Problem Solving

Welcome to NAMI Illinois' discussion groups, "Communicate." Here's your opportunity to learn what others are talking about and to share your opinion and ask questions.

Good communications is the heart of any relationship and this includes your relationship with NAMI (National, State and local Affiliates). NAMI Illinois is starting a new service for its members and local chapters called "Communicate." Its purpose is to share helpful information. In order to do this you can ask questions for problems you have or you can share information that has been helpful to you and/or your organization.

This section is for State, Local Affiliates and Individuals who have a problem they have been unable to solve. Requests for help should state the problem (only a single problem) and document the contacts they have made with the results or lack of results.

NAMI Illinois expressly disclaims responsibility for, and liabilities resulting from, any information or communications from and between users. Messages that are offensive or misleading will not be posted.

Support in Correctional Facility - Posted 1-23-08

Can NAMI give me suggestions of where someone one in Prison can write for support. This is someone who has dual diagnosed and has asked for support. He is looking for someone to write to that is in recovery and can relate to the ups and downs of the correctional facilities, and his own ups and downs.

Donna Classi

Suicide Prevention Booklet - Posted 9-14-2007

Our Thirteenth Judicial Circuit just published "Prevention Suicide" booklets that cover the LaSalle, Bureau and Grundy County areas.

If any NAMI affiliate would like a copy, please contact Paulette Sheedy at NAMI-NCI at (815) 433-0430 or sheedyp@sbcglobal.net and I will forward booklet to you.

Equally, if anyone would like to forward their Suicide Prevention booklet to me, I would love to see what other NAMI's are doing.

Paulette Sheedy

NAMI-NCI

To NAMI Affiliates in Larger Illinois Cities...Posted 8-20-2007

I referred a caller to your NAMI's in case you are able to help a young woman place her brother who is in his 50's and has behavioral health/substance abuse issues. There are no facilities in my area and she wants to stay away from the suburban locations.

I referred her to Rock Island, Rockford, Champaign, Kankakee. She is calling Peoria on her own. Spoke to Bloomington already and they have none.

I hope someone can help this woman. Please advise what, if any facilities are out there so I know for future calls.

Thank you,

Paulette Sheedy

Nursing Scholarship Funds - Posted 8-6-2007

I suspect many NAMI Illinois affiliates have set up a Nursing Scholarship Fund from their NAMI affiliate for students who are wishing to become a nurse and continue to work in the behavioral health field.

The Governor has offered incentives given the shortage of nurses and most certainly, there is a shortage in the behavioral health field.

If you have not done a Scholarship Fund, it is not hard to do. We contacted our local junior college who has a nursing program and the college attorney is drawing up a contract for us. The minimum Scholarship amount is $350.00. Desired amount is $750.00 per semester and most ideal is $1,000 per semester or $2,000 per year. Our affiliate is only giving to a second year student with other criteria to be included by attorney. We hope to collaborate with their nursing administration on the candidate selection.

If any affiliate is interested in seeing our contract when it is completed for establishing a nursing scholarship fund for students wanting to specialize in the behavioral health field in your area, let me know and I will forward copies.

Paulette Sheedy

NAMI-NCI

Ottawa, IL

CIT Training - Posted 7-23-07

More of our law enforcement officials need to get the CIT Training. Our affiliate has $ for an 8 hour session. Are there any other NAMI Affiliates whose law enforcement needs this type of training that we could partner with? The first one we did was March 31, 2005 and there wasn't enough law enforcement interest for the State to schedule another one since.

Thank you,

Paulette Sheedy

NAMI-NCI

Ottawa, IL

Traveling and Treatment - Posted May 24, 2007

If a person with a mental illness goes on vacation and requires treatment out of state, what do they need to do to get their local community mental health organization to help them with their hospital stay?

Reply - Posted 8-27-2007

I ran across a book, "Psych Notes", a nice little 3" x 4-3/4" Clinical Pocket Guide NAMI Affiliate Officers might find helpful at Barnes and Noble for $21.95.

Paulette Sheedy

NAMI-NCI

Ottawa, IL

How to Write a Proclamation - Posted March 14, 2007

I have gone to the newly elected head of our County Board (Vermilion County) just today (March 14th) requesting he proclaim the first week of October as Mental Health Awareness Week in Vermilion County. I was met with an agreeable attitude with the statement, "You write it up and we'll do it!!!" attitude! Wow!
Now I need some sage advice on how to write a proclamation please!

Reply - posted 8-6-2007
Thank you - Janet Martin, NAMI-Vermilion County
To Janet in Vermillion County.

Response - Posted 7-23-07
Janet, we had a proclamation with our city for another purpose other than what you are asking but I will try to find one our city did and get you a copy.

Paulette Sheedy

NAMI-NCI

Ottawa, IL

Hospital Listings - Posted 7-23-07

Don't assume your local hospitals have a complete list of resources that INCLUDE NAMI and other pertinent crisis and/or behavioral healthcare providers.

I've requested a list of resources from our local hospital and other local behavioral health clinic and they are sorely lacking so I'm going to pull the 2 together, plus others I have found and give as many facilities/social service agencies a copy when it's done.

Paulette Sheedy

NAMI-NCI

Ottawa, IL

National Alliance on Mental Illness