The Planning for the Future group has another meeting in their series coming up on June 20th that will be of utmost importance to all those interested in understanding what housing options may be available to them as they develop their plans for making sure their loved one will have available housing.  It would be greatly appreciated if you would register for this free meeting in advance by clicking on the words CALENDAR at the top of this page and then go to June 20.  You will get further information about this meeting location, time and description and will be able to register on line there.

Today, Dana Parker-Mathis is happier than she has been in many years, she is a wife and mother of a 16 year old son, Zachary. After almost twenty years of struggling with psychotic episodes, racing thoughts, ideas of reference and panic attacks. Although Dana is diagnosed with schizo-affective disorder her ability to endure, and recover is a testimony for other Peers transitioning into recovery.

Dana is the founder of the non-profit organization, Dig My Roots Foundation. According to Dana, Dig My Roots Foundation links the gap between successful treatment of mental illnesses and more viable career options that will provide adequate income and fringe benefits to consumers. Dana’s many years of professional higher educational experience provides others with roots to a brighter future. She is appreciative for every opportunity to share her story and inspire others to dig it. Dana participates and contributes significantly to numerous community organizations and events advocating on behalf of individuals diagnosed with psychiatric disabilities.

Currently Dana holds a Master of Arts degree from Marygrove College in Social Justice, as well she is a doctoral candidate in Human Services with a specialization in Social Policy Analysis and Planning. Dana is a full-time employee of Gateway Community Health as a Prevention, Education & Outreach Specialist. She is also works part-time as one of two Outreach Specialists with WeSearchTogether; the University of Michigan Depression Center and Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) collaborative.
Dana will share her recovery story which was tremendously impacted by her involvement in several research studies with Wayne State University Psychiatric Group and then highlight how others in their pursuit to help themselves and others with mood disorders may impact the course of life by becoming more informed about mental health research with the possibility of finding a study of interest through www.WeSearchTogether.org.

To see who will be speaking at Future General Meetings click on calendar (at top of page) and look at fourth Tuesdays of each month.

Please Click on the NAMI Metro calendar at the top of this page and click on April 17 for a summary of this very important upcoming meeting that NAMI Metro is pleased to advertise and support.  Who will take care of my son or daughter when I am gone?  is a question that so many NAMI family members continue to ask.  Now is your chance to get well informed about what you can do to create a plan that will make sure your wishes will be known and carried out.  By clicking on the calendar for the 17th of April you will also be able to register on line for this meeting.  The Planning for The Future Project team would like to get an idea of how many people will be attending, so your free pre-registration will be greatly appreciated.

Click on Mental Health Parity to review the Partners for Parity notification and please follow through on the “What you can do” section.

A screening of the documentary and panel discussion to raise public awareness of bipolar disorder and to benefit the Heinz C. Prechter Bipolar Research Fund.

The film tells the heartbreaking story of Evan Perry, a 15-year-old boy who took his own life after a lifelong struggle with bipolar disorder.  Screening:  Sunday, March 11, 2012 at  7pm – Michigan Theater - 603 E. Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI – Click to see event flyer go to:   http://www.prechterfund.org/boyinterrupted/

The film recounts Evan’s life and death in the words of his parents, filmmakers Hart and Dana Perry, and others who knew him. His suicide sent his parents looking for answers from experts, friends and family members, as well as from the reams of video they’d taken of Evan through the years. Illustrating how one family deals with loss and grief, this moving film confronts the stigma associated with mental illness and suicide among children.

You’ve just been appointed as a conservator.  Are you thinking, “NOW WHAT?”  Or maybe you’ve been acting as a conservator, and still don’t really understand the process.  Either way, this class is for you.

This Basic Training For Conservators course will provide essential information and tools for handling your duties as a conservator.  The class is taught by a local attorney along with a staff member from the Oakland County Probate Court.  Click on the link above to get a flyer of information and dates of free training available.

You’ve just been appointed as a guardian or are considering becoming a guardian.  Are you thinking, “NOW WHAT” or maybe you have been acting as a guardian and you still have many questions.  Either way, free classes on Basic Training For Guardians are being offered in Oakland County to help you understand what is expected of you.

This Basic Training course will provide essential information and tools for handling your duties as a guardian.  The class is taught by a local attorney who is also a Public Administrator for Oakland County and is Guardian over dozens of wards.  Please click on the link above to see the flyer for a description and dates of classes.

Medicare and Medicaid Assistance

The Michigan Medicare Medicaid Assistance Program receives funding and support from the federal government through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Administration on Aging as well as the Michigan Department of Community Health and the Michigan Office of Services to the Aging.

MMAP

Individuals from the Area Agency on Aging 1-B, Medicare Medicaid Assistance Program, will be presenting and will be available to address questions on health care benefits including:

• Medicare Part A & B
• Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)
• Medicare supplemental insurance, also called Medigap
• Medicaid
• Long term care insurance
• Medicare Advantage options
• Medicare or Medicaid fraud and abuse
• Other issues of importance to people in Medicare, their families and caregivers

Meeting will be held at Providence Hospital Medical Building 22250 Providence Drive, Southfield.

NOTE:  Free parking is available in the lot directly across from the Medical Building and the entrance is directly across from the parking lot.  Take the elevator to the 8th floor and meeting is in conference room 8-B.

For additional information call NAMI Metro at (248) 348-7197