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BTS E-Newsletter Volume
3, Winter 2005 BTS ADVOCATES BREAK THE SILENCE NATIONWIDE School & Community Mental Illness Education Projects Word is spreading and perseverance prevails as we are “Breaking the Silence” about mental illness in communities across the country. "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." American anthropologist Margaret Mead speaks for us all, as we continue to crusade for mental illness education. Home
Base Happenings Parents, teachers, hospitals, NAMI groups, mental heath organizations and school health education departments are among those spearheading BTS projects. There are presentations and conferences being made to school nurses, teachers, administrative staff, psychologists, community centers, after school programs, colleges and the media. Many of you are going into the classroom and also presenting BTS at school assemblies. Some are offering in-service and staff training; others are reaching out to faith based community groups. Approaches vary but the out come is the same. Our corporate sponsor for the past three years, J&B Restaurant Partners, owners of Long Island Friendly’s Restaurants is funding BTS presentations at community libraries and school Parent Teacher Associations. In addition to a $5500.00 donation, they are offering all attendees coupons to a local Friendly’s. Try approaching a local business, offer them visibility and recognition in return for a donation that will contribute to your project. Press Release: MENTAL HEALTH IS EVERYONE'S BUSINESS. BTS acknowledges Mary DuBose McAiley for her continued efforts and $100.00 contribution from Chatrocks! Don’t forget to get your bracelet at www.chatrocks.org. Once again, Erin Callahan, our very special medical student volunteer who introduced BTS and the concept of mental illness education at the June student section of the American Medical Association continues to make a difference. We are told that the amended resolution reads,” Reducing Stigma and Increasing Detection of Mental Illness; An Initiative to Encourage Mental Health Education in Public Schools.” The resolution will be heard at the national AMA conference in Chicago in June. Erin has invited BTS co-authors Janet Susin and Lorraine Kaplan to present BTS to a medical student conference on mental illness at Albert Einstein Medical College. Erin was a spokesperson for a specific hormonal contraceptive and was paid $400.00 from Ogilvy for her interview. She donated it all to BTS. Thank you Erin! Looking Ahead/Evaluating
BTS BTS
en Espanol Big Plans in Texas According to Alfred Forsten and John Hoezel who co chair the group, their mantra will be "Children are 25% of our population, but 100% of our future". Their first meeting determined that the initial 25 volunteers would spearhead the outreach by creating grassroots regional organizations to target and partner with 15 to 20 ISD's as pilot sites for BTS implementation. The group will also be working with the Texas Education Agency on the importance of mental health for all students. Alfred's next presentation is to a group of mental health professionals at a mental health conference sponsored by the Houston MHMR Authority on their 40th Anniversary. No stone is left unturned; John Hoezel has prepared an article for the Texas Nami Newletter on the need to use BTS in the schools. This group plans on reaching out to 165 retired/active teachers from their church and to approach their Substance Abuse Provider Coalition which already has a presence in 19 local schools. Alfred, aforsten@earthlink.net Network,
Network, Network! When I play bridge, attend luncheons, go to parties or when people ask what I do in my spare time I tell them about my involvement with BTS. Since mental illness strikes one in five, (and most people do not talk about it), it is amazing to see the interest. I have a wonderful group of volunteers that have come through these informal conversations who are vital to our BTS outreach. So keep your eyes and ears open for opportunities to spread the word. You will be delighted with the wonderful results. Networking really works! Lorraine Kaplan, BTS Director of Educational Outreach, lorraine1118@optonline.net MHA
of San Mateo County Getting
Mental Illness Education in Through the Back Door That’s the bad news. The good news is that the document is described as a work in progress. NAMI-NYS’s Education Committee will ask for revisions and additions and, if necessary, form a coalition to press for change. We also expect to enlist the help of NYS Commissioner of Mental Health, Sharon Carpinello, who has put suicide prevention at the top of her advocacy agenda. Have any of you had experience trying to enact a requirement to include mental illness education in the health curriculum? Please tell us about it!! This is an area where we all have a lot to learn from one another. Janet Susin, BTS Project Director jasusin@optonline.net In
the Classroom I have been making headway implementing BTS in both middle and high school classes. I’m finding that these older kids are great listeners and have thoughtful, serious questions. It helps a lot to have health teachers who really feel this topic is important and lacking in their curriculum. One 5 th grade teacher coordinator told me recently that “my reputation has preceded me!” I have been presenting to all 5 th grade student classes in that school for 3 years and, apparently, both teachers and students look forward to my presentations – she said they seemed to be “glued” to their seats!! Of course, 4 th and 5 th graders ask the most questions and make the most comments! Every presentation offers a wonderful opportunity to reach at least one child or one adult who may be suffering the pain of mental illness. Carol Booth, cabteachworld@hotmail.com Girl
Scouts of Delaware-Raritan, Inc. NAMI
Tennessee orders and disseminates 200 BTS lesson plans and 200
posters! Brenda tells us that NAMI-TN is promoting BTS on a statewide level and is very hopeful that BTS will be implemented in Maury County. “I am very encouraged by the reports that I am receiving from other areas of the state. NAMI affiliates throughout Tennessee are working on obtaining permission to implement BTS in schools and other settings. Some affiliates and educators are currently educating children and youth in the classrooms. The need for mental illness education is strong and evident. I gave a PowerPoint presentation to a group of professionals on stigma and BTS. I was disappointed at the degree of laughter that occurred throughout my presentation. Prior to taking my seat, I did address the issue of their behavior and asked that they would work to reduce the stigma that they were perpetuating.” Tennessee doesn’t miss a beat, using every opportunity that arises. Brenda Dawson, Brenda.dawson@cornerstone.org NAMI Beaufort County is working hard to get their BTS program up and running. “We have a committee of seven volunteers who have reviewed the BTS material and are ready to present the information to local schools. We have modified the BTS PowerPoint presentation to include local mental health statistics. This presentation will be presented by our committee to school principals and other interested groups. We have already met informally with principals and counselors at 5 schools, but we are looking to formalize the process. Our goal for the upcoming year is to have BTS in an elementary, middle and high school. Once we’ve established ourselves in these schools and the word gets out about this great program, we plan to expand accordingly.” Visual aids help. If anyone needs a PowerPoint presentation, let BTS know. Susan Reid, Executive Director, NAMI Beaufort County nami@hargray.com Rural
Illinois NAMI-Vermilion County I often get frustrated
and feel as though no one listens. Until a person is faced with
mental illness (themselves or a loved one) there is little or
no understanding about these disorders. I was recently asked to
serve on a school improvement committee. I hope to promote awareness
of this misunderstood disease. I will be taking BTS with me! Congratulations
on your committee position, they are listening! Year’s
End Thomas Huxley, Physiologist, said it best, "Action is the catalyst that creates accomplishments. It is the path that takes us from uncrafted hopes to realized dreams." Congratulate yourself and keep moving ahead! Amy Lax, BTS Director of Public Relations & Development, AmyLax@optonline.net |
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