National Alliance on Mental Illness
page printed from NAMI Putnam County
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.
| Mental Health Association Brewster, NY |
Putnam Hospital-In-Patient Carmel, NY |
Putnam Hospital Outpatient Partial Program Carmel, NY |
| VA Admin Hospital/Castlepoint Beacon, NY |
Putnam Independent Living Carmel, NY |
Mahopac Library Mahopac, NY |
| Mahopac Rotary Club Mahopac, NY |
Search for Change Carmel, NY |
Kent Police Dept. Kent, NY |
| Putnam County Sheriff’s Dept High Officials Carmel, NY |
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