ChangingMinds

“NAMI Northern Illinois is dedicated to improving the quality of life of individualswith mental illness and their families through support, education and advocacy.”

Inside This Issue:

The Parity Task Force

Board of DirectorChanges

Future Programs

Happenings

Look Back

Grant Acknowledgments

Education Update

Volunteer Opportunities

Groups & Courses

2016 Summer

CONTACT US!

NAMI Northern IllinoisPO Box 6971

Rockford, IL 61125

Phone815-963-2470

Emailnaminorthernillinois@gmail.com

Websitenaminorthernillinois.org

NAMI Applauds New Parity Rule and Federal Parity Task Force

Mary Giliberti, CEO of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI),issued a statement following President Barack Obama’s announcementthat he will establish an interagency Mental Health and Substance UseDisorder Parity Task Force to improve implementation and enforcementof parity.

In addition, the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) Centersfor Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a final mental healthand substance use parity rule for both Medicaid and the Children’sHealth Insurance Program (CHIP) programs.

“NAMI is pleased that the final rule provides needed guidance on howthe federal parity law applies to Medicaid and CHIP plans,” Gilibertisaid. “It is a long road to achieve parity. Finalizing the rule is anotherstep forward.”

The Parity Task Force will be important for taking further steps forenforcement.

“In 2015, a NAMI parity report revealed that health insurers were denyingmental health care at nearly two times the rate of other medical care—often with no explanation. Greater enforcement is needed in order forthe promise of parity to be realized for the millions of Americans livingwith mental illness.”

Consider giving the gift that will keep giving . .Remember NAMI Northern Illinois in you Will or Living Trust, for example:

• Leave a portion of you Life Insurance• Designate NAMI Northern Illinois as a beneficiary of your IRA• Give cash or donation to:

NAMI Northern Illinois Community FoundationPO Box 6971, Rockford, IL 61125 946 N. 2nd St., Rockford, IL 61107

www.naminorthernillinois.org www.cfnil.org815-963-2470 815-962-2110 Ext. 16

Your gifts are most appreciated as they will guarantee the continued growth andsuccess of NAMI Northern Illinois. Donations reduce estate and income taxes.

Northern Illinois

Board of Directors

PresidentDavid Gill

Vice-PresidentSteve Huber

Mary Ann Abate

SecretaryMary Gubble Lee

TreasurerLynn McGill

Ex OfficioRobin Garvey

DirectorsNancy BasikJohn BurnsJoe Capone

Therese MichelsMike SchultzLisa Stevens

Uma Srivastava, MDMelissa Westphal

v v v v v v v v v v v v

Visit our Website:www.naminorthernillinois.org

Become a NAMI Northern Illinoismember by visiting the website or

mailing the form locatedon page 7 to

NAMI Northern IllinoisPO Box 6971

Rockford, IL 61125

815-963-2470 Summer 2016 Page 2

NAMI’s Board of Directors

The following people will step down from their positions as boardmembers:

Joe CaponePam JacobsonBernie MarinelliJean Morrow

Please join with us in thanking them for their dedication to helpingothers obtain a better future. We are so grateful for their time andservice with NAMI Northern Illinois.

Look who is joining our board:

Mike and Loretta Schultz have been involved withNAMI for 10 years. They have three children. Mikehas started a Mental Health Ministry at his churchand is working with others to start a ministry intheir church to provide a sanctuary, reduce stigmaand educate. Mike enjoys golf and would like togo fishing more. Mike retired from KelleyWilliamson Mobil in 2013 as a district salesmanager. – Michael Schultz

“I like to think I was born a patient advocate, somy profession in health care comes naturally. Addto that decades of watching two close familymembers live with mental illness, including thepainful navigation of the dysfunctional systemand, ultimately, their death, I am a true believerin the NAMI mission. I am looking forward tocollaborating with like minds to raise awarenessand eliminate the stigma of mental illness.” –Lisa Radcliffe Stevens

“I’m a writer by trade and spent 12 years as a reporter at the RockfordRegister Star, which is where I first learned aboutNAMI and had the opportunity to write aboutthe group’s great programs and volunteers. I livein Rockford with my husband, Andrew Wright,and now work in the communicationsdepartment at Rosecrance. I’m honored to jointhe NAMI Northern Illinois board and excited tohelp spread the word about this importantcommunity organization.” – Melissa Westphal

Northern Illinois

815-963-2470 Summer 2016 Page 3

ContinuingEducation Units

are availablethrough

The Illinois Centerof Excellence for

Behavioral Healthand Justice

forLSW, LCSW, LPC,

LCPC, LMFTand

Psychologists

Monthly Program

No Programs in July or August

September Program

Date: Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2016 – 6:30 p.m.Place: Stepping Stones of Rockford, IncTopic: Co-Occurring Disorder TreatmentPresenter: Maureen K. Shukis, BS, CADC, MHP,

clinician at the Rosecrance Ware Center

The Rosecrance Ware Center now offers a 10-week program thatintegrates mental health and substance abuse treatment. This fully-integrated, co-occurring disorder program combines group discussionand experiential activity to provide well-rounded treatment toparticipants. Group facilitator Maureen Shukis will present on co-occurring disorder treatment and engage the audience in group-buildingactivities typical of the program.

Mental Health Happenings

We are thrilled to announce that Dr. UmaSrivastava, one of our board members, has beenselected by NAMI National to receive a NationalAlliance on Mental Illness Exemplary PsychiatristAward. We hope you will join us in congratulatingDr. Srivastava on her dedication and service to herclients and the mental health community.

At our annual fundraiser, Sue Fiduccia received the Elected Official ofthe Year Award, the Rockford Register Star received the Excellence inMedia Award (accepted by Anna Derocher) and Jean Morrow receivedthe Friend of NAMI Award.

Northern Illinois

Committees

Consumer CouncilDarius Perry

EducationJean Morrow

Harriet Roll

FinanceLynn McGill

FundraisingJean Morrow

Annual FundraiserBernie Marinelli

GrantsCheryl Peters

LegislationNancy Basik

MIAWMary Gubbe Lee

Media ContactKathy Chamberlain

NewsletterPam Jacobson

ProgramsOpen Position

Reach Out TeamOpen Position

Stars of LightMary Gubbe Lee

RepresentativesAnne Gridh

Rosecrance Ware Center

Randy RobersonStepping Stones

NAMI Board MeetingsMeetings held last Tuesday of the

month; open to the public.Location Stepping Stones

of Rockford, Inc.

815-963-2470 Summer 2016 Page 4

Winnebago CountyState’s Attorney JoeBruscato gave awonderful presentationon bullying at our Mayeducational program.

Annual Event Thank-

Annual Event Thank You

NAMI Northern Illinois held its annual benefit on April 9, 2016. The event wassponsored by the generosity of Rosecrance Health Network; Michael & Mary AnnAbate; Genoa, a QOL Healthcare Company; Jack Wolf Auto Group; Uma Srivastava,MD; Harlem Roscoe Fire Department; Anthony D’Sousa, MD; Tuite Law; Robertand Harriet Roll; Kurlinkus Law Office, LLC; Thomas Grossner; and Jean Crosby.The event was hosted by LLL Society Club and their amazing, dedicated members.Attendees participated in “Once Upon A Murder,” an interactive murder-mysterypresented by Without A Net Theatre Troupe. The highlight of the evening was Maria’sPasta Fiesta Dinner prepared by Chef Joe Cason. This event would not be possiblewithout the dedication and hard work of our volunteers. Congratulations to SueFiduccia, who received the NAMI Elected Official of the Year Award for her supportand advocacy. We are grateful to the Rockford Register Star, which received theExcellence in Media Award for its work in raising awareness and advocating forbetter services for those with mental illness. Jean Morrow received the Friend ofNAMI Award for being one of the most dedicated and hard-working members ofNAMI. To all mental health supporters, we express our sincere gratitude.

Grant Acknowledgments

In the past year, NAMI Northern Illinois has been the recipient of several communitygrants. Our affiliate is privileged to have been granted support from the followingorganizations:

Community Foundation of Northern Illinois – Awarded $3,600 for training newinstructors and support group leaders

Try-Beta Club – Awarded $450 for projector to improve programs and presentations

Alpine Kiwanis Club – Awarded $1,000 for Stars of Light props and storage

U.S. Bank – Awarded $3,000 in support of NAMI education

Smith Charitable Foundation – Awarded $5,050 for Stars of Light sound system

Jack and Colleen Holmbeck – Awarded $1,000 for Stars of Light

Rockford Area Arts Council – Awarded $1,000 for Healing Arts art galley

Tommy Corral Memorial Foundation – Awarded $149.21 for teen suicide preventionactivities

We are so grateful to these organizations for allowing us to grow in our efforts andlive up to our mission.

Northern Illinois

815-963-2470 Summer 2016 Page 5

The Stars of Lighttraveling theatre troupe began

in 1995 and continues to this daywith dramatic, high-impact

presentations about the truenature of mental illness.

Performers include people withmental illness and other communityvolunteers that make performances

entertaining and informative.

Schedule Update& Volunteer Info:Mary Gubbe Lee

815-721-2247

naminorthernillinois.org

Education Update

In recent months, NAMI Northern Illinois has been awarded three grants foreducation purposes. Congratulations to Cheryl Peters, NAMI’s volunteer grant writer.The Catholic Women’s League grant supports NAMI Basics courses for caregiversof children and adolescents with mental illnesses, as well as In Our Own Voice(IOOV) presentations throughout the community. A six-week Basics course was held this spring at Alpine Lutheran Church, taughtby Kari Kelley and Simon Broughton. Alpine Lutheran also sponsored an In Our OwnVoice presentation during May, Mental Health Month, with over 125 people inattendance. Thank you to the Catholic Women’s League and Alpine Lutheran Churchfor their generous support of these two signature NAMI programs. Debbie Hartshorne and Rose Swanson taught a 12-week Family-to-Family courseat Stepping Stones. A generous donation from U.S. Bank covered the manuals,notebooks and miscellaneous expenses. Thank you to Stepping Stones for onceagain hosting the course.Expenses to train new teachers, facilitators and presenters have almost doubled inthe past year. A generous grant from the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois(CFNIL) will help fill the gap and allow new leaders to attend training. One FamilySupport facilitator and two NAMI Basics teachers have already been trained thisyear and in June, a new Family-to-Family teacher will be trained. Also, we plan tohave two new IOOV presenters trained in July. Have you attended NAMI support groups in the past? Did you find them beneficial?If so, please consider being trained to be a support group facilitator. The EducationCommittee would love to discuss the opportunities with you.

Volunteer Opportunities

JOIN OUR EDUCATION AND SUPPORT GROUP TEAMSCan you see yourself leading a NAMI support group? Maybe you would prefer toteach a Family-to-Family or NAMI Basics class. No experience is necessary. Trainingis offered by NAMI Illinois several times each year, and our affiliate would like tobegin to train more individuals as we continue to grow. This as a wonderfulopportunity to give back and help others.

JOIN OUR OUTREACH TEAMThere are many ways to help with this team.1. Give several hours and help us in the NAMI office organize promotional materials

to distribute in the community.2. Be a part of the distribution team. Choose from a selection of sites to put

NAMI materials on display.3. Join our health fair team.4. Be a part of our presentation team.

If interested in either of these opportunities, call 815-963-2470 today.We are growing. and it takes many hands to support, educate

and advocate for those who need us.

naminorthernillinois.org Summer 2016 Page 6

Family-to-Family

Learn to partner in re-covery with an adultfamily member withmental illness throughlistening & communica-tion, being prepared forcrisis, and developingempathy and advocacyskills.

* 2.5 hours weekly* 12-week course* 2 facilitators

NAMI Educational Courses NAMI Support Groups NAMI Speakers

Basics

F u n d a m e n t a linformation that helpscaregivers learn to takecare of themselves, theirfamilies and theirchildren with mentalillness and mentalhealth challenges ispresented.

* 2.5 hours weekly* 6-week course* 2 facilitators

Family Support

Confidential, safegroups for familymembers of peoplewith mental healthchallenges. FamilySupport Group forfamily members andclose friends of adults.Parent Support forparents/caregivers ofyouth.

* 1.5 hours monthly* 1-2 facilitators

Connection

Peer-led, recovery-focused support groupfor people living withmental illness.Confidential, safe groupoffers respect,u n d e r s t a n d i n g ,encouragement andhope.

* 1.5 hours weekly* 2 facilitators

In Our Own Voice

Presentations byindividuals with mentalhealth challenges whoshare their journeys,focusing on recoveryand hope. Audiencemembers gain insightabout living withmental illness.

* Public presentationsupon request

NAMI Support Group Schedule Free • No Registration Required

Family Support 1st Tuesday of the Month 7:00 pm SwedishAmerican Charles St Entrance NAMI OfficeJuly 5 – Aug 2 – Sept 6 Heart Hospital Conference Rm 2-3 815-963-2470

Family Support 3rd Tuesday of the Month 7:00 pm Our Savior’s 3300 Rural St. NAMI OfficeJuly 19 – Aug 16 – Sept 20 Lutheran Church Rockford, IL 815-963-2470

Family Support 3rd Monday of the Month 8:00 am Grandma’s 320 Chrysler NAMI OfficeJuly 18 - Aug 15 – Sept 19 Restaurant Belvidere, IL 815-963-2470

Parents of Youth 4th Monday of the Month 6:30 pm Heartland 1280 S Alpine Rd NAMI OfficeJuly 25 – Aug 22 – Sept 26 Church Rockford, IL 815-963-2470

NAMI Connection Every Sunday 2:00 pm SwedishAmerican Charles St. Entrance NAMI OfficeHeart Hospital Conference Rm 2-3 815-963-2470

For more information, call the NAMI Office at 815.963.2470

For updated course schedules, visit our website:naminorthernillinois.org

915-963-2470 Summer 2016 Page 7

Become a member of NAMI Northern Illinois

When you become a member in NAMI NorthernIllinois, you also become a member of NAMI Illinoisand NAMI National. We would like to welcome youto our family. We know you probably had a strugglegetting here, but you are not alone now. FromDiscovery to Recovery, NAMI wants to be there foryou. We want to help. What can we do for you? NAMI is the largest grassroots mental healthorganization dedicated to improving the lives ofpeople with serious mental illness and their families.Founded in 1979, NAMI has become the nation’svoice of mental illness, with affiliates in every stateand more than 1,100 local communities across thecountry. NAMI Northern Illinois is dedicated to the eradicationof mental illnesses and the improvement of thequality of life of all who are affected by these diseases.

We invite all counselors, professionals, consumers,friends and caregivers to become a member.Your membership entitles you to the following:• NAMI Illinois Stateline, the NAMI Advocate and

Changing Minds, our local newsletter• Advocacy at local, state, and national levels• Information on treatment options and

community services• Affiliate support groups and education• Reduced conference rates

Your entire membership fee is tax deductible. Thanksfor your support!

David M. Gill, President

NorthernIllinois

PO Box 6971Rockford, IL 61125

Return Service Requested

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDRockford, IL

Permit N. 757

Planning To Move?Please let us know your new address, so Changing Minds may follow you to your new home!

Call 815-963-2470 or email us at naminorthernillinois@gmail.com

Thank you!

www.naminorthernillinois.org