Current Events, March, 2002

Current Events March, 2002

by the NAMI-SCC Board Members

KSCO Interviews NAMI

The local Santa Cruz KSCO radio show Body Mind and Spirit interviewed one of our NAMI members this month. The show focused on the family story and beautifully brought to light the struggle that families go through with a loved one who has a serious brain disorder.

First CIT Training Completed

The first 15 officers from the City of Santa Cruz, Capitola, Watsonville and the County Sheriffs Department completed their training last fall. Two CIT academies will be conducted this year with the goal of training all police officers working within the County of Santa Cruz. To volunteer and share your story as a family member for the NAMI CIT panel, call Judy Williams at 688-3385.

Family to Family Education program to start

NAMI-SCC hopes to begin the NAMI Family to Family Education Program late this spring. It is free education and support for families who have relatives with brain disorders (severe mental illness). If you are interested in learning more about Family-to-Family call us at 427-8020.

February Speaker Meeting

Dr. Charles Torrey, the new Medical Director for Santa Cruz County Mental Health, spoke to us at our February Speaker Meeting. Dr. Torrey spoke to a full house about the Village Concept which is a very successful program in southern California for mental health clients. It emphasizes the village, employment, housing, and provides career services and social involvement.

Measure L Passes - Utility Tax Repealed

Residents within the unincorporated areas of Santa Cruz County overwhelmingly passed Measure L. The repeal of the utility tax will leave County Mental Health programs almost one million dollars short annually in the coming years.

Additional Local News

	Results from the NAMI Santa Cruz County survey of families experiences with Dominican Behavioral Health have been compiled.
	NAMI-SCC requests Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors to provide legal assistance to those in financial need who need to create an LPS Conservatorship.
	NAMI SCC Board members recently toured the Cordilleras Mental Health Center locked treatment facility in Redwood City.
	The story behind the residential care facilities in Santa Cruz County.
	MEDI-CAL focus group reports on Services in Santa Cruz County.
	NAMI Santa Cruz County and Santa Cruz County Mental Health worked closely with the Santa Cruz Police Department to sponsor the first 25 Santa Cruz Police Officers to receive CIT (Crisis Intervention Team) Training in Santa Cruz County.
	Santa Cruz NAMI has written a letter of support for the proposed SAMHSA Community Action Grant to support creation of a housing center next to the MHCAN community drop-in center.

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