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VAMI Lecture Series

VAMI will host a series of lectures throughout the year focusing on topics of interest to persons affected by mental illness.  All lectures are free and open to the public.

Schedule:

Mon., Jan. 10, 2005 - 6:30pm, BGHS Extension
Topic:  "In Our Own Voices"
Persons affected by mental illness share their inspiring stories of courage and recovery.

Mon., Feb. 14, 2005 - 6:30pm, BGHS Extension
Topic: "What do people really think about mental illness, and are they ready to change?" Presented by Dr. Mark D. Regio, board certified adult and geriatric psychiatrist and Yale University instructor.

Mon., March 14, 2005 - 6:30pm, BGHS Extension
Topic: "Depression."
Doctors Lisa Fenten and Gerard Sanacora share their research concerning depression, its causes, effects, and treatments.

Mon., April 11, 2005 - 6:30pm, BGHS Extension
Topic: "Alcoholism."
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) representatives discuss alcoholism and AA program. 

Further topics and dates to be announced.



VAMI Boarder Graphic

"The most shocking thing about mental illness is how little
it is understood."

Facts About
Mental Illness

RMental illnesses are far more common than cancer, diabetes, heart disease, or arthritis.

RThe National Institute of Mental Health estimates that one out of four families in the U.S. will have a loved one with mental illness.

RSome characteristics include disordered thinking, unjustified fears, loss of touch with reality, poor judgment, negative self image, immature behavior, and denial of the illness itself.

RSchizophrenia, a primary form of mental illness, afflicts one in every one hundred Americans. It occurs ten times more often than muscular dystrophy.

ROther forms of mental illness include manic depression, severe depression, and personality disorders.

RWith good treatment, many people with mental illness can function in everyday society, hold responsible jobs, have families, go to school, and enjoy life.
 

  


The Valley Alliance for the Mentally Ill (VAMI) is a non-profit support group for families and friends of individuals affected with mental illness.

VAMI provides support, education, information, and advocacy to help families and friends cope with the pain associated with their loved one's mental illness, learn more about mental illness and available services and treatments, and reach out to those who are affected by mental illness through sharing of knowledge, experience and exchange of information.

VAMI meetings are held on the second and fourth Monday of each month, at 6:30pm, at the BGHS Extension, located in the Bradley Pond Professional Building on Route 34 in Derby, CT.  Anyone affected by a loved one's mental illness is welcome.

For more information about VAMI, please contact Ron Mead (203) 735-5095, John Maiorino (203) 888-9512, or the Valley Mental Health Center (203) 736-2601.

(The Valley Alliance for the Mentally Ill is affiliated with the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) www.nami.org)