815-963-2470 | naminorthernillinois@gmail.com | naminorthernillinois.org | https://tinyurl.com/yxf9fem6

Changing Minds SUMMER 2019

Northern Illinois

Northern Illinois

2

Beautiful weather, delicious food, a plethora of gifts, and a wonderful group of people all made for an

awesome day at Forest Hills Country Club. As our 3rd annual Mulligans for Mental Illness event has come

and passed, we continue to celebrate the friendships that we have made over the years and the

opportunities that we had in raising awareness on mental illness and improving the lives of individuals

and families in our community. We also celebrate the fact that we profited over $18,000! This money

stays local and goes directly back into our region so that we have the chance to continue to push mental

health into the light.

It means a great deal to our organization that we have the support of our neighbors and that you all think

our mission is an important one. The mental health of our society at large has long been in a crisis state

and we are here to advocate for the change we need moving forward and to offer the support to those

that may have trouble finding it in the current systems.

All of what we do is at no cost to the individuals and families impacted by mental illness … because of you!

Thank you once again from all of us at NAMI Northern Illinois. The assistance we offer can bring relief, a

different point of view and direction toward the help people need when navigating mental illness. Shared

experiences and instilled hope ensure those we serve that they are not alone.

“NAMI Northern Illinois is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals

living with mental illness and their loved ones

through support, education, advocacy

and hope.”

Kevin Hines 1

Thank You 2

New Leaders 3

Legislation 4

Programming 5

Fundraisers 6

Schedule 7

In this Issue:

Northern Illinois

Board

President David Gill

Vice Presidents

Steve Huber Mary Ann Abate

Secretary

Melissa Westphal

Treasurer Christina Peacock

Directors

Eric Brown Stephanie Franchini

Tim Gaumond Joan Lodge

Therese Michels Michael Schultz Tony Valentino

Xavier Whitford

Executive Director Danielle Angileri

Board Meetings

Meetings held last Tuesday of the

month at 5:30 PM; open to the public.

Location:

Stepping Stones of Rockford, Inc.

706 N. Main Street, Rockford, IL 61103

3 SUMMER 2019

Our newest additions

Eric Brown

Stephanie Franchini

Why is the NAMI mission important to you? I have been in a position working with people who struggle

with mental illnesses. I have been appalled at the stigmas and

negative perceptions surrounding individuals with mental

illnesses.

What is one goal you have in being on the NAMI Board? I really want to try and help bring NAMI and it’s mission to the

forefront in northern Illinois.

Any fun facts about yourself that you'd like to share: I LOVE cooking.

Tony Valentino

Why is the NAMI mission important to you? The NAMI mission is in line with my life work as I have

dedicated my entire 28-year career to the treatment and

services of individuals with mental illness.

On a personal note, I have a brother who died by suicide and

I understand the devastation this can cause to a family.

What is one goal you have in being on the NAMI Board? Reduce stigma.

Any fun facts about yourself that you'd like to share: LOVE, LOVE being outside. I am an avid camper.

Joan Lodge

Why is the NAMI mission important to you? We have a real opportunity to directly impact our community as a

whole by means of providing support, education, advocacy and

hope.

What is one goal you have in being on the NAMI Board? One goal, among many, is to help improve the stigma

surrounding mental illness. Specifically in our hospitals, schools,

workplaces, and homes.

Any fun facts about yourself that you'd like to share: People are surprised to learn that I breed & raise

over 100 head of cattle, 50 sheep, 400+ chickens

and operate 30 beehives in addition to running a

manufacturing and retail boutique business.

Why is the NAMI mission important to you? As an advocate in Disability Community I think NAMI's mission is

vital. We must strive for the best supports and services to be

made available to people who are living with mental illness and

educate the community at large.

What is one goal you have in being on the NAMI Board? To be an active member who takes every opportunity to learn

from the NAMI community and engage our leaders on a local and

state level in discussions that will improve the lives of the individ-

uals and families that we serve.

Any fun facts about yourself that you'd like to share: I am a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS).

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legislative

Need Extra

Support?

Here’s a no-charge

opportunity to talk

with and listen to

others who know the

personal nature of

mental illness.

Discussions are safe

and non-judgmental.

Northern Illinois The following are highlights from the spring session of items passed from the Illinois General

Assembly in regards to mental health:

State Budget: Allocates $40 million in new money to increase funding of psychiatric services at

community mental health system level– the first significant increase in years. It also includes $7

million to use to improve mental health as substance abuse services in underserved communities.

This budget restores NAMI Illinois’ state grant at $180,000. The budget also includes $41.2 million

for supportive housing homeless and mental health services. This represents an increase of $8.5

million, the largest increase to the Supportive Housing budget in many years.

SJRCA1: Questions whether or not we should amend the Illinois state constitution to allow a

graduated income tax on the ballot in November 2020. The current tax system can’t raise enough

money to pay for the services Illinois now provides, so more revenue is needed if we are to avoid

drastic cuts to programs like K-12 education, public safety and human services like mental health.

HB 907: Requiring the Department of Human Services to create and maintain an online database

that contains lists of mental health resources for parents and school personnel.

HB 1551: Makes it easier for a child to obtain mental health services through an Individual Care

Grant (ICG). This law is aimed at eliminating situations where parents must give custody of a child

with a severe mental illness to the state in order to receive residential mental health treatment for

the child.

HB 2152: Requires universities to establish partnerships with local mental health service providers

to improve mental health services for students and requires staff training of student protections

under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

HB 2154: The restructuring of the Family Support Program to enable early treatment of children

with serious mental illnesses for children covered by Medicaid and/or private insurance, including

coordinated specialty care for first-episode psychosis and assertive community treatment and

community support team treatment.

HB 2247: Enables the funds to create a series of community-based pilot programs that will

implement “comprehensive and coordinated” care for people with mental illnesses and will

support social media campaigns to increase mental health awareness and provide links to mental

health services, especially for people who are uninsured or underinsured.

HB 2438: Requires insurance carriers to develop maternal mental health programs the promote

quality and cost-effectiveness and allows advance practice nurses and physicians assistants to pro-

vide this care.

SB 1165: Addresses the shortage of mental health staff in the state by increasing the reach and

refining the direction of the Behavioral Health Education Task Force.

SB 1715: Allows pharmacists to administer long-acting psychotropic and substance abuse

medications in consultation with the prescribing physician.

SB 1731: Expands mental health awareness in schools.

SB 1744: Provides that Illinois state prisons must assist inmates in getting Medicaid benefits

established or restored so they are covered as soon as possible after release from prison.

SB 2085: This bill will require all health insurance plans to cover treatment delivered through the

collaborative care model, an evidence-based, integrated approach where a team of medical and

social service professionals provides wrap around services.

SB1321: Improvements to Illinois Medicaid. Several of its provisions are particularly important to

mental health programs, including a value based payment model that allows more innovation and

tracks health outcomes.

(Hugh Brady, NAMI Illinois)

Monthly programs

Red Flag Laws: (Beginning July 1, 2019): Access to a gun can be the difference

between life and death in a moment

of crisis. When someone you love is

showing warning signs that they

might try to harm themselves, it can

feel like there is nothing you can do in

such a high-stakes and emotional

situation. But there is one thing you

can do: you can request a Red Flag

order, sometimes known as an

Extreme Risk Protection Order

(ERPO), to temporarily remove guns

from the situation and help keep your

loved one safe.

If you’re worried that your loved one is

in crisis and at risk of hurting

themselves, you can seek a Red Flag

order to temporarily suspend their

access to firearms - the most lethal

form of suicide - until the crisis

passes. Red Flag orders are referred

to by different names in different

states, but their purpose is the same:

to protect people who may be at risk.

NO PROGRAM: Get plenty of sunlight

“Sunlight is a wonderful source of vitamin D. Vitamin D is a really important vitamin for our bodies and

our brains. It helps our brains to release chemicals which improve our mood, like endorphins and

serotonin. Try to go out in the sun when you can, but make sure you keep your skin and eyes safe. 30

minutes to two hours a day of sunlight is ideal. During the winter, some people become depressed

because they aren't getting enough sunlight - this is known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Some

people find using a special light-therapy lamp helps to alleviate the symptoms.” (peoplefirstinfo.org.uk)

JULY

NO PROGRAM: Manage your stress

“Stress is often unavoidable, but knowing what triggers your stress and knowing how to cope is key in

maintaining good mental health. Try to manage your responsibilities and worries by making a list or a

schedule of when you can resolve each issue. Often if you break down your worries and stresses and

write them down, you realize that they are manageable. Try to avoid burying your head in the sand, and

tackle problems face on. If you find you are having trouble sleeping, or are waking up thinking about all

of the things that are stressing you out, write them down and reassure yourself that you can deal with

them in the morning.” (peoplefirstinfo.org.uk)

AUGUST

5 SUMMER 2019

Tuesday, September 10, 2019: GeneSight Testing

5:30PM @ Stepping Stones of Rockford, 706 N Main Street

The GeneSight Psychotropic test analyzes how your genes may affect your response to medications

commonly prescribed to treat depression. The GeneSight Psychotropic test provides your clinician with

information about which medications may require dose adjustments, may be less likely to work for you,

or may have an increased risk of side effects based on your genetic makeup. Did we mention the test is

largely covered by Medicare and Medicaid?? Join us to learn more!

Northern Illinois

What you should know

A Mental Health Treatment Preference Declaration

You have the right to make decisions about the health care you get now and in the future. An advance

directive is a written statement you prepare that expresses how you want medical decisions made in the

future should you not be able to make them yourself. One choice of an advance directive is called

a mental health treatment preference.

You can write your wishes and/or choose someone to make your mental health decisions for you. In the

declaration, you are called the "principal”, and the person you choose is called an "attorney-in-fact."

Neither your health care professional nor any employee of a health care facility in which you reside may

be your attorney-in-fact. Your attorney-in-fact must accept the appointment in writing before he or she can

start making decisions regarding your mental health treatment. The attorney-in-fact must make decisions

consistent with any desires you express in your declaration unless a court orders differently or an

emergency threatens your life or health.

Your mental health treatment preference declaration expires three years from the date you sign it. Two

people must witness you signing the declaration. The following people may not witness your signing of the

declaration: your health care professional; an employee of a health care facility in which you reside; or a

family member related by blood, marriage or adoption. You may cancel your declaration in writing prior to

its expiration as long as you are not receiving mental health treatment at the time of cancellation. If you

are receiving mental health treatment, your declaration will not expire and you may not cancel it until the

treatment is successfully completed. Remember to talk with your family, your health care professionals,

your attorney, and any agent or attorney-in-fact that you appoint about your decision to make one or more

advance directives.

Read more: http://www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/health-care-regulation/nursing-homes/advance-directives

About Advance Directives

Visit onethingtodo.org

for more information

SEPTEMBER

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Retail therapy

Committees

Annual Fundraiser Danielle Angileri

Consumer Council

Darius Perry

Education Danielle Angileri

Jean Morrow

Executive David Gill

FaithNet

Michael Schultz

Finance Christina Peacock

Fundraising Jean Morrow

Media Contact

Danielle Angileri

Mental Illness Awareness Week Xavier Whitford

Outreach

Stephanie Franchini

Northern Illinois

Bump, set, spike Saturday, September, 7 2019 Check-In: 9:00am

Cost: $125 per Team

@ Park Lanes

3 Games of rally scoring to 21

Double elimination

Loser bracket for teams losing the first 2 games

Random selection for initial matchups

Sign up & payment in advance required

Roster up to 10 people (2 girls on the court always)

Each player receives a bratwurst or burger, chips and potato salad as

of the entry fee. Get competitive, win prizes, and promote your

communities’ mental health!

Contact the NAMI Office (815-963-2470) or Park Lanes to register (815-877-6051)!

Georgia nut co. The annual mixed nut and cashew sale will kick off in September 2019. The attractive

one-pound gift box of large cashews and mixed nuts (no peanuts) will be delivered the week

before Thanksgiving. Sale sheet forms and point-of-sale material will be available in

September. If you are interested in selling this outstanding product to your friends, family or

at work, let us know by contacting the NAMI Northern Illinois

office early in September.

More information will be available at that time.

We look forward to your continued support of funding our

educational programs, support groups and other activities in

Winnebago and Boone counties.

Now the question remains….. Cashews or mixed nuts?

Arts, Crafts, & Vintage Show! Accepting vendors that sell handmade,

refurbished or vintage items

Date: Saturday, October 19, 2019

Time: 10:00am-5:00pm

Venue: Forest Hills Lodge Convention Center;

1601 W Lane Rd., Loves Park, IL

Cost: $50 for each 8-10’ space. Spaces are

limited, so reserve early! All booth proceeds will be

donated to NAMI Northern Illinois.

Besides vendors, we are also in search of items to be sold at our NAMI table! These items will be sold on

behalf of the organization to raise extra funds for our support and education efforts in our community. If

you are interested in participating as a vendor or donating an item to our table, contact the main office

at 815-963-2470 or naminorthernillinois@gmail.com.

Remember, this event is free admission if you are attending as a patron open to the public! Come treat

yourself and raise awareness in a whole new light.

Family Support: A confidential, safe group for family members of adult (18+) individuals struggling with their mental health that

meets 3x a month for 90 minutes.

Parent Support: A support group for parents and caregivers of youth (under 18) living with mental illness that meets 90 minutes

2x a month.

NAMI Connection: A recovery support group for adults living with mental illness – regardless of their diagnosis. Group meets

weekly for 90 minutes and is led by trained individuals who are also in recovery.

All courses are taught by trained family members of those living with mental illness

NAMI Educational Courses Free Registration Required

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Family-to-Family: A 12-session education program specifically for adult (18+) family members and friends of adults who live with

mental illness. Attend to gain information on conditions, understand treatment options, discover problem solving skills, coping

strategies, communication skills, and support.

NAMI Basics: A 6-session education program specifically designed for parents and other caregivers of children and

adolescents experiencing mental health challenges. Attend to find support, gain mental health information, develop problem

solving and communication skills, as well as learn how to effectively advocate for your child.

SUMMER 2019

NAMI

Connection

Family

Support

Family

Support

Family

Support

Parent & Caregiver

Support

Every Sunday 1st Tuesday

of the Month

3rd Monday of

the Month

3rd Tuesday of

the Month

1st & 3rd Tuesdays

of the Month

2:00 PM 7:00 PM 8:00 AM 7:00 PM 5:30 PM

SwedishAmerican

Heart Hospital

SwedishAmerican

Heart Hospital

Ned’s Restaurant Our Savior’s

Lutheran Church

Riverside Community Church

1401 E State Street

Rockford, IL 61104

1401 E State Street

Rockford, IL 61104

2132 US-20 BUS,

Belvidere, IL

61008

3300 Rural

Street, Rockford,

IL 61107

6816 North 2nd Street,

Machesney Park, IL 61115

Charles Street

Entrance, Conference

Rooms 2 & 3

Charles Street

Entrance, Conference

Rooms 5 & 6

Fireside Room;

Park off of

Guilford Road

Meets simultaneously with

Group Hope Teen support

(for ages 13-19)

NAMI Support Group Schedule Free No Registration Required

Each group is led by trained peers

Meets simultaneously with

Group Hope Teen Support

(for ages 13-19)

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage

PAID Rockford, IL

Permit NO. 757

Planning to move? Please let us know your new address, so

Changing Minds may follow you to your new home! Call 815-963-2470

NAMI

Northern Illinois

P.O. Box 6971

Rockford, IL 61125

Please mail to: NAMI Northern Illinois, P.O. Box 6971 Rockford, Illinois 61125

By joining NAMI Northern Illinois, you also become a member of NAMI Illinois and NAMI National

Further Donations—

Open Door (Limited Funds) Membership $5.00 Name(s):

Individual Membership $40.00 Address:

Household Membership $60.00 City:

In additional support of NAMI Northern Illinois

you may choose to be a/an:

State:

Advocate $75.00 Zip:

Professional $100.00 Phone:

Business/Organization $200.00 Email:

Membership Level: $

In Memory of (print name):

In Honor of (print name):

Gifts of Hope: Other Donation: Total Amount Enclosed

MEMBERSHIP FORM

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