NCMHR - Please Sign Petition to the NY Times: Provide Balanced Coverage on Antidepressant Medications

Petition to the New York Times

Created by Mark Foster 

 

Greetings, friends--

 

I hope this find you all well.

 

I have helped in creating a petition entitled, "A Petition to the NY Times requesting an opportunity for Robert Whitaker to respond to Dr. Peter Kramer" and wanted to see if you would consider adding your name.

 

The issue is this:  Last Sunday, the New York Times pubished on the front page of its review section an article authored by Dr. Peter Kramer, "In Defense of Antidepressants."  This unsubstantiated article contained misinformation and misinterpretation of studies.  It was designed to marginalize critics of unwarranted medication usage for mental distress, and to reassure readers that the drugs are safe and effective.  This article has been widely circulated, and became the most emailed article of that date.

 

Everybody has a right to an opinion.  But it is incumbent upon the world's leading newspaper to provide balanced coverage of opposing viewpoints, especially on such a controversial issue.  This petition is to ask the NY Times to provide comparable space for a rebuttal.  Signing it is not saying that you disagree with all psychiatric medications (I am not anti-medication, but rather support a limited, short-term use of them in very select cases with patients being fully informed of their risks and withdrawal effects).  Signing is indicating that you support a balanced approach and accurate representation of facts in the mainstream press.

 

Robert Whitaker has written an excellent rebuttal, which we would like the NY Times to reproduce within its own pages.  You can read it here:

 

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/mad-in-america/201107/the-new-york-times-defense-antidepressants-0

 

Our goal is to reach 1,000 signatures and we need more support.  You can read more and sign the petition here:

 

http://www.change.org/petitions/a-petition-to-nyt-requesting-an-opportunity-for-robert-whitaker-to-respond-to-dr-peter-kramer

 

Please consider posting this on facebook and forwarding this to any friends who might have interest.

 

Thanks for the support!

SAMHSA - STOP CUTS TO SAMHSA - Call Congress now!

CALL YOUR MEMBER OF CONGRESS TODAY!

SAMHSA FACES BUDGET CUTS AFFECTING KEY CONSUMER/SURVIVOR PROGRAMS

 

The U.S. House of Representatives is preparing to vote on H.R. 1—the Continuing Resolution for FY 2011—which calls for cuts in the fiscal 2011 discretionary budget. This includes significant cuts in funding for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Among the programs that could be affected by these cuts is the Statewide Consumer and Family Network Grants program. The President proposes a 1.29 million cut from 2010 actual budget of 6.2 million. This is among the only federal funding allotted to develop and strengthen statewide grassroots consumer-run organizations. Losing that little pocket of funding could be a devastating blow for many of these organizations.

 

In addition, our peers with Substance Use Disorders are facing a 50% cut in funding of their Recovery Community Services Grants under the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT). Let’s advocate for them as well.

Make your voice heard and call your Representative today…tell them to vote NO on this Continuing Resolution, and to continue to fund consumer-run organizations to help transform mental health systems in their states.

 

DON’T WAIT…MAKE YOUR CALL TODAY!!!!

 

We need for you to take action. Make your voice heard loud and clear, and call your Representative now to express your opposition to the legislation.  The House is expected to vote as early as this afternoon.

 

Don’t wait a minute longer to voice your opposition.

 

Please contact your U.S. Representative, or dial 202/224-3121 and the receptionist to transfer you to your Representative. Tell your Representative to vote in opposition to the 2011 Continuing Resolution.

 

Source: USPRA

National Coalition for Mental Health Recovery - July/August E-Newsletter

From the Director
 

First let me say “SAVE THE DATE!” The NCMHR Annual Meeting will be held on Thursday, Sept. 30th at the Residence Inn by Marriott, 11931 Harbor Blvd., Garden Grove, CA (next door to the Hyatt Regency where Alternatives 2010 is being held). A light dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m., followed by the business meeting from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

 

It has been a full and exciting summer for us at NCMHR. On July 14, we celebrated Bastille Day/International Mental Patients’ Human Rights Day by having a special ceremony at SAMHSA dedicated to the opening of the Consumer/Survivor History Exhibit at the SAMHSA headquarters in Rockville, MD. This was a very special day for many people who have been involved in this project from its beginning. Updates on the exhibit will be provided on our website and e-news. To watch a six-minute video of highlights from the opening ceremony, click here.

 

Also on July 13-14, I along with NCMHR Steering Committee members Daniel Fisher and Effie Smith, and numerous other consumer/survivors participated in a special meeting entitled “Past, Present, and Future:  SAMHSA Efforts to Promote Consumer Inclusion.” At this meeting, 18 of 19 consumer/survivor leaders in attendance (speaking as individuals, not on behalf of the federal government) signed a statement calling for the “urgent necessity for more non-drug alternatives in mental health care." To read the statement, click here.

 

Attendees of the July 13-14 SAMHSA gathering (Photo Credit: Leah Harris)

July 26 marked the 20^th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act; an awesome opportunity to reflect on how far we have come as a cross-disability movement, and to set our sights on greater accomplishments for the future. The National Coalition was present in Washington for many of the weeklong festivities. One of the highlights was a march to the Capitol on July 21, sponsored by the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL). To read President Obama’s remarks on the anniversary of the ADA, click here.

 

Puppet of the late cross-disability leader, Justin Dart (Photo Credit: Leah Harris)

Finally, some good news from Senate Appropriations. Funding for key programs like the Consumers Technical Assistance Centers and the Statewide Consumer/Family Network Grants were not cut and would remain at their FY2010 levels, as with the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Block Grants. It is GOOD that there were no cuts to consumer-run programs...but that is not good enough for us. I will continue to advocate for more funding, particularly for statewide network grantees. Currently 30 states are funded, the NCMHR goal is every state + DC.

 

To that end, I need your help. To better educate Congress, I really need bullet points on how you have effectively used:

1. Statewide network grantee money (for those who have these grants) and/or

2. Funding for other consumer/survivor-run projects in your state

 

PLEASE state clearly when you are responding to #1 and when you are responding to #2. I want to be able to speak accurately about how #1 money is used versus OTHER (#2) c/s projects in your state.

 

If you were talking to an elected official, what would you tell them about how effective these projects are, and why should congress fund more consumer/survivor-run projects? Please email me with your bullet points and let me know if you have questions. Thank you so much.

 

In support,

 

Lauren Spiro

 

National Coalition Partners with Law Enforcement

Building Bridges: Law Enforcement and the Mental Health Advocacy Community An Introduction to the June 2010 IACP Report National Coalition for Mental Health Recovery News Release July 13, 2010 In May 2009, the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), in partnership with the Bureau of Justice Assistance, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the JEHT Foundation, the National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health, and the National Coalition for Mental Health Recovery (NCMHR, formerly the National Coalition of Mental Health Consumer/Survivor Organizations) designed and sponsored “Building Safer Communities: Improving Police Response to Persons with Mental Illness,” a two-day summit bringing together over 100 leaders from mental health advocacy and law enforcement communities across the U.S. Keynote presentations at the summit were given by Sam Cochran, developer of Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) for law enforcement, and NCMHR Steering Committee member Daniel B. Fisher, who spoke about Emotional CPR (eCPR), a public health education program developed by NCMHR and designed to teach people to assist others through emotional crisis. Both Cochran and Fisher discussed the critical importance of heart-to-heart communication, especially when interacting with someone in emotional crisis. NCMHR Director Lauren Spiro helped to plan the summit and participated in a panel discussion about the challenges and opportunities associated with collaboration. The summit report highlights the importance of focusing on recovery rather than symptom management. Key recommendations include: avoiding the use of restraint and other control mechanisms unless absolutely necessary for public safety; emphasizing involvement of consumers, family members, and other advocates in Crisis Intervention Training and related training; and promoting interagency collaboration to ensure community integration of persons with mental health issues. The report describes “grass-roots, peer-run programs led by and for people in recovery” as “an important part of the continuum of services that should be offered to persons with mental illness who come into contact with law enforcement.” Examples of consumer-run organizations are provided. To read the summit report, click here. Said Spiro, “Working with the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) has resulted in enhanced mutual understanding and respect across the mental health advocacy and law enforcement communities. It is our wish and our vision that these communities continue to build relationships based on our shared values, principles, and desire to strengthen the bonds of healthy and hopeful communities. Working together, we can weave a safety net across all communities and eliminate the trauma, injury, and loss of life stakeholders can experience when interactions go tragically wrong.” At Alternatives, a national consumer-run conference taking place from September 30 – October 3, 2010 in Anaheim, California, NCMHR will co-facilitate a workshop with law enforcement personnel to discuss past and present collaborations between law enforcement and mental health advocacy communities, and suggest ways to further build relationships between these communities. The “Building Safer Communities” report recommends eCPR as a way to enrich CIT curricula. NCMHR has developed an eCPR guide adapted for law enforcement, and has issued a fact sheet about eCPR for the law enforcement community as well as a list of law enforcement contacts for national statewide consumer organizations. For more information, visit www.emotional-cpr.org, email info@emotional-cpr.org or call 877-246-9058. ------------- Police Chiefs Release Report: Improving Police Response To Persons With Mental Illness The International Association of Chiefs of Police News Release July 8, 2010 Alexandria, VA – Every day across the country law enforcement officers respond to calls involving an individual with mental illness. People experiencing a mental health crisis and their families often rely on law enforcement officers to respond in an effective manner, treating the person with mental illness with compassion and respect, while at the same time protecting the safety of the public. Unfortunately, due to the lack of consistent policies, procedures, training and education among law enforcement agencies, too many of these calls end badly for all involved. In response to this need, the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) has released a report titled Building Safer Communities: Improving Police Response to Persons with Mental Illness. This report presents the findings and recommendations from a national summit held by IACP in May 2009 to address the millions of encounters between law enforcement and persons with mental illness in our communities. This report outlines the scope of the problem, identifies factors that have contributed to current challenges and describes innovative policies, programs and practices that have emerged in recent years to provide a foundation of this blueprint for change. These promising approaches offer safer, more compassionate and often cost-effective ways for police and their community partners to respond to adults and juveniles with mental illness. This report is intended to serve as a catalyst, opening a dialogue, increasing mutual understanding and strengthening collaboration among all those with a stake in ensuring appropriate responses to persons with mental illness—law enforcement, community residents, mental health service consumers and their families, advocacy groups and the mental health and justice systems—that will result increased public safety for the community and the ability to better serve individuals with mental illness “One of my top priorities during my term has been a commitment to safeguarding the lives of our officers and the citizens they serve,” stated IACP President Michael Carroll, Chief of the West Goshen Township, PA Police Department. “Therefore it is imperative that we provide officers with the tools and training necessary to respond appropriately and ensure not only their safety, but also that of the person in mental health crisis, their family and the community at large. I am confident that this publication will aid law enforcement agencies in establishing much needed protocols for police and their community partners to respond to adults and juveniles with mental illness.” The summit was a collaborative effort with funding provided by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), Office of Justice Programs (OJP), the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)/Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and the JEHT Foundation (NY). Summit design and substantive support was also provided by the National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health (NFFCMH), and the National Coalition of Mental Health Consumer/Survivor Organizations (NCMHCSO). “The National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health is excited to be involved in a partnership with the IACP to improve and advance outcomes of encounters between law enforcement and children and youth with mental health illness.” Sandra Spencer, Executive Director, NFFCMH. The summit brought together over 100 leaders from across the country—law enforcement executives and officers, consumers/survivors of mental health services, community and family members, mental health practitioners and advocates, representatives of courts and corrections agencies, and researchers—who contributed their knowledge to both the summit itself and this report. “It is our collective responsibility to work together to develop practical strategies and tools to assist law enforcement and the justice system to ensure that persons with mental illness receive the services they need and to preserve public safety,” said James Burch, Acting Director of BJA. “With state and local governments struggling to sustain corrections and justice system operations, we must be smart about decision making at all points along the justice continuum, and certainly at the front door. The summit and the IACP report will move us in this direction.” The International Association of Chiefs of Police is the world’s oldest and largest association of law enforcement executives. Founded in 1893, the IACP has more than 22,000 members in 100 countries. -------------- Excerpt from the Report: Mental Health Consumer-Driven Services Many consumers of mental health treatment, their families and advocates have united to urge that all services be focused on recovery rather than simply on symptom management or maintenance.23 There are hundreds of non-profit, mental health consumer-run organizations in the U.S. and internationally with track records providing evidence that many individuals labeled with mental illnesses can and do recover.24 Consumer-driven approaches consistent with principles of hope, self-determination, choice, and dignity differ from traditional treatment approaches by empowering consumers/survivors to offer support to one another. Consumer-driven peer support is based on the principle that people who have experienced mental health recovery can provide effective support to others in ways that will enhance and support their own recovery. This approach encourages the development of reciprocal relationships between givers and receivers of support that enable both parties to feel valued and empowered, thus facilitating their well-being and increasing their opportunities for meaningful community integration. Peer support can reduce the risk of institutionalization and incarceration through offering a wider array of options for persons with mental illness to work with strong emotions in comfortable, non-judgmental environments. Helping individuals develop new stress management skills and options reduces the risk of them experiencing emotional crises that may require law enforcement intervention. Grass-roots, peer-run programs led by and for people in recovery from mental illness clearly are an important part of the continuum of services that should be offered to persons with mental illness who come into contact with law enforcement. These programs can encourage community integration in ways that are beyond the capacity of professional mental health practitioners.

National Coalition for Mental Health Recovery - June 2010 E-newsletter

>From the Director
 

“Revolutions begin when people who are defined as problems achieve the power to redefine the problem.” - John McKnight

 

Opportunities abound in this time of fiscal restructuring and reform. We can always find  avenues to advocate for a mental health system that meets our real needs in an efficient,  effective, and accountable manner. Here in Washington DC, we are working several pathways to change. One opportunity, for example, is Medicaid. On June 3, 2010 while meeting with Cindy Mann, director of Medicaid, she said “We need to end the institutional bias… it is objectively there… we need to eradicate it.” Medicaid wants to hear from National Coalition members and friends. Medicaid has just started a new Center for Innovation – they want to know specifically what works and what has worked in the past. Talk to them - at the state, regional or federal level. Another priority area where we are making progress is encouraging discussions between Medicaid and SAMHSA about peer support and identifying model projects. This work is moving forward.

 

Let us remember, we know how to make our way out of chaos and into the light. Our journeys of recovery have taught us much about being creative, and staying hopeful and focused on the vision. And know that you are not alone – even though it may often feel that way. Invite others to join you or support you in your advocacy efforts so we can amplify our collective voice and create the change we want. .

 

In solidarity,

 

Lauren Spiro

 

Help support our work to promote a mental health system that meets our real needs.

News Kennedy, Green Introduce SAMHSA Reauthorization On May 28, Congressmen Patrick J. Kennedy (D-RI) and Gene Green (D-TX) introduced legislation to reauthorize the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).  Established in 1992, SAMHSA is tasked with targeting services to the millions who fail to receive the substance abuse or mental health services they need, and to translate research in these fields into more effective prevention and treatment strategies. To read the full press release, click here. Briefs Filed in Florida, Illinois and New Jersey to Support the Supreme Court’s Olmstead Decision Briefs Allege Failure to Comply with the ADA The Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed briefs in three separate cases in Florida, Illinois and New Jersey as part of its continuing effort to enforce civil rights laws that require states to end discrimination against and unnecessary segregation of persons with disabilities. The department’s filings support two private lawsuits seeking relief in Florida and New Jersey, as well as a proposed statewide class action settlement in Illinois. To read the full press release, click here.  In Washington DC and in meetings with Cindy Mann, the National Coalition and JFAAN (our cross-disability coalition lead by people with disabilities) have strongly advocated for the enforcement of Olmstead and that Medicaid reinforce the efforts of the DOJ.   Disability Rights Leader Judith Heumann to Join U.S. State Department in Fulfillment of Obama-Clinton Pledge Judith Heumann, an international leader in the disability rights movement and a governmental representative to the USICD Board of Directors, will be joining the U.S. Department of State as their Special Advisor for International Disability Rights. This position was announced last summer, when President Obama and Secretary Clinton declared that the United States would sign the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Heumann resigned her position as Director of the Department on Disability Services for the District of Columbia, and will assume her new position at the Department of State on June 7, 2010. To read the full press release, click here.   Speaking from Your Heart: Public Speaking and the Path to Recovery Webcast Available Online Presenters: Dally Sanchez, Lauren Spiro, and Daniel Fisher Sharing one’s recovery story helps change the mental health system. Recovery stories are not just powerful on a personal level; they break the silence that exists, bring people into the discussion, and help transform the system to be more person-driven. This is a very powerful demonstration of a marginalized group taking a step toward social inclusion.  This training provides: ·    Information on the value of public speaking as a recovery and educational tool.  ·    Information on self-disclosure as a recovery and educational tool. ·    Introductory skills and tips in preparing to share one’s personal story. Click here for more information and to listen to the webcast.   NYAPRS 6th Annual Executive Seminar on Systems Transformation Transforming Systems and Services: From Policy to Practice Presentations Available Online NYAPRS’ 6th Annual Executive Seminar on Systems Transformation brought together over 200 representatives of community behavioral health agencies, state policy makers, advocates and self advocates from across the state and nation. This exciting program featured cutting edge information in the most essential areas of systems transformation. Presenters have graciously made presentation materials available for download. Click here to access the presentations. New Madness Radio Shows Online! Art and Schizophrenia: Louis Sass Does modern art, such as Artaud, Beckett, and Duchamp, parallel the mad frames of mind that get labeled “schizophrenia?” Is extreme sensitivity and inner self-consciousness behind artistic innovation and breaks with reality? Rutgers University psychologist Louis Sass, author of Madness And Modernism: Insanity in the Light of Modern Art, Literature, and Thought, discusses art as an insight into the subjective inner world of madness. Click here to listen to the show. Reinventing Bipolar: Steven Morgan Peer Specialist advocate and bipolar survivor Steven Morgan talks about his experiences with spirituality and meditation, including healing through dream work. Click here to listen to the show. Jonathan Metzl: Schizophrenia and Black Politics How did the definition of schizophrenia change during the civil rights and Black Power era of the 1960s? Why did a disease primarily affecting withdrawn white housewives suddenly become focused on angry and "paranoid" African American men instead? Psychiatrist and historian Jonathan Metzl, author of The Protest Psychosis: How Schizophrenia Became a Black Disease, discusses racism and social control in psychiatric diagnosis, and how Black protest was turned into a mental disorder. Click here to listen to the show. Mindfreedom Radio: Robert Whitaker and Linda Andre This web radio show interviewed two authors whose books question common psychiatric treatments. Journalist Robert Whitaker is the author of the new book, "Anatomy of an Epidemic," which says that studies show the main psychiatric drugs are actually increasing the level of mental and emotional problems. Electroshock survivor Linda Andre is author of the book "Doctors of Deception," which exposes the history of electroconvulsive therapy, or ECT. Host is psychiatric survivor David Oaks, director of MindFreedom International. Click here to listen to the show.  Upcoming Events   GLBTQI* Pride Month: A Celebration of Recovery, Mental Health and Wellness (*Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, Intersex) Thursday, June 17, 2010, 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. Eastern (2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Pacific)   Speaker:       Edward Schreiber Edward Schreiber is a Trainer, Educator, Practitioner of Psychodrama and an author and editor of a number of books.  His life story is an example and an expression of our ability to access inner power and move through and beyond challenges and barriers. Edward Schreiber has served as clinical director of the addiction services at Harvard Medical School, teaches a course at Lesley University, and originated a program at the Boston Living Center that teaches a method for awakening the autonomous healing center within the individual as well as within groups and organizations. Edward is a person with a long and rich history of experience with and recovery from mental, physical and spiritual conditions, including extreme states involving trauma and addiction. Please register by sending your request to star@nami.org JOIN US: A FREE WISE WEBINAR HIGHLIGHTING SUPPORTS AND SERVICES FOR TICKET HOLDERS WITH MENTAL HEALTH DISABILITIES   JUNE 23, 2010 FROM 3:00 – 4:30 PM (EASTERN)   If you are a person with a mental health disability interested in learning about the Ticket to Work Program or other Social Security Work Incentives, you can attend a FREE Web-based education event on work incentives! This first-ever Mental Health Work Incentive Seminar Event (WISE) Webinar will feature presentations by people who know the ins and outs of all available work incentives, including the Ticket Program. A success story of a Social Security beneficiary who used work incentives successfully will be shared. We will also be joined by a mental health peer counselor who currently works encouraging other people with mental health disabilities in their recovery through work.   Want specific information on how work and work earnings will impact your personal Social Security disability benefits? Please visit www.ssa.gov/work or www.choosework.net to get more information and to find a list of resources available in each state, including the Work Incentives Planning Assistance (WIPA) projects, professionals who can provide more information on your individual situation.   Register for this free WISE Webinar or find WISE events in your area at www.cessi.net/wise.   Approximately 2 days before the event, all those who have registered will receive an e-mail message with instructions on how to log in to the Webinar.   If you have questions, please email wise@cessi.net or call 1-877-743-8237 (v/tty).   STAR Center Teleconference Series: Celebrating National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month with Tenemos Voz , New Mexico : Building Latino/Hispano Networks Thursday, June 24, 2010, 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time (2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Pacific Time)   To register please send your request to star@nami.org with title of teleconference in the subject line. More information will be sent in advance of the call, as well as posted on the STAR Center Web site, www.consumerstar.org.   The STAR Center gratefully acknowledges SAMHSA as the funding source for the STAR Center ’s work and activities. Please visit SAMHSA/CMHS at http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/cmhs for many helpful resources, self-help tools and guides, and links.   The STAR Center promotes consumer-directed approaches that maximize self-determination and recovery and assist people with serious mental health challenges to decrease their dependence on expensive social services as well as to avoid psychiatric hospitalization.   Empowerment  -  Independence   -  Responsibility  -  Choice  -  Respect and Dignity “Let your Star shine!”     SAMHSA ADS Center Training Teleconference Building an Inclusive Society Tuesday, June 29, 2010, 2:30 p.m.– 4:00 p.m., Eastern Daylight Savings Time (EDT) Presenters ·    Henry Claypool—U.S. Department of Health and Human Services ·    Celia Brown—New York State Office of Mental Health Recipient Affairs ·    Andy Imparato—American Association of People with Disabilities   How can we build an inclusive society with a collaborative network of agencies aligned to deliver effective integrated services to people with disabilities including individuals with psychiatric disabilities? To assist people with disabilities, consumers, survivors, family members, advocates, and health care/mental health providers to better understand the rights of people with disabilities, the challenges posed by the assertion of these rights, and the protections offered under the law, the SAMHSA ADS Center invites you to a free training teleconference titled “Building an Inclusive Society.”   To learn more and to register, click here. Registration will close at 5:00 p.m., EDT, on Friday, June 25, 2010.   This training teleconference will include a question and answer session. We invite you to submit questions at any time before or during the teleconference. To submit questions before the teleconference, please e-mail promoteacceptance@samhsa.hhs.gov. Speakers will answer as many questions as possible during this session, but we cannot guarantee that your question will be answered during the teleconference. We will provide each presenter’s contact information so that you may contact him or her directly for a response or additional information.   This teleconference is sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Opportunity   Opportunity for Creation of a Study Guide To Go with “Can,” A Documentary Film by Pearl J. Park   A rough cut has been completed of the documentary film, “Can”, about the life of a young Vietnamese-American man with a mental health condition. This is a 60-minute film shot in “cinema veritae” for the general public, as opposed to a “clinical-type” film for therapy classes.   The Mental Health Association and REMHDO (the Racial and Ethnic Mental Health Disparities Coalition) are looking for a person to create a study guide for this film. There is approximately between $3,500 - $4,000 for a study guide to be developed. This would need to be completed by August 15th, 2010.   If you are interested in this project, please email Stacie Hiramoto to apply or call (916) 557-1167. Please feel free to forward this to others that may be interested and qualified.