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December 2009 Newsletter
Director's Welcome
I am filled with pride for what the NC has accomplished in just three and a half short years. We have every reason to be hopeful and inspired for what we will achieve together in the next period of time. We are being heard in Washington, DC and across the nation. I ask you to please consider adding your voice to the Coalition by joining as an individual member. The suggested donation is $25;
click here for donation information. Here’s wishing you, your family and community a healthy, safe and happy holiday season - from the National Coalition!
Love & Peace,
Lauren Spiro
NC News
NC Victory in Medicaid Reform!
On November 3, Representatives of the National Coalition, AAPD, NCIL, ADAPT,
Autistic Self-Advocacy Network, Center for Self-Determination and several other
advocacy organizations met with Cindy Mann, Director of Center for Medicaid and
State Operations, and other Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
officials to discuss specific ways that CMS could further Olmstead and recovery
in mental health. Lauren Spiro and Daniel Fisher presented recommendations for
recovery-oriented Medicaid reforms. [Click
here to view the recommendations]
As a result of the National Coalition's specific recommendations, CMS sent a
letter on Nov. 20, 2009, to State Medicaid Director providing guidance to States
to provide individuals with the option to self-direct personal assistance
services. Individual budgeting would allow persons with psychiatric disabilities
and all disabilities to exercise greater choice of services, including the
purchase of peer-run services. All disability advocates appreciate this move by
the Obama Administration in support of community integration for all persons
with disabilities. [Click here to read the
letter]
 NC
Announces the Judi Chamberlin Joy in Advocacy Award
This award is named in honor of Judi Chamberlin in recognition of her
lifetime of joyful dedication to bringing hope into the lives of individuals
labeled with mental illnesses around the world. The award was presented to Judi
at the National Coalition’s Annual Meeting October 29, 2009 in Omaha, NE, and
will be presented on an annual basis starting in 2010.
In Other News
ACT NOW to End Discrimination against People with
Psychiatric Service Dogs
The deadline to make a public comment is December 17, 2009.
Please write to the DOT/ACAA about a law that discriminates against people with
psychiatric service dogs who use air travel by requiring them to provide
documentation of their psychiatric disability 48 hours in advance of travel;
this is not required of people with others kinds of disabilities. [Click
here to take action now and submit a comment].
ACT NOW to Oppose FDA Declaration of Electroshock
Safety
The deadline to submit comments is January 8, 2010.
The FDA plans to reclassify electroshock machines -- and deem them safe in the
absence of scientific evidence. [Click here for background
information and a template letter]. Submit written comments and information
to the Division of Dockets Management (HFA-305), Food and Drug Administration,
5630 Fishers Lane, Room 1061, Rockville, MD 20852. Include the Docket Number:
FDA 2009-N-0392. Submit
electronic comments and information by clicking here and then on "Submit
Comment."
HHS Secretary Sebelius Announces Senate Confirmation of Pamela Hyde as
Administrator, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
“Pamela Hyde has worked tirelessly on behalf of the people of New Mexico to
expand access to health and human services programs and improve their quality,”
said Secretary Sebelius. [To
read the full press release, click here].
Upcoming Events
Teleconference to Cover History of Mental Health Consumer Movement
A free teleconference that will explore the history of the self-help and
advocacy movement organized by individuals with psychiatric histories will be
hosted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s ADS
Center (Resource Center to Promote Acceptance, Dignity and Social Inclusion
Associated with Mental Health) on Thursday, December 17, 2009, from 2 p.m. to
3:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Registration will close on December 10, 2009, at 5 p.m.
Eastern Time. [For
more information or to register, click here]. Source: CMHS Consumer Affairs
E-News Nov. 19, 2009
SAVE THE DATE - Alternatives 2010.
Wednesday, September 29 - Sunday, October 3, 2010 at the Hyatt Anaheim,
California. Each Alternatives conference offers in-depth technical assistance on
peer-delivered services and self-help/recovery methods. Beyond the exchange of
knowledge and networking, Alternatives offers a rich social, artistic, and
healing environment. [Click
here for conference information and updates]. Funded in
part by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and
Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Mental Health Services.
Announcements
New Madness Radio Show Available Online!
Recovery and Diagnosis with Lisa Darbyshire
How can a chaotic and oppressive family life lead to trauma and extreme
states? Do medications and diagnosis provide help, or can they make things
worse? Psychiatric abuse survivor Lisa Darbyshire, Massachusetts organizer with
the Freedom Center and the Recovery Learning Community, discusses her personal
experiences of hospitalization and recovery, including the struggle with learned
helplessness and dependence. [Click
here to listen to the show].
For current employment opportunities, please visit the
Coalition's jobs board and the
National Mental Health Consumers' Self-Help Clearinghouse.
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.
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