Do you need help decoding the many acronyms and abbreviations used in meetings and communication about mental health? Your cheat sheet has arrived. This list was created for those of us who would like to participate in meetings where so much lingo is used...
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Virginia has just passed a bill which will change who can assist others in writing advance directives. Advance directives are legal documents in which people give instructions to healthcare providers in the event that the person is no longer able to make ...
Continue ReadingBy VOCAL member Tammy Ozolins I had a vision of my first tattoo and I knew exactly what I wanted it to say. I was going to leave it up to the tattoo artist to do the design. I was so nervous, though, this was going to be my first one. Thank goodness for o...
Continue ReadingInterested in continuing education hours as a Peer Recovery Specialist? We have just the event for you! Check it out here.
Continue ReadingScott is an artist and long-time VOCAL member. This interview appeared in the June – July issue of the Network News. One: Hi, Scott. What’s new? I’m excited to unveil: www.TheUnmedicated.com It’s a saga of peer support that takes place ove...
Continue ReadingIn July VOCAL was invited to attend a Strategy Group Meeting on Housing for Individuals with Serious Mental Illness. A range of agencies were represented in this first meeting, assisted by consultants Sherry Lerch and Lisa Sloane. The goal is to provide s...
Continue ReadingNot all peers qualify as “low-income,” but some of us do. Recently I’ve come across some interesting money saving tips, hand-up programs for low-income individuals and families. None of these are geared towards folks with mental health c...
Continue ReadingVOCAL Advocacy Tonight, Monday, August 21 from 5pm – 6pm. 1-866-423-8755 Guest code: 271381 We will discuss the survey from disAbility Law Center Virginia and make suggestions for priorities. Please read the FY 18 dLCV Goals and Focus Areas in adv...
Continue ReadingGuest editor Heather Peck, has kindly shared her notes from the conference call with Rhonda Thissen on 8/23/2017. Heather Peck is Executive Director at LMECC (Laurie Mitchell Empowerment and Career Center) in Alexandria, VA. Action Plan Options, Chronolog...
Continue ReadingDr. Jack Barber Interim Commissioner DBHDS 1220 Bank Street Richmond, VA 23230 Dear Dr. Barber, I am writing you in regards to the proposed budget cuts to the Mental Health Block Grant issued to Virginia through the state’s application to SAMHS...
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