SEPTEMBER 2016

Issue IX, Vol. V

5205 Greenwood Ave. Ste 110 West Palm Beach, FL 33407

561-588-3477 www.namipbc.org

The Voice

Several NAMI Palm Beach County board members and peer

mentors recently took a field trip to Judge Joseph Marx’s court-

room in the Mental Health Division of the Palm Beach County

Courthouse. What strikes you most when entering Judge

Marx’s courtroom is how much he cares about his job and the

effect he has on those who appear before him. Unlike Miami-

Dade or Broward County, the Palm Beach County Mental

Health Court is not a service court. Apparently, Miami-Dade

and Broward counties have done such an outstanding job

showing the state how courts can help defendants living with

mental illness by treating them less like criminals and more like

more people in need of mental health services, that the Florida

legislature sends most of their mental health dollars there, and

very little to Palm Beach County. Until sufficient funding is re-

ceived, Judge Marx’s job is simply to determine whether a de-

fendant is competent to stand trial and, if not, how the defend-

ant’s competency can be restored. Judge Marx explained that

competency can often be restored simply by making sure the

defendant takes his or her medication. Once competency is

restored, the case is returned to the regular division of criminal

court. If competency cannot be restored, Judge Marx oversees

the continuing care of the defendant.

Even though the Palm Beach County Mental Health Court is not a service court, Judge Marx is creative in helping defend-ants who have mental illness. If he sees that a defendant would benefit from treatment, he can order it as a condition of probation. While we were in the courtroom, we saw several hearings where defendants were simply checking in per court order. Judge Marx congratulated many of the defendants for staying out of trouble, and told them to keep up the good work. These hearings seemed more like a reunion of old friends than two people with different functions, and with such a disparity of power, proceeding in the criminal justice system. One defendant made a point of showing Judge Marx pictures of her grandchildren, so he could see how big they’ve grown since the last time she appeared in his courtroom. Another defend-ant explained that the court ordered injections were making him groggy and uncomfortable, and so Judge Marx ordered a further medical review, noting that injections were ordered because the defendant had been noncompliant in taking his medicine in the past. Another defendant had tested positive for cocaine since her last appearance and was concerned that her bail would be revoked. Regardless of the severity of the

case, and regardless of whether the defendant drove to the courthouse, or was escorted into the courtroom in shackles and prison garb, everyone was treated with dignity and re-spect. Everyone was made to feel they had been heard. Judge Marx told us he recognizes that every case assigned

to him, regardless of whether the defendant has mental

illness, is “on [his] watch.” Every day, he makes decisions

regarding bail, release and sentencing, and takes that re-

sponsibility seriously. Perhaps it is his background as a state

prosecutor, or perhaps it is because of his own personal

tragedy when his former wife was murdered, but it is clear

that Judge Marx has the empathy and the insight to be an

awesome judge in the mental health court of Palm Beach

County. Thank you, Judge Marx, for being such an out-

standing example of what’s right in our court system.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

By Manny Kushner

In July NAMI/PBC served

620 individuals

We answered 191 phone calls

8 attended the Cognitive Enhancement

Therapy

5 attended the NAMI Peer-to-Peer Education

101 attended NAMI Presentations

51 participated in NAMI Peer Council and

N.O.W. activities

33 attended NAMI/PBC Family Support

Groups

206 attended NAMI Connection Groups

9 attended the NAMI/PBC Y oung Adults

Group

6 attended the NAMI/PBC Adolescent Support

Groups

10 REACH for Teens mentored

IN THE NEWS

Page 4

Cognitive Enhancement Therapy

By Michael “Scarlet Fever” Lavin

Cognitive Enhancement Therapy (CET): very big words and an even bigger, grander journey. This class, like other classes that NAMI has to offer, brought me to victo-ry in contrast to the many ven-tures I have failed. CET means one has to start as a simple cater-pillar and work patiently to emerge as the butterfly bursting into the blue sky of clearer think-ing. CET is not an achievement—it’s a victory for folks living with mental illness around the world. It shows us that the stigma cannot stop us; it cannot limit us. I will tell my CET journey to many ears and work to put that stigma on me under my feet where it belongs.

August WRAP training in Delray Beach. Lots of NAMI friends, staff and volunteers. Hey, is that Howard Hazzard?

NAMI Peer Council’s

"Sunday at the Science Center" We had 16 attend the Grossology Exhibit on August 14. L.G. said, “Very interesting and very educational. I can definitely recommend a trip to the science muse-um.” J.C said, “The exhibits are very interesting and self-motivating. The fish had awesome, beautiful tanks. I recommend this outing.”

8/20/16 Women’s Health Conference: Compass LGBT Community Center. Katherine Murphy

Congratulations to year one

CET graduates!

WHAT’S COMING UP!

Page 2

Join us for September’s General Meeting

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT CONSIDERATIONS IN THE USE OF

PSYCHOTROPIC MEDICATIONS IN PSYCHIATRIC PATIENTS

Presented by:

CHRISTOPHER KYE, MD

Tuesday, September 27 , 2016 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

NAMI Palm Beach County, 5205 Greenwood Avenue, Ste. 110

West Palm Beach, FL 33407

NAMI/PBC General Meetings are free and open to the general public.

NAMI PBC is pleased to announce its next NAMI Peer-to-Peer Education course will start 9/27/16. This course will run every Tuesday and Thursday,

1:30 pm-3:30 pm, in Delray Beach. Registration is required. If you or someone you know would be in-terested in taking this life-changing course, please contact the NAMI office at 561-588-3477. Seating is limited. For more info, please check out our website at namipbc.org.

CRISIS INTERVENTION TEAM By Dorothy Kelleher

If you have a loved one in crisis and need the services of a CIT officer, you should call 911

and give the necessary information to the dispatcher, making sure the dispatcher under-

stands that you do need a CIT officer sent to the scene. NAMI and CIT work closely together

in providing this service.

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

Join us for an Educational Seminar

“SUICIDALITY”

Presented By Dr. Kelly Everson

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

6:00-8:00 pm NAMI Palm Beach County

5205 Greenwood Avenue Ste. 110 West Palm Beach, FL 33407

NAMI/PBC General Meetings are free and open to the general public.

Tickets: $49.00 per person. Visit namipbc.org for tickets and more info.

September 13, 2016, 6:00 pm- 8:00 pm Novello Restaurant & Bar, 5999 N. Federal Hwy, Boca Raton, FL

COME HELP SUPPORT NAMI PBC! Wine & Biz After Hours presents amazing wine and incredible food for a great cause. From Master Chef Angelo Romano of Paradiso in Lake Worth comes Novello Boca Raton.

Ticket includes 50+ AFWI award-winning wines, seven+ pairing cours-es, and lots of great networking, all while supporting a great charity!

WHAT’S COMING UP

Page 3

NAMI PEER COUNCIL MEETING

Friday, September 30, 2016 4:30 pm meeting with

pizza and games

1520 10th Avenue, N., Ste D Lake Worth, FL 33460

NAMI On Wednesdays (N.O.W.)

Make sure you “drop in” for Arts & Crafts, Book

Club, Games, Speakers, Advocacy, Movies and

more at NAMI On Wednesdays (N.O.W.), 11:00

am - 4:00 pm. NAMI PBC Office, 1520 10th Av-

enue, N., Suite D., Lake Worth, FL. For more

information, call the NAMI office at 561-588-

3477.

NAMI TEEN GROUP

Let’s Bowl! Saturday, September 17, 2016 10:00 am to 12:00 pm Verdes Tropicana Bowling This event is free. You must call to register, 561-588-3477

The NAMI Peer Council Invites You To:

Norton Museum “View &Do” Includes 1 hr. tour

and 1 hr. facilitated art workshop

Sunday, September 11, 2016, 1:00 pm-3:00 pm

There is a 20-person limit for this free event.

You must call to register, 561-588-3477.

The NAMI Peer Council Invites You To:

Delray Yacht Cruise

Sunday, September 18, 2016, 1:30 pm-3:30 pm

$8.00 Per Person

This is a popular event.

You MUST call to register, 561-588-3477.

Plan to arrive 15 min. early as the ship sails promptly at 1:30 pm.

NAMIWalks Teen Walk Team Meeting Join "TEAM HYPE" as we prepare for the 2016 NAMIWalks Palm Beach County Saturday, October 8, 10:00 am-12:00 pm Create Tshirts/signs NAMI Lake Worth Office 1520 10th Ave North, Lake Worth, FL 33460

The NAMI Teen Group is a social and recreational club open to teens ages 15 18.

For more information contact Peter Davey at peter-davey@namipbc.org

In August the Teen

Group decorated T-

shirts for NAMIWalks

Team Hype.

Peer and Family Support Groups Call 561-588-3477 for more information

NAMI/PBC Connection Recovery Support Groups

Lake Worth (NAMI Office) 1520 10th Avenue N, Suite D Lake Worth, FL 33460 Sat. 6:00-7:30pm

Delray Beach (Toole Building So. County Mental Health Center) 16158 S Military Trail, Delray Beach, FL 33484 Mon.. 1:45-2:45pm & Wed. 10:15-11:15am

Hypoluxo (Amigos Group — Jeff Industries) 111 E Coast Avenue, Hypoluxo, FL 33462 Mon. 2:30-4:00pm

Jupiter (Southeast Florida Behavioral Health Network) 140 Intracoastal Pointe Dr., Suite 208, Jupiter, FL 33477 Mon. 5:30-7:00pm

NAMI/PBC Young Adults Group 18-35 Year Olds

Lake Worth (NAMI Office) 1520 10th Avenue N, Suite D, Lake Worth, FL 33460 First 3 Fridays of the month 6:00-7:30pm

NAMI/PBC Family Support Groups

West Boca (Glades Road Library) NEW LOCATION 20701 95th Ave., South, Boca Raton, FL 33434 3rd Monday 6:15-7:45pm NEW DATE & TIME STARTING 9/19/16

Delray Beach NEW LOCATION Fair Oaks Pavilion, Classroom A, 5440 Linton Blvd., Delray Beach, FL 33446 2nd Tuesday 7:00-8:30 pm NEW TIME STARTING 9/13/16

Jupiter (Southeast Behavioral Health) 140 Intracoastal Pointe Dr, Ste 208, Jupiter, FL 33477 3rd Wednesday 6:30-8:00pm NEW DAY STARTING 9/21/16

Wellington (Wellington Regional Library) ** 1951 Royal Fern Drive, Wellington, FL 33414 2nd Monday 6:30-8:00pm ** Rescheduled for Tuesday, October 11th due to Columbus Day

Other Local Support Groups for Peers

GROUP MEETINGS

South County Mental Health Center Depression Bipolar Support Alliance 16158 S Military Trail, Delray Beach, FL 33484 1-877-858-7474 for directions ALL DISORDERS (Building E. — Toole Building) Wed. 7:00-9:00pm

Peer Place Support Center 2100 45th Street, Suite B12, West Palm Beach, FL 33407 561-712-0584 for directions and information Schizophrenics Anonymous Mon, Wed, Fri. 2:00pm-3:00pm DRA (Living in the Now) (12 Step Co-occurring) Tues,

Thurs, Sat. 10:30am-11:30am Peer Support Mon.-Fri. 9:00am-4:00pm; Sat. 9am-1pm

Fair Oaks Pavilion (Behind Delray Community Hospital) 5440 Linton Blvd, Ste 1010, Delray Beach, FL 33484 Depression Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) Mon. 7:00 pm 561-716-7511 Southeast Florida Behavioral Health Network) 140 Intracoastal Pointe Dr., Suite 208, Jupiter, FL 33477 561-633-7525 for information Depression/Bipolar Thurs. 7:00-8:30pm

West Boca Medical Education Center 21644 State Road 7, Boca Raton, FL 33428 For directions and info: Jason Spielman 954-217-1757 OCD 1st Thurs. 7:30-8:30pm

Trauma Support Group Center for Trauma Counseling, Inc. 801 Lake Worth Road, Suite 101, Lake Worth, FL 33467 Tues. 6:30-8:00 pm, Contact Helya 561-444-3914

Support for Eating Disorders Alliance for Eating Disorder Awareness 1649 Forum Place, #2, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 561-841- 0900 Mon. 7:00-8:30pm (Eating Disorders Adult Women) Tues. 7:00-8:30pm (Binge Eating Disorder Adult Co-Ed) Weds. 7:00-8:30pm (Friends & Family) Thurs. 7:00-8:30pm (Eating Disorders Adult Co-Ed) Sat. 10:00-11:30am (Eating Disorders Adult Co-Ed)

Jupiter 50 South US Highway 1, Suite 309, Jupiter, FL 33477 Grades 7-8: Mon. 5:30-6:30pm Grades 9-12: Mon. 6:30-7:30pm

Page 5

NAMI/PBC N.O.W. (NAMI on Wednesdays)

Lake Worth (NAMI Office) 1520 10th Avenue N, Suite D, Lake Worth, FL 33460 Wed. 11:00am-4:00pm Drop-in

NEW - NAMI Teen Group — Social/recreation If interested, contact Peter Davey for more details at 561-588-3477.

NAMI/PBC Adolescent Support Group - Registration Required

THINGS TO KNOW

Page 6

Suicide Prevention: Know the Warning Signs By Dr. Kelly Everson September includes National Suicide Prevention Week (9/5-9/11) and World Suicide Prevention Day (9/10). A few statistics:

38,364 suicide deaths were reported in the United States in 2010; 41,149 (2013)

In Florida, 2,789 suicide deaths were reported in 2010

Every 13.7 minutes someone in the United States dies by suicide

Here’s the most disturbing part for those of us who work to prevent this and all of us who care about someone who is struggling: 90% of people who die by suicide have a diagnosable and treatable psychiatric disorder at the time of their death. 90%! We need to do more to prevent these situations. Here are some possible warning signs to be aware of (not all are auto-matically necessarily signs someone is considering sui-cide):

Talking About Death Recent Loss Change in Personality Change in Behavior Change in Sleep Patterns Change in Eating Habits Fear of Losing Control Low Self-Esteem No Hope for the Future

There are some protective factors that lessen the risk of this tragedy, including effective clinical care for men-tal, physical and substance abuse disorders, access to support and care, and strong community support and involvement.

This last thing is important: There is NO LINK between talking about suicide with someone and them acting in a harmful manner. Asking someone if they are having suicidal thoughts will not put suicidal thoughts into their head. If you know someone struggling, please reach out to them and let them know you care. En-courage them to get help or, if you need to, ask for help for them. NAMI is always a resource for you.

Ambien Warning

By Diane Esposito, Ph.D.

Ambien is a commonly prescribed sleep aid for in-somnia, but it can have some adverse effects.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has just updated the black box warning labeling for Ambien (zolpidem ) and Ambien CR to strengthen its warning regarding next-day psychomotor impairment. Next-day psychomotor impairment, which includes impaired driving, is more likely to occur if the drug is taken with less than a full night sleep remaining (7–8 hours), or if a higher than recommended dose is tak-en. It also includes if the drug is taken with other medications that are central nervous system (CNS) depressants or alcohol, or of it is taken with other medications that may alter the blood levels of zolpidem.

Specifically, the updated labeling states that the prescriber should warn vehicle drivers and machine operators that there may be a possible risk of adverse reactions (i.e., drowsiness, prolonged reaction time, dizziness, sleepiness, blurred/double vision, reduced alertness, impaired driving) the morning after taking this medication. The Dosage and Administration sec-tion has been updated as well to specify that Ambien should be taken as a single dose and should not be re-administered during the same night.

So, the bottom line is that individuals who take this medication should not engage in activities that re-quire mental alertness (i.e., driving) the next morn-ing. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has proven to be an effective treatment option for insomnia, does not have these risks, and is an excellent alterna-tive.

Remember us for holidays, birthdays and special occasions.

If you shop Amazon, make your purchases through smile.amazon.com and select NAMI Palm Beach County as your charity. NAMI will receive 0.5% of the purchase price with no cost to you!

THINGS TO KNOW

Page 7

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE NAMWALKS Kick-Off Event

Saturday, September 10th 10:00am – 12:00pm

5205 Greenwood Ave, West Palm Beach

Join us for brunch as we get ready to “HAVE a BALL

and WALK for ALL!!” We will review team building, sponsorship opportunities, Walk Day details, and provide you with the tools you need to help the 2016 Walk be amazingly successful! For additional details and to RSVP, call Carmen at 588-3477.

Have you registered or created your team yet? To register, simply log on to www.namiwalks.org/palmbeachcounty to-day.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

October General Meeting

October 25, 2016, 6:00-8:00 pm

NAMI Palm Beach County, 5205 Greenwood Ave #110, West Palm Beach, FL 33407

Eating Disorders: The Latest Information You Need To Know

Presented by The Alliance on Eating Disorders Awareness

THINGS TO KNOW

Page 8

Chairmen Margaret Donnelley and Manuel Kushner and the Luncheon Committee

Kindly request the pleasure of your company at its

NAMI Annual Luncheon

with featured speaker Donna Gephart

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

11:00 AM Silent and Tea Cup Auctions 12 O’clock Lunch and Program

Marriott West Palm Beach, 1001 Okeechobee Boulevard, West Palm Beach, FL

$75 per person

The courtesy of your reply is requested by December 1. 2016

For additional information please contact Carmen Moore (561)-588-3477 — carmenmoore@namipbc.org

Please mail to: NAMI Palm Beach County, 5205 Greenwood Avenue, Suite 1 1 0, West Palm Beach, FL 33407.

Name ___________________________________________________________________________________

Address _________________________________________________________________________________

City_______________________________________________________State ___________Zip___________

Telephone __________________________ Email:______________________________________________

__ *Grand Benefactor $25,000/10 Tickets __ *Grand Benefactor Ticket $2,500 per person

__ *Benefactor Table $15,000/10 Tickets __ *Benefactor Ticket $1,500 per person

__ *Sponsor Table $10,000/10 Tickets __ *Sponsor Ticket $1,000 per person

__ *Patron Table $5,000/10 Tickets __ *Patron Ticket $500 per person

__ *Supporter Table $2,500/10 Tickets __ *Supporter Ticket $250 per person

__ *Contributor Table $1,000/10 Tickets __ *Contributor Ticket $100 per person

__ *Friend Table $750/10 Tickets __ Friend Ticket $75 per person

*Recognition of your generosity in the Benefit Program if received by December 7.

Donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

□ I would like to reserve ___Tables/Tickets for a total of $_____________. Please list the names of your guests, or those with

whom you wish to be seated, on the reverse side.

□ I cannot attend, but wish to donate $___________ to support NAMI/PBC’s programs.

□ Check enclosed (payable to NAMI of Palm Beach County) $____________.

□ Charge $____________ to my credit card □VISA □MC □AMEX □Discover

Card # ___________________________________ Exp. Date __________ CVC (3 or 4 digits)______

Signature (required) _____________________________________________________________________

□ You may also pay by credit card through our secure website www.namipbc.org

Contributions benefit NAMI PBC, a not for profit tax exemption organization. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCI AL

INFORMATION OF NAMI PBC (CH 6498), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES AT

WWW.800HELPFLA.COM OR BY CALLING TOLL FREE 1-00-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE OF FLORIDA. REGISTRATION DOES NOT

IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. NAMI PBC receives 100% of each contribution.

THINGS TO KNOW

Page 9

Non-Profit Organization

US Postage Paid

West Palm Beach, FL

Permit No. 1327

National Alliance on Mental Illness of Palm Beach County

Mollie Wilmot Center—Palm Healthcare Pavilion

5205 Greenwood Avenue, Suite 110

West Palm Beach, FL 33407

Or Current Resident

NAMI Membership exists at 3 levels: Affiliate, State & National. NAMI is a 501(c)(3) non -profit, charitable organization—contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

Together, we can continue to fight for all those affected by mental illness. PLEASE NOTE: In

order for NAMI/PBC to receive your full donation, please send your donation to the NAMI/

PBC office. Thank you!

Contributions benefit NAMI|PBC, a not for profit tax exempt organization. A COPY OF

THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF NAMI|PBC

(CH 6498), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SER-

VICES AT WWW.800HELPFLA.COM OR BY CALLING TOLL FREE 1-800-435-

7352 WITHIN THE STATE OF FLORIDA. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY EN-

DORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. NAMI|PBC

receives 100% of each contribution.

Members are NAMI/PBC’s lifeblood; your member-ship helps us continue to

provide free outreach, support & education. In bringing mental health

issues to wider attention, we advocate for better

treatment. As our mem-bership base grows, our voice becomes stronger.

Respect, Compassion & Hope … NAMI Works!

I’d like to support NAMI PBC with a donation of: __ $25 __ $50 __ $100

other: $____

5205 Greenwood Ave., Suite 110, West Palm Beach, FL 33407

T: 561.588.3477 F: 561.588-3499

Email: info@namipbc.org Website: namipbc.org

I’d like to volunteer for NAMI/PBC’s 2016 Walk. I wish to receive NAMI National’s solicitations.

Check here for renewal: Date:_______

Name:______________________________

Address:____________________________

City/St:_____________________________

Zip:_________....Phone:_______________

Email:______________________________

MEMBERSHIP: Regular $35 Open Door $3

SPONSORSHIP: Family $55 Professional $65 Corporate $250