The fundamentals of caring for you, your family, and your child with mental illness Lora Thomas, Executive Director NAMI Illinois NAMI National Convention, 2008

Decision to apply to become a Pilot State Strong Visions for Tomorrow program Began in 2002 with four certified trainers 9 teacher trainings 28 certified teachers Extensive reach through 15 affiliates More than 423 families lives changed!

Decision to apply to become a Pilot State (continued) Support groups started Parents & Teachers as Allies Piecing It All Together (PIAT) Evidence Based Practices for Children & Adolescents

Teacher Training First in the Nation – World Universe Incredible response from some of the biggest potential critics in NAMI

Immediate realization that the shift from focusing on the illness – to focusing on the family – and its ability to cope, communicate and advocate was exactly on target.

Illinois as a Pilot State 1 of 3 states Six affiliate pilot sites in Illinois  Cook County North Suburban  DuPage County  Madison County  McHenry County  Metro Suburban  Springfield

Cook County North Suburban Number registered:21 Number graduating :19 Dates held: 3/12/08 to 4/23/08 Promoted in local newspapers 2 weeks in advance Had run VFT for 6 years Excellent relations with local schools Idea: Had a reunion one month after class finished. Well attended

Evaluations… " I am a Research Nurse at the University of Chicago…VERY impressed at the amount and the quality of the materials that was provided to us…thinking it was going to be more of a 'parent-family' kind of thing…great quality, great information. I definitely signed up to be a NAMI member.” CCNS

DuPage County Number registered:21 Number graduating :14 Dates held: 4/9/08 to 5/14/08 Promoted in local newspapers 2 weeks in advance Personal interview in local papers Flyers to parent support groups, all school districts, local mental health agencies and providers

Evaluations… “…loved the recordkeeping part.” “Being in the same room with people who share day to day with what I do…priceless.” “…very interactive.” DuPage County

Madison County – 2 classes 1 st Class number registered: 23 Number graduating: 11 Dates held: 1/7/08 to 2/18/08 2 nd Class number registered: 18 Number graduating: 10 Dates held 1/13/08 to 2/17/08 First class in Nation! World! Universe!

Madison County – 2 classes Had so much response that decided to run two classes Promoted in local newspapers 2 weeks in advance Personal interview in local papers Sent mass flyer F2F fed into Basics

Evaluations… “We are not alone!” “…wish it had been around before this! This class has done our hearts good.” “… but the most important was the support and understanding from classmates. I finally realize I’m not a bad parent!” Madison County

McHenry County Number registered:6 Number graduating :6 Dates held: 4/22/08 to 5/27/08 Flyers at CMHCs, case managers, and personal contacts Location may have been problem of low numbers No press releases to local newspapers

Evaluations… “The laughter and ability to share was great.” Please never stop the class. There are too many that need it.” Thank you for all the information and for the support during a difficult time.” McHenry County

Metro Suburban Number registered: 14 Number graduating: 4 Dates held: 4/26/08 to 6/7/08 This is in a mainly African American community in Chicago Promoted by attending local mental health community meetings Flyers in libraries, village halls & churches Did not do any press releases or go to schools or healthcare providers.

Evaluations… Class scheduled to end 6/7/08 Metro Suburban

Springfield Number registered:6 Number graduating :0 Dates held: Class not held Causes: Poor planning No advertising in local papers Teachers unfamiliar with each other Relying too heavily on hospital for referrals

Future Plans for Basics in Illinois MUST keep it going… AND expand its reach Funding… Statewide Health Foundation priorities: oral health mental health

Comments for states that are considering the program… Go for it Find partners and allies Plan for every detail – well in advance –Advertise –Use the media –Develop waiting list –Close the communication loop immediately following the class

NAMI Illinois thanks you for the opportunity to share our part in the NAMI Basics’ pilot program