This panel discussion will focus on the

similarities and differences in mental

health crises communication between 911

and 988 as well as Whatcom County's crisis

response capabilities. The panel will also

address needed improvements and current

challenges facing the 988 system both in

Whatcom County and Washington state.

Panel:

Malora Christensen, from Whatcom County's ResponseDivision

Courtney Colwell, Director of 988 services with Volunteers ofAmerica

Alysn Everbeck, Deputy Director of Operations Whatcom 911

Elaina Perry, Washington State Department of Health 988 team

The University of Washington’s Center for Mental Health, Policy, and the Law is pleased to host a virtual speaker series on civil commitment. Civil commitment, or involuntary commitment, is a legal intervention by which a person with serious mental illness, or other criteria, may be ordered to a psychiatric hospital or receive supervised outpatient treatment for some period of time. Recent changes in the laws governing civil commitment across the country have fueled the longstanding debate about the role of civil commitment, understanding the balance between ensuring public welfare and protecting one’s civil liberties, and providing quality health care services within the mental health care continuum.

This series brings together an array of experts, including clinicians, legal professionals, educators, policymakers, and individuals with lived experience. The speakers will provide foundational as well as advanced content on civil commitment laws and processes, ethical considerations, and clinical practices for caring for persons with mental illness.

All are welcome to attend. The series is intended to be useful to both professional and community audiences.

Participants may attend one session or the entire series.

Please use the Registration link to read more information and to register.

NAMI Family-to-Family is a free, 8-session education program for family, friends, and significant others of adults with mental health conditions. NAMI Family-to-Family provides information about anxiety, depressive disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other mental health conditions. Other topics covered include communication, problem-solving, treatment, and recovery.

The course is designed to increase understanding and advocacy skills while helping participants maintain their well-being. It is taught by trained family members who have a loved one with a mental health condition. NAMI Family-to-Family is an evidence-based program. For information on the program's research base, visit nami.org/research.

“This course overall was the single most,

without a doubt, helpful and informative

thing ever offered in all my years searching

for answers...it has helped me to

understand better and communicate more

effectively with my brother.”

NAMI Sno-Isle is offering the free eight-week F2F class on Thursdays from 6:00 to 8:30 PM

starting January 16, 2025, in the Providence Regional Medical Office Building, Cascade Room,

1330 Rockefeller Ave., Everett, WA 98201.