Mental Illness Awareness Week 2009

NAMI Louisville, Bridgehave and Wellspring are once again partering to bring an art show and guest speaker to mark Mental Illness Awareness Week.

For more info, click here: http://namilouisville.com/MIAW09

Researchers Will Investigate Factors in Soldier Suicides - washingtonpost.com

Researchers Will Investigate Factors in Soldier Suicides - washingtonpost.com: "Doctors leading the largest study ever of suicide and mental health in the military are developing intensive soldier surveys that they hope will provide clues as to why suicide rates among Army personnel have grown dramatically in recent years."

Kentucky.gov: - Jefferson County Social Services Offices in L and N Building Reopen

Kentucky.gov: - Jefferson County Social Services Offices in L and N Building Reopen

Kentucky.gov: - Flooding Closes Jefferson County Social Services Offices in L and N Building

Kentucky.gov: - Flooding Closes Jefferson County Social Services Offices in L and N Building

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug. 4, 2009) – The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services has closed its Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) offices at Louisville’s L and N Building, 908 W. Broadway, Wednesday because of flooding.

For assistance, clients may visit any of Jefferson County’s other DCBS offices at Neighborhood Places.

The building will reopen when the facility is safe and operational for customers and staff.

“Our customers are our No. 1 priority, and our staff is available at nine other locations across Jefferson County to assist them,” DCBS Commissioner Patricia R. Wilson said.

DCBS’ abuse reporting hot line, which houses operators at the L and N Building, has also been affected.

Kentuckians who need to report suspected abuse or neglect of an adult, child or senior should call their local law enforcement agency, or 911 if someone is in immediate danger.

Customers can check online for the nearest Neighborhood Place athttp://www.louisvilleky.gov/NeighborhoodPlace/.

Kentucky.gov: - Suicide Prevention 09

Kentucky.gov: - Suicide Prevention 09

Contact Information:

Gwenda Bond, (502) 564-6786, ext. 3325

To help bring awareness to suicide prevention, the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS), the Kentucky Suicide Prevention Group (KSPG) and the Kentucky Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities (BHDID) are hosting an event at 10 a.m. Aug. 21, at the Frankfort Convention Center, 405 Mero St., Frankfort.

“Times are tough. The economy, job loss, cyberbullying among youth, and post-traumatic stress among military veterans are just some of the issues facing many Kentuckians,” said Jan Ulrich, youth suicide prevention marketing specialist with BHDID. “Extreme stress can affect both physical and mental health, which can increase the risk of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, compulsive behaviors and thoughts of suicide in some individuals.”

Members of the public are encouraged to attend the meeting to hear the inspirational stories of real people who are persevering through grief and loss, and are fighting to make a difference in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and beyond.

Army Major General Mark Graham and wife Carol Graham will serve as keynote speakers at the event. Motivated by the tragic loss of both of their sons, Kevin, a University of Kentucky ROTC cadet who died by suicide, and Jeffrey, an Army lieutenant and UK graduate who died in Iraq, the Grahams will share their personal story of loss and how they are leading the fight to reduce military suicides.

Secretary of Defense Robert Gates recently nominated Major General Graham, a nationally renowned speaker, for Time magazine's 100 most influential people.

The free event will provide information and resources about how to become involved in the fight to prevent suicide. Several statewide initiatives will be announced, including suicide prevention initiatives targeting the military, colleges, middle and high schools and more.

Registration is required. Register by Aug. 7 online at www.kentuckysuicideprevention.org or call Ulrich at (502) 564-4456.

Summary of July 24 Disability Community Meeting with President Obama

NAMI Louisville

Summary of July 24 Disability Community Meeting with President Obama Commemorating 19th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Signing of UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

On July 24, President Obama invited a group of 12 representatives of the disability community to meet privately with him, Attorney General Holder, Secretary of Labor Solis, and senior White House officials in advance of an East Room ceremony marking the 19th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and his announcement of the Administration’s decision to sign and seek Senate ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Attending the meeting for the disability community were Polly Arango of Family Voices; Marca Bristo of the US International Council on Disabilities and Access Living of Metropolitan Chicago; Kelly Buckland of the National Council on Independent Living; former Congressman Tony Coelho; Michael Fitzpatrick of the National Alliance on Mental Illness; Marty Ford of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities and The Arc and UCP Disability Policy Collaboration; Andy Imparato of AAPD; Ted Kennedy, Jr. of the AAPD Board and The Marwood Group; Michael May of the Sendero Group, a technology company; Maria Veronica Reina of the Global Partnership for Disability and Development; Jeff Rosen of Snap!VRS, a video relay and technology company; and Bob Williams of the District of Columbia, former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Disability and Long-Term Care Policy at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Joining the President at the meeting were Attorney General Eric Holder; Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis; Melody Barnes, Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy; Assistant to the President and Cabinet Secretary Chris Lu; Kareem Dale, Special Assistant to the President for Disability Policy; Paul Miller, Special Assistant to the President for Personnel; Lisa Brown, Staff Secretary to the President; Michael Strautmanis, Chief of Staff to Valerie Jarrett; Jeff Crowley, Director of the White House Office of National AIDS Policy and Senior Advisor on Disability Issues to the Domestic Policy Council; Tina Tchen, Director of the Office of Public Engagement; and Kathy Martinez, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy.

The disability community representatives engaged in a productive dialogue with Attorney General Holder and Secretary Solis before the President arrived, discussing our priorities for civil rights enforcement at both departments, including but not limited to internet accessibility, Olmstead enforcement, reducing the waiting period for ADA complaints to be resolved, using OFCCP to enforce the affirmative action provisions in the Rehabilitation Act, protecting children from the use of aversives and restraints; and implementing a government-wide strategy to improve the representation of people with significant disabilities in the federal workforce. Both Holder and Solis were very interested in continuing the discussion in follow-up meetings with disability community representatives in the weeks to come.

When the President arrived, he noted that we had a wide-ranging agenda that included employment, education, technology, health care, and civil rights policy, and indicated his interest in using this first meeting as a listening session. We thanked him for the meeting and for his leadership in signing the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, we emphasized the importance of seeing disability policy issues as fundamentally about fairness, civil rights and human rights. We shared some personal discrimination stories and expressed our desire to work with the White House and agencies across the administration on a broad-based strategy to make progress between now and next July 26, which will be the 20th anniversary of the ADA. A significant portion of our time with the President was devoted to health care reform and the need to end the institutional bias in Medicaid, and the President offered to have Nancy-Ann DeParle and Peter Orszag and other members of his health reform team sit down with us in the next few weeks to discuss our ideas, including making the Community Choice Act a state option as part of the final bill that emerges from Congress.

The disability community representatives came away believing that the President, his cabinet representatives, and his senior White House staff are committed to working with our community to achieve the goals of the Americans with Disabilities Act. We look forward to following up on all of the issues discussed at the meeting. All in all, we felt that this historic meeting represented a very important step forward for our community and for the country.

___________________________________________________________________________________

Michael J. Fitzpatrick, MSW

Executive Director

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)

2107 Wilson Blvd., Suite 300

Arlington, VA 2201

mfitzpatrick@nami.org

703-516-7977

Kentucky.gov: - Public Invited to Suggest Community Service Needs at Regional Forums

Kentucky.gov: - Public Invited to Suggest Community Service Needs at Regional Forums

Health and Family Services Cabinet
Public Invited to Suggest Community Service Needs at Regional Forums; Input will help state complete AmeriCorps plans

Press Release Date:	Monday, July 27, 2009
Contact Information:	Media Contact: Anya Armes Weber, (502) 564-6180, ext. 4014; or Vikki Franklin, (502) 564-7042

FRANKFORT, Ky. (July 27, 2009) – The state is asking for feedback from the public on projects relating to its service programs.

The Kentucky Commission on Community Volunteerism and Service (KCCVS) is seeking statewide input this summer for its State Service Plan and for 2010-11 AmeriCorps grants.

Six regional forums are planned for the public to attend.

A federal mandate requires that KCCVS, part of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, ask for input on community needs to include in its three-year State Service Plan.

AmeriCorps is a network of national service programs that engages more than 50,000 Americans each year in intensive service to meet critical needs in education, public safety, health and the environment. In Kentucky, AmeriCorps is administered by KCCVS.

KCCVS Executive Director Eileen Cackowski said the regional forums give KCCVS the necessary public contributions to compile the plan.

NAMI | Policy Topics

Double Tragedies: Victims Speak Out Against the Death Penalty For People with Severe Mental Illness

For the first time, families of murder victims have joined with families of persons with mental illness who have been executed to speak out against the death penalty.

Download the full report below.

Related Files

Double Tragedies (2MB) (PDF File)

Kentucky.gov: - KHELPS Summer Workshop 2009

Kentucky.gov: - KHELPS Summer Workshop 2009

The Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) will conduct a free day-long workshop on July 18 in Lexington to provide basic training for volunteers and medical professionals from across the state who are interested in offering assistance during public health emergencies. The workshop runs from 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. at the Lexington Convention Center (430 W. Vine St.).

The workshop will provide an orientation and training for the Kentucky Health Emergency Listing of Professionals for Surge (K HELPS)/Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) program.

“This upcoming workshop will play in integral part in planning response efforts that protect our communities in the event of a large-scale public health emergency,” said William D. Hacker, M.D., commissioner for public health. “We are seeking both medical and non-medical personnel who are interested in helping others make a difference in their local communities.”

The K HELPS program is a state-based system to register medical professionals interested in volunteering to offer assistance during public health emergencies or disasters. It was designed to complement the existing Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) programs, community-based organizations that organize and utilize medical professional volunteers to supplement existing local emergency and public health resources for responding to emergencies. Under the new system, K HELPS and local MRC units will work together. Currently, the MRC program covers all 120 counties in Kentucky, with local health departments sponsoring most units in conjunction with local emergency management agencies. To register as a K HELPS volunteer, visit https://khelps.chfs.ky.gov/VolunteerMobilizer/.

Kentucky.gov: - Attorney General Conway Announces Multi-Million Dollar Settlement with Drug Company

Kentucky.gov: - Attorney General Conway Announces Multi-Million Dollar Settlement with Drug Company

Attorney General Jack Conway today announced a $2 million settlement with Deerfield, Ill., pharmaceutical manufacturer Baxter Healthcare Corporation, a subsidiary of global healthcare company Baxter International, Inc. Baxter is one of the largest manufacturers in the world of intravenous solutions and products used in the delivery of fluids and drugs to patients.

The Kentucky Medicaid program relies on published average wholesale prices (AWPs) to calculate Medicaid drug-reimbursement rates. Baxter published significantly inflated AWPs for its intravenous solutions that bore no relationship to any prices that Baxter actually charged its customers. This created an artificial "spread" between Baxter’s published prices and the real prices. At times this "spread" exceeded 1,300 percent, which caused the Kentucky Medicaid program to pay substantially more for Baxter’s drugs than the actual cost of the drugs.

"Taxpayers are footing the bill for these inflated drug prices, and my office is seeking to recover the money the Medicaid program lost as a result of this deception and overpayment," said General Conway. "All of this could have been easily avoided if Baxter and the other defendants would have done what the law requires - report truthful prices."

Second Annual Celebrate Recovery! Conference on Friday, July 24

Seven Counties Services Inc.

Seven Counties’ will host its Second

Annual Celebrate Recovery! Conference on Friday, July 24 at the Hyatt Regency, Louisville. The conference will bring providers, consumers and family members together to celebrate the role each plays in creating a recovery environment for adults with severe mental illness throughout Louisville and surrounding counties.

Fair Housing Information Sheet # 1: Early Termination Of A Lease

Fair Housing Information Sheet # 1: Early Termination Of A Lease

Kognito releases study on suicide prevention program

Each year over 1,350 college students commit suicide

and, according to the American College Health Association,

almost 10% of all students say they have seriously considered

suicide during the past year. Academic institutions

have been actively seeking ways to engage their faculty

and staff in identifying at-risk students and referring them

to their counseling centers, a crucial task considering that

close to 80% of students who commit suicide are never

seen by a counselor.

In May-June of 2009, Kognito engaged 42 universities

around the U.S. in a survey study to analyze the impact of

At-Risk, its recently launched gatekeeper training product.

This report summarizes the results of the study.

Make comments on the Housing Choice Program

From HUD:

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

The June 22^nd Federal Register noted that the 2009 Appropriations Act provided funding for 4,000 new Housing Choice Vouchers for non-elderly disabled families. Some 1,000 of these vouchers, it adds, will go to non-elderly families transitioning out of nursing homes and other institutions into the community.” To help “better design the distribution” of these vouchers, HUD would like to hear your comments about “threshold factors used to distribute” the vouchers, “whether HUD should establish a more performance-based method” for distribution and how “State institutional transition programs” can “work effectively” with housing authorities receiving these vouchers. Comments due to HUD’s Office of Housing Choice Voucher Management & Operations by July 13th. For more, contact Phyllis.A.Smelkinson@hud.gov

(NAMI Louisville note: These Housing Choice Vouchers (formerly known as Section 8 vouchers) for "disabled families" include families dealing with mental illness.)

Kentucky.gov: - Grant Aids Families of Children with Special Health Care Needs

Kentucky.gov: - Grant Aids Families of Children with Special Health Care Needs

FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 30, 2009) – A federal grant of almost $100,000 will help Kentucky children with special needs and their families get the medical care and support they require.

The Kentucky Commission for Children with Special Health Care Needs (CCSHCN) has received a $95,700 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration to establish Family-to-Family Health Information Centers in 12 of its locations across the state.

The centers will be located in CCSHCN offices that provide direct medical and other clinical services. Hazard, Lexington, Louisville, Owensboro and Paducah will be the first five sites, followed by Ashland, Barbourville, Bowling Green, Elizabethtown, Morehead, Prestonsburg and Somerset.

Part of the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, CCSHCN serves youth ages 21 and younger who have special health care needs.

Family-to-Family Health Information Centers are well received by families because they are typically staffed and run by parents of children with special health care needs themselves. Parents who have navigated the system are available to assist others.

CCSHCN Executive Director Rebecca Cecil said Commission staff and clients are excited about the one-year grant, which could be extended for two more years.

“The health care process becomes more complicated when a child has special needs, and having families mentor other families through this program is the most effective way to ensure that the child gets the services needed,” Cecil said.

Kentucky’s health information centers will be managed by two co-directors -- both parents of children with special needs who have expertise in navigating both public and private health care systems.

The co-directors will recruit and train family mentors, with the assistance of the CCSHCN Parent Advisory Council and CCSHCN clinical staff. The family mentors will help families understand their children’s health issues, provide technical support, offer a multitude of resources and tap into a network of other families and professionals for support and information.

National Minority Mental Health Month

NAMI | Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Month

In 2008 the US House of Representatives proclaimed July as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. This provides NAMI state and affiliates with a wonderful opportunity to reach out to diverse communities. Learn more about Bebe here. Click here to learn more about the 2008 resolution.

Attorney General Conway Announces $16 Million Dollar Judgment Against Drug Company

Kentucky.gov: - Attorney General Conway Announces $16 Million Dollar Judgment Against Drug Company

Attorney General Jack Conway today announced that a Franklin Circuit Court jury has handed down a $16 million judgment against Sandoz, the generic-drugs division of pharmaceutical giant Novartis, for defrauding the Medicaid program and Kentucky consumers by inflating the prices of their prescription drugs.

The Kentucky Medicaid program relies on published average wholesale prices (AWPs) to calculate Medicaid drug-reimbursement rates. During the trial, the Commonwealth showed that Sandoz published significantly inflated AWPs for its drugs that bore no relationship to any prices that Sandoz actually charged its customers. In some cases the published AWP price was 70 times greater than the actual price.

"I appreciate the jury’s careful consideration of this matter and am pleased that we have been able to recover money for the Medicaid program and for Kentucky taxpayers," said General Conway. "My office is committed to putting an end to this type of deception and ensuring that drug companies truthfully report their drug prices."

The Office of the Attorney General has filed suit against 47 of the nation’s pharmaceutical manufacturers alleging that the drug companies violated Kentucky’s Medicaid Fraud and Consumer Protection statutes and engaged in false and deceptive advertising.

Prior to today’s judgment, the Attorney General’s Office had settled cases with Amgen for $2.4 million, Immunex for $145,000, Bristol-Meyers Squibb for $10 million and Baxter Healthcare Corporation for $2 million.

Beshear budget plan preserves commitments to education, health care, public safety

Kentucky.gov: - Press Release

Faced with the largest shortfall in modern Kentucky history, Gov. Steve Beshear today unveiled a proposed budget for next year that does not raise taxes on working families and businesses while preserving basic funding for classroom instruction, health care programs for the most vulnerable and key areas of public safety.

Gov. Beshear told reporters this afternoon that he is formally calling the legislature into a special session, starting June 15, to address a projected $1 billion shortfall in the legislatively enacted budget for the new year, which begins July 1. The coming budget year is also the third consecutive year that the state has had fewer dollars in revenue than projected and budgeted expenses – an unprecedented occurrence.

“My plan protects our families and businesses in this vulnerable time; preserves investments in critical priorities like education, health care and public safety,” the Governor said, “and recognizes the economy will take years to recover.”

In short, the proposed plan will be paid for by making an additional $200 million in cuts from enacted levels and utilizing more than $740 million in federal stimulus dollars, the bulk of which would go toward education and Medicaid as prescribed by law.

“Given the challenges that we will face in the next biennium, as predicted by the Consensus Forecasting Group, it is prudent that we reserve some of the stimulus money to help us address next year’s budget,” said Gov. Beshear.

“Without this money, the pain we are experiencing would be magnified many times over,” the Governor said. “We must realize, however, that this is one-time money. We cannot and should not use it to create new programs we would be unable to sustain in future years.”

Highlights of the Governor’s proposed budget plan include:

• Preserving the same amount in the coming year as last year in per pupil spending in classrooms across the state – the basic formula known as SEEK -- and funding for higher education at the same levels as the 2009 budget. “I’ll say it again and again – we cannot move forward if we take significant steps backward in spending in our classrooms,” Gov. Beshear said of his proposal. 
   
• Fully funding Kentucky’s Medicaid program, which until recently had operated with a deficit of more than $280 million. 
   
• Preserving funding for mental health services at current levels. 
   

Gov. Beshear Announces New Homelessness Prevention and Housing Program

Kentucky.gov: - Press Release

RANKFORT, Ky.—Gov. Steve Beshear, along with Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC) Chief Executive Officer Richard L. McQuady, and Kentucky Interagency Council on Homelessness (KICH) Chair Kentucky Sen. Gerald Neal, today announced that Kentucky has applied for more than $18.5 million for a new program to provide rental assistance and services to prevent people from becoming homeless and to help those who are experiencing homelessness.

On Feb. 17, 2009, President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which includes $1.5 billion for the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program.  In Kentucky, this program is called Kentucky’s Housing and Emergency Assistance Reaching The Homeless (KY HEARTH) Program.

Louisville, Lexington, Covington, and the state have applied for direct allocations of funding for the KY HEARTH Program from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).  KHC will administer the funding for the state. Nonprofits or units of local government are eligible to apply for funding from the state through a competitive process. KHC will hold an application training on June 16 and applications will be due to KHC by July 14, 2009.  KHC will select all subgrantees and obligate funds to them by Sep.30, 2009.  Individuals seeking assistance should contact subgrantees after Sep. 30.  For more information about KY HEARTH, visit the Kentucky Homeless Web site at www.kyhomeless.org.

Kentucky Attorney General Conway Announces $5.1 Million Settlement With Eli Lilly

Kentucky.gov: - Attorney General Conway Announces $5.1 Million Settlement With Eli Lilly

Attorney General Jack Conway today announced a $5.1 million settlement with Eli Lilly and Company over allegations of improper marketing of the antipsychotic drug, Zyprexa. The settlement resolves allegations that Eli Lilly engaged in unfair and deceptive practices when it marketed Zyprexa, used to treat certain psychological disorders, for off-label uses that had not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The claims alleged that Eli Lilly promoted the off-label sale and use of Zyprexa primarily through an aggressive marketing campaign called “Viva Zyprexa.” The campaign promoted the drug to psychiatrists and primary care physicians for unapproved uses such as treatment for depression, anxiety, irritability, disrupted sleep, nausea and gambling addiction.  The company also allegedly persuaded physicians to prescribe Zyprexa for pediatric use as well as for treating dementia patients in long term care facilities, often at the expense of Medicaid.

“This settlement not only allows us to recover funds for a vital state program that benefits the sick and needy, it also sends an important message that Kentucky will not tolerate drug companies that fail to comply with the rules by misleading and deceiving the public,” said General Conway.

The consent judgment resolves both Medicaid fraud and consumer protection claims and contains comprehensive injunctive terms that will prohibit Eli Lilly from any further unfair or deceptive promotion of Zyprexa. The terms, which will remain in effect for six years, require the company to disclose payments of more than $100 to promotional speakers and consultants and register all studies and post the results of those studies.  Additionally, Lilly sales representatives may only sample Zyprexa to a health care provider whose clinical practice is consistent with the product’s labeling.

Social Phobia (Social Anxiety Disorder) - HealthyPlace

Social Phobia (Social Anxiety Disorder) - HealthyPlace

Social Phobia is characterized by an intense fear of situations, usually social or performance situations, where embarrassment may occur. Individuals with the disorder are acutely aware of the physical signs of their anxiety and fear that others will notice, judge them, and think poorly of them. This fear often results in extreme anxiety in anticipation of an activity, a Panic Attack when faced with an activity, or in the avoidance of an activity altogether. Adults usually recognize that their fears are unfounded or excessive, but suffer them nonetheless.

DPH Releases 2008 Health Behavior and Chronic Diseases Survey Findings

Kentucky.gov: - BRFSS08

The Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) today announced the release of the state’s 2008 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Systems (BRFSS) data, a national survey conducted in all states now considered the world’s largest, ongoing telephone health survey system.

Among other things, the survey found that in 2008 vast numbers of Kentuckians continue to categorize themselves as unhealthy and leading unhealthy lifestyles. The BRFSS, which is conducted by the Division of Prevention and Quality Improvement in DPH, looks at numerous health indicators, such as diet and physical activity, to determine the health and lifestyle habits of Kentuckians.

“The BRFSS is a wonderful tool that allows us to paint a portrait of our state’s health status,” said William Hacker, M.D., DPH commissioner. “Each year, we use information from this survey to learn more about health risk behaviors, shape recommendations for preventive health practices, and determine to what extent Kentuckians have access to care, particularly for chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.”

The BRFSS program tracks health conditions and risk behaviors of adults 18 and older in the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) established the survey in 1984. 
The Kentucky BRFSS is the main source of non-reportable disease data in Kentucky broken down by demographics like gender, race, age group, income levels, education status and geographic areas like Area Development Districts.

In 2008, Kentucky adults 18 years and older reported a 20.3 percent prevalence of fair or poor general health. In general, residents of Kentucky’s Appalachian counties reported higher rates of poor health and chronic diseases than those in non-Appalachian counties. In addition, Kentuckians with a high school degree or less and those with lower income levels reported higher rates of poor health and chronic diseases.

Eagles’ Shawn Andrews Battles Doubts and Depression

Eagles’ Shawn Andrews Battles Doubts and Depression - NYTimes.com

In an interview May 3 at the Eagles’ minicamp, the 6-foot-5, 330-pound Shawn Andrews did something that athletes almost never do — especially offensive linemen in theN.F.L. who are shielded by helmets, pads and a macho culture that discourages any acknowledgment of vulnerability. He spoke at length about his struggles with depression, which he revealed last summer after holding out from training camp.

Andrews weighed 230 pounds by age 12 and said he had wrestled with his self-image for years, having been picked on because of his size and because he grew up poor in Camden, Ark. He said he received word before his rookie season in 2004 that a childhood friend was planning to have him killed over money. He said he had come to regret spending lavishly on expensive cars and other baubles that he now considered frivolous.

Accessibility in the Arts

Kentucky.gov: - AccessWkshps09

The Kentucky Arts Council and the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts have partnered to present a series of accessibility workshops in communities that have received Cultural District Planning Grants from the Kentucky Arts Council with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.

 

The workshops will be led by Martha M. Newman, Director of Access Services at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts and will focus on a wide range of accessibility issues that face communities as they develop arts districts. Topics will include information about basic law covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act, tax incentives for compliance, making historic buildings accessible and basic protocols for working with people with disabilities.

 

The first workshop will be hosted by the City of Berea on Tuesday, May 26, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. EDT at the Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea, Berea, Ky.

 

Maysville's workshop will be on Tuesday, June 2, from 8:00 -10:00 a.m. EDT at theKentucky Gateway Museum, 212 Sutton St., Maysville, Ky.

 

The final workshop will be on Tuesday, June 16 from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. CDT at theKentucky Repertory Theatre Educational Arts Center, 107 E. Main St., Horse Cave,Ky.

 

Workshops are free but pre-registration is appreciated. To pre-register contact Martha M. Newman, Director of Access Services, The Kentucky Center,mnewman@kentuckycenter.org or (502) 562-0711 (V) 502-562-0140 (TTV).

Leadership Academy in June: applications due May 20

The Department for Mental Health Developmental Disabilities, and Addiction Services, and Bluegrass Regional Mental Health/Mental Retardation Board are presenting a Level I Leadership Academy for adult consumers of mental health services. The training will be held June 1, 2, and 3, at the Bluegrass Regional Office at 1351 Newtown Pike in the Board Room.

The Academy is designed to teach participants how to develop leadership skills, how to improve organizational and advocacy skills, how to identify and present issues, and how to develop group action plans.

Potential Leadership Academy candidates should be self-motivated, committed to self-recovery and helping others, be willing to participate in ongoing activities, have good verbal and organizational skills, and have an interest in representing consumer issues.

Please distribute this information to anyone you think may be interested in participating in this training initiative. They must complete the enclosed Registration Form/Fact Sheet and return to me by May 20^th at the address listed on the registration form address or email me with the information and carol.saylor@ky.gov. In addition, you may contact me by phone at 1-800-374-9146 if you have any questions or concerns.

We are looking forward to this collaborative training with Bluegrass Community Mental Health Center with excitement and enthusiasm.  

You can access the application form here:  http://xrl.us/ldrshp

The 2009 Youth Services Summit

http://www.performanceweb.org/2009/04/10/s262/

 

The 2009 Youth Services Summit

July 30-31, 2009
Optional Pre-Conference Workshop: July 29, 2009
Washington, DC

 

At this Conference You Will Learn to:
Address the Needs of Today’s Youth to Inspire Success in the 21st Century
Harness the presidential administration focus on youth to benefit your work today and in the future

Obtain Recovery Act Money to Further Youth Education, Development and Workforce Involvement
Prepare, plan for, obtain and manage funds under the Recovery Act to increase the workforce and drive results for your program

Establish Performance Measures to Enhance Youth Services
Develop and utilize performance measures to evaluate progress and develop a plan to increase youth outcomes

Promote Collaboration and Drive Change through Public-Private Partnerships
Cultivate successful relationships with the business community, foundations, government agencies and youth serving-systems to create new opportunities

 

Indictment of a behavioral analyst at Our Lady of Peace

Kentucky.gov: - Our Lady of Peace Behavioral Analyst Indicted For Criminal Abuse

Attorney General Jack Conway today announced the indictment of a behavioral analyst working at Our Lady of Peace Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky for criminal abuse in the second degree. A Jefferson County grand jury indicted Jeffrey Dillen, 28, of Louisville, on Thursday, May 7, 2009 for criminal abuse II, a class D felony which carries a sentence of up to five years in prison.

Dillen is charged in connection with an incident in May 2008 when, while conducting research for a presentation, he allowed Katlyn Moore to bang her head on a concrete floor 129 times.  The victim, Moore, was a teenager diagnosed with cerebral palsy, autism, and mental retardation, with a history of self injurious behavior, all of which was known by the defendant.

Investigators from the Office of the Attorney General, Medicaid Fraud and Abuse Control Division, conducted the criminal investigation of this case and prosecutors from the Medicaid Fraud Division are handling the prosecution at the request of the Jefferson County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office.

“Protecting our most vulnerable citizens is a priority for my administration and we will continue to investigate and prosecute abuse and neglect cases throughout this Commonwealth.”   General Conway said.

Arraignment is scheduled in Jefferson Circuit Court, division five on Monday, May 11, 2009 at 10:30 a.m.

An indictment is an allegation and the defendant is deemed innocent until proven guilty.

SCS and U of L to fight underage drinking

Seven Counties Partnering with U of L to Fight Underage Drinking

 Seven Counties’ Regional Prevention Center (RPC) has teamed with U of L to fight underage drinking and substance abuse among students. U of L’s Community Coalition to Reduce Underage and Problem Drinking includes students, faculty/administration, on- and off-campus law enforcement, parents, area businesses and Seven Counties' RPC. U of L was awarded funding from Beam Global Spirits and Wine to implement prevention strategies from the International Institute for Alcohol Awareness and its "Be Wise" Toolkit. RPC staff provides technical assistance to the coalition to strengthen campus drug and alcohol policies, community collaboration, social norms and education/intervention for at-risk students.

 Results from a 2008 National College Health Assessment survey of U of L students indicated that 49.4% reported using alcohol in the last 30 days and 20.8% reported drinking 5 or more alcoholic beverages at one sitting in the last 2 weeks. Students also reported that, while they had been drinking, 34.5% did something they later regretted; 33% forgot where they were or what they had done; 16.8% had unprotected sex; and 14.5% were physically injured. 

Goldie Hawn Champions Children’s Mental Health

NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 7, 2009

Contact: Christine Armstrong (703) 312-7893                                 

christinea@nami.org                                                                       

Goldie Hawn Champions Children’s Mental Health

           

Washington, DC– In honor of National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day, Goldie Hawn, child advocate and founder of The Hawn Foundation, campaigned for effective children’s mental health programs at a Congressional briefing today.

 

“Children represent a fraction of our population, but 100% of our future. One in ten suffers from serious mental health disorders, and most aren’t getting the help they need. We need to address this crisis before it’s too late,” Hawn said.

 

Working with leading neuroscientists, educators, and researchers, The Hawn Foundation developed a program for grades K-7 that improves children’s emotional and cognitive skills to help them understand and manage their own emotions, moods and behaviors; reduce stress and anxiety; sharpen concentration; increase empathy; and improve their performance in school.

 

“Increasing social and emotional learning skills is cost-effective and makes a big impact,” Hawn said. “Congress should increase funding to scale up programs like these to save our children’s lives, save our schools, and save our nation’s money, too.”

The briefing focused on investment in the educational future of children with mental health needs, a population that has the highest drop-out and failure rates and the lowest academic achievement of any disability group. The briefing was jointly hosted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Mental Health America, the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, and theNational Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health (National Federation).

 

Howard Muscott, director of the New Hampshire Center for Effective Behavioral Interventions and Supports, and Kathryn Power, director of the Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS), presented positive outcomes data from CMHS grant sites across the country. The data shows that effective children’s mental health programs promote positive youth development, recovery, and increased resiliency, allowing children with mental health needs to thrive in their communities.

 

The briefing also highlighted the need for congressional support for Positive Behavior for Effective Schools Act and the Mental Health in Schools Act, legislation that recognizes the partnership that must be established between schools and communities to ensure that children with mental health needs are identified and linked with effective services and supports.

More info:

Christine Armstrong

Media Relations Associate

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

 

christinea@nami.org

Health Insurers Agree to End Higher Premiums for Women - NYTimes.com

Health Insurers Agree to End Higher Premiums for Women - NYTimes.com

Public Service Recognition Week

public_service_recognition_week

"Government Goes Green" is the theme of this year's Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW). Taking place on the National Mall inWashington, D.C. between 4th and 7th Streets, the public is welcome to check out tons of exhibits from different government agencies showcasing their work and what they're doing to make a positive impact on the planet through environmentally friendly practices and initiatives.

Running from Thursday, May 7th through Sunday, May 10th (military only exhibiting on Sunday) more than 100 civilian and military agencies will be represented. Friday is "student day" and will feature U.S. Secretary ofEducation Arne Duncan speaking at 10:30 a.m. Students of all ages are encouraged to attend. There will also be an astronaut on site for kids to meet.

For those seeking employment, many agencies like the Department of Labor will be showcasing exciting job opportunities.

For more information and a full schedule of events, check out the official PSRW website.

Children's Mental Health Awareness Event at the Newport Aquarium

Kentucky.gov: - KEYS Fashion

Kentuckians Encouraging Youth to Succeed (KEYS), a part of the Department for Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Addiction Services, will gather Saturday, May 9, at the Newport Aquarium to emphasize the importance of children’s mental health awareness.

Youth involved with the KEYS program along with students from Covington Holmes High School’s modeling club will conduct a fashion show and education event to promote awareness and reach out to their peer groups. The event will be at 5:30 p.m. at the aquarium. Tickets are required for entry, but the event is open to all media.

“Awareness of mental health issues, particularly for children, adolescents and teenagers, is important as we move forward in the recognition of mental health, accessible and affordable treatment, and erasing the stigma attached to mental illness,” said Devon Lindsey, KEYS marketing specialist. “Northern Kentucky teens want to show their peers that it’s possible to thrive when youth with mental concerns have the right supports and services available.”

An original educational video produced by students from The Art Institute of Ohio-Cincinnati profiling youth in the show will be featured. Additionally, program participants will stage a fashion show showcasing a variety of fashions in the shade of green – the color symbolizing children’s mental health awareness – donated by Plato’s Closet, with hair and make-up from Art Institute students.

The goal of the event is to reach out to teens in northern Kentucky, bringing children’s mental health issues to the forefront. Ultimately, the program aims to help young people feel comfortable addressing mental health needs.

“One in five children and adolescents has a mental health disorder, and one in 10 has a serious emotional disturbance, but many of our young people don’t know how to seek help,” said Lindsey. “We have to erase the stigma attached to mental illness so that our young people can get the help they need and thrive in the community.”

Statement from Gov. Steve Beshear on UofL, Norton Healthcare

Kentucky.gov: - Statement 

Governor Steve Beshear's Communications Office

Statement from Gov. Steve Beshear on UofL, Norton Healthcare

Press Release Date:	Thursday, April 30, 2009
Contact Information:	Jay Blanton Jill Midkiff 502-564-2611

FRANKFORT, Ky. — “I met Wednesday night with University of Louisville President Jim Ramsey and Norton Healthcare CEO Steve Williams. The meeting occurred at my request because of my increasing concerns about the ongoing dispute between these two critically important institutions. Few health issues are more important in Kentucky than accessible, high-quality trauma care. I wanted to hear from both leaders that they share that priority. I was pleased to receive assurances from both Dr. Ramsey and Mr. Williams about their commitment in that regard. It was not – and is not – my desire to take sides in this dispute. The issues here are complex and both sides have strong, sincere points of view. But the people of this state expect, and deserve, Level 1 trauma care. They need to know that our leaders are committed to that goal. I appreciate the fact that both Dr. Ramsey and Mr. Williams are committed to the principle that this level of care will remain intact.”

More info:  http://www.hospitalreviewmagazine.com/news-and-analysis/legal-and-regulatory/norton-healthcares-hiring-of-university-of-louisville-neurosurgeons-could-lead-to-legal-action.html

http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20090419/NEWS01/90419002/Legal+action+possible+over+doctors++hiring

http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20090419/NEWS01/904190421/U+of+L-Norton+dispute+threatens+neurosurgery+program

2 sentenced in death of mentally disabled man

2 sentenced in death of disabled man - State - Kentucky.com

FRANKFORT — Two men were sentenced earlier this week in the death of a 25-year-old man with cerebral palsy who died after one of the men sat on him for more than 30 minutes.

Matthew Bortles, 21, of Soldier was sentenced Monday to eight years in prison. He had pleaded guilty in March to intentional abuse of a vulnerable adult and tampering with physical evidence.

Michael Price was a client at Community Presence, a residential home for people with mental disabilities, at the time of his death on Oct. 14, 2007. According to Attorney General Jack Conway's office, Bortles lay on Price's back for more than 30 minutes. Price stopped breathing and later died.

More indicments in Madison Manor case

Kentucky.gov: - Attorney General Conway Announces Additional Indictments in Madison Manor Abuse Case

Attorney General Jack Conway today announced the indictments of Amanda Sallee and Valerie Lamb, two former nurse’s aides at Richmond Health and Rehabilitation Complex (Madison Manor) nursing home.  Sallee, of Richmond, in Madison County, was indicted for Wanton Abuse and Neglect of an Adult under KRS 209.990 and Lamb, of Berea, in Madison County, was indicted for Reckless Abuse and Neglect of an Adult under KRS 209.990.  Both were charged in connection with the abuse and neglect of a former resident of Madison Manor in August 2008.  The indictments were returned on April 9, 2009.

Earlier this month, Jaclyn VanWinkle pled guilty and was sentenced to 12 months in the Madison County Jail for reckless abuse and neglect of an adult.  The sentence was probated for a period of two years conditioned on her good behavior and agreement to cooperate and testify in any case involving alleged criminal conduct at Madison Manor.

An investigator from the Office of the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud and Abuse Control Division, assisted by the Richmond Police Department, arrested Sallee on April 10, 2009 on a warrant issued by the Grand Jury.  She will be arraigned May 15, 2009 at 11:30 a.m. in Madison Circuit Court and her bond is presently set at $10,000 full cash.  The Grand Jury also issued a summons for Lamb to appear in Madison District Court on April 27, 2009 at 9:00 a.m. 

Prosecutors from the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Division are handling the prosecution of this case. The investigation at Madison Manor is ongoing.

An indictment is an allegation only.  All defendants are innocent until proven guilty.

Beshear Proclaims Volunteer Week in Kentucky

Kentucky.gov: - Beshear Proclaims Volunteer Week in Kentucky: "Gov. Steve Beshear has proclaimed April 19-25 as Volunteer Week in the commonwealth.

“Volunteerism, community service and neighbor-helping-neighbor are cornerstones of Kentucky culture, and every day, volunteers across Kentucky serve without compensation to meet vital needs that may otherwise fall through the cracks,” Beshear said.

From teaching children to read and making neighborhoods safer, to protecting vital natural resources and building affordable housing, volunteers enrich the lives of others and contribute real value to the state’s financial and social stock.

New tobacco quit line

Kentucky.gov: - Excise Tax 09: "In light of tax increases on the purchase of tobacco products, the Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) is offering assistance to the many Kentuckians who may be considering quitting smoking or smokeless tobacco.

The Kentucky Tobacco Quit Line, 1-800-QUIT NOW, is a public health service that helps residents of the state who are trying to quit smoking. The free service provides ongoing counseling to those working through the quitting process and houses information on other quitting resources, such as the Cooper/Clayton Method to Stop Smoking offered through local health departments."