NAMI Union County, NJ “in the news”

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This is your opportunity to “ask the doctor”.  Learn about effective treatment options  for older adults with mental illness. At this free presentation on Monday, November 24, Mark Perrin, M.D., previously on the staff of Overlook Hospital & the Summit Medical Group, will share his expertise in working with mental health issues that effect this age group.  Find out ways to cope with the illness of your loved one & how the mental health system could provide support to your family.

President of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of NJ, Dr. Perrin served on Governor Richard Codey’s Mental Health Taskforce in 2004-2005.  Educated at Princeton University, New York University School of Medicine, Baltimore City Hospital in Maryland and Boston Veterans’ Administration Hospital, he specializes in internal medicine.

Among previous positions he has held are: Attending Physician Internal Medicine — Overlook Hospital, also Internist with Department of Internal Medicine — Summit Medical Group, 1966-1999. He is the recipient of many awards in recognition of his work and advocacy in the area of mental health and is a member of the American Neuropsychiatric Assn. and the NJ Infant Mental Health Assn.  Dr.  Perrin currently serves on various mental health boards and advisory committees.

Run by NAMI-Union County, the program begins at 7:30 pm at Osceola Presbyterian Church, 1689 Raritan Rd., Clark.  Call NAMI at 908-233-1628 with questions.  Or visit www.nami-nj-uc.org Refreshments served.

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On Monday, October 27, speakers from the National Alliance on Mental Illness of NJ (NAMI) will discuss their multicultural outreach program which raises awareness about mental health in the Afro-American, Asian, Hispanic and South Asian communities. The award winning dvd on diversity and mental illness, Documenting our Presence: Advocacy in Different Cultural Communities will be shown. Audience questions will be answered by guest speakers, Martha Silva, Director of NAMI-NJ en Espanol and psychologist Mini Poulouse.

This exciting program has been very successful in addressing the needs and issues of individuals from many cultures, providing education in their own language, reaching out to dispel misconceptions surrounding mental illness that may exist. Persons seeking treatment will find comfort, understanding and acceptance in their journey toward wellness and recovery. Mental illness knows no borders; please join us at this informative, free presentation.

Held at 7:30 pm at Osceola Presbyterian Church, 1689 Raritan Rd., Clark, the presentation is offered by NAMI of Union County. Call 908-233-1628 or visit http://nami-nj-uc.org for more information. Refreshments are served.

THE BRAIN: MENTAL HEALTH & RECOVERY

Learn about mental illness and the brain. The basic workings of the brain as it pertains to brain illness and recovery, is the focus at a free presentation on Monday, September 22 at 7:30 pm. John Fossella, of the Dept of Psychiatry at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, will speak on Mental Health & Recovery: Introduction to Basic Brain Science. Ample time is allowed for questions and discussion.

John Fossella, PhD MBA, is Assistant Professor of Molecular Imaging Genetics in the Department of Psychiatry at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine. His research goal is to incorporate genetic and biomarker data into mainstream treatment and rehabilitative medicine in psychiatry. In addition, his work in the non-profit sector is aimed at improving medical literacy in the current emerging era of consumer-driven healthcare.

Held at Osceola Presbyterian Church, 1689 Raritan Rd., Clark, the program is run by NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) of Union County. Call 908-233-1628 or visit http://nami-nj-uc.org for more information. Refreshments are served.

Come hear Mark Perrin, M.D., author of Psychiatric Medications for Children, speak about “Mental Illness in Children” on Tuesday, May 27. His book is an essential resource for both professionals and families of children who have been diagnosed with mental illness. Learn more about effective treatment options, what you should know about the mental health system and the latest help available for your child. Questions from the audience are welcome.

President of NAMI New Jersey (National Alliance on Mental Illness), Dr. Perrin served on Governor Richard Codey’s Mental Health Taskforce as a member of the Children’s Committee, 2004-2005. Educated at Princeton University, New York University School of Medicine, Baltimore City Hospital in Maryland and Boston Veterans’ Administration Hospital, he specializes in internal medicine.

Among previous positions he has held are: Attending Physician Internal Medicine — Overlook Hospital, also Internist with Department of Internal Medicine — Summit Medical Group, 1966-1999.

He is the recipient of many awards in recognition of his work and advocacy in the area of mental health and is a member of the American Neuropsychiatric Assn. and the NJ Infant Mental Health Assn. Dr. Perrin currently serves on various mental health boards and advisory committees.

Run by NAMI-Union County, the program begins at 7:45 pm (doors open 7:30) at Osceola Presbyterian Church, 1689 Raritan Rd., Clark. Call NAMI at 908-233-1628 with questions. Refreshments served.

Just a reminder that the tournament is on Saturday, June 7th with a rain date for Sunday, the 8th.

For further information, and to register your team: call Don at 908-337-9410 or Jim at 908-272-8049. All proceeds will be donated to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) New Jersey, to help in their efforts to assist the mentally ill in Union County.

Come learn the facts! Attend this informative, free presentation on Tuesday, April 22. The topic of guest speakers Jon Poag, Deputy Director, and Barbara Neary and Patti Holland, Assistant Directors, from the Division of Mental Health Services, will focus on NJ’s plan to resolve the issue of patients remaining in state psychiatric hospitals long after doctors have recommended their release. This delay is due to the shortage of supervised housing and community treatment programs to meet patients’ needs following discharge.

Under this plan, NJ hopes to settle a 2005 lawsuit brought by a federally funded advocacy group representing the legal interests of disabled people. Important issues regarding the funding and timing of the plan will be addressed by the speakers. What efforts have been made by NJ so far, to address the problem?? What work remains to be done?? Audience questions are welcome.

The program is hosted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Union County. Doors open at 7:30 pm at Osceola Presbyterian Church, 1689 Raritan Rd., Clark. For information call 908-233-1628 or visit the website.

All are welcome! This free presentation, In Our Own Voice: Living with Mental Illness, begins at 7:45pm, (doors open at 7:30), on Tue., March 25. Two trained presenters, recovering from mental illness, will share their personal experiences and offer insight on how they cope with the realities of their disorders while reclaiming productive lives. Time is allowed for questions and discussion.

This unique program, widely recognized and presented around the state, is offered by NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), Union County Chapter, as a way to help individuals think about and frame their own journeys of recovery. Also, family members and other attendees will gain greater awareness, from those who have been there, that recovery from mental illness can be an ongoing reality.

The talk is at Osceola Presbyterian Church, 1689 Raritan Rd., Clark. Refreshments will be served.  For more information, if weather is inclement, or to join NAMI, call 908-233-1628

All softball teams in the area are invited to sign up for the 11th Annual Dick Archer Memorial One-Pitch/Slow Pitch Softball Tournament.

The new date for this charity event is Saturday, June 7, with a rain date of Sunday, June 8.

The entry fee is $150 per team — with all teams guaranteed a minimum of three games.    Games will be played in Warinanco Park in Elizabeth.  This fundraiser is sponsored by the Greater Union County NJ, ASA Softball Umpires Association.

For further information, and to register your team: call Don at 908-337-9410 or Jim at 908-272-8049.  All proceeds will be donated to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) New Jersey, to help in their efforts to assist the mentally ill in Union County.

NAMI, founded in 1979, is “The Nation’s Voice on Mental Illness” and is found at the national, state and local levels.  It is dedicated to improving the lives of those who suffer from mental illnesses.  To learn more about NAMI-Union County, call 908-233-1628 or visit http://nami-nj-uc.org.

Attend a free public presentation on Special Needs Trusts and Medicaid Issues - and learn how they apply to those with mental illness.  On Tuesday, February 26, 2008, guest speaker Linda S. Ershow-Levenberg Esq. of the law firm of Fink Rosner Ershow-Levenberg LLC, in Clark, will focus on how families can effectively provide for the futures of their loved ones who have mental illness.  She will also discuss Medicaid and other benefit issues - and answer questions from the audience.

Ms Ershow-Levenberg is a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA), through the National Elder Law Foundation, an accrediting organization approved by the NJ Supreme Court.  She specializes in Elder and Disability Law, Social Security Disability, Estate Planning, Guardianship and Estate Administration (probate).  She received her Doctor of Jurisprudence from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey School of Law.

All are welcome to attend this free presentation!

OSCEOLA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
1689 RARITAN RD., CLARK

Run by: NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) of Union County
Call: 908-233-1628 for more information or in case of inclement weather.

7:45 PM - TUE. - FEB. 26, 2008
(Doors open at 7:30 pm)

The public is invited to a free, informative evening of discussion on Tuesday, January 22. Panel member Joyce Benz, LCSW, Director of the Intensive Family Support Services of the Mental Health Association in NJ, will facilitate an exploration of various topics affecting persons with mental illness. Bring along your questions and join others who share common interests. Learn how to cope with the mental illness of a loved one. Audience participation is encouraged, but not required.

Panel member Elaine Jeffers, will provide expertise from her years as a psychiatric nurse. Two family members, who complete the panel of four, will share insight from their experiences in dealing with the illnesses of their loved ones. Join this Circle of Friends for an opportunity to profit from the knowledge of others and learn from those who have been down the road before you.

Run by NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) of Union County, the program begins at 7:30 pm at Osceola Presbyterian Church, 1689 Raritan Rd, Clark. Call 908-233-1628 for information, or in the event of inclement weather. Refreshments are served.

Submitted by: Annette Suter, Publicity
NAMI-Union County
908-322-7275