Events & Resources February 2024
New NAMI Family Support Group for Siblings of People with a Mental Health Diagnosis
Every family member has a different perspective on the mental health conditions affecting a loved one. This group supports siblings. Meets on the first Monday of the month, 6:00–7:30 pm, via Zoom. Contact Ingeborg at namisiblings@yahoo.com.
Social Security Income vs. Social Security Disability Income
“Understanding the Difference Between Social Security Income and Social Security Disability Income,” sponsored by Wayside Youth & Family Services. Presenter Caitlin Thomas BSN, RN has nearly 10 years’ experience with disability claims. She will offer all the information parents need when seeking SSI or SSDI.
Date: Saturday, February 10, 2024, via Zoom
Time: 10:00 am
Contact: carol_silva@waysideyouth.org
Registration: calendly.com/carol_silva/411-of-social-security-income-and-disability?month=2024-02
NAMI Massachusetts Impact Summit
Building bridges, breaking barriers. Join NAMI Massachusetts to connect with others who are dedicated to improving mental health in our communities. The event gathers diverse stakeholders—including thought leaders, experts, activists, business leaders, policymakers, and interested individuals—to discuss, collaborate, and take action. Sunday, February 25th, 9:00 am–1:00 pm, in person in Roslindale. Tickets needed for entry. Learn more about the event: namimass.org/impact-summit/
Registration: eventbrite.com/e/building-bridges-breaking-barriers-nami-massachusetts-impact-summit-tickets-796877200157?aff=oddtdtcreator.
Improved access to Behavioral Health Care under Medicare
Starting this year, older Americans and people with disabilities enrolled in Medicare have stronger behavioral health support options. Medicare is widening the type of providers under their umbrella to include Mental Health Counselors, Marriage & Family Counselors, and Addiction Counselors (as opposed to only Licensed Social Workers). They now include coverage for the intermediate stage of care known as intensive outpatient services and provide Community Health Integration services for those needing support for unmet social needs. Reimbursement for crisis care was increased. See the details here: cms.gov/blog/important-new-changes-improve-access-behavioral-health-medicare-0
Youth Mental Health First Aid Training
The Northwest Public Health Coalition is sponsoring in person Youth Mental Health First Aid Training in two communities in February. The program teaches adults how to recognize, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges in youth. Meet in Chelmsford on the 22nd and in Tyngsborough on the 21st. See the flyers below for details.
NAMI Ask the Expert Webinar: "I Am Not Sick, I Don’t Need Help!” How To Help Someone With Mental Illness Accept Treatment
About half of all people with schizophrenia, bipolar, and related disorders suffer from a symptom that leaves them unable to understand that they have a mental health condition. This is a symptom of these brain disorders, not denial! As such, how we approach and communicate with people who have this symptom, called anosognosia, makes all the difference. In this presentation, Dr. Amador describes how common anosognosia is, its impact on people with mental illness and their families, and most importantly, how we can help the person accept treatment.
Date: Thursday, February 15, 2024, via Zoom
Time: 4:00–5:30 pm
Registration: nami-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_isLMVD6pTF22z_3rQQ9sng#/registration
NAMI Central Middlesex Board of Directors 2023
All current board members may be contacted through the affiliate email address, nami.cmsx@gmail.com. Our February board meeting is set for Monday the 12th at 6:30 pm via Zoom and is open to our membership.
President: Lori Krinsky
Vice President: Dawn Bentley
Secretary: Rachel Krebs
Treasurer: Jennie Payne
Community Outreach Coordinator: Judy McKendry
NAMIWalks Coordinator: Tom Scurfield
Advocacy Coordinator: Lori Krinsky
Support & Education Coordinator: Ivy Pompei
Board Member at Large: Dee Febba