After years of using the same pager company, CVAB has had to make a change. The new number is 360.903.2853.
We apologize for the inconvenience.
Monday, July 29, 2013
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
CVAB seeking peers for peer training
CVAB is hosting a peer training in Mount Vernon, April 15-19.
We are looking for Certified Peer Counselors from the North Sound Mental Health Administration region for the following:
• April 15 at 2-3 PM: A panel of 3 to 4 working peers to share their experiences about the work they do, a “typical” day and challenges they face. We would like Certified Peer Counselors from a variety of local agencies or who may serve on PACT teams.
• April 18 at 11AM-12PM: A panel of 3 to 4 working family or parent partner peers to share their experiences about the work they do, a “typical” day and challenges they face.
• April 15-19: One Certified Peer Counselor who can be available throughout the 40 hour training to provide empowering support and encouragement to those taking the training.
There is compensation for each of the panelist and for the peer staffing the week of the training.
If interested, please contact Brad Berry @ CVAB and describe your interest.
We are looking for Certified Peer Counselors from the North Sound Mental Health Administration region for the following:
• April 15 at 2-3 PM: A panel of 3 to 4 working peers to share their experiences about the work they do, a “typical” day and challenges they face. We would like Certified Peer Counselors from a variety of local agencies or who may serve on PACT teams.
• April 18 at 11AM-12PM: A panel of 3 to 4 working family or parent partner peers to share their experiences about the work they do, a “typical” day and challenges they face.
• April 15-19: One Certified Peer Counselor who can be available throughout the 40 hour training to provide empowering support and encouragement to those taking the training.
There is compensation for each of the panelist and for the peer staffing the week of the training.
If interested, please contact Brad Berry @ CVAB and describe your interest.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
An Open Letter from the Executive Director
February 5, 2013
Greetings:
Last week I ran into a participant in the hall of one our centers and he said something incredibly self-revealing and very powerful. With emotion catching in his throat, he said, “I am alive because of CVAB.” I’ve heard similar statements on a number of occasions but it really struck me when he stated that because of his sincerity and that we are at a point where I’ve been questioning CVAB’s role; and more specifically, my role within the organization. That brief, yet significant encounter reminded me that we have been working hard over the past few years to support as many peers as possible through Extending Our REACH—a theme we adopted in 2008. Our REACH is our Recovery, Empowerment, Advocacy, Community and Hope; it is also the title of a project where we are trying to develop Regionally Empowered and Accessible Communities of Hope.
Really?
As I have pondered the hallway revelation and other things, I have thought about the events of the past few years and about what’s next. Beginning this week and over the course of the next two months, CVAB will achieve major milestones; and if all goes as planned, I will too. CVAB milestones in February, March and April 2013 include:
• CVAB will celebrate the Skagit Valley REACH Center being opened one year on February 6, 2013
• CVAB will commemorate taking over the Val Ogden Center three years ago on April 1, 2013
• CVAB will be owners of two parcels of property—the VOC and neighboring house—that are being given to us by Clark County and were originally purchased for $1.1 million.
• CVAB will host the first of four Washington State Certified Peer Counselor Trainings beginning February 11, 2013.
• CVAB will reapply by March 8, 2013 for a SAMHSA Statewide Consumer Network grant to continue Extending Our REACH through developing REACH Centers in other regions.
• CVAB will be launching the REACH Toolkit over the coming months.
• The Executive Director will reach a seven year anniversary on March 20, 2013.
These are incredible accomplishments for a small organization that just seven years ago and in its tenth year of operation had a small center in a storage area serving 20-30 people a day; and no one outside of the area really knew anything about CVAB and people in the area that did hesitated referring anyone to our “dungeon.” In the past seven years, CVAB has served over 8500 individuals, accounting for more than 110,000 total visits, and had in the neighborhood of 200 volunteers, and CVAB presently employs 27 people.
Education
The last milestone mentioned above is personally significant as it represents the longest I’ve been in any one role and that I’ve had the opportunity to accomplish some important work. These seven years have led to some of my most satisfying and frustrating experiences in life; the last year has had the toughest moments.
I often say, “If you ain’t learning, you ain’t living.” I don’t think it would be fair to go into the details here but the educational experience continues to be invaluable. I am always willing to share what I know, I am learning and needing to learn, just contact me.
Apologies
As an able communicator and instructor, I advise others that you never apologize unnecessarily...but, sometimes you need to.
I apologize to you that expected more from me as the leader of CVAB, to you that I have failed. I will work smarter and harder to make it right as long as I have the opportunity to do so.
Collaboration
One of the valuable lessons I have been learning is the need of partnerships and collaboration. I have discovered that this is very difficult for me and others. Over the years I have found myself and CVAB to be the victim of some pretty harsh and undeserving criticisms for just doing our job; we have also tried to engage others but did not find what we were hoping. (Some have hinted at collaboration or put out a non-specific ask but nothing has developed.) On the other hand, I am rather prideful and think I can do it all (my way). The work we do is too important for any one person or organization to tackle it alone.
Work projects are the driving factor in our collaboration; this is true within our organization and extends beyond to other partnerships so that we can broaden the impact of peer services. Some examples include more of a partnership within our Board of Directors; we are developing specific work plans and this helps the Board know their role for a year and how the ED office can support them in accomplishing their objectives and goals. CVAB has a few Memorandums of Agreement to accomplish specific projects regarding more peer-run centers that act as “base camps” in differing regions of the state—we have a strong belief in the value of peer-run centers as base camps (we are presently engaged with a peer organization on the eastside in establishing a base camp center there).
We are looking to be supportive and work together with others. We tend to go only where invited and we are attempting to not force ourselves on anyone; also, we’re not looking for unsolicited advice but we enjoy hearing your wisdom. We have some REACH Toolkit ideas and we have learned a lot that we can share. If there are peer organizations that want to engage with CVAB in collaboration, please contact us.
Ha, Ha, Ha….Hope
Sometimes, this role drives me serious, too serious. I have forgotten how to enjoy what we are doing. The work we do isn’t rocket science, it is more important, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun. I have laughed with many of our peers in our centers and across WA. But there have been times when I get so wound up that I forget what we are doing and why….I lose hope. The work we are engaged in—personal and professional—emerges from hope and that should be enjoyable, even when it’s tough.
REACH
So there you have it. Hopefully this hasn’t been an overreach. The intent of this letter is to highlight CVAB’s successes and to be somewhat confessional regarding my shortcomings and desire to do better. I appreciate you reading it and hope you can celebrate with us our successes and lessons learned from our missteps. We also hope that you will choose to join us in our passion for peer services and people enjoying greater self-awareness, self-determination and self-sufficiency.
Respectfully,
Brad Berry
Executive Director
Greetings:
Last week I ran into a participant in the hall of one our centers and he said something incredibly self-revealing and very powerful. With emotion catching in his throat, he said, “I am alive because of CVAB.” I’ve heard similar statements on a number of occasions but it really struck me when he stated that because of his sincerity and that we are at a point where I’ve been questioning CVAB’s role; and more specifically, my role within the organization. That brief, yet significant encounter reminded me that we have been working hard over the past few years to support as many peers as possible through Extending Our REACH—a theme we adopted in 2008. Our REACH is our Recovery, Empowerment, Advocacy, Community and Hope; it is also the title of a project where we are trying to develop Regionally Empowered and Accessible Communities of Hope.
Really?
As I have pondered the hallway revelation and other things, I have thought about the events of the past few years and about what’s next. Beginning this week and over the course of the next two months, CVAB will achieve major milestones; and if all goes as planned, I will too. CVAB milestones in February, March and April 2013 include:
• CVAB will celebrate the Skagit Valley REACH Center being opened one year on February 6, 2013
• CVAB will commemorate taking over the Val Ogden Center three years ago on April 1, 2013
• CVAB will be owners of two parcels of property—the VOC and neighboring house—that are being given to us by Clark County and were originally purchased for $1.1 million.
• CVAB will host the first of four Washington State Certified Peer Counselor Trainings beginning February 11, 2013.
• CVAB will reapply by March 8, 2013 for a SAMHSA Statewide Consumer Network grant to continue Extending Our REACH through developing REACH Centers in other regions.
• CVAB will be launching the REACH Toolkit over the coming months.
• The Executive Director will reach a seven year anniversary on March 20, 2013.
These are incredible accomplishments for a small organization that just seven years ago and in its tenth year of operation had a small center in a storage area serving 20-30 people a day; and no one outside of the area really knew anything about CVAB and people in the area that did hesitated referring anyone to our “dungeon.” In the past seven years, CVAB has served over 8500 individuals, accounting for more than 110,000 total visits, and had in the neighborhood of 200 volunteers, and CVAB presently employs 27 people.
Education
The last milestone mentioned above is personally significant as it represents the longest I’ve been in any one role and that I’ve had the opportunity to accomplish some important work. These seven years have led to some of my most satisfying and frustrating experiences in life; the last year has had the toughest moments.
I often say, “If you ain’t learning, you ain’t living.” I don’t think it would be fair to go into the details here but the educational experience continues to be invaluable. I am always willing to share what I know, I am learning and needing to learn, just contact me.
Apologies
As an able communicator and instructor, I advise others that you never apologize unnecessarily...but, sometimes you need to.
I apologize to you that expected more from me as the leader of CVAB, to you that I have failed. I will work smarter and harder to make it right as long as I have the opportunity to do so.
Collaboration
One of the valuable lessons I have been learning is the need of partnerships and collaboration. I have discovered that this is very difficult for me and others. Over the years I have found myself and CVAB to be the victim of some pretty harsh and undeserving criticisms for just doing our job; we have also tried to engage others but did not find what we were hoping. (Some have hinted at collaboration or put out a non-specific ask but nothing has developed.) On the other hand, I am rather prideful and think I can do it all (my way). The work we do is too important for any one person or organization to tackle it alone.
Work projects are the driving factor in our collaboration; this is true within our organization and extends beyond to other partnerships so that we can broaden the impact of peer services. Some examples include more of a partnership within our Board of Directors; we are developing specific work plans and this helps the Board know their role for a year and how the ED office can support them in accomplishing their objectives and goals. CVAB has a few Memorandums of Agreement to accomplish specific projects regarding more peer-run centers that act as “base camps” in differing regions of the state—we have a strong belief in the value of peer-run centers as base camps (we are presently engaged with a peer organization on the eastside in establishing a base camp center there).
We are looking to be supportive and work together with others. We tend to go only where invited and we are attempting to not force ourselves on anyone; also, we’re not looking for unsolicited advice but we enjoy hearing your wisdom. We have some REACH Toolkit ideas and we have learned a lot that we can share. If there are peer organizations that want to engage with CVAB in collaboration, please contact us.
Ha, Ha, Ha….Hope
Sometimes, this role drives me serious, too serious. I have forgotten how to enjoy what we are doing. The work we do isn’t rocket science, it is more important, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun. I have laughed with many of our peers in our centers and across WA. But there have been times when I get so wound up that I forget what we are doing and why….I lose hope. The work we are engaged in—personal and professional—emerges from hope and that should be enjoyable, even when it’s tough.
REACH
So there you have it. Hopefully this hasn’t been an overreach. The intent of this letter is to highlight CVAB’s successes and to be somewhat confessional regarding my shortcomings and desire to do better. I appreciate you reading it and hope you can celebrate with us our successes and lessons learned from our missteps. We also hope that you will choose to join us in our passion for peer services and people enjoying greater self-awareness, self-determination and self-sufficiency.
Respectfully,
Brad Berry
Executive Director
Happy Birthday to SVRC
Skagit Valley REACH Center is one year old...yesterday! Thanks to all that made this possible, especially you who are participating on any level in the life of the center.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Happy 2013!
Welcome to a New Year!
What are you doing to be proactive in your health, wellness and recovery in 2013?
Let us know how we can support you through one of our centers!
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Skagit Valley REACH Center Open!
The Skagit Valley REACH Center is open. Thanks to all who have supported this effort. A special "shout out" (is that still "in") to Jeff, Katherine, Tina, Kari and Rob - the staff of the center - and the volunteers who jumped in in the first few days.
Friday, January 20, 2012
CVAB Opening Skagit Valley REACH Center
CVAB will be opening the Skagit Valley REACH Center February 6, 2012.
Friday, September 9, 2011
A REACH WA Year One Update
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.
Go to http://www.cvabonline.com/html/reach_project.html and look for the August 2011 REACH Update.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Dog Days of Summer
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.
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.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
First OutREACH WA Tour a Success!
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.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
CVAB is forming the REACH WA Advisory Council
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.
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.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Impressed with the Work of Our Peers
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.
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.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Numbers?
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.
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
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.
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.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Happy St Pat's Day
In what has been a dreary winter... the green of today reminds us that Spring is coming.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
A Friend is Gone
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
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
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Robert Whitaker in Vancouver Too!
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
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
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.
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.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Legislative Activity
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.
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.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Extending Our REACH, Making Our Future in 2011
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.
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.
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