May – June 2010 - NAMI La Crosse County

n:
NAMI LA CROSSE COUNTY BEACON
National Alliance on Mental Illness
PO Box 595, La Crosse,Wisconsin 54602
March 2009
May/June
2010
MaryLou
LouRyan,
Ryan,Editor
Editor
Mary
FAMILY
INFORMATIONAL
MEETING:
NAMI
INFORMATIONAL
MEETING
March
17,
2009
Tuesday, May 18, 2010 @ 7:15 p.m.
Volume
Volume 28,
29, No.
No. 68
LA CROSSE
QUEEN RIVER
CRUISE
LOOKING
AHEAD...
& BUFFET AT PIZZA DOCTORS
First Congregational Church Fellowship Hall
• The April 21 Family Informational meeting topic
Can Working
Consumers
TOPIC: 2503
Main St. La
Crosse, WI Qualify
54601 for
Medicare
and Medicaid
Benefits?
Handicapped
accessible
is Post Partum Depression.
SPEAKER: Sara Boe: Community Work Incentive
PROGRAM: Co-ordinator
OUT OF THE SHADOW
for Riverfront
(A documentary film) BY SUSAN SMILEY
WHERE: First Congregational Church,
2503 Main
CoffeeSt.
at 7:15 p.m.
Handicapped accessible
Here are some comments by the film's author,
Doors open at 7:15 p.m.
WHEN:
Susan Smiley who made this film over a six years
Come
coffee
andand
get how
acquainted.
period about
herfor
mother,
Millie,
the family
Program
starts
at
7:30
p.m.
learned to cope with and support Millie's recovery.
• The May Family Informational meeting will be
Come and join your NAMI friends and their families on
May
If youofmissed
fillingonout
Sunday,held
Juneon
13 for
an19.
afternoon
sight seeing
thea
Mississippi
followed
by
an
interesting
buffet
at
the
Pizza
program survey at the last meeting, you can call
Doctors, 624 King St. Please meet by the Big Indian
program
Nollcheck
787-0478
your
in Riverside
Park atchair
12:45Julie
p.m. and
in with with
Bob and
Anna Mae
Pruse. Theyfor
willspeakers
have youror
tickets
ready.
Thelike
suggestions
topics
you'd
price of $16 covers both the boat trip and the pizza party.
to hear.
Your NAMI
will pay for those who are living with a mental
illness.
Sara
Boe
is aShadow
benefitswas
specialist
at of
Riverfront.
She earned
"Out
of the
born out
my anger about
K.C.Tootsie
Sale
held
again in
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below, andRoll
mail it
withwill
your be
check
and
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degree
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the
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today
to Robert
Pruse,
Psychology
Winona Stateand
University
in 1998.
SheI has reservation
April.
If you
can help
out, call 784-7532. We have
people withatschizophrenia
their families.
When
304
19th
St.
So.
La
Crosse,
WI.
previously
worked
a vocational
rehabititation
case
learned about
howaspervasive
this illness
is, I realized
6 volunteers and need a few more. The K.C's
*************************************************
that it's not
just my mother's
story,
it'sdisabilities
millions of and
counselor
coordinator
for adults
with
Clip
and
Mail Today
_ _ _the_ proceeds
_ _ _ _ _from
_ the sale
generously
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Peopleatwith
severe mental
served
her story.
internship
La Crosse
Countydisorders
Clinical
NAMI FAMILY BOAT TRIP
are all arond us, and I am deeply troubled by our
Services.
between the mentally ill and the developmentally
society's pervasive misunderstanding of them. And I
am profoundly saddened by the discrimination of
people afflicted with schizophrenia and other serious
mental illnesses."
NAMI WI State Convention
LA CROSSE QUEEN River CRUISE AND PIZZA PARTY
Sunday,disabled.
June 13, 2010 at 12:45 p.m.
Please make the following reservations:
NAMI will pay
our consumers.....................(
)
• Training
for for
Family
to Family Teachers will
be
Additional
person(s)
at
&16.00
each...............(
)
Registration
form
forsay
NAMI
convention
in Madison is
Susan goes
on to
thatWI
shestate
hopes
that her insights
held
April 17-19 at the Mead Hotel and
Enclosed is my check for.................................$____
into
her
Mom's
illness
"could
illuminate
realities
and form
on page 5. Those who receive the IRIS have a registration
Total 31-Aug
paid and/or
freeBrookfield,
persons to attend......(
) you are
July
2 in
place tba. If
clarify misconceptions" held by community. She
in their Jan/Feb '09 issue. Those who wish to attend the convenSigned_________________________________
states that recovery "IS possible if the proper
a Family to Family graduate and interested in
tion
must submit
ownsuch
registration
the required
supports
are intheir
place,
as stablewith
housing,
job tuition.Make checks payable to NAMI La Crosse County and send
teaching
call Patti
Jo @775-3682
June this
10 tocourse,
Robert Pruse.
Questions?
Call
training
and placement
medication
Your
local NAMI
board hasand
voted
to sponsormanage6 tuition scholar-by Thursday,
Bob or Anna Mae at 608-784-9644.
ment."
or 788-3241
ships, and if you wish to apply for a tuition scholarship call any
board
member
(theirthis
names
andwinning
phone numbers
arethe
on the back****************************************
Come
and view
award
film. After
NATIONAL
CONVENTION
of film,
this Adrian
Beacon)and
namea discussion
and phone of
number.
The NAMI
Novakgive
willyour
conduct
the
• 2010
NAMI
WI annual
state convention at the Madison
DATES:
JUNE
30
TO
JULY
3
film.
This
should
be
a
great
opportunity
for
group
board as a committee of the whole will review requests and
West
will be held May 29-30.
PLACE: Marriott
WASHINGTON
D.C.
participation. See you there!
award the six scholarhips at the May 4 board meeting. AnyLOCATION: WASHINGTON HILTON
1919 CONNECTICUT AVE N.W.
NAMI
who
hasILRpaid
duesfilms
for 2009
can qualify for
NAMImember
La Crosse
and
are their
showing
concerning
•
The
annual Boat
Trip
on5the
For
more
information
see the
page
of La Crosse Queen and
health
to celebrate
NATIONAL"
MAY for
IS applications
onemental
of these
six tuition
scholarships.
Deadline
this
Beacon
for
registration
information,
or again this year.
MONTH"
we encourage
Pizza Party will be held in June
to MENTAL
attend theHEALTH
convention
are dueand
in Madison
by May 22.
see the Advocate. You may register online
members of both groups and members of the public
to view as many of these films as possible.
****************************************************
@ www.nami.org/convention
1
****************************************
1
LOOKING AHEAD
DATES TO REMEMBER
August 17: NAMI Farewell to Summer Pot Luck Picnic at
Myrik Park Gun Club 5 -8 p.m.
May 10 & May 24: FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS Second and Fourth Monday's of each month at the South
Side Neighborhood Center, 1300 South 6th St., 7:00 p.m. to
8:30 p.m .Call 785-9644 or 784--0062
September 9: (Thursdays) Elaine Stanley and Connie Norris
will be teaching another 12 week Family to Family class at
the Franciscan Skemp Medical Center. To register call Dottie
at 786-0933.
May 19: SURVIVORS OF SUICIDE SUPPORT GROUP Third
Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m to 9:00 p.m. at the
Franciscan Spirituality Center in the Rose Room (141) 920
Market St., La Crosse WI. 54601
September 15: NAMI La Crosse is again assisting the Suicide
Prevention Initiative Awareness Event /Riverside Park.
September 15: SPI presents the Suicide Prevention Summit
@ Radisson Hotel from 8 a.m. -4:30 p.m. Details in Sept.
Beacon.
MAY Thursday's 1-3 p.m. Women Supporting Women: a
support group for all women who have been diagnosed
with serious mental illness. Meets at: Independent Living
Resources, 4439 Mormon Coulee Rd.
every Thursday from 1-3p.m. The phone number is 608787-1111.
CONSUMER SUPPORT GROUP: Each Wednesday from 6:00
P.M. to 8:00 P.M. @ RAVE 1806 State St. Call 785-9615
**********************************
SECOND NOTICE: VETERAN'S FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP FOR
CAREGIVERS AT TOMAH V.A. HAS BEEN CANCELLED. CALL
MARCY ENGEBRETSON MHICM CASE MANAGER 608-3721764 EX. 66466 FOR MORE INFORMATION.
MAY 12: ALICE HOLSTEIN GUEST OF HONOR AT 2010
SHOOTING STAR AWARD. This is an annual event, established by The Mental Health Coalition of the Greater La
Crosse Area, will be held in the Cargill Room of the Riverside Center II, 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
*********************************
June 13: NAMI BOAT TRIP& PIZZA PARTY @ 12:45 P.M.
RESERVATIONS TAKEN NOW1 See coupon on page 1.
A TRIBUTE TO JAN HOPPENS
JAN HOPPENS, a loyal NAMI member for many years, died
April 15, 2010 at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center. Jan
served on our board of directors for over 10 years, and had
just resigned in November 2009 due to health problems. Jan
co-edited the history of NAMI which appeared in the 20th
Anniversary celebration program. She particularly liked
serving on fund raising committees, and enjoyed the task of
judging light displays and decorating the NAMI tree for
Rotary Lights each year. Jan helped organize our annual Iris
sale, and delivered brochures during our membership
drives. She was a kind and understanding person who always
made newcomers feel welcome. We will miss Jan Hoppens.
June 30: July 3 NAMI NATIONAL CONVENTION WASHINGTON D.C. (see page 5 of this Beacon)
DUES ARE DUE: PLEASE SEND
BEFORE JUNE 1ST.
Save Marilyn Olson, Treasurer, a reminder
call or letter to you. Send today to keep
your national and state publications
coming. Thank you.
JOHN WEIBKE MEMORIAL
Please call 784-7532 with your change of address for this
newsletter if you are moving.
NAMI La Crosse has received a memorial donation of $445.
from the family of John Weibke, which is designated for use
for our local educational classes. John lived in La Crosse, and
had many friends in the local mental health community. He
died on March 31, 2010.
PLEASE SAVE THOSE RECEIPTS!
Save all receipts from all Festival Foods and Quillin’s stores.
Deadline for returning receipts is in 3 month segments.
NAMI will receive 1% of total receipts.
MOVIE TIME AT RAVE-EVERY TUESDAY IN MAY
Jan., Feb., and March are Due on April 12. April May and June are
Due on July 12. July, Aug. & Sept. Due Oct 12. Oct. Nov. & Dec.
Due Jan.12. Deliver or send to Marilyn Olson, NAMI Treasurer,
409 6th St. So. La Crosse, WI 54601 Phone: 785-2902
ILR will show the following films at RAVE Drop In Center at
10 a.m. each Tuesday. They presented the film Monk on May
4, and on May 11 the film will be I'm Still Here-The truth
about Schizophrenia; on May 18, The Soloist and on May
25, Proof. If you have questions call RAVE @ 608- 785-6264
or 608-787-1111.
We have 20 people saving receipts, we’re hoping that many will
become involved in this fund raiser! ~ Thank you
2
Passage of the Wisconsin Assembly Parity Act, and Making Parity Real
Mary Lou Ryan, your NAMI La Crosse President, attended a symposium presented by The Community Advocates Public Policy
Institute at the La Crosse Center on April 30. For many years our affiliate, along with all Wisconsin affiliates have been advocating
for mental health parity. We have called our county and state representatives, sent letters urging legislation, presented programs
to civic groups, etc., along with thousands of NAMI members nation wide. And in 2008, with the passage of the Paul Wellstone
/Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act at the federal level, everyone celebrated a little, but knew there
was more work to do. There were still unreasonably low caps on insurance policies when it came to getting adequate treatment
for our mentally ill loved ones. However, in April of 2010, it seemed that parity had finally arrived in Wisconsin and our goals had
been reached. Our state representatives had just passed the Wisconsin Parity Act, and our governor had just signed the bill into
law on April 29. All NAMI members owe a debt of gratitude to Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse), and Sandy Pasch (D-Whitefish Bay)
for all their hard work to achieve this goal. Pasch states "a bi-partisan group of 40 legislators co-sponsored this legislation that
would close part of the mental health and substance abuse insurance parity gap in the federal law by requiring all group health
plans to provide mental health and substance abuse disorder coverage at the same level as medical and surgical coverage. The
bill passed through the Assembly on a 57-40 vote." This bill also passed through the Senate with similar bipartisan support.
Because of all this progress I went to this conference a bit puzzled. What more needed to be done???? Listening to the panel of
experts, it soon became clear that there many areas that need improvement. Jerry Huber, La Crosse Human Services Director
pointed out that state spending is skewed toward institutions rather than community based care. Others pointed out cutbacks
in number of hospital beds available for the mentally ill. Tim Fuhrmann, a Gundersen/Lutheran therapist told of the difficulties
clients have finding transportation to their necessary appointments with psychiatrists or counselors in rural areas. Transportaion
needs have not been addressed. Licensing problems arise, regulations block some treatment e.g. sometimes therapists can't see
clients unless a medical doctor is in the building.
I was particularly impressed by the points made by Bill Zollweg, UW/L Prof. of Sociology. He has worked with the county
to establish a drug court, and gave convincing scientific proofs that the drinking and drugs can physically damage the brain, but
with proper treatment, the brain can heal in a period of eight or nine months when the person stops alcohol and drug use.
NAMI has been preaching (teaching) that the brain is part of the body, that mental illnesses are brain diseases, and it's been a
long fight to bring people away from the old superstitions and stigma associated with mental illness. People blamed strange or
aggressive behaviors on spirits, witches etc.
There is still work to be done. But we are so grateful for the work of our bipartisan legislature, and the support of the
La Crosse Tribune editorials and articles on parity issues. Parity is only one part of our mission. There is still a long way to go.
Those on the panel were:
Tim Fuhrmann, MS, LPC, CSAC, Therapist, Gundersen Lutheran Health Systems
Jerry Huber, MSW, MPH, MPA, Director of La Crosse County Human Services
Bill Zollweg, PhD, Professor of Sociology, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
Representative Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse)
Representative Sandy Pasch (D-Whitefish Bay)
__________________________________
NAMI Wisconsin State Conference 2010
This year's NAMI WI State Conference was held in Green Bay. Several from La Crosse made the trip, including Adrian and Beth
Novak, Patti Jo Severson, Elaine Stanley, Connie Norris and Dr. Justin Odulana. Kathy and Glen Johnson from Trempelau also
participated. Almost 500 consumers, family members and professionals from
around the state attended. With so many in attendance there was plenty of
opportunity to network. Workshops included topics such as Mental Challenges for Older Adults, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Veterans, Specialty
Courts in WI, Consumer Networking, and Smoking Cessation. There were also
several "Ask the Doctor" sessions, as well as a Consumer Council open meeting. Pamela S. Hyde, J.D., Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental
Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) gave the keynote address on the
opening morning. The Keynote address the second day of the conference
was from Austin Mardon, PhD, CM who spoke about his personal journey
with Schizophrenia. The Silent Auction was a success, and the conference was
interesting and informative. We left with many thoughts and ideas which we
will use to better our local NAMI.
NAMI members Elaine Stanley, Beth Novak and Connie Norris arrive at
by Elaine Stanley
Green Bay to attend the WI State Conference. Picture by Adrian Novak
3
APRIL PROGRAM REVIEW : ALICE HOLSTEIN, "MENTAL ILLNESS AS A SPIRITUAL PATH"
Alice opened her presentation to an audience of over forty people, who from the
opening with her definition of "spiritual" gave her their undivided attention. For Alice,
"Spiritual is that which gives my life meaning and purpose, a reverence for life and that
which supports and guides me. Instead of the religious aspect, its more of a personal
meaning that goes along with the word 'spiritual' for me." She spoke of meeting Carolyn
May, who has become an international workshop leader and author, and Alice has modeled
her spiritual path after May's description that a spiritual path is often portrayed as sweet,
and easy, and pious, but often it is hardship, pain and suffering. Alice had a tape by Mays
that "helped me heal one more notch." Alice proceeded to outline some of the hardships
she endured. She had depression, and mood swings, went on spending sprees, bought "3 cars in one year" said she "had a terrible
time with this illness, experiencing 13 or 14 hospitilazations due to manic episodes over 12 years. Paranoia was her "strongest
symptom." She thought people were "after her". Her spending sprees cost her thousands and thousands of dollars. She was picked
up by the police several time, "Fear drove me to 6-8 different states, and she "made messes" of her finances, her home, etc., and
when the manic episode was over, she "had to go back and clean them up." Alice was homeless in several states, Arizona, Colorado,
Minnesota and Wisconsin. She lived in homeless shelters, and soup kitchens. She had 3 or more Chapter 51's, which committed her
to specific treatment plans. She estimated that her illness including both her sprees, and her treatments, cost a million dollars. She
lost her business, her home in Arizona, but managed to recover with the help of a case worker, an energy healer, self help methods,
medication, exercise, and pursued healing at all levels. She described many small kindnesses that also helped her along the way and
kept her alive. Alice described the experience of "reframing her life". She describes "the hero's journey". A series of stages, or steps
that are universal. One needs to experience them to experience healing.
There was much more to Alice's talk. If you missed her presentation at our Family Informational Meeting, perhaps you will be
able to hear her at another presentation. NAMI people are exploring the possibility of video taping Alice's presentation of her
spiritual journey, as it would be inspirational for others living with a mental illness, or for anyone who seeks a spiritual path for their
life.
Alice will be the guest of honor at the Shooting Star Award reception on May 12 sponsored by the La Crosse Mental Health Coalition
Mary Lou Ryan
*****************************************************************************************************
NOTES FROM THE PRESIDENT
* CONGRATULATIONS to Kathy Vongroven and Cindy Brownell who have graduated their Family to Family class at Oliivet
Lutheran Church. If you wish to take a Family to Family class, register with Dottie Baumgartner @ 608-786-0933. The new fall Family
to Family 12 week class with begin on Thursday, September 9, 2010 at the Franciscan-Skemp Medical Center. The teachers will be
Connie Norris and Elaine Stanley.
* Beth Novak has volunteered to fill the role of NAMI representative to the Mental Health Recovery Services Excellence
Team (MHRS). This committee meets monthly on the second Friday at 10:30 a.m. to noon, at the Human Services Building in Room
2000. Beth will report on the progress of this committee at NAMI Family Informational Meetings. Thank you Beth!
* Thanks to all NAMI members who assisted the Knights of Columbus on April 30 and May 1 at the Tootsie Roll Sale. Kathy
Vongroven was the NAMI person who enlisted many of our members for duty at various site. Those volunteering their time were
Karhy Vongroven, Cindy Brownell, Marilyn Olson, Anna Mae Pruse, Jim and Mary Lou Ryan, Nancy Schermerhorn, Karen Vogt, Joan
Pickett, Jo Schwingle, Marlene Froge, Debi Schubert,Nancy Nimmo, Dottie Baumgartner, Barb Hegge, and Christine Ritter.
* Some of you may not know that this sale is a nationwide yearly event sponsored by the Knights of Columbus ...entitled
"Helping People with Intellectual Disabilities". In a brief note from Richard Ciechanowski, Grand Knight of KC Council 839, he
announced the results of the 2009 sale. The Wisconsin KC's raised $670.000 statewide acheiving a total of over 600,000. for each of
the past ten years. The local Council raised $3443.63 in 2009, and the proceeds were donated to the following charities: ARC La
Crosse, Inc. received $1,033.09; National Alliance on Mental Illness, La Crosse Co. Inc. received $1033.09; Lakeview Health Care Center
received $688.73; and Diocese of La Crosse, Special Education received $688.72. We are happy to be a included in this effort. All funds
donated to us from this sale are used directly for activities for the local folks living with serious mental illnesses.
* NAMI La Crosse Co members Adrian and Beth Novak, Elaine Stanley, Patti Jo Severson, Kathy and Glen Johnson, and Dr.
Justin Odulana attended our NAMI state conference in Green Bay on April 30-May 1. We will be hearing from them and the ideas they
brought back at Family Informational meetings.
* Watch for an article on our La Crosse NAMI affiliate in the next IRIS. Requested by Lania Syren, WI NAMI, and written by
Adrian Novak.
5
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. POSTAGE
NAMI LA CROSSE COUNTY BEACON
PO Box 595
La Crosse,Wisconsin 54602
PAID
Permit No. 136
La Crosse, WI 54603
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
NAMI is an organization of friends and family of persons
with severe mental illness who furnish support,
education and advocacy and promote research.
INFORMATIONAL MEETING
- May
18, 2010
INFORMATIONAL
MEETING
- March
17, 2009
PROGRAM:
OUT OFConsumers
THE SHADOW
TOPIC:
Can Working
Qualify for
AN AWARD WINNING FILM BY SUSAN SMILEY
Medicare
Medicaid Benefits?
FORMERLY
SHOWNand
ON PBS
JOIN US
If you have any questions or concerns
We’ll Know What You’re Talking About!
...call any of the Board Members:
Joan Pickett (787-5001); Dottie Baumgartner (786-0933); Barbara
Hegge (784-0062); Mary Lou & Jim Ryan (784-7532); Marilyn
Olson (785-2902); Adrian Novak (608-779-1554); Anna Mae &
Robert Pruse (784-9644); Cindy Brownell (608-406-2125);
Elaine Stanley (792-3881) Kathy VonGroven (894-3006)
DUES SCHEDULE
$28 ............Individual/Family Membership
$35 ............Supporting Membership
$50 ............Sponsoring Membership
$100 ..........Patron
$ ................Contribution
Numbers to Call...
LA CROSSE
Congressman Ron Kind ............................... (608) 782-2558
U.S. Senator Russ Feingold .......................... (608) 782-5585
MADISON
State Senator Dan Kapanke........................ 1-800-385-3385
State Representative Jennifer Shilling ....... 1-888-534-0095
State Representative Mike Huebsch........... 1-888-534-0094
NAMI-WI ........................... 1-800-236-2988 M-F 8am-4pm
WISCONSIN LEGISLATIVE HOTLINE 1-800-362-9472
Dues cover the period from January 1 through December 31
~ TAX DEDUCTIBLE ~
Name _________________________________
WASHINGTON D.C.
Address________________________________
Senator Herb Kohl.......................................... 202-224-5653
Senator Russ Feingold .................................... 202-224-5323
Congressman Ron Kind ................................. 202-225-5506
City, State & Zip ________________________
Phone _________________________________
Mail check to: NAMI La Crosse County,
Treasurer, Marilyn Olson, 409 6th Street South, La Crosse, WI 54601
If you would like to be a member but feel you can’t afford
the fee, we will waive this amount. Call Marilyn at 785-2902
6
NAMI Wisconsin.... 1-800-236-2988
Great Rivers 211 or 1-800-884-3620
Clinical Services Crisis Program 24 hour contact information:
8:30am-5:00PM weekdays - 608-785-6101
5:00pm-8:30 weeknights & 24 hours Saturday, Sunday, and
Holidays call 608-784-4357 (784-HELP)
Veterans: National Suicide toll free
hot line: 1-800-273-TALK(8255)