Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Speak with the Decision-makers --

The attached document contains  a ‘pairing’ of PSC’s with their area’s Senator & Representative. For those of you planning on attending Mental Health Day on the Hill, this year, I’m hoping you can take some consumers with you. It would be great if you can use this document,  early on,& go ahead & call your area legislators for appointment times. M H ‘Day on the Hill is March 18ththis year.
I would like to know when you set appointments, so I can try to be with you. Obviously, the huge issue for Mental Health Consumers is the matter of Governor Haslam’s desire to eliminate funding for the Peer Centers. Let’s all in regions VI, & VII  “put it together”, & influence our Legislators as to how important pro-mental health legislation is. And particularly how very important it is to keep our Peer Support Centers running. You can let me hear from you byemail..dhamer@tmhca-tn.org, or by my cell #: 731-234-2194
PEER SUPPORT CENTERS IN TENNESSEE

REGION I

FRONTIER HEALTH SERVICES
Host Agency Contact: Mary Fultineer
26 Midway Street
Bristol TN 37620423-224-1461

CONTACT:​SENATOR RON RAMSEY—(423) 323-8700

​​REPRESENTATIVE JON LUNDBERG—(432) 764-9091

Open Arms
Coordinator: Angela Prater423-274-8100
1400 Windsor Avenue
Bristol, TN 37620
Open: Monday-Thursday 8:30 am - 6:30 pm
Counties Covered: Sullivan

CONTACT:​SENATOR RON RAMSEY—(423) 323-8700

​​REPRESENTATIVE JON LUNDBERG—(432) 764-9091


Friendship House
Coordinator: Glenda Edwards423-232-4264
805 West Walnut Street
Johnson City, TN 37604
Open: Tuesday-Thursday 8 am – 5 pm
Counties Covered: Unicoi, Washington, Carter

CONTACT:​SENATOR RUSTY CROWE—(423) 926-8288

​​REPRESENTATIVE MATTHEW HILL—(423) 753-6299

Friendship Connection
Coordinator: Melissa Frazier423-247-0160
117 Wexler Street
Kingsport, TN 37660
Open: Monday-Thursday 9 am-6 pm
Counties Covered: Sullivan

CONTACT:​SENATOR RON RAMSEY—(423) 323-8700

​​REPRESENTATIVE TONY SHIPLEY—(615) 741-2886

Freedom Peer Support Center – Greeneville
Coordinator: Charles McLain423-639-1313
616 East Church Street
Greenville, TN 37743
Open: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 11 am-5 pm
Counties Covered: Greene, Hawkins

CONTACT:​SENATOR STEVE SOUTHERLAND—(423) 587-6167
​​
​​REPRESENTATIVE DAVID HAWK—(423) 639-8146

Higher Ground 
Coordinator: Charles Justice 423-727-8685
1404 Crossroads Drive
Mountain City, TN 37683
Open: Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri 9 am-5 pm
Counties Covered: Johnson

CONTACT:​SENATOR RON RAMSEY—(423) 323-8700

​​REPRESENTATIVE TIMOTHY HILL—(423) 646-1589


New Start - Sneedville
Coordinator: Charles McLain423-733-1540
119 Nora Alder Drive
Sneedville, TN 37689
Open: Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri 12-5 pm
Counties Covered: Hancock

CONTACT:​SENATOR FRANK NICELEY--(615)741-2061

​​REPRESENTATIVE MIKE HARRISON--(423)272-9163


REGION II

CHEROKEE HEALTH SYSTEMS
Host Agency Contact: Stella Melton423-623-5301 or 423-586-5032
215 Hedrick Drive
Newport, TN 37821

CONTACT:​SENATOR STEVE SOUTHERLAND--(423) 587-6167

​​REPRESENTATIVE JEREMY FAISON--(615)741-6871


Health Recovery Group-Morristown
Peer Counselor: Mike Clayton 865-207-1047
815 W 5th North Street
Morristown, TN 37814
Hours: Mon, Wed, Fri 1-4 pm
Counties covered: Hamblen, Cocke

CONTACT:​SENATOR STEVE SOUTHERLAND---(423) 587-6167

​​REPRESENTATIVE TILMAN GOINS--(423) 277-1992



Health Recovery Group-Newport
Peer Counselor: Mike Clayton423-623-5301or 423-586-5032
215 Hedrick Drive
Newport, TN 37821
Hours: Tues &Thurs 1-4 pm
Counties covered: Hamblen, Cocke

CONTACT:​SENATOR STEVE SOUTHERLAND--(423) 587-6167

​​REPRESENTATIVE JEREMY FAISON--(615) 741-6871



RIDGEVIEW PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL & CENTER
Host Agency Contact: Sharon Stratton865-482-1076 ext. 1110
240 West Tyrone Road
Oak Ridge, TN 37830

CONTACT:​SENATOR RANDY MCNALLY--(865) 483-5544

​​REPRESENTATIVE JOHN RAGAN--(865) 481-0909


Friendship Place
Coordinator: Linda King865-882-7694
201 Sewanee Street #100
Harriman, TN 37748
Open: Tues – Fri 12 PM to 5:30 PM
Counties Covered: Morgan

CONTACT:​SENATOR KEN YAGER--(865) 354-3000


​​REPRESENTATIVE KENT CALFEE--(615) 741-7658


Horizons
Coordinator: Linda White865-483-5457
11 Joel Lane
Oak Ridge, TN 37830
Open: Wed – Sat 12 PM to 5:30 PM
Counties Covered: Anderson

CONTACT:​SENATOR RANDY MCNALLY--(865) 483-5544

​​REPRESENTATIVE JOHN RAGAN--(865) 481-0909


Wings 
Coordinator: Barbara Smith423-562-2022
1327 East Central Avenue, Suite 5
Lafollette, TN 37766
Open: Wed – Thurs, 11 AM - 6; Fri, 11 AM – 7 PM Sat, 10 AM – 6 PM
Counties Covered: Campbell

CONTACT:​SENATOR KEN YAGER--(865) 354-3000

​​REPRESENTATIVE DENNIS POWERS--(615) 741-3335


HELEN ROSS MCNABB CENTER 
Host Agency Contact: Jana Morgan 865-544-3841 ext. 4108
526 Lamar Street
Knoxville, TN 37917

CONTACT:​SENATOR STACY CAMPFIELD--(865) 455-2627

​​REPRESENTATIVE GLORIA JOHNSON--(865) 660-9800


Friendship House
Coordinator: Michelle Palmer865-541-6635
526 Lamar Street
Knoxville, TN 37917
Open: Tues., Thurs. & Sat. 10 AM to 2 PM
Wed. & Fri. 10 AM to 6 PM
Counties Covered: Knox

CONTACT:​SENATOR STACY CAMPFIELD--(865) 455-2627

​​REPRESENTATIVE GLORIA JOHNSON--(865) 660-9800


PENINSULA BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
Host Agency Contact: Mary Nelle Osborne865-374-7140
1451 Dowell Springs Blvd Suite 101
Knoxville, TN 37909-2451

CONTACT:​SENATOR STACY CAMPFIELD--(865) 455-2627

​​REPRESENTATIVE STEVE HALL—(865) 936-0546


Maryville Wellness Recovery Center
Coordinator: Joey Amason865-379-6030
532 E. Broadway Avenue
Box 9
Maryville, TN 37804
Open: Mon – Thus, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Counties Covered: Blount

CONTACT:​SENATOR DOUG OVERBEY—(615) 741-0981

​​REPRESENTATIVE ART SWANN—(615) 741-5481



Sevierville Wellness Recovery Center
Coordinator: Marjorie Diefenbach865-705-4012
509 High Street
Sevierville, TN 37862
Open: Mon – Thur, 11 am – 6 pm
Counties Covered: Sevier

CONTACT:​SENATOR DOUG OVERBEY—(615) 741-0981

​​REPRESENTATIVE DALE CARR—(865) 774-5789


Knox Wellness Recovery Center 
Interim Coordinator: Leslie Judson865-374-7148
1451 Dowell Spring Road
Knoxville, TN 37919
Open: Tuesday- Thursday 3-7
Counties Covered: Knox

CONTACT:​SENATOR STACY CAMPFIELD—(865) 455-2627

​​REPRESENTATIVE STEVE HALL—(865) 936-0546


REGION III

FORTWOOD CENTER
Host Agency Contact: Dot Stephens423-763-4608
1028 East 3rd Street
Chattanooga, TN 37403

CONTACT:​SENATOR TODD GARDENHIRE—(423) 752-4700

​​REPRESENTATIVE JOANNE FAVORS—(423) 624-5088

Lighthouse Peer Support Center
Coordinator: Marty Davis423-756-1295
509 South Highland Park
Chattanooga, TN 37403-4116
Open: Monday – Thursday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday – 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Counties Covered: Hamilton

CONTACT:​SENATOR TODD GARDENHIRE—(423) 752-4700

​​REPRESENTATIVE JOANNE FAVORS—(423) 624-5088


VOLUNTEER BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE SYSTEMHost Agency Contact: Vicki Harden 615-278-6255


The Cottage
Coordinator: Paul Turney423-942-9177
112 College Street
Jasper, TN 37347
Open: Mon, Wed, Fri 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Tues &Thurs 10:30 AM – 7:00 pm
Counties Covered: Marion, Grundy

CONTACT:​SENATOR JANICE BOWLING—(931) 455-3234

​​REPRESENTATIVE BILLY SPIVEY—(931) 270-9105


Dakoda Place - Athens
Coordinator: Tina Gesolgon423-744-9540
PO Box 685
424 Old Riceville Road
Athens, TN 37303
Open: Monday – Friday 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Counties Covered: McMinn

CONTACT:​SENATOR MIKE BELL—(423) 829-0058

​​REPRESENTATIVE JOHN FORGETY—(423) 744-9872


Dakoda Place - Cleveland
Coordinator: Tina Gesolgon423-339-9622
940 South Ocoee Street
Cleveland, TN 37311
Open: Tues & Thurs 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Counties Covered: Bradley

CONTACT:​SENATOR MIKE BELL—(423) 829-0058

​​REPRESENTATIVE KEVIN BROOKS—(423) 478-7113


Friends & Company
Coordinator: Angela Smithers931-432-7874 or 931-432-7875
1200 S. Willow Avenue
Cookeville, TN 38503
Open: Tues 12-5; Wed - Fri 9-5
Counties Covered: Putnam, White

CONTACT:​SENATOR CHARLOTTE BURKS—(931) 839-3392

​​REPRESENTATIVE RYAN WILLIAMS—(615) 741-1875


Friendship Circle
Coordinator: Becky Porter 423-775-0809
412 Delaware Avenue
Dayton, TN 37321
Open: Monday – Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Counties Covered: Rhea

CONTACT:​SENATOR KEN YAGER--(865) 354-3000

​​REPRESENTATIVE RON TRAVIS—(423) 775-3011


My Friends House
Coordinator: Linda Joan Smith 931-823-5680
209 B South Church Street
Livingston, TN 38570
Open: Monday – Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Counties Covered: Overton, Clay, Pickett

CONTACT:​SENATOR CHARLOTTE BURKS—(931) 839-3392

​​REPRESENTATIVE JOHN MARK WINDLE—(931) 823-8340



PREPS Center
Coordinator: Sandra Crabtree931-456-4727
47 Willow Street
Crossville, TN 38555
Open: Mon - Fri 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
2nd Friday 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
2nd Saturday 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Counties Covered: Cumberland

CONTACT:​SENATOR CHARLOTTE BURKS—(931) 839-3392

​​REPRESENTATIVE CAMERON SEXTON—(615) 741-2343


Harmony House 
Coordinator: Mary Webb931-260-7647
107 Lyon Street Suite 3
McMinnville, TN 37110
Open: Monday - Thursday, 8 am to 2 pm
Counties covered: Warren

CONTACT:​SENATOR JANICE BOWLING—(931) 455-3234

​​REPRESENTATIVE CHARLES CURTISS—(931) 761-2600



REGION IV


CENTERSTONE

Host Agency Contact: Mary Moran 615-460-4455
1101 Sixth Avenue North
Nashville, TN 37208

CONTACT:​SENATOR THELMA HARPER—(615) 327-9484

​​REPRESENTATIVE MIKE TURNER—(615) 889-7250


ReConnect Nashville 
Coordinator: Greg Bennett 615-460-4452 or 931-206-1086
1101 Sixth Avenue North
Nashville, TN 37208
Open: Monday – Friday 10 – 4 open one Saturday per month
Counties Covered: Davidson

CONTACT:​SENATOR THELMA HARPER—(615) 327-9484

​​REPRESENTATIVE MIKE TURNER—(615) 889-7250

REGION V

CENTERSTONE
Host Agency Contact: Mary Moran615-460-4455
1101 Sixth Avenue North
Nashville, TN 37208

CONTACT:​SENATOR THELMA HARPER—(615) 327-9484

​​REPRESENTATIVE MIKE TURNER—(615) 889-7250


ReConnect Clarksville
Regional Coordinator: Carla Sanders931-920-7208 or615-477-8369
611 8th St.
Clarksville, TN 37040
Open: Mon – Fri 10 – 4; open one Saturday per month
Counties Covered: Montgomery, Robertson

CONTACT:​SENATOR MARK GREEN—(931) 614-6379

​​REPRESENTATIVE JOE PITTS—(931) 648-7140


ReConnect Dickson
Regional Coordinator: Carla Sanders615-441-6178 or 931-206-1086
224 N Main ST
Dickson, TN 37055-1802
Open: Mon – Fri 10 – 4; open one Saturday per month
Counties Covered: Dickson

CONTACT:​SENATOR JIM SUMMERVILLE—(615) 740-6777

​​REPRESENTATIVE DAVID SHEPARD—(615) 446-5887


ReConnect Tullahoma
Regional Coordinator: Brenda Hargrove 931-434-1079
709 North Davidson St
Tullahoma, TN 37388
Open: Mon – Fri 10 – 4; open one Saturday per month
Counties Covered: Coffee, Lincoln

CONTACT:​SENATOR JANICE BOWLING—(931) 455-3234

​​REPRESENTATIVE JUDD MATHENY—(615) 390-8314


ReConnect Columbia
Regional Coordinator: Wanda Yeager931-381-3027 or 931 212-7055
6011 Trotwood Avenue
Columbia, TN 38401
Open: Mon – Fri 10 – 4; open one Saturday per month
Counties Covered: Maury, Lawrence

CONTACT:​SENATOR JOEY HENSLEY—(931) 796-5943

​​REPRESENTATIVVE SHEILA BUTT—(615) 253-0365


ReConnect Shelbyville
Contact Person: Brenda Hargrove931-685-9330 or 931-434-1079
1110 Woodbury Street
Shelbyville, TN 37160
Open: Mon – Fri 10 – 4; open one Saturday per month
Counties Covered: Bedford

CONTACT:​SENATOR JIM TRACY—(931) 684-8589

​​REPRESENTATIVE PAT MARSH—(931) 680-1668


VOLUNTEER BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE SYSTEM
Host Agency Contact: Vicki Harden615-278-6255


Enrichment House
Coordinator: Effie Cates 615-452-2344
538 East Main Street
Gallatin, TN 37066
Open: Tues – Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Counties Covered: Sumner, Wilson

CONTACT:​SENATOR FERRELL HAILE—((615) 741-1999

​​REPRESENTATIVE WILLIAM LAMBERTH—(615) 741-1980


Our Place 
Coordinator: Lyndi Shupp 615-867-3538
120 S. Hancock Street
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
Open: Mon – Thurs & Sat 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Counties Covered: Rutherford

CONTACT:​SENATOR BILL KETRON—(615) 896-5440

​​REPRESENTATIVE RICK WOMICK—(615) 741-2804


REGION VI

CAREY COUNSELING CENTERHost Agency Contact:
Sherri Sedgebear731-986-4411
PO Box 793
Huntingdon, TN 38344


Liberty Place 
Coordinator: Priscilla Johnson731-855-3153
111 East Eaton St
Trenton, TN 38382
Open: Tues – Fri 10-8; Sat 8-4
Counties Covered: Gibson

CONTACT:​SENATOR JOHN STEVENS—(731) 986-9742

​​REPRESENTATIVE CURTIS HALFORD—(731) 692-2572


Outreach Center 
Coordinator: Kathy Graham 731-642-8994
1539 Hwy 69 North
Paris, TN 38242
Open: Tues- Fri 10-6; Sat 8-4
Counties Covered: Henry

CONTACT:​SENATOR JOHN STEVENS—(731) 986-9742

​​REPRESENTATIVE TIM WIRGAU—(731) 644-2020


C.A.R.E.S. Center
Coordinator: Teresa Madison731-584-6233
946 Flatwoods Road
Camden, TN 38320
Open: Thurs – Fri 9-4; Sat 9-3
Counties Covered: Benton

CONTACT:​SENATOR JOHN STEVENS—(731) 986-9742

​​REPRESENTATIVE TIM WIRGAU—(731) 644-2020


Sunrise Outreach Center
Coordinator: Shawna Williams 731-884-1549
110 East Church Street
Union City, TN 38261
Open: Tues – Fri 10-6; Sat 8-4
Counties Covered: Obion

CONTACT:​SENATOR JOHN STEVENS—(731) 986-9742

​​REPRESENTATIVE ANDY HOLT—(615) 741-7847


PATHWAYS
Host Agency Contact: Pat Taylor731-541-8200
238 Summar Dr
Jackson, TN 38301

CONTACT:​SENATOR LOWE FINNEY—(731) 424-0461

​​REPRESENTIVE JOHNNY SHAW—(731) 658-7689

The Hope Center 
Coordinator: Debbi Young731-287-7535
222 E. Court St. Suite A
Dyersburg, TN 38024
Open: Tues – Thurs 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Counties Covered: Crockett, Dyer, Lake

CONTACT:​SENATOR LOWE FINNEY—(731) 424-0461

​​REPRESENTATIVE BILL SANDERSON—(731) 749-5214


Rainbow Center 
Coordinator: Thomas Byars 731-423-9500
67 American Drive
Jackson, TN 38301
Open: Tue, Wed & Thurs 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Counties Covered: Madison, Haywood

CONTACT:​SENATOR LOWE FINNEY—(731) 424-0461

​​REPRESENTATIVE JIMMY ELDRIDGE—(731) 668-4544

Comfort Center
Coordinator: Kim Buckley 731-968-1504
300 Holly Street
Lexington, TN 38351
Open: Mon - Fri 8:00 AM-4:00 PM
Counties Covered: Henderson

CONTACT:​SENATOR DELORES GRESHAM—(901) 465-9433

​​REPRESENTATIVE STEVE MCDANIEL—(731) 968-1220


PROFESSIONAL CARE SERVICES
Host Agency Contact: Jimmie Jackson901-475-3569
1997 Hwy 51 S
Covington, TN 38019

CONTACT:​SENATOR MARK NORRIS—(901) 524-5279

​​REPRESENTATIVE DEBRA MOODY—(901) 351-6608


Hearts in Hands 
Coordinator: Brenda Robbins 901-465-0420
12615 S. Main
Somerville, TN 38068
Open: Mon, Tues, Thurs, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wed 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Counties Covered: Fayette

CONTACT:​SENATOR DELORES GRESHAM—(901) 465-9433

​​REPRESENTATIVE BARRETT RICH—(901) 828-3637


Togetherness House
Coordinator: Melissa Belair 731-635-8802
477-B South Washington
Ripley, TN 38063
Open: Mon, Wed, Fri, 8:30 – 5; Tues, 9 – 5; Thurs, 1-5
Counties Covered: Lauderdale, Tipton

CONTACT:​SENATOR LOWE FINNEY—(731) 424-0461

​​REPRESENTATIVE CRAIG FITZHUGH—(615) 741-2134

QUINCO MENTAL HEALTH CENTER
Host Agency Contact: Heather King731-658-6113
10710 Old Hwy 64
Bolivar, TN 38008

CONTACT:​SENATOR DELORES GRESHAM—(901) 465-9433

​​REPRESENTIVE JOHNNY SHAW—(731) 658-7689


Horizon of Bolivar
Coordinator: Shirley Kelley731-403-3000
428 W. Market St.
Bolivar, TN 38008-2606
Open Tues-Fri, 8 am – 4 pm
Counties Covered: Hardeman, Chester


CONTACT:​SENATOR DELORES GRESHAM—(901) 465-9433

​​REPRESENTIVE JOHNNY SHAW—(731) 658-7689


Horizon of Savannah
Coordinator: Jana James731-925-7790
430 Pinhook Drive
Savannah, TN 38372
Open: Wednesday – Friday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Counties Covered: Hardin, McNairy

CONTACT:​SENATOR DELORES GRESHAM—(901) 465-9433

​​REPRESENTATIVE VANCE DENNIS—(615) 741-2190


REGION VII

SOUTHEAST MENTAL HEALTH CENTER
Host Agency Contact:
Debra Dillon901-259-8900
135 N. Pauline
Memphis, TN 38104

CONTACT:​SENATOR JIM KYLE—(901) 544-6372

​​REPRESENTATIVE JOHN DEBERRY—(901) 725-0130


Turning Point
Coordinator: Zoe Simpson901-458-4553
4088 Summer Ave
Memphis, TN 38122
Open: Mon., Thurs. & Fri. 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Counties Covered: Shelby

CONTACT:​SENATOR BRIAN KELSEY—(901) 741-3036

​​REPRESENTATIVE G. A. HARDAWAY—(901) 949-1000


Tennessee Mental Health Consumers’ Association
Host Agency Contact: Lori Rash 615-250-1176

The Beers-Van Gogh Peer Center
Coordinator: Megan Hoffmann901-522-2090
669 Madison Ave
Memphis, TN 38103
Open: Mon – Fri 12 PM to 5 PM
Counties Covered: Shelby


CONTACT:​SENATOR JIM KYLE—(901) 544-6372

REPRESENTATIVE JOHN DEBERRY—(901) 725-0130




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Friday, January 17, 2014

Hey, our heros make the news!

News of our heros makes the front page of USA Today!

A large number of these men and women suffer from mental health challenges. They are our special brothers and sisters. Let's ask why they are without adequate treatment.

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Wednesday, January 15, 2014

I AM . . .

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Tuesday, January 14, 2014

My spiritual work is my message

Push Back Against Stigma
Steve Brannon
I identify myself as "spiritual but not religious". And one of my core beliefs is that we are spiritual beings having a human experience. We enrich this experience by remembering/acknowledging/honoring our oneness with the Source and with each other. To do this, we must embrace our neighbor as an individual, regardless of their state of their physical or mental health, the size of their wallet, the "correctness" of their religious views. For the past ten years, my work as Founder and President of DBSA Jackson has focused on the "consumers" (individuals utilizing mental health services for depression and bipolar disorder), as well as their family and friends. Together, we have created a supportive "understanding family" comprised of a plurality of belief systems.
As "progressive" as we like to think we've become, there is still an enormous stigma attached to mental illness. We all have our problems and worries, and we all have coping mechanisms—some healthy, and some, not so much—that we use to deal with them. However, what about those among us that need help managing their mental health challenges? Faced with the very real prospect of rejection, they are silenced and cut off from the world. Unfortunately, many religious institutions reflect this societal view, and this has only further isolated those dealing with mood disorders.
Mother Teresa did not shy away from those facing challenges. On the contrary, she gravitated not to the pillars of society, but to those considered less fortunate and even, by some, undesirable, most notably the poor and infirm. It is with a desire to serve that I have based my organization's community outreach: first, to in-patients in a behavioral health facility and, secondly, to a population of consumers in the larger community. My inspirational support meetings provide spiritual encouragement to in-patients and other consumers suffering from mood disorders, regardless of the person's faith (or lack thereof). The aim is to create a supportive, trustworthy, respectful, non-judgmental, and nurturing atmosphere where these individuals can safely explore and strengthen their desire for wellness and contributing to society.
I begin these meetings with a moment of silence in which we remember "those members of our family that we have yet to meet." A central message of our work is that everyone needs time to be alone and go within: what I refer to as visiting the "inner sanctuary". In my book, The Two Agreements, I discuss the importance of entering the "stillness" and the "Silence" to find one's own connection with the Source, on their own terms, rather than those imposed upon them by any person, organization, or religious dictates.
I am also sensitive to the fact that mental illness does not only affect the consumer, but their loved ones as well. That's why I hold a second meeting each week that's open to friends and family in need of support. Many focus all of their energy and attention trying to help the diagnosed person. Others are frightened away, and remain distant from the person experiencing the illness. Still others report feeling hurt, helpless, overwhelmed, confused, sad, guilty and ashamed because of their loved one's illness. I believe that no matter the reaction, these family members and friends need support and comfort as they walk the often-challenging road to wellness alongside their loved one. To this end, my work includes special events that build a family atmosphere and promotes healthy relationships between people with illnesses, family and friends from different walks of life.
I believe that bringing consumers out of isolation helps push back against stigma. Both of the groups that meet weekly, our understanding family, are part of a larger mosaic. Within that mosaic, our family demonstrates the necessity of unity not only to these individuals and to their loved ones but also, on a deeper level, the human family, and our connection with one another. Spiritually speaking, the esoteric teachings of major religions speak of an underlying unity in all of creation, an eternal oneness.
In these most trying of times, our inspirational support group and network creates a safe place, in space and time, for these vulnerable individuals and their loved ones. The result is that they maintain their treatment plan and likely avoid hospitalization. There are a number of fully-employed consumers who regularly attend our meetings and events. These individuals claim they gain the strength to work and contribute to the community because of the support and encouragement they receive. In helping every consumer in our organization to "be well and live well", we are pushing back against stigma in a most profound way.

S.L. Brannon on DBSA Life Unlimited web site -- http://bit.ly/1kEBzlZ
The Two Agreements fb page -- http://bit.ly/the2agree

www.DBSATennessee.org
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Wednesday, January 8, 2014

What's Roy Herron got to do with it? Medicaid Expansion.

Expanding Medicaid is to choose life
By Roy Herron
Special to The Commercial Appeal, Thursday, August 8, 2013

At 13, I found my father on the floor. He’d had a heart attack.
What passed for an ambulance back then in rural Tennessee rushed him to the hospital. The doctor told Mother if Dad had gotten to the hospital 10 minutes later, the doctor could not have saved him.

If the hospital had not been there, the doctor could not have saved him.
Now that hospital — like many others — is at risk. More than 50 hospitals in Tennessee are struggling financially, and we are told that some will close.
And when hospitals close, other children’s fathers and other loved ones will die.


Why is this happening? Because the Republican officeholders controlling this state have refused to cash a federal check.

Tennessee could extend health insurance coverage to as many as 330,000 people in working families, if state officials accept the federal funds that would pay 100 percent of the costs of expanding the state’s Medicaid program for the first three years.

And if, but only if, we wanted to continue the expansion beyond three years, Tennessee would not have to pay more than 10 cents on the dollar. Hospitals providing millions of dollars in uncompensated care to uninsured patients could be paid for their services, and stay open.

But so far, Tennessee’s Republican governor and Republican legislators have refused to accept $1 billion a year of federal funding to cover 330,000 working poor. This is money that hospitals, doctors and nurses need to serve patients in rural areas and even in urban centers such as Nashville, where at least one major hospital is now releasing hundreds of employees.

The New England Journal of Medicine last year published research dealing with “Mortality and Access to Care” that documents how access to health care saves lives. The study, conducted by researchers from Harvard’s School of Public Health, analyzed data from states that did and states that did not expand their Medicaid programs to cover low-income adults without children or disabilities.

The researchers found that when more people have access to health care, more people live — “particularly those between the ages of 35 and 64 years, minorities, and those living in poorer areas.”

In fact, they found that for every 500,000 adults included in state Medicaid programs, deaths declined by 6.1 percent. In other words, Medicaid expansion for 500,000 saved about 2,840 lives per year.

In the words of the study: “This finding suggests that 176 additional adults would need to be covered by Medicaid in order to prevent one death per year.”

Officials say 180,000 more Tennesseans could receive Medicaid coverage next year if the state accepts the federal funding. If they are not served, according to the Harvard study, more than 1,000 could die.

Deuteronomy 30:19 recounts Moses proclaiming God’s Word: “I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse; therefore choose life that you and your children may live.”

None of our neighbors and loved ones should have to die because politicians rejected Deuteronomy 30 and the Golden Rule.

Any Republicans denying Tennesseans lifesaving health care ought never again call themselves “pro-life,” not if they condemn thousands of uninsured Tennesseans to die.

Fortunately, there is still time to choose life. Pray that they will.

S.L. Brannon on DBSA Life Unlimited web site
http://bot.ly/1kEBzlZ
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