NAMI-NORTHERN VIRGINIA WEBSITE

     Seeking information about activities in Northern Virginia – including NAMI-Northern Virginia’s monthly Speaker’s Meeting?  Check the NAMI-Northern Virginia website at www.naminova.org.  Mental health consumers also have a website at http://members.aol.com/nvmhca.

Proposed Budget Rejects Residential Funding

for Severely Disabled

     County Manager Ron Carlee has unveiled his recommended $713 million budget for Fiscal 2005, which continues current service levels, offers no new initiatives and ignores the No. 1 priority of the Arlington Community Services Board for residential services for 21 severely disabled individuals with mental retardation or mental illness.

     Carlee described the budget, which is about $44.5 million more than voted for this fiscal year (and including supplemental funding), as maintaining “Arlington’s quality services.”

     The Services Board last fall focused on the need for 24/7 supervised services for 21 individuals, including 10 to 12 children and adults with serious mental illness.  The adults are individuals who are ready for discharge from a state psychiatric facility, but cannot be released for lack of appropriate housing.

     The Services Board has repeatedly requested such support for the past five years, but the request has never made it into the Manager’s budget.  Previously allocated Local Public Assistance Cost Allocation Program (LPACAP) dollars would pay for the bricks-and-mortar costs for the housing.

     The Manager’s budget does include $1.9 million in new LPACAP funds.  Covered services that could benefit mental health services include $600,000 for Supportive Housing Services, $27,000 for emergency needs, including prescription medications and $381,000 in contingency funds, including assistance to nonprofit organizations.  More than one-half million would also be spent on upgrading department computers.

     NAMI-Arlington, led by its Housing Committee, has also long advocated for and supported 24/7-supervised housing to augment Arlington’s continuum of housing options for those who are mentally ill.

State Budget Battle Focuses on Tax Reform

     Debate continues in Richmond on how to close a $1.2 billion gap between expected revenues and needed expenditures, with Governor Mark Warner and members of the State Senate proposing reform of Virginia’s tax system – and increased taxes – and members of the Republican-controlled House calling for cuts in state spending.

     As The Arlington Voice goes to press, anti-tax Republican House members proposed closing a number of corporate tax loopholes that would raise $512 million in revenues, but still falls short in meeting proposed state spending, including in the area of mental health services.  Their action followed calls from U.S. Sen. John Warner (R-Virginia) and members of Virginia’s business community to consider tax reform.  The Senate is considering the tax reform package sponsored by Senate Finance Chairman John Chichester (R-Stafford County) that would raise $2 billion in additional revenue.

     An early legislative action saw the House Appropriations Health and Human Resources Committee unanimously reject proposals to cut or eliminate state support for funding Medicaid Option Plan services.  These are non-federally mandated Medicaid services that support community-based mental health services – including case management, prescription medications, clubhouse and residential support services.

     The Virginia Coalition for Mentally Disabled Citizens is urging funding of $254 million for services for those with mental illness and mental retardation and those who abuse substances.  The Coalition termed Warner’s budget proposals, which focus on carrying out the initiatives of the Olmstead Task Force as only “a start.”  “There are still gaping holes in Virginia’s safety net for its citizens with mental disabilities,” it said.

     “Our Coalition’s message to House and Senate members is simple:  Virginia is near the bottom in terms of state funding support of services for persons with mental disabilities and it is time to start fixing the problem,” said Ray Burmester, Coalition co-chair.

     NAMI-Virginia stressed Virginia’s low ranking among its sister states in funding for community mental health.  “Thousands of people are suffering now,” Executive Director Val Marsh said.

     “Too many people are in jails, prisons or juvenile correctional facilities because our public mental health centers, known as community service boards (CSBs), serve less than 12 percent of all citizens with serious mental illness in the state.”  Marsh said fiscal 2002 and 2003 budget cuts of 15 percent have resulted in a 313 percent increase in NAMI-Virginia helpline calls relating to criminal justice issues.

     “Adults and children are going to jail and juvenile detention centers because they cannot access community treatment,” she said.

     NAMI-Virginia is supporting Warner’s proposed $$42.5 million for individuals with mental illness.  This covers money for three new Programs for Assertive Community Treatment (PACT) and $9 million to bring 77 individuals in Virginia ready for discharge from psychiatric facilities to their home communities.

     NAMI-Virginia is also supporting:

·         Increasing eligibility for Medicaid services to 100 percent of Federal poverty levels (FPL), from Virginia’s current 80 percent.  Marsh said 80 percent of FPL is about $600 a month.

·         Ensuring the Medicaid Preferred Drug List includes all psychiatric medications.  Cost-cutting measures often limit access to psychiatric medications.

·         Adding $21.7 million to ensure reinvestment – the downsizing of state psychiatric facilities by moving care and treatment of individuals to their communities.  Marsh said, “It is not possible to restructure the mental health system on a cost-neutral basis,” which uses “saved” funds from facility care to cover community-based expenses.

     Both NAMI-Virginia and the Coalition call on advocates to contact their state lawmakers in support of issues.

How to Contact Our County Board Members

     Advocates and advocacy are needed to support the Arlington Community Services Board request for $1.6 million for the urgently required 24/7 supervised housing.  Members of the Arlington County Board may be contacted by telephone (703/228-3130), by email (countyboard@co.arlington.va.us) or by regular mail (2100 Clarendon Boulevard – 300, Arlington, VA 22201).  Board members are:

The Honorable Barbara Favola, Chair

The Honorable Jay Fisette, Vice chair

The Honorable Paul Ferguson

The Honorable Walter Tejada

The Honorable Chris Zimmerman

Assembly to Act on Olmstead Plan

     The Virginia General Assembly will consider a $42.5 million Warner Administration plan to respond to the 1999 U.S. Supreme Court decision that said individuals with disabilities have the right to live in the most integrated setting possible.

     NAMI-Virginia is supporting this initiative that carries out a report developed by an Olmstead planning group last year.  It includes:

·         Developing a Medicaid “buy-in” program for disabled individuals.

·         Funding 77 discharge plans so that individuals in state psychiatric facilities may move to and stay in more integrated settings.

·         Funding 160 additional Medicaid waiver slots to allow more individuals with mental retardation to live in more integrated settings.

·         Funding for three new Programs of Assertive Community Treatment (PACT) teams.

     The 1999 Court decision arose from a Georgia case brought under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by two women with mental health disabilities who were receiving psychiatric treatment at a Georgia facility.  They sought, but were denied, discharge to a community program due to lack of community program slots.

     The Court said that community treatment is required when treatment professionals indicate community placement is appropriate, when the transfer is not opposed by the individual and when such placement can be “reasonably accommodated,” which takes into account available resources and the needs of others.

     Alexandra Stewart of the George Washington University Center for Health Services Research and Policy discussed the Olmstead case at the January meeting of the Arlington Community Services Board.

     Stewart said the Court ruled that Title II of the ADA bars as unlawful discrimination the unnecessary segregation of disabled individuals in institutions as a condition of treatment.  States are the focus of the decision.  States must make reasonable accommodations to ensure that services are furnished in the most integrated setting or bear the burden of proving that integration would require fundamental alteration in existing programs. 

     The concepts of “reasonable accommodation” and “fundamental alteration” are still being litigated.  Under “reasonable accommodation” a court may order changes in program administration.  A “fundamental alteration” is deemed a part of the political process and beyond the purview of a court’s ability to change, Stewart said.

     But, lower courts have started to define what is meant by “reasonable pace.”  Courts have said that individuals eligible for community placement as outlined in the state plan must receive them within a reasonable length of time, Stewart said.  Courts have rejected “inadequate funding” as a valid reason for delay – particularly when Medicaid’s cost-neutrality requirement is met.

     Enforcement of the Olmstead decision falls under the Federal Office of Civil Rights, which is not planning any action until states have had the time to act.  A state is considered in compliance with the decision if it has developed a comprehensive, effective working plan for placing individuals with disabilities in less restrictive settings.  A state is also deemed in compliance if it has a waiting list that is moving at a reasonable pace and is not controlled by efforts to keep institutions populated.

     Virginia, with its planning group last year, is among the states that have begun planning for compliance with the decision.  Stewart deemed the Virginia plan well done, but lacking identification of funding sources.

     As part of the Governor’s program, a 15-member Oversight Advisory Committee was created and appointed.

Board Endorses Policies for New Assisted Living Facility

     Individuals with mental disabilities are among the target population for the County’s assisted living facility under a policy adopted unanimously in January by the Arlington Community Services Board.

     In addition, individuals with dementia – who also have either depression or psychosis – are included in the eligibility criteria for the Arlington Assisted Living Residence (ALR), due to open at year’s end in South Arlington.  The project was renamed to avoid continued confusion with the privately operated Oak Springs facility.

     All individuals will be low income and elderly, although discretion is allowed for individuals who meet the eligibility criteria and who may be younger.

     The Services Board also passed, again unanimously, a policy opposing discrimination against eligible individuals due either to level of functioning or ability to pay.  This policy seeks to guard against admitting preferences to individuals who have a higher level of functioning – and who would need less assistance in their care – or who are not able to contribute funds toward their care at the ALR.

     Eligible individuals would also need support in at least one Activity of Daily Living (ADL), described as bathing, dressing, toileting, getting from one place to another and eating or feeding.  The policy calls for admitting individuals to the facility who need assistance with ADLs up to a level that requires skilled nursing care.

     Eligible individuals may also need support with one or more Instrumental Activity of Daily Living.  These include meal preparation, housekeeping, money management, laundry, transportation, shopping and using a telephone.  Assistance with medication management is another criterion.

     Mental disabilities cover those with mental retardation and those suffering from mental illness as defined as the priority population served by community services boards across the Commonwealth.

Thanking Mt. Olivet

     NAMI-Arlington has been around Arlington, offering support, advocacy and education, for nearly 30 years and has had a ready home for its activities at the Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church.  The Church has freely opened its doors to us, asking for no remuneration.  This year, Mt. Olivet is celebrating its 100^th anniversary.  Ginny Morris and Normal Hill are heading a committee to come up with a gift to participate in this celebration and also to say “Thank You” for the long-standing support the church has provided NAMI-Arlington.  Morris and Hill are looking for additional helpers for their committee, and also for ideas of what NAMI-Arlington can do.  Contact Morris at 703/532-8180 and contact Hill at 703/538-4041.

Keeping Up With State News

     NAMI-Virginia and the Virginia Coalition for Mentally Disabled Citizens both offer email services that keep respondents up-to-date on legislative happenings in Richmond.  To get on these email services, contact Val Marsh at NAMI-Virginia – vaami@aol.com and/or Jessica Burmester at the Coalition – jessicab@erols.com.

How to Contact Our Arlington Sate Lawmakers

STATE SENATORS:

The Honorable Patricia S. Ticer

City Hall -- Room 2007

301 King Street

Alexandria, Virginia 22314

(703) 549-5770

Email:  patsy@tidalwave.net

The Honorable Mary Margaret Whipple

3556 North Valley Street

Arlington, Virginia 22207

(703) 538-4097

Email:  mmwhipple@erols.com

Legislative address in Richmond (in session):

Virginia Senate

General Assembly Building

Richmond, Virginia 23219

Mail Room FAX (804) 786-4640

Toll-free number is 1/800/889-0229

STATE DELEGATES:

The Honorable Robert Brink

2670 Marcey Road

Arlington, Virginia 22207

(703) 243-5778

Email: www.bobbrink.org

The Honorable Adam Ebbin

Post Office Box 41827

Arlington, Virginia 22204

(703) 549-8253

Email:  info@adamebbin.com

The Honorable Albert (Al) Eisenberg

Post Office Box 1511

Arlington, Virginia 22210

(703) 276-9414

Email:  www.aleisenberg.com

Legislative address in Richmond (in session):

Post Office Box 406

Richmond, Virginia 23218

Mail room FAX (804) 786-6310

Toll-free number is 1/800/889-0229

Medications Unit Focuses on Holistic Approach

     Following cutting-edge and “best practices” in psychiatric care, Arlington’s Behavioral Healthcare Division is embracing a holistic approach in integrating medical care in its treatment of consumers, according to Marcy Bartolovic, the Division’s lead psychiatric nurse.

     Bartolovic, who works closely with Arlington Medical Director and Chief Psychiatrist Mildred Osborne, described the new initiatives under way.  For one, integration is the current watchword in the division’s handling of consumers’ needs.  Integration for the Medications Unit translates to a biopsychosocial approach in consumers’ care.  The new Dual Diagnosis Unit integrates mental health and substance abuse treatments for those who are mentally ill and who also abuse substances.

     Other initiatives now have the Division’s eight psychiatric nurses, involved on the Outpatient Teams and clinics, reporting to Osborne, along with the psychiatrists who serve the Center.  The eight nurses include three who serve on Arlington’s PACT (Program for Assertive Treatment) teams, four who are part of the two Outpatient Teams and the nurse who serves Clarendon House.

     In addition, the unit has hired a part-time pharmacist to assist them.  This follows the putting into place a Refill Telephone Line that allows consumers to obtain a prescription refill with a simple telephone call.  There has been positive consumer feedback on the line, said Bartolovic, who came to Arlington in 2002 after private-sector employment at the Norfolk, Virginia, General Hospital where she served as psychiatric clinic specialist.

     There is a “Nurse of the Day” initiative which designates a nurse to handle walk-in cases and staff questions.  The nurses have developed medical education sheets, describing 30 to 40 medications, their side effects and who to call if there are difficulties.  “It helps consumers understand the medications,” Bartolovic said, adding it builds onto the unit’s philosophy that the “more information and education a consumer has, the more power the consumer has in his/her care.”

     There is closer monitoring of consumers’ medical condition.  The unit’s two Clozaril clinics have long included monitoring of blood counts.  The unit’s Injection Clinic is increasing the monitoring of the 30 to 40 individuals it serves – especially for symptoms of Tardive Dyskinesia, a negative side effect of Parkinsonian-like involuntary movements.

     The nurses have started a Health Management group to educate consumers about mental illnesses with the goal of helping them better manage their symptoms.  “We want to help consumers recognize the symptoms of their illness, and when they have these symptoms, how to cope.  We want to educate them on the side effects of their medication,” Bartolovic said.

     “Mental health is more than medication.  We are increasing the emphasis on wellness and how to stay well.  We want the consumers adopting a healthy lifestyle.

     “Treatment is more than a pill,” she said.

     Bartolovic said medical monitoring is needed because more chronic medical issues – heart, respiratory and diabetes – are seen.  “We want to see if we can catch these issues early,” Bartolovic said.  Consumers’ vital signs – blood pressure, weight, temperature, pulse and respiration – are checked to identify those who may be a high risk for diabetes.  “We are tracking if something is not normal.”  The monitoring enables the unit to have the consumer seen by a treating primary physician sooner.  A small intervention can make a difference in a consumer’s life, she said.

    Taking the pulse of one consumer, Bartolovic felt an irregular pulse, which prompted a blood-pressure check.  The individual is now on blood-pressure medication.  “Two fingers on her arm helped us catch something.  We want to be proactive,” the nurse said.

     The nurses are targeting individuals who are overweight, educating them on meal and diet plans.  She noted there is an interest among consumers for a weight-watching group. 

     “It is exciting to watch consumers respond to our initiatives,” she said.

Staff Outlines Dual Diagnosis Program

     Any positive change in the way one views the use of substances is considered progress when working with individuals who have co-occurring substance dependency and mental illness, according to staff members of Arlington’s new Dual Diagnosis Unit.

     Marilyn Schmal, manager, and Tiffany Kelsey discussed the new program that has five and one-half full-time employees and is about to hire a sixth full-time professional.  The unit will focus on individuals diagnosed with severe mental illness and substance dependency.  One staff member speaks Spanish and will also work eight hours weekly in the Arlington jail.

     “Outcomes [for individuals with the co-occurring disorders] are the same—40 percent – as for individuals who only abuse substances,” Schmal said.  Abstinence is not the benchmark.  A positive outcome is “any positive change.”

     “Acknowledging and recognizing the problem is often very important,” she said, adding that it usually takes three months to see such change.

     The Dual Diagnosis Unit will handle only the most serious cases.  Other individuals who have a substance dependence complicated by a psychiatric diagnosis will be treated by Arlington’s substance abuse staff.  Mental Health services will treat individuals with serious mental illness who abuse substances, but who are not considered substance dependent.  Individuals will be referred to private practitioners who have a “low” rating in abuse of substances and who have a low-grade mental illness.

     “More than 50 percent of individuals with mental illness have a co-occurring substance abuse disorder,” said Schmal, who since 1989 has been practicing cutting-edge Dual Diagnosis practices.  It has been known since the late 1970s that integrated mental health and substance abuse treatment was needed, but it was difficult to get a handle on how to achieve this, Schmal said.

     Using nearly $300,000 in on-going federal Local Public Assistance Cost Allocation Program dollars, Arlington is creating the new six-member core unit that will offer four hours daily of programs and activities.  These include educational classes on health issues, such as diet and exercise.  Therapy groups are also scheduled.

     Family support groups open to all Arlingtonians are also offered.  These groups are an eight-week course that meets Monday evenings from 7:15 to 8:30 p.m. at the Drewery Center.

     Schmal and Kelsey said the Unit’s program design is to reduce stress to help in recovery.  Schmal said individuals are often more aware of symptoms of one disorder than the other.  The Unit plans to present information on both disorders that may persuade an individual that the other disorder “maybe does pertain to me.”  It is information to motivate, Schmal said.

     Schmal said other plans call for increased coordination with ASPAN, the nonprofit Arlington Street Peoples’ Assistance Network that works with homeless individuals, greater outreach to clients in the community and, lastly, to determine how to use funding for substance abuse residential treatment.  “We are going to be intensively involved with individuals with dual diagnosis,” Schmal said.

     Schmal acknowledged that dual diagnosis training is an issue.  “It is not taught in schools.  It is on-the-job training,” she said.  The Northern Virginia Community College two-year substance abuse certification program, however, is training individuals in integrated treatment of individuals with the co-occurring disorders.  Ed Hendrickson, a newly retired Arlington substance abuse staff member, and Denise Tordella, a member of the Dual Diagnosis Unit, are teaching the course.

Join the Community Services Board

     Three seats on the Arlington Community Services Board open up this July as terms of three current members – all of whom coincidentally serve on the Mental Health Committee – expire.  Arlington residents interested in and concerned about mental health services are needed to ensure continued oversight of these important programs.  Appointment to the Board means two meetings monthly – the meeting of the Board itself, which meets the third Wednesday monthly at 7 p.m. at the Human Services Department building, and the Mental Health Committee, which meets the fourth Wednesday monthly at 7p.m. at the Clarendon House clubhouse.  If interested, contact Betsy Greer at 703/525-8616 for more information.

Workshop Weighs Early Onset Mental Illness in Adolescents

     A special workshop to highlight mental illness in children and adolescents will be held on Monday, March 22, at 7 p.m., in the Thomas Jefferson Middle School Library, 125 South Old Glebe Road.

     NAMI-Arlington is joining with Arlington Public Schools and the Arlington Special Education in sponsoring the free workshop titled, “Parents and Teachers as Allies:  Recognizing Early-Onset Mental Illness in Children and Adolescents.” 

     Dr. Edith Wiggs, a neuropsychologist, will present at the workshop, which will also include testimony from an individual diagnosed with mental illness as a schoolchild and a parent of such an individual.

     Common behaviors arising from attention deficit, hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar disorder, depression and schizophrenia are among the topics that will be discussed.

     For more information, contact the Parent Resource Center at 703/228-7239 or email eparral@arlington.k12.va.us.

Support Clarendon House’s

Annual Car Wash

Saturday, May 10

from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

3141 N. 10th St., Arlington

Annual NAMI-National Convention

     NAMI-National celebrates its 25^th Anniversary this year at its annual convention, September 8-12, 2004, at the Washington Hilton and Towers Hotel, Washington D.C.

     We in the greater Washington-area are fortunate that NAMI holds its convention in our capital city every three years, giving us the opportunity to hear about, among other things, the latest research and the latest state-of-the-art programming.  It is also a terrific time to network and to meet other families from across the United States who share our concerns for a better service system for those who are ill.

     It is well worth taking time off from otherwise busy schedules for the five-day convention and to celebrate NAMI’s 25 years of advocacy, education and support.  Special sessions on research, “Ask the Doctors” breakout sessions and workshops on mental health services and programs are featured.  It is all worth taking time from busy schedules to attend.

     For more complete information and to register, check the NAMI website at www.nami.org/convention.  NAMI members in the greater Washington-area are also able to attend at reduced fees by volunteering to work at the Convention.  Check the website for more information.

Thank You For Support

     NAMI-Arlington thanks the many who responded to our appeal for contributions to support the printing and mailing costs of The Arlington Voice.  It is our way to help NAMI-Northern Virginia, which has generously supported our Arlington newsletter since it began 12 years ago.  If you are looking for a special nonprofit activity to support, NAMI-Arlington is always grateful for any financial support.  We ask that you make your check payable to NAMI-Northern Virginia, a tax deductible 501(c)3 organization, and send it in care of Betsy Greer, 4141 North Henderson Road – 624, Arlington, VA 22203.  We will record your contribution before passing it on to NAMI-Northern Virginia.

Taste of Arlington Set for May

     The 16^th Annual Taste of Arlington, the major fundraiser for CR, formerly Community Residences Inc., is set for Sunday afternoon, May 16, Wilson Boulevard by the Ballston Mall.  Tickets good for eight “tastes” from participating restaurants may be purchased prior to the event for $20.  Tickets purchased at the gate are $25.  CR is a nonprofit that provides residential services to Arlingtonians with mental disabilities.

Production Staff for the Arlington Voice

     The Arlington Voice is the product of many hands.  For their help and support, thanks go to:

Editor:  Betsy Greer

Proofreaders:  Wayne Bert, Bob Jack, Tom Quinn

Formatting:  Christina Kozyn

Mailing:  Barb Keish

NAMI-Arlington Committee News

     NAMI-Arlington has three committees that support its advocacy work, and it invites interested individuals to become actively involved in one of these committees.  The Committees are:  Criminal Justice Committee under Wayne Bert (wbert@cs.net), which is working to improve the way that Arlington handles those with mental illness who become involved in the criminal justice system;  Housing Committee under Kathy Donovan (kdonovan7@comcast.net), which is ensuring NAMI-Arlington’s voice is heard in the continuing work to obtain housing for those who suffer mental illness; and Budget Committee (vacant chair) to formulate NAMI-Arlington positions – and make sure these positions are voiced – on state and local expenditures for programs that serve those with mental illness.

Recognizing an Arlingtonian who Works for Better Community Services

     It’s that time when we in NAMI-Arlington pause to honor those in our community who have worked to ensure that Arlington has a strong mental health program.

     We are calling on you to help us identify the individual or individuals.  We are talking about NAMI members, members of Clarendon House, members of other nonprofit organizations, a member of the Arlington Mental Health Bureau – anyone and everyone who has contributed to the objective of making sure Arlington has the needed services for people who have mental illness.

     Past honorees were:

·         In 2001 – Former Arlington Community Services Board Chair Judy Connally, Services Board Executive Director Cynthia Kemp (acting Mental Health Chief at the time) and Clarendon House member Joe Morgan.

·         In 2002 – The Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing for its development of Project HOPE, a supported affordable housing model.

·         In 2003 – David Leibson, vice chair of the Arlington Housing Commission, Alice Biby of the Friends of Clarendon House, Marikay Crangle, Behavioral Healthcare Residential Coordinator, and Clarendon House member Kevin O’Brien.

     Mary Montgomery is pulling together a committee to select an honoree or honorees.  We are looking for your nominations to guide them.   Submit a name or names and your reasons why you believe a specific individual or individuals should be recognized, and send your nominations to Mary Montgomery, 2205 South Buchanan Street, Arlington, Virginia 22206.  Then come to our annual June potluck supper at Clarendon House to join in honoring him, her or them.

     The deadline is May 15.  So, put your thinking caps on now!

NAMI-ARLINGTON RECOGNITION AWARD(S)

Name of Nominee______________________________________

What is/was the activity (or activities) that merits recognition?___________________________________________

_______________________________________________

____________________________________________

_______________________________________________

NAMI-Arlington Participates in Police Training

     Arlington Emergency Services recently resumed training for the police, conducting a three-hour class for police recruits.

     On December 30 Peter Frecknall of Arlington Emergency Services talked to approximately 20 recruits on how to deal with people with mental illness.  He talked about the nature of various mental illnesses, how such illness affects behavior and what the mentally ill person experiences.  He also discussed how the police should react to various situations to ensure public safety while still treating consumers and their families in a way that provides the special attention and treatment they require.

     The police recruits also had a chance to use an auditory device that simulates a hallucinatory state and the feelings consumers would have when hearing voices.

     Wayne Bert, representing NAMI-Arlington at the class, talked to the police from the perspective of a family member in a situation where the police are called because a consumer has become or threatens to become dangerous because of mental illness.

     The recruits seemed particularly curious about the experiences of a family member who deals with a mentally ill relative.

     NAMI-Arlington’s Criminal Justice Committee has worked to increase the training that Arlington police receive on mental illness issues.  NAMI-Arlington is pleased that Emergency Services has resumed training for the police.  We hope that it will be continued in the future.

     The Criminal Justice Committee continues its work with the Arlington Community Services Board on ways to improve the civil commitment process, to investigate the feasibility of a mental health court in Arlington and to study the value of an Arlington  public defenders’ office.

Nami-Arlington Start New Support Group

Clarendon House Plans Special Spring Event

            A Maryland-based subsidiary of the Sheppard and Enoch Pratt Foundation is offering short-term care for pre-teens and adolescents who suffer from serious mental illness.

            Way Station Camp Journey Respite House in Frederick, Maryland, provides preventive therapeutic respite services for up to eight individuals, aged 11 to 17.  The program offers a planned daylong schedule, recreational activities or schoolwork supervision.  Medication therapy is also provided and monitored.  The program permits pre-registration of a child in advance of actually using it.

            Way Station Camp, which costs $155 daily (and may be covered by private insurance), can be used for respite or for therapeutic breaks for the child and the rest of the family.

            For more information, contact 301/662-0099, extension 1702, or toll-free, 1/888/549-0629.

Borderline Personality Disorder Group Formed

     A Greater Washington-area education and support group has formed for family members whose relative has been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder.  The group has been holding support group meetings, alternating between Northern Virginia and Montgomery County, Maryland.  Under a grant from the National Institute of Mental Health, three members of the group recently received training to facilitate a free 12-week BPD family education course.  For more information about the group, contact Martin and Diane Sterenbuch at 301/469-6101or by email at sterenbuch@comcast.net

Special Report Of the Friends of Clarendon House, Inc.

Remember – The Friends of Clarendon House next monthly meetings are

Wednesday, March 17 and April 21, at 7:45 a.m., at Clarendon House

3141 North 10^th Street, Arlington.

Be sure to come.

Date Set for Annual Potluck Supper

     Wednesday, June 9, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. is the time and date for the Annual End-of-the-Year Potluck Supper co-sponsored by the members of Clarendon House, the Friends of Clarendon House and NAMI-Arlington.  The Clarendon House celebration marks the presentation of NAMI-Arlington’s Recognition Awards as well as the conclusion of an advocacy year of support for mental health services in Arlington.  Be sure to put the time and date on your calendar so that you will be sure to attend in June.

CLARENDON HOUSE PLANS SPECIAL SPRING EVENT 

     Clarendon House members are planning a special spring event for Wednesday, May 12, 6 to 8:30 p.m., at Clarendon House.  Details are still being worked on for the event, which is promised to equal – or even surpass – last year’s successful “Night of our Stars.”  That well-attended Open House featured the musical, artistic and literary talents of clubhouse members.  Be sure to put the time and date on your calendar so that you will be sure to attend in May.

MANY RESPOND TO ANNUAL FRIENDS’ APPEAL

The Friends of Clarendon House, Inc. gained a strong response to its annual holiday fund-raising drive. We thank these individuals who contributed to its success: