by NAMI Ohio | Jan 21, 2025 | News & Updates
February 28th , 2025 12pm – 2pm
The NAMI Smarts for Advocacy workshop, Budgets: Funding Our Future is part of NAMI’s grassroots advocacy series. During this workshop, we’ll talk about how mental health funding plays an important role in paying for the services in your community.
When funding is inadequate, services are inadequate, and people may go without the support they need to experience recovery. We’ll discuss how you can use the power of your story to influence the funding of mental health services. Elected officials pass the budgets that fund the mental health care that is available to you.
Through this workshop, we’ll guide you through writing your story in seven short steps.
Presented by:
Tamisha McKenzie, NAMI Ohio Program Coordinator and Tameika Wright, NAMI Ohio Family Peer Support Training Coordinator
Meeting ID: 838 5178 2917
Passcode: 465309
—
One tap mobile
+13052241968,,83851782917#,,,,*465309# US
+13092053325,,83851782917#,,,,*465309# US
—
Dial by your location
• +1 305 224 1968 US
• +1 309 205 3325 US
• +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
• +1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
• +1 646 931 3860 US
• +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
• +1 719 359 4580 US
• +1 253 205 0468 US
• +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
• +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
• +1 360 209 5623 US
• +1 386 347 5053 US
• +1 507 473 4847 US
• +1 564 217 2000 US
• +1 669 444 9171 US
• +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
• +1 689 278 1000 US
Meeting ID: 838 5178 2917
Passcode: 465309
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kblaCH4YwE
by NAMI Ohio | Jan 10, 2025 | Blog, News & Updates
As we step into the new year, it’s the perfect time to focus on our mental wellness. In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining mental health has become just as important as physical health. The good news is, creating positive habits for mental wellness doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, small, intentional changes can have a profound impact on your well-being.
Here are a few examples of how you can create and maintain healthy habits for 2025.
Prioritize Self-Care Every Day
Self-care is not just a buzzword – it’s essential for good mental health. Prioritizing self-care every day, even for just a few minutes, can make a significant difference in how you feel mentally and emotionally.
- Take a few moments each morning to meditate or practice deep breathing.
- Spend time doing something you love, whether it’s reading, walking, painting, or listening to music.
- Try to incorporate a relaxing bedtime routine to improve the quality of your sleep.
When you focus on self-care, you’re sending a message to your brain that you are worth the time and effort. This builds resilience against stress and promotes better emotional regulation.
Nurture Your Social Connections
Human beings are social creatures, and healthy relationships are a key component of mental wellness. Having strong social support can help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, which can contribute to anxiety and depression.
- Schedule regular meet-ups or virtual catch-ups with friends and family.
- Join a group or community activity that interests you
- FIND YOUR LOCAL NAMI AFFILIATE
- Practice active listening and empathy during conversations to strengthen your connections.
Meaningful social interactions provide emotional support and increase feelings of belonging. Positive relationships give you a safe space to share your thoughts and feelings, which can boost mental health.
Practice Mindfulness and Meditation
Mindfulness and meditation are powerful tools for managing stress and cultivating emotional balance. These practices can help you stay present in the moment, reduce overwhelming thoughts, and increase self-awareness.
- Start with a short 5-minute meditation session and gradually increase the duration.
- Practice mindful breathing throughout the day – especially during stressful situations.
- Use a mindfulness app to guide your meditation practice.
Mindfulness allows you to observe your thoughts without judgment, which helps to break cycles of negative thinking. It also encourages relaxation, reduces stress, and promotes emotional clarity.
Set Realistic Goals and Boundaries
Setting goals that are aligned with your values can provide direction and purpose, helping to boost mental well-being. Additionally, knowing when to say no and setting clear boundaries is vital for preventing burnout.
- Break larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks.
- Establish clear work-life boundaries (e.g., setting a cut-off time for checking emails after work).
- Regularly evaluate your goals and make adjustments if necessary to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Achieving goals, even small ones, boosts confidence and fosters a sense of accomplishment. Healthy boundaries prevent you from overextending yourself, reducing stress and improving your emotional health.
Limit Social Media and Screen Time
Constant exposure to social media and screen time can increase feelings of anxiety, inadequacy, and disconnection. Reducing your screen time can help you reconnect with yourself and others, and provide more time for activities that contribute to mental wellness.
- Set daily screen time limits or use apps that track and limit your usage.
- Avoid checking social media first thing in the morning or right before bed.
- Engage in screen-free activities like reading, cooking, or outdoor adventures.
Reducing screen time allows for more meaningful in-person interactions and activities that promote mental well-being. It also helps mitigate the impact of negative news or comparison, which can affect self-esteem.
Sleep Well and Prioritize Rest
Sleep is essential for mental wellness. Poor sleep can lead to mood swings, cognitive decline, and increased stress. Creating a sleep routine that allows for adequate rest is crucial for good mental health.
- Set a consistent bedtime and wake-up time, even on weekends.
- Create a relaxing pre-bedtime routine, such as reading a book or taking a warm bath.
- Limit screen time at least 30 minutes before bed to avoid disrupting your sleep cycle.
Sleep is the body’s way of replenishing and repairing itself, and it directly impacts mood regulation, memory, and overall mental clarity. Prioritizing rest helps you feel more energized and focused.
Seek Professional Help When Needed
Lastly, it’s essential to recognize when professional support is needed. Therapy, counseling, or psychiatric help can provide essential tools for managing mental health challenges.
- Be proactive in seeking support if you’re feeling overwhelmed or struggling with emotional issues. Call or text 988 24/7/365
- Explore different types of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or mindfulness-based therapy.
- Reach out to a mental health professional or counselor when needed – it’s a sign of strength, not weakness.
Professional help can provide personalized strategies for managing mental health and working through difficult emotions. Therapists and counselors can offer coping tools, insight, and support during challenging times.
In 2025, it’s time to prioritize mental wellness as part of your overall well-being. By creating intentional habits that support emotional health, resilience, and self-awareness, you can pave the way for a more balanced and fulfilling year. Remember, mental wellness is a journey, not a destination, so be patient with yourself and celebrate the small victories along the way. Here’s to a mentally healthy 2025!
by NAMI Ohio | Jan 6, 2025 | News & Updates
|
Danielle N. Smart, MSW, LSW Named Clinical Director of NAMI Ohio
|
|
For Immediate Release
Columbus, OH – January 6, 2025 – The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Ohio (NAMI Ohio) is pleased to announce the appointment of Danielle N. Smart as the new Clinical Director. Danielle, a licensed social worker, has been an integral part of NAMI Ohio since 2022, serving as the Client Navigator. In her new role, she will continue her dedication to improving access to mental health services across the state of Ohio.
Danielle holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Social Work degree from The Ohio State University. Over the course of her career, she has worked with diverse populations, including pregnant people considering adoption, adults living with severe and persistent mental illness, and individuals living with HIV. Her experience spans across various social work fields in central Ohio, where she has consistently worked to build bridges between individuals and the services they need.
As the Client Navigator at NAMI Ohio, Danielle has been a key point of contact for people living with mental illness and their families, guiding them toward essential resources such as housing, education, and crisis intervention services. Her work has emphasized eliminating barriers to mental health care and strengthening connections between NAMI Ohio’s staff, affiliates, and local providers. Danielle has played a vital role in assessing and responding to the needs of those reaching out to NAMI Ohio’s helpline, ensuring follow-ups are conducted to help individuals receive the support they require.
“I am thrilled to take on this new role at NAMI Ohio,” said Danielle Smart. “I am incredibly fortunate to be a part of an organization that shares my passion for mental health as well as values the skills, insights, and knowledge social workers bring to their communities. As Clinical Director, I will continue to work to strengthen our current partnerships and to build new relationships with stakeholders throughout the state. I am excited for this opportunity to use my background in providing direct client care to develop programs and design services that will be reflective of the needs, wants, and experiences of people living with mental illness and their loved ones.”
NAMI Ohio Executive Director Luke Russell added, “Danielle is not just a valuable resource to individuals and families, but also to our staff, providers, and local Boards. She has proven to be a leader and advocate for those needing help navigating the mental health system. She cares deeply about those NAMI Ohio serves and is always looking for ways to better serve those most in need. Danielle will continue to provide counsel and guidance as NAMI Ohio focuses on education, support, and advocacy.”
For more information or to contact Danielle, please reach out to NAMI Ohio at (614) 224-2700
|
|
by NAMI Ohio | Oct 18, 2024 | News & Updates
State, local, and NAMI Ohio officials helped break ground on Oct. 3 for the Fred Frese Residential Step-Down Center in Northfield, Ohio. When it opens in the fall of 2025, the Frese Center will be the third residential facility in the state for people leaving state psychiatric hospitals, supported by the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Ohio. It will join the Adam-Amanda Center in Athens and Dani’s Place, which is currently under construction in Toledo.
The $9.9 million, 17,000-square-foot Frese Center will be located adjacent to Northcoast Behavioral Healthcare in Northfield. It will transitional house patients leaving the hospital for 60 to 90 days to allow them time to adjust to treatment and medications.
The center is named for the late Dr. Fred Frese, a psychologist, clinical professor, mental health advocate, and consumer. Dr. Frese, who died in 2018 at 77, was nationally known as both a professional and a consumer of mental health services, having been diagnosed with schizophrenia as a young man while in the military. He made more than 2,000 presentations locally, nationally, and internationally during his 40-year career. Dr. Frese taught at Northeast Ohio Medical University and was Director of Psychology at Western Reserve Psychiatric Hospital.
Several members of Dr. Frese’s family, including his son, Frederick Joseph Frese IV, attended the groundbreaking. Also participating were LeeAnne Cornyn, Director of the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services; NAMI Ohio Executive Director Luke Russell; Keith Stahl, Director of Community Support Services; and Leslie Stoyer, Executive Director of Summit County NAMI.
Russell said the Frese Center will be part of a “continuum of care—some folks need a step down from inpatient.” He noted that in 2016, the NAMI Board of Directors set a goal to establish a mental health rehabilitation center in each of the six state hospital catchment areas.
“Dr. Frese and his wife, Penny, are legends for being known as public voices for people with schizophrenia and other mental illnesses,” he said. “Fred’s impact, leadership, and legacy within NAMI are enormous. He served two separate six-year terms on the NAMI National Board of Directors starting in 1995 and was a major force in bringing the voice of lived experience into NAMI’s leadership. He later served on the NAMI Ohio Board from 2009 to 2017.”
With the support of the state of Ohio, which contributed $2 million from the American Rescue Plan Act, The Fred Frese Center is being spearheaded by Summit County ADAMHS Board with their director Aimee Wade and their staff.
by NAMI Ohio | Apr 10, 2024 | News & Updates
Informational Session Announcement
Thanks to the generous support of the Ohio Department of Development Housing Trust Fund, NAMI Ohio and the Ohio Adult Care Facilities Association is excited to announce its 2024 Housing Institute for the development of Residential Facilities Class 2 (aka Adult Care Facilities) in Ohio. This training series is designed for teams seeking to develop and navigate the complex process of securing funding to develop new Residential Facilities Class 2 for adults (age 18 and older) living with severe and persistent mental illnesses.
Organizations interested in creating Residential Facilities Class 2 housing for the following priority populations are encouraged to apply:
- persons experiencing SPMI,
- persons who are identified as needing Residential Facilities by the local Mental Health and Addiction Services Boards or community mental health providers,
- persons at risk of long-term homelessness with behavioral health challenges exiting incarceration and/or trafficking and exploitation,
- And persons with behavioral health challenges leading to hospitalizations
The Housing Institute will help teams build their knowledge base and understand the necessary funding and long-term commitments necessary to create quality Residential Facilities Class 2. The Institute offers comprehensive training and capacity building that helps non-profit organizations move from concept stage to competitive funding applications. This significantly reduces the lead-time for development and strengthens state and local experience and capacity to create future developments. This training is also expected to reduce the time it takes to obtain funding by improving the planning and development process and planning for sustainability.
The 2024 Housing Institute will be held both in person in Columbus, Ohio and remotely (on alternating weeks). Teams will receive 50 hours of training, including individualized technical assistance and resources to assist in completing their project. In addition, experts from across the state, including staff from NAMI Ohio and local partners, will provide insight on management, best practices, financing, and building design.
Eligible Teams
Eligible teams should include a designated team leader, a housing development/owner partner, a service provider partner/a partner to oversee daily operations. The designated team leader may be the development/owner, or service partner. Developers must have experience with developing housing for specialized populations. Teams must have at least three members.
The Housing Institute will require
- 50 hours of interactive training both in person (in Columbus, Ohio) and virtually
- Teamwork outside of the designated training dates and times.
- Note: Teams should find time to meet in between sessions to work on milestones. Those dates and times are established by the teams and coordinated by the teams.
- Attendance at ALL training sessions
- Meeting milestones as a team
- Being prepared to present your final project to a funder’s panel
- Commitment to taking project concept from idea to completion with the goal of having a 12-16 bed Residential Facility Class 2 opened
- If funded, the ability to maintain project for 15 years after development
- A team member that will be the non-profit property owner
Participation in the Institute is not a guarantee of funding from NAMI Ohio, OACFA or any other sources.
To learn more about the 2024 Housing Institute, the commitment, requirements and to request an application you must attend one informational session.
TO REGISTER
April 17,2024 at 1:30pm
https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/56033147-61c7-482c-ba12-92eb8bebe0a8@f7123256-0161-4b46-8296-a342336a6a5e
OR
April 19,2024 at 11:00am
https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/50005044-ae4a-45b2-84d9-4b318d8a44d0@f7123256-0161-4b46-8296-a342336a6a5e
by NAMI Ohio | Mar 12, 2024 | News & Updates
NAMI Ohio FPS Professional Network:
October 25, 2024 12 pm-1:30
PaxTools for Family Peer Supporters is an educational session designed to equip Family Peer Supporters with evidence-based strategies for supporting children’s behavior and self-regulation. Family Peer Supporters will use these strategies to assist caregivers in fostering healthy relationships with their children both at home and in community settings.
Workshop Learning Objectives:
1. Purpose: This session aims to provide Family Peer Supporters with practical tools and techniques that enhance children’s emotional well-being and behavior management.
2. Content: Participants learn trauma-informed strategies that Family Peer Supporters can assist caregivers in integrating and implementing with their families. This training equips Family Peer Supporters to implement the evidence-based, trauma-informed strategies of Pax Tools™ to:
· Improve relationships in children of all ages.
· Improve cooperation in children of all ages.
· Improve behavioral outcomes in children of all ages.
Presenter: Tia. B. Kline
Community Leader, Learning and Development Professional, Motivation & Business Mentor, Coach, Philanthropist, Lover of Education and Educating Children.
Tia’s areas of influence include the following: Family Empowerment Coach & Educational Consultant, Chief Learning Strategist for STEP Learning Services, a K-12 educational learning services company started 14 years ago; Founder of EQUIPPED4LIFENOW, an educational non-profit focused on reading, writing, math and personal development skills, and mental health wellness for K-12 students in Cuyahoga County, Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor, Certified Family Peer Supporter, NAMI Basics Leader, and NAMI Family to Family Leader with NAMI Greater Cleveland, and finally, statewide trainer for NAMI Ohio Family Peer Support Program and certified PAX Tools Community Educator is just the tip of the iceberg for this community wheelhouse.
Tameika Wright, NAMI Ohio FPS Coordinator is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: NAMI Ohio Family Peer Support
Time: Oct 25, 2024 12:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81566493035?pwd=aPBtsJ6JuiCYhA9YgjSEuQHbmzNFUC.1
Meeting ID: 815 6649 3035
Passcode: 664491
—
One tap mobile
+13052241968,,81566493035#,,,,*664491# US
+13092053325,,81566493035#,,,,*664491# US
—
Dial by your location
• +1 305 224 1968 US
• +1 309 205 3325 US
• +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
• +1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
• +1 646 931 3860 US
• +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
• +1 564 217 2000 US
• +1 669 444 9171 US
• +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
• +1 689 278 1000 US
• +1 719 359 4580 US
• +1 253 205 0468 US
• +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
• +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
• +1 360 209 5623 US
• +1 386 347 5053 US
• +1 507 473 4847 US
Meeting ID: 815 6649 3035
Passcode: 664491
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kcvCHMEZDW
