAMI National

1.   Recipients of SSDI, Veterans Benefits May Be Eligible for Tax Rebates

Later this year, the federal government will be sending one time payments to many Americans.  The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will be sending letters throughout March to everyone who filed a 2006 tax return to inform them about the stimulus payment.   But some individuals who normally don’t file tax returns may be eligible for these payments.  This includes individuals who received at least $3,000 in 2007 from Social Security (including SSDI) or the Department of Veterans Affairs (including VA Disability Benefits), or a combination of these, along with any extra income earned in 2007.   SSI recipients are not eligible for these rebates, although individuals dually eligible for SSDI and SSI may be, if the amount of SSDI received during 2007 exceeded $3,000.  

Individuals who normally do not file taxes must complete a simple IRS tax form called a 1040a to receive their stimulus payment. This form can be obtained at most public libraries or post offices or online.  Checks received under this rebate program will not count toward other benefit programs (such as food stamps, Medicaid, or Section 8 housing) as long as the money received is spent within two months after receiving it or the payment does not personal savings above the limits allowed by particular benefit programs. 

More information is available through the following websites:

Internal Revenue Service

National Council on Aging

AARP

 NAMI MEETS WITH JAIL STAFF - By Judy Turnbaugh - April 25th  '08

Donald Turnbaugh and Judy Turnbaugh – recently met with staff from the Pinellas County Jail to discuss some issues of concern.

Major Alexis Davis (commanding officer/jail and detentions), Janice Hill (RN and Health Monitor) and Vicky Scotti (RN and Program Administrator Inmate Health Care) attended the meeting to discuss the following topics:

! Admissions-Intake Process Everyone taken to jail is evaluated by an Intake Nurse with both a verbal interview and observation.

Many deny having any medical or mental issues. Unless it is determined they require an evaluation, they are put in the general population. Most deny having mental health issues.

! Medications

Medications are prescribed by Dr. Miller, PCSO Jail Psychiatrist. He determines if a patient requires medication--only he can prescribe them. If patients refuse to take medications, they cannot be forced to take them.

If a person is admitted to jail and is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, medications are not prescribed until the person detoxes.

If a patient comes from the state hospital and is currently on specific medications, the jail will keep them on those meds.

Dr. Miller has the overall responsibility of the patients.

! Medical Unit vs General Population

Those with medical or mental issues could go to the medical unit; however, not everyone does.

! Interactions with Mental Health

Providers The jail will attempt to contact organizations providing services and will share medical records with the mental health providers (e.g., Focused Outreach, Case Managers, FACT, etc.) who visit clients.

! Interactions with Family Members and Caregivers

The jail follows HIPPA regulations and cannot release information unless a previously signed Release of Information exists authorizing a specific person to receive information.

! Discharge Procedures

Upon release, individuals get a 3- day supply of meds and a list of local resources. No direct followup is  provided.

! What can families do?

Families are encouraged to provide information to the jail. The family liaison is Janice Hill, RN, MPH, LHRM, Health Services Monitor. She can be reached at [727] 464-6415, extension 49372 or by Fax at [727] 464-7984.

Unless there is a Release of Information, they can only listen to what the family has to report. You can provide a 1-2 page summary of the diagnosis, medications (names, dosages, adverse affects). Include the name of the current mental health provider.

Families and friends can phone or visit the jail during visitation hours.

Note: the visitations are via a TV screen.

! Summary

Unfortunately, the jails have become the defacto mental health facilities. However, the jail is not a “treatment facility.” This is difficult for all of us to accept when we know that our loved ones need treatment while incarcerated.

As family members and advocates, we must continue to pursue appropriate treatment so that our loved ones do not go to jail, live homeless on the streets, etc.

To advocate, I urge all of you to use your strength and energies by contacting your legislators and requesting adequate funding (they hold the m o n e y ) for mental health services. The upcoming budget cuts in social  services are going to make it more and more difficult to receive treatment and medications. Please write, email or call your legislators and advise them of your personal stories and what happens when a person with a mental illness is not treated.