MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH MONTH KICK-OFF
1:00 to 3:00pm.  Governor’s State Room, RI State House, Providence, RI. 
Reception following program.  Message of Hope Bouquets & Cookie Arrangements available for purchase by A New Leaf Florist Shop and Cookie Place Café. Refreshments provided by Cookie Place Café, courtesy of Butler Hospital.  Free and open to the public. 
For more information call 401-726-2285.
Sponsored by the Mental Health Association of Rhode Island (MHA of RI) & Butler Hospital.

LOBBY DAY AT STATE HOUSE
3:00 – 4:00pm.  RI State House, 2nd floor outside of House Chamber, 82 Smith Street, Providence, RI.
This Lobby Day will be a chance for concerned citizens and mental health advocates to find out who their legislators are, meet with their legislators, get to know them, and briefly express to them your concerns about the mental health system in Rhode Island. A brief training will provided at 3:00pm. 
Sponsored by Save Our Mental Health Services (SOS) Coalition & Ocean State Action.

MAY BREAKFAST
9:00 am. Mental Health Consumer Advocates of RI/Oasis, 1280 North Main Street, Providence, RI. 
Sponsored by Mental Health Consumer Advocates
of RI/Oasis.

THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS
5:30 – 7:00pm.  Independence Square Foundation, 500 Prospect, Pawtucket, RI. Wing B, Suite 209.  Speaker:  Scott Haltzman, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology & Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Medical Director of NRI Community Services, Woonsocket, RI. Free and Open to the public, Light refreshments will be provided.
For reservations call 401-235-7019.

THE POWER OF THE ARTS IN TREATING MENTAL ILLNESS
Featuring Art Exhibit and Fund Raising Raffle of Artwork to benefit NAMI
6:00pm.  Butler Campus, Ray Conference Center, 345 Blackstone Blvd., Providence, RI. 
In a preview of an exhibit and talk that will be given in San Francisco in July of this year, Jeffrey Sparr, a nationally known artist and co-founder of Peace Love Studios of Pawtucket, will discuss his personal battle with mental illness, and his journey from the boardroom to the art studio in using imagination and creativity to facilitate recovery.
RSVP to NAMI Rhode Island at 401-331-3060. Sponsored by NAMI Rhode Island & Peace Love Studios of Pawtucket, RI.

GATEWAY HEATHCARE’S ASD CONNECTIONS PROGRAM
7:00pm.  1471 Elmwood Avenue, Cranston, RI. 
Join Gateway Healthcare’s ASD Connections program for a workshop discussing the social and emotional challenges faced by ASD youth and the importance of their receiving appropriate support and treatment.  Learn how to recognize signs of behavioral health stress and strategies for treating stress. For more information, contact Susan Stevenson at
401-784-3600 ext. 3632. 
Sponsored by Gateway Healthcare, Inc.

GATEWAY HEALTHCARE – INFORMATION ON “EMOTIONAL WELLNESS”
Leon A. Mathieu Senior Center, 420 Main Street, Pawtucket, RI.
Come and see Gateway Healthcare for information on “Emotional Wellness”. 
Sponsored by Gateway Healthcare, Inc.

CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS DAY
The Rhode Island Positive Educational Partnership invites youth, families and community partners to come join us for Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day. Through spoken word, dance, and other artistic expressions, Hear Me NOW-Thriving in the Community, will be an opportunity to educate and inform Rhode Island youth, families and communities about the creativity and courage it takes for youth to thrive at home, at school, and in their community. This exciting and highly interactive event will showcase youth talent in partnership with the performing arts community. Please visit www.ripep.org for location and time of this event and to learn about other Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day events taking place. 
Sponsored by Parent Support Network of Rhode Island, Department of Children, Youth and Families, Sherlock Center: PEP schools, early care settings, & Family Care Community Partnership Initiative.

INTERNATIONAL FOOD MONTH AT OASIS
12:30pm lunch will be served.  Mental Health Consumer Advocates of RI/Oasis, 1280 North Main Street, Providence, RI.
A staff person will prepare a food dish from their ethnic background.
Sponsored by Mental Health Consumer Advocates of RI/Oasis.

CHILDREN’S INTENSIVE SERVICES EARLY CHILDHOOD DAY TREATMENT PROGAM - OPEN HOUSE
Presented to promote awareness of mental health and mental health services and to address concerns associated with the stigma of mental illness.
3:00 – 4:30pm.  26 Valley Road, Middletown, RI.  Opportunity for the community, clients, and staff members to learn about this new program which helps meet the needs of children ages 2-6 with significant emotional and behavioral issues. The program’s Assistant Team Leader, as well as other staff, will be available for discussion and to answer questions. Light refreshments will be served.
Please RSVPby May 4th to 848-6363 ext. 100. 
Sponsored by Newport County Community Mental
Health Center, Inc.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES CONSUMER EDUCATION FORUM
Presented to promote awareness of mental health and mental health services and to address concerns associated with the stigma of mental illness.
12:00 – 1:00pm.  65 Valley Road, Middletown, RI.  “Choices in Recovery: Relapse Awareness & Reduction Strategies for Persons with Schizophrenia”
Consumers are invited to arrive at 11:30am for a light lunch and then participate in the forum which will begin at noon.  Statewide guests are welcome to attend.  RSVP is required for lunch.
Please call 846-6620 ext. 100. 
Sponsored by Newport County Community Mental Health Center, Inc.

WHY DO KIDS ACT THAT WAY? – LEARNING TO MANAGE CHILDREN’S BEHAVIOR
Presentation With Author Nancy S. Buck, Ph.D
7:00 – 9:00pm.  Providence Marriott, Orms Street, Providence, RI.
Gateway Healthcare will host this presentation with Dr. Nancy Buck. Dr. Buck completed her doctoral studies in developmental psychology with a specialization in parenting and is the creator of Peaceful Parenting®, applying choice theory to parenting. This event is free and open to the public.
Sponsored by Gateway Healthcare, Inc.

INTERNATIONAL FOODS MONTH AT OASIS
12:30pm lunch will be served.  Mental Health Consumer Advocates of RI/Oasis, 1280 North Main Street, Providence, RI.
A staff person will prepare a food dish from their ethnic background. Sponsored by Mental Health Consumer Advocates of RI/Oasis.

DEALING WITH BULLIES AT SCHOOL AND ONLINE
Speaking of Kids Series:  6:30 – 8:30pm.  Bradley Hospital, 1011 Veterans Memorial Parkway, East Providence, RI.  Free workshop presented by Retired Providence Police Lieutenant John Reis, Partnership to Address Violence Through Education. Credits for nurses, social workers, teachers and childcare providers.  Free and open to the public.
Pre-registration needed. Please call the Lifespan Health Connection at 401-444-4800. 
Sponsored by Bradley Hospital & Hasbro Children’s Hospital.

MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCACY & RECOVERY
1:00 – 2:30pm.  Wellness Center, 55 John Cummings Way, Woonsocket, RI.
Please join us for an open discussion on consumer driven topics such as Recovery Strategies, Peer Support Resources and the State of Mental Health In Rhode Island.  This discussion will be led by Jon Dupre, Peer Advocate for The Alive Peer Support Program. 
Sponsored by NRI Community Services, Inc.

45TH ANNIVERSARY GALA & AUCTION:  “SOUTH SHORE – 45 YEARS OF HEALING THE COMMUNITY”
6:00 – 10:00pm. The Towers in Narragansett, RI.  Entertainment:  Live and Silent Auctions. 
Contact Kathy Cournoyer at 401-364-7705 ext. 3301. 
Sponsored by South Shore Mental Health Center, Inc.

THE ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF CLIENT VIOLENCE
8:45am – Noon; repeated at 1:00-4:15pm.  Franklin Court Independent Living Community Room, 150 Franklin Street, Bristol, RI. Presented by Ralph A. Detri, LICSW, LCDP, MA, MPH.  Upon completion of this workshop participants will:

*Understand a comprehensive bio-psycho-social model of assessment for potential violence
*Recognize specific warning signs for escalation of aggressive and violent behavior
*Learn methods of observation for individuals carrying and possessing weapons
*Learn safe methods for conducting home visits.

Social Work CEU’s applied for; $25 for 3 CEU’s. 
Please call Sherrie at 247-4278 to reserve a space, verify CEU’s, or ask for directions. 
Sponsored by Riverwood Mental Heath Services, Inc.

EAST BAY CENTER’S 3RD ANNUAL WELLNESS DAY
10:00am – 2:30pm.  2 Old County Road, Barrington, RI.

10:00 – 1:00pm. 
Blue Cross Blue Shield of RI will perform “Derma Scan” & Nutrition 101” DermaScan Skin Damage Analysis - Using DermaScan technology, technicians will analyze sun damage on an individual’s face, allowing him/her to see the effects of cumulative sun exposure since early childhood.  This screening may be combined with a diagnostic exam by a dermatologist to detect severe damage such as pre-cancerous lesions or melanomas.

Nutrition 101 – This program allows participants to stop by for a brief discussion of several nutrition topics, including portion size and making healthy dietary choices when shopping or dining out.

10:00am – 1:00pm. 
Rhode Island Blood Center Drive; Free Confidential Depression Screens; Substance Abuse Information Booth.

1:30 – 2:30pm.  Manage Emotional Eating.  Presented by Kathleen Beltramello, LICSW at East Bay Center. Do you eat when you’re not hungry, to manage your mood, or in response to feelings?  Come and find out what emotional eating is and learn strategies to manage emotional eating to develop a more balanced
relationship to food. 
Sponsored by East Bay Center, Inc.

Mental Health Association of Rhode Island Presents the Mental Health Bell Award
To George A. Vecchione, President/CEO Lifespan
5:30 – 7:30pm. Donation:  $100.  Cocktail Reception, Patrick’s Pier One,  200 Allens Avenue, Providence, RI.
For more information, call 401-726-2285 or email mhari@mhari.org.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES 9TH ANNUAL HEALTH FAIR
Presented to promote awareness of mental health and mental health services and to address concerns associated with the stigma of mental illness.
11:00am – 1:00pm.  65 Valley Road, Middletown, RI.  This year the fair will focus on Traffic Safety.  Open to all mental health consumers, family, staff and the community.
Sponsored by Newport County Community Mental Health Center, Inc.

INTERNATIONAL FOOD MONTH AT OASIS
12:30pm lunch will be served.  Mental Health Consumer Advocates of RI/Oasis, 1280 North Main Street, Providence, RI. A staff person will prepare a food dish from their ethnic background.
Sponsored by Mental Health Consumer Advocates of RI/Oasis.

USING HUMOR IN THE WORKPLACE AS A STRESS MANAGEMENT TOOL: A Presentation to the Rotary Club of Warwick
12:15pm. Rotary Club of Warwick, Radisson Hotel, 2081 Post Road, Warwick, RI.
They say humor is the best medicine.  In honor of Mental Health Month, The Kent Center will provide a presentation on the use of humor in the workplace as a stress management tool.  At this time of fiscal crisis, rising unemployment, and having more to do with less, the workplace can be challenged with employees who are increasingly stressed. This can lead to decreased productivity, increased tension between colleagues, and decreased customer service. The mental health of our employees remains one of our most valuable resources.  In this presentation, we will discuss what makes for appropriate humor in the workplace, the role of humor in dealing with stress, and how managers and leaders can role model these important tools for their staff. Attendees must be Rotary members or guests of members. 
Sponsored by The Kent Center.

THE FUNDAMENAL ELEMENTS OF A SUCCESS PLAN
5:00 – 7:30pm.  323 Rathbun Street, (All Saints Parish Hall) Woonsocket, RI.
Learn how to develop a plan that can be used to take control of your life as a consumer and excel at living.
This presentation will include a question & answer session, so please bring any and all questions you may have. Our presenter will be Jon Dupre, Peer Advocate for the Alive Peer Support Program.
Sponsored by NRI Community Services, Inc.

13TH ANNUAL PATHWAYS TO RECOVERY CONFERENCE
9:00am – 3:00pm.  Marriott Hotel, Orms Street, Providence, RI.
For more information call 831-6937.  Sponsored by Mental Health Consumer Advocates of RI/Oasis.

OPEN HOUSE – ANITA JACKSON HOUSE (GROUP HOME)
Presented to promote awareness of mental health and mental health services and to address concerns associated with the stigma of mental illness.
3:00 – 5:00pm.  Anita Jackson House, 316 Greene Lane, Middletown, RI.
Open to all staff, clients, and the community. A tour of the facility will take place from 3:00-4:00pm. The theme for this event is “What to Know About Good Mental Health”. Staff will be present to engage in discussion and answer questions.  Tables will be set up with information regarding good nutrition, proper exercise, and more. Light refreshments will be served. 
Sponsored by Newport County Community Mental Health Center, Inc.

INTERNATIONAL FOOD MONTH AT OASIS
12:30pm lunch will be served.  Mental Health Consumer Advocates of RI/Oasis,
1280 North Main Street, Providence, RI. A staff person will prepare a food dish from their ethnic background. Sponsored by Mental Health Consumer Advocates of RI/Oasis.

NRI COMMUNITY SERVICES - 7TH ANNUAL CHAMPIONS MUSIC SERIES
6:45 – 9:00pm.  Chan’s Fine Oriental Dining,  267 Main Street, Woonsockt, RI.
For the seventh consecutive year, NRI Community Services is setting the stage for their “Community
Champions”  Music Series.  At this last concert in the series, Young Neal & the Vipers, who were rated the Providence Phoenix Best Music Poll 2003 Blues/R&B winners, will showcase their music. Even though this is an evening of fun, our objective is to recognize career contributions to health and human services by our community partners. Concert honorees are Tom Romeo, founder of community-based services for adults with disabilities; Joe Bevilacqua, mental health advocate; Neil Meisler, career mental health administrator; and Dan McCarthy, developer of integrated mental health services. Many guests come early and have dinner at Chan’s.
Tickets are $15 and may be obtained by calling 401-235-7475.  Details can be found at www.NRICommunityServices.org.
Sponsored by NRI Community Services, Inc.