Mental Illness & The Right to Vote

A New York Times article titled “States Face Decisions on Who Is Mentally Fit to Vote” (requies free log in to view article) has heightened concerns over a possible trend toward exclusion as a result of Virginia Tech. But the issue actually is an old one, which arises occasionally when someone seeks to enforce existing provisions of state law that prohibit certain people with mental illnesses from voting. NAMI considers such laws to be unconstitutional. What do you think?

Missing Persons Support

I was really excited to see that NAMI has prepared a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on what to do when your loved one with mental illness is missing, and ways you can provide support once the person is located.

Many of the calls we get are about this topic. I encourage you to look at this resource and pass it along to others.

There is also an online discussion group where you can ask questions and share support. To read more click here.

Thank You, NAMI Oklahoma!

I will conclude nine years of service to NAMI on Friday, August 17. I have learned many things during my tenure with this excellent organization and and have met so many tremendous people. I will miss working with this great movement every day but know that in my new role I will have the opportunity to pursue the high standards of expectations established by my NAMI friends.

When I first joined this organization, I remember the profound impact of these ten words that accompanied all of our grassroots advocacy alerts: "If it is to be, it is up to me". These are powerful words and ring as true today as ever. To continue changing the tide, it is important that our members understand that their energy is required to address the inequities that remain even today.

It has been a privilege serving you for the past nine years. I ask that you continue to share with me your goals and expectations for Oklahoma's mental health care system as I begin my new job at ODMHSAS.

Best wishes,

Steven Buck

Interesting Comments

I recently ran across comments from a local pastor explaining his experience in a local recovery program. I thought these comments may be of interest to you.

“The spiritual aspects of recovery cannot be underestimated, according to the Big Book. Working with the residents at Clay Crossing has re-emphasized that fact to me many times. The residents who have begun moving on their spiritual path, searching for truth in their own lives and relationships, continue to grow and improve. As they learn to follow the 12-steps of AA, they begin to see through the first three steps how important it is to connect with God. A power greater than themselves is essential to removing the guild and shame of the past when it is unearthed in step four and divulged in step five. All this begins to create a new way of looking at spirituality.

The varied backgrounds of the residents, sometimes void of spiritual history, present many challenges for the chaplain. Through Bible study and personal research many of the residents have learned about the grace of God that surpasses human understanding. Fears and phobias add to the complexity of cases for many residents. Dealing with mental abnormalities combined with genetic predispositions adds to the work being done to help residents. By tapping into God's grace, many have been able to dispose of the emotional baggage of the past which has hampered their social development.

Sometimes the chaplain's work involves education and encouragement, and sometimes a concerned, listening ear is what the resident needs most. Sometimes the chaplain's work involves education and encouragement, and sometimes a concerned, listening ear is what the resident needs most.”

Chaplain Will The Web site is http://www.claycrossing.org/