Happy New Year and Welcome to 2011. The last couple of months of 2010 were very busy. On December 16th we hosted, along with the DuPage Health Department, the annual Christmas party at the Transitional Service Center in Wheaton. There are pictures and a write-up further in this NAMI Line.

We sent 15 volunteers to Peoria for NAMI state training, which means we are adding two more support groups for families, one in Elmhurst and one in Naperville. (See overview of services on page 5). We have also started a support group for individuals who have graduated from MICAP, (Mental Illness Court Alternative Program), or who are currently enrolled in the program. Our young adult drop-in-center in Glen Ellyn continues to grow in numbers, and our educational classes have begun a new session. Our offices have been buzzing with volunteers entering  data, answering the telephones, making up presentation folders, and working in the library; we are very blessed.

As you are aware, our organization has been growing and for some time we have recognized the need to add a Development Director to our team. We are delighted to announce that Tim Traynor joined us in November, and I know he will prove to be a very valuable addition to our staff. (To learn more about Tim please turn to page 6).

Many of you are probably aware that late last year the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) awarded contracts to two vendors, Aetna Better Health and IlliniCare Health Plan, a subsidiary of Centene Corporation, to provide managed care services to approximately 40,000 Medicaid clients. These services will affect around 2800 DuPage clients. NAMI DuPage will work with these providers to ensure that all relevant information is passed on to those individuals affected by this change. It will only affect those clients who are on Medicaid only. Both vendors have stated that they believe this will lead to better quality and efficiency. Clients affected by this change will be asked to make a decision as to which provider they would like to use. There will be much more information on this in the coming weeks.

It is a new year with new challenges, but you can be sure that NAMI DuPage is there for you. Remember to tell your friends and family about NAMI DuPage, and know that we are a valuable resource for your community.

Please visit our website at http://www.namidupage.org for more information and resources.