THE 16TH ANNUAL FAMILY ADVOCACY DAY IN ANNAPOLIS!

On February 25, two-hundred family members, advocates, legislators and their staff gathered for the Maryland Coalition of Families' 16^th Annual Family Day in Annapolis. Attendees traveled from 21 counties and Baltimore City to share with their elected officials the importance of addressing child and adolescent mental health, substance use and/or other behavioral health needs.
 
"Your presence makes a great difference," said Delegate Sandy Rosenberg.
 
Following a morning program where representatives discussed the bills related to children and youth with behavioral health needs (such as Wraparound Services for Children and Youth: House Bill 579/Senate Bill 858), families visited representatives from 25 legislative districts to share their personal stories and experiences. The day concluded with more than 500 advocates and families rallying on Lawyer’s Mall to increase access to behavioral health services. The Keep the Door Open Maryland Rally was organized by Maryland’s Behavioral Health Coalition.
 
Join MCF’s mailing list for updates on how you can get involved.
                

Peer Support Spotlight: Call #3

The Peer Support Workgroup met for its 3rd meeting on 3/7/16. The goal of this workgroup is to explore ways to incorporate peer support specialists into mental health services for young adults in Maryland, including but not limited to programs for young adults experiencing disorders with psychosis. The highlight of this meeting was a presentation by Dr. Iruma Bello, Clinical Training Director for OnTrack NY. This statewide program focuses on treating young adults experiencing disorders with psychosis and is in the latter planning stages of implementing youth peer support positions into their programs. Topics discussed included: (1) The importance of defining the peer role in a way that is specific and individualized while making it a clear part of the treatment team and acknowledging the fluidity of roles on those teams; (2) potential roles for peers including helping young adults navigate and utilize the entire first episode psychosis (FEP) team, assistance in outreach and engagement, and facilitating support groups; (3) Hiring peers who are already certified and well-versed with peer support, but may not necessarily be FEP-specific or age-specific as emphasis will be placed on their ability to connect with youth.

You can access the original peer-support for FEP guidance manual developed by Dr. Jones: Click here  

The work-group is planning on meeting approximately monthly to focus on leveraging current opportunities for peer supports in EIP and other organizations that could benefit from peer support.  
The next meeting will be April 25, 2016 at 11am.  If you’re interested in joining the peer-involvement workgroup, please contact Melanie Bennett at mbennett@psych.umaryland.edu  

As always, don't forget about Maryland EIP's four services to support individuals, families, and professionals who may encounter early psychosis:

1. Outreach and Education Services – To behavioral health providers, schools, and primary care settings. For more information or to schedule a presentation to your organization, contact Eryn Bentley at ebentley@psych.umaryland.edu.
    
2. Clinical Services – For 12-30-year-olds who present with clinical high risk symptoms that may be predictive of future psychosis, who have early signs of psychosis, or are in the initial stages of psychoses. Services include the Strive for Wellness Clinic, the MPRC First Episode Clinic (FEC), and the Division of Community Psychiatry’s RAISE Connection Program.
    
3. Consultation Services – To providers regarding identification and treatment for individuals that may be experiencing symptoms that may be predictive of future psychosis, who have early signs of psychosis, or are in the initial stages of psychoses.
    
4. Training and Implementation Support Services – Will establish Early Intervention Teams (EITs) throughout the state and create a learning collaborative so that EITs and others providing services to those with early psychosis can collaborate, share resources, and provide support and coordination of service delivery.

All EIP initiatives may be contacted through our toll free number or e-mail. A trained specialist is available to guide you toward the appropriate services. For more information on accessing services offered through the EIP, visit www.MarylandEIP.com.