General Meeting
The panelists include Kurt Isaacson, CEO of Bloomington Meadows Hospital; Joan Hart, Coordinator for the Monroe County Chapter of Children and Adults with Hyperactivity/ Attention Deficit Disorder (CHADD); Donna Graves (Mental Health America); Sarah Hunt, a parent and participant in NAMI’s Family-to-Family Education Program.
Jill Bolte Taylor, NAMI-GBA Board President stated, “It is our hope that through this presentation, the community will gain a better understanding of some of the resources available for the treatment of children and adolescents with mental illness and how best to access those services.”
If you need more information about this panel presentation, please contact NAMI at 812.335.0459 or email us at info@namibloomington.org or check our web site at www.namibloomington.org.
Kurt Isaacson, CEO
Bloomington Meadows Hospital (www.Meadows.com)
The Bloomington Meadows Hospital offers residential treatment programs that are a longer-term treatment programs (approximately six months) for children and adolescents. Separate programs are offered for children (ages 8-12) and adolescents (ages 13-18). The programs offer physician-led, multidisciplinary treatment that addresses the overall medical, psychiatric, social and academic needs of the child. These residential treatment center programs offer a balance of therapies and activities in a safe, structured setting. In addition, Meadows offers acute inpatient hospitalization, which occurs only with a physician's order in cases where a condition cannot be safely or effectively treated on an outpatient basis. It is the most intensive level of care offered at Meadows and provides 24-hour skilled nursing observation and care; daily interventions and oversight by a psychiatrist; and intensive, highly coordinated treatment by a physician-led team of mental health professionals. Bloomington Meadows Hospital offers acute inpatient care for adults, adolescents (ages 13-18), and children (ages 8-12). Dual Diagnosis programs are available for adults and adolescents with a secondary chemical dependency diagnosis.
Janet Hart, Coordinator
Monroe County CHADD (www.CHADD.org)
Monroe County Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD), is a chapter of the national organization that provides education, advocacy and support for individuals with AD/HD. In addition to an informative web site, CHADD also publishes a variety of printed materials to keep its members and professionals current on research advances, medications and treatments affecting individuals with AD/HD. These materials include Attention! magazine, the CHADD Information and Resource Guide to AD/HD, News From CHADD, which is a free electronically mailed current events newsletter, as well as other publications of specific interest to educators, professionals and parents.
Donna Graves
Mental Health America (www.nmha.org)
Mental Health America (formerly known as the National Mental Health Association) is the country’s leading nonprofit dedicated to helping ALL people live mentally healthier lives. With our more than 320 affiliates nationwide, we represent a growing movement of Americans who promote mental wellness for the health and well-being of the nation – everyday and in times of crisis.
Sarah Hunt, Parent Participant
Family-to-Family Education Program (www.namibloomington.org)
NAMI hosts the Family-to-Family Education Program, which is for families of individuals with serious and persistent mental illness. Family members learn the skills they need when faced with the problems of mental illness in a loved one. The program is distributed and supported by NAMI National and it balances education and skill-training with self-care, emotional support, and empowerment. The 12-session program is taught by trained volunteers and is at no cost to participants. This is one of the most important programs offered by NAMI and pre-registrations for the fall class are currently being taken by calling the Coordinator, Lee Strickholm at 812.339.5440 or via email at leestrick@aol.com.
Family-to-Family
The Family-to-Family Education Program is for families of individuals with serious and persistent mental illness. Family members learn the skills they need when faced with the problems of mental illness in a loved one. The program, distributed and supported by NAMI National, balances education and skill-training with self-care, emotional support, and empowerment. The 12-session program is taught by trained volunteers and is at no cost to participants. This is one of the most important programs offered by NAMI. Over 100,000 family members across the country have taken this course.
NAMI Greater Bloomington Area is currently offering a Family-to-Family class this spring, taught by Lee and Al Strickholm. It runs from March 4 until May 20, 2008, but to join the Fall 2008 class, please contact Lee at 812-339-5440.
Support Groups
Support groups are offered through NAMI Greater Bloomington Area. Because mental illness strikes persons of all walks of life, we provide support groups that can offer a comprehensive view on the many facets of living with a mental illness.
NAMI Greater Bloomington Area has a support group meeting every third Monday of the month at 7:00pm in the First United Methodist Church, Room 302, on Fourth Street across from the downtown post office. We also meet jointly with the Mental Health Alliance's TLC Group, which meets on the first Monday of the month. Everyone in search of support is welcome. To learn more, please call Lee Strickholm, the support group facilitator, at 812-339-5440.
Family Advisory Committee
Advocating for appropriate community treatment for consumers of mental health services is an important activity of NAMI Greater Bloomington Area. Over the past three years, the six members of the Family Advisory Committee have met regularly with some of the administration and staff at the Center for Behavioral Health. These meetings are to discuss concerns that family members have expressed about the policies and procedures of the center.
The emphasis of these meetings has been on the important role that family members play in the successful treatment of their loved ones. Although hampered by federal and state regulations with regard to confidentiality, the meetings have tried to find ways that vital information can be shared. Family members are often the primary caregivers and need to communicate with the center professionals in order to provide effective support.
For more information, or to be involved in the Family Advisory Committee, please contact Lee Strickholm at 812-339-5440.
Important Forms
Download important forms for your loved ones when dealing with the Bloomington Hospital.Authorization for Release/Receipt of Information
Application for Emergency Detention
Physician's Emergency Statement
Endorsement by Judicial Officer
Every journey begins with that first step. In 2008, thousands of concerned citizens in more than 60 communities across the nation will join NAMI's Campaign for the Mind of America and walk together to raise money and awareness about our country's need for a world-class treatment and recovery system for people with mental illness. Won't you join us?
Location: Major Taylor Velodrome, Indianapolis
Date: June 7, 2008
Time: 10:00 am
For more information, please contact Joanne Abbott by phone at 317-925-9399 or by e-mail at jabbott AT nami.org and mention that you are walking for the NAMI Greater Bloomington Area affiliate.