National Coalition for Mental Health Recovery | NCMHR

National Coalition News (NCN)

November 2009 Newsletter

Note from the Director

I am delighted to offer the new National Coalition Newsletter (NCN) to the nearly 2,000 people on our email list. We are growing stronger and larger every day and we want YOU to join us. May your day, week and year be filled with light, love and learning. And may healthcare reform be a giant step forward in meeting our real needs.
– Lauren Spiro

NC News

Certification in Emotional CPR (eCPR) Launched in the U.S.
This NCMHR developed educational program teaches anyone to assist another person through an emotional crisis by three simple steps of C=Connecting, P=emPowering, and R=Revitalizing. To learn more or to request a training in your area, click here.

NEW! National Coalition individual memberships now available
Click here to join as an individual and donate online. Let’s amplify our collective voice!

Our 4th Annual Open NCMHR Meeting was held Oct. 29 in Omaha, Nebraska.
To read the full meeting report, click here.

NCMHR policy statement on alternatives to force and coercion
Click here to read the entire statement.

In Other News...

Poverty and disability greatly correlated
A new report from the Center for Economic and Policy Research says that people with disabilities account for a larger share of those experiencing poverty than people in all other minority, ethnic and racial groups combined and are even a larger group than single parents. Read the full story.

Protesters’ secret: they’re out there because it makes them happier
"Psychologists curious about what fuels human happiness have looked at political engagement and political activism, and they’ve found that it provides people with a sense of empowerment, of community, of freedom, and of transcendence." Read the full story.

The National Center for Trauma Informed Care (NCTIC) develops trauma-informed environments across the spectrum of public health programs, integrating peers and providers in all aspects of planning, training, and development. This year, NCTIC will take the next step in facilitating the creation and delivery of trauma-informed services by focusing on the broad, systemic transformation of public health systems. Click here to learn more about NCTIC or join their listserv.

New Report: Practice Guidelines: Core Elements in Responding to Mental Health Crises
Individuals experiencing mental health crises may encounter an array of professionals and nonprofessionals trying to intervene and help: family members, peers, health care personnel, police, advocates, clergy, educators, and others. Their approaches in assisting those in crises often vary widely, contributing to the potential for ineffectual responses. Developed by a diverse expert panel that included individuals with mental illnesses, providers, public officials, and advocates, the guidelines presented here define appropriate responses to mental health crises across various situations and environments. To read the full report, click here.

Activist and advocate Celia Brown opens a dialogue with the public via her interview on Women's Radio. She promotes the value of choice in mental health treatment. Click here to listen to the show.

Upcoming Events

Mindfreedom Radio - Saturday, November 14, 2pm EST (11am PST): JIM GOTTSTEIN is an attorney, activist and psychiatric survivor will be the guest on the next MindFreedom Mad Pride Live Web Radio show. Host is MindFreedom's director, psychiatric survivor DAVID W. OAKS. Listen and call in live. For complete details, click here.

Regional Consumer/Survivor Meeting - December 2, 2009: The Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) is convening a Regional Consumer/Survivor Meeting at the Omni Parker House. All are invited to participate but the focus of the meeting will be on the following states: Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Seating is limited for the 1-day meeting and will be on a first-to-register basis. Click here for additional information and to register.

Announcements

Can Truong seeks to develop networking opportunities for Asian American peer advocates. Email Can if you want to be on his networking list at or call (937) 430-9676.

The purpose of the NCN is to share information that is consistent with our mission and values and that is significant for our constituency. We are not endorsing any particular organization.