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A New Study
Confirms the High Percentage of People with Mental Illnesses in America’s
Jails
(News from National Reports, June
29, 2009)
A new study done
jointly by the Council of State Governments Justice Center and Policy
Research Associates has concluded that 14.5 percent of men and 31 percent of
women entering prison have serious mental illnesses. To try and end the
warehousing of persons with mental illnesses in the nation’s jails and
prisons, Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) is advocating for full funding of the
Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction Act (MIOTCRA), which
expands treatment programs and mental health courts.
The
results of the study, in the June 2009 issue of
Psychiatric Services, are
available online at
http://psychservices.psychiatryonline.org/current.dtl. The same issue
includes an account of a mother whose call for emergency help for a son who
was suicidal led to unfortunate police intervention. Further information
about the study can be found at
http://consensusproject.org/downloads/PsySJailMHStudy.pdf
The mother’s story
can be read at
http://consensusproject.org/downloads/PsySpersonalaccount.pdf
Study Clarifies A Depression Risk
(The
New York Times, June 2, 2009)
Preventative group programs that teach problem-solving skills to teenagers
who have a high-risk of developing depression can reduce that risk, a recent
clinical trial shows. The program proved to be much more effective than
standard care; however, the success is also dependant on the mental health
status of the teenager’s parent at the initiation of the program. One-third
of teens in the regular care developed depression during the trial, while
only 21 percent of those in the program became depressed.
Click here to read more...
Report Finds Rural Mental Health Issues Overlooked
(The
Grand Island Independent, May 29, 2009)
Rural Americans remain
underserved in terms of health insurance coverage and mental health
providers, a new report finds. The Center for Rural Affairs report, “Mental
Health: Overlooked and Disregarded in Rural America,” points out that major
depression rates in some rural areas significantly exceed those in urban
areas.
Click here to read more......
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Our VIP Walk is now behind us but we have so many people and
companies we want to thank!
Please click here for a wrap up report from our fundraiser.
New Group Forming
Survivors of Suicide Support Group /
For those who are grieving the suicide of a loved one.
Tuesdays for 8
weeks beginning July 7, 2009
5:30pm - 7pm
For more
information and to pre-register please call Vicki Sandifer, Program Director, at
434-847-9055.
Wellness Tour (FREE Health
Screenings)
AARP and Walgreens have
teamed up on a Wellness Tour that is sending 9 buses across the country to
deliver free health screenings in more than 3,000 communities. One of the
buses will be in Roanoke, Lynchburg and Salem in July.
(see (PDF)
flyer for dates and times)
Screenings are available
to anyone 18 years of age and older and AARP membership isn't required.
Free screenings include: cholesterol, blood pressure, bone density, glucose
levels, waist circumference and body mass index. No appointment is
necessary -- all people need to do is show up at the appointed Walgreens
during the hours noted on the schedule.
Free, one-year AARP
memberships will be given to all adults who receive screenings. Participants
under the age of 50 may pass on the free membership to an eligible adult,
and existing members will receive a one-year extension on their current
membership status.
Feel free to print copies
of the (PDF) flyer and share with any and
all who might benefit from this service.
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