Wednesday, December 10, 2003

Hand to Hand
Notice at the NAMI web site - "Hand to Hand is an eight-week education program designed to foster learning, healing and empowerment among families of children with emotional/mental/ neurobiological disorders. This course, developed by NAMI of Greater Toledo, is funded by a grant from ODMH and is taught by professionals and family members who are part of NAMI. The course is similar to Family-to-Family in structure and goals, with each week of the curriculum dedicated to a particular aspect of having a child with a mental illness. Topics covered include: understanding your child's diagnosis; developing family coping skills; counseling and therapy; medications; special educational needs; and juvenile justice and child protection agencies. Guidance on locating appropriate support and services within the community and obtaining better mental health services as well as advocacy for appropriate federal and state policies are also included. The course is free, but registration is required." See also the page at the NAMI Ohio web site on programs for children and families.  
  

The Police and the Mentally Ill
Feature story in the Village Voice - "In 1999, when Gidone Busch, an Orthodox Jew with a history of mental illness who was wielding a hammer, was gunned down by police, many protested the conduct of the NYPD. But the voice that went largely unheard by both police and activists was that of the mental health community. Why, they asked, are police still unable to handle a confrontation with the mentally ill? Three years later, that question has not been answered. ..."