Action Alert for Mental Health Parity Bill

Urge March 5 House Vote for Parity


February 28, 2008--We have been pushing hard since 2001 to enact full mental
health parity. Now, thanks to your outreach to legislators and the advocacy of
many others across the nation (including ATRA), victory is at last within reach. Following the Senate's historic passage of the Mental Health Parity Act (S. 558) by unanimous consent in September, the House is poised to take up its bill, H.R. 1424, on Wednesday, March 5.

Parity supporters across America should contact their Representative NOW
to urge his or her vote for H.R. 1424. Senate and House leaders should continue
to work together to reconcile differences between the versions and produce a bill
that can pass in both chambers.

Please Act Now!
Use the toll-free Parity Hotline, 1-866-parity4 (1-866-727-4894), to call your
U.S. Representative. (The Parity Hotline reaches the Capitol switchboard,
which can connect callers to their members of Congress). If you are not sure
of your Representative's name, you can find it by entering your zip code at
www.congress.org.

Message: "I am calling to ask that the Representative vote for H.R. 1424,
the Paul Wellstone Mental Health & Addiction Equity Act. Parity is a fair and
affordable solution to insurance discrimination. It will save lives and families."

Background
The Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act of 2007 expands the
Mental Health Parity Act of 1996 by prohibiting group health plans from
imposing treatment or financial limitations on mental health benefits that are
different from those applied to medical/surgical services. The legislation
applies only to group health plans already providing mental health benefits
and exempts plans sponsored by small businesses with fewer than 50 employees.

First International Conference on Self-determination

From the National Empowerment Center:


“We are going to roll up our sleeves and discuss monumental issues, such as ending segregation from society, moving forward with the global advancement of self-determination and launching new efforts to redefine supports and recovery, so that real control is determined by people with mental and/or physical disabilities,” said Center for Self-Determination Executive Director Tom Nerney.

All eyes are on Detroit, May 27-29th, as the city hosts the first-ever International Conference on Self-Determination, sponsored by The Center for Self-Determination. Hundreds of participants representing services and change agents in developmental disabilities, elder issues, mental health recovery and the independent living movement, will attend this outstanding event held at the Detroit Marriott GM Renaissance Center.

“Detroit is in the midst of transformation, so it is fitting that people from around the world who are dedicated to fundamentally changing the human service system, hold a conference of this magnitude in Detroit,” said Nerney.

One of the many conference highlights will be “StoryCorps”, the largest oral history project of its kind. Participants can record their story on a free CD to take home and then it is archived for future generations at the National Library of Congress.

Topics include: Human Service System Change, Structural Changes, Taking Charge of Personal Economic Futures, Control of Public Funding, Advocacy and Leadership, Workforce Issues and much more.

The agenda also highlights different national and cultural approaches to self-determination as well as experiments in the United States and other countries, that demonstrate commitment to a person controlling where and with whom they live, their real membership in the community, their pursuit of long term relationships and the end of personal impoverishment.

For all of the latest conference information, log onto www.self-determination.com.

3rd Annual Empowerment Day

from Gerald Butler

The Peer Support & Empowerment Committee Presents

When-May 30^th

Where-Samaritan Center

5555 Conner Ave.

Time- 9:00 until 3:00

What will happen!

Keynote speech, music, comedy, artwork, skits, recovery stories, and more will all done by consumers. This years theme:

Recovery is Possible

If you have a talent/ability you want to share, or wish to tell your story, contact

Shirley Cockrell at (313) 842-4046

Donations are made to

Empowerment Day

C/O Go-Getters

Managing Depression

I lived with my depression for as long as I could remember although I didn't know the cause of my distress or that it had a name. In my late 30's I was no longer able to hide the symptoms or their effects and I ended up in Hospital after a second suicide attempt.

Thankfully, I was eventually referred to an excellent and forward thinking clinic where a number of treatments were available. Over many years I became well enough to be discharged, which I feel is mainly due to Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (D.B.T.) because this allowed me to respond effectively to other treatments offered and accepted. I'd recommend others who have similar difficulties to seek the same therapy, it isn't a cure but it makes coping possible and easier. There follows an informative and concise article I found online which explains better than I can the basic principles. There is hope.

Innovations in Mental Illness Recovery
February 3, 2008 By Robert Yourell, MA
The mental health field is like conjoined twins. Of course one is the evil twin, and the other is nice. But since they’re joined at the hip, life is a struggle. The mental health field has been painfully extracting its humane mission from old school authoritarian and medical thinking, along with a big dose of cruel moralism since ancient history.
Please allow me to offer some encouraging news; constructive innovations in the mental health field.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Consider the work of Marsha M. Linehan and her approach called Dialectical Behavior Therapy. This work, which has shown favorable outcomes in research, is best known for treating people with borderline personality disorder (BPD). She developed it initially for treating suicidal people. Research began in 1989.

Conference on Innovative and Effective Ways to a Recovery-Orientation

Join an outstanding collection of leaders from the US and around the globe who will be presenting at the Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation's State-of-the- Science Conference, "From Innovations to Practice: The Promise and Challenge of Recovery for All", held April 14 & 15, 2008 in Cambridge, MA. Come together with experts in transformation for the field of mental health, with over 90 presenters covering what you need to know to shift your agency, program and workforce to a recovery orientation.

Pathways to Recovery group now forming in TC

The Traverse City office is proud to announce the formation of a recovery group based on the workbook, “Pathways to Recovery,” by Priscilla Ridgway.

Pathways is a strengths-based recovery program, helping its participants identify their personal strengths and building upon them. The group is open to peers only (those living with a mental illness) with a Certified Peer Support Specialist as the facilitator.

The material covered in this 6-month exploration will touch upon virtually every aspect of life as it relates to a person’s recovery. Participants are encouraged to share their stories of recovery in the meetings, allowing the group as a whole to create a shared recovery experience.

The first meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 4 at 1:00 p.m. at Northern Lakes CMH, 105 Hall Street, Traverse City.

A phone call or visit with a Peer Support Specialist is required prior to attending. If interested in attending, or for more information, contact Leonard Burdek, Certified Peer Support Specialist, at 231-935-3688 or Leonard.Burdek@nlcmh.org.

If you receive any services at Northern Lakes, and you decide you like the Pathways group, we will just need to add it to your Person Centered Plan. (It’s easy!) People in the community who are interested in coming, but do not receive services at Northern Lakes, are welcome too!

Pathways to Recovery classes are also happening in Cadillac, Houghton Lake, and Grayling. See our Consumer Events Calendar or Community Events Calendar for more information, if you are interested in participating in any of these these communities.

Terri: To Hell and Back

In April, 2000, at the age of 36, my world came crashing in on me. I was hospitalized six times that year at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City, Michigan. I hit bottom really hard that year, and for the next three years that followed. I was diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Severe Depression with Psychotic Features. I had terrible hallucinations, both auditory and visual. Over the first twenty-two months, I went through 64 Electric Shock Treatments (ECTs). I kept hitting bottom, so there was no way for me to go, except up.

Regardless of what was happening in my life, my family was by my side the whole way, 100%. My husband tried to understand what I was going through, but the only person (outside of the professional field) that clearly understood where I was coming from was my son, Michael. He was only fifteen at the time, but also was suffering from bipolar disorder. He could relate to my depression very well. Michael and I got closer in our relationship. He was more than just my son, and I was more than just his mom. We became each other’s best friend. Unfortunately, he was called home from God on February 8, 2004, at the age of 19. I was crushed! I am still living with this “void” in my soul.

As I started to get stronger, my faith in God became stronger. Or maybe it was the other way around. All I know is that I was only hospitalized once since my son’s death. He still means everything to me and I talk with him everyday in the mornings. That is our special time together.

In June, 2006, I was hired by Northern Lakes CMH as a Certified Peer Support Specialist in the housing program. I work with individuals who would be homeless if not for our CMH’s Supportive Housing Program. I get to share my story of recovery, and am, or try very hard to be, a good role model for my clients. It’s actually a two-way street. I learn from them, and they learn from me. I am still receiving therapy and psychiatric services at CMH.

Want to Participate in Empowerment Day?

from Gerald Butler:

2/21/2008

Do you have a story you want to share?

Are you willing to share your

‘Recovery’ journey on

‘Empowerment Day’?

Please come and join our Empowerment Day storytellers group.

By telling our recovery stories we provide ‘HOPE’ to others.

If you are interested in telling your recovery story on ‘Empowerment Day’

contact the Go-Getters Drop-In Center.

(313) 842-4046

Gathered in the Capitol

Here’s a shot from the third floor of some of the crowd gathered in Madison Wisconsin for Mental Health Parity Action Day.

From Wisconsin:

Making a Difference

from Gerald Butler:

2/16/2008

If I were designing a new treatment mode for today’s new system of treatment and recovery, I would make sure the foundation of my program would be as follows: ‘Any practitioner of this treatment mode must first and foremost provide a warm and welcoming environment favorable to recovery.’ No matter how well conceived, lacking a positive, recovery centered environment, the success rate of new programs remains low. Conversely, by placing a strong emphasis on these values, the odds of the new treatment modes having good outcomes increase. The dream of recovery must first be alive inside of us before the system can help us make it a reality.

A few years ago, I started saying to myself, "Today I am going to concentrate only on my good points.” I realize that no matter how far I may go in this world, to certain folks I will forever be nothing but a consumer. Therefore, I seek out leaders who have my recovery at heart. I find strength in the eyes and the hugs of my brothers and sisters in recovery. When I give hope, love, and energy to those we serve, I am appreciated. The more I am appreciated, the more I have to give because their genuineness makes me stronger. By sharing our hopes and dreams, we learn more about how to cope with our disease’ and pass those strengths on to others in recovery. This is called Peer Support.

These are the reasons why the theme of this year’s ‘Empowerment Day’ will be centered on consumers sharing their assets. Not only are consumers planning this years’ conference, but the keynote speaker, entertainment, skits, art displays, etc. will all be consumers. After this weeks’ planning committee meeting, we will be able to provide a list of where and the type of assistance we will need to make our 3^rd annual ‘Empowerment Day’ as good or better than the first two. Again, we thank everyone for your support.

Gerald Butler

Peer Support Specialist

Reducing Stigma for American Military Personnel

This page contains the archive of a webinar last December about stigma and mental illness in returning veterans. The page has downloadable or usable versions of the presentations and the speakers, who were very good. Lots of useful info.

Peer employment training

Over the past three weeks I attended two trainings: one, to be a peer specialist supervisor; two, the certification training to become a certified peer specialist. (Yes, I sort of did them backwards.)

The certification training in particular was wonderful. Two weeks, back-to-back, Monday through Friday. Class was from 9 AM to 5 PM each day, and we had 2-3 hours of homework each night. It was grueling, but it was also wonderful. It gave me a better handle on the “tools” in my peer specialist toolbox; and I feel like I have a clearer understanding of how to articulate what my role in our agency, as a peer specialist, is all about.

We had some incredible moments during the training:

People With Severe Mental Illness More Likely To Be Victims Than Perpetrators Of Violence

Intense media coverage of violence perpetrated by people with mental disorders-such as the April, 2007 shootings at Virginia Tech-has unintentionally reinforced a common public misconception: mental illness equals violence. However, more than a decade of research has shown that the equation is not so straightforward. Research has also shown that focusing on people with mental illness who commit public acts of violence has obscured the fact that persons with mental disorders are more often victims of physical assaults, rape, and robbery.

The future is now

2/8/2008

from Gerald Butler:

As a young father running behind my daughter while teaching her to ride her bike, I took extreme care to not let her fall. Some of my fondest memories are of my coming in from work and my ‘Baby Doll’ would be waiting for me to take her out bike riding. One day I came home and she was nowhere in sight and when I asked my wife where she was she said ‘A bunch of kids on the block were riding together and she came in, got her bike and has been riding with them for hours’. I was hurt because the whole bike riding issue was supposed to be my job and I felt I should have decided when she was ready to ride solo. In fact had it been left up to me, even at the age of 31, she would still be totally dependent on me.

Under the old system of ‘maintenance’ consumers were supported just as I treated my three-year-old daughter. Intentions were correct in that everyone, including us, assumed that our illness meant we would be ill forever and would no longer prosper. The more we all work towards transforming the system, the clearer it becomes that we not only can recover, but often move on to do great things when we are supported correctly. When my ‘Baby Doll’ would come home crying because she had taken a fall, I wanted to tell her to never ride that old bike again. All I could do was to kiss her little ‘boo boo’ and watch her run out the door and get back on her bike. Leaders of a transformed system allow us to fly solo and when we make mistakes, they help us make things right.

This cuts to the importance of ‘Empowerment Day’. Out of the many events staged each year this is one when consumers do the planning, organization, and most other aspects of the event. The cool thing is like the proud parents watching their child getting his/her diploma, the leaders of this new system get to watch us strut our stuff at this event. The parents do not walk on stage as the child acquires his/her degree but instead sit proudly in the audience, knowing they have done a good job.

We would like to sincerely thank Detroit Wayne County CMH for acting as the proud parent by granting ‘Visions of Recovery’ freedom and support in our efforts to one day be a model of consumer directed recovery. As a result of their partnership we have not only held three conferences but also formed the consumer band whose sole purpose is to spread the message of recovery through our music. We have even given back to the community including playing such events as the Corrections to Work Conference at the Charles Wright Museum and the Neighborhood Block Party sponsored by Arise Detroit.

After a few months of working with band and meeting many consumers, Barry Broden, guitar player and the only non-consumer in the group said: “I don’t see any difference”. I feel that when future generations look back on these historic times attempting to pinpoint how such monumental changes were made the general consensus will be: “We concluded that progressive programs such as Peer Support, Wrap, Pathways, ETC. were not quite enough. What was needed was a fundamental, individual, change in attitude by both us as the leaders of the system, and consumers. 1) We began to see Our MODEL programs became those whose consumers had freedom to grow, and the support needed to help spread the messages of hope, trust, and recovery. We began to see consumers as capable of doing great things in recovery, 2) Consumers began to believe in themselves.

Gerald Butler

Peer Support Specialist

Agonia: Mental Health Advocates

The Ledger-- a publication from Lakeland, Florida-- near Tampa-- recently reports that assertiveness-training will be provided for consumers at a local mental health system. This training will address the passivity and "learned helplessness" which people with mental illness not infrequently exhibit, for example in the reported tendency of 'regulars' at a drop-in center there to ask-permission to use the restroom. To this intervention effort I would like to address this entry.

This web-log-- I reiterate-- and all writing perpetuated under this aegis-- endeavors to "say the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help me Truth." Therefore I shall endeavor to describe this worthy effort for all mental health consumers not only from OUR side, but from as many other "sides" as my admittedly limited experiential perspective will permit.

First-things-first: I think it the best-of-ideas that there is now a flesh-and-blood movement afoot in brick-and-mortar mental health places to get the notion of consumer-self-assertion "off the ground." It is absolutely true that numerous consumers exhibit "learned helplessness," and there are times when essentially for strategic reasons I have shown such tendencies. Self-assertion-- as an aspect of self-determination-- is long-overdue for mental health consumers as a cohort/group.

Recovery Council Meeting 02-04-08 Part 3

Part 3: After Lunch

A Presentation by the Michigan Recovery Center of Excellence: Accessible Pathways to Recovery

Five Goals:

• Statewide Network
• Strengthen Impact of Consumer Voice
• Convene statewide recovery conferences
  
• National Michigan outcomes
• Ensure sustainability

Transforming the System

• Dialogue
• Recovery Policy and Practice
  
• Expand use of recovery based strategies
• innovative community based approaches
• Increase access to computers and tech
• access to netwrok of support
• Organize and strengthen voice
• Develop consumer leaders
• New partnerships
• Evidence of success

Benefits to the community

• Organize
• Foster talent
• Develop Leadership
• and much more.

Too hard to keep up. I'll try to get an electronic copy of the presentation and post a link through this blog.

Wayne has been developing virtual organization skills that the MRCE will be able to use and expand. One area is the availability of training. Another is wide scope meetings, webinars, enhanced teleconferences, etc.

Sustainability:

• Full time development person
• Sustainability isn't just about money. It is also about resources.
• High Quality Outcomes will support sustainability
• Full time development Department with 5 staff.
• Inclusion of peers as part of sustainability strategy
• We need your Input!

Input:

• Domain name for the website. Council to vote on some possibilities
• Theme for first Town Hall: Recovery orientation, stakeholders, consumer-led, mental illness oriented
• Important to have a town hall focused on providers
• Town Hall meetings can be held in different areas focused on different issues.
• Providers are resistant to novelty
• Maybe take the town hall to provider conferences
• First one at Guidance Center with virtual links

Implementation of REE

• A draft of the work group draft was passed out. The REE will be implemented at all 46 CMH programs.
• Some fear and resistance can be expected; hence the listing of benefits

We then went over the details of the REE to bring out questions and concerns about individual items. These items will be discussed with Pricilla Ridgeway for their effect on the validity of the instrument. Also, people spoke to their experiences in taking the instrument. Many people felt more positive than they did in using deficit-based instruments. Various comments were made about the scope and intent of the instrument as a whole.

End of Part 3

Recovery Council Meeting 02-04-08 Part 2

Part 2:

A presentation from Wayne County Systems Transformation Grant (the Recovery Center of Excellence):

• Wayne County CMH has an Executive Director
• 4 initiatives:
• Integrate children and family services to produce real wrap around
• Integration of services to persons with co-occurring disorders (and the stigma that comes along with it), including a focus on persons in jail
• Peer Supports in Supported Working (partnership with MRS)
• Peer Supports in Housing-initial focus was on the people who are in specialized residential homes and AFCs. They will pump in additional services.

• Will use Advocates for Human Potential to provide Technical Assistance
• There is resistance from AFC over having "easier" residents decide they want to move to a freer environment
• Wayne has over 80 PSS
• Housing
• The literacy program is becoming a real center, and was started by peers working part-time
• program focuses on jail diversion, and supported housing and employment.
• They have created a manuals/handbooks for housing and employment
• Regardless of the past, consumers that have the desire to live independently have the right to try, even from an AFC.
• The housing program started with the needs and desires of consumers, including the skills necessary to maintain the housing
• They look at all housing before any consumer sees it. They get clothes, vacuum cleaners, food pantries
• The impact of Peers on consumers view of what they can do is great.
• Jail Diversion
• If I can't carry a clear message to you, its just my head, not my heart.
• They carry a 12 step message, that shows them the possibility of a better life after "the bricks". Peers share stories and hope. It is a dual recovery process.
  
• Detroit Recovery Project:
• Peer run program for persons with substance abusers
• Many co-occurring disorders
• Broad inclusion goals for both peers and clinicians
• Program is not time limited and follow the person into the community. "Member for Life".
• end of Part 2
  

Michigan Recovery Council Meeting 02-04-08

Part 1:

These meetings always begin with introductions and new stories of recovery. The stories are all about the day to day process of recovering. There are always many of them pointing to small real steps. Sometimes the stories are clearly about rights. For example, there was a strong response to a Kalamazoo paper article that spoke against the marriage of two persons with schizophrenia. There was an immediate response with letters, and an Op-Ed in a couple of weeks.

The Recovery Movement has begun to infiltrate senior programs and will be a part of senior services conference this spring.

Also, Pam Werner expects the number of Peer Support Specialiss to break 300 after the next test (this week).

MDCH will use the measure of recovery called the Recovery Enhanced Requirement, which was recommended to the Department by the Recovery Council.

Key chain tag with the principles of Recovery on it? What do you think? The proposal is to have them for all consumers and staff, and have them available at consumer and other conferences.

Marti reported on NAMI's national consumer issues:

• There has been an upsurge in taser use and deaths of persons with mental illness.
  
• There is a spreading criminal ization of mental health issues, with the use of handcuffs as a substitute for treatment. JACHO rules on restraint has weakened substantially (though this doesn't affect Michigan which has a higher standard).
• The recovery movement has stalled nationally. Marti referred to the dynamic as "pockets of excellence".
• There have always been peers in the system, but who may not have self-identified. Now, people in the system are self-identifying, but there past behavior and stance on consumer issues. There is a yahoo group called 2hats that includes some people
• Marti feels that there is too much narrowing of service availability and choice because of turf fights and factions. Her point is there must be an answer for everyone. Politics is making valuable choices unavailable.
• Medication availability, use, judgments of who takes and don't take, etc. Lots of states have closed formularies, which can have devastating impacts on persons who take medications for mental illness. Even generics can produce problems for the shift from brand names. Finally, the Medicare donut is causing unfair choices about work versus medication availability.
• There was a discussion of the use of physician assistants and nurse practitioners providing medication to people. In areas where there is no effective psychiatric services, it may well be the only alternative, and Marti felt they were effective, but she asked for stories of problems.
• It was pointed out that cuffs were the standard for everyone.
• Pam raised the issue of peer supports being paid low wages, and the impact of poverty on the Recovery Movement. She also pointed out that 300 PSS doesn't begin to meet the need of the 120,000 persons who receive services. Pay must be high enough to constitute a real living.
• Liability fears drive CMH use or non-use of drugs rather than individual response. Also, brand names powerfully impact the distribution of GF funds which are capped. Hence, persons who aren't eligible for Medicaid and Medicare are getting generics.
  
• The new Director of State NAMI reported that some CMHs are dropping back to early anti-psychotic medications because of formulary pressure.
• There were also conserns about the loss of support that PSS experience when they change roles.
• The Peer Brochure is in the works and a draft will happen soon.
• Rules that restrict work or pay with loss of benefits may dictate individual solutions.
• The website for the National Association of Peer Supports has information from Michigan about satisfaction with pay and jobs.
• Is there a way to take on the responsibilities of a Special Needs Plan that could simplify the access to medications?
• Finally, there was a call for solidarity and alignment for the recovery movement as a whole. Think about the NAPS conference.

End of Part 1

Consumer Band

from Gerald Butler:

CONSUMER

Musicians, Singers, Poets, Songwriters, and Artists

We need you now!!

You know how good you are.

Family and friends know how good you are.

It is time for you to show the world how good you are.

The ‘Recovery’ band is a group of people in recovery wanting to spread the message of hope and recovery through music, words and the arts. By applying Peer Support we have found people can expand their natural talents and grow in recovery. We are asking consumers to partner with us and show your talents at this years Empowerment Day event. Please contact Gerald Butler at the Go-Getters- 842-4046 or by e mail jaybee10.1@juno.com

Facing Us

If you live with depression or bipolar disorder—or are simply seeking inspiration and support for living a full, healthy and happy life—the Facing Us Clubhouse is your online home for wellness.

Forwarding the Recovery Paradigm: People in Recovery Leading the Way

Following the success of last year’s series, USPRA is happy to partner with Magellan again for the 2008 series. Last year’s series focused on characteristics and qualities that need to exist on the levels system, program, and practitioner, as well as people receiving services in order for a system to be truly recovery oriented. People in recovery must play an integral role in all aspects of a recovery oriented system. The 2008 series will take an in depth look at the vital contributions that people in recovery provide in assuring a recovery-oriented mental health system. Each session will provide training in how to equip and effectively utilize people in recovery. Two or three individuals will lead each session providing expertise critical information and voices of experience from people in recovery who are leading the way.

Visions of Recovery

from Gerald Butler:

January 20, 2008

Through a recent set of circumstances I became homeless. Although it was only for 1 day, I was reminded how it can happen to anyone. I also see that society’s views of those in need have not changed since I was in this situation some 20 years ago, and hope is still hard to find. Although it was only overnight it was humbling because I was reminded of my duties as a Peer Support Specialist. There are those who gave up on their hopes and dreams many years ago; if you don’t have them they can’t be broken. As Peer Supporters we encourage others that it is okay to dust off those dreams and again have trust in the system.

Transformation is gathering momentum and consumers are becoming major contributors to the system of treatment and recovery. As such, we are being encouraged to find new and innovative ways of spreading the message of hope and laying groundwork for establishing new levels of cooperation between consumers and administrators. At this years ‘Empowerment Day’ event we hope to demonstrate the ability consumers have to be able to organize and stage recovery centered events. We are also hoping to set new standards in the level of administrative support and consumer directed recovery in Wayne County.

EMPOWERMENT DAY 2008

Visions and a group of Peer Support Specialists have begun work on this year’s conference. We are dedicated to the belief that when Consumers receive the proper support, the odds of a healthy recovery rise dramatically. Read on to see what we have planned for the 3^rd annual Empowerment Day.

There are two main reasons why telling our stories is so important: 1) others who are going through what we have been through see hope of recovery in us, 2) each time we go over our past we realize a little bit more how we became who we are today. This year ‘Empowerment Day’ will be centered on recovery and so we are organizing a story telling group based on the ‘Toastmasters’ concept. The difference is we will be telling recovery stories. To get on the list we are asking consumers to contact LeeAnn Norris or Shirley Cockrell at Go-Getters (842-4046) where over the next few months this group will be fine-tuning their recovery stories to be told on Empowerment Day.

Are you or do you know of other consumers who are singers, poets, musicians, songwriters, ETC. If so, dust off your old instruments and your chops and come and join ‘Recovery’. Whether you want to do one song at an event or join the band, we need you to be a part of this great consumer directed project. We are looking for consumers with a strong desire to ‘pay it forward’ by helping us to spread the message of hope and recovery through our music and words. Those folks choosing to work with us now will be on the Empowerment Day agenda. If you are interested contact me, Gerald Butler at jaybee10.1@juno.com or by calling me at Go-Getters (842-4046).

In closing, I feel I have somehow been allowed a glimpse into the future: a future where we are no longer judged by our missteps and/or lapses but by how far we have come in our recovery. A time when we will be appreciated for our desire and ability to help others find their way through a complicated system. A day when we will no longer fear the system designed to help us, but instead be able to look to that system with hope and trust. I envision the day when our capabilities and talents will no longer be suppressed but instead encouraged to flourish and grow. Dedicated leaders shall walk ahead of us opening doors, enabling us to focus all our attention on our growth in recovery. We are looking forward not only the coming months but also the coming years as we all work towards transforming the system of treatment and recovery.

Gerald Butler

Peer Support Specialist

Consumer Advocate