NYAPRS Note: This year’s NYAPRS Annual Conference features some very timely powerhouse keynote presentations, ranging from a very passionate and personal look at the national policy debate, a candid look at how best to help families which is a front and center focus of that debate, an inspiring vision of where the recovery movement is going from some of its key figures and an expert panel that looks at practical approaches to advancing culturally competent strategies to reduce healthcare disparities.
In recent years, NYAPRS has been described as ‘a New York State based organization with a strong national profile.’ Accordingly, our keynote speakers come to you from across the nation….from California, Virginia, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts. Other speakers will join us from Arizona, Washington, Florida, Vermont, Texas, New Hampshire and Colorado. We’ll also hear from recovery proponents from Pakistan! See more about them and the entire conference program at http://www.nyaprs.org/documents/PrelimProgram_000.pdf.
Registrations are starting to pour in to get premiere lodging at the Hudson Valley Resort!
Conference registration fees cover all expenses, including lodging, all meals and programs. The registration fee for a double room remains at 2009 prices, $399.
Register today at https://rms.nyaprs.org/event/?page=CiviCRM&q=civicrm/event/info&reset=1&id=13
Agencies that are looking to send groups over 5 may qualify for a free scholarship. For details, contact us at mary@nyaprs.org
————
NYAPRS 32nd Annual Conference
‘Recovery Moves to the Mainstream’
September 17-19, 2014
Hudson Valley Resort
Kerhonkson, NY
This year’s keynote presentations:
The Personal is the Political: Reflections on an Advocacy Journey
Leah Harris, MA, National Coalition for Mental Health Recovery, Washington, DC
Leah Harris is the daughter of two parents diagnosed with schizophrenia, both of whom died young as a result of the toxic effects of overmedication and broken dreams. She herself is a person who has struggled since childhood with serious mental health conditions, traumatic stress, and suicide. At age 25, Leah dedicated her life to working for human rights and social justice in mental health. Her decision was fueled by the profound suffering she experienced at a young age, and her deep belief that a better world is possible. Leah’s decision to become an advocate saved her life and taught her powerful lessons along the way. She will share her reflections on the transformative journey of advocacy, a journey of personal and collective healing and liberation.
Helping Families in Crisis: Opportunities for Collaboration and Change
Debbie Plotnick, MSS, MLSP, Mental Health America, Alexandria, VA
Phyllis Vine, Ph.D., MPH, Freelance Writer, Hastings on Hudson, NY
Wendy Brennen, NAMI Metro-NYC, New York, NY
Chacku Mathai, CPRP, NAMI, Arlington, VA
The national debate about how to best restructure the mental health system and support individuals and families in crisis has never been more prominent in the media and in Congress. Meanwhile, our mental health advocacy community’s historic tensions continue to weaken our ability to collaborate and offer what could be a powerfully united response. Join us for a keynote panel engaged in candid and courageous dialogue and discover ways our consumer/survivor/ex-patient and family movements and members can better understand and support each other’s goals.
The Recovery Movement: Looking Back, Moving Forward
Celia Brown, NYS Office of Mental Health, New York, NY
Joseph Rogers, PhD, MHA of Southeastern PA, Philadelphia, PA
Eduardo Vega, MA, MHA of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
Stephanie Orlando, YOUTH POWER!, Albany, NY
Moderator: Harvey Rosenthal, NYAPRS
This dialogue between prominent leaders of our recovery movement looks back at how recovery has moved to the mainstream of mental health policies and systems of care all across our country and looks ahead to the many opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
Making a Difference Through Culture: Practical Approaches and Perspectives
Chacku Mathai, CPRP, NAMI, Arlington, VA
Can Truong, Center for Education Empowerment, Stockbridge, MA
Ellen Healion, Hands Across Long Island, Central Islip, NY
Luis Lopez, MH, HSBCP, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY
Carlton Whitmore, NYC Department of Mental Health & Hygiene, Queens, NY
Cultural competence has emerged as a key strategy in reducing disparities in access and quality of healthcare, including mental health and substance use services. Engaging policy makers, organizational leaders, program leaders and individuals in a meaningful process to improve the cultural competence of systems and services has never been more critical as failures to engage specific racial, ethnic and cultural groups show up on the radar screen of state budget directors. This keynote panel of cultural competence change agents will offer concrete strategies and approaches for making a difference through culture in our communities.