CVAB Online Community Blog

CVAB Opening Skagit Valley REACH Center

2012-01-20T08:00:00.000-08:00

CVAB will be opening the Skagit Valley REACH Center February 6, 2012.

A REACH WA Year One Update

2011-09-09T08:52:00.000-07:00

We wanted to update you on what we accomplished (or didn’t) over the past year and what we hope to achieve over the next year (and beyond). It may seem like a whole lot of reading or say little to you, but is it what we have to offer to update you on where we are (trying to be transparent).

Go to http://www.cvabonline.com/html/reach_project.html and look for the August 2011 REACH Update.

Dog Days of Summer

2011-08-11T10:39:00.000-07:00

I often use this phrase to refer to the hot peak of the summer when things really don't seem to go the way you want or need and take way too long...a drawn out blah. It must be obvious by now that the lack of productivity here or in other areas (or appearance of a lack of action) places me in the dog days...

What typically happens during these dog days is someone blows through filled with hot air-dog breath-that adds to that dog day feeling...my immediate response isn't always the best but at some point I think...Really? And you have it all figured out...right? But I digress.

I'm going searching for a cool breeze that will inspire me.

First OutREACH WA Tour a Success!

2011-05-19T08:33:00.000-07:00

Brad Berry, Executive Director and REACH Project Director, took a quick tour of Washington that covered over 900 miles and multiple cups of coffee. The REACH Advisory Council members in each community were extremely hospitable and helped to make the trip a success on many levels. A huge thanks goes out to Debbie (Richland), John (Spokane), Randi (Spokane), Kelly (Ellensburg), Sue (Olympia), and Laurel (Lakewood). The request was to be available and invite who you want...they were and they did. Brad will be organizing a regular call with this group and making a trip to Seattle and points north soon. There will be more details available through this blog, the CVAB Online Community website, CVAB’s Facebook Account and NW Seeds of Change REACH Project Group. In the meantime, consider getting involved through a REACH Workgroup. You can find applications and other materials under the REACH Project tab at our main website.

CVAB is forming the REACH WA Advisory Council

2011-04-06T07:42:00.000-07:00

CVAB is inviting interested individuals to become a part of our REACH WA Advisory Council.

You may remember that CVAB is developing Regionally Empowered and Accessible Communities of Hope (REACH), these will be consumer organized, operated and run centers. CVAB will simultaneously be forming the REACH Network that links the developing centers and other consumer organizations and businesses providing technical assistance to consumer operated services. The REACH Network will be committed to the continuous transformation of health services and shaping public policy.

As a part of our REACH WA project, we think it is important to have statewide representation on an advisory council. The council will help us with planning and implementing our strategies to establish REACH centers. The commitment will begin as simply as a monthly phone call but you can expect it to increase to quarterly meetings in regions of the state.

If you are interested, please go to the CVAB Online Community, find the REACH Project page and download an application. We would like to wrap up this round of applications by April 22, 2011.

REACH WA is funded by a Consumer Statewide Network Grant from SAMHSA.

Impressed with the Work of Our Peers

2011-03-25T12:28:00.000-07:00

I attended the final formal gathering under WA Transformation Grant of Regional Organizing Initiatives (ROI). I was there to provide information about CVAB's SAMHSA Grant that is known as our REACH project and recruited to provide an overview of healthcare reform and how to be involved.

The part of the day that was most imressive was when it came time for the groups to report out what they have accomplished. The four groups that were present were able to stretch the monies they received to connect with, train, and support so many of our peers across the state...it was inspiring.

I hope the stories can be collected, shared and preserved so we can see how the efforts of the few led to positive changes for the many. We owe a great thanks to those who pioneered the efforts as a part of the T-grant.

I began the day telling the story of Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz gang...the point being we all have strengths and need to recognize the strengths in others...the brain, heart, courage and ability to build a caring community was clearly evidenced through the ROI particpants.

Lets continue to find ways to support and encourage one another's good work...we must succeed.

Numbers?

2011-03-22T08:03:00.000-07:00

We're not always sure what numbers mean when we see them. The reason we raise this is because we've had a number of days with over a hundred visits in the last week or so--yesterday we had 126 people come into the Self-Help Recovery Center. I want to say a special thanks to the three staff and few volunteers who helped keep it all flowing smoothly.

We don't do everything right, but we do a whole lot of things really well. CVAB truly is a resource for health, wellness and recovery.

Five Years and Counting

2011-03-22T07:56:00.000-07:00

I just hit the five year mark as CVAB's ED on March 20, and it continues to be an honor to serve and lead an organization filled with courageous, smart and caring people. Through the years we have had skeptics, the negatively critical, and the uncertain but the people of the CVAB community are for the most part individuals of heroic proportion.

Thanks to all for challenging me as a leader and human, and helping me do what I do so we all can participate in the wonderful health, wellness and recovery experiment called CVAB.

Happy St Pat's Day

2011-03-17T08:34:00.000-07:00

In what has been a dreary winter... the green of today reminds us that Spring is coming.

A Friend is Gone

2011-03-01T12:56:00.000-08:00

CVAB received sad news last week and thought we should share it. Cindy Willey, a friend and inspiration died last week. Please read what Maria Monroe-DeVita & The Washington Institute for Mental Health Research & Training sent out today.

Dear Friends,

It is with great sorrow that we - at the Washington Institute for Mental Health Research and Training (WIMHRT) - share the news that the Washington State mental health community has lost a wonderful friend and talented colleague. Cynthia (“Cindy”) Willey died last Thursday after just recently being diagnosed with cancer. We wanted to share some of Cindy’s story below, as we know many of you would want to remember her this way.

Cindy grew up in the Midwest and moved around the country before settling in Washington State 21 years ago. She reared four children and delighted in being Nana to eight grandchildren. She loved writing, reading, cooking, hiking, and most of all spending time with her family. After many years working in the corporate world, she turned to teaching computer skills, and then to human services education. Beginning in September 2002 she co-facilitated “Pebbles in the Pond,” a 36-hour psychoeducation course, at Comprehensive Mental Health in Tacoma. In the same year she became the Operations Manager for the Center for Psychiatric Recovery & Rehabilitation in Tacoma. Cindy was a leader on recovery and peer-based services, as well as consumer-driven evaluation and research. Beginning in 2005, Cindy became a Program Manager at the Washington Institute for Mental Health Research and Training (WIMHRT) in Tacoma. While at WIMHRT, she was the primary instructor for the Washington State Certified Peer Counselor Program and a key trainer for the Mental Health Transformation Project’s Anti-Stigma Program. She also helped to spearhead the Consumer and Family Evaluation Mini-Grant Program for the Mental Health Transformation Project and conducted peer-to-peer interviews as part of the data collection methodology for several WIMHRT research and evaluation projects.

Cindy received a Hero Award at the 2002 Washington Behavioral Healthcare Conference. In 2006 she received the Stigma-Buster Award at the Washington State Consumer Conference.

Cindy blended her presentation skills and life experiences to engage, encourage, and inspire her peers. She shared her love of her work and challenged each peer to find his or her own best wellness strategies. She brought kindness, gentleness and integrity into the lives of many.

A memorial for Cindy will be held in Marysville on Saturday, March 5th at 11:00 am. The location for the memorial is: 1211 2nd St. Marysville, WA 98270.

Cindy will be missed by us all. We will continue to carry her spirit in our ongoing work at WIMHRT.

All our best,

Maria Monroe-DeVita & The Washington Institute for Mental Health Research & Training
University of Washington

Robert Whitaker in Vancouver Too!

2011-02-08T16:00:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Cindi for organizing and forwarding additional dates:

Rethinking Psychiatry:
Moving Mental Health Recovery Forward
JOURNALIST & AUTHOR ROBERT WHITAKER
TO DISCUSS HIS LATEST BOOK "ANATOMY OF AN EPIDEMIC"
in Vancouver on 2 different days!

Wednesday February 9, 2011
1:30-4:30PM
Unitarian Church
4505 E. 18th Street
Vancouver, WA
By donation

Thursday February 10, 2011
2 CEU Credits available
9:00-11:30AM
YWCA
3609 Main Street
Vancouver, WA
$5.00-$15.00
No one turned away

Robert Whitaker in Portland

2011-02-08T10:45:00.000-08:00

Robert Whitaker, author of Anatomy of an Epidemic and Mad in America, will be in Portland on Thursday night.

Could our drug-based paradigm of psychiatric care be fueling a modern-day plague of mental illness? What would a truly humane mental health system look like?

Acclaimed science journalist, Robert Whitaker's, controversial book "Anatomy of an Epidemic" has inspired people across the country to question present psychiatric practices and initiate major reforms. On Thursday, February 10, 2011, Whitaker and a panel of mental health providers and peers will share their perspectives and plans to create a more compassionate mental health system in Oregon and across the nation.

The panel will include:

Robert Whitaker, author, "Anatomy of an Epidemic: Magic Bullets, Psychiatric Drugs, and the Astonishing Rise of Mental Illness in America"

Beckie Child, Director of the Mental Health America of Oregon

Cindi Fisher, Movement of Mothers Standing - Up -Together: Taking Back Our Children ( The M.O.M.S. Movement )

Chris Gordon, Assistant professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, Medical Director of Mental Health Advocacy.

Will Hall, Portland therapist and national leader in Peer Recovery

Gina Nikkel, Director of the Oregon Association of Community Mental Health Programs

RETHINKING PSYCHIATRY: MOVING MENTAL HEALTH RECOVERY FORWARD/ --A community forum
Thursday, February 10, 2011
The First Unitarian Church of Portland
1011 SW 12th, Portland OR

Reception
5:00pm-6:45pm
Keynote speaker Robert Whitaker and panel
7:00pm-9:00pm

$5-$20 donation (no one turned away for lack of funds)
Childcare is available.

Legislative Activity

2011-01-25T16:48:00.000-08:00

There are many things to be aware of as the legislative session moves forward. I think it is clear that budget cuts will grab the headlines and jeopardize necessary and helpful health, wellness and recovery services.

It may be helpful to bring to one another's attention proposals that can change how services are or are not provided. We may have differing opinions but at least we'll be informed...

Two bills I would like to highlight are linked below:

HB 1563
HB 1545
I hope the links work and that you take the time to review them. I guess you can offer your opinion here but what matters is offering it to those in Olympia.

Extending Our REACH, Making Our Future in 2011

2011-01-01T09:17:00.000-08:00

Next year, CVAB's 16th year, will present some of our most significant challenges. The current statewide financial crisis coupled with healthcare reform initiatives are reshaping or removing services that we have come to expect or desire. Although some of these changes are for the better, not all of them will mean an improvement in health, wellness and recovery services. CVAB leaders and members must work together to ensure that in the midst of change the proposed services meet individual needs

The impact of budgetary and healthcare integration changes will certainly be realized by CVAB. If CVAB is going to continue Extending Our REACH through our Centers, Warmline, statewide project and other efforts, we are going to have to be assertive about Making Our Future. Again, CVAB leaders and members must work together to make certain that we make the changes that will ensure individual and community health, wellness and recovery services continue to be available through our agency and organizations like ours.

If we want to continue to Extend Our REACH, we have to Make Our Future.

Extending Our REACH in 2010: A Look Back

2010-12-29T11:36:00.000-08:00

Recovery, Empowerment, Advocacy, Community, Hope

The past year has once again demonstrated CVAB's tremendous ability to Extend Our REACH to meet the needs of our community.

The Self-Help Recovery Center was able to serve yet another record number of people seeking to be proactive in their wellness and recovery. We saw 2200 people with nearly 19,000 visits into the Center. The SHRC added a number of successful classes and groups under the leadership of our capable staff and volunteers.

In April, CVAB added a second program and center. CVAB began operating the Val Ogden Center after a successful response to a Clark County request for proposals. The VOC has a dedicated staff working side by side with approximately 40 members participating.

August brought CVAB good news: we were selected to receive a SAMHSA Statewide Consumer Network Grant. The grant began in September funding CVAB's Extending Our REACH to begin three SHRC's in WA and link these along with existing peer-run organizations together.

October provided another opportunity. CVAB hosted a 40 hour Washington State Peer Counselor Training for 24 of our peers. The week was a success and our hope is to further our abilities in delivering solid trainings.

2010 was a year for Extending Our REACH and Achieving Our Goals.

HAPPY DECEMBER

2010-12-01T09:43:00.000-08:00

Well, we have made it to the twelfth month of twenty-ten. I hope you take a look at the calendar and choose to participate in one of our activities. Now is the time to start thinking about what you want to accomplish in 2011...

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-24T13:38:00.000-08:00

We at CVAB thank you for all you are to us!

What A Friday At Alternatives

2010-10-05T07:47:00.001-07:00

The morning began with the invited-uninvited-reinvited journalist and author Robert Whitaker. He passionately presented the materials of his most recent book, Epidemic in America. His message was punctuated by a thunderstorm and power outage. At noon, Mark Ragins (psychiatrist and founder of The Village in Long Beach), presented himself and his message about recovery as the counterpoint to Robert Whitaker. His presentation was punctuated by protest and confrontation.

I think both have important things to say and it is important our movement dialogue about the issues but I was frustrated that organizers felt the need to counter Whitaker and with the way Ragins did it.

I spent a good portion of the evening and into the night talking with friends including a new one, Scott Cooper. Scott is an artist that has embarked upon an incredible project called It's Our Story. He is going around the country collecting the oral history of our movement and those from other "disability" communities by interviewing the leaders of the movements so we capture our history. He has interviewed over 1000 people using a camera and then working with youth to post the interviews on youtube, Scott is an incredible artist with a passion to tell the story of our movements through the people that made it possible. You can read more by searching for It's Our Story or www.itsourstory.org

Just another day at Alternatives.

1200 Strong at Alternatives 2010

2010-10-05T07:46:00.001-07:00

It is an incredible site. 1200 individuals from across the world gathered together to celebrate and communicate the reality of who we are as a part of the consumer movement. It is good to connect with old friends and make new ones. I've met people from most of the states and Madrid Spain and each one a living testament to the pursuit of living his or her life in the way he or she wants to live it.

Each person really facinates me incluuding one woman who comes from Massachusetts that has her own business as a driver of a car for hire and comes to be around friends and celebrate the consumer movement. She has faced the worst type of "psychiatric treatment" and has worked through it to be a beautiful person living a pretty cool life.

We are part of a movement, a human rights movement, it is important to realize this and listen to those who have come before us, those we agree and disagree with and to support the youth that will inherit the movement and make it their own.

Extra! Extra! Read All About It

2010-09-13T07:32:00.000-07:00

I tend to fear what may happen when good intentions meet published reports.

You can find a nice article about CVAB in the Clark County section of today's edition of The Columbian or you can find it online: http://www.columbian.com/news/2010/sep/13/self-help-agency-wins-federal-grant/

Enjoy the read and stay tuned for developments. Who knows, I may get over my fears....I doubt it.....

It's in the Air

2010-09-07T07:34:00.001-07:00

Today feels different. Perhaps it is the rain. Maybe it is being post Labor Day. Or, it might be the beginning of the NFL season is this week.

For whatever reason, September has always seemed like the beginning of a new year for me.

Happy New Year everyone!

Why? Oh, Why?

2010-09-03T07:10:00.000-07:00

I'm not a big fan of doing the same thing over and over with the expectation of different results but I just don't seem to be willing to try something different or just stop doing it all together. Some things are difficult to learn or I just don't want to change and somehow enjoy being stuck, or I think it will actually be different.....

CVAB Awarded Three Year Grant for Statewide Expansion

2010-08-27T08:59:00.000-07:00

CVAB has been awarded a three year Statewide Consumer Network Grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The award is $70,000 per year for a total of $210,000 and the grant period begins September 1, 2010.

CVAB was awarded the grant for the project Extending Our REACH that will develop Regionally Empowered and Accessible Communities of Hope (REACH). By Extending Our REACH, CVAB will expand across Washington to serve adults with mental illness to create accessible communities of hope. CVAB’s establishment of a minimum of three Consumer Operated Self Help Centers over three years will empower individuals with mental illness in Washington State to play an active part in continually shaping the mental health system. These regionally based consumer-operated centers will be organized by individuals in mental health recovery.

Additionally, CVAB will be forming the REACH Network that links the developing centers and other consumer organizations together to provide technical assistance to emerging and established consumer operated services. The REACH Network will be committed to the continuous transformation of mental health services and shaping public policy.

CVAB is a 15 years old consumer-run organization in Vancouver, WA providing support and advocacy for mental health recovery. CVAB operates a peer-run mental health Self-Help Recovery Center and Warm Line at the Center for Community Health, and the Val Ogden Center clubhouse program. Through a variety of peer-led activities, CVAB serves over 2200 people per year in its centers and had over 18,500 visits last year. CVAB has developed a strong reputation for being a center of health, wellness and recovery.

Washington State received two SAMHSA Statewide Consumer Network Grants and CVAB will be collaborating with the other recipient, Mental Health Action based in Burien, WA to effectively create and sustain strong services for supporting mental health, wellness and recovery.

Big Doings with CVAB

2010-08-26T07:55:00.000-07:00

There have been some big happenings at CVAB and we will make them all public very soon.

Incredible Vision

2010-08-24T08:27:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while you stumble across something that so impresses you because of its brilliance, intelligence and vision. Simply put, the partnership between The Avett Brothers and Jason Ryan Mitcham inspires me.

But why take my word for it, take a look for yourself. http://www.theavettbrothers.com/us/video/making-head-full-doubtroad-full-promise-video

Again with the Disappearance Act

2010-08-18T10:26:00.000-07:00

I know. I know. you've heard this before but "I'm Baaack."

Times are changing...any spare change?

2010-06-02T09:14:00.000-07:00

The financial realities are catching up to mental health services and I'm uncertain of what our future looks like. I know our agency leaders will need to be creative and persistant in pursuit of resources...

more to follow....

WALK

2010-05-13T12:48:00.000-07:00

As the weather finally starts to get warmer I have a big recommendation. WALK. Just take a walk to get outside and outside of your head...you can learn the best things from nature.

Can't get you off my mind

2010-05-11T07:16:00.000-07:00

I am trying to take a couple of days off because I needed them. Even though I am away from the office I can't get the business and people of CVAB off my mind. I know I need to give it a rest but I think it says something about how strongly I am invested in the organization and all it stands for as a recovery and wellness community.

When it rains it pours

2010-05-05T09:28:00.000-07:00

CVAB had to close early Tuesday. Why? Because CVAB is such a happening place there was water coming up through the drain to get in on the action. Well, I'm not sure why the water was coming in but when it did, we had to shut down for the operation for safety and to allow the cleanup to begin.

What's incredible is we closed at 1:45 PM and there had already been 75 people through the doors and we didn't even have a group yet....the only way in might have been through a floor drain.

A big THANKS to the Encore and Clark County staff who jumped in and cleaned it up.

A big THANKS to all of you for understanding and making CVAB the great place it is!

May Days

2010-05-03T08:10:00.000-07:00

May offers us National Mental Health Month. It provides an opportunity to shine the public light of interest on mental health, wellness and recovery. There are many public activities happening this month and I hope you take the opportunity to participate in some of them.

Mental Health Month at the Center for Community Health
May 14, 1:00 - 5:00 pm
Mental Health Month Celebration
The event will include mental health resources, a community art project, the announcement of the Visions of Recovery poster contest, and a very special presentation about the Suitcase Project from 3:00 to 5:00 pm

May 19, 12:00 - 1:00 pm
Walking in Recovery
A new video produced by the Washington Mental Health Transformation Project will be shown followed by an interactive discussion about mental health.
RSVP's are required for this event.

May 28, 12:00 - 1:00 pm
Mental Health Quiz Show
This event is always a ton of fun. No matter how much or how little you know about mental health facts, come play and have a good time!

CVAB Adds New Peer Staff!

2010-02-17T17:42:00.001-08:00

CVAB has added three peers to our crew. Please stop by and welcome Sandi, Alan and Christopher. Each one brings a unique something to our diverse mix. We are glad that they chose to work with us and we know they will contribute a great deal to our community.

We did say goodbye to Lori who has decided to explore self-employment but we'll still see her around as a volunteer. We greatly appreciated what she contributed as a staff member and look forward to her business success and seeing her around as a volunteer.

This place continues to amaze me.....

A Leader Leaves Us....

2010-01-18T17:49:00.000-08:00

It is important that we acknowledge our leaders, our heroes and those who have diligently worked to lay the groundwork for human rights. We lost one of our heroes on January 16, 2010 when Judi Chamberlin died at home in Massachusetts. Her book, On Our Own, is foundational in the mental health rights movement. It is important that we know what we have received from our leaders and pioneers so please take time to follow some of the links below to understand more of her valiant life and the legacy that she leaves us.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=122706192

http://www.judi-chamberlin.virtualmemorials.com/

http://www.power2u.org/judi-chamberlin.html

http://www.madnessradio.net/judi-chamberlin-always-us

http://judi-lifeasahospicepatient.blogspot.com/

Where's that New Year Smell?

2010-01-11T08:29:00.000-08:00

Is it just me or does it seem that 2010 has already lost its new year smell? I haven't even got used to writing the date correctly and the newness seems to be fading. I'm sure that something will break any minute to remind me that the year has just begun, but for the moment I'm dealing with New Year's remorse....

Happy 2010

2010-01-01T17:39:00.000-08:00

No matter how you say it-Two Thousand Ten; Twenty Ten; Two Oh, One Oh-I hope you enjoy a year of wellness.

Contemplation

2009-12-28T07:17:00.000-08:00

If you dig around a bit, you will find that the word "contemplation" comes from some old language and meant "to mark out a space for observation." Contemplation is used primarily in the spiritual sense - as I have commonly used it - and I think now is a good time to "mark out a space" for some observations. I think this week on the calendar is prime real estate for all that goes with observing...looking to and fro, back through history and forward into the future (it is the end of one decade and the beginning of a new one).

Personally, I just celebrated 20 years of total sobriety and a month after that date falls my b'day. This week is in between the two and really becomes a time of contemplation for me. I am realizing how I am not achieving what I wanted or being who I am. It is a tough place to be for me. The good thing is I have the power to change it. I don't use this time to beat myself up but to decide on how I will live differently.

I hope you make the space to look at your life and then choose how you will achieve what you want and be who you are. Let me know how that works for you.

Busy?

2009-12-18T08:37:00.000-08:00

It seems like the standard answer that I and most others give and get these days is "Busy." Oh yeah, the question is "How are you?" It seems to me that there needs a better answer. I think "busy" is how I avoid the question. Better yet, just look busy and people won't ask and I don't have to be concerned about not telling the truth, being honest about how I am really doing.

The holidays offer even more of an opportunity to be "busy." Maybe this is the time of year we should be less busy and more honest. Come to think of it, maybe we should be less busy and more honest year-round...it may lead to real relationships.

Well, while there still time left in this year and holiday stuff and work stuff and, you know, I got to run.....I'm busy.............

I don't get it

2009-12-15T16:47:00.000-08:00

There is soooo much more that I don't get than I do get.....

I don't get why people are so quick to tell you how to run things their way but so unwilling to do something, anything.

I don't get double speak....saying you'll do one thing while doing another.

I don't get the lack of taking responsibility for choices made.

I don't get why I don't get so much.....

Holidays?

2009-12-14T08:18:00.000-08:00

I have to admit that I am not a big fan of the "holiday season." I'm not into parties, gift giving, trying to get along with others, or just being....well, you get the picture.

I know there is something to be said for ritual, tradition, and looking forward in hope. I think what I don't like about these holiday gatherings is we spend too much time looking back and not enough in the present or looking forward. The past isn't always a bad thing, it's...just...I don't remember much of the past.....so, I like to look forward with hope for a better tomorrow.

Time to Recommit

2009-12-12T14:18:00.000-08:00

I've let this go for too long.....

Regular post give us something to talk about on a regular basis.

CVAB celebrated 14 years of being an organization while having our members meeting at the Hilton. We committed to Extending Our REACH...Recovery, Empowerment, Advocacy, Community and Hope. It was a wonderful evening.

Health Care Reform

2009-09-08T13:09:00.000-07:00

There has been a plethora of information and discussion regarding reforming health care in the USA. I may be wrong but there seems to be few who don't agree on the need for giving attention to reforming health insurance and care. The debate seems to be with the "how" question. What amazes me is the misinformation that abounds. What do you think about health care reform?

Adventure Ahead

2009-08-13T14:58:00.000-07:00

Last month we placed the compass on a map of mental health and it continued to point in the direction of recovery-oriented services and beyond to previously uncharted territories. As we look into the frontier we view a landscape that requires working partnerships, people before paper, potential for personal growth, and where self-determination can make it all happen. The challenge is to get out of the established and fortified metropolis of “traditional” and “safe” services to the frontier outposts that become inclusive, livable communities of lives based in recovery and wellness.

As stated last month, part of blazing trails to the recovery and wellness frontier includes learning a new vocabulary of mutuality and acting in a way that shares risk and expertise. To successfully achieve this, those who live with challenges to their mental health must feel empowered to fully participate as partners in whatever services they seek. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) describes Empowerment as:

Consumers have the authority to choose from a range of options and to participate in all decisions—including the allocation of resources—that will affect their lives, and are educated and supported in so doing. They have the ability to join with other consumers to collectively and effectively speak for themselves about their needs, wants, desires, and aspirations. Through empowerment, an individual gains control of his or her own destiny and influences the organizational and societal structures in his or her life.

If you are comfortable in the traditionally safe and fortified metropolis of treatment services, you can put away your compass and live in the shelter of what is offered to you. But if you are willing to abandon what mental health services do for you and partner with them to take risks necessary to gain control of your destiny, pick up your compass and let’s join together on the path to wellness.

eVoice

2009-08-03T10:36:00.001-07:00

CVAB sent out its first edition of the eVoice last week. The eVoice is an update about CVAB and current events sent out a couple times a month to keep you informed. If you want to subscribe, go to http://www.cvabonline.com/ and put you email address in the subscription box toward the bottom of the page.

We hope to use this blog as the interactive part of our community so we will use the eVoice to give you more to interact to....

Charting a New Direction

2009-07-27T11:44:00.000-07:00

There has been a great deal of discussion in Clark County, across Washington State and the nation about recovery-based or recovery-oriented services. There is a strong and growing desire to empower a person moving through clinically based services toward community based activities.

There is general agreement that recovery and the services that support recovery can mean different things to different people. It has been acknowledged that providing recovery-oriented services presents challenges when implemented in time honored, traditional mental health centers with services driven by funding sources; we think these challenges are not insurmountable.

We recognize that we must work together to reshape the concepts, discussion, language and actions surrounding mental illness, health and services; it our belief that this discussion must include recovery as part of holistic wellness.

It has been generally accepted that recovery-oriented services, among other things, value: self-determination; full partnership; people first; and growth potential. So, how can we develop a mental health system that the practice of working together is realized?

We start by learning a new vocabulary of mutuality and act in a way that shares risk and expertise. We set aside our pre-conceived notions about recovery and explore the reality of choice, partnership and collaboration. We develop new roles around who gets to define and decide what has been traditionally referred to as a treatment plan as we map a new path to wellness.

CVAB Evaluation

2009-07-15T08:44:00.000-07:00

I know this blog has a limited following but I want encourage all of you who are asked to participate in the CVAB evaluation project. This will help us determine our effectiveness and how we might make improvements.

To all of you who have participated, thanks! To all that will, thanks!

The Diagnosis Game

2009-07-10T09:42:00.000-07:00

This is a Kessler Kolumn extra (you won't find this in The Voice where Nick's Kolumns appear monthly).

I really don’t like how even the most benign facets of the mental health system work sometimes. Although I have not been exposed to the problem I am about to explain in quite a while, I can see how any consumer can be lead into the following scenario, and it is very self-destructive. Sometimes the only defense we can honestly come up with for our behavior is our diagnoses themselves. Yet this does not often seem to satisfy the providers much at all. It’s hard for us to articulate these “relapses” because they can often lead to false interpretations when we try. Sometimes we are too afraid to try at all. What can we as consumers do when we reach this point? I can only think of a few things, sadly. One is simply ask the therapist or case manager: “What are ALL of my options”

The second is to use an advance directive. I hope that CVAB and other organizations continue to hold classes on these (I’m in need of one myself). Finally, come to CVAB and try to engage in-depth with others about similar problems they’ve been through. It’s amazing how easy it is to get a nudge in the right direction at this place.

Good luck,
Nick

CVAB Post Employment Opportunity

2009-07-08T08:35:00.000-07:00

You can see the most recent notice of CVAB hiring at cvabonline.com under the News tab.

A case of the "ick"

2009-06-25T06:43:00.000-07:00

It has been kind of quiet around CVAB this week. I hope people are getting out and enjoying the warm weather and many summertime opportunities.

The aquarium has been undergoing some maintenance; it has a nasty case of the "ick"--a parasite that infects the tank and gets under the skin of the fish making life difficult. We've had to get tough with treating the water and the fish have had to do what they can to take care of themselves. This has led to turmoil in the aquarium and a reduction in our community of fish. That's what happens when something unhealthy gets into a community.

A bit of advice

2009-06-23T07:37:00.000-07:00

I hate to call attention to the negative but something has to be said about all the "drama" I am hearing about around CVAB that gets in the way of all the positive: "Stop it."

I know this goes against the norm at CVAB but let me offer some advice:

Take care of yourself and your business; you don't need to take care of other people's business.
Quit talking about other people, a gossip is poison to a community; instead. talk with people.
Look in the mirror, it isn't always the other person's problem, fault....
Treat others as you want to be treated (the same goes for talking about others).
To be treated as an adult, you have to act like one.
Get involved in doing something positive at CVAB or in the greater Clark County community; you won't have time to dwell on the negative.
Respect, Responsibility and Recovery; any other behaviors, actions or attitudes fall short when part of the CVAB community.

Each of us are responsible for our individual recovery. Let's get back to the positive.

It has been good....

2009-06-19T11:35:00.000-07:00

Its been good to see so many of our CVAB community and many more from across the state at the conference. I am looking forward to hearing the great insights and knowledge shared in coming days and weeks.

What a Week....

2009-06-15T07:01:00.000-07:00

We're going to have quite the week at CVAB. The Washington Behavioral Healthcare Conference is in town so we have a full agenda of visiting dignitaries, state and RSN employees and some out of town peers. In addition, there will be 30 or so of our CVAB community participating at the conference where we will have an exhibitors table, be involved in one presentation, and involved in some open meetings.

On top of all that, our regularly scheduled calendar of events....

I can't wait until next week.

What do you think?

2009-06-12T16:28:00.000-07:00

I sit and watch the fish going about their busy community life and sometimes find myself identifying with different ones, or thinking that the behavior of a couple of them reminds me of a few folks I know, or just wondering how they sleep.

Other times I'm watching them but a million miles away in my head.

I'm just wondering what you think about when you watch them.

Hearing Voices

2009-06-11T07:38:00.000-07:00

CVAB is a peaceful place when wondering through it in the morning, after hours or on Sunday. The amazing thing for me is when I pause in each section, I hear the voices, the laughter, the crying, the clicking of computer keys that make this place so alive. It's nice when it is quiet and I know some would prefer it be that way all the time....but CVAB is a community and with community comes the beautiful clutter of conversation, laughter, and the tappity tap of life.

So what do you think?

2009-06-10T17:09:00.001-07:00

Below is the article from the cover of this month's edition of The Voice. What are your thoughts?

Choose

One of the key components to recovery is self-direction. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provided 10 Components of Recovery. Someone else was kind enough to give it to us in language that is clear and direct:

You as the consumer have the control to choose which path you would like to follow. You decide what steps you would like to take when you are ready to begin your own independent recovery process. You define the goals that you plan to achieve and the path you will take to get there.

“You decide….” These two words are powerfully dynamic equaling two others, “I am.” The freedom and ability to “be” and to “choose” are fundamental to who we are as humans. There are times when facing challenges to our mental health we lose hold of our ability to be and to choose.

The connection of being and choosing are illustrated by Viktor Frankl, who after experiencing the horrors of Nazi concentration camps writes:

We who lived in concentration camps can remember the men who walked through the huts comforting others, giving away their last piece of bread. They may have been few in number, but they offer sufficient proof that everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms -- to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way.

Though it may seem like a leap to suggest a few, if any, of us have had to endure experiences nearing the atrocities of concentration camps, it is less of a leap to suggest some of us have been stripped of all dignity and many, if not all, have faced the indignity of stigma, discrimination, unfair practices, uncertain futures, and even our ability to “be.” In the face of such challenges, you can choose your attitudes, you can choose your own way.

What does this have to do with recovery? Everything. It easy to be dissatisfied with the way things are. It is easy to be unhappy about life’s circumstances. It is easy to complain. It is easy to take the road that leads to little recovery because it is easy. On the other hand, you can choose the path to follow, the actions you will take, the goals you will achieve, the way you will celebrate achieving hard earned and well deserved success. The choice is yours.

Keeping Up!

2009-06-10T17:06:00.000-07:00

It is difficult to keep up with all that is going on and neglect is what this blog experiences. How do I make this a bigger priority? Controversy might help...recovery-oriented of course............

Responsibility

2009-04-09T18:22:00.000-07:00

This month's Recovery Concept is RESPONSIBILTY. If you are hanging around CVAB you will hear us mention this as one of our 3 R's (the other two being Respect and Recovery). You will also find the following on bright orange flyers:

Each individual has a personal responsibility for his or her own self care and journey through recovery. Making strides toward achieving your goals will require great courage, effort and support. By understanding and giving meaning to your experiences, you can begin to identify coping strategies and healing processes that promote your own wellness.

Now that we've covered that, let me get to another aspect of responsibilty. Whatever happened to people being responsible? Over the past few weeks I have heard of and witnessed people coming to CVAB and playing the game of "What can I get away with?"

Now, we have a bunch of people wanting and needing to make good use of CVAB's services but there are a few, very few, that want to play a game around responsibility. They tend to stretch community norms, try to hide their digital indescretions, or throw verbal stones at someone else as they complain about things. It leads to peers who are working together at CVAB having to continually try to put an end to the games and it takes away from the great things happening in the lives of so many.

Part of recovery is responsibility and it is important for each person to courageously take responsibility for his or her movement toward wellness. It is equally important to consider the way we act toward and with one another as part of that responsibility. I often quote one of our peers who used to work at CVAB and I think it applies here: "Having a mental illness is no excuse for being an ass."

Spring is Here!

2009-04-06T07:57:00.000-07:00

It took a while but Spring seems to have arrived. There is a freshness in the air that you don't get at any other time of the year and the sun feels new on your face. After a pleasant weekend and a beautiful beginning to the week, we are beginning to see signs of new life everywhere. The buzz of beginnings is in the air.

As part of our recovery, we often face new beginnings in some aspect of our lives. What are you trying for the first time, or again?

I think I'm going to focus on physical exercise....

What do you want?

2009-02-12T11:23:00.000-08:00

I have many ideas for topics and wide ranging possibilities for this blog but I'm curious as to what you might be looking for in this interactive forum. Suggestions?

CVAB Vibe?

2009-02-08T17:00:00.000-08:00

We've been busy here at CVAB. We saw over 120 new faces in January with a total of 508 individuals stopping by CVAB. To continue the numbers parade, CVAB had 1595 total visits...we're hosting a bunch of people.

I'm not sure what people expect when they visit CVAB. I know those who have a stereotypical view of people with mental illness might be surprised by what they find.

What do you expect when you head toward CVAB? What do you find?

February Recovery Component--Peer Support

2009-01-26T15:02:00.000-08:00

CVAB supports all forms of Recovery. We look to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Adminstration (SAMHSA) National Consensus Statement on Mental Health Recovery as one of our guidepost for Recovery.

"Mental health recovery is a journey of healing and transformation enabling a person with a mental health problem to live a meaningful life in a community of his or her choice while striving to achieve his or her full potential. " SAMHSA

Each month we discuss one of the 10 supporting components. The February component is Peer Support.

Peers play an invaluable role in your recovery process. Peers can assist and engage you. They can also share experiences and teach new skills. Building supportive relationships provides a sense of belonging and helps to establish your roles in the community.

We would be interested in your thoughts on this topic or how peers are supporting you and your wellness and recovery.

Welcome!

2009-01-22T09:53:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the CVAB Online Community Blog. This is the beginning of what we hope becomes an active part of our community. Please join the discussion and tell us what you think!