Progressive States Network raises questions about privatizing Georgia’s mental hospitals

Georgia proposes privatization of mental health services

By the Progressive States Network

Georgia’s Department of Human Resources (DHR) is considering privatizing much or all of its public mental health hospital network and closing its mental health facilities in cities like Savannah and Augusta. State officials say that no final decisions have been made, but DHR is considering [...]

A Modest Proposal… a statement from the Georgia Coalition United for a Responsible Budget

Endorses Georgia CURB Release
 

Georgia CURB
Georgia Coalition United for a Responsible Budget
www.gacurb.org

PRESS STATEMENT
 
For Immediate Release: March 26, 2009
                                                               
CONTACTS:
Linda Smith Lowe, Families First, (404) 274-1746
Dave Blanchard, Unlock the Waiting Lists! (770) 876-0639
Mindy Binderman, Voices for Georgia’s Children, (678) 689-3482
Elizabeth Appley, Women’s Policy Group, (404) 877-8772
 
 
LEGISLATORS SHOULD FUND CRITICAL SERVICES BY INCREASING REVENUE
 
 
The Coalition United for a Responsible [...]

US asked to do more to help kids’ mental health

from this week’s US NEWS & WORLD REPORT:
WEDNESDAY, March 25 (HealthDay News) — A report from private, nonprofit groups calls on the U.S. government to become more involved in protecting and improving the mental health of the nation’s youth.
The National Research Council and the Institute of Medicine are asking President Barack Obama to create a [...]

JOIN!

Mental Health America of Northeast Georgia needs you. 
As we look at the end of a discouraging session of the Georgia Legislature, we can either complain about the past or plan for the future.
I prefer planning for the future.
To do that, we need a growing number of members of our organization.  Currently we have just over [...]

from ODE Magazine: 14 Ways to Fight the Blues

 
Winston Churchill said, “If you are going through hell, keep going.”
This phrase enforces that when the going gets tough, when you are in rough waters; keep your courage, your strength and fight until you achieve victory over the situation that is creating ‘hell’ in your life.
Contrary to popular perception some of us find living [...]

Someone Who Disagrees With Us

I have written here often about the improvement to my life brought by Paxil, an anti-depression drug.  It has given me balance that I never had before.
I have seen others similarly helped by medications.  In particular, I have seen people with schizophrenia move from total confusion to subdued focus. 
There are people who think the [...]

Mental Health Medication Reminder

I take my Paxil every morning along with the other medications my doctor has prescribed as well as a couple of vitamins.  For some folks, this routine doesn’t work.  I found an article online todat that may offer help to those who need a reminder about taking medication.  Note also the reference made to anosognosia.
SAN [...]

Social Club

Mental Health America of Northeast Georgia sponsors a weekly Social Club for people with mental illness and their families.
Jim Parker has been the coordinator of the Social Club for about 28 years.  That is just amazing.  How many people have the same job for that long?  Or–even the same spouse!
Jim has given it a great [...]

An Appeal for Sponsors

Maybe it will happen; maybe it won’t.  Right now, I am not sure.
We are hoping to have a fund-raising/awareness-raising event May 15 and 16.  It’s a blues festival with more than ten bands currently interested in playing.
The event is going to cost us between $ 700 and $ 1500 to do, depending on the level [...]

How Does It Feel?

In doing some research on public service announcements on mental health, I discovered a song being used on a couple of psas.  It’s called “How Does It Feel?” and it’s by Avril Lavigne.  Here’s the link to a version of it on youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKi55vsokuM&feature=related
Be sure to visit our organization’s website: www.fightthestigma.com.
Thanks.