Posted on July 7, 1998
Arlington, VA - The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI), the nation’s leading grassroots advocacy organization solely dedicated to improving the lives of people with severe mental illnesses, will host its annual convention July 15-19, 1998 in Washington, D.C. In keeping with the theme From Discovery to Recovery the convention will focus on dramatic breakthroughs and scientific advancements in the understanding, diagnosis and treatment of serious brain disorders that are helping millions of Americans recover from the once crippling effects of severe mental illness.
WHEN: Wednesday, July 15 through Sunday, July 19, 1998
WHERE: Washington Hilton and Towers Hotel; 1919 Connecticut Avenue, NW; 202/483-3000
National newsmakers, policymakers, best-selling authors, and leading medical experts in neuroscience, psychiatry and research will be available for media interviews. More than 2,000 NAMI members from around the country also will available to relate personal accounts of severe mental illness. Issues to be covered include:
To build upon recent legislative victories, more than 1,200 NAMI members will converge on Capitol Hill to meet with their federal lawmakers to educate them about the true nature of severe mental illness and its impact on American families. Additionally, NAMI members will urge their lawmakers to increase research funding and improve access to quality medical care.
Hi-tech exhibits will be featured for visitors, including the "Science Fair of the Brain," a 12-times life-size walk-through brain, with 50 hands-on devices, computer games, and interactive videos, and "Video Tour of NIMH," a real-time, interactive video tour of the National Institute of Mental Health.
PRELIMINARY HIGHLIGHT OF KEY SPEAKERS AND EVENTS AT NAMI CONVENTION
Wednesday, July 15th |
LIVE, INTERACTIVE VIDEO TOUR OF THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH (NIMH)
Speaker:
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Thursday, July 16th |
LEGISLATIVE BRIEFING AND CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST An insider’s view of the current legislative environment for people with severe mental illnesses. Issues to be discussed include managed care and the Patients Bill of Rights, worker incentive issues and health insurance parity legislation. Political commentary and predictions on upcoming elections also will be featured. Speakers:
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3:00 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. Int’l. Ballroom |
PLENARY: PARTNERS IN WASHINGTON
Special Guest:
Moderator:
Speakers:
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Friday, July 17th 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Int’l. Ballroom |
DISCOVERY PLENARY The allocation of research funding is a key component to improved treatments, prevention and ultimate cures of severe mental illnesses. Speakers will share their views on research priorities for treatment gains and the most promising and important areas of research into severe mental illnesses. Moderator:
Speakers:
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2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Int’l. Ballroom |
BRIDGE TO RECOVERY PLENARY More than half of individuals with schizophrenia receive substandard care. The results of a landmark study released earlier this year on the treatment of schizophrenia will be discussed and what health care systems should be implemented to ensure better care and potential recovery. Speaker:
{Note: Dr. Lehman will be presented with NAMI’s Distinguished Service Award for his leading role in the landmark Schizophrenia Patient Outcomes Research Team (PORT) study.} Special Guest:
{Note: Mrs. Carter will be signing copies of her book from 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. in the International Terrace.} |
Saturday, July 18th 8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Int’l. Ballroom |
RECOVERY PLENARY
Special Guest:
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Email: [email protected]
NAMI HelpLine is available M-F, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. ET. Call 800-950-6264,
text “helpline” to 62640, or chat online. In a crisis, call or text 988 (24/7).