NAMI Schedules April Presentation

NAMI Union County invites the public to join us on Tuesday, April 28th at 7:30 pm for a presentation on “Involuntary Outpatient Commitment (IOC) by Kathryn E. Howie, LCSW, at the American Legion Post, 1003 North Ave., Westfield, N.J.

Kathy Howie received her Master’s in Social Work from Rutgers University, with a Major in Group Work and a Minor in Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs. She was honored to be selected as the Outstanding Direct Practice Student in her graduating class. After internships with adults at what was then Elizabeth General Medical Center’s (EGMC) Substance Abuse Treatment Unit and with families and children at Catholic Charities of Bridgewater’s Family Service Unit, Kathy returned to EGMC to begin a career helping adults diagnosed with Mental Health and/or Substance Use Disorders.

After years of increasing administrative responsibilities and decreasing clinical contact, in 2009, Kathy returned to her roots at what is now Trinitas Regional Medical Center (TRMC) to work in a unique, new grant-funded program designed to remove barriers to compliance for patients with Mental Health disorders. That program is called TLC, which stands for Treatment, Linkage and Case Management.

Trinitas was at the forefront when the state Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services was looking for providers to implement the new Involuntary Outpatient Commitment Law, and Kathy was given the opportunity to lead the efforts in Union County. Using the client focused approach that was so helpful to TLC patients, with the addition of a court order for those folks who are reluctant to comply; IOC began serving patients in August 2012.

Snacks and free literature are provided. There is no charge: our information and friendship are priceless – and free.

Call 908-233-1628 for information, or in the event of inclement weather. E-mail: namiunioncounty@yahoo.com.