• Share our stories of hope and recovery as former (or current) patients and family members.
• Talk about self-help recovery tools that we (or our loved ones) have found helpful in managing these illnesses.
• Provide materials on recovery that have been published by DBSA and NAMI that these professionals can share with their patients and their families.
• Discuss the services offered by our local chapters of DBSA and NAMI, such as free peer- (and/or family-) led self-help support groups and classes.
• Get feedback after their patients have attended DBSA and NAMI support group meetings about whether they found the groups helpful, and if not - why not.
• Refer their patients or their family members to us, when appropriate, to share our stories of hope and recovery.

• Strong Memorial Hospital (and University of Rochester)
• Rochester General Hospital (ViaHealth)
• St. Mary's Hospital (Unity Health
• Rochester Psychiatric Center (State Institution)
• Park Ridge Hospital
• Lakeside Memorial Hospital and Wellness Center (Brockport)
• Strong Ties (Strong Behavioral Health)
• Depaul Community Services
• East House
• Regional Center for Independent Living
• Main Street Intensive Psychiatric Rehabilitation Treatment (IPRT)
• LifeChoice IPRT (Unity Health)
• ViaHealth IPRT
• Ventures IPRT
  

• Believe recovery is possible - even if you (or your loved one) have not achieved long-term stability. Sometimes the struggles you share are more important than having achieved prolonged stability.
• Have attended at least six DBSA or NAMI support groups and feel the peer-support (or family-led) meetings have helped. This is so you can talk to others about what you've gained in coming to meetings.
• Are willing to share your story - with mental health care professionals and people in the community. Your personal experiences with recovery can give people hope that recovery is possible and help them see the benefits of self-help recovery tools and peer support.
• Be available to talk to anyone who wants to learn more - if a mental health care professional you contact identifies patients or family members who could benefit from what you can share about self-help tools and peer support.
• Make a commitment to your own personal wellness to represent DBSA and NAMI accordingly.

If you are chosen to participate in the program, further instructions and materials will be provided to you at an orientation meeting. Mileage and parking fees for all hospital visits will be reimbursed. If you meet the qualifications for financial hardship, stipends may be made available.

Click here for information on the DBSA Canandaigua Grant.

Enriching lives through education, empowerment, advocacy, and support.

For emergencies please contact LIFELINE at (585) 275-5151
(585) 275-2700 TTY or (800) 310-1160 outside of Monroe County

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The hopeline at 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) or www.hopeline.com