Executive Director's Report

October is off to a busy start with Mental Illness Awareness week from the 3rd to the 9th of October. You may have driven past the WDSRA (Western DuPage Special Recreation Association, host of our Naperville drop-in center) on North Schmale in Carol Stream, and seen the large board advertising MIAW, and NAMI DuPage. Over 15,000 vehicles pass by the sign every day. You may have received e-mails that informed you of some of the new and exciting things we are doing at NAMI DuPage. We have partnered with WDSRA to form a new Young Adult Drop in Center for 18 to 30 year-olds. This is held on Wednesday evenings at the Ackerman Sports and Fitness Center, 800 St. Charles Rd, Glen Ellyn from 6 to 9 pm. There is a meal followed by an activity. This is a wonderful opportunity to make new friends and be a part of a social group. We are working on a MICAP (Mental Illness Court Alternative Program) support group, facilitated by MICAP graduates for MICAP participants and graduates.

All of our support groups are in full swing and our F2F education classes have begun. Be sure to visit our website at www.namidupage.org for an overview and times of all our services.

Other news is not so good. We have learned that the proposed cuts to the Illinois Department of Mental Health Care is worse than ever and so far $33 million is currently slated to be cut. That is almost a $70 million dollar cut in the past two years. The lack of regard for the Illinois mental health system is going to have devastating and far reaching effects. People who do not receive treatment end up in hospitals, homeless shelters, in jail, on the streets or dead. It is essential that we continue to call, visit and write to our local legislators to advocate for the appropriate funding. Every day we hear of individuals being discharged from psychiatric hospitals and jails without any realistic plan to give them follow up support within the community. This we are told is because of a lack of funding. We also know that following discharge, even within the limited resources that are available, there are long wait periods. This just leads to the revolving door syndrome. Now is the time during these election months to contact our legislators and solicit support. Please remember to tell your friends and family about NAMI DuPage so that we can be a valuable resource for all of the community.

Remember we are here for you. Be sure to visit our website at www.namidupage.org.