THANK YOU FOR COMING!

USPRA wants to thank each and every one of you for making this conference a success! We hope that you are leaving here with satisfaction in all the education you received, connections you’ve made through networking, and a better understanding of psychiatric rehabilitation.  Please keep in touch – and we hope to see you again at our Leadership Summit in New Orleans in October – as well as next year’s Annual Conference in Boise, Idaho!!!

In the next few weeks, please stay in touch with USPRA. You can be expecting (soon) a conference wrap-up, our summer newsletter complete with a plethora of pictures from the conference, and a conference feedback survey e-mailed to you.  

Save travels, and HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!

Conference Pictures

If you’d like to share your pictures with your fellow conference attendees, please e-mail your photos to mmercer@uspra.org. We apologize for the delay in posting pictures of various events throughout  the conference,  I blame the technical difficulties with flickr!!! Stay tuned!

Spirit of Norfolk Cruise

SPirit of Norfolk Dinner Cruise is TONIGHT!

Just a friendly reminder – the Spirit of Norfolk Dinner Cruise is TONIGHT! Yes, that’s right – get your dancin’ shoes on, because you’re about to have a great time with plenty of drinks, food and dancing under the Norfolk sky. 

PLEASE do NOT forget to turn in your yellow invitation if you received one in your registration packet. I have a feeling that lots of you might try and turn the invitation in upon boarding – but you NEED to turn it in at the Registration Desk no later than 3:00 p.m. TODAY.

Anyone who wants to purchase a ticket, we still have tickets available.  Please also come by the registration desk by 3:00 p.m. TODAY – tickets are $45.  IF you have already put your name on the wait list, AND YOU SIGNED UP FOR THE 4-DAY PACKAGE, then we are able to give the next few people who come by the registration desk a complimentary ticket.  HURRY!

Lastly, I have been told that the dinner cruise will take place rain or shine – but dress accordingly as it might get a bit chilly once night falls.

Just kidding – one more thing.  Please take your camera and e-mail some pictures of your evening to mmercer@uspra.org  – I’d love to add them to the site!  Thanks!

Welcome Rally

It looks like everybody had a great time at Monday’s Welcome Rally! With two floors of live music, networking and superb food (the meatballs, especially!), it looked like a lot of connections were made between colleagues and friends. Just a few picutres for you to take a glance at:

Pictured above is the Tommie Branch Band. A special thanks to them for a wonderful performance!

I hope you had a chance to stop by the Boise booth – it is the site of the 2010 USPRA Annual Conference, after all…

A special thanks to the bookstore! We got raving reviews – next year, we’ll have to make it available the entire conference!

Stay tuned for more pictures!!!

USPRA Award Recipients

A quick congratulations to all of USPRA’s 2009 Award Recipients! A special thanks to Dr. James Reinhard, Dr. Anthony Campinell, Cory Storch, Dr. Lorna Moser & Jacob Bucher for their cooperation with the extensive interview we put them through (And to USPRA Board Member Sandy Resnick for conducting the interview!)  Check out their interview clips below to gain a little insight into their world – and what psychiatric rehabilitation means to them.

2009 President’s Award – Dr. Reinhard Interview

James Reinhard, M.D. has worked in public sector mental health and academic institutions for the majority of his medical career, working in the Commonwealth of Virginia since 1994. In 2002, he was appointed Commissioner of DMHMRSAS by then Governor Mark Warner, and reappointed by Governor Tim Kaine in 2006. He has led transformation efforts in the mental health and intellectual disability system in Virginia for the past seven years. 

 John Beard Award – Dr. Anthony Campinell Interview

As a U.S. Marine Corp Vietnam Veteran, Dr. Campinell embodies a strong passion for ensuring accessibility of rehabilitation services and employment for Veterans. It was through Dr. Campinell’s efforts that VA’s therapeutic work programs underwent a major expansion in order to provide supported employment to Veterans with mental illnesses. He is currently working towards the continued expansion of these programs to serve Veterans with traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries.   

Irvin Rutman Award – Cory Storch Interview

Serving as executive director of Bridgeway Rehabilitation Services since 1989, Storch has helped expand Bridgeway from serving 100 people annually at one location with an annual budget of $600,000, to serving 1,200 people in 12 locations with a budget of $15 million. 

Carol T. Mowbray Early Career Research Award – Dr. Lorna Moser Interview

Currently, Dr. Moser is serving as the co-chair of the North Carolina ACT coalition, a grassroots organization focused on improving the quality and availability of ACT statewide, where she is working with colleagues to revise a tool used to assess ACT fidelity. 

Isaiah Uliss Advocate Award – Jacob P. Bucher Interview

In Bucher’s role as executive director of CSPNJ, Bucher encourages the development of services to better enable people in recovery to find their own pathway with a community-supportive lifestyle. Through his leadership in creating creative funding and partnerships, Bucher has better positioned the organization with services for individuals in recovery that encourage career development, economic self-sufficiency and housing opportunities. 

Monday General Session

Dr. Judith Cook, Master of Ceremonies

The Opening General Session was a resounding success! 

This morning’s general session opened with an exciting presentation by our Master of Ceremonies for this year’s conference, Dr. Judith Cook. As the Professor of Psychiatry at The University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) Medical Center & Diretor of the Mental Health Services Research, Dr. Cook truly understands the importance of navigating the depths of psychiatric rehabilitation. A special thanks for her dedication and support of the USPRA conference! Some major points Dr. Cook touched on were:

• Make sure to review your Conference Program so you don’t miss out on any great upcoming workshops, institutes and networking activities.
• Be sure to stop by the Cyber Cafe to check out our awesome blog!  
• Please recognize all 110 10-year CPRPs in the audience – and if you are one of the CPRPs celebrating this milestone, then don’t miss out on the reception tomorrow at 12:15!  Registration is limited – sign up at the registration desk today!
• Please recognize the Board of Director’s selection for USPRA’s first class of Fellows!
• Lastly, please join us in thanking all of our sponsors for USPRA’s 34th Annual Conference!

Following Dr. Cook’s introduction, VAPRA’s very own president, David Dillon. Mr. Dillon kindly reminded those attendees who received a complimentary Spirit of Norfolk Dinner Cruise pass in their registration packets, to return them to the Help Desk no later than Tuesday to get their boarding ticket. 

Monday General Session Powerpoint

Dr. Thomas Updike, USPRA’s Board Chair, then addressed his concerns with the state of national mental healthcare:

“I have come before you this morning because I believe that the best leaders should provide clear and defined goals for the organization. Underlying this is one principle that is unfaulting, and that is the principle that consumer-driven services that feature empowerment, support, recovery, resilience and encouragement of participation to the maximum extent possible, or the underlying themes for what USPRA  is known for—and has become known for—nationwide and internationally. We are on the edge of a very political decision point in this country: We are about to embark on a form of healthcare made available to ALL Americans. But in doing so, we must be careful that we preserve the fundamental concepts of psychiatric rehabilitation and it must be included in national healthcare coverage. My fear is that many persons would revert back very quickly to older models that have not been effective. Thus, I call upon each and every one of you to stay vigilant and remind your congresspersons that psychiatric rehabilitation must be included into the framework in the national health insurance as it unfolds in this country. I challenge every one of us today to step up, to break the silence, and to make certain that our voices are heard. I am confident that we will be successful in this endeavor.”

 

Dr. Fred Frese, Keynote Speaker

Now for the keynote speaker: Dr. Fred Frese. He received a nice round of applause – and many laughs along the way. A very funny man, he is…would you agree? 

Dr. Frese’s presentation, “Time to Change some Old Habits,”  described his personal experiences as a person with schizophrenia who was once put away as “insane.” He described some of what he sees as behavioral, linguistic, and attitudinal attributes, including those of mental health professionals, that continue to be barriers to recovery and integration for the members of this traditionally ostracized population.

During his presentation, he addressed issues including (but obviously not limited to): Viewing mental illness as a difference, not a defect; Continued use of pejorative terms that refer to the mentally ill; Talking down to persons with mental illness; and ignoring mental disabilities in calls for diversity and INCLUSION. (Note: please comment on your views of the keynote speaker by clicking on the “Comment” button below…thanks!)  A few links of interest for those who might want to learn more about Dr. Frese:

The Official Fred Frese Website

Integrating Evidence-Based Practices and the Recovery Model, Part I

Integrating Evidence Based Practices and the Recovery Model, Part II

On Crushing Schizophobia

 Thanks for attending the Opening General Session. Please, please please don’t hesitate to contact me at mmercer@uspra.org if you’d like to be a co-blogger!

Do you want to share your story?

I am looking for participants to share their psychiatric rehabilitation experiences to be featured not only on our social media networking site, but in our upcoming newsletter as well. Whether you are a practitioner or an individual in recovery, we want to hear your story!  Please e-mail mmercer@uspra.org if you are interested–I will be conducting short video interviews on Monday, June 29, between 4:00 and 5:00, but am available at other times during the conference if that slot doesn’t work with your schedule.

Thanks!

Helpful Reminders!

Here’s a little bit of information for the attendees, in case your spam-filter ate the email sent out earlier. We wanted to keep you up-to-date on a few last-minute topics before you head to Norfolk:

Airport Transportation to Hotel

Orange Peel Transportation, Inc. has agreed to provide discounted transportation for all our conference attendees traveling to and from the airport and the hotel in Norfolk! The rates are as follows*:

1 Guest:  $27
2 Guests:  $14/person
3 Guests:  $10/person
4+ Guests:  $9/person (Preferred!!)
*Please note that the rates may change as the conference approaches, but only by $1.00 per person depending on the economy.

Orange Peel Transportation will have a Service Desk located at the airport (particularly for any last-minute folks who haven’t made a reservation) for any USPRA Conference Attendees who are interested, though reservations are HIGHLY encouraged.  To make a reservation, simply e-mail transport@orangeeeltransportation.com or call 757-463-7500, and give them your flight information. Payment arrangements are made directly with Orange Peel.

Conference Program Available Online

We have made available an electronic version of our full conference program to help you map your course for an exceptional learning experience while you’re attending our conference.  We recommend that you download your copy online prior to arriving in Norfolk, and familiarize yourself not only with the schedule, but with the hotel floor plan. But in case you did not get a chance to do this prior to the conference, you can also find a copy here on Scuttlebutt.

Prior to arrival, here are some MORE things to think about:

• Know the basics of the conference; do your homework and review the program!
• Take a look at the 2009 Attendees list to see who you know that is coming to the conference – and then make use of the various networking activities to re-connect with your colleagues! (Once you click the link, scroll down and enter your username and password.)
• Bring a laptop. Conference handouts have been made available online.

Best regards from the USPRA team…see you next week!

Conference Schedule

Begin mapping your course now!

 Schedule at a Glance

Sunday, 6-28-09

 9:00 am-3:00 pm            Board Meeting Chesapeake 1-2, 4^th Floor
3:00 pm-5:00 pm            Chapter Representatives Meeting, Marriott 5-7, 4^th Floor
4:00 pm-8:00 pm            Registration Opens- 3^rd Floor
7:30 pm-9:00 pm            Executive Management Reception, Piano Lounge, 2^nd Floor
8:00 pm-9:00 pm            USPRA Fellow recognition, Suite 2316
8:30 pm- 9:30 pm            First Timer’s Orientation, Marriott 4, 4^th Floor

 Monday, 6-29-09

 8:00 am- 5:00 pm           Registration Desk Open-3^rd Floor
8:00 am- 5:00 pm            Help Desk Open-3^rd Floor
8:00 am- 5:00 pm            CE Desk Open -3^rd Floor
7:45 am- 8:30 am             Continental Breakfast-1^st and 3^rd Floor Foyers
8:30 am- 10:00 am          General Session- Fred Frese, Hampton Ballroom, 3^rd Floor
10:00 am- 10:30 am        Coffee Break-1^st and 3^rd Floor
10:30 am- 12:00 noon     Workshops
12:00 noon- 1:30 pm       Lunch on Own
12:00 noon-1:00 pm        USPRA’s Core Principles Roundtable, Marriott 7, 4^th Floor
12:00 noon-1:30 pm        Program Evaluation Consultations-James 1-2,4^th Floor
12:15 pm- 1:15 pm             GLBT Award Reception- Suite 2316
12:15 pm-1:15 pm              Topical Executive Exchange Lunches- Shula’s Restaurant, 1^st Floor
1:30 pm- 3:00 pm              Workshops
1:30 pm- 3:00 pm              People in Recovery Roundtable-Suite 2316
3:00 pm- 3:15 pm              Coffee Break-1^st and 3^rd Floor
3:15 pm-4:45 pm                Workshops
4:30 pm- 7:00 pm              Exhibitor Showcase, 1^st and 3^rd Floors
4:30 pm- 7:00 pm              Bookstore, 1^st Floor
4:45 pm- 5:45 pm               Chapter meetings
4:45 pm- 5:45 pm                Education & Training Roundtable-Marriott 4, 4^th Floor
4:45 pm- 5:45 pm                Research Committee Roundtable, James 1-2, 4^th Floor
5:30 pm-7:00 pm                Welcome Rally-1^st and 3^rd Floors
5:30 pm-7:00 pm                Multicultural Display, 3^rd Floor Foyer

 Tuesday, 6-30-09

7:45 am- 8:30 am           Continental Breakfast-1^st and 3^rd Floor Foyers
7:30 am- 3:30 pm           Exhibitor Showcase, 1^st and 3^rd Floors
7:30 am- 3:30 pm           Bookstore, 1^st Floor
8:00 am- 5:00 pm           Registration Open–3^rd Floor
8:00 am- 5:00 pm           Help Desk Open- 3^rd Floor
8:00 am-5:00 pm            CE desk open-3rd Floor
8:30 am- 10:00 am         Concurrent Major Sessions-Charles Barber-Hampton 4,3^rd floor, Bill MacPhee, Hampton 5, 3^rd Floor, Melanie Kinley, Norfolk 4, 4^th Floor
8:30 am-5:00 pm            Exhibits/Bookstore Open-1^st and 3^rd Floor
8:30 am-5:00 pm            Multicultural Display, 3^rd Floor Foyer
10:00 am- 10:30 am      Coffee Break-1^st and 3^rd Floors
10:30 am- 12:00 noon   Workshops
12:00 noon- 1:30 pm     Lunch on Own
12:00 noon-1:30 pm      Program Evaluation Consultations-James 1-2,4^th Floor
12:15 pm-1:15 pm            Topical Executive Exchange Lunches- Shula’s
12:15 pm-1:15 pm            Multicultural Reception-Suite 2316
12:15 pm-1:15 pm            CPRP Recognition Luncheon-Norfolk 1-2, 1^st Floor
12:15 pm-1:15 pm            Supported Education Roundtable, Marriott 7, 4^th Floor
1:30 pm- 3:00 pm            Workshops
3:00 pm- 3:15 pm            Coffee Break-1^st and 3^rd Floors
3:00 pm- 4:00 pm           Chapter Development Roundtable, Marriott 7, 4^th Floor
3:15 pm- 4:45 pm            Workshops
5:00 pm- 6:15 pm            Awards Reception-Hampton 1-3, 3^rd Floor
6:30 pm- 8:30 pm           Dine Arounds:

• Clubhouse- Outback
• GLBT-Vintage Garden
• Supported Employment in Department of Veterans Affairs-CWT-SE- -Joe’s Crab Shack
• Department of Veterans Affairs PSR Fellows-Sheraton
• Department of Veterans Affairs Recovery Centers-FreeMason Abbey
• Peer Support and Peer Run Services-Baxter’s

7:00 pm- 9:00 pm           International Reception-Suite 2316

 Wednesday, 7-01-09

7:45 am – 8:30 am          Continental Breakfast-1^st and 3^rd Floor Foyers
8:00 am- 5:00 pm           Registration Open-3^rd Floor
8:00 am- 5:00 pm           Help Desk Open-3^rd Floor
8:00 am-5:00 pm            CE Desk Open-3^rd Floor
8:00 am-5:00 pm            Ticket to Work Consultations-Lynnhaven, 4^th Floor
8:30 am-11:45 am           Institutes
10:15am-10:30 am         Coffee Break-1^st and 3^rd Floors
11:30 am- 1:00 pm         Department of Veterans Affairs Innovation Fair
11:45 am-1:00 pm          Lunch on Own
Noon- 1:30 pm                 Committee Chair Meeting-Suites 604/606
12:15 pm-1:15 pm           Social Networking Roundtable-James 1-2, 4^th Floor
1:00 pm-4:00 pm           Institutes
2:30 pm-2:45 pm           Coffee Break-1^st and 3^rd Floors
4:00 pm- 5:00 pm         Department of Veterans Affairs Innovation Fair
4:45 pm-5:45 pm            Occupational Therapy Round Table, James 1-2, 4^th Floor
6:00 pm-9:00 pm           Spirit of Norfolk Dinner Cruise (meet in lobby at 6:00 PM)

Thursday, 7-02-09

7:45 am- 8:30 am           Continental Breakfast- 1^st and 3^rd Floors
7:45 am- 8:30 am           Conference Committee Meeting  James 1-2, 4^th Floor
8:00 am- 4:00 am           Registration Open-3^rd Floor
8:00 am- 4:00 pm           Help Desk Open-3^rd Floor
8:00 am- 5:00 pm           CE Desk Open- 3^rd Floor
8:30 am-11:45 am           Institutes
10:15 am-10:30 am        Coffee Break-1^st and 3^rd Floors
11:45 am-1:00 pm           Lunch on Own
1:00 pm- 4:00 pm           Institutes