Final rule strengthens access to mental health and substance use disorder benefits for low-income Americans

CMS finalizes mental health and substance use disorder parity rule for Medicaid and CHIP

In conjunction with the President’s visit to the National Rx Drug Abuse and Heroin Summit, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) today finalized a rule to strengthen access to mental health and substance use services for people with Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage, aligning with protections already required of private health plans. The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 generally requires that health insurance plans treat mental health and substance use disorder benefits on equal footing as medical and surgical benefits.

“The Affordable Care Act provided one of the largest expansions of mental health and substance use disorder coverage in a generation,” HHS Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell said. “Today’s rule eliminates a barrier to coverage for the millions of Americans who for too long faced a system that treated behavioral health as an unequal priority. It represents a critical step in our effort to ensure that everyone has access to the care they need.

“This rule will also increase access to evidence-based treatment to help more people get the help they need for their recovery and is critical in our comprehensive approach to addressing the serious opioid epidemic facing our nation.”

“The need to strengthen access to mental health and substance use disorder services is clear,” said Vikki Wachino, Deputy Administrator of CMS and Director of the Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services. “This final rule will help states strengthen care delivery and support low-income individuals in accessing the services and treatment they need to be healthy.”

The protections set forth in this final rule will benefit the over 23 million people enrolled in Medicaid managed care organizations (MCOs), Medicaid alternative benefit plans (ABPs), and CHIP. Currently, states have flexibility to provide services through a managed care delivery mechanism using entities other than Medicaid managed care organizations, such as prepaid inpatient health plans or prepaid ambulatory health plans. The final rule maintains state flexibility in this area while guaranteeing that Medicaid enrollees are able to access these important mental health and substance use services in the same manner as medical benefits.

Under the final rule, plans must disclose information on mental health and substance use disorder benefits upon request, including the criteria for determinations of medical necessity. The final rule also requires the state to disclose the reason for any denial of reimbursement or payment for services with respect to mental health and substance use disorder benefits.

This is one of our latest efforts to increase access to and improve mental health services and care for low income individuals, especially in light of the opioid abuse epidemic, which constitute significant health risks and cost drivers in the Medicaid program. We introduced several initiatives to assist states with behavioral health system transformation to better meet the needs of beneficiaries with substance use disorders:

• In 2014, CMS launched the Innovation Accelerator Program, a new strategic and technical support platform designed to improve delivery systems for beneficiaries that are high need and high cost. Our first effort in this area was to provide states with expert resources, coaching opportunities and individualized technical assistance to accelerate policy, program and payment reforms appropriate for a robust substance use disorder delivery system.
• In July 2015, CMS issued guidance to states on a new section 1115 demonstration opportunity to develop a full continuum of care for beneficiaries with a substance use disorder, including coverage for short-term residential treatment services not otherwise covered by Medicaid.
• In response to the growing prescription opioid abuse epidemic, CMS recently released information on effective safeguards and options to help address over-prescribing of opioid pain medications.
• CMS disseminated important information regarding screening and early intervention services for children and youth who have or may have a mental illness or substance use disorder, including best practice information for the delivery of medication-assisted treatment as well as services and supports that can address first psychiatric episodes to reduce the likelihood of ongoing hospitalizations, involvement with police and courts, and increase the chances of keeping families intact. 

The final rule is currently on display at https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection and will be published in the Federal Register on March 30, 2016.

For more information, go to http://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid-chip-program-information/by-topics/benefits/mental-health-services.html.

HB 18 Narrowly passes the Committee, heads to the House floor

A message from our Executive Director 

HB 18 Medicaid Preferred Drug List Amendments (PDL) Update: 

On 02/17/2016, Rep. Ward offered a substitute bill which would remove long acting injectables from consideration on the PDL, meaning, there will be open access to those meds while the rest of the mental health meds will be subject to the PDL and Prior-Authorization process.

The bill passed out of Health and Human Services Committee by a hair. Votes were 5 and 5 until Rep. Chavez-Houck ran into committee to tip the scales. Votes ended in favor 6 to 5 with 1 absent.

I assure you, this is not over. There is a long way for this bill to travel. It now goes to the House Floor. I encourage you all to email and call your representative, encouraging them to VOTE NO on HB18. Should the bill make it's way out of the house, it will go to the Senate Health and Human Services Committee before it can move to the Senate Floor.

Thank you all for following this bill and for talking to your representatives! It is so important that you stay involved and continue to education our legislators. Find out your legislator here 

You who are living with a mental illness, you are my heroes! You who are fighting for your loved one's wellness, you too are my heroes! We are not weak, we are not victims, we are strong, we are fighters, we fight everyday for our well being and will fight anyone or anything standing in our way.

Sincerely,

Jamie Justice 

HB 18 was held in Committee

House Bill 18 was held in Committee

The House Health and Human Services Committee  listened to people who came to speak in favor of the bill. We are grateful to our Executive Director, Jamie Justice, who is advocating diligently on behalf of NAMI’s community and making sure our voices are being heard. After much deliberation, the Committee decided to hold the bill in the committee until the Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice Committee (CCJJ) takes a position on the bill. CCJJ has major concerns about the bill given that there is evidence in other states where this kind of legislation negatively impacts those with serious mental illness and drives up incarceration rates. Results that work directly against CCJJ’s efforts to redirect those who are nonviolent offenders with mental illness away from jails and prison and into treatment.


We also want to thank those who took time off work and away from their families to testify against the bill! There is so much power in telling your stories and educating our law makers about what it’s really like for individuals and families, not what those in power believe are happening.‪#‎mentalhealthUT‬

Defeating this bill will not happen without all of your continued support, efforts, emails, phone calls, and presence! The Health and Human Services Committee will likely hear this bill again this week.
It is not over yet, but yesterday’s outcome was a success! 

We will keep you post it.
You can access the committees’ audio link for today at this link http://goo.gl/cehX1F . 

‪#‎utpol‬  ‪#‎UTLeg‬‪# ‎mentalhealthmatters‬ #mentalhealthUT 

NAMI Utah Call to Social Media Action - 02.08.2016

NAMI Utah Call to Social Media Action - 02.08.2016

Fiscal Note       2016-2017 FY Utah Budget   NAMI Utah Position on PDL   Open Access

House Bill 18, sponsored by Representative Raymond Ward, would remove the Medicaid Preferred Drug List (PDL) exemption for psychotropic drug classes, placing the most vulnerable among us at risk for possible negative repercussions, including the state’s homeless population.

H.B. 18 Medicaid Preferred Drug List will be heard in the House Health and Human Services Committee today, Monday, Feb. 8, between 3:40 and 6:00 p.m.

To help shine a light on this bill, we encourage you to share the following suggested posts and hashtags in advance of today’s meeting.

Hashtags:

#BlockUTHB18 #utleg #mentalhealthmatters #utpol #mentalhealthUT

Suggested Tweets/Instagram Copy

I trust my #UTdoctor, not #UTLeg, to make the best medical decisions for #mentalhealthUT. #BlockUTHB18 #mentalhealthmatters #UTpol 

Don’t limit my ability as a #UTdoctor to prescribe the most effective drugs to my patients. ‪#‎mentalhealthmatters ‪#‎utpol ‪#‎mentalhealthUT ‪#‎BlockUTHB18 #UTLeg

Facebook Posts

H.B. 18 Medicaid Preferred Drug List will be heard in the House Health and Human Services Committee today, Monday, Feb. 8, between 3:40 and 6:00 p.m. Let’s fill the room. ‪#‎mentalhealthmatters ‪#‎utpol ‪#‎mentalhealthUT ‪#‎BlockUTHB18 #UTLeg #mentalhealthmatters

HB18 seeks to restrict access to what a team of fewer than 25 committee members determines to be "too expensive." ‪#‎utleg please listen to the experts on this one.


‪#‎utpol ‪#‎mentalhealthUT ‪#‎BlockUTHB18 #UTLeg #mentalhealthmatters


So many bills fly unnoticed through the Utah Legislature during its warp-speed 45-day session. H.B. 18 has been defeated multiple times, yet still comes up each session. Reach out to your legislator and let them know you do not support trying to save a few dollars on the backs of Utah's most fragile population. They'll only listen if we speak up! ‪#‎utpol ‪#‎mentalhealthUT ‪#‎BlockUTHB18 #UTLeg #mentalhealthmatters

Bipolar & Severe Irritability Research Studies

NIH Bipolar & Severe Irritability Research Studies: Enrolling Participants Nationwide

Do You Have A Child with Bipolar Disorder or Severe Irritability?

At the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, several research studies are being conducted into the causes of bipolar disorder and severe mood dysregulation (SMD). These studies seek children and adolescent participants who have bipolar disorder or severe irritability.

All evaluations, research procedures, inpatient (day or full hospitalization) and outpatient visits are free of cost. Both parent and child must agree to the child’s participation. Schooling is provided during inpatient care. Children and parents are compensated for participation. Travel and lodging expenses are paid by NIMH.

Bipolar Disorder

Those eligible to participate must be ages 6-17, have bipolar disorder and be able to perform research tasks including neuroimaging, computer tasks, and neuropsychological tasks.

This is an outpatient descriptive study using brain imaging and clinical assessment. Study participation begins with an initial outpatient evaluation that lasts one day. Subsequently, testing and brain imaging occur at visits which last two-three days, occur every year, and continue until age 25. Phone contact occurs every six months in between visits.

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/labs-at-nimh/join-a-study/trials/childrens-studies/a-study-of-brain-function-and-symptoms-in-children-who-have-bipolar-disorder-or-a-parent-or-sibling-with-bipolar-disorder.shtml

Severe Irritability

Those eligible to participate must be: ages 7-17; displaying symptoms of chronic anger, sadness, or irritability, as well as hyperarousal (such as insomnia, distractibility, hyperactivity) and extreme responses to frustration (such as frequent, severe temper tantrums); able to perform research tasks that include neuroimaging, computer tasks and neuropsychological testing. Participants must currently be in treatment with a physician, medically healthy, and not currently hospitalized, psychotic, or suicidal.

Non-Treatment Study

This is an outpatient descriptive study using brain imaging and clinical assessment. Study participation begins with an initial outpatient evaluation that lasts one day. Subsequently, testing and brain imaging occur at visits which last two-three days, occur every two years, and continue until age 25. Phone contact occurs every six months in between visits.

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/labs-at-nimh/join-a-study/trials/childrens-studies/brain-function-children-mood-irritability.shtml

Treatment Study

If unstable on current medications participant receives day or full hospitalization to discontinue medication and participate in a 12- to 15-week study of the efficacy of methylphenidate plus citalopram, vs methylphenidate plus placebo, for decreasing irritability in children with severe mood and behavioral problems. (If clinically appropriate, participants who received methylphenidate plus placebo will be offered the opportunity to receive methylphenidate plus citalopram at the end of the study.)

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/labs-at-nimh/join-a-study/trials/childrens-studies/citalopram-methylphenidate-irritability.shtml

To find out about study criteria and qualifications, or for more information, please call (301 496-8381) or email us at bipolarkids@mail.nih.gov.

Why Should I participate in a Clinical Trial?

NIMH, part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), supports research studies on mental health and disorders. Clinical trials are part of clinical research and at the heart of all medical advances. Clinical trials look at new ways to prevent, detect, or treat disease.

Choosing to take part in clinical research is an important personal decision. Your decision to participate will depend on your interests, needs, and expectations about research. For basic information about clinical research and to help you make a decision about whether to participate, please visit “NIH Clinical Research Trials and You” at http://www.nih.gov/health/clinicaltrials/ . This website will help you learn more about clinical trials, why they matter, and how to participate.

Finding a Clinical Trial

Around the Nation and Worldwide

NIH conducts clinical research trials for many diseases and conditions, including cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, allergy and infectious diseases, and neurological disorders. To search for other diseases and conditions, you can visit ClinicalTrials.gov.

ClinicalTrials.gov [ Tips for finding trials on ClinicalTrials.gov ]
This is a searchable registry and results database of federally and privately supported clinical trials conducted in the United States and around the world. ClinicalTrials.gov gives you information about a trial's purpose, who may participate, locations, and phone numbers for more details. This information should be used in conjunction with advice from health care professionals.

At the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland

Search NIH Clinical Research Studies
The NIH maintains an online database of clinical research studies taking place at its Clinical Center, which is located on the NIH campus in Bethesda, Maryland. Studies are conducted by most of the institutes and centers across the NIH. The Clinical Center hosts a wide range of studies from rare diseases to chronic health conditions, as well as studies for healthy volunteers. Visitors can search by diagnosis, sign, symptom or other key words.

Join a National Registry of Research Volunteers

ResearchMatch 
This is an NIH-funded initiative to connect 1) people who are trying to find research studies, and 2) researchers seeking people to participate in their studies. It is a free, secure registry to make it easier for the public to volunteer and to become involved in clinical research studies that contribute to improved health in the future.

People Not Prisons: Utahns Need to Speak UpFor Our Neighbors Behind Bars

NAMI Utah hosted a press conference today to address the rhetoric surrounding prison relocation. NAMI Utah is part of People Not Prisons, a loose coalition of advocacy groups working on behalf of people with a mental health condition, people recovering from substance use disorders, and individuals trapped in Utah’s criminal justice system.

People Not Prisons (PNP) is concerned with ongoing rhetoric about correctional facilities and the people within them. We believe that the public and its elected officials should be focused on improving conditions, programs and policies that impact the human beings in our criminal justice system – rather than arguing about the location of the new prison.

 “About 95% of the people who are currently in Utah state prison beds will be released back into their communities.” Says ACLU of Utah Public Policy Advocate Anna Brower. “For our own safety, we need correctional facilities that work”.

Salt Lake Tribune Coverage
KUER
KUTV
FOX 13 NEWS 

The People Not Prisons Coalition includes:

ACLU Utah

NAMI Utah

Utah Support Advocates for Recovery Awareness (USARA)

Utah Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (UAATP)

Odyssey House

First Step House

Utah AFL-CIO

Disability Law Center

Utah Prison Support

New Roads Behavioral Health

Utah Prisoner Advocate Network (UPAN)

The Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City

Utah Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (UAATP)

No Care for Us

ACCESS DENIED

Non-Medicaid Expansion States Block Uninsured People with Serious Mental Illness from Receiving Affordable, Needed Treatments

Prepared by Joel E. Miller, James K. Finley, Rebecca Gibson and Whitney Meyerhoeffer

A new groundbreaking study from the American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA) shows that nearly 570,000 people diagnosed with a serious mental health condition, would have received affordable, needed treatments, but were denied access to services because several states refused to participate in the new Medicaid Expansion Program. The federal government would have paid 100 percent of the treatment costs; the monies were already included in the federal budget. The comprehensive study also highlights that 458,000 fewer people would have avoided a depressive disorder mainly by securing health insurance through the Medicaid Expansion Program.

The study, entitled “Access Denied: Non-Medicaid Expansion States Blocked Uninsured People with Serious Mental Illness from Receiving Affordable, Needed Treatments” shows that on a state-by-state basis, thousands of uninsured people who had been diagnosed with a serious mental health condition on January 1, 2014, and residing in the 24 states that did not expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, were denied affordable, needed care throughout the year.

Want a copy of the entire report? Fill out the information below to receive your FREE copy.

Utah has 15,312 uninsured people ages 18-64 with a serious mental health disorder who were projected to access services under Medicaid expansion. 

2015 Utah Legislative Review

2015 Utah Legislative Review

Healthy Utah/Medicaid expansion
As you are aware by now, Healthy Utah (Utah’s version of Medicaid expansion) passed the Senate but it failed in the House. On the last day of the legislative session, a special committee was created, made up of Governor Herbert, Lt. Governor Cox, Senate President Niederhauser, Speaker Hughes, Senator Shiozawa, and Representative Dunnigan. They studied the Medicaid expansion plan over the coming months and will have an agreed upon solution by July 31st with a special session to happen shortly after. So stay tuned!

Criminal Justice Reform
The Criminal Justice Reform legislation was an outcome of the policy recommendations of the Utah Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice (CCJJ). House Bill 348 is a massive piece of legislation with positive implications for the reform of the criminal justice system. There are a number of improvements regarding the treatment of inmates that have a mental illness and alternatives to incarceration for non-violent offenders with a mental health condition and/or substance use disorders. The bill also requires the Department of Corrections and the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health to track performance and outcomes, establish standards for mental health and substance abuse treatment, and analyze specified programs, among other administrative requirements. Almost $12 million was allocated to help HB348’s policy changes. But the most important change that still needs to happen is to expand Medicaid in Utah for proper mental health and substance use disorder treatment.

Suicide Prevention Legislation
House Bill 209 mandates that certain behavioral health professionals must complete a minimum of two hours of suicide prevention training in order to obtain or renew a license. This does not apply to all behavioral health professionals or physicians.
House Bill 364 provides additional funding for suicide prevention and anti-bullying programs to the Utah State Board of Education and to the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health.

School Safety & Crisis Line
Senate Bill 175 will improve behavioral health services in our state. This bill provides funding for a statewide crisis text line service focused at youth who face bullying, abuse, and/or suicidal thoughts. Also, it will handle tips concerning threats of violence or criminal activities related to schools.

We recommend reading the Disability Law Center legislative wrap-up and ACLU Utah’s blog entries on Criminal Justice Reform.

Crazy: A Father’s Search Through America’s Mental Health Madness

Several years ago when I was dealing with two children who had mental health issues and doing a lot of “Why me?” “Why us?” and “Why THEM?” thinking, I heard of an organization called NAMI. It sounded intriguing, so I did a little investigating and heard about a conference they were having that focused on providing families and individuals with information on how to successfully handle the myriad of challenges that arise whenever you’re dealing with mental illness.

I signed up immediately.

The conference began with various speakers, which I figured I’d try to stay awake through until we got to the really interesting stuff, which was the WORKSHOPS. Then the keynote speaker started talking, and I was spellbound. Seriously. There was definitely some magic dust floating around.

The speaker’s name was Pete Earley, and even though I was impressed by the fact that he was an important journalist and had been nominated for a Pulitzer Prize for his book, Crazy: A Father’s Search Through America’s Mental Health Madness, I was more impressed that he was a parent just like me – a parent who had experienced his own frustration, confusion, sadness, anger, and yes, hopefulness – when it came to trying to find help for his child. Pete Earley’s reputation, resources and contacts may have been different than mine, but the obstacles we faced were the same.

I had the pleasure of being able to speak briefly with Mr. Earley after his presentation. He was off to catch a plane to who knows where (someplace exotic, I’m sure), but for that short period of time we were just two parents who understood each other, and who wished the world were just a little bit different for our children.

I encourage you to come experience the magic for yourself. An Evening with Pete Earley  

Wendy Fayles

Family Mentor

NAMI Utah 

Lisa's Reason for Walking

Lisa e-mailed us today to tell us that she'll be walking on Saturday. Here's what she had to say:

My Name is Lisa. I’m participating in the NAMI 2014 walk in Salt Lake City UT. I’m doing this walk in honor of myself. I have Bipolar. I take a mood stabilizer everyday to help me with the highs and lows of this disorder. It’s amazing just how much of my life Bipolar effects. I’m still the amazing woman I've always been. A caring mother, sister, daughter and friend. But I have my manic days and I have my depressed days. Some days I want to be everywhere doing everything and some days I want to sit alone in my room all day. I do talk speak publicly about Bipolar. I’m not ashamed to have this disorder. Why should we be? If anything we are true warriors of hope and life and love. To live each day sometimes not knowing when the feeling ….the high or the low is going to come back because you know it always does. I always do my best to keep a positive attitude about my disorder. I take great pride in being able to participate in somethi
ng as big as reaching out and helping others that live/suffer from a mental illness.

Join us this Saturday for the NAMIWalk! Registration is free: www.namiwalks.org/utah

See You Later

Good-byes seem so finite. So we're saying "See you later" to our dear friend, NAMI advocate, amazing mother, incredible co-worker and the sunshine in our lives.

Sarah Gilbertson has been working at NAMI Utah for the past 3 years now and she has brought so much joy and happiness to our office. Her jovial voice can be heard across the hall and her laughter can be heard across the street! We had a little "See You Later" party for her the other day and we all went around the room sharing memories of Sarah. It probably sounded like a circus in that boardroom from all the laughing and then subsequent crying.

Sarah is amazing, if you don't know her she has conducted our Provider Education training, click HERE for more details, and coordinated all of our Teacher and Facilitator trainings. She has built incredible relationships with community partners, providers, panelists and so many others who hold a special place for her in their hearts.

While Sarah is so upbeat, positive and always smiling, she and her beautiful children have been dealing with their own struggles with mental illness. You can read her story, in her own words, on her blog HERE.She is leaving NAMI to take care of her beautiful children full-time.

Even when her days start out rough with her kids, she comes around to everyone's office, offering them a hello or if they're lucky, like me, a hug. She is the epitome of a NAMI advocate and we have been so blessed by her presence here.

Luckily for us, she will remain a huge part of our lives here at NAMI and has even decided to help with the NAMIWalk this year. We couldn't be more grateful for her dedication to this cause! 

When I think of Sarah, I think of this quote to the left from Story People. It says, "Anyone can slay a dragon, he told me, but try waking up every morning and loving the world all over again. That's what takes a real hero." Sarah is our real hero. She wakes up every morning and loves the world all over again! And we love her right back! 

So Sarah, we aren't saying good-bye, no way! We are simply saying, "See you later!"

What Happens in Class, Stays in Class

With the next round of NAMI Utah’s class for teens, Progression, coming up, you may ask yourself – “why should I sign up? Why should I go if my parents aren’t dragging me?” And to that, I say, “Dude, you are missing out!” Progression is a great class where you can learn about dealing with your problems instead of just letting them drag you through life, all while being taught by teachers who have been there, and been there recently. No detention or quizzes here; just real talk from people who have dealt with what you’re dealing with, and people who are honest, open, and unashamed of their experiences. These teachers will give you
the tools to be proactive about your illness instead of just letting it rule your life. Oh, and did I mention we have an opportunity for you to meet other people your age that are dealing with the same problems? There is no judgment in Progression, and everything you tell the class is confidential. I call it “The Vegas Rule” – what’s said in class, stays in class. What could be better than that?

I haven’t yet mentioned my personal favorite part of Progression – they have been coined “Emotional First-Aid Kits” but I personally thought the name could use a change, so every class gets to call it what they want. What is an “Emotional First-Aid Kit”, you might be asking? These Kits are small boxes that you decorate with supplies we provide, and fill with things that make you feel better when you’re down. Love listening to some smooth R&B jams to chill you out? Pop that iPod in the box! Is a bubble bath more your speed? Tuck a few bottles away in the box! Snuggly stuffed animal from your younger days your go-to? Put that little critter in his new home! These Kits, like Progression, are all about you – how your mind works, how to cope, how to communicate, how to just be you. And you, you will find out, are pretty darn rad – illness or not.

To sign up for Progression, call NAMI Utah at (801) 323-9900. Progression, like all of our classes and support groups, is totally FREE! (And totally awesome, I might add.)

Erin is a Whole Health Care Manager and Mentor at NAMI Utah and is a teacher, teacher trainer, and state trainer for Progression, having taught nearly a dozen classes and trained many people both in Utah and Minnesota in the Progression program. She also likes to think she is pretty cool – most days!

Brian Daniel Wynn 1975-2012

A message from Dan and Alice Wynn, who gathered donations for NAMI Utah from friends and family in honor of their son, Brian Daniel Wynn:

With rising recognition and emphasis being placed on mental illness and many related tragedies taking place across our country every day, we have collected donations for NAMI in memory of our son, Brian Daniel Wynn, who passed away unexpectedly on February 13, 2012 due to complications arising from mental illness and addiction. Brian, a very kind and soft spoken spirit, often displayed a sincere concern for other who were struggling or in need. However, in the end, he could not overcome his own trial and demons and was unable to obtain the treatment he needed in a timely manner, which may have saved his life. 

Thank you for your dedication to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. 
Sincerely, 
Dan and Alice Wynn




Dan and Alice, thank you for your donation and most importantly, thank you for your willingness to raise awareness of mental health issues and suicide. We have no doubt that Brian would be proud of the work you are doing! Stay strong, continue to shed light on these issues and take care of yourselves and each other. Remember that you are not alone!
Thank you so much,
NAMI Utah

Running Down Stigma: Michael's Story

In 2008 Michael Runningwolf was diagnosed with a severe mental illness known as Paranoid Schizophrenia. Although this illness has made life difficult for Michael, he says the most crippling of all things was the stigma attached to his illness. Michael now runs races to help erase the stigma of mental illness and raises funds for mental health organizations. Michael will be running the Santa Barbara International Marathon on November 9, 2013 in support of NAMI Utah. Check out his website by clicking HERE.

We had the opportunity to ask Michael a few questions. Here's what he had to say:

1.) Where did you seek help when you first received a diagnosis? 

When I first received my diagnosis, I was told that I needed to go to a psychiatric hospital so I could get the proper care I needed. I was not educated about mental illness at that time and I had no idea where to reach out for help. At the same time, most of the people in my life were distancing themselves from me and I felt very alone and scared. I found a local NAMI office in Boise Idaho and they helped me with information but I was struggling and it wasn’t long before I found myself hospitalized again and then I found myself incarcerated into the jails psychiatric unit.

2.) Tell us about your first involvement with NAMI.

The first time I found NAMI was in Idaho, but the first time I really found NAMI was when I moved to Phoenix Arizona. I went to visit them and found a home, they let me volunteer there and I found a family that supported me any way they could. I started to volunteer about two hours a week, and before I knew it I was volunteering forty hours a week before and more because I believed in what NAMI was doing and also it felt wonderful to get up every morning and have someplace to go and to know I was helping others. They saved my life, they helped me find my purpose and meaning and they did it without ever asking who my insurance provider was or what could I pay. They were my saving grace and I owe NAMI everything for what they did for me. They helped me learn about my illness, they put me in the NAMI classes, they believed in me, and they taught me that I was not alone. Without NAMI, I am not sure I would have survived it all.

3.) How has running helped you in your recovery?

It has given me a purpose, I run to break down the barriers of mental illness. When you run a 26.2 mile race and you complete with the other runners, you show that people with a diagnosis can go the distance too. Also, I hear things that others don’t and see things that others don’t and when I run, I think it releases serotonin and that gives the illness a real beating! I like to say I can drop my voices at mile five because they can’t keep up. It is my best medicine to fight them; it is my best coping skill. When I run I am free, I know I can use it to help with the symptoms and the weight gain that comes from taking psychiatric medications. In addition, running has been tool for me in breaking down stigma because I can take it to the general population and get it out to the communities, to the people who rarely ever think of mental illness except when it makes headlines because of an incident. It is my way to speak to the world, that we are people too, and we too can go the extra mile.

 4.) What were some important resources for you during your journey with mental illness? 

NAMI classes, NAMI library, and the folks at NAMI with their vast amount of knowledge and caring. They helped me navigate a system that is not easy to navigate; they helped me understand the steps to take to get what I needed. A Another important resource was my psychiatrist who actually listened to me and supported me in my healing. I am also on SMI (serious mentally ill) probation and my probation officer Doug is a huge support for me and makes it possible for me to travel and run.

5.) Do you have any advice for others seeking treatment? 

Yes, contact your local NAMI, contact them and work with them, they can be your greatest source of information and understanding. Enroll in the NAMI classes and meet other peers that struggle with psychiatric challenges. Always hope, never give up, and when you find what works for you, never stop doing what works. And share and support others when you can, giving back is empowering and when you feel empowered you have the energy and motivation to keep going strong!

Alissa's Story

This is a story of recovery from a woman named Alissa who took the NAMI Utah BRIDGES class (a free 12-week education class for individuals living with mental illness). As of this weekend, she is now a certified BRIDGES teacher!! Congratulations Alissa and thank you for sharing your story and teaching others that, "recovery is worth fighting for."

“My recovery is an ongoing project, as I imagine it always will be. That being said, I am healthier today, both physically and mentally, than I have been in over a decade. I have been in what one would call “recovery” for about 6 years now. I take my meds every day, and I follow a strict and healthy diet (low sugars, no caffeine or alcohol). I have even been able to hold down jobs (which is a big deal for me). My outlook on life has changed dramatically over the years. I live my life striving for positivity and optimism each day. Still, I do have a brain disorder, and I understand that it takes a daily effort to monitor myself and keep myself healthy. I have a great “med-manager”, an APRN who keeps an eye on me and works with me to help me feel as balanced as possible. I am very lucky to be where I am today. I know that I could have slipped through the cracks and become a statistic very easily. Without a strong support system of family, friends and medical professionals, I can say I probably would not be the happy and healthy person I am today. I know that I will never be “cured” of my brain disorder, but I have stopped wishing for a cure. I see my “illness” as a blessing. It has given me insight into so many things. Having a chronic illness has given me a level of empathy for others I couldn’t have gained any other way. Most importantly, being diagnosed with Bipolar II has given me something I never knew I had; the spirit of a fighter. I have had to fight to find my recovery. I want to show others that they have that spirit in them as well. Recovery is worth fighting for. It can take years, but ultimately it is so worth it. I am proof.”

For a schedule of FREE classes and support groups in your area click HERE.  

Alissa at the Eiffel Tower. The trip, she says, wouldn't have been possible before her recovery.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month!

We all have a story to share! What is yours?

Throughout May we will be posting personal and family stories of hope and recovery. If you would like to share your story with us send an e-mail to Mary: maryb@namiut.org

Why Should You Give to NAMI Utah?

This Friday, March 22nd, NAMI Utah is participating in the Love UT Give UT 1st Annual Day of Giving across the state of Utah. Over 500 non-profit organizations are participating in this unprecedented day of giving. With so many non-profits needing your funds and requesting a $10 or more donation this Friday, we wanted to give you some reasons to donate to NAMI Utah. One in four of us are affected by a mental health disorder. Whether you live with a mental illness, you have a family member or loved one who lives with a mental illness, or you just stumbled upon this blog, here are some reasons to donate:

1.) NAMI Utah provides FREE support groups and education classes across the state of Utah to individuals living with a mental illness as well as families and loved ones. In order to make these classes free, we rely on donations to print materials, recruit volunteers and train teachers and facilitators.

2.) NAMI Utah is a huge advocate for mental health during the legislative session. NAMI is recognized as the preeminent voice in Utah for all Utahans impacted by mental illness. NAMI advocates have fought for policy changes that raise the bar on mental health treatment and educate our lawmakers on the lived experience of mental illness.

3.) NAMI Utah KNOWS what you're going through. Our mentors answer phone calls Monday- Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. talking to individuals who have a variety of needs such as housing, discounted medications, mental health treatment resources. Our mentors also provide a listening ear for individuals with a current or new diagnosis who don't know where to turn or need some encouragement to get them through the day.

4.) Our classes are taught by individuals with the lived experience of a mental illness. They've been there, they are in recovery and they know what you're going through.

5.) NAMI Utah provides a weekly Social Group where individuals come to have sandwiches and get support from their peers. You can learn more about social group HERE.

6.) NAMI Utah holds the largest mental health awareness event in Utah, the NAMIWalks. Click HERE to watch the video featuring our 2011 Walk.

7.) Early Intervention is crucial! NAMI Utah participates in many early intervention programs including the Family Resource Facilitator project as well as the school-based mental health program called Hope for Tomorrow. This program talks to students about mental health issues, helps erase the stigma of mental illness, and fosters hope among students and their families.

8.) The NAMI Provider Education Program is a 5-week course that presents a penetrating, subjective view of family and consumer experiences with serious mental illness to staff at public and private agencies, who work directly with people experiencing severe and persistent mental illnesses.

9.) We have recently expanded our Diversity Outreach efforts and have classes in Spanish for both family members and individuals! We have a support group for the LGBT community and we recently completed a support group for the refugee community.

10.) If you've taken one of our classes, participated in a support group or any of our other programs, you have been impacted by NAMI and we need your support! So many individuals who take our classes are forever changed by the content discussed and the community that results from sharing stories, and a shared understanding of the journey towards recovery.

These are just 10 reasons to donate to NAMI Utah, we can think of so many more! Have you been impacted by NAMI in some way?! Make sure you share YOUR reason to give with your friends, family,  co-workers, and strangers! If you give on Friday, your donation will be matched, up to $2,000. An even better reason to give! Every $10 donation counts!

HERE is the link to our fundraising page.

Running from Crazy: Film Review

Running From Crazy is a film recently released at the Sundance Film Festival. It documents Mariel Hemingway’s exploration of the mental illness that has plagued her family and the suicide that has claimed seven of their lives. Her personal struggles along with the death of family members including her grandfather, famed writer Ernest Hemingway and sister, supermodel/actress Margaux Hemingway leads Mariel to seek answers. Is her family cursed? Or is there hope?

Spoiler alert, there is hope! Through exploration and understanding of her families’ complex history she is able to find her path to acceptance and recovery. She learns to forgive her family for their imperfections and embrace the positive things they stood for. She talks about how important it is for her to reject alcohol in light of her family history of addiction. She explores the importance of nutrition, exercise, and overall wellness in her life and advocates for the incorporation of wellness in mental health treatment.

Photo from the Running from Crazy Facebook Page

Most importantly she learns how important it is to talk about mental illness and suicide. She talks to her daughters about their family history and the anxiety and fear for their well being. She talks to the community about mental illness and suicide prevention and how important it is to be open and willing to ask questions- the questions that are hard and maybe we don’t want to know the answer to because it might be scary. Scary, but important. Those questions and that support might be the lifeline someone needs. We need to bring mental illness out of the shadows. We need to talk about it.

Here at NAMI Utah, we too understand the importance of talking about mental health and fighting stigma. We advocate for access to effective treatment and equality in all aspects of life. We work to provide information and education about mental illness so we and our loved ones are no longer misunderstood. We work to provide networks of support for those impacted by mental illness. We, along with Mariel Hemingway, know that there is hope. For information on NAMI Utah and to find support in your area, click here.

Did you see Running From Crazy? Share your thoughts!

NAMI Social Group Event

 • Get immunized • Get a Sandwich • Get Registered to Vote 

Where: North Valley Mental Health Basement
When: October 18th from 11:30 am -1:30 pm
Details: 
1. The Salt Lake Valley Health Department, in conjunction with North Valley Mental Health staff, will get you up to date on immunizations, including the flu shot. They will hold separate presentations in the weeks prior to the event to give you information and answer questions. Please watch for posted information at North Valley Mental Health. Immunizations will be given on the 18th.

2. The Disability Law Center will do a presentation on the 18th about your voting rights and be available to help you to register online in the computer room adjacent to the cafeteria area in the basement.

3. The usual sandwiches will be available. It will be helpful to know how many people are planning on coming so that we know how many sandwiches we will need. Please call or email Jackie if you are planning on attending. Jackie’s telephone number/voicemail is: 801-869-2872. Email address is: Jackie@namiut.org. I will need this information no later than October 13th .