Major Rally at the Capitol

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., March 7, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following was released today by The Arc of Missouri: WHEN: March 9, 2011, 11 a.m. WHAT: 10th Annual Disability Rights Legislative Day WHERE: The Missouri State Capitol Rotunda WHO: Advocates and lawmakers (including Jay Nixon (invited), Speaker of the House Steven Tilley, Senators Scott Rupp, Maria Chappelle-Nadal, Jolie Justice and Representative Jeff Grisamore) WHY: More than 800 people from all over the Show-Me State will flood the capital to acknowledge the importance and contributions of Missourians with disabilities and to ask lawmakers for support. One major topic of discussion, among others, is the recent Senate Bill 56/House Bill 411/421 which calls for the Department of Mental Health to develop a plan for serving people in community-based settings instead of less dignified, much more expensive institutions. The Governor is invited to speak at 11:15 a.m., followed by fellow lawmakers as well as "real people." Those folks will include parents of children with disabilities, former institutionalized residents, Missourians who are on the waiting list for services, friends and allies from all corners of the state. Each of these people is willing and able to share their personal stories with the media. The event features two rallies; one at 11:15 a.m. and the other at 2:30 p.m. Key legislators and self-advocates will speak at the rallies. Good photo opportunity: Between 12-12:30. This is the time when the crowd will disperse for individual visits with their legislators. For more information contact: Cathy Brown - Chair of the 10th Annual Disability Rights Legislative Day Planning Committee at (c.573-690-1751) or cbrown@mpcdd.com. Please look for the registration table for media help. SOURCE The Arc of Missouri

White Paper: Virtualizing Video Conferencing for Business

New white paper from Nefsis highlights the advantages of virtualized conference servers for scalability, high availability and lower cost of ownership

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SAN DIEGO, March 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Online services innovator Nefsis® today published a white paper entitled "Virtualizing Video Conferencing for Business," highlighting the fundamental advantages of cloud computing versus standalone, installed-site video conferencing solutions. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110114/MM30776LOGO) Video conferencing usually falls under the management of corporate information technology (IT) departments, but traditional video conferencing products do not look, behave or act like most IT assets. They are dedicated, single-function devices with no provision for scalability or high availability. The cloud-based video conferencing approach uses virtual conference servers, much like any "virtualized" application. The virtualized server approach fits today's managed service IT strategy better than standalone video conferencing systems that are islands of computing largely being left behind. Now, with a worldwide cloud of physical servers and evenly distributed virtual conference sessions, HD video conferencing finally fits into the procedures with which IT managers are so familiar: failover, scalability and load balancing. In addition, the cloud-based approach dramatically simplifies activation and maintenance of a secure, company-wide video conferencing application. There are no infrastructure hardware components that are difficult to expand. "Nefsis cloud computing complements or replaces aging video routers and multichannel units with easy to activate and maintain online services. Expanding a pure hardware-based multi-office video conferencing system often requires more video routers, quickly becoming a major project for IT. With cloud computing it's a license expansion and plugging in a few more peripherals, that's it," said Allen Drennan, Nefsis Chief Technology Officer. "Additionally, IT managers need not concern themselves with owning, maintaining and upgrading any particular piece of infrastructure hardware, resulting in a lower cost of ownership." To download a copy of the paper, "Virtualizing Video Conferencing for Business" click here:http://www.nefsis.com/pdf/nefsis-virtualizing-video-conferencing.pdf. For a free 14-day trial of Nefsis Professional, visit Nefsis.com. About Nefsis Headquartered in San Diego, California, Nefsis is a technology specialist in video conferencing software and cloud computing online services. The Company's global cloud provides multipoint HD video and advanced collaboration tools to business, government and educational customers in more than 45 countries worldwide. As compared to previous generations of infrastructure hardware solutions such as video routers, MCUs and gateways, the Nefsis cloud-based offering is less expensive, automatically maintained, and easier to expand. For more information, please visit http://www.nefsis.com or call +1 (858) 715-0970 in the Americas or +44 (0) 870 224 0415 in the UK and Europe.

MEDIA CONTACT
Xenia Moore
Phone: +1-858-715-0970
xenia@moorepr.com

Nefsis is a registered trademark of Nefsis Corporation. All other trademarks mentioned are property of their respective owners. SOURCE Nefsis

New Version of PAR Assessment Toolkitâ„¢ Expands Toolset for Psychologists

LUTZ, Fla., March 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- As the market for mobile applications expands, psychologists can now be on the cutting edge with a mobile app that aids them in assessing and evaluating client needs. At the forefront of this technology is the updated PAR Assessment Toolkit™ Version 2.0, a convenient application that aids psychologists by providing shortcuts to the tools used on a daily basis. No need to carry heavy manuals or return to the office to calculate scores – calculations are convenient, available on-the-go, and at your fingertips. Users must have iOS version 4.0 on their iPod® Touch, iPhone®, iPad® or Android version 2.1 (or higher) on their mobile device or tablet. The Toolkit includes a Normal Curve, a Conversion Chart, an Age Calculator, a Stopwatch, and a Compliancy Calculator. Updates to the Toolkit include a new drag-and-drop feature that allows users to focus on specific data points along the Normal Curve, a lap time component that adds functionality to the Stopwatch feature, and a Compliancy Calculator that enables the user to manage holidays, important dates, and other user-input special days. Now Add-On Modules are available for in-app purchase (each module is priced separately)! Users can simply enter the examinee's demographic information and raw scale scores and the app will provide calculations for 7 assessments:

Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function® (BRIEF®)/Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function®–Self-Report Version (BRIEF®-SR)
Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function®–Adult Version (BRIEF®-A)
Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function®–Preschool Version (BRIEF®-P)
Mini-Mental® State Examination, 2nd Edition™ (MMSE®-2™)
Mini-Mental® State Examination (MMSE®)
The NEO™ Inventories: NEO™ Personality Inventory-3 (NEO™-PI-3)
Personality Assessment Inventory™ (PAI®)

Simply visit toolkit.parinc.com or go to the Apple® App Store(SM) or Android Marketplace to download the updated PAR Assessment Toolkit today! Founded in 1978, PAR is a leading publisher of assessment instruments, software, and other related materials. Over the past three decades, PAR has earned a reputation for providing customers with innovative assessment solutions and unparalleled customer service. SOURCE PAR, Inc.

Pennsylvania Observes 'Problem Gambling Awareness Week' March 6-12

HARRISBURG, Pa., March 4, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The state departments of Health, Revenue and Agriculture – along with the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board – are working together to highlight "Problem Gambling Awareness Week," March 6-12, to ensure that Pennsylvanians with gambling addiction problems know that help is available. "A gambling addiction may not be as easy to detect as an alcohol or drug addiction," said Dr. Eli Avila, Acting Secretary of Health. "While gambling can be recreational for many, for some residents it's an activity that can have detrimental effects. We want citizens to know that gambling is not a risk-free behavior and that help is available for those who need it." "The vast majority of those who participate in lottery, casino and horse race wagering find these forms of gambling an affordable recreation," said Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board Chairman Greg Fajt. "But for some, any form of gambling can lead to devastating consequences which can ruin finances, damage relationships with family and friends, and cause personal anguish. We want these people to know that there are professional and compassionate problem gambling programs available for them." "The Lottery takes the social issues around compulsive gambling very seriously. While we want the public to enjoy playing Lottery games, we want people to play responsibly," said interim Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Lottery Drew Svitko. "The vast majority of players are able to do so, but National Problem Gambling Awareness Week draws attention to the issue, making the public aware of the issue and informing the 1 to 3 percent of people affected by problem gambling of ways to identify a problem and find treatment options." "We invite Pennsylvanians to enjoy the excitement of live thoroughbred and standard bred racing at any of our six racetracks," said acting Agriculture Secretary George Greig. "When visiting, remember to wager responsibly." The agencies offer information, assistance and referrals to services to increase public awareness about problem gambling behaviors. In early January, the Department of Health launched a statewide problem gambling awareness campaign featuring television and radio ads along with a website, www.paproblemgambling.com, to reach out to problem gamblers and their families. Additionally, the Department of Health has approved 70 problem gambling treatment providers across the state that offers counseling services to those in need. Assistance is also available by calling the department's 24-hour Gambling Addiction hotline at 1-877-565-2112. The free call is confidential and anonymous. According to the Department of Health, more than 16,000 Pennsylvanians called the gambling help line in 2010 for all forms of gambling including: slots, card games, lottery, horse racing, sports and internet gambling. Callers were nearly evenly split between male and female, and affected all age groups from teens through seniors. Individuals most frequently reported why they called the help line as being: financial, family/marital and mental health issues. The Gaming Control Board Self-Exclusion Program has continued to grow into a very effective and proven tool to assist a problem gambler in removing himself or herself from the temptation of gambling at casinos. With more than 2,200 individuals self-excluded from PA casinos, this program is making a real difference in the lives of gamblers and their families. Individuals who wish to place themselves on the Self-Exclusion List can obtain the request and instructions by visiting the Gaming Control Board website, www.pgcb.state.pa.us, and choosing the Compulsive and Problem Gambling link located under the Gaming menu. Representatives of the PA Gaming Control Board, Department of Health and the Pennsylvania Council on Compulsive Gambling will set up a booth at Strawberry Square Shopping Center in Harrisburg on March 7-8; in the State Capitol Mini-Rotunda on March 9-10; and at the Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania's Annual Statewide Conference in Pittsburgh on March 8and in Philadelphia on March 11. The booths will have information and handouts on problem gambling, including 12-step programs, the Self-Exclusion Program and treatment providers.

CONTACT: Richard McGarvey (PGCB), 717-346-8321
Holli Senior (Health), 717-787-1783
Nicole L.C. Bucher (Agriculture), 717-787-5085
Elizabeth Brassell (Revenue/Lottery), 717-787-6960

SOURCE Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board

New National Study Gives Parents an Urgent Topic for Discussion

CHICAGO, March 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- A government study has found that more than half a million teens have had an eating disorder, most commonly in the form of binge eating disorder and bulimia, and that most of the time these go untreated. How can we change this downward trend before it gets more out of control? Kimberly Dennis, M.D., medical director at Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center, says it's critical for parents to talk to their kids about eating disorders as early as possible, and be open to the possibility their kids (or they) may have an unhealthy relationship with food. "Parents don't want to believe their child might have a fatal disease, especially when in a lot of cases the teen is still doing well in school and even excelling in sports. And when they suspect a problem, parents a lot of times think it's 'just a phase' and are in denial it needs to be addressed," said Dr. Dennis. "In addition to the critical need for parents to talk to their kids, is the need for all 'first responders' in a teen's life to be aware of this growing problem. Pediatricians, primary care doctors, school nurses, teachers and coaches need to be educated as well, and not afraid to talk to teens about these issues; because early detection and treatment is critical to ensure a full and healthy life for these teens." According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) Web site, "Over one-half of teenage girls and nearly one-third of teenage boys use unhealthy weight control behaviors such as skipping meals, fasting, smoking cigarettes, vomiting, and taking laxatives." "More programs need to be developed to go into schools to not only speak to the students, but also to the school nurses, teachers and coaches. And parents need to get involved and be educated on the seriousness of these diseases," said Dr. Dennis. She also encourages parents to listen to their gut and look for changes in behavior, including kids not eating with the family, frequent trips to the bathroom immediately after meals, changes in diet, and consumption of a large, unhealthy amount of food in one sitting. "More of these studies are needed to get our heads around the scope of the problem. I believe that eating disorders are far more widespread than anyone realizes," said Dr. Dennis. "But recovery is possible when the right help is utilized and those most closely involved with these teens help them to get the help they so desperately need." About Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center Timberline Knolls is a leading private residential treatment center for eating disorders and substance abuse, with or without trauma, a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder. Expert treatment staff offers a nurturing environment of recovery for women and girls (ages 12 and older) on a wooded 43-acre campus in suburban Chicago. Women and families seeking Christian treatment have the option of working with a dedicated Christian therapist. For more information on Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center, call us at 877.257.9611. SOURCE Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center

First Aid For Mental Health: Tucson, Sheen and In-between

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WASHINGTON, March 8, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare CEO Linda Rosenberg will speak at a National Press Club Newsmakers press conference at noon Thursday, March 10, in the National Press Building, 529 14th St., NW, Washington, D.C. Rosenberg will discuss the emergence of Mental Health First Aid, a new public-education program that teaches people how to help someone in crisis who is developing signs of mental illness or substance abuse. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20080917/NPCLOGO) Rosenberg will demonstrate how the program uses role playing and simulations to show participants how to assess a mental health crisis, select interventions and provide initial help until professional support is engaged. Brought to the U.S. from Australia in 2008, the program also teaches about the risk factors and warning signs of specific illnesses like anxiety, depression, psychosis and addiction. The program has enjoyed newfound interest since the tragedy in Tucson and the recent speculation over the state of actor Charlie Sheen's mental health. More about Mental Health First Aid: http://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org SOURCE National Press Club

First Ultra Luxury Christian Addiction Treatment Program in North America

KELOWNA, British Columbia, March 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Drug addiction is a large problem in North America, but according to statistics and online polls, there is a shortage of programs that are effective and which are designed for Christian beliefs and those accustomed to certain standards and luxuries. CEO Royce Dockrill utilized these findings to create the first ultra luxury Christian addiction treatment program in North America, Valiant Recovery. Studies on addiction treatment programs have shown that ultra luxury rehabs involve individualized programs, and this has been proven to be more effective at treating addiction and preventing relapses. Group therapy for drug and alcohol addiction is a core component of any rehab program, but that is not enough to eliminate the addiction completely in most cases. Individualized programs include other essential components, which are needed for addiction recovery to work. Ultra luxury rehab programs include individual counseling, for a minimum of four hours each week, and also include many courses in life skills and problem management. Medical professionals and mental health experts agree that the only way recovery from substance abuse will be effective is if the cause of the problem is treated. This intensive treatment can be expensive, but is also much more effective. An ultra luxury drug addiction treatment program has the resources to offer this treatment because of a larger operating budget. Some of the additional courses offered by ultra luxury rehab programs include anger management, stress management and reduction, boundaries, anxiety and phobias, relationships, dealing with grief and loss, genesis process, sexual compulsions, dealing with depression, and others. All of these courses have been shown to help treat addiction permanently, by allowing the individual to take control of their life and address the root causes of their addiction and resolve these issues. Many rehabs do not address spiritual needs, and this can have an impact on the effectiveness of the program. Studies show that rehabs that include the belief in a higher power have higher success rates. The 12-step program is one of the successes in this area, and many programs include the 12-step process. A Christian rehab program involves spiritual counseling, so that the mind, body, and spirit are all healed during the treatment and the addiction is eliminated. The rate of relapse with substance abuse is extremely high, with up to 90% of treated clients suffering at least a brief relapse after treatment. At least 50% of clients will resume heavy substance abuse habits after treatment. These numbers are unacceptable, and relapse can be prevented with the right treatment methods. Many individuals will not fully complete a treatment program because the setting can be depressing at these facilities, with crowded conditions, bland food, and drab furnishings. An ultra luxury addiction treatment program offers a much different experience, with luxurious furnishings, a higher staff to patient ratio, individual customized treatment plans, and semi private rooms. About Valiant Recovery Valiant Recovery was started to provide effective substance abuse treatment. The luxury drug rehab concept was created because the usual rehab programs have a very high failure rate. After extensive research on the subject it was determined that a customized plan and a comfortable environment is most effective for full recovery. Treatment is provided in an elegant upscale setting, with fine dining experiences and very personal service and attention. The company website provides articles and research on the treatments offered, and virtual tours of the Valiant Recovery facility. If you would like more information about Valiant Recovery or wish to schedule an interview with Royce Dockrill, please contact 1-877-618-6464 or send an email to admin@valiantrecovery.com.

Contact: Valiant Recovery
Contact Person: Royce Dockrill, CEO
Company Name: Valiant Recovery
Telephone Number: 1-877-618-6464
Fax Number: 250-860-9685
Email Address: royce@valiantrecovery.com
Website address: http://www.ValiantRecovery.com

This press release was issued through eReleases(R). For more information, visit eReleases Press Release Distribution at http://www.ereleases.com. SOURCE Valiant Recovery

White Paper: Virtualizing Video Conferencing for Business

State Mental Health Cuts are a National Crisis; State-By-State Data Released

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ARLINGTON, Va., March 9, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Two thirds of states have cut mental health care in the last three years—even though need has increased because of the nation's economic distress and troops returning home from war, according to a report released today by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100216/NAMILOGO)

Seventeen states managed to increase mental health budgets during the same three years. For 10 of them, the increases totaled four percent or less.

"State mental health cuts are a national crisis," said NAMI Executive Director Michael J. Fitzpatrick. "Some states are trying to hold the line or make progress, but most are cutting deep. This stands in contrast to the intense national concern about the mental health care system following the Arizona tragedy two months ago."

State Lists and Data

The report can be downloaded at www.nami.org/budgetcuts. State-by-state tables appear in the appendices. A summary of decreases and increases appears below listing the total change in dollars, percentages and rank.

In all states, the budget squeeze is getting worse in part because of the expiration of enhanced federal Medicaid support in June 2011. Oregon, for example, which increased mental health by $57.4 million over three years, will lose $156 million because of the expiration.

The report focuses primarily on non-Medicaid mental health services, which are financed with state general funds and provided through state mental health agencies. It is the part of the mental health system that state legislatures have the most control over.

"Cutting mental health means that costs only get shifted to emergency rooms, schools, police, local courts, jails and prisons," Fitzpatrick said. "The taxpayer still pays the bill.

"Mental health cuts mean that clinics, crisis centers and hospitals close. Admissions are frozen. Emergency room visits increase. Where services remain, staff is cut, wait times for appointments are stretched and when people finally are seen, it's for shorter amounts of time.

"Cuts mean people don't get the right help in the right place at the right time. Communities suffer and families break under the strain. Some people end up living on the street or dead."

The report makes five priority recommendations:

Protect state mental health funding and restore budget cuts, but tie funding to performance.
Maintain adequate numbers of inpatient beds for psychiatric treatment.
Invest in research on early detection and intervention in the treatment of serious mental illness in youth and adults.
Implement mental health screening and assessment programs.
Support programs designed to educate families, peers and the public about serious mental illness and how to respond to people living with mental illness.

"Decisions need to be made carefully rather than simply cutting for cutting's sake. If done right, the state budget crisis can still be turned into opportunity," said Fitzpatrick.

DECREASES FY 2009-2011
STATE	Change Millions	Percent Change	Rank by % Decrease
Alaska	$47.9	-35.0%	2
Arizona	$108.4	-22.7%	3 tied
California	$587.4	-16.3%	8
Colorado	$10.2	-6.7%	21
Delaware	$2.4	-3.1%	25
D.C.	$44.2	-19.1%	5
Hawaii	$27.2	-12.1%	11
Idaho	$5.3	-11.4%	12 tied
Illinois	$113.7	-15.1%	9
Indiana	$3.6	-3.0%	26 tied
Iowa	$15.2	-8.9%	18
Kansas	$18.9	-16.4%	7
Kentucky	$193.7	-47.5%	1
Louisiana	$11.8	-2.8%	28
Maryland	$26.2	-4.0%	23
Massachusetts	$63.5	-9.3%	16
Michigan	$24.5	-7.9%	20
Mississippi	$38.6	-14.7%	10
Nevada	$39.2	-17.3%	6
New Hampshire	$8.8	-8.5%	19
New Jersey	$5.3	-0.7%	31
New Mexico	$0.9	-2.0%	30
New York	$132.0	-3.5%	24
Ohio	$57.7	-11.3%	13
Oklahoma	$4.8	-2.3%	29
Pennsylvania	$33.8	-4.7%	22
South Carolina	$40.5	-22.7%	3 tied
Tennessee	$16.8	-10.1%	15
Texas	$27.6	-3.0%	26 tied
Utah	$10.4	-11.4%	12 tied
Virginia	$38.5	-9.1%	17
Washington	$34.5	-11.0%	14
Wisconsin	$107.1	-22.4%	4
Wyoming	$3.1	-2.9%	27

INCREASES FY 2009-2011
STATE	Change $ Millions	Percent Change	Rank by % Change
Alabama	$12.3	+2.5%	13
Arkansas	$4.2	+5.9%	5
Connecticut	$17.7	+2.6%	12
Florida	$1.2	+0.2%	17
Georgia	$2.0	+0.5%	16
Maine	$10.4	+5.2%	6
Minnesota	$2.8	+1.4%	15
Missouri	$16.5	+3.7%	10
Montana	$2.6	+2.1%	14
Nebraska	$4.2	+3.9%	9
North Carolina	$58.5	+20.9%	2
North Dakota	$2.9	+4.4%	7
Oregon	$71.0	+23.2%	1
Rhode Island	$6.3	+7.4%	3
South Dakota	$1.8	+4.0%	8
Vermont	$4.5	+3.0%	11
West Virginia	$9.5	+6.6%	4

About NAMI

NAMI is the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness. NAMI has over 1,100 state and local affiliates engaged in research, education, support and advocacy.

http://twitter.com/namicommunicate

http://www.facebook.com/officialNAMI

SOURCE National Alliance on Mental Illness

Austin Recovery Expands Detox Expertise

Major Rally at the Capitol

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White Paper: Virtualizing Video Conferencing for Business

New white paper from Nefsis highlights the advantages of virtualized conference servers for scalability, high availability and lower cost of ownership

Major Rally at the Capitol

New Version of PAR Assessment Toolkitâ„¢ Expands Toolset for Psychologists

Nefsis Introduces New Document & Live Data Sharing Technology to Its Video Conferencing Cloud

Pennsylvania Observes 'Problem Gambling Awareness Week' March 6-12

New National Study Gives Parents an Urgent Topic for Discussion

New National Study Gives Parents an Urgent Topic for Discussion

Elsevier Announces the Anxiety and Depression: 21st Neuropharmacology Conference

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First Ultra Luxury Christian Addiction Treatment Program in North America

White Paper: Virtualizing Video Conferencing for Business

State Mental Health Cuts are a National Crisis; State-By-State Data Released

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