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News & Reports

(12.11.07)
SAMHSA, DOJ Advisory: Methadone Hydrochloride Tables USP 40 mg (Dispersible)
As of January 1, 2008, manufacturers of methadone hydrochloride tablets 40 mg (dispersible) have voluntarily agreed to restrict distribution of this formulation to only those facilities authorized for (more...)

(12.11.07)
SAMHSA, Ten States and Puerto Rico Receive SAMHSA Funding for Pilot Programs to Enhance Transformation of Mental Health Systems
Program supports an array of infrastructure and service delivery (more...)

(11.28.07)
Report Reveals Link Between States' Mental Health Status and Treatment Access
Mental Health America today released its report, "Ranking American's Mental Health: An Analysis of Depression Across the States," (more...)

(11.15.07)
SAMHSA, Depressed Young Adults More Likely to Start Cigarette Smoking and Other Substance Use
A new report indicates that young adults who have suffered from depression within the past year are at a higher risk (more...)

Announcements

(07.07.08)
Free Webcast:
"Working with the Media to Support the Campaign for Mental Health Recovery"
In support of the Campaign for Mental Health Recovery (CMHR), the SAMHSA Resource Center to Promote Acceptance, Dignity, and Social Inclusion Associated with Mental Health (ADS Center) has worked to develop and maintain an extensive state- and community-based grassroots network to promote and expand the CMHR's reach. Most recently, the ADS Center developed and has made available a free training webcast entitled "Working with the Media to Support the Campaign for Mental Health Recovery."

Webcast presenters-Lindsay Keller, Communication Director of Metropolitan Group in Washington, DC, and Bob Carolla, Director of Media Relations for the National Alliance on Mental Illness in Arlington, VA-explain how individuals at the grassroots level can successfully garner media interest and support for the CMHR and how one can successfully use the CMHR community site kit to accomplish these goals. You can access the webcast by clicking here.

(07.02.08)
Deadline July 18: Photos Consumer/Survivor History Exhibit
Your help is needed! The National Coalition of Mental Health Consumer/Survivor Organizations (NCMHSCO) is collecting photos for a history exhibit that will be on display at SAMHSA in Rockville, Maryland. This marks the beginning of a national consumer/survivor archive of our movement's history. Please send photos of consumer/survivor events of statewide or national significance by July 18, 2008 to info@ncmhcso.org.

Please e-mail NCMHSCO at info@ncmhcso.org with a maximum of 6 photos of people at events from the last 30 years. Scan hard copy photos or send digital ones. Please include the following info for each photo:

For additional information, contact the NCMHSCOís History Exhibit Advisory Board at info@ncmhcso.org or toll-free at (877) 246-9058.

(06.18.08)
Leadership Training Opportunity for Nonprofit Organization Leaders through Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
The Robert Wood John Foundation (RWJ) is sponsoring Ladder to Leadership: Developing the Next Generation of Community Health Leaders. This is a collaborative initiative of RWJ and the Center for Creative Leadership; it's focused on developing critical leadership competencies for 270 early- to mid-career professionals through an innovative, 16-month leadership development curriculum.

Eligible applicants must be employees of community-based, health or health-related nonprofit or government organizations that serve vulnerable populations; they must have 1-5 years of supervisory experience. Applications are due between July 1, 2008, and much later, depending on the community.

Key Dates:

The program will be implemented in nine priority communities on a staggered schedule over the next four years. Up to 30 fellows will be selected to participate in the program in each of these communities. The deadline for receipt of applications is 3 p.m. Eastern Time on the designated date. Dates are subject to change.

For more information and to apply, visit www.rwjf.org/files/applications/cfp/overview_L2L2008.pdf

AHRQ Podcast: Patient Advisory Councils, Advice on Choosing a Health Plan

Healthcare 411 recently released a podcast featuring Agency for Health Research and Quality Director Carolyn M. Clancy, MD, offering consumers advice on how to select a health plan. The podcast also features the toolkit for creating community-based patient advisory councils and a "News & Number" story about online prescriptions. More than 300 professional organizations, including the Kaiser Family Foundation and America's Health Insurance Plans, shared this podcast with their members. Click here to listen to the podcast.

(04.08.08)
Scholarships Available for Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance 2008 National Conference "Power of Peers"

A LIMITED number of scholarships (approximately 20-25) are being provided by CMHS to attend both the DBSA Chapter Leadership Forum (September 14th) and the DBSA "Power of Peers" National Conference (September 12-13). The application is NOW AVAILABLE! Please click here to download the application form (PDF format).

(04.08.08)
Be Part of NAMI DC's In Our Own Voice Program

NAMI DC is looking for consumers to speak about their recovery experience thru their IN OUR Own Voice program. Training will be provided. Please call 202-546-0646 if you wish to be considered for this program. You will contacted later on for an interview. NAMI DC is looking for consumers from a wide variety of experiences to be a part of this program including youth. In Our OWN VOICE is a national program that has been recognized for reducing stigma in communities. This will be the first time the program will be introduced in Washington DC.

Requirements? You must be willing to go out and speak openly about your experience as a person with a mental illness. Attend a 2 day training over a weekend. Also agree to be available to speak 2 times during the next year once trained. Call 202-546-0646 with your contact information.

(04.08.08)
Multicultural Action Center Scholarship for NAMI 2008 Convention

The NAMI Multicultural Action Center is happy to announce availability of financial support to consumers and family members who would like to participate in NAMI Annual Convention, June 13-16 in Orlando, Fla. The purpose of the scholarships is to support NAMI members with interest in multicultural issues to attend the Convention.

� Scholarships will be awarded up to $500 to cover the Convention registration fee, and a portion of your airfare, or hotel.
� Please note, the $500 stipend will cover only a portion of your total convention costs.
Depending on your registration category, your airfare and which hotel you choose to reserve a room at, your total convention costs may range from $800 - $1200.
� Scholarship amounts will be reimbursed upon submission of original receipts (Convention registration, airfare, or hotel) AFTER the Convention.

How to apply:
Simply fill out the application form, complete all components, and provide one letter of recommendation.
Applications can be downloaded by clicking here and due April 10.

(03.24.08)
International Conference on Self-Determination, May 27-29, Detroit, MI
On May 27-29, 2008 at the sophisticated Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center, the International Conference on Self-Determination will serve a much different purpose than most other conferences. It's designed to be a combination of a few very short presentations but mostly panel discussions and roundtables organized by topic with a diversity of moderators and cross-disability panel members rather than a single focus presentation by a particular individual or organization. Each session is organized across disabilities. For more information, please click here.

(03.10.08)
Research on Dealing with Depression
The University of Melbourne, Australia is conducting research into the best self-help methods for dealing with depressive symptoms. If you have experienced depression, are currently well and have taken a publicly visible role (e.g. written a book/website on depression, given a public talk, convened a peer support group), we are interested in your views. For more information about the project, please visit http://www.mhfa.com.au/surveymonkey/Self-help_info_sheet_consumers.html, or email Amy Morgan (ajmorgan@unimelb.edu.au).

(02.28.08)
Alternatives 2008 Conference Scholarship Application
�Creating Community Through Active Citizenship�
October 29 � November 2, 2008 in Buffalo, NY

The Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS), within the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and the Support Technical Assistance Resource Center (STAR Center), through a contract with AFYA, Inc. (AFYA), are providing financial support to consumers of mental health services who wish to participate in the 2008 Alternatives Conference. The conference host is the National Empowerment Center. The purpose of the scholarships is to foster transformation of mental health care to focus on recovery. Please note: To be eligible for this scholarship, a completed application and letter of recommendation must be received by U.S. Mail no later than May 28, 2008. To download the application, click here (Adobe PDF file).

(02.28.08)
Advocacy Specialist (Albany, New York)
Under the supervision of the Director of the Bureau of Consumer Affairs, the Advocacy Specialist 1 performs professional, administrative and technical duties to promote the inclusion of current and former recipients of mental health services into all aspects of planning, policy making, program development, evaluation, monitoring and related activities within the Office of Mental Health�s Central Office. Specific duties include, but are not limited to, participate and provide input into a range of Central Office initiatives and activities to ensure that recipient interests are represented, represent the Bureau of Recipient Affairs on internal OMH workgroups and committees composed of recipients, providers, family members, county government and the general public, assist other Bureau staff with convening focus groups, town meetings and dialogues as a vehicle for people to speak directly to OMH staff to give direct input into OMH planning, policy making and program development, provide consultation and assistance to State facility staff, provider agency staff and OMH�s various bureaus and divisions on methods for promoting recipient involvement in planning, implementation and evaluating programs and services, provide information, training and assistance to recipient organizations on systems advocacy and how to be effective change agents and promote the awareness of recovery and empowerment within OMH and the community by disseminating relevant information to recipients, providers, family members, county government and the general public.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Open Competitive: A Bachelor�s degree AND one year experience as a professional advocate or service provider in the field of rehabilitation, developmental disabilities or mental heath; OR a Master�s degree in a human services field; OR three years experience in the field of health, mental health or social services.A comprehensive benefits package, including paid annual leave, health care coverage (medical, dental and vision) and membership in the NYS Employees� Retirement System is available.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Qualified and interested candidates should forward a resume no later than March 13, 2008 to Barbara Forte, NYS Office of Mental Health, Bureau of Central Office Personnel Services, 44Holland Avenue, Albany, NY 12229. Resumes may also be forwarded via email to: OMHHRM@OMH.STATE.NY.US. You are advised that, should you accept a job with the Office of Mental Health, you may be required to be fingerprinted and pay a $75 fingerprint fee.

(02.28.08)
Senior Director, Consumer Advocacy (Mental Health America)
Support mental health consumers by assisting consumer-run, community-based nonprofits with organizational development and nonprofit management through training, technical assistance and publications. Expertise in nonprofit development, community organizing, coalition building, and mental health advocacy a must. Requirements: Bachelor�s degree or equivalent and first-hand experience in mental health recovery required. Must have excellent written and oral communication skills and knowledge of issues in the mental health movement. Position requires the ability to create work products within established deadlines, deliver presentations to large groups and travel out of state. Please send cover letter/letter of interest, resume and one-page writing sample via e-mail to jobs@mentalhealthamerica.net. Please type �Senior Director, Consumer Advocacy� in the subject line of the e-mail. No phone calls please. EOE.

(02.04.08)
Free Online Advocacy Training Available From NIDRR and CMHS
The UIC Rehabilitation Research and Training Center announces a free webcast, "Systems Advocacy: What It Is and How to Do It." This audiovisual presentation covers grassroots organizing, how to create an advocacy plan, negotiation strategies and tactics, and "nuts and bolts" skills building including effective advocacy letter writing, phone calls to policy makers, and managing in-person meetings. Funded by NIDRR and CMHS, the archived webcast is available at http://www.cmhsrp.uic.edu/nrtc/advocacywebcast.asp.

(02.04.08)
Financial Education for Persons in Recovery Course Available
A new curriculum, Financial Education for Persons in Recovery, is available from the UIC Rehabilitation Research and Training Center. This six-session, highly interactive curriculum includes topics such as identifying values and financial goals; tracking and managing income versus expenses; managing debt; understanding credit; using financial institutions; and building savvy financial skills. Lessons involve hands-on budgeting activities, small group activities, and homework. The curriculum meets the requirements for financial training of individuals wishing to start Individual Development Accounts. To order a copy of this curriculum, visit http://www.psych.uic.edu/mhsrp/publications.htm or call the Center at 312-355-1696. This project is funded by NIDRR and CMHS.

(02.04.08)
Cultural Competence Survey for Consumer-Run Mental Health Programs
The UIC Rehabilition Research and Training Center, in partnership with the NAMI STAR Center, is conducting an online survey about cultural competence of consumer-run mental health programs. They hope to learn what peer programs do well and where they struggle in helping people from culturally diverse communities. They are particularly interested in hearing from people in recovery from the African American, Latino, Asian, Native American, and other diverse communities. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. Visit http://www.cmhsrp.uic.edu/nrtc/survey.asp to complete the survey. This survey is funded by CMHS/SAMHSA.
En Espa�ol
La University of Illinois at Chicago Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (Universidad de Illinois en Chicago Centro de Investigaci�n y Entrenamiento en Rehabilitaci�n) y el STAR Center of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (Centro ESTRELLA de la Alianza Nacional en Salud Mental) est�n haciendo una encuesta en el Internet sobre la competencia cultural de programas de salud mental dirigidos por consumidores. Esperan aprender qu� cosas son bien hechas por estos programas, y qu� cosas causan problemas cuando quieren ayudar a personas de comunidades diversas. Est�n muy interesados en las respuestas de personas que usan estos programas de salud mental, y que son Latinos, Afro-Americanos, Asi�ticos, Indios Americanos y otras comunidades diversas. Es voluntario y an�nimo. Visite este sitio del Internet: http://www.cmhsrp.uic.edu/nrtc/survey.asp para completar el cuestionario. La encuesta es financiado por CMHS y SAMHSA.

(12.13.07)
NIMH Seeks Comments on Strategic Plan
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is seeking public feedback on its draft strategic plan, available at this link, which will guide its research for the next three to five years. E-mailed comments will be accepted through December 21, 2007; mailed comments must be postmarked by the same date.
Source: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/about/strategic-planning-reports/nimh-draft-strategic-plan.shtml

(12.13.07)
Voice Awards Solicit Nominations
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is seeking nominations for its Voice Awards, which honor writers and producers who incorporate dignified, respectful, and accurate portrayals of people with mental illnesses into film and television productions, as well as honoring mental health consumer leaders for their contributions in reducing stigma and discrimination. Entertainment industry nominations are due January 4, 2008; consumer nominations are due January 18, 2008. The awards will be presented in Los Angeles in May 2008. For more information, see the link below.
Source: http://www.voiceawards.samhsa.gov

(12.13.07)
Scholarships to Two Conferences Are Available
Two mental health conferences are offering financial assistance to participants. Applications for scholarships to attend the 33rd annual USPRA (U.S. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association) conference, to be held June 16-19, 2008, in Metro-Chicago, Ill., are available at this link. The deadline for USPRA scholarship applications is January 31, 2008; recipients will be notified by March 15, 2008. In addition, the American College of Mental Health Administration (ACMHA) is offering scholarships to consumer leaders for its 2008 summit, �Impacting Healthcare Reform �08: Leadership in Moving the Mental Health and Substance Use Agenda,� to be held March 13-15, 2008, in Santa Fe, N.M. ACMHA scholarship applications must be postmarked by January 3, 2008, and may only be sent via the U.S. Postal Service. For scholarship applications and more information about each of these conferences, see below.
Sources: http://www.acmha.org/summit/summit_2008.cfm