Welcome new staff

Vol. XXIV, No. 1
March 2010
Welcome new staff
WALK Manager
Volunteer
Coordinator
Todd Sutton joined
our team on
February 10th as our
NAMIWalks for the
Mind of America
Manager. He will
be responsible for
garnering
sponsorships, in-kind donations, recruiting volunteers
and walk teams, and, oh yes, also for coordinating the
Walk event (mark your calendars for October 2nd!).
Todd’s enthusiasm for his new position has already
resulted in the registering of Walk teams on our
website, so get ready to get pumped up! Todd has an
extensive background in program service for
individuals living with mental illness and truly
embraces our mission. Todd is engaged to be married
to Sarah, and his blended family includes three
children: Danielle, Mitchell, and Jack. In his free
time, he enjoys reading, writing, watching/playing
hockey, and new-found passion for painting and
photography. Todd says he is honored to be able to
contribute to an organization as valuable to our
community as NAMI Fox Valley. To talk to him
about all things related to the Walk, contact him at
954-1550 or [email protected].
Karen Schiller joined
us on February 1st in a
newly created position
as our Volunteer
Coordinator. Karen
will be working with
the volunteers to
coordinate programs
and services such as Family-to-Family, SPARK, and the
New Hope Connections Consumer Support Groups.
Karen has a background in fundraising, development and
marketing and has volunteered with NAMI for more than
two years as a support group facilitator. In her free time,
she stays active with family, especially her son, Nick. She
says she is excited to join the NAMI Fox Valley staff and
work with the amazing volunteers who provide education,
support and advocacy for people with mental illness, their
families and our community. Please contact Karen if you
are interested in volunteering or if you have any feedback
on the volunteer program. She can be reached at 9541550 or [email protected].
Meet our newest Board member
Christine Cornell joined our Board of Directors in
January, bringing a unique perspective gained from her
many years of serving as a nurse for the Appleton Area
School District. Christine says that she has witnessed the
impact of mental illness on students, parents, and school
staff, leaving her passionate about efforts to improve the
quality of life for individuals and families impacted by
mental illness. Christine has been a community volunteer
for all of her adult life. Past leadership experiences
include president of The Arc of Outagamie County Board
of Directors, president of The Community Hospice
Foundation, and membership on the SAC Grants
Committee of the Community Foundation of the Fox
Valley Region. She currently volunteers for ThedaCare at
Home Hospice and LEAVEN, as well as Foster School –
continued on page 2
Vet’s Corner
Iris Garden
Reset, not Setback
Consumer Corner
Annual meeting recognizes
outstanding efforts
Medication collection box
In memory
Guns and Hoses hockey game
Karen Writes
p. 2
p. 3, 4, 9, 10
p. 5
p. 6
p. 7
p. 8
p. 10
p. 10
p. 11
continued from page 1
Vet’s Corner
Submitted by Sandy Pharis,
Project Coordinator
Great things have been happening here at the affiliate
regarding the group and the Project. The Veteran’s
Project fund has been growing with personal donations
and grants from Menasha Corp., Bemis Corporation, and
the Green Bay Packers Foundation. Capital Credit
Union, with eleven branches in the Fox Valley, raffled off
a moped and generously donated the proceeds to the
Vet’s fund. We plan on continuing with small raffles
throughout the year and possibly a brat fry. We will keep
you informed so you can come and support your local
Vet’s group.
We have had a few more Vet’s join the group over the
past two months. The word is getting out and we
couldn’t be happier. Please remember if you know of a
Vet or family members who are in need of assistance, we
are here to help. We have many resources to help
children, spouses and the soldier or Veteran right here in
the office. If we do not have the answer, we will find it
out for you.
On January 21st , Lannia Syren from NAMI Wisconsin
one of our facilitators and myself were invited to speak to
Secretary Ken Black of the Dept. of Veteran’s Affairs.
He wanted information on NAMI in general and what
the organization was about. He was very interested in
hearing about what we are doing here in the Fox Valley.
On February 18th, I was asked to present to the
Wisconsin Board of Veterans Affairs in Madison. I
covered the signature programs we offer and, specifically,
what we offer for our Veteran’s and family members.
Several members of the Board spoke up in agreement
that we should all be working in collaboration to help our
Veteran’s and their families. In addition to the members
of the Board, about 60 other people attended the
meeting, including County Veterans Service Officers
from around the State.
The NAMI Fox Valley Veterans family mourn the loss of
one of its own on January 28th. Rick Biesterveld
(USMCR) Retired had been a founding member of the
group. Rick was an Iraq Vet who died unexpectedly and
will be truly missed. One of Rick’s family members
attended our Vet’s group and was welcomed with open
arms. She was supported in a way only Veteran’s can do.
2
Heritage Special Friends Program. Christine serves on
the United Way Fox Cities Impact Area: Promoting
Health, Healing, and Crisis Intervention and is the liaison
with Harbor House and Christine Ann Domestic Abuse
Center. Christine has authored a book entitled A Guide
for the Future: Planning for the Care of a Family
Member with a Disability, and presented workshops
promoting this publication. Her leisure interests include
travel, camping and hiking, writing, sewing, cooking, arts
performances, and reading. She enjoys spending time with
her two grown children, Eric and Cara Edwards, and
being very involved in church activities. Christine recently
joined the Chaminade women’s chorus and bell ringers.
Christine writes, “I am so pleased to join the NAMI
Board of Directors. I hope that my enthusiasm and
various volunteer experiences will benefit this great
organization. I look forward to getting to know NAMI
staff and board members.”
Watch the June edition of The Alliance for an opportunity
to meet more members of the NAMI Fox Valley Board of
Directors.
Did you get a dot?
Submitted by Helen Timm, Administrative Coordinator
It’s time to renew your membership! Please check
your address label…if you find a red dot, your
membership has expired and it’s time to renew. If
you’ve never been a member, your red dot means “Join
Now!” Paying for your annual membership is even
easier now that you may do so via our website and
PayPal. Go to www.namifoxvalley.org, click on
membership, and follow the directions.
NAMI FV is proud to be
associated with United Way.
IRIS GARDEN
Submitted by Karen Schiller, Volunteer Coordinator &
Helen Timm, Administrative Coordinator
Heartfelt thanks to the following for their donations of
time, talent, and funds:
Thanks to Dinny Grueneberg (mailing coordinator),
Yvonne Ebben, Cathy Glasheen, Jim Glasheen, Shayrn
Gowlick, Cathy Grambsch, John Rose and Elayne Schabo
for helping with the December newsletter mailing.
This year’s holiday party was a great success thanks to the
following volunteers from NAMI: Jeff Aspenson, Richard
Bauer, Marsha Brewer, Lynda Dahlen, Burga Foltz,
Alisson Frigo, Alan Frigo, Adam Good, Butch Grondahl,
Amika Gruber, Dinny Grueneberg, Joan Helbing, George
Herberg, Emily Lillo, Karenna Lillo, Veton Mattson,
Alice Parks, Kara Patterson, Jackie Peters, Lauren Peters,
Megan Peters, Robin Risgaard, April Schmidt, Jimmy
Schneider, Cory Schultz, Gina Thern, Greg Thousand,
Ralph Timm, Nancy Van Gomple and Mike Williams.
Thanks to Lori Hill and the staff and volunteers from
Friendship Place, and to Brian Brux and the staff and
volunteers of the Outreach Center for their help planning
and presenting this year’s holiday party.
Thanks to Girl Scout volunteers Beth Ann Lotton, Don
Lotton, Jasmine Price, Karla Price, Tamara Price, Kayce
Sanders and Miranda Verhagen for their help at this year’s
holiday party.
Special thanks to the members of the Valley Flute
Ensemble, Sandra Doepker, Rebeka Dorn, Laurel
Marchikowske, Ras Rozite and Eileen Thomas for the
beautiful music they provided to guests at this year’s holiday
party.
Our continued appreciation goes out to our dedicated
office volunteers: Richard Bauer, our NAMI Ambassador,
who does everything from taking out the trash to
supporting consumers that come through our doors. Cathy
Grambsch puts together folders for many of our education
and support programs and does such a great job making
sure our presenters and facilitators have the materials they
need. Alice Baumbach organizes and compiles all of our
data and provides summaries for our agency and United
Way. Scott Adler serves as an amazing advocate for
veterans: he not only advocates for change but also makes
many community presentations on the issue. Thanks to
Marilyn Mosher for her continued help in answering calls
and writing letters to consumers and family members.
Roger Mosher continues to manage NAMI’s Endowment
Fund, and we thank him for helping us to build and
maintain a fund to ensure the future of our work. Thanks
to Jim Baumbach for his work on the website. Thanks to
Ras Rozite for keeping our library in order – it’s a great
resource for all who walk through our doors and we
appreciate Ras’ organization.
Thanks to the many officers who attended the Advanced
CIT Training in January 2010. The work of these officers
and all the CIT Officers in our community makes a
difference in helping to reduce trauma for consumers and
address crisis situations. Thank our trained CIT police
officers for their dedication to their daily work in our
community.
Thanks to the continued dedication of our NAMI Fox
Valley Board Members. Their oversight of the agency
provides great leadership and direction for all of us.
Current board members are: President – Joan Helbing,
Vice President – Mike Williams, Secretary - Chris
Craggs, Treasurer – Vicki Running, Jim Baer, Richard
Bauer, Christine Cornell, Rachel Fitzgerald, Jim
Marshall, Jackie Peters, April Schmidt, Brandt
Swardenski, Tom Tatlock and Joe Troy. Special thanks to
Mike Mollon and Amy Jordan, whose terms ended in
2009.
Thanks to our dedicated support group facilitators. Each
week NAMI Fox Valley has eight support groups that are
led by these trained and dedicated facilitators. Thanks to
Mindy Arneson, Richard Bauer, Tammy Bradley, Bob
Brooks, Chris Craggs, Norma Czarnik, Julie Edwards,
Amy Fifield, Kathy Glick, Angel Gruber, Patrick Haskett,
Michelle Heindl, Janet Malcolm, Tom Morrissey, Kara
Patterson, Sandy Pharis and Miles Sutter.
Thanks to our In Our Own Voice presenters who share
their story with members of our community. Scott Adler,
Richard Bauer, Janet Malcolm, Patrick Nelson and Greg
Pekarske-Siers have all made presentations in the past
three months.
Thanks to our help line volunteers who answer calls when
the office is closed – Karen Aspenson, Helene Iverson,
Virginia Johnson and Sherry Williams.
Thanks to Jeff Eiden and the staff at Print Source Plus for
the wonderful job they do printing our newsletter and
getting it done promptly each time.
Thanks to Ken Rahmlow for plowing our driveway and
parking lot and keeping our sidewalks clean.
Thanks to Richard Bauer, Janet Malcolm and Sandy
Pharis who recently completed a Peer-to-Peer training at
Oneida Behavioral Health. This was the first Peer-to-Peer
training presented there, but we look forward to an
ongoing relationship!
continued on page 4
3
continued from page 3
ARC Fox Cities for donation of books for the NAMI Fox
Valley library.
Simple Simon Bakery and Monarch Gardens (Appleton)
for discounts on buns and potato salad for the holiday party.
George Herberg for donating a motion light and installing
it on the NAMI garage.
Kimberly-Clark Corporation for a donation of 3-ring
binders and to Kate Hancock-Cooke for her work in
organizing the donation pick-up.
Gerry & Verna Sigl, who recognized the excellent service
of CIT Officer Dan Running of the Fox Valley Metro
Police Department with a $25 gift card and to Officer
Running for donating the gift card to be used as we see fit.
Sexual Assault Crisis Center for their donation of a booth
that we will utilize at the NAMI Walk, Octoberfest and
hopefully other events.
Menasha Corporation Foundation for a $10,000 grant,
and to the Green Bay Packers Foundation for a $1,000
grant, both to be used for the veterans program.
Doug and Carla Salmon Foundation through the Fidelity
Charitable Gift Fund for the $500 grant.
Helene Iverson for donating Closing the Chasm by
Benjamin Diven, to the NFV library
Connie Schaefer for donating An Unquiet Mind by Kay
Redfield Jamison to the NFV library
Real Estate Group Foundation within the Community
Foundation for the Fox Valley Region for a $200 grant,
and the Fox Cities Stadium Charitable Fund within the
Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region for a
$5,000 grant, both unrestricted.
Schmidt Family G4 Fund Committee within the
Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region for a
$11,000 grant for general operating expenses.
Valley Kids Foundation Inc. for the $1,000 grant to be used
for programs involving children under the age of 18 years.
St. Elizabeth Hospital Community Foundation for a
$4,500 grant to be used for Peer-to-Peer Education and
KidShop programs.
ThedaCare for $400 in matching employer gifts and $200
each from their employees Kelli Celsor and Jean Blaney.
Wisconsin Energy Foundation for a $500 grant for
general operating expenses.
Dave and Dinny Grueneberg for a donation of $45 as a
Christmas gift in honor of Gayle, Max and Cory Schultz.
Margaret Thums for a $100 donation in honor of Sandy
Panzer.
Herb Clark for a $50 donation in memory of Dick
Guenther and Arold Leafe and The Prudential
Foundation for $50 in matching gifts.
An Anonymous Christmas gift of $5,000.
Angel Gruber for a $20 donation for the New Hope
Connections Support Group.
Robert L. Keller Fund within the Community Foundation
of the Fox Valley Region for a $5,000 grant.
Thrivent Financial for Lutheran Foundation for $100
employer matching gifts and to their employee Judy
Brooks for her $100 donation.
Mindy Arneson for a donation of a desktop printer and for
donating the following books to the NFV library:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder for Dummies
Borderline Personality Disorder for Dummies
Melatonin: Clinical Perspectives
2007 Edition PDR Nurse’s Drug Handbook
4
Schizophrenia for Dummies
Depression for Dummies
Dialectical Behavior Therapy in Clinical Practice: Applications
Across Disorders and Settings
Physicians’ Desk Reference (63rd Edition, 2009)
Wellness Recovery Action Plan by Mary Ellen Copeland, PhD
Grieving for Dummies
Overcoming Anxiety for Dummies
Postpartum Depression for Dummies
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder for Dummies
Seasonal Affective Disorder for Dummies
John Wallschlaeger for a $100 gift for the veterans group
in memory of Rick Biesterveld.
Kim Lillo did a remarkable job in garnering donations of
gift cards for the holiday party from the following
businesses:
Target – Fox River Mall
Walgreen Drug Store – Casaloma Drive
Sub-Way Subs & Salads – Northland Avenue
Cousins Subs – Northland Avenue
Papa Murphy’s Pizza – Northland Avenue
Culver’s – Westhill Boulevard
Arby’s – Northland Avenue
Topper’s Pizza
Fazoli’s – Richmond Street
Golden Corral
Hardee’s – Capitol Drive
Sabre Lanes
continued on page 9
Consumers as Providers (CAP)
NAMI Fox Valley, with support from NAMI Wisconsin,
offered the Consumers as Providers (CAP) course, a 15week class that prepares mental health consumers to be
certified as Peer Specialists, opening up employment
opportunities in that capacity with the mental health
system of care. As part of the coursework, students
submitted papers on various topics.
Reset, not setback
Submitted by Faith Boersma, CAP Graduate
In her article, “Hospitalization: Setback or Reset?”
Michelle Roberts explores both the advantages and
disadvantages of inpatient psychiatric hospitalization for
mental health consumers who are experiencing acute
symptoms of their illness. She considers the issue from the
viewpoints of consumers and mental health professionals,
gathering data from various personal experiences as well as
provider observation and professional studies. Roberts
does not offer one definite conclusion or recommendation,
and I would argue that she should not, due to the unique
and individual nature of each consumer experience.
Perhaps more valuably, given the article’s context of
publication in bp Magazine, “[whose] mission is to
empower people with hope, helpful tools and ongoing
support – so they will feel informed, equipped and
motivated to meet their challenges of bipolar disorder and
live productive, fulfilling lives” (bp Magazine Mission
Statement), the article provides some valuable insight and
guidelines to consider when determining whether
hospitalization is the best answer given a particular
situation, and how to prepare in order to achieve a reset
instead of a setback. Furthermore, Roberts provides the
reader a thought-provoking framework within which to
positively conceptualize his or her own hospital experience.
Though most inpatient stays are voluntary, nearly all of the
consumers who contributed to the article voiced their
sentiments that hospitalizations are somewhat of a
necessary evil. As social worker and consumer Melissa
Hensley puts it, “I don’t think anyone finds the experience
of hospitalization pleasant […]. I wasn’t always happy
about it […], but it was always about safety […] “(Roberts,
2008, 21). With this in mind, it is important to first
carefully determine whether hospitalization is indeed
necessary, and for how long the patient will stay. Roberts
states that, ultimately, it is the treating psychiatrist and the
insurance provider who make the determination to
authorize and extend inpatient services, which depends
largely on how severe the symptoms of the illness
manifest. However, the stronger an individual’s support
network, the more likely he or she will be able to receive
adequate care in a less restrictive setting, perhaps even at
home. Because hospitalization may someday be inevitable,
though, Roberts recommends that in order to assuage fears
of the unknown and ensure a more comfortable stay, the
consumer be proactive with advance preparation,
specifically by researching and even visiting specific
hospitals.
Roberts’s real strength in her coverage of the topic is her
ability to investigate the issue with a consumer-driven
focus, evoking the voice of the consumer through real-life
experiences and opinions. Rather than merely citing facts
and figures, she stops to ask about how the hospitalization
experience feels, what it means to the individual, and what
truly works, what doesn’t and why. Thus she frames an
important question: how does one turn such an experience
into a positive reset rather than a negative setback, not
only in a physical sense but within the context of one’s
mind? Roberts and her consumers conclude that
preparing to eliminate as many agonizing, negative factors
as possible and changing one’s mental perspective to focus
on the beneficial aspects of hospitalization helps to make it
more of a positive experience. In the words of consumer
family member Jennifer Jacquet-Murray, “With every
hospitalization, there’s some insight that comes, some
enlightenment or transformation that comes with it. And
while it’s extremely painful […] it’s good in the end’”
(Roberts, 2008, 23).
However, Roberts neglects the one aspect of
hospitalization that I would argue, at least in my personal
experience, is most significant to successful recovery –
post-discharge continuation of care. Her only comment on
the subject is: “As the crisis lessens and the person is better
able to assume the challenge, mental health care
professionals can help him or her to plan for discharge and
connect with the community-based services that will help
the individual to continue recuperating at home” (Roberts,
2008, 18-19).
I have been hospitalized for severe symptoms of mental
illness about fifteen times, and though most of these
instances were indeed necessary to ensure my own safety,
not many accomplished a lasting positive outcome for me.
In retrospect, those hospitalizations that I would consider
constructive to my recovery entailed a great deal of
discharge planning and follow-up care, including
graduated outpatient hospitalization, group and individual
therapy, utilization of community resources, and creation
of a strong support network. Mary Ellen Copeland, in her
book, “Wellness Recovery Action Plan,” echoes these
sentiments, recalling her own setback experiences due to
continued on page 8
5
Consumers’
Corner
Submitted by Tammy Bradley,
Consumer Coordinator
Games and pizza night
This event saw 15 people
engaged in rousing games of
Zobmondo, Apples to Apples,
and Yahtzee. Gift certificates
received from Pizza King covered the cost of
refreshments. Judging from the high spirits, everyone
had a really nice time.
Bowling
Fourteen people gathered at the
10th Frame bowling alley for an
afternoon of spares, strikes, and
more than a few gutter balls.
But who keeps score anyways?
Thank you to everyone who
attended and gave it their all.
Barlow Planetarium
We will visit the Barlow Planetarium on Wednesday,
March 17th, at 7 pm. We will meet at the planetarium,
located at 1478 Midway Road, Menasha. The show
runs for about one hour. Cost to attend is $1, which
should be paid at group when you sign up.
Guns and Hoses play for CIT
Following last year’s very successful event, the Appleton
Police Department and the Appleton Fire Department
will once again play a charity hockey game to benefit
the Crisis Intervention
Team (CIT) initiative of
NFV. The game will be
played on Saturday, April
17th, at the Appleton
Family Ice Center, 1717
E. Witzke Blvd.,
Appleton (inside
Memorial Park). Doors
open at 6:30 pm with
face-off at 7:30 pm.
You’ll want to arrive early so you can get some of the
Fire Department’s famous firehouse chili and the Police
Department’s awesome pulled pork sandwiches.
6
Community education events
ThedaCare Behavioral Health sponsors the following
events:
“Under Construction: The Teen Brain” – workshop
features a presentation on the latest adolescent brain
research and the implications for parenting and
prevention. Wednesday, March 10, 5:30 – 7:30 pm,
JR Gerritts Middle School, 545 S. John Street,
Kimberly.
“Darkness to Light: Child Sexual Abuse” – Helen
Kobussen of the Sexual Assault Crisis Center will
present information designed to increase public
awareness of child sexual abuse. Thursday, April 15,
6:30 – 8:00 pm, Wilson Middle School, 225 N.
Badger Avenue, Appleton.
“Staying Connected to Your Connected Teen” – a
primer on social networking and the internet to help
adults help teens stay safe in the digital universe.
Monday, April 19, 5:30 – 7:30 pm, JR Gerritts
Middle School, 545 S. John Street, Kimberly
What you need to know:
GLBTQI Individuals
NAMI offers a new pamphlet entitled “A mental
health recovery and community integration guide for
GLBTQI individuals: What you need to know.” This
publication is designed to help answer important
questions of people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual,
transgender, questioning, or intersex (GLBTQI) and
are also seeking help with a mental illness. Copies
may be ordered from the books and publications
section of the NAMI Store at www.nami.org.
It’s conference time!
The NAMI Wisconsin annual conference will be held
on April 30 – May 1 at the Hotel Radisson in Green
Bay. A limited number of consumer scholarships are
available. Go to www.namiwisconsin.org for more
information or to register.
The NAMI annual conference will take place June 30
– July 3 in Washington, DC. This year’s theme is
“Recovery and Reform: The Road From Here.” Go
to www.nami.org for more information or to register.
Annual meeting recognizes
outstanding efforts
The Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet was held
on January 12th at Michiel’s Fox Banquets in
Appleton, providing an opportunity for recognition of
outstanding efforts of many who assist us in reaching
our mission:
“Professional Service Award” was presented to
Captain David Kiesner of the Outagamie County
Sheriff ’s Department for his work in promoting
training on mental illness for jail staff.
“Professional Service Award” was presented to the
Jennifer Miller-Houtz, Terry Seefeldt, and Scott Anderson of Outagamie
Mental Health Division of the Outagamie County
County mental health services accept the “Professional Service Award.”
Department of Health & Human Services for their
staff ’s support of the CIT law enforcement initiative.
“Community Partnership Award” was presented to the
St. Elizabeth Hospital Foundation in recognition of
their support of all non-profit agencies in our
community.
“Outstanding Volunteer Awards” were presented to
Richard Bauer and Rasma Rozite for their work with
our various programs and services.
“CIT Officer of the Year Award” was presented to
Sergeant Polly Olson of the Appleton Police
Department in recognition of the knowledge gained and
used from her specialized training about mental illness
through the CIT initiative.
“Frank Mixdorf Distinguished Service Award” was
presented to Mike and Mary Mollon for their many
years of service and leadership in support of the
mission of the affiliate.
Richard Bauer is congratulated by Karen Aspenson for
receiving the “Outstanding Volunteer Award.”Award.”
Tonya Dedering, Executive Director of the St. Elizabeth Hospital
Foundation, expresses her thanks for the “Community Partnership
Award.”
Award winners Polly Olson, Dave Kiesner, Rasma Rozite, and Mike &
Mary Mollon pose with their award plaques.
7
continued from page 5
lack of follow-up care: “However, any positive effects from
these hospitalizations were quickly negated when I got
home” (2002, 41). She suggests that the consumer create a
detailed Post-Crisis Plan to ensure that his or her needs
are met following an acute episode. I wholeheartedly agree
with this idea of self-advocacy and pro-activity on the part
of the individual, as all too often the system seems to fail
the consumer at this critical stage.
This failure may be due in part to a lack of resources, as
suggested by Charles A. Rapp and Richard J. Gosha in
their book, “The Strengths Model: Case Management
with People with Psychiatric Disabilities.” They state,
“Psychiatric hospitals still consume a significant portion of
all mental health expenditures” (2006, 12). Thus, they
assert, few of the already limited resources are left to assist
consumers with continued care in an integrated,
normalized setting. I believe there also exists a lack of
insight on the part of mental health providers in general as
to the immediacy and necessity of continuation of care
once the individual is deemed competent enough to return
home. Hence, it is imperative that the consumer take the
proverbial bull by the horns and decide for him or herself
what is personally needed for successful, sustained recovery
and to utilize his or her social support system to find and
implement those tools and resources. I believe that this,
not preparation or a positive mental outlook (though these
are indeed both very significant factors), is the essential
element to a constructive mental health hospitalization.
Articles referenced: Copeland, M.E. (2002). Wellness Recovery Action
Plan. West Dummerston, Vermont: Peach Press; Rapp, C.A., & Gosha,
R.J. (2006). The Strengths Model: Case Management with People with
Psychiatric Disabilities. New York: Oxford University Press; Roberts,
M. (Summer 2008). Hospitalization: Setback or Reset? bpMagazine. (4)
3, 18-23.
Endowment Fund news
The NAMI Fox Valley Endowment Fund exists
to provide a source of self-sustaining income for
the affiliate. Four funds in memory of individuals
have been established within the larger body of
the Fund: the Daniel S. Evans Memorial Fund,
established in 2005; the Dr. Bruce Heyl
Memorial Fund, established in 2009; the Sue
Schouten Memorial Fund, established in 2009;
and the Lee Kleinhans Memorial Fund, also
established in 2009. You may direct your
Endowment giving to any of these individual
funds, as well as to the larger Fund, at any time.
8
Medication collection box
a new service of APD
Submitted by Captain Julie Bahr, Appleton Police Department
The Appleton Police Department is pleased to announce
the opening of a medication collection box, located in the
lobby of the Appleton Police Department at 222 S. Walnut
Street. This collection box will be available 24 hours a day,
7 days a week, to provide an environmentally safe,
completely anonymous, free method for consumers to
dispose of their unused or unwanted prescription and
nonprescription medications.
Pharmaceutical waste constitutes a significant
environmental problem, especially to our drinking water.
Studies conducted both nationally and state-wide have
uncovered many of these drugs in our drinking water, and
the negative effects of these substances on the general
population are only now beginning to be studied and
understood.
Pharmaceutical drugs, when abused or taken incorrectly,
pose a substantial health risk. Of all of the illegal drugs
found in the Fox Cities, more deaths are attributed to the
pharmaceutical drug category than all of the other drug
types combined.
The opening of this pharmaceutical collection box is the
result of a collaborative effort between several local
agencies and organizations, including the Appleton Police
Department, the Lake Winnebago Area MEG Unit, the
Outagamie County Department of Solid Waste, the
Calumet County - UW Extension, Morton Pharmacies,
the Appleton Health Department, the Community
Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, and the Appleton
Area School District Career Academy.
Users of the medication collection box should leave
medications in their original containers (do not combine
multiple prescriptions in a single container), cross out their
name or other personally identifiable information, but
leave the name of the medication on the bottle. There is
no fee for the use of this service, but only household
medications will be accepted - no commercial, business, or
long term care deposits are allowed. Additional
information about the drug collection box, guidelines for
its use, or general information about this project, is
available at www.ocdrugdrop.org or by picking up a
brochure (next to the drop box) available at the Appleton
Police Department.
continued from page 4
Copper Rock Coffee – Edgewood Drive
Panera Bread – College Avenue
Atlanta Bread Company
Family Video – Calumet Street
Muncheez Pizza
Fuddrucker’s
Mill’s Fleet Farm
HuHot Mongolian Grill
The Stone Yard – Edgewood Trail
Cinder’s Charcoal Grill – Wisconsin Avenue
Morton Pharmacy
Consumer Prescription Center
The following donated gifts and other items for the
holiday party:
Alisson & Alan Frigo
Derek & Sara Geffers
Terry & Carol Lietzke
Nancy Runde
Joan Helbing
Ralph & Helen Timm
Appleton Area School District
Paul & Sonia Frigo
Diane Enter
Rachel Fitzgerald
Christine Cornell
Angel Gruber
Student Services Dept.
The following donations were received toward consumer
scholarships for the annual banquet:
Jeff & Karen Aspenson - $50
Dennis & Marlene Braun - $25
Dennis Brinkman - $50
Carl Eichenauer - $100
Timothy & Ann Emenecker - $50
Joan Helbing - $15
Gerry & Peg Henseler - $50
George Herberg - $10
Thomas & Ann Jaden - $50
Carol Ligare - $25
Lois E. Mercado - $25
Marilyn Mosher - $25
Tom Morrissey - $25
Tim & Bonnie Reich - $100
LeRoy & Sandy Spielbauer - $10
Marlene Stigney - $5
Mike & Sherry Williams - $50
Lee & Kathy Stromberg - $50
Gifts under $100
Marion Archambault - $60
Jack & Margaret Berkers - $50
Linda Brandt - $10
Carol Edwards - $50
Marie Huhn - $40
Peter & Brenda Huhn - $25
Thomas & Ann Jadin - $50
Joan Jansen - $10
Debra Jepson - $40
Jane Keggi - $50
Estelle Moes - $10
Virginia Schneider - $10
Leah Schwartz - $20
Bob & Char Sigman - $50
Cindy Winkelman - $45
Gifts of $100
Robert & Bernadette Bachman
Steve & Mary Evans
John & Joyce Green
Jerome & Barbara Herb
Patricia Hurley
John Kuehn & Elaine Crowley
Todd & Ellen Needham
Nancy & Gary Van Gomple
A. John & Sandra Wiley
Earl Zwicker
Chris Craggs
A. Sherman Frinak
Bill & Fran Henry
Tom & Judy Hooyman
Jerry & Helene Iverson
Randall & Joene Lauerman
Susan & Jim Springborn
Terry & Weiland
Raymond & Lois Wolff
Gifts over $100
Tim & Nancy Collentine - $335
Charles & Kathryn Collins - $145
Janet Gunderson - $105
Ralph & Arlene Kneisler - $300
Eugene & Linda Schiesl - $250
Joseph Troy - $450
Katie Vanderheiden - $300
John Wallschlaeger - $250
John & Debra Woodworth - $200
The NAMI Fox Valley Endowment Fund has recently
received the following donations:
IN MEMORY OF LEONA KLEINHANS
Jeff & Karen Aspenson - $100
Jack & Margaret Berkers - $50
Susan & James Bero - $25
Rosemary Davis - $100
Mary Downs - $15
Burga Foltz - $30
Bette Froehlich - $50
George Herberg - $20
Carol Ligare - $25
Clark McCurdy - $100
Bob & Judy Mickelson - $40
Mike & Mary Mollon - $25
Tom & Diana Morrissey - $100
Dr. Roger & Marilyn Mosher - $100
Jennifer Mulloy - $25
Betsy Nagel - $500
Fred & Barbara Pahl - $25
Agris & Rasma Rozite - $25
Rev. Curt & Jean Schneider - $25
Ellen Schulz - $50
Susan Schulz - $50
Tom & Ruth Stingle - $20
Ralph & Helen Timm - $25
Barbara Westhofen - $25
Wyon & Mary Jo Wiegratz - $25
Theda Care – The Heritage - $35
continued on page 10
9
continued from page 9
IN MEMORY OF DR. BRUCE HEYL
Marion Archambault - $50
Dr. Mark & Dr. Suzanne Marnocha - $55
IN MEMORY OF SUE SCHOUTEN
Dr. Roger & Marilyn Mosher - $10,170 (in stocks)
William & Fran Henry - $250
IN MEMORY OF CLAUDIA JAYNE CALABRESE
Jack & Doris Jayne - $500
Thomas & Elizabeth Jayne - $100
IN MEMORY OF DAN EVANS
Thomas & Mary Schmidt - $500
FOR THE GENERAL ENDOWMENT FUND
C. Raymond & Mary Durkee - $100
Marge Koepke - $25
Dorothy Weiland - $14
Please forgive us if we have overlooked thanking anyone
that may have helped out in any way or made a donation.
We appreciate all volunteers and donors and are grateful
for everything they do to help our organization!
In memory
Submitted by Barb Germiat
Lee Kleinhans, one of NAMI Fox Valley’s leaders and
cheerleaders, died in December after a time of failing
health. Members attending the visitation and/or funeral
at Faith Lutheran Church, Appleton, spoke of her as a
mentor, a hardworking leader, and one who never failed
to reassure a confused or frightened family member
new to the world of mental illness. Lee’s daughter, Kit
Kleinhans, said she was struck by how everyone
referred to her mother as a mentor. A longtime NAMI
member recalled how Lee always said, “It’ll be all
right,” about family issues, and “it was.”
Lee joined the AMI Outagamie affiliate (as local
groups were called then) where her leadership skills and
hard work quickly bore fruit. In 1991 she co-chaired
the state conference at Appleton’s Paper Valley Hotel.
Securing cooperation from neighboring counties Brown, Winnebago, Waushara, Waupaca - she invited
every possible provider and interest group in northeast
Wisconsin. Over 900 people stuffed every cranny of
the hotel for the event. The conference committee
wanted Dr. E. Fuller Torrey as a keynote speaker. He
agreed to come if AMI could provide him with a set of
identical twins, one healthy, one with a mental illness.
Beating the bushes of every provider in northeast
Wisconsin, she found that set of twins, who agreed to
take part in Dr. Torrey’s study, and he came to speak on
schizophrenia and mental illnesses in general.
In accepting the Frank Mixdorf Distinguished Service
Award, NAMI-FV’s highest honor, in 2005, Lee said
that she and other longtime members had served their
terms, and now it was the turn of newer members.
10
We also mourn the loss of longtime Neenah-Menasha
member/leader Lola Ganzer, who died in December,
the day before Lee. Lola and her husband, Dick, were
leaders of AMI of Neenah-Menasha for many years
and played a major role in the merger of the two
affiliates into what is now known as NAMI Fox Valley.
Harold Clifford and his wife, Betty, devoted much
effort to the Neenah-Menasha affiliate, especially the
drop in center, Friendship Place. Harold died in
February at his current home, Rockford, IL.
Guns and Hoses
Appleton Police Department vs.
Appleton Fire Department
Charity Hockey Game
All proceeds to benefit NAMI Fox Valley
Saturday, April 17th
Doors open at 6:30 pm; face-off at 7:30 pm
Appleton Family Ice Center
1717 E. Witzke Blvd, Appleton
(inside Memorial Park)
Come hungry! Appleton Fire Department will
sell their famous Firehouse Chili, and Appleton
Police Department will sell Pulled Pork
Sandwiches.
The Alliance is the newsletter of
NAMI Fox Valley, published
quarterly in March, June,
September, and December.
Send news items related to chronic
mental illness, opinions, or
complaints (no poetry please) to:
Karen Aspenson
NAMI-FV, 516 W. 6th St.,
Appleton, WI 54911 or
[email protected]
Contributors:
Karen Aspenson, Karen Schiller,
Helen Timm, Tammy Bradley,
Sandy Pharis, Barb Germiat, Julie Bahr
Circulation Chiefs
Dinny Grueneberg
Board of Directors
President
Joan Helbing
Vice President
Mike Williams
Secretary
Chris Craggs
Treasurer
Vicki Running
Rachel Fitzgerald, Jim Marshall,
Jackie Peters, Tom Tatlock, M.D.,
Richard Bauer, Joe Troy,
April Schmidt, Brandt Swarderski,
Jim Baer, Christine Cornell
Executive Director
Karen J. Aspenson
Administrative Coordinator
Helen Timm
Consumer Coordinator
Tammy Bradley
Project Coordinator
Sandy Pharis
Volunteer Coordinator
Karen Schiller
Walk Manager
Todd Sutton
Receptionist
Angel Gruber
Karen Writes
“WHO figures clearly show that the burden
because of depression is likely to increase—so
much so that in 2030 this will be the single
biggest cause for burden out of all health
conditions.” (Shekhar Saxena, MD, of the
World Health Organization’s Department of
Mental Health, at the first Global Mental
Health Summit in Athens, Greece.)
This quote appeared in a recent edition of
the magazine, Esperanza, and it caught my
eye, especially as Wisconsin continues to
wrestle with the implementation of parity
for mental health issues.
Following is an excerpt from a document
entitled “Q&A About Parity,” found on
the NAMI website: Can group health
plans drop mental health benefits entirely?
Yes – just as they have been able to under
the 1996 federal parity law, many of the
42 state parity laws and the Federal
Employees Health Benefits Program
(FEHBP) for a decade or more.
However, there is no record of group
health plans reacting to a parity
requirement (at the federal or state level)
by dropping coverage mental health or
substance abuse coverage. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates
that the new law will result in employer
premiums rising on 0.4% on average.
A couple of recent correspondences lead
me to believe that, despite all indications
to the contrary, Wisconsin’s employers
and, lets face it, the insurance industry, are
going to continue to do all they can to
prevent equal coverage for equitable health
conditions. Elaine Gundlach’s article,
printed in the latest newsletter published
by NAMI Dane County, tells of grocery
retailer Woodman’s decision to drop all
mental health benefits from its health
insurance plan because it claims it cannot
afford to comply with parity as now
required by federal law. While Clint
Woodman, speaking on behalf of the
store, states that they offer “one of the best
health plans in the state,” he also goes on
to imply that people with mental illness
might exploit their treatment because
there is no one to control the costs. Does
he think we see our
psychiatrist every
day? Does he think
we spend hours on
the therapist’s couch
each week?
Ridiculous!
Apparently, Mr.
Woodman has failed
to read the numerous reports on research
done in states with full parity which show
that the rise in premiums is more than
offset by increases in employee
productivity.
I recently received an email from an
individual who found herself smack in the
middle of this very scenario. At the
beginning of the year, her employer
changed all insurance coverage from a
group plan to an individual one, citing
lower costs as the reason for doing so.
While attempting to connect to mental
health services, she discovered that the
change resulted in dropping of mental
health coverage. In checking with her
employer, she discovered that, while parity
requires at least some level of coverage
under group plans, this same requirement
does not pertain to individual plans.
I’m seeing a very disturbing trend here,
one that we need to be aware of and resist.
If your employer changes your coverage,
find out why, and find out especially what
this means for mental health coverage.
Speak out to your legislators if this is
happening to you! And remember, as
consumers, you have choices about a lot of
things, including where you buy your
groceries. I guess I’ll have to let NAMI
know that it’s time to update their Q&A
document.
“Somebody who has severe depression has a
more debilitating and dangerous illness than
somebody who’s got a broken leg. But a
broken leg, nobody argues that’s covered.”
(President Barack Obama, speaking in favor
of mental health parity in insurance coverage
during a town hall meeting in Portsmouth,
New Hampshire.)
Be well, Karen
11
NAMI Fox Valley Newsletter
516 W. 6th St.
Appleton, WI 54911
NON PROFIT
US Postage
PAID
Appleton WI
Permit No. 123
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
How to Reach Us:
NAMI Fox Valley: (920) 954-1550
NAMI-FV FAX: (920) 954-0490
NAMI-FV e-mail:
[email protected]
NAMI-FV website:
www.namifoxvalley.org
NAMI-FV Editor: (920) 954-1550
Editor e-mail: [email protected]
NAMI Wisconsin: (800) 236-2988
www.nami.org
To change your newsletter mailing
address, or to be removed from or added
to our mailing list:
E-mail: [email protected]
or write: Helen Timm, NAMI-FV,
516 W. Sixth St.,
Appleton, WI 54911
Our Mission
NAMI Fox Valley exists to improve the quality of life for those with
brain disorders (mental illness) and their families and friends through
education, support, advocacy and research. It is affiliated with NAMI
(National Alliance on Mental Illness) and NAMI Wisconsin.
Our Vision
Through our individual and collective efforts, we will live in a
community where mental illnesses are recognized as physical
illnesses and treated as such.
NAMI-FV Office Hours
Mon. through Thurs.
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Friday
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or by appointment
516 W. 6th St., Appleton
Ph. 954-1550
To receive NAMI’s new e-newsletter directly in your inbox, visit www.nami.org/subscribe.