NAMI Central Mississippi Affiliate Meeting
September 11, 2006
Minutes  

Present:  David McIntyre, Ricky Quinn, Jerry McCarver, Annette Giessner, Carolyn  Barkley, Lynn McNair, Janice Sandefur, Debbie Gore, Ann Jensen,  Donna Stephens, Dale Crowson, and Rick Courtney

David McIntyre, affiliate President, called the meeting to order.  In the absence of the secretary, Ann Jensen agreed to record the minutes.

Minutes:  Jerry McCarver pointed out that his motion to change the affiliate’s name to NAMI Central Mississippi was not included in the minutes from the previous meeting.  He made a motion to accept the minutes with that motion added.  Carolyn Barkley seconded it and the motion carried.

President’s Report: 

Affiliate Application:  David reported he was working on completing our affiliate application which included a mission statement.  He read a mission statement and asked for input.  Annette Giessner and Ann Jensen commented that most affiliates use the standard NAMI Mission Statement since all affiliates are to be following National NAMI’s mission and goals.  Jerry McCarver made the motion to accept the statement as presented by David.  Annette Giessner seconded it.  The motion was approved.

NAMI Mississippi State Conference:  David reminded everyone about the state conference being held Sept. 15 and 16 at the Clarion Hotel.  Donna Stephens is doing the publicity for the conference and MIAW with a statewide press release.

Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW):  David has sample proclamations  for MIAW that he will get to those who agreed to have one signed by their city mayor or other official.  The following volunteered to have a proclamation signed:  Ricky Quinn - Canton & Magee, Rick Courtney - Madison, Annette Giessner - Ridgeland, Ann Jensen - Brandon.

Discussion followed on having affiliate members attend the Board of Commissioners meetings and the State Board of Mental Health meetings when they are held locally.  Members again commented on the urgent need for housing, more doctor time and improved services in the 5  county metro area.  Lynn McNair volunteered to find out when the statewide meeting of the Board of Commissioners would be held.  In addition to attendance at meetings, other suggested affiliate activities included an occasional booth at health fairs or volunteering at the office.

Ann Jensen brought NAMI brochures and books donated to NAMI MS by Eli Lilly to the meeting.  She suggested that for MIAW, we could distribute the books to our local libraries.  In previous meetings we had discussed delivering brochures to doctor offices, hospitals, clinics, etc.  Donna mentioned the State Fair would be a good place to have a booth.  Ann said that NAMI MS, in previous years, did have a booth.  This would be something to remember to plan for next year.  Volunteers are needed to man the booth.

Next Meeting:  October 19, 2006 at 6 p.m. in Rick Courtney’s office.  

Lynn McNair made a motion to adjourn the meeting.  Annette Giessner seconded it.  Meeting was adjourned.

Submitted by: Ann Jensen

NAMI CENTRAL MISSISSIPPI AFFILIATE
10/19/2006 MINUTES

PRESENT:      Becky Bynum, Emily Hodo, David McIntyre, Jerry McCarver, Annette Giessner, Sondra C. Powell, Roland H. Powell DVM, Ann Jensen, Ricky Quinn

The meeting was called to order at 6:10 p.m. by the president, David McIntyre.  Prayer was led by Sondra Powell.  Becky Bynum, a family member, was introduced.

NAMI CONFERENCE was held on September 15-16, 2006.  It was reported that the conference was very good and well attended. 

MENTAL ILLNESS AWARENESS WEEK (MIAW):  Ricky Quinn stated he had a proclamation from the mayor of Canton, and Ann Jensen received one from the mayor of Brandon.  We were able to get some publicity from the proclamations being presented.  Materials were left in Canton, Brandon, Jackson and some libraries. Ricky stated that Canton wants us to participate next year.  Annette Giessner had written another letter to the Editorial section of the Clarion Ledger.  Copies of the letter were distributed.  We were asked to continue to past out brochures and other materials on NAMI in doctors’ offices, libraries, etc. wherever we get the opportunity.  Donna Stephens, Peer to Peer Support leader and Debra Wertz, NAMI Parent Education Assistant  appeared on a segment of Mrs. Pat Fordice’s radio talk show to promote MIAW and awareness of mental illness.

REGIONS 8 AND 9:  The Board of Commissioners governs each region.  Non board members may attend the meetings for information and to see how things are run.  The Advisory Council is modeled after the State Dept. of Mental Health.  A very lengthy discussion pursued on the pros and cons of attending the meetings and trying to get some action from the groups, especially for housing.  There are personal care homes in Rankin County and Hinds County, but most are not suitable.  There is housing in Warren, Yazoo Counties and the Greenwood area.   One member was informed that housing is not the mission for Region 8.  The housing has to be certified by the region it is located in.  Members who wish to attend the meetings may do so, but cannot participate per se. 

HOUSING:  If at some point we even attempted to think about trying to start housing, we would have to be a nonprofit 501C(3).  Right now, we are under the umbrella of NAMI’s 501.  $500.00 is needed for submitting a 501©(3).

TREASURY REPORT:  Ricky Quinn, Treasurer, donated $250.00 to our treasury.  Thanks, Ricky.

ADVOCACY TRAINING:  At this point, we need to think about having several training session on Advocacy to know how to approach various organizations, what we need to say or do, and what not to say or do.  For the next 2 months, we need to concentrate on training.  What does Advocacy mean?  How to be an Advocate?  How to approach people?  It was agreed to ask Larry Swearengen, State Director of NAMI, if he would make a presentation at our next meeting.

NEXT MEETING: It was moved, seconded and passed that we have our next meeting on November 14, 2006 in conjunction with the Family to Family Meeting who will be discussing Advocacy.

SUPPORT GROUP:  The Support Group will not meet in November.  The next Support Group meeting will be December 14, 2006.

MINUTES:  It was moved, seconded and passed to accept the minutes. 

MEMBERSHIP:  It was pointed out that in order to be a member of the Affiliate, you have to be a member of NAMI.  We would like to expand our membership with providers and other groups.  We don’t know how this would affect their being a member.  We also need to go into schools to work with the social workers.    This just points out further that we need the advocacy training.

COMMEMORITIVE STAMP:  Ann Jensen passed a copy of a letter we can send to David Failor, Exec. Director of Stamp Services, requesting the issuing of a first class United States “Silver Ribbon for the Brain” commemorative stamp to bring awareness of Brain Disorders and Disabilities. 

Annette stated that one of the Psychiatric nurses at UMC would like brochures and books on NAMI for an exhibit for Women’s Health Booth.

It was moved, seconded and passed to adjourn the meeting at 7:30 p.m.

Sondra Powell, Secretary

David McIntyre, President

NAMI Central Mississippi Affiliate Meeting
January 16, 2007

Present: David McIntyre, Roland Powell, Carolyn Barkley,Teenie Boone, Debbie Gore, Belinda Peacher, Annette Giessner, Ricky Quinn, April Vestal, Ann Jensen, Kira Johnson and her guest, Michelle Perkins

President David McIntyre called the meeting to order

HUD housing Discussion: David McIntyre and Roland Powell have been making contacts with Jackson City officials creating awareness of the need for housing in our area and trying to determine possible locations for HUD housing. Housing issues have been a concern, and they both recently attended a meeting with a HUD grant writer to discuss a proposal made to the NAMI MS board regarding a Holmes County housing effort. It was in our stated in our meeting that there is a yearly allotment of HUD money to the state. In the past, HUD monies have been sent back to the federal government because no one applied and that is unfortunate given the critical need for housing everywhere in our state. In order to apply for the HUD money, a non-profit status is needed with a 501c3 in place There is a time frame with HUD to apply and certain costs associated (most of which are reimbursed thru the grant). It was mentioned that approximately 1 and 1/2 acres would be needed, access to shopping and mental health services, proper surveys, zoning, etc. Possible areas mentioned were Capers Avenue and the Raymond area. Annette Giessner stated that Capers Avenue is part of MSH Community Services and is not part of Region 9 mental health services. It was also discussed that if not possible in Rankin and Madison counties, that possibly there would be a location in Copiah or Simpson counties.

Social Work Conference: There was discussion on our affiliate participating in a display booth at the March 8-9 Social Workers Conference at the Hilton Hotel. Ricky Quinn mentioned that another social worker conference might be held in April and would find out more information. Ann Jensen brought the NAMI MS booth board and indicated that we would be able to use it at the display. We would be distributing brochures, explaining the programs, and answering questions. The display cost is $250. Ricky had graciously donated his teaching stipend from the Fall Family to Family class to the affiliate for the cost of the booth. David will have a sign-up sheet at the next meeting for volunteers to host the booth.

Fundraising: David McIntyre mentioned the need for our group to have an organized effort for the next NAMI Walk to be held in October during Mental Illness Awareness Week. He stated our affiliate would be able to collect a portion of the money that we raise to use for our needs.

Other business: Annette gave a handout with information explaining and suggesting the possibility of affiliate members writing to legislators urging their support of the Medicaid match funds that the Department of Mental Health is seeking from the legislature for the Community Mental Health Centers. She explained that the NAMI office was contacted regarding this and that a few of the CMHCs are having difficulty paying their match which could ultimately affect services. She also stated that many of the centers are still assisting people who fell under the PLADs group 2 years ago and that has also been costly to them as there is no reimbursement source for the services. The PLADs group were switched to Medicare which does not cover the same services as Medicaid.

Ann Jensen reminded the group to spread the word of the next Family to Family class to be held in Canton on January 30. The class will be taught by Ricky Quinn and Carolyn Barkley of our affiliate.

The next meeting was set for February 22 (4^th Thursday) at Richard Courtney's office.

Meeting adjourned.

Submitted by: Annette Giessner

NAMI Central Mississippi Minutes
February 22, 2007

Present: Ricky Quinn, Ann Jensen, Annette Giesner, Anna Morris, Jerry McCarver, David McIntyre, Teri Brister, Jan Downer, Teenie Boone, and Belinda Peacher.

President David McIntyre called the meeting to order.

A discussion began on housing. Annette gave an update on NAMI MS's recent efforts with the HUD Housing project with Region 6 with the proposal that had been made to the NAMI Board regarding a HUD application in Lexington. We discussed the update from Neil Edwards, HUD grant writer to the NAMI Mississippi Director. Neil indicated that HUD prefers to see management experience, financial stability, budget records, information on the history of the organization, etc. before considering a grant application. He indicated that, on its own, NAMI MS would probably not currently be approved for a HUD grant because we lack this type of management experience. The decision was made that at this time, NAMI MS would be a partner on the HUD application with Region 6 so that we could gain some experience to determine possibility of future efforts. Region 6 and NAMI MS are providing the information that Neil requested, and work is proceeding with the surveys, zoning, etc.

It was felt by our affiliate that we would observe how the HUD effort proceeds. The affiliate also felt it very important to continue to try to raise awareness of housing needs through advocacy and to build on the effort and continue to make contacts, etc. It was decided by the group to have a Housing Committee for this purpose. David agreed to be on the committee. We also discussed a current article in the NAMI Advocate on NAMI South West Louisiana's recent HUD project.

Ricky also suggested forming an Education committee for improved outreach efforts. New member, Anna Morris, agreed to serve on that committee. Annette agreed to provide Legislative information to alert the group of any action needed. We discussed the upcoming Social Worker's Conference in early March and hosting the booth for our outreach efforts. A number of people volunteered.

Next meeting: March 22, 2007 (4^th Thursday) at Richard Courtney's office at 6:00 pm

Submitted by:  Annette Giessner

NAMI Central Mississippi Affiliate Meeting
March 22, 2007

Present: Carolyn Barkley, Annette Giessner, Anna Morris, Arthur and Mary Bolden, Emily Hodo, David McIntyre, Ricky Quinn, Michele Perkins, Kira Johnson

President David McIntyre called the meeting to order but had to leave early.

Social Work Conference: The group discussed the success of the March Social Worker Conference, feeling they had made many new contacts. David had taken pictures and will submit an article to Nami MS for the next newsletter.

Executive Director Change: Annette Giessner told the group that the NAMI MS Board had decided to post-phone the May State Conference to the Spring of 2008 due to a transition in leadership of NAMI MS and the inability to obtain an adequate location in May for the conference. Larry Swearengen, current ED, is retiring and the Board has named Shirley Montgomery, NAMI MS Southern Regional Coordinator, as the new Executive Director of Nami MS effective April 1, 2007. Larry will continue on a limited basis as Special Projects Coordinator.

Belk's Fundraiser: Annette discussed the affiliate participating in the fundraising event with the sale of $5 charity tickets through Belk's Department Store. Our group will host a booth from 2-4 on Friday, March 30 at the Dogwood store. Several members purchased tickets.

SMHART Conference: There was discussion about the upcoming SMHART conference sponsored by JSU. Kira Johnson discussed the 3-day conference to be held in Jackson on April 18-20 and the speakers with the focus being on how to better serve under-served populations. Nami MS is registered for a display, so our affiliate will not have any costs. The office is requesting help from affiliate members. A few volunteered. Kira spoke briefly of her work in the Canton clinic, stating she works with all ages and spoke of some concerns of people in rural areas.

NAMI Web: Annette brought info on how to sign in on the NAMI National website (www.nami.org) to customize your account to receive email alerts from National. She felt it was the best way for members to stay abreast of the latest national legislative information and be able to send timely letters of support via the NAMI site. She will continue to keep us informed as she hears of state legislative activity.

Walk: There was a flyer with Walk info to alert members of the upcoming NAMI Walk at Mayes Lake in Jackson on October 6, 2007 during Mental Illness Awareness Walk. It is not too early to think about Walk plans and let the office know of any sponsors that may need to be contacted. In the past, our 2 affiliates in the area have had good attendance and a percentage of the money our new affiliate raises will be returned to us for our activities.

Education: Ricky Quinn mentioned the anti-stigma campaign in the last NAMI Advocate and asked if we could get the anti-stigma PSAs to distribute to local stations. Annette will inquire and Anna Morris will make some calls. Ricky asked about the possibility of displaying a Family to Family manual at the booth for people to see what the course offers. Annette said she would check with the office.

Next Meeting: Ricky requested the next meeting be Tuesday, April 17 so that he and Carolyn could bring their Family to Family Class and introduce them to the affiliate. He also suggested we have Janice Sandifer, social worker, speak again at the meeting.

Submitted by: Annette Giessner

NAMI Central MS Affiliate Meeting
April 17, 2007

Present: David McIntyre, Ricky Quinn, Carolyn Barkley, Jerry McCarver, Ann Jensen, Anna Morris, Annette Giessner, Janice Sandefur, Hank Rainer, Sherry Hall, Mac and Linda Hurstell, Linda Stokes.

Minutes from March 22, 2007 meeting were approved.

President David McIntyre opened the meeting by welcoming Ricky Quinn and Carolyn Barkley's Family to Family class and with introductions of members. He reported the positive experiences of our affiliate displaying at the annual March Social Worker's Conference and thanked Janice Sandefur, President of the National Association of Social Workers of Mississippi for her assistance. David also discussed the sale of Charity tickets at Belks and thanked members who volunteered for this effort. The combined effort raised close to $500.

Ann Jensen asked if any members could volunteer to host display booth for the SMHART conference sponsored by JSU (focusing on under served populations on 4-16-18). Several volunteered. She also encouraged the Family to Family class participants to become members of NAMI explaining how every voice counts in our efforts with advocacy.

Ricky and Janice mentioned the need to have a Social Worker involved in the preparation of our state conferences in the future. This is necessary for them to be able to obtain CEUs. This involvement would encourage more social workers to attend as they would then be eligible for CEUs.

Support meeting: Annette provided information to Family to Family participants on the Capital Area Support Group which meets the 2^nd Thursday of each month at St. Dominic's Hospital.

Education Committee: Anna mentioned the need for more outreach efforts that our affiliate could do, suggesting speaking engagements at Rotary Clubs, etc. She also told of her efforts to acquire the Anti-Stigma PSA tapes that will be aired statewide beginning May 2-the launch of the Anti-Stigma Campaign by SAMHSA and the DMH. We have the tapes if they are needed by local stations. The first year of the 3 year campaign will focus on ages 18-24.

Social Work: Janice Sandefur gave handouts as she spoke of the levels and credentialing for Social Workers. The LSW being the basic level for information, referral, etc. The LMSW is the more advanced level that is more mental health related. The LCSW level entitles the person to consult privately. She spoke of other levels and discussed some differences between social workers, psychologists and psychiatrists. Psychologists can do testing. Social Workers do not test but can interpret results. Psychiatrists diagnose and treat from a pathological medical model. Social Workers look at the person and his environment which is a different perspective. They are involved with team work, networking and gathering resources to benefit the person, and also looking at the person in his/her culture.

Hank Rainer, LCSW ( a social worker with the Justice Department) and Janice gave some suggestions for families: Document everything with the date, time, and what was said for future reference and use; be informed and proactive; be an advocate for your loved one; know where to go for help; and contact the Office of Constituency Services with concerns. Janice also gave information on Advanced Directives.

Next Meeting: Thursday, May 24, 2007 at 6:00 PM at Rick Courtney's office.

Submitted by: Annette Giessner

NAMI Central MS Affiliate Meeting
May 24, 2007

Present:  David McIntyre, Ricky Quinn, Annette Giessner, Debbie Gore, Sondra C. Powell, Roland H. Powell DVM, Anna Morris, Kira Johnson

President David McIntyre opened the meeting at 6:10 p.m.  Minutes of April 17, 2007 meeting were approved.

Housing:  Roland Powell stated he had a realtor who had found several pieces of property that could be used for building housing.  He had not pursued it further because he didn’t know the process for follow-up and how the realtor would be paid.  Annette Giessner and others stated that HUD had cut funding in half.  Only 10 units instead of 20 units could be built.  Greenwood’s grant writer had been available to help, but with the funds cut, things are up in the air.

Anti-Stigma Campaign:  What kind of follow-up should we have?  Anna Morris suggested making speeches for Rotary Clubs, J.C., Lions Club, etc.  We would need materials for distribution from the National office.

NAMI Referrals:  The Department of Mental Health was going to refer people to NAMI from PSA’s.  Didn’t know how referrals were going to be handled.  A JSU social worker had talked to affiliate member Charles Araujo (araujogarner@yahoo.com).  He works with all sorts of issues navigating that system for JSU School of Social Work.

501 ©(3) Non-Profit Classification:  Our affiliate needs to apply for a 501©(3) non-profit classification.  We need an ID#.  We possibly could use the National.  We need to talk with Larry Swearengen and the new Executive Director, Shirley Montgomery.  We need to do this before we can solicit funds.  Ricky Quinn said the chapter needs funds.  He has been donating money.

NAMI Walk:  We need to find sponsors and participate in the NAMI Walk to raise money.  We will get a percentage back.  Two notices should go out about the Walk in newsletter.  We have $500 in the Treasury.  We need to generate ides for funds at the next meeting.  The NAMI Handbook says we need to pay dues.  We have to go through the state organization to join,  so we need to get a list of dues paying members from the local NAMI office.

By-Laws:  Annette Giessner and Ricky will work on a set of By-Laws.  These will also be needed for the 501©(3).  NAMI National has an example we can use.

NAMI National Convention:  The convention is scheduled for June 19-24, 2007.  The NAMI National Board will be electing new members.  After discussion, moved, seconded and passed that our delegates (Annette & Ricky) will decide which nominees to vote on.

Community Development: Michael Davis works in community development and Louis Armstrong does a lot of grant applications for the same.  Roland Powell and David McIntyre will explore these possibilities.  Ed LeGrand, Executive Director of the Miss. Dept. of Mental Health wants to develop better community services.  He is pro-active and is open to community collaboration.  He wants families and consumers involved and to partner with various organizations.

Agenda:  Sondra Powell asked David to have a written agenda for the next meeting to allow for a smoother flow of meeting.  Some items for next agenda:  1)  Fundraising,      2) How to become a member of affiliate, 3)  Committee to organize effort to get property for housing, 4)  By-Laws and 501©(3), 5)  Convention report.

Next Meeting:  It was moved, seconded and passed to have our next meeting on Tuesday, July 10, 2007 (2 weeks after convention) at 6:00 p.m. at Rick Courtney’s office.

The meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m.

Sondra C. Powell
Acting Secretary

NAMI CENTRAL MS AFFILIATE MINUTES
JULY 10, 2007

PRESENT: Ricky Quinn, David McIntyre, Roland Powell DVM, Belinda Peacher, Anna Morris, Cyndi Undesser MD, Emily Hodo, Annette Giessner, Carolyn Barkley, Ann Jensen, Rick Courtney, Sondra Powell

I.  CALL TO ORDER:

1. No new members present.
2. Minutes were distributed for reading.  One correction.  Ricky had not made statement relative to the NAMI Walk.  Minutes were approved with correction.
3. NAMI Family Guide on Choosing the Right Treatment: What Families Need to Know About Evidence-Based Practices is available for ordering either online at www.nami.org/caac  or NAMI, Colonial Place Three, 2107 Wilson Blvd, Ste 300, Arlington, VA 22201, Attn.: Bianca Ruffin (biancar@nami.org )
4. The FY2008 Mississippi State Mental Health and Alcohol & Drug Service Plan  is available.

II.   REPORT FROM NAMI CONVENTION.

5. Annette Giessner and Ricky Quinn made their reports from the NAMI Convention.  Workshops and presentations were on the following:  Multi-cultural, criminalization of mental patients, support groups statewide, family to family, anti-stigma session.  Mississippi won the “Outstanding State Award” for its “Peer to Peer” Education Program.  Dr. Torrey was one of the speakers.    Ricky talked about the proposed website and the links to the national web site and other mental health providers.  There is a web address we can use to see the new web site as it is being built:  http://www.cantonms.biz/test/.  Another web site of interest is the Network of Care:  www.networkofcare.org.  They are a new partner with NAMI National and may present at the Annual Conference next year.  Another session discussed was on “HIPAA Myths”.  Examples were given, especially on access to physicians for treatment.   This would be a good topic for the Continuing Education portion of the State Convention.  There were brochures on housing and how to work with churches and clergy.
6. Treasurer’s Report:   We have approximately $634 in the treasury.  We do not  have a checking account.  This money is available through the local NAMI   office. We will have to have our own 501©(3) before we can set up an account.

III.   OLD BUSINESS

7. Anti-Stigma Update:  There is information available from the Department of Mental Health on ideas we could use.  (Topics: 18-24 age group).  There will be a state Anti-Stigma meeting on August 7, 2007.  Local meeting to develop network participants, schools, colleges, booklets and a package.  JSU will have some kind of session in the Medical Mall on October 2 given by Kira Johnson.  There is a brochure available:  “What a Difference a Friend Makes:  Tools to help support a friend with mental illness and recovery.”  The brochure is available online:  www.whatadifference.org  by SAMHSA (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Social Administration.
8. NAMI Walk:  The NAMI Walk will be October 6, 2007 at Mayes Lake.  Check In: 9 a.m.  Start Time: 10 a.m.  All proceeds will be used to fund NAMI’s programs in Mississippi.  Contact:  NAMI-MS 601-899-9058. There was discussion on whether we would try to have T-shirts with some type of logo.  It was moved, seconded and passed to have an affiliate T-shirt.  A design will be developed and designer John David Griggs of Canton will prepare for making.

NEW BUSINESS:

9. Website Domain:  After discussion it was moved, seconded and passed to let Ricky Quinn set up a website domain for our affiliate.  Cost is $150 per year.
10. Mental Health Awareness Week:  October 7-13, 2007
11. Good Search:  Ricky distributed a sheet on GoodSearch that can be used to search the internet.
12. 2007 Crises Intervention National Convention: August 28-30, 2007 in Memphis, TN.
13. NAMI Central Mississippi Affiliate ByLaws:  A draft of the bylaws were distributed and discussed.  We are to review at home and come prepared to vote on bylaws at our next meeting on August 23rd.
14. Affiliate Officers/Annual Meeting:  September will be our Annual Meeting, at which time we will elect new officers.  A nominating committee will be selected at the August 23^rd meeting.  All Affiliate members are eligible to  serve as an officer.
15. Affiliate Membership:  If you are a member of NAMI, you can be a member of the Central Mississippi Affiliate, although all NAMI members don’t necessarily want to be Affiliate members.  That option is however available.  Members can also join NAMI online and the local office will received the entire membership amount of $35.00 (a $10 increase for joining online).  If you join the usual way, the membership is $25.00, and the local office has to send $10 of that amount to the NAMI  National which means they only receive $15.00.
16. Next Monthly Meeting:   Office of Rick Courtney:  Thursday, August  23, 2007 at 6:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

NAMI Central Mississippi Affiliate Minutes
August 23, 2007

In attendance: Emily Hodo, Annette Giessner, Kira Johnson, David McIntyre, Ann Jensen, Teenie Boone, Belinda Peacher, Carolyn Barkley, Liz Milne, and Ricky Quinn.

Call to Order: President David McIntyre

Minutes: July minutes approved

Connection Support Group: Liz Milne, NAMI Connection facilitator spoke about the new 90 minute, weekly NAMI Consumer Support Groups in our area meeting at St. Dominic and Region 8 in Brandon. The group suggested flyers to doctors and ads in local papers to help develop.

NAMI Walk: There was a discussion of our affiliate’s t-shirt design. The group approved a design presented by Ricky Quinn. Ricky gave out order forms for the shirts. David told the group about the NAMI Board’s recent decision to have 50% of Walk monies to go to the affiliates after walk expenses are deducted.

Education: There was discussion on distributing information about NAMI, our affiliate, etc. to hospitals and CMHCs. It was felt that referrals from these are inconsistent. It was mentioned that the North State Hospital does distribute a packet to all admitted containing NAMI information.

Mental Illness Awareness Week: Kira Johnson discussed JSU’s MIAW event to be held at Jackson Medical Mall on October 9 beginning at 1:00 for booths and depression screenings. A panel discussion/Town Meeting will begin at 6:00. The topic will be the Impact of Mental Illness on the Economy. Shirley Montgomery will be one of the panel participants along with clergy and other.

Bylaws: Suggestions were made to the bylaws draft regarding the role of the treasurer. The committee will discuss and make changes for approval.

Housing: David McIntyre discussed that he has continued to meet with Jackson officials regarding available land for housing sites for possible future development.

NAMI Central Mississippi Meeting Minutes
September 26, 2007

In attendance:  Annette Geissner, Ricky Quinn, Anna Morris, David McIntyre, Kira Johnson, Janice Sandifur, Teenie Boone, Dale Crowson, Ann Jensen, Emily Hodo

President David McIntyre called the meeting to order.

August minutes were passed out, read, and approved.

Ann Jensen reminded us the annual NAMI Walk for the Mind of America is October 6.  Volunteers committed to various jobs at the site.

Ricky Quinn said the NAMI Central Mississippi website is online today. www.namicentralms.com He suggested we have a series of speakers for the monthly affiliate meetings and invite the public.  He will continue to work with Anna in establishing media connections for outreach for mental health information.

Ann said Central Mississippi Residential Center staff has requested provider education.  NAMI will try to provide another class.  We need to get teachers trained for this. 

Janice explained the role of social workers in mental health care.

The JSU Health Expo is October 9 at the Jackson Medical Mall.  NAMI will have a booth there.

Ann said Catholic Charities is starting up a free pharmacy.

Annette Geissner had been in Oklahoma and said they have 14 PACT teams set up that they are using now.  Mississippi DMH is visiting other states that have PACT programs for possible consideration here.

Nominations for affiliate officers were announced.  There were no new nominations from the floor.  New officers for the next twelve months were voted on and approved as follows:

President:  David McIntyre
Vice-President:  Ricky Quinn
Secretary-Treasurer:  Emily Hodo 

NAMI Central Mississippi Meeting Minutes
October 24, 2007

In attendance:

Annette Geissner, Ricky Quinn, Anna Morris, David McIntyre, Ann Jensen, Emily Hodo 

President David McIntyre called the meeting to order.

Old business:

September minutes were passed out, read, and approved.  Ann reported that there was good support from several Mental Health Regions for the NAMI Walk this year. 

New Business:

Housing Committee report:  David has still been talking with City of Jackson officials regarding housing.  The HUD application that NAMI Mississippi and Region 6 submitted for apartments in Lexington has been denied.  The grant has been revised and is in appeal process.

There have been changes in Medicaid regulations which will interfere with funding of a PACT program in the future.  The DMH and Medicaid are working to submit a waiver for funding of the program.

If email is sent to membership@namicentralms.com it will go to all affiliate members on Ricky’s list.

Several changes in the affiliate by-laws were suggested and approved by those present.  These will be sent to the full membership for review/approval.

The Secretary/Treasurer reported that the Central Mississippi Affiliate has an approximate $652 balance.*

The next meeting is planned for 6 P.M. Wednesday, November 28, 2007.  There will be no meeting in December.  The meeting was adjourned.

*Update November 6, 2007, per Jennifer Payne, NAMI Mississippi office:

Balance end of 2006               $634
Deposit (T-shirt income)         +325
Balance                                   $959
To Quinn Business Services -$537.03 (NAMI Walk T-shirts $306.98, web-hosting/registration, $165.85, business cards $64.20)

Balance                                $421.97

Once the final accounting for the ’07 Walk is done, the Central MS Affiliate will receive a percentage of the amount collected by the Affiliate.  Final accounting should be complete in a couple of weeks.

Respectfully submitted,

NAMI Central Mississippi Meeting Minutes
November 28, 2007

In attendance:

Annette Geissner, Ricky Quinn, David McIntyre, Ann Jensen, Debbie Gore, Jerry McCarver, Kira Johnson, Carolyn Barkley, Liz Milne, Belinda Peacher, Teenie Boone, Emily Hodo

President David McIntyre called the meeting to order.

Old business:

October minutes were read and approved with one small change to an email address.

The Affiliate by-laws were adopted.

A committee comprised of David McIntyre, Belinda Peacher, and Jerry McClure will put together packets, to be distributed in our five-county area, describing NAMI resources.

New Business:

Three mental health centers, Region 6 ( Greenwood ), Region 12 ( Hattiesburg ), and Region 15 ( Vicksburg ) plan to submit a Request for Proposal for a PACT team.  David has asked the Region 8 Advisory Council to write a letter requesting Region 8 Mental Health Center to distribute NAMI resource packets to every patient at the intake interview.

Annette said Medicaid reimbursement may be drastically cut because intergovernmental transfer may no longer be permitted.  Twenty-two million dollars is the Mississippi State match needed to avoid losing $129,000,000 in federal Medicaid funds.  The Mississippi legislature will address these budget issues in February.

Ricky said our Web site has received about 600 visits so far in November.

The 2008 NAMI state conference will be held at the Clarion Hotel on I-55 North on April 4-5.  Ron Honberg, NAMI National Director for Policy and Legal Affairs, will speak on “HIPAA Myths.”  Dr. Patricia Ainsworth, Chairman of the State Board of Mental Health, will also speak at the conference.

Provider Education Teacher training will be held in January, 2008.  We may have funds for 3 more training sessions before June.

Ricky asked that everyone please seriously consider subjects for our quarterly speaker at the Affiliate meeting and email him with suggestions.

Secretary/Treasurer’s report:  NAMI Central Mississippi has an approximate $652 balance.  The final accounting for the October NAMI Walk has not been received from NAMI National.

The next meeting is planned for 6 P.M. Wednesday, January 30, 2008, at Rick Courtney’s office.  There will be no meeting in December.  The meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

January 30, 2008 NAMI Central Mississippi Affiliate minutes

Respectfully submitted,