SUPPORTING THE WOUNDER WARRIOR
NAMI Hampton/Newport News is proud to announce the formation of a Family to Family Class in partnership with the Hampton VA Hospital. This unique class is designed for family members of veterans receiving services at the Hampton VA Hospital. The first class will be held after the 1st of the New Year. Please check back for details or call Bob Williams at 757-503-0743
NAMI Basics Class
This class is on hold pending sign-up. Please contact
Contact: Vrenda Larue
VLarue@hnncsb.org
What is NAMI Basics?
It is NAMI’s new signature education program for parents and other caregivers of children and adolescents living with mental illnesses
What are the goals of the NAMI Basics program?
· To give the parent/caregiver the fundamental information necessary to be an effective caregiver.
· To help the parent/caregiver cope with the traumatic impact that mental illness has on the child living with the illness and the entire family.
· To provide tools for the parent/caregiver to use even after completing the program that will assist in making the best decisions possible for the care of the child.
· To help the parent/caregiver take the best care possible of the entire family – especially themselves.
What does the course include?
· Introduction to the normative stages of emotional reactions of the family to the trauma of mental illness
· Insights into an empathic understanding of the subjective, lived experience of the child living with the mental illness
· Current information about Attention Deficit Disorder, Major Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Conduct Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Childhood Schizophrenia and Substance Abuse Disorders
· Information about the systems that are major players in the lives of children and adolescents with mental illness – the school system and the mental health system
· Exposure to personal record keeping systems that have proven to be effective for parents/caregivers in their interactions with the school and healthcare systems
· Information on planning for crisis management and relapse
· And many more topics
National Alliance on Mental Illness Hampton/Newport News
RECENT AWARDS
The Hampton Veterans Administration Hospital Chief Staff recognized two of our members at a meeting last week. Char Cate and Evelyn Steward were recently recognized by Dr. Hankins at the Mental Health/ Behavioral Science Medical Staff meeting on June 9, 2010. They were recognized in front of about 40 colleagues. Both were presented with certificates and were taken to lunch afterwards.
Deborah S.Vick, Psy.D.a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Local Recovery Coordinator said, “I cannot say enough about what a wonderful job these two volunteers did. They did not miss a class. They integrated top level professionalism and deep compassion for those they served. They are two of the most inspiring and generous spirited people I have met. If there is a way to nominate them for a statewide or national NAMI award, I would be happy to do so. The 17 families they helped benefitted greatly. Ms. Cate and Steward have volunteered to lead another class this fall beginning Sept. 9”.
She also that she would like to talk with NAMI about the possibility of coordinating a NAMI walk for Veterans sometime in the fall. Ms. Vick also stated that NAMI and the Veteran's Administration have signed another MOU for three years.
Contacts are Rachel Shaw, 739-0488, rlws@cox.net or Layne Hunt 766-2042, ELVHUNT@hotmail.com
Family to Family class is only for FAMILY MEMBERS, partners, or caregivers of those who have been diagnosed with a major mental illness, such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder,major depression, schizoaffective disorder, borderline personality disorder. "The course covers the medical, social. and emotional aspects of your loved ones' illness as well as coping skills and self-care information.
Funding for this program is provided by a generous grant from the "Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Development Services
Registration required as space is limited. Call or email today. This class is offered FREE of charge.
APRIL 2010 Newsletter

Carol Evans President of NAMI Virginia Presents Cheryl DeHaven
with
the
"2009 NAMI Virginia
Outstanding Consumer of the Year Award"!
Cheryl is our Director of Consumer Affairs
Congradulation to super lady!!!!