United and divided

 

Dear Friend, A couple weeks ago, our Executive Director, Scott Arceneaux, updated you on how far we've come in 9 months. In case you missed it, the bottom line is: we are united and thanks to you, we are on the right track to make history again in 2010. I know we are ready for this historic opportunity to change Florida in 2010 by electing Alex Sink as our next governor, sending another strong Democrat to the U.S. Senate, and electing Democrats to Florida's Cabinet, Congress, and the Legislature. But faced with the same historic election, the Republican Party of Florida has found itself buried in scandal. Republican grassroots activists are calling for change in the party leadership. And, the Republican candidates are facing the serious questions -- Bill McCollum about his extreme right-wing record and Charlie Crist about his out-of-touch, out-of-town ways. Now, they face another test. At the end of September, both parties will need to file their finance reports with the state and show how many Floridians support them. Last quarter three times more Floridians gave to the Florida Democratic Party. I know we can do it again and show everyone that Florida Democrats are united and ready to win in 2010. Help finish this quarter strong, and keep us on track for victory: http://www.fladems.com/united Since the last election, you have been helping build a stronger, better Democratic Party that is ready to win again. While our party has united to move Florida forward, the Republicans are divided and under fire from the editorial pages across Florida to their own local activists. While we have focused on building the party from the ground up to help win, the Republican Party of Florida is supporting only candidates who won't question the Republican culture of cronyism and corruption in Tallahassee. But no matter what they are doing, we face an important fundraising deadline at the end of the month. Let's make it clear -- with the support of hundreds more grassroots Democrats, that we are united and on the right track to win. Please take a moment and make a donation today: http://www.fladems.com/united Every donation is vital as we work to bring change to Florida. And for the past six months, every time we've needed it, you've continued to step up. There is no question: Democrats are united and ready to bring new and different leadership to Tallahassee. Thank you for all your support. Sincerely, Congresswoman Karen L. Thurman Chair of the Florida Democratic Party Paid for and authorized by the Florida Democratic Party, www.fladems.com.

[PsychRights] Conference on Stopping the Psychiatric Abuse of Children

 

Conference on Stopping the Psychiatric Abuse of Children

Huffington Post, September 27, 2009

Dr. Peter Breggin

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-peter-breggin/conference-on-stopping-th_b_301272.html

Millions of our children are being labeled with false and stigmatizing psychiatric diagnoses. Then their brains are being blunted and disabled by psychiatric drugs.

Want to find a way to do something about the plight of our children at the hands of drug companies and misguided mental health professionals? Want to learn more about what our children really need from us?

In less than two weeks, you can attend the annual meeting of the International Center for the Study of Psychiatry and Psychology (www.icspp.org) at the Renaissance Syracuse Hotel. The two-day conference takes place on Friday and Saturday, October 9-10, 2009 in Syracuse, New York. It features international experts on the adverse of effects of psychiatric drugs and better ways of helping children and families.

The public is welcome. For the sake of our children, please attend.

This year's conference comes at a tragic turning point in the psychiatric abuse of children. In the past, the main threat has come from the widespread use of stimulant drugs like Ritalin, Dexedrine, Adderall, Focalin, and Concerta for children labeled with ADHD. These drugs work by crushing spontaneous behavior. Frequently this leads to depression, as well as insomnia, anxiety and psychosis. The stimulants suppress the growth of children, cause abnormalities in their brains, induce sudden cardiac death, and predispose children to cocaine abuse in young adulthood.

As bad as this is, the situation of our children has recently become even more desperate. In the past year, the FDA has unleashed a crisis of epidemic proportions by approving lobotomizing antipsychotic drugs for the control of behavior in children. Diabetes. Pancreatitis. Pathological obesity. The abnormal growth of breast tissue and even lactation in young boys and girls. Heart disease. Permanently disfiguring tics and other abnormal movements (tardive dyskinesia). Agonizing muscle spasms that also defy treatment and last indefinitely (tardive dystonia). These are a few of the drastic disorders caused by antipsychotic drugs such as Zyprexa, Risperdal, Abilify, Seroquel, Geodon, and Invega.

The antipsychotic drugs work by flattening the emotions and causing docility, so that the children no longer make trouble, at least for a while. With their frontal lobe function suppressed, the kids become more robotic in their behavior, and their mental and emotional growth is stunted. Often these drugs will turn them into lifelong mental patients whose enslaved brains will continue to deteriorate under toxic assault.

Great speakers and workshop presenters will cover these and many other subjects about psychiatry and about how to help children and families in distress with caring and effective psychological, education, and social approaches.

Stephen A. Sheller is one of the lead attorneys in two of the largest billion-dollar settlements ever made as a result of civil and criminal actions brought by the federal government against drug companies Pfizer and Eli Lilly. Both legal actions involved psychiatric drugs. I will be honored to introduce attorney Sheller at the conference.

As the Founder Emeritus of ICSPP (I've passed the mantle onto younger professionals), I will be making two presentations, one on how to inspire the psychiatric reform movement and another on better approaches to helping children and families.

Attorney James Gottstein from Alaska is the world's most active civil rights attorney on behalf of psychiatrically abused children and adults.

Graham Dukes, a physician and a lawyer, is a leading expert on international drug regulation.

Critiques of ADHD and better approaches to children and families will be presented by many experts in psychiatry, pediatrics, psychology, and education.

Registration can be made on-line (www.icspp.org) or at the meeting at the Syracuse Renaissance Hotel, Friday and Saturday, October 9-10, 2009. Tickets are available for one or both days. For hotel reservations, call 315-479-7000.

If you care about our children, this is the place for you to be. It's always a great and inspiring conference. Even if you don't know anyone else at the conference, you will feel at home. You will meet many new friends with similar concerns.

Our children need our protection and support in these dire times.

Peter R. Breggin, M.D. is a psychiatrist in private practice in Ithaca, New York. The observations made in this column are scientifically documented in his medical book, Brain-Disabling Treatments in Psychiatry, Second Edition (2008) as well as his popular book, Medication Madness: The Role of Psychiatric Drugs in Cases of Violence, Crime and Suicide (2008). Dr. Breggin's website, loaded with scientific information and interesting radio and TV reports, is www.breggin.com.

On Dr. Breggin's website you can purchase a bonus edition of ICSPP's new book, The Conscience of Psychiatry: The Reform Work of Peter R. Breggin, MD (2009).

You have been sent this e-mail because we think you are interested in PsychRights' mission to mount a strategic litigation campaign against forced psychiatric drugging and electroshock.  If this is incorrect or you otherwise want to be removed from this list, or if you have any questions about this list, e-mail contact@psychrights.org. 

Health reform video challenge

 

In many ways, the fight for health insurance reform comes down to a battle over information. The more people know about how broken the system is and the President's plan to fix it, the more they want change. But there are an awful lot of lies to cut through, and a whole lot of truth to get out. So today, we're proud to announce a powerful new way for you to help: Organizing for America's Health Reform Video Challenge. This is your chance -- you ingenious, insightful, funny people out there -- to make a 30-second ad telling the story about why the status quo has got to go, or explaining how the Obama plan will ensure we get the secure, quality care we need without breaking the budget. The top submissions will be voted on by the public and a panel of experts, with the winning ad aired on national television. This is your opportunity to add your voice and creativity to the debate, get some great exposure for your work, and make a huge difference. Click here to get started. No experience is needed -- if you have an idea, we want you to give it a shot. And if you know someone who is especially handy with a camera, please forward this note along right away. Just make sure you submit your ad by October 18th. Your video could be as simple as you talking straight into the camera, as complex as a full-blown production with a script and special effects, or anything in between. We're looking for serious videos: You can tell your personal story about how the broken health insurance system has affected you. You can illustrate the big picture about what's wrong now and how the President's plan will help with animations, charts, and facts. We're looking for funny videos: You can parody those trying to scare us into inaction (between the lying pundits and the insurance company spin doctors, they've given us some good stuff to work with). And we're looking for new ideas we never would have thought of but we know will blow us all away. We know that compelling videos can touch people in a way that words alone simply cannot. The messages that regular people put together will make a bigger difference than any false smears or slick ads the other side can dream up. And who knows -- your creative, powerful, or touching video could help tip the balance in favor of health reform. So go get started today! http://my.barackobama.com/videochallenge I can't wait to see what you come up with, Natalie Natalie Foster New Media Director NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. MAKING A CONTRIBUTION WILL NOT INCREASE ODDS OF WINNING. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Contest open only to U.S. citizens who are legal residents of the 50 United States and District of Columbia and 18 or older (or of majority in entrant's state). Contest starts 12:01 AM ET on 9/26/09 and ends 11:59 PM ET on 10/18/09. Winners will be selected by 11/7/09 and notified by phone and/or e-mail by 11/9/09. One winner will receive the following prize: all or part of the winner's video may be used in a TV ad associated with DNC's health reform campaign (approximate retail value: $0). Twenty finalists will be selected by a panel of judges comprised of DNC employees; the winner will be selected by public voters and a panel of experts. Entries will be judged on the following criteria: the most apt, creative, original and interesting video; demonstrated impact concerning supporting health insurance reform; and clarity of message concerning supporting health insurance reform. Odds of winning depend on the number and quality of eligible entries received. Contest subject to Official Rules. To enter, create an original 30-second video supporting health insurance reform, upload the video to http://www.youtube.com, and complete the entry form at http://www.barackobama.com/videochallenge. For full details, restrictions and Official Rules, visit http://www.barackobama.com/videochallenge. Sponsor: Democratic National Committee, Inc., 430 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, D.C. 20003.

Paid for by Organizing for America, a project of the Democratic National Committee -- 430 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, D.C. 20003. This communication is not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.

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Shameful

 

Dear Friend, After a summer of out-of-control town halls, I thought the outrageous behavior of the the birthers, deathers and other crazies leading the Republican Party couldn't get any worse. Then, Joe "You Lie" Wilson tried to shout down the President of the United States in front of Congress and the dam burst. Instead of condemning Wilson, Republicans hailed him as a hero, and he's raised more than $2 million from right-wing activists since his shameful outburst. Republicans know they're out of ideas, so now they not only encourage shouting, smears, and distortions -- they actually reward it. Help me send a message to Washington that Americans want real leadership, not petty name-calling and wild conspiracy theories. We're just five days out from the all important FEC Fundraising deadline and $381,452 short of our million dollar goal, which with our match means $3 million towards rapid response. Contribute $50, $75 or more today to our Million Dollar Match and put us over the top before MIDNIGHT Wednesday. For every dollar you give before the FEC deadline, a group of Democrats will match it with $2 of their own, tripling your impact. I almost feel sorry for Republicans as they watch the lunatic fringe gobble up what's left of their party. But when you join hands with people who don't believe President Obama is an American citizen...or think he's the anti-Christ .... or compare him to Hitler and his policies to Nazi Germany, don't be surprised when they drag you and your party down the rabbit hole into a reality-free zone. We can't let Republicans take the rest of the country down with them. Contribute $50, $75 or more today to our Million Dollar Match. For every dollar you give before MIDNIGHT Wednesday a group of Democrats will match it with $2 of their own, tripling your impact. House Democrats are on the front lines in the fight against radical Republicans and their assault on President Obama's agenda for getting our country going again. And, we need your help. This is a make or break time for the President's health care reform plan, and the media will be watching the FEC fundraising totals to see who has the upper hand. Republicans believe that obstructing President Obama's agenda is their ticket to recapturing Congress next year. And, the fact is, they're right-but you can stop them. Contribute $50, $75 or more today to our Million Dollar Match. For every dollar you give before the FEC deadline, a group of Democrats will match it with $2 of their own, tripling your impact. Next year is going to be the toughest midterm election in history. Now is the time for every Democrat who cares about the future of this country to get in the fight. Thank you. James Carville P.S. Wednesday is an absolutely critical deadline. We must put up big numbers and show the nation that the momentum is with President Obama and his health insurance reform plan. Contribute today to our Million Dollar Match. For every dollar you give before the FEC deadline, a group of Democrats will match it with $2 of their own, tripling your impact. *A group of Democrats will match your donation today. For every dollar that you donate, these Democrats will donate two dollars of their own.   Paid for by Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. 430 South Capitol Street, S.E. Washington, D.C. 20003 (202) 863-1500 - www.dccc.org Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. Contributions or gifts to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee are not tax deductible.

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Unfiltered: Who Owns Congress?

 

Issue September 25, 2009 - http://sanders.senate.gov Sanders Unfiltered: Who Owns Congress? A New York Times/CBS News poll published Friday found that 65 percent of respondents want a public health care option, while only 26 percent opposed such a plan. How could such a popular idea be so controversial on Capitol Hill? Watch this week's Web video Senator Sanders Unfiltered. It's called Who Owns Congress? To unsubscribe from the Unfiltered email updates click here. Please do not respond to this email, it is not a monitored email address. If you would like to send Senator Sanders a comment click here.

Governor Paterson to appear on "Meet the Press"

 

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Governor Paterson to appear on "Meet the Press" Sunday, September 27 Governor David A. Paterson will appear on NBC's "Meet the Press" this Sunday, September 27th to discuss the state of the economy, challenges facing governors nationwide, and what true economic recovery will entail.

This a message from the New York State Executive Chamber, State Capitol, Albany, NY 12224.  Our privacy policy is available here. Copyright 2009 New York State. All rights reserved.

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Funding Opportunity Announcement (R18) for Comparative Effectiveness Research

AHRQ Issues Funding Opportunity Announcement (R18) for Comparative Effectiveness Research

Dear Colleague:

 

We are pleased to inform you about a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) issued on September 25 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).  RFA-HS-10-004, Innovative Adaption and Dissemination of AHRQ Comparative Effectiveness Research Products (iADAPT) (R18) is supported by $29.5 million in funds provided to AHRQ under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

 

The FOA invites grant applications for new projects to extend the reach and impact of Comparative Effectiveness Research Reviews and associated products, particularly Comparative Effectiveness Research Summary Guides, which are prepared by the John M. Eisenberg Clinical Decisions and Communications Science Center, part of the AHRQ Effective Health Care Program.  AHRQ seeks innovative efforts to adapt the content and/or delivery mechanism of one or more of its current or forthcoming comparative effectiveness research products, particularly summary guides.  Adaptations should aim to increase the impact and effective use of one or more comparative effectiveness research products by developing, implementing, and evaluating product adaptations that target three important audiences: stakeholders, systems, and settings. The adaptations may involve customizing the original comparative effectiveness research contents to a specialized clinical audience of potential users or translating the Comparative Effectiveness Research Summary Guides for underserved patient and consumer populations who have limited access to medication information on the Internet.  These consumers and patients are more likely to get health care information and advice provided through traditional means, such as neighborhood, community, or faith-based groups. Adaptations may address the presentation of the content and/or mechanisms by which the contents are delivered or used.

 

AHRQ anticipates making 20 to 25 awards that together total $29.5 million, contingent upon the availability of funds and the submission of a sufficient number of meritorious applications.  Because the proposed research will vary across applications, it is anticipated that each award's size and duration will vary.  Applications may be up to 3 years in duration, with a total budget not to exceed $1.5 million over the 3 years.  While total annual costs may vary over the period of the award, the maximum cost in any one year cannot exceed $1 million.  Funding beyond the first year will be contingent upon the Agency's acceptance of the annual progress report.  Applications are due on December 16, 2009. 

 

Questions about this FOA can be submitted to:  iADAPTgrants@ahrq.hhs.gov

 

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If you have questions about AHRQ's activities, please try to find the answers by checking our Home Page, where we have established links to various topical areas. Also check the News & Information section and Frequently Asked Questions. You may also Search or Browse the Web Site. These features are designed to assist you in obtaining the information you are seeking.

This service is provided to you at no charge by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).

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SAMHSA Announces 2009 Science and Service Award Winners SAMHSA has selected 27 organizations to receive the Agency's 2009 Science and Service Awards. These awards recognize exemplary implementation of evidence-based interventions that have been shown to prevent and/or treat mental illnesses and substance abuse. Now in its third year, this annual award program recognizes public- and private-sector organizations, as well as community-based coalitions, that have worked to improve their communities and the lives of individuals by providing the best services possible. "Families and individuals deserve the most effective services possible for the prevention and treatment of health conditions, including mental health and substance use disorders," said SAMHSA Acting Administrator Eric Broderick, D.D.S, M.P.H. "These award winners have demonstrated that they are delivering such services in their communities." Awardees were chosen in each of five categories: substance abuse prevention, treatment of substance abuse and recovery support services, mental health promotion, treatment of mental illness and recovery support services, and co-occurring disorders. Read More More Information For more information, contact SAMHSA's Health Information Network or visit SAMHSA's Web site: 1-877-SAMHSA-7 (English and Spanish/inglés y español) SAMHSA's Web Site SAMHSA Health Information Network eNetwork Archives Find Treatment SAMHSA Newsroom Latest Issue of SAMHSA News Press/Media Information Science and Service Awards
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration 1 Choke Cherry Road  |  Rockville, MD 20857  |  1-877-SAMHSA-7 (1-877-726-4727)  |  http://www.samhsa.gov SAMHSA is a public health agency within the Department of Health and Human Services. The agency is responsible for improving the accountability, capacity, and effectiveness of the Nation's substance abuse prevention, addictions treatment, and mental health services delivery system. Please do not reply to this email as this email address is for distribution purposes only.
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