Resources
WASHINGTON COUNTY MENTAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Call 651.430.6484
2016 Annual Report Now Available - NAMI Minnesota's 2016 Annual Report, Forging a Better Future, is now available to view or download, here.
Minnesota opens new savings plan for people with disabilities - Minnesotans with disabilities and their families can save for goods and services to improve their lives under the new Minnesota ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) Plan, which opened this month. The plan allows a maximum of $14,000 a year, to a total maximum of $100,000, to be contributed to an account for an individual before the individual's public benefits are affected. Participants can choose to put their money into what operates as a regular checking account or into one of six investment options. The Minnesota ABLE Plan has several features: ABLE accounts are not limited to people with disabilities on public programs. The accounts are exempt from eligibility consideration if people are on Medical Assistance, Supplemental Security Income or other public programs. Currently, people with disabilities may lose eligibility for public benefits once they reach $2,000 in savings. Earnings on accounts and distributions for qualified expenses are not counted as taxable income. Minnesota ABLE Plan accounts can be opened online at mn.savewithable.com. Parents of eligible minor children may open an account for their child. Any person can contribute to an ABLE account. Contributions can be made by check, through an employer's payroll direct deposit, or directly from another checking or savings account. "The Minnesota ABLE Plan helps people with disabilities, including those who want to work and build earnings, and families who want to contribute funds that can be used to maintain health, independence and quality of life," said Human Services Commissioner Emily Piper. "People will now be able to save for education, housing, assistive technology and a variety of other things that are not included in public benefits." Ascensus College Savings is the firm that will administer the Minnesota ABLE Plan. People who are interested in the Minnesota ABLE Plan may visit mn.savewithable.com or call 888-609-8872.
NAMI Minnesota's new audio podcast "Mental Health In Minnesota" is now available online through iTunes and other podcast applications. To help celebrate NAMI Minnesota's 40th anniversary, the initial series of podcast episodes are focused on personal stories by founders, members, volunteers, affiliate leaders, and other people who have played an important role in growing our movement and our organization. The first six episodes include interviews with Reta Lancaster, Anna Mae Marschall, Barb Lindberg, Nate Cannon, Dave Hartford, and Adam Moen. The podcast is available: at iTunes On the Podcast Website: Search podcast applications for "Mental Health In Minnesota" or "NAMI Minnesota." Subscribe to the podcast to receive automatic updates as future episodes become available!
Listen to the Speakers who spoke at Mental Health Day at the Capitol! - Audio of the entire rally held on March 16th is available via the "Mental Health In Minnesota" podcast produced by NAMI Minnesota (episode 9). Click here to listen in iTunes or visit www.NamiHelpsUsTalk.org.
A Light Between Their Feet now available for Home Viewing. After completing a 25+ city theatrical release and garnering excellent reviews, including this 4-star review from RogerEbert.com, viewers can now watch A Light Beneath Their Feet at home on TV and on any digital device through various streaming platforms: DVDs from Amazon here Cable VOD: You can rent the movie from your local cable provider iTunes here VUDU here Vimeo On Demand here FandangoNOW here
WebConnect is a new web-based support group that is starting for parents and young adults. This opportunity is intended for those who cannot attend a support group in person due to transportation, physical disabilities, or lack of peer support groups in their community, particularly in greater Minnesota. Below are links to flyers for these new exciting groups. Please spread the word! Young Adult WebConnect and Parent WebConnect
U of M Seeking Research Participants - The Department of Psychiatry at the University of Minnesota is looking for volunteers living with mental health challenges for a variety of research studies. More information can be found here.
First Episode Psychosis - Youth and young adults first experiencing psychosis may feel worried and fearful about what is happening. Concerned family and friends seeing changes in a young person may not know what to do. However, help and support are available. Addressing psychosis early or during the first episode offers the best outcomes for young people. NAMI has new tip sheets that can help decide what to do when dealing with early episode psychosis.
For youth & young adults: Early Psychosis: What's Going on and What Can You Do? Click here
For families & other stakeholders: What is Early and First-Episode Psychosis? Click here
For school staff & coaches: Early Intervention: Tips for School Staff and Coaches Click here
For families: Encouraging People to Seek Help for Early Psychosis Click here
The MN Department of Human Services Crisis Team is looking for a family member of an individual who lives with mental illness who has utilized crisis services to serve as a member of a Request for Proposals (RFP) review committee. Since the RFP is a pilot for the metro area, participation from an individual in the metro area is preferred. Following are requirements for participation on the committee: Sign a document stating that you will not share or discuss any information with anyone who is not participating in the review process review and score RFP's submitted by potential vendors Attend a review meeting Please contact Dominique Jones, Crisis Team Lead at (651) 431-2654 if interested or if you have any questions.
Other Mental Health Resources
Here is a list of resources that compliment NAMI Washington County's services and are good sources of information about mental illnesses, drug & alcohol addiction and support.
Contact these organizations for more mental health help/information:
Renters’ Rights for People with Disabilities
Moving for Seniors and People with Disabilities
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mytherapy-meds-pill-reminder/id662170995?mt=8 (IOS)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=eu.smartpatient.mytherapy&hl=en (Android)
Know someone facing difficult times? Youth Service Bureau is only a call or click away at ysb.net.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN A MENTAL HEALTH CAREER - One in four adults suffers from mental illness in any given year. While that is a sobering fact, the even more frightening issue is that there simply aren’t enough mental health resources to go around – meaning those who need help often fail to get it. For those looking to bolster the ranks of mental health professionals, this guide explores career paths where you can make a positive and lasting impact. It also provides a comprehensive review of major mental health disorders, including warning signs and volunteer opportunities. If you want to become a shining light for someone battling the darkness of mental illness, this is where you begin. See Why More Professionals Are Needed & Paths to Get Startedhttps://www.learnhowtobecome.org/make-a-difference-careers/mental-health/
Call 651.430.6484
2016 Annual Report Now Available - NAMI Minnesota's 2016 Annual Report, Forging a Better Future, is now available to view or download, here.
Minnesota opens new savings plan for people with disabilities - Minnesotans with disabilities and their families can save for goods and services to improve their lives under the new Minnesota ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) Plan, which opened this month. The plan allows a maximum of $14,000 a year, to a total maximum of $100,000, to be contributed to an account for an individual before the individual's public benefits are affected. Participants can choose to put their money into what operates as a regular checking account or into one of six investment options. The Minnesota ABLE Plan has several features: ABLE accounts are not limited to people with disabilities on public programs. The accounts are exempt from eligibility consideration if people are on Medical Assistance, Supplemental Security Income or other public programs. Currently, people with disabilities may lose eligibility for public benefits once they reach $2,000 in savings. Earnings on accounts and distributions for qualified expenses are not counted as taxable income. Minnesota ABLE Plan accounts can be opened online at mn.savewithable.com. Parents of eligible minor children may open an account for their child. Any person can contribute to an ABLE account. Contributions can be made by check, through an employer's payroll direct deposit, or directly from another checking or savings account. "The Minnesota ABLE Plan helps people with disabilities, including those who want to work and build earnings, and families who want to contribute funds that can be used to maintain health, independence and quality of life," said Human Services Commissioner Emily Piper. "People will now be able to save for education, housing, assistive technology and a variety of other things that are not included in public benefits." Ascensus College Savings is the firm that will administer the Minnesota ABLE Plan. People who are interested in the Minnesota ABLE Plan may visit mn.savewithable.com or call 888-609-8872.
NAMI Minnesota's new audio podcast "Mental Health In Minnesota" is now available online through iTunes and other podcast applications. To help celebrate NAMI Minnesota's 40th anniversary, the initial series of podcast episodes are focused on personal stories by founders, members, volunteers, affiliate leaders, and other people who have played an important role in growing our movement and our organization. The first six episodes include interviews with Reta Lancaster, Anna Mae Marschall, Barb Lindberg, Nate Cannon, Dave Hartford, and Adam Moen. The podcast is available: at iTunes On the Podcast Website: Search podcast applications for "Mental Health In Minnesota" or "NAMI Minnesota." Subscribe to the podcast to receive automatic updates as future episodes become available!
Listen to the Speakers who spoke at Mental Health Day at the Capitol! - Audio of the entire rally held on March 16th is available via the "Mental Health In Minnesota" podcast produced by NAMI Minnesota (episode 9). Click here to listen in iTunes or visit www.NamiHelpsUsTalk.org.
A Light Between Their Feet now available for Home Viewing. After completing a 25+ city theatrical release and garnering excellent reviews, including this 4-star review from RogerEbert.com, viewers can now watch A Light Beneath Their Feet at home on TV and on any digital device through various streaming platforms: DVDs from Amazon here Cable VOD: You can rent the movie from your local cable provider iTunes here VUDU here Vimeo On Demand here FandangoNOW here
WebConnect is a new web-based support group that is starting for parents and young adults. This opportunity is intended for those who cannot attend a support group in person due to transportation, physical disabilities, or lack of peer support groups in their community, particularly in greater Minnesota. Below are links to flyers for these new exciting groups. Please spread the word! Young Adult WebConnect and Parent WebConnect
U of M Seeking Research Participants - The Department of Psychiatry at the University of Minnesota is looking for volunteers living with mental health challenges for a variety of research studies. More information can be found here.
First Episode Psychosis - Youth and young adults first experiencing psychosis may feel worried and fearful about what is happening. Concerned family and friends seeing changes in a young person may not know what to do. However, help and support are available. Addressing psychosis early or during the first episode offers the best outcomes for young people. NAMI has new tip sheets that can help decide what to do when dealing with early episode psychosis.
For youth & young adults: Early Psychosis: What's Going on and What Can You Do? Click here
For families & other stakeholders: What is Early and First-Episode Psychosis? Click here
For school staff & coaches: Early Intervention: Tips for School Staff and Coaches Click here
For families: Encouraging People to Seek Help for Early Psychosis Click here
The MN Department of Human Services Crisis Team is looking for a family member of an individual who lives with mental illness who has utilized crisis services to serve as a member of a Request for Proposals (RFP) review committee. Since the RFP is a pilot for the metro area, participation from an individual in the metro area is preferred. Following are requirements for participation on the committee: Sign a document stating that you will not share or discuss any information with anyone who is not participating in the review process review and score RFP's submitted by potential vendors Attend a review meeting Please contact Dominique Jones, Crisis Team Lead at (651) 431-2654 if interested or if you have any questions.
Other Mental Health Resources
Here is a list of resources that compliment NAMI Washington County's services and are good sources of information about mental illnesses, drug & alcohol addiction and support.
Contact these organizations for more mental health help/information:
- NAMI Minnesota (State Level) offers classes and many other resources to the people of Minnesota. Their website offers good information and may answer many of your mental health questions and concerns. 1 (888) NAMI-HELPS www.namihelps.org
- or NAMI (National Level) www.nami.org
- Guild - We are passionate, knowledgeable, and forward-thinking employees, volunteers, board members, supporters, and other involved community members with a mission of helping people with mental illness lead quality lives. We believe that people with mental illness are larger than the definition of their diagnosis. So, we partner with the individuals we serve, sticking with them through progress and set-backs, symptoms, medications, and side effects, good days and not-so-good days. see https://guildincorporated.org/
- Housing Accomodations - This guide will give you an insight into the steps you can take to ensure your home is disability-friendly, and how to take these steps in the most cost-effective manner possible. see https://householdquotes.co.uk/disability-accommodation-guide
Renters’ Rights for People with Disabilities
Moving for Seniors and People with Disabilities
- MENTAL HEALTH WELCOME CENTER - Help and referrals to help you thrive and survive. Sponsored by the Ramsey County Community Human Services Department, 1919 University Ave, St. Paul, MN, Telephone: 651-266-7890
- myTherapyApp.com - Depression is something sooner or later almost everyone will come into contact with either themselves or through someone close to them. Lack of knowledge of where to find help and social stigma are the prevalent reasons for lack of treatment. Here is a mental health resource application https://www.mytherapyapp.com/depression-mood-tracker-app
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mytherapy-meds-pill-reminder/id662170995?mt=8 (IOS)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=eu.smartpatient.mytherapy&hl=en (Android)
- NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH - an excellent source for mental health information. See www.nimh.nih.gov
- PEOPLE INCORPORATED - Independent Living Skills, ArtAbility, and other programs for people with a mental health diagnosis. See www.peopleincorporated.org
- SEEDS COMMUNITY PROGRAM - See www.commed.spps.org
- Special Needs and People with Disabilities
Legal Resources for Special Needs
Keeping Disabled Persons Safe While Remodeling
Creating a Home Where Your Disabled Child can Thrive
Teacher Resources for Special Needs
Disaster Preparedness for Special Needs
Home Accommodations for Special Needs
Disability Resources from the Department of Labor
Tips for Disabled Persons to Declutter and Organize their Home
Financial Planning for Special Needs
- StartYourRecovery.org is a free, confidential tool that helps individuals take steps toward a healthy relationship with drugs and alcohol. It was developed with the input of leading clinicians, experts from the White House and SAMHSA, and people in recovery themselves. Here, individuals can hear stories from people with similar life experiences, discover the answers they need for recognizing and dealing with substance use issues, and locate support. Family and friends can learn about addiction and how to encourage treatment and support sober living on the website. See StartYourRecovery.org
Know someone facing difficult times? Youth Service Bureau is only a call or click away at ysb.net.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN A MENTAL HEALTH CAREER - One in four adults suffers from mental illness in any given year. While that is a sobering fact, the even more frightening issue is that there simply aren’t enough mental health resources to go around – meaning those who need help often fail to get it. For those looking to bolster the ranks of mental health professionals, this guide explores career paths where you can make a positive and lasting impact. It also provides a comprehensive review of major mental health disorders, including warning signs and volunteer opportunities. If you want to become a shining light for someone battling the darkness of mental illness, this is where you begin. See Why More Professionals Are Needed & Paths to Get Startedhttps://www.learnhowtobecome.org/make-a-difference-careers/mental-health/
