Mental Illness Awareness Week 2010
What is Mental Illness Awareness Week?
In 1990, Congress established the first week of October as Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) in recognition of NAMI's efforts to raise mental illness awareness. Over the past 20 years, mental health advocates across the country have joined together with NAMI during the first week of October to celebrate.
MIAW has become a NAMI tradition and is NAMI’s premiere public education and community outreach effort. NAMI affiliates across the country sponsor events to raise awareness about mental illness, put an end to stigma and promote and advocate for treatment and recovery.
New Hampshire MIAW Activities
NAMI NH is offering several activities and events this year and we hope you will join us in the celebration. More activities and events will be added as details become available. Please check back. For more information, contact Claudia at 225-5359 ext. 13 or email cferber@naminh.org.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
for the Mind of America
Check In/Registration: 9:00 AM
NH Hospital Campus
South Fruit Street, Concord
Join NAMI NH and residents around the state for the largest stigma busting event in NH! This 5k Walk through downtown Concord is a great way to raise awareness about mental illness and vital funds to support NAMI NH programs. Walkers must register -- Registration is FREE. Click here for more NAMIWalks details!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
”Mental Health and Schools Conference”
Practical Approaches to Support Children & Youth with Emotional and Behavioral Challenges
Grappone Conference Center, Concord
Presented by NAMI NH in collaboration with the Endowment for Health, Granite State Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health, Institute on Disabilities, NH Association of School Psychologists, NH Assoc. of Special Education Administrators, NH Community of Mental Health Children’s Directors, NH Dept of Education, NH Dept. of Health & Human Services, NH Family Voices, NH PTA and the Parent Information Center.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Pre-registration is required
2 locations to select from
Pembroke or Concord
“Theater of War” is an innovative new project that presents readings of ancient Greek plays as a catalyst for town hall discussions about the challenges faced by combat service members, veterans and their families today.
Hosted By: NH National Guard, NH Department of Health and Human Services, NAMI NH, NH Suicide Prevention Council, White River Junction VA Medical Center
There are ways your local community can get involved. Here are a few ideas . . . .
- Work to promote the Day of Prayer in your community
- Press Outreach is essential and is made easier. Feel free to utilize the following sample press release, letter to the editor and op-ed.
- Have an informational table with NAMI NH representatives at a mall or hospital entrance. NIMH materials and NAMI NH materials are available.
- Offer a movie night at a local library, community center or church: Good choices include: The Soloist, A Beautiful Mind, People Say I’m Crazy, Canvas, When Medicine Got it Wrong and Out of the Shadow. You can offer a panel presentation: mental health provider, consumer and family member to respond to the movie. NIMH brochures and NAMI NH brochures are available based on the topic.
- Work with the manager of a local bookstore to create a display for MIAW. Suggested books are listed on www.nami.org/advocate or contact the NAMI NH office.
If you would like some assistance in planning or acquiring materials, please contact Claudia at the NAMI NH office 225.5359 ext 13.
Concord
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Children, Families & Schools: Meeting the Mental Health Needs of Children with Disabilities
NH State Commission on Education of Children with Disabilities
Time: 4:45 ~ 5:15 pm
Location: Concord, NH
Contact: Claudia Ferber at cferber@naminh.org
Meredith
Friday, October 8, 2010
NH Rehabilitation Association Annual Conference
Michael Mack will perform his award winning one man show Hearing Voices (Speaking in Tongues)
NAMI NH will host a resource table with information on Stigma and Mental Illness
Time: TBA
Location: Inn at Mills Falls and Spa, Meredith, NH
Plymouth
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Mental Health Forum - Free & Open to the Public
Includes a NAMI NH In Our Own Voice presentation
Time: 7:00 ~ 9:00 pm
Location: Plymouth State University, Plymouth, NH
Contact: Elaine de Mello at edemello@naminh.org