Medication Access Story Bank: Humanize the Harm of Restrictive Policies

New Educational Materials Available

ATTENTION! MEDICATION ACCESS CHANGES

State Policy Changes Impacting Prescription Drug Access will be Implemented over the coming months

(most changes will begin from January 1, 2010 - April 1, 2010) 

These changes impact people on Medicaid (including HUSKY A), SAGA, ConnPACE and those on Medicare Part D.

If you or someone you know or work with has trouble getting drugs or medication prescribed by ther doctor resulting in medication disruption and/or other adverse consequences, please contact NAMI-CT (Alicia, Amy or Dara) or Keep the Promise Coalition (Maura or Cheri) at (800) 215-3021 to report it.

It is critical that we document any harm resulting from these restrictive policies.  Problems at the pharmacy may include: 1) The program won't pay for the drug and the person does not have the money to cover the cost; 2) The pharmacy tells them their doctor has to ask for prior authorization; 3) The patient does not have the money for the co-pay (only applies to those on both Medicare and Medicaid).

Please join in our effort to humanize the harm and cost of creating barriers to needed treatment.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A MEDICATION ACCESS STORY BANK FLYER

Treatment of Children with Mental Disorders Guide

The National Institute of Mental Health has released a new guide, Treatment of Children with Mental Disorders, which provides answers to frequently asked questions about the treatment of mental disorders in children. The guide can be accessed at:

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/treatment-of-children-with-mental-disorders/index.shtml

MENTAL HEALTH 101: GUIDE FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS SEEKING MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

Connecticut Appleseed has released five important legal guides for parents under our Increasing Parents Access to Legal Information Project!

Visit www.ctappleseed.org to download the guides.

Over the last year, many of you know that we have been working with pro bono attorneys from Day Pitney LLP and Robinson Cole LLP to create legally-based but clearly-written informational guides on a variety of bureaucratic/legal issues that face parents.  The guides are:

• Special Education: The Policies and Your Rights After the Planning and Placement Team (PPT) Process
• Rights and Regulations in Working Proactively with your Child’s School District & Teacher
• Zero Tolerance Suspension & Expulsion Policies
• Bullying and Your Rights
•   The Nuts and Bolts Of How Your School Is Funded

In Spanish:

• Educacion Especial 101: La Ley y Su Hijo
• Sus Derechos Legales y Las responsabilidades del Distrito Escolar

Accompanying these workshops will be “Ask a Lawyer” forums  - stay tuned for more information on them!

IEP and Inclusion Tips for Parents and Teachers

For parents who want to know more about how to prepare an Individualized Educational Program for their school-aged child, IEP and Inclusion Tips for Parents and Teachers is a very useful resource.  It was written by Anne I. Eason, Attorney at Law and Kathleen Whitbread, Ph.D.  Go to the Children's Outreach Page and scroll to the bottom for related links to download the entire volume.

Recommendation for Educators

Tips were developed by the AACAP work group.

If you want to make a copy please go to "Related Files"

See below

Out Reach

NAMI Hartford Affiliate!

We are in the process of starting a Hartford Affiliate and Support Group and would like to invite anyone who is interested! We must start by recruiting Board Members. If you are interested in learning more or want more information please contact Ben Daigle at (860)953-0157 - Be sure to leave a message or he can also be contacted by email: benedictdaigle@hotmail.com

You may also contact Iris at the NAMI-CT state office at membership@namict.org or by calling (860) 882-0236 or (800) 215-3021

Upcoming Events

Concerned about the behavioral or

emotional health of your child or adolescent? 

YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!

Join us for NAMI-Basics!  This FREE course provides vital information to parents or caregivers of children affected by mental health issues.  In six 2 ½ hour sessions, you will learn about:

• Attention Deficit, Bipolar, Conduct, Oppositional Defiant, Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive and Substance Abuse Disorders, Major Depression, Childhood Schizophrenia, etc.
• Problem Solving, Listening and Communication Skills
• Advocating for Your Child in the School and Mental Health Systems
• Personal Record Keeping Systems
• Crisis Management and Relapse
• And Much, Much More…..

Class Dates: January 11, 18, 25

For questions or registration, please contact Dawn at 203.249.5935 or

via email: dawnschneider@optonline.net

Does someone you love have mental illness?

The Nationall Alliance on Mentall Illness Of Connecticut

Presents

"The Family to Family" Education Program

12 weekly sessions offering support and

education to family members of individuals

with mental illness..

Beginning Monday, January 25th, 2010

6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

"The Chess Room"

Norwalk Public Library, 2nd fl.

1 Belden Ave., Norwalk, CT

For information and registration contact:

CLAUDIA at 203.869.1018

The first week of October is “Mental Illness Awareness Week.” 

In recognition of this, the Danbury Library has selected to focus on mental illness for the entire month of October with book readings and public presentations supporting their “community book club” which will be reading Hurry Down Sundown – a chronicle of a young person’s descent into mental illness.  

Please click on 2009 Brochure in the Related Files section at the bottom of this page for more information.

Community Presentations & Information Tables on the Medicare Part D Low-Income Subsidy Being Held State-Wide

NAMI-CT is holding presentations and informational tables to raise awareness in the mental health community of the Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) available to some Medicare Part D beneficiaries who meet income and resources limits.   

NAMI-CT is eager to come out to clubhouses, provider and other interested groups to present and distribute information about the LIS and how to apply. 

The LIS pays for 75% or more of prescription drug costs and in 2009 is estimated to be worth $3,923 at the pharmacy and as much as $298 in annual premiums.  DSS estimates that there are 13,000 CT residents who don't know that they are eligible for the LIS! 

To find out when and where presentations and informational tables are currently scheduled, or to request a presentation or table for your group, or to have flyers and applications mailed to you, please contact Amy O’Connor at (800) 215.3021 or at policyassistant@namict.org.

CLICK HERE FOR A FLYER ON THE LOW-INCOME SUBSIDY!

FACE FORWARD:

A SUPPORT GROUP FOR SCHIZOPHRENIA & SCHIZO-AFFECTIVE DISORDER

Confidential Peer to Peer Support!

Middlesex Hospital Conference Room A

Saturday's at 1:00 pm, weekly

Starting 3/21/09

Contact Marya at 860-704-0562 for more information

News Flash

NEW TRANSITION PROGRAM TAKES YOUNG ADULTS FROM HIGH SCHOOL TO REAL WORLD

Chapel Haven Abilis , a transition to independent living day program for young adults with autism and related disorders, is scheduled to open in January 2010 on the UConn/Stamford campus. The program is a collaboration between Abilis, lower Fairfield County’s nonprofit service provider for children and adults with developmental disabilities, and Chapel Haven of New Haven, a nationally recognized provider of transition programs. Both agencies are well respected for providing high-quality services for children and adults in Connecticut. 

Program Overview
 
Chapel Haven Abilis will serve young adults age 18 to 24 who are on the Autism Spectrum or have a related disorder.  This unique initiative unites the strengths and experience of each agency to help students on the Autism Spectrum and with related disorders reach their highest level of independence and optimize opportunities for employment.
 
The Chapel Haven Abilis program is built around a social-communicative core.  The program will focus on education, career exploration, independent living skills, community access and recreation. The University of Connecticut campus in downtown Stamford will be the main site for the program, with access to classrooms, media center, fitness center, café and other areas. Community-based experiences will be an integral part of the program. The campus is within walking distance of a variety of community options, such as the Ferguson Library, large retail outlets, movie theaters, restaurants and recreational facilities.
 
Chapel Haven Abilis will be a year-round, five-day program but can be tailored to meet individual needs. Abilis may be a resource for families needing assistance with residential options. The curriculum is built around a two-year time frame, with an optional third year as needed to enhance independence for each student.  Using the Chapel Haven curriculum, the first year emphasizes functional academics, vocational skills and community independence.  The second year provides opportunities for the student to increase his or her independence and to begin application of vocational skills in real-world work environments. 
 
Admission to Chapel Haven Abilis begins with a phone call to Dr. Susan Izeman, director of the Abilis Autism Program.  After the initial contact, application materials will be sent to the student and family. Dr. Izeman and Chapel Haven's VP of Admissions will review intake materials, including current IEPs, psychological and educational evaluations, functional adaptive assessments and vocational assessments.  Next, prospective students and their parents will be invited for an interview and campus tour.
 
Admission is based on the applicant's skills and interest to participate in the program.  Chapel Haven Abilis will successfully serve young adults with:
·   A diagnosis of Autism, ASD, PDD or a related language or social disability;
·   Intellectual functioning in the mild to low average range;
·   No serious behavioral or mental health concerns;
·   An ability to work in small- to medium-sized groups with minimal assistance; and
·   A motivation for increased independence.
 
For more information about Chapel Haven Abilis or to begin the application process, please contact:
 
Susan Izeman, PhD, BCBA, Director, Chapel Haven Abilis
 
Phone:  203-629-1880, x304
Email: chapelhaven@abilis.us
 
About Chapel Haven: Based in New Haven, Conn., Chapel Haven, Inc. has been a leader in transition programming since 1972. Chapel Haven has maintained a strong local and national reputation for successfully teaching adults with cognitive disabilities to live independently in the community. Chapel Haven has strategically aligned itself with internationally recognized experts in the field of Autism Spectrum Disorders, creating a unique curriculum specifically to meet the needs of this population.
 
About Abilis: Since 1951, Abilis has set the standard in Fairfield County for person-centered, community-based supports and services for individuals with developmental disabilities.  Abilis has developed strong relationships with area school districts, community agencies and families throughout Fairfield County.  In 2000, Abilis created the Abilis Autism Program in response to increasing needs of children and teens on the Autism Spectrum and their families.

Title: Yale University Treatment Study for Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Ages: 18-65

Location: New Haven, CT

Yale Anxiety and Mood Services is conducting a study on a new psychological
treatment for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). If you (or someone you
know) are between the ages of 18-65 and experience chronic worry or anxiety,
you may qualify for this treatment study.

The study consists of:

- A *free* intake evaluation
- 20 weeks of free psychotherapy
- Assessments at 5 time points
- Before therapy begins*
- After 10 weeks of therapy
- After 20 weeks of therapy
- 3 months after therapy ends*
- 9 months after therapy ends*

To learn more about the study or to find out if you qualify, please call
Yale Anxiety and Mood Services at (203) 432-4520.

*You will be paid for completing assessments at these three time points.

**No medication will be administered as a part of this treatment study.

Clinical Research Participation News

NIMH: Autism Spectrum Disorder and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Study

If your child or teen (ages 7-17) is suffering from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) he or she may be able to participate in a research study at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). We are investigating the medication riluzole.

Children and adolescents with 1) both Autism Spectrum Disorder and OCD or 2) a primary diagnosis of OCD may be eligible. Participants will be randomized to either riluzole or placebo (pill with no active ingredient) for 12 weeks. At the end of 12 weeks, all participants will have the option of taking riluzole (no chance of placebo). A comprehensive psychiatric and medical evaluation and follow-up visits approximately monthly for 6 months, and at 9 and 12 months, are included. There is no cost to participate. Travel assistance may be provided.

For further information please call 301-435-6652 or 301-496-5323 (Lorraine Lougee, LCSW-C) or email OCDNIMH@intra.nimh.nih.gov. National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services.

For more Clinical Research Information: http://patientinfo.nimh.nih.gov

As State officials have repeatedly acknowledged, persons diagnosed with serious mental illness are being denied access to Connecticut’s alternative incarceration and early release programs. As a result, these individuals are more likely to be incarcerated, and to remain in prison longer than others charged with similar criminal offenses.

Connecticut Legal Rights Project is looking for people with mental illness who were denied jail diversion because of a lack of residential facilities. In other words, a person who was arrested, recommended for jail diversion, and then refused jail diversion by the judge because of a need for (unavailable) residential services. These people are likely to be in either Garner or York Correctional Institution now. CLRP is also concerned about their equal access to early release programs from DOC. If you have a family member or friend in prison who fits this description, please contact CLRP at 860-262-5034 or toll-free at 877-402-2299.

Special Feature

Insulting terms

To the editor:

This letter is in response to the column by John Kass that appeared in The Advocate on Dec. 15 (Viewpoint). I was offended by the vocabulary and the underlying assumptions of the column. Terms like "cuckoo," "blithering maniac" and "raving lunatic" appeared in this article.

Perhaps John Kass meant people with psychiatric disabilities. The terms Kass used are a form of hate speech directed against a minority population. Though these terms are generally felt to be socially acceptable, they should not be. Such terms are used to disparage people with a biological illness and are used to make writers like Kass feel good about themselves at someone else's expense. Someone who is capable of rational analysis does not need to use that kind of vocabulary.

In addition, the underlying assumption of this article seems to be that the proper place for people with psychiatric disabilities is in a straight jacket or padded cell. This kind of thinking is archaic. In today's world, people with psychiatric disabilities are likely to be the people standing next to you in the supermarket or the coffee shop. People with psychiatric disabilities are in all walks of life and in every economic class. Your coworker, colleague, fellow student, minister or doctor may be the person with a psychiatric disability.

The column also showed the convenient and pervasive tendency to equate mental illness with bad, criminal or immoral behavior. The subject of Kass' editorial was Gov. Rod Blagojevich. Rather than "crazy," Blagojevich's alleged behavior might be more aptly characterized as corrupt, vulgar, unethical, greedy, criminal and immoral. Perhaps people who call themselves sane would like to think that they are not capable of bad behavior and would like to put it off onto some other objectified group.

People with psychiatric disabilities have become social scapegoats and are easy targets in this regard. Apparently Kass and The Advocate do not care if this group is ridiculed, ostracized or locked up. Isn't this insensitivity and willful ignorance an example of bad behavior? What about bad editorial policy?

"New, for Daughters and Sons!"

NAMI National is working with NAMI states to develop resources and a support program for adult daughters and sons of parents with mental illness.  Please see related links at the bottom of this page for more information and discussion groups.

Two resources that address the challenges & accomplishments of Daughters & Sons of people living with mental illness:

2004 NAMI-NYS newsletter article http://www.naminys.org/dec04news.pdf .

To join a new electronic support group for adult Daughters & Sons of people living with mental illness, send an e-mail to sympa@mailgroups.nami.org with the words "subscribe dands-support" in the subject line. 

Are you on Medicaid and Medicare or Medicare and ConnPACE? 

Show your pharmacist this co-pay card which explains the law. Don't go without your prescriptions! 

Card and Instructions for those on:

• Medicare & ConnPACE:   English    Spanish
• Dually eligible Medicare & Medicaid:  English      Spanish

Courtesy of the Legal Assistance Resource Center of CT (LARCC)