Lansing State Journal with great pictures, including our Crawford Representatives:  http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20120510/NEWS01/305100028

A great story at ABC News: http://www.abc12.com/story/18246092/mental-health-advocates-participate-in-walk

Another great story, showing our Roscommon Representatives on the capitol steps, on Channel WLNS –  http://www.wlns.com/story/18247269/state-mental-health-agencies-hold-walk-a-mile-in-my-shoes-rally

Mary Beth Evans, our NLCMH Recovery Coordinator, was an excellent MC. Give her a microphone and she is a natural at pumping up a large group!

This year there was the special Mental Health America bell at the rally. This bell was made from the melted down shackles which used to restrain patients with mental illness in old state hospitals. It turns something very dark into into a symbol of hope.

Everyone did such a great job speaking their statement into the microphone on the Capitol steps.

Crawford – Working on recovery and a life of health and wellness is my journey that takes time and daily work. With the coping skills support and tools I’ve learned, my life can be much happier. I have walked this road and understand how I can help others who are living with a mental illness. Learning to accept responsibility for my Illness gives me strength and determination. Walk A Mile In My Shoes!

Grand Traverse – Stigma is the wall that people have to walk through in order to reach for recovery. End stigma and discrimination. Walk A Mile In My Shoes!

Leelanau – In Leelanau County, and all across the whole country, our veterans need help. Help with mental health treatment, affordable housing, and support. Let’s remember to support our veterans… Walk A Mile In My Shoes!

Missaukee – Sometimes the biggest hills we climb aren’t always the ones that we can see. For some people, life’s obstacles can seem more like mountains. People with mental illness need support and compassion. Understanding is everything! Walk A Mile In My Shoes!

Roscommon – One in five people have a mental illness that can keep us from the quality of life we deserve. Certified Peer Support Specialists are part of the solution and I’m proud to be one of them! Walk A Mile In My Shoes!

Wexford – Mental illness can knock you down pretty hard. The world would say we are too weak and should stay put. It takes strength to get back up, but when we do we are even stronger than we knew. Walk A Mile In My Shoes!

This year we were also able to go on a special tour of the Capitol building. No one in our group had been on a tour before and everyone was so impressed with the gorgeous architecture and artistry. We saw the Rotunda, the Governor’s Office, the original Supreme Court room, the House of Representatives and Senate floors, and more. It was very powerful to see where our state laws are made!

]]> http://northernlakescmh.com/blog/2012/05/10/walk-a-mile-in-my-shoes-rally-2012/feed/ 1 http://northernlakescmh.com/blog/2012/03/08/eligible-for-medicare-and-medicaid-march-13-forum-to-address-states-plan-for-dual-eligibles/ http://northernlakescmh.com/blog/2012/03/08/eligible-for-medicare-and-medicaid-march-13-forum-to-address-states-plan-for-dual-eligibles/#comments Thu, 08 Mar 2012 18:51:29 +0000 Northern Lakes CMH http://northernlakescmh.com/blog/?p=2371 People who are capable of receiving both Medicare and Medicaid benefits may be affected by changes the State of Michigan is planning for 2013 and beyond. The state has just released its proposed “Integrated Care for People Who Are Medicare-Medicaid Eligible” plan. This plan will be submitted to the federal government around April 25. Between now and then, people may offer input to the state on the plan. Some legislative hearings are being planned as well.

To help people learn about the plan and to provide input and ask questions of the state, Northern Lakes CMH and the Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Michigan are hosting a Community Information Forum. The forum will be next Tuesday, March 13, 2012 from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and will be held at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City and by live video feed to our NLCMH Houghton Lake office at 2715 South Townline Road.

We encourage you to attend this important opportunity in either Traverse City or Houghton Lake! Please call us at 231-935-3677 if you know you are coming to help us in planning. Thanks!

1. Sharing
2. Request and Input
3. Volunteer Opportunities
4. Anti-Stigma
5. Leadership

Here is the 2012 Action Group Meeting Schedule.

At each meeting, I see more and more people grow to be better advocates for themselves and others in the groups. One person will mention an idea they have and it turns into a wonderful unknown path to new territory where others have the opportunity to help explore also.

We now have an official start to an Action Group member list which helps keep everyone connected across our six counties. The groups continue to expand and get excited about ideas they have through sharing, giving input and volunteering as mentioned in the charge.

At this month’s meeting, Nicole Ellens (NLCMH Crawford/Roscommon Suicide Prevention Coordinator) attended, to bring information about the suicide prevention coalitions in our six counties and also share some opportunities for community action. Nicole will be sharing more information with us shortly so that we have a contact list of where coalition meetings are held so we can have a representative from our action group meetings attend to bring back volunteer opportunities.

All consumers and staff are welcomed and encouraged to attend these Action Group meetings as they have found to be very beneficial in helping others figure out how they may best get involved. Our next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 8 from 10:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Cadillac, Grayling, and Traverse City offices (connected through videoconference). Hope to see you soon!

1. Advocated for my daughter’s learning disability at her school until her  curriculum was adjusted to meet her needs.
2. Got my youngest child (my three-year-old son) into a pre-primary intermediate school so he can start learning now versus later on how planned school days go and to help strengthen his language and vocabulary skills.
3. Spent more time with my father and mother than I have since I was a child.
4. Went back to college after an almost eight-year break.
5. Started reading at least one book a week if not more (that is non-college related and just something that sparks my interest).
6. Slowed down dramatically on smoking.
7. Updated my Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) and gave a new copy to my main supporters.
8. Emceed the Walk-A-Mile In my Shoes Rally at the state Capitol in Lansing, which was a huge honor to be asked and chosen.
9. Paid it forward and tried to help others who had helped me throughout the year, even with a kind hug or a warm smile.
10. Started giving my children a hug and a kiss every night before they went to bed and telling them I loved them – always making time to know that they are cared about and how proud I am to be their mom.

After I created this list (which is a lot longer than just these 10 things), I went back through it numerous times and in all actuality I kind of shocked myself at the many things I had accomplished in 365 days. It does not matter if you have only accomplished one thing in the past year, make sure to write it down and put it in the bathroom on the mirror where you can read it everyday and know you have done something to better your life or the lives of those around you. Be an advocate for yourself as well as others and remember to incorporate this as a daily celebration in your life. You are worth a lot and as an advocate even more!

So what is a New Year’s Resolution?

I don’t think there is a definite answer to that question. There’s always going to be the regular resolutions to lose a certain amount of weight, stop smoking, eat healthier, and start exercising. But what if we make those resolutions and have a hard time following through with them? Should we feel like we have failed? Absolutely not! Take it from a not-so-perfect person that no one succeeds at things the first time they try. If they do, I stand corrected, but it is one hard task to follow; sticking to a resolution.

What if our goal is to lose 50 pounds by Christmas 2012? How can we make that a resolution and then get to that goal without forgetting we set it or not bothering to follow through with it in the first place? Small steps lead to bigger ones. Beginning by writing down a list of how you can lose 50 pounds is a simple effective way to start on that specific resolution. Using that list, make a monthly list of healthy meals you can make that are cost effective, use and stick to a shopping list, and figure out how to exercise for free at home instead of joining an expensive health club (soup cans work well to lift weight up and down). Check out this web-site for setting a budget, checking the sales, planning the menus, making a list, being a savvy shopper, etc. at http://www.chiff.com/cooking/budget-meals.htm

My main point is that anything is achievable if you want it to be. The New Year means a new start. However you want to start that year, try to keep the focus on what you want the ending goal to be for Christmas in 2012. Follow through slowly with your plan so that it is both easier to achieve as well as achievable at the same time. Do not set yourself up for failure and remember that changes come with time. You can do it. . . make a New Year’s Resolution and let us know about it here so we can brag about your successes. If you feel like you need help, put a comment up and get some peer support from people out there that might be struggling with the same things. Either way, do not give up and good luck!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

COOL FACT:

In the United States, the kiss shared at the stroke of midnight is derived from masked balls that have been common throughout history. As tradition has it, the masks symbolize evil spirits from the old year and the kiss is the purification into the New Year (http://ezinearticles.com/?The-History-of-New-Years-Resolutions&id=245213)

Healthy meals on a food stamp budget:

http://the-f-word.org/blog/index.php/2008/08/22/reader-challenge-healthy-meals-on-a-food-stamp-budget/

USDA Resource Library (meal planning, 10 steps to help you fill your grocery bag using SNAP benefits

http://snap.nal.usda.gov/nal_display/index.php?info_center=15&tax_level=4&tax_subject=261&topic_id=1243&level3_id=6213&level4_id=10046

101+ ways to save food dollars

http://snap.nal.usda.gov/nal_display/index.php?info_center=15&tax_level=4&tax_subject=261&topic_id=1243&level3_id=6213&level4_id=10046

The new working definition of recovery from mental and substance use disorders is as follows:

A process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential.

Through the Recovery Support Strategic Initiative, SAMHSA has also described four major dimensions that support a life in recovery:

1. Health: Overcoming or managing one’s disease(s), as well as living in a physically and emotionally healthy way
2. Home: A stable and safe place to live
3. Purpose: Meaningful daily activities, such as a job, school, volunteering, family caretaking, or creative endeavors, and the independence, income, and resources to participate in society
4. Community: Relationships and social networks that provide support, friendship, love, and hope

1. Sharing
2. Making suggestions and giving input
3. Volunteer opportunities
4. Stigma
5. Leadership

You can read about the discussion leading us here in our December 2011 Action Group Minutes.

Our next meeting is Wednesday, January 11, 2012 in Cadillac, Grayling and Traverse City. Looking ahead, here is our 2012 Action Group Meeting Schedule. It can be energizing to spend time with other people who are getting involved! If the 5 items above interest you, please join us!

1. Sharing – The Action Group is a great place to share what the local network groups are working on so we can share resources, expertise, ideas. We want to make sure we always allow time for us to share what is going on in each of the offices.
2. Requests and Input – The Action Group is also a great place to present ideas about what people want to see developed at Northern Lakes CMH, such as support groups, information for the lobby flat screen monitors, topics for future mini-conferences, etc. It’s also a great place for Northern Lakes CMH to get input on recovery transformation projects to make sure we are on track with what consumers want to see happen.
3. Volunteer opportunities – The Action Group is also a great place to communicate about the help that is needed for upcoming projects and events, so people can get involved in areas of interest. The Action Group can be a “clearinghouse” for ways to get involved!

As Certified Peer Support Specialist Ernie Reynolds always says, consumers can do a lot if just asked! Here’s a list of items we brainstormed about things consumers can help with – and the Action Group can be the place to get connected:

Participation on standing/official NLCMH committees • Speaker Bureau (at community presentations, movie nights, etc.) • Photobiography coaches • Photobiography point people (to rotate displays in each office) • Conference/Celebration pre-planning • Day of Event assistance  (meet/greet/registration check in, etc.) • Lobby Flat Screen Monitors (advisors and new content ideas) • Movie reviewers • Consumer Navigators • Communicators • Mystery Shoppers • Building volunteers database • Advocacy (calls, letters and emails sharing consumer perspective with policymakers) • Stigma Busters (to keep an eye out nationally and locally on behalf of the group) • Writers • Poets • Artists • Knitters • Help making a volunteer training manual • Participation on community committees • Fundraising • Grant writing

Our next meeting will be Tuesday, December 13, 2011 from 10:00 to noon by videoconference in Traverse City, Houghton Lake, and Cadillac. Consumers and staff welcome!

This year, there is an earlier annual enrollment period for people with Medicare to review Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug plan options and choose the plan that best meets their needs. It started October 15 and runs through  December 7, 2011 this year.

People can use the Plan Finder at www.Medicare.gov by entering their zip code to determine which Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug plans are available. Also available online is Medicare’s Formulary Finder, which allows beneficiaries to enter their prescribed medication and zip code for a display of locally offered plans covering their drugs.

Also beginning this year, the Plan Finder will display a gold star designating top rated five-star plans. Users will continue to see warnings for plans that are consistently poor performers.

Jonathan Blum, CMS Deputy Administrator and Director of the Center for Medicare, said “We encourage all Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in private plans to know their plan’s overall star rating and to consider enrolling in plans with high ratings.” When comparing plans, beneficiaries should review the plan’s quality in addition to costs, coverage, and other benefits.