Establishing a NAMI/VA Partnership to begin NAMI Connection

1. Establishing a NAMI/VA Partnership to begin NAMI Connection Dr. Deborah Vick, Psy.D., LCP Hampton VA Local Recovery Coordinator deborah.vick@va.gov 757-722-9961 x1104 Sarah Eisenman, MSW NAMI Virginia Director of Programs seisenman@namivirginia.org 804-285-8264 x203 Chris Cox, Veteran USAF NAMI H/NN Veteran Connections Coordinator chrislcox1@cox.net 757-660-0908 Cheryl DeHaven NAMI H/NN Director of Consumer Programs cdehaven@hnncsb.org 757-788-0010

2. History of the Partnership: How things began NAMI Hampton Newport News Mid-size affiliate Growing, 2009 NAMI Virginia Affiliate of the Year Award winner Veterans in membership 2009 hosted Peer-to-Peer course at VA campus

3. History of the Partnership: How things began NAMI Virginia 2009 working with Richmond VA to meet VA/NAMI MOU expectations for Family-to-Family Interested in expanding efforts to additional VA Hospitals in Virginia. Hampton VA supportive – positive first course

4. History of the Partnership: How things began Hampton VA Hospital Spring 2010 brought in Family-to-Family, very positive experience Met with local NAMI leaders discussing possibility of Connections groups Pitched idea to Mental Health Chief at Mental Health Fair – green light given!

5. Our Partnership Currently have 6 groups – 5 at Hampton VA campus, 1 at Norfolk Vet Center Key Elements ‘Can do’ attitude Recovery Coordinator Responsive/available NAMI state coordinator *Committed local NAMI Connection leader* Teamwork Utilization of multiple staff resources

6. Opportunities & Challenges Cost sharing Local Trainings Local funding Providing Supervision – trouble shoot issues, and provide support/debrief, stay connected Finding and connecting on key personnel

7. Lessons Learned We are better working together, no one agency can shoulder all of this. Vet groups more successful in a Vet-based environments (like a fraternity). More trust, more buy-in. Look at Vet Centers and Community Based Outpatient Centers (CBOC) for Connection sites Better to offer fewer groups with more facilitators – prevent group cancelation, kept leaders connected, avoid burnout. Strive to assign three leaders per group

8. Lessons Learned Local Recovery Coordinator Take time early in process to plan with supervisor details of the program Take time to orient colleagues at the VA to the benefits of peer support for recovery Take hands-on leadership – i.e. Group Champion NAMI Local Leader Be aware of and tap into the resources in the community Individual needs to be a Vet and Connections Facilitator NAMI State Program Director Take time to meet with LRC to educate and orient to national and local NAMI programs and objectives Be available, be flexible, be clear on NAMI needs and expectations

9. What’s Next Continue to grow and support Hosting a training this fall, want 3 facilitator per group and no meeting cancelation Start a women only group at Hampton VA Start a group at Virginia Beach Vet Center Start a group at NC CBOC Provide continuing education opportunities for group leaders Recognition events for group leaders Cross-promote between Connections and Family-to-Family

10. Establishing a NAMI/VA Partnership to begin NAMI Connection Dr. Deborah Vick, Psy.D., LCP Hampton VA Local Recovery Coordinator deborah.vick@va.gov 757-722-9961 x1104 Sarah Eisenman, MSW NAMI Virginia Director of Programs seisenman@namivirginia.org 804-285-8264 x203 Chris Cox, Veteran USAF NAMI H/NN Veteran Connections Coordinator chrislcox1@cox.net 757-660-0908 Cheryl DeHaven NAMI H/NN Director of Consumer Programs cdehaven@hnncsb.org 757-788-0010