Whats News!
Announcements:
For the latest research on mental disorders, mental illness and brain science research, click here: www.sciencedaily.com
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Alert: Marijuana Legalization Poses Health Risks
The New York Times – Guest Opinion, January 4, 2019
By Alex Berenson
“The wave toward legalization ignores the serious health risks of marijuana. Advocates have shrewdly recast marijuana as a medicine rather than an intoxicant, and squelched discussion of the serious mental health risks. Here’s what the advocates don’t want you to know.” Alex Berenson is the author of the book, “Tell Your Children: The Truth About Marijuana, Mental Illness, and Violence.” Click here to read the article.
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Preventing Suicide Among College Students
The New York Times – Personal Health, July 3, 2018
By Jane Brody
“Privacy rules that keep colleges from notifying parents of a student’s distress may be costing lives. Some solutions include granting permission in advance or having a friend alert the family.” Click here to read the article.
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Chronic Pain Patients, Overlooked in Opioid Crisis, at Risk
USA TODAY, July 3, 2018
By Jayne O’Donnell & Josephine Chu
“The Food and Drug Administration is working to address how the opioid epidemic response has affected chronic pain patients, who often can’t get relief. According to pain researchers Michael Schatman, ‘This current climate of opiophobia is…leaving patients more dysfunctional, with diminshed quality of lives, severe hopelessness and increasing suicidality in the chronic pain patient population.'” Click here to read the article.
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Hold the Brain Scans and Antidepressants, Please
The New York Times – Personal Health, July 3, 2018
By Benedict Carey
“The World Health Organization has made ‘internet gaming’ a diagnosable disorder. That doesn’t make it But many experts aren’t even sure it exists.” Click here to read the article.
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Dementia Poses Danger in Many US Homes with Guns
Kaiser Health News, June 25, 2018
By JoNel Alleccia & Melissa Bailey
“As America copes with an epidemic of gun violence that kills 96 people each day, there has been vigorous debate about how to prevent people with mental illness from acquiring weapons. But a little-known problem is what to do about the vast cache of firearms in the homes of aging Americans with impaired or declining mental faculties.” Click here to read the article.
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More Effective Ways to Help the Mentally Ill Caught Up in the Court System
Naples Daily News Guest Commentary, April 1, 2018
By County Judge Mike Carr
Judge Carr advocates for extending mental health referrals to county judges. “…It could save lives if county court judges are given the power to refer mentally ill defendants for treatment. Many of those committing murder and other acts of violence start with misdemeanors and could be sent for treatment at an appropriate facility before they become more violent.” Click here to read his commentary.
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No Quick Fix for Mental Illness
New York Times Op-Ed, March 7, 2018
By Norman J. Ornstein
Mr. Ornstein shares his story about he challenges he and his wife faced when invoking Florida’s Baker Act to try to help their adult son who suffered from serious mental illness. “…until we devote the needed resources to making the mental health system work, we will continue to have unnecessary tragedies.” Click here to read his commentary.
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Online Guide for Kids+Teens and Depression
This new guide from USA.gov helps parents, grandparents and teachers recognize symptoms and risk factors in young people, plus treatment options. Click here to view the guide.
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Collier County, FL – A Model forScreening Kids’ Mental HealthDuring Doctor Visits
Naples Daily News, March 2, 2018
By Liz Freeman
“Pediatricians who heed a recommendation to screen all children for depression starting at age 12 could look to how it’s done in Collier County, Florida.” Click here to read the article.
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The Catastrophic Effects of Mental Health Stigma: Transforming a broken system
Psychology Today, May 25, 2017
By Allison Abrams, LCSW-R
“Some people insist stigma around mental health is no longer an issue in our society, and mental illness no longer a taboo topic. Those having this mindset likely don’t live in a community where asking for help means potential ostracization, or come from a cultural background in which seeking psychological help is deemed as weakness, or have not had the unfortunate experience of being denied access to care due to subpar mental health benefits. In simple terms, to be of this mindset is to be privileged.” Click here to read the article.
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It’s Not Just Chris Cornell: Suicide Rates Highest Among Middle-Aged Men
NBC News, May 20, 2017
By Mary Emily O’Hara
The news that 52-year-old Seattle grunge rock icon Chris Cornell had killed himself after a concert in Detroit shocked and saddened fans of the Soundgarden frontman. Click here to read the article.
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A Suicide Therapist’s Secret Past
New York Times, May 11, 2017
By Stacey Freedenthal, PhD, LCSW
The stigma associated with mental illness can cause even a mental health suicidologist to resist treatment and keep it hidden. Dr. Freedenthal shares her personal journey to mental health. She is Associate Professor in the Graduate School of Social Work at the University of Denver, CO, and a Psychotherapist/Consultant in private practice. Click here to read the article.
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The Doctor Is In: Tips for recognizing potential symptoms and preventing suicide
Collier Citizen, April 13, 2016
By Dr. Allen Weiss
This article highlights the stigma surrounding suicide. Dr. Weiss seeks to help family, friends and colleagues be more aware of potential warning signs that can lead to suicide and facilitate intervention. Allen Weiss, MD, MBA, FACP, FACR, is the president and CEO of the NCH Healthcare System. Click here to read the article.
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U.S. Suicide Rate Surges to a 30-Year High
New York Times, April 22, 2016
By Sabrina Tavernise
This article analyzes new research statistics on U.S. suicides and highlights factors that may be contributing to the overall surge in the last 30 years, including gender, socio-economic level and age. Click here to read the article.
Deena Baxter’s letter to the editor in response to this article was published online and in the print edition, April 27, 2016. Click here to read the letter.
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U.S. suicide rate has risen sharply in the 21st century
The Washington Post, April 22, 2016
By Dan Keating and Lenny Bernstein
This article analyzes new federal data on U.S. suicides and highlights factors that may be contributing to the overall surge since the turn of the century, including The Great Recession. Dan Keating analyzes data for projects, stories, graphics and interactives. He was part of a team that won a Pulitzer at The Miami Herald for exposing vote fraud, and a team that was a Pulitzer finalist the year before for uncovering police fraud. Lenny Bernstein covers health and medicine. He started as an editor on the Post’s National Desk in 2000 and has worked in Metro and Sports. Click here to read the article.
Upcoming Presentations & Events:
Author & Mental Health Advocate Deena Baxter is making presentations at venues throughout SW Florida – and beyond – for The Surviving Suicide & Sudden Loss Project, in partnership with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Collier County, FL. If you have a professional organization, company, civic, social or church group who would be interested in a mental mending presentation, contact her at DeenaBaxter2@gmail.com for more information.
Time: 12:30pm – 2:00pm
Naples United Church of Christ
Stephen Ministry New Ministers Training for NUCC
5200 Crayton Rd, Naples, FL 34103
Nelson Hall, 2nd floor, Room 207
Presentation Gallery:
Scroll down – take a peak at some of our presentations and book signing events for The Surviving Suicide & Sudden Loss Project.
- Carrie Niedert, Dr. Julie Rego, Deena Baxter and Dr. Dennis Christoffersen
- Patricia Yasbeck Pike, Dr. Dennis Christoffersen and Deena Baxter
- Survivor Panelists Amy Vogel, Deena Baxter and Monique Ferns
- Dr. Dennis Christoffersen and Dr. Julie Rego welcome Deena Baxter
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The Inn at St. John’s, 44045 Five Mile Road, Plymouth MI 48170
- Kevin’s Song Co-Founder Gail Urso
- Ellen Pare & Deena Baxter
- Ellen Pare, Martell Stephens, Deena Baxter, Mark Olexa, Leo Nouhan
- Nancy Buyle, Nicole Liegghio, Leo Nouhan, Deena Baxter, Dennis Liegghio
- Justin Urso, Deena Baxter, Leo Nouhan
- Deena Baxter & Dr. Michelle Cornette
- Deena Baxter & Justin Urso
- Deena Baxter & Jenny Landon
- Gigi Colombini & Nancy Buyle
- Deena Baxter, with Leo Nouhan and his children, Anne Marie Legato & Leo Nouhan Jr
- Keynote Speaker Craig Miller
- John & Gail Urso with Deena Baxter
- Leo Nouhan, Gail Urso, Deena Baxter, John Urso
- Mark Olexa & Deena Baxter
- Mark Olexa, Deena Baxter, Jenny Landon
- JoAnn Brown & Deena Baxter
- Survivor Panel – Ryan Beale, Christina Ryan-Stoltz, Heidi Hannan, Deena Baxter, Amelia Lehto, Amanda Stein
- Survivor Panel
- Mark Olexa, Craig Miller, Jenny Landon
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Time: 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Naples United Church of Christ
Inaugural WISE Event hosted by NUCC Stephen Ministry Program
Deena Baxter & NAMI of Collier County, FL, were invited to attend.
. . .
Close to 60 people attended the inaugural Naples United Church of Christ WISE event, sponsored by NUCC’s Stephen Ministry. Attendees included Stephen Ministers, members of the NUCC community and the community at large. The “light dinner” was a bountiful and hearty meal – a feast for the mind, body and soul and a warm welcome to all who attended. Dr. Tim McArthy’s presentation – “A Primer on Mental Health: Normalize vs. Ostracize” – was excellent and very well received. He included a brief tutorial on mental illness and brain science, and highlighted ways we can help bring those who are dealing with mental health challenges into a safer, healing place where they are no longer isolated. He engaged all attendees in various scenarios based on real-life situations he has experience in his psychology practice in Medina, OH, and as a Stephen Minister. He stressed the importance of listening and “touching where the person is” (or has been) in their life. We thank the NUCC for all they are doing to become WISE (welcoming, inclusive, supportive, engaged) in the area of Mental Health.
- From left: Darcy Taylor, Darcy Taylor, DLC Chief Dev. Officer; Deena Baxter, NAMI-CC; Tim McArthy, Speaker and NUCC Stephen Minister
- From left: Rev. Deb Kaiser-Cross, NUCC Minister for Congregational Care; Deborah Woller, NUCC Stephen Ministry Program Committee; Deena Baxter; Louise Brown, NUCC Stephen Ministry Leader
Time: 10:30am – 1:00pm
Florida Gulf Coast University/AFSP International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day Event
Place: FGCU, Sugden Resort & Hospitality Bldg, Room 111
Use Parking Garage: 1
Presenter: Author and Mental Health Advocate Deena Baxter
Title: Break Time: Searching for Safe Harbor After Suicide Loss
Open to the public.
A time for reflection, sharing and healing, this half-day conference was a joint effort of Dr. Julie Rego, LMHC, CCTP, ACS,Suicide Awareness & Prevention Coordinator, Florida Gulf Coast University Counseling and Psychological Services and Tara Sullivan, Central and Southern Florida Area Director, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. The program included a presentation by Deena Baxter, screening of two AFSP-produced documentaries: The Journey: A Story of Healing and Hope and The Journey Revisited. Lenz Dalusma, a talented spoken word artist from the FGCU POETREE and Spoken Word group, wrote and read two powerful poems. Thanks to FGCU staff members Dr. Dennis Christoffersen, Kate Longley, and Jill Harrington for their support.
- Deena Baxter, Tara Sullivan
- Dennis Christoffersen, Deena Baxter, Lenz Daluzma
- Korin Abrams and Deena Baxter
- Dennis Christoffersen, Tara Sullivan
- Jill Isaacson, Deena Baxter, Kate Longley
- Kate Longley, Dennis Christoffersen, Jill Isaacson, Deena Baxter, Tara Sulliven
12:45 – 1:45: Lunch Speaker
The Silent Epidemic: A Conference on Suicide
Hosted by The Kevin’s Song Foundation
The Inn at St. John’s, 44045 Five Mile Road, Plymouth MI 48170
Author & Mental Health Advocate Deena Baxter
Presentation: OUT TO LUNCH – Mending A Broken Heart and Searching for “Normal” after Suicide Loss
The 3-day conference was hosted by the Kevin’s Song Foundation, co-founded by Gail and John Urso, in memory of their son Kevin. The goal of the second conference was to provide a local forum for those who share an interest in the causes and means of prevention of suicide. The theme of this year’s conference was “What Do We Know? What Can We Do?” Attendees include physicians, psychologists, mental health professionals, nurses, social workers, clinicians, educators, public policy makers, clergy, first-responders, crisis center workers, students and veterans, as well as those who have lost a loved one to suicide or had their own suicidal attempt. It was an opportunity to share information about suicide and the repercussions of suicide as well as how to identify and assess those at risk and learn about the means of prevention. Thursday’s program focused on mental health professionals and first responders. Attendees were eligible for CRE credits. Friday’s program focused on a particularly vulnerable group: military veterans. Saturday sessions focused on survivors, with an emphasis healing, hope and grief-and-loss resources. Singer Judy Collins gave a concert performance on Friday evening, benefitting the Kevin’s Song Foundations, and was the Keynote Speaker on Saturday. Deena Baxter was the lunch speaker. It was an opportunity to shine a bright light on NAMI-Collier and NAMI-Michigan. It was an honor to be invited back for this second conference – an incredible undertaking by the Kevin’s Song Foundation.
- Kevin’s Song Co-Founder Gail Urso and Deena
- Justin Urso, Deena, Brian Urso and Conference Coordinator Leo Nouhan
- Dennis and Nicole Liegghio with Deena
- Singer Judy Collins – Keynote Speaker
- Barb Smith reunites with Barb Smith
- Deena and Christina Linguidi
- Judy Burdick and Deena
- Deena reunites with Mark Olexa
- Survivor Panel Participants: Michelle Cornette, Jenny Landon, Deena Baxter, Sabrina Must, Amy Weston and John Urso
- Michelle Cornette moderates the Survivor Panel
- Deena Baxter’s Presentation
- Deena Baxter’s Lunch Presentation
- Lulu Rubens, Matt, Deena Baxter and Judy Burdick
Student National Pharmaceutical Association (SNPhA)
Presenter: Author and Mental Health Advocate Deena Baxter
SNPhA Webinar: Project Chair Ruth Aminu invited Deena Baxter to be the inaugural speaker for the new national mental health project launched by the Student National Pharmaceutical Association. Close to 70 students from pharmaceutical colleges around the country participated in the webinar on Tuesday evening, October 17, 2017. An interactive Q&A followed her presentation, titled, Breaking Bad: Mending Broken Hearts after Suicide Loss.
In deepest appreciation we thank Grand Regent Robert Mancini and the Kappa Psi convention committee for inviting Deena Baxter to speak on the topic of suicide loss and prevention. Her 90-minute plenary presentation to 635 Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity, Inc., members and their guests included an engaging Q&A. At the conclusion of her presentation, Robert Mancini presented Deena with a generous donation to NAMI of Collier County, FL, in honor of The Surviving Suicide and Sudden Loss Project. We are please to recognize Kappa Psi as a new Leadership Sponsor. Development Director Darla Pasteur accepted the check on behalf of NAMI of Collier County. Special thanks to Kathy Feinstein, MS, KAF Consulting & Counseling, for attending the session and providing professional insights during the Q&A. Kappa Psi photos courtesy of Cameron Van Dyke, Editor of the MASK, Kappa Psi’s official publication. Thanks are also in order for Editor Jay Schlichter and reporter Ashley Collins at the Collier Citizen for their extensive online, video and print coverage on Deena’s presentation, NAMI of Collier County, FL, and Kappa Psi. Click here to view the coverage.
- Grand Regent Robert Mancini greets Deena before her presentation.
- Deena and Kathy Feinstein, MS
- Presentation
- Kappa Psi Members
- Presentation
- Kappa Psi Audience
- Deena takes a question during the Q&A
- Kappa Psi Audience
- Check Presentation: Darla Pasteur, NAMI-CC, Deena and Robert Mancini, Kappa Psi
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Dennis Liegghio, Founder of KnowResolve, invited Deena Baxter to present to this group of 50+ survivors of suicide loss. Several friends and colleagues attended, too.
- Dennis Liegghio and his new bride Nicole welcome Deena
- Psychotherapist Nancy Buyle, S.O.S. volunteer Sharon Yakabosk, and Dennis Liegghio
- Arlene Wanamaker and Deena
- Arlene Wanamaker, Deena, Gail Urso of Kevin’s Song, and Dennis
- Dennis and Nicole Liegghio
- Presentation
- Presentation
- Presentation
- Nancy Buyle, Deena, Dennis
- Dennis, Deena and Therapist Terry Shulman
- Kevin Fischer, NAMI-MI Executive Director, greets Deena
- NAMI-MI staff members Ron Wilson, Steve Lawrence, Marybeth Smith
- Steve Lawrence and Deena
- Shannon Robbins, V.P. NAMI-MI, greets Deena
- Book signing
- Presentation
- Presentation
- Presentation
- Presentation
- Presentation
- Presentation
- Presentation
- Marybeth Smith takes a “Selfie” with Deena
- Christina Linguidi pecks Deena on the cheek
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Thanks to NAMI-Missouri Director of Public Policy & Suicide Prevention Scott Perkins, Director of Operations Sherry Fischer, and Provider Education Coordinator Kim Hoffman for welcoming Deena Baxter as keynote speaker. Deena was also invited to join Todd Williams, Christy Hutton and Ronda Reitz on the “Ask the Experts” Panel that concluded the conference.
- Deena Baxter & Scott Perkins
- Kim Hoffman, Deena Baxter & Scott Perkins
- Sherry Fischer & Deena
- Therapist Lemuel Kimes & Deena
- Presentation
- Presentation
- Presentation
- Presentation
- Presentation
- “Ask the Experts” Panel
- Book Signing
- Book Signing
- Book Signing
Time: 6:15pm – 7:15pm
Emmanuel Lutheran Church
Stephen Ministry Monthly Meeting
Presenter: Author and Mental Health Advocate Deena Baxter
- Carol Hartman, ELC Parish Nurse, Leader/Teacher – Stephen Ministry Group, and Deena Baxter
- Deena Baxter & Jim Cooper, ELC Associate in Ministry
- ELC Stephen Ministry pastoral lay ministers.
- ELC Stephen Ministry pastoral lay minister.
- ELC Stephen Ministry pastoral lay ministers.
- ELC Stephen Ministry pastoral lay ministers.
- ELC Stephen Ministry pastoral lay ministers.
- ELC Stephen Ministry pastoral lay ministers.
- ELC Stephen Ministry pastoral lay ministers and presenter Deena Baxter
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Saturday, February 18, 2017
Time: 10:30am – 11:45am
Naples United Church of Christ
Stephen Ministry New Ministers Training for NUCC and First Presbyterian Church
5200 Crayton Rd, Naples, FL 34103
Nelson Hall, 2nd floor, room 207
- Louise Brown greets Deena Baxter
- Louise and Bill Steinmetz help with set-up (Thanks!)
- Deena Baxter and Mark Riley
- Stephen Ministry Training Class
- Deena Baxter and Mark Riley
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Time: 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Naples United Church of Christ
NUCC Stephen Ministry Continuing Education Training
Presenter: Mental Health Advocate Deena Baxter
Topic: UNDERSTANDING SUICIDE – A Lived Story of Sudden Loss & Search for “Normal”
- Louise Brown, NUCC Stephen Ministry Program Director greets Deena Baxter
- Dr. Heather English, NUCC Director of Adult Education, greets Deena Baxter
- Megan Black – the NUCC “Tech Angel” helped Deena with set-up
- Deena & Julie Goff, who helped with set-up
- NUCC Stephen Ministry attendees
- NUCC Stephen Ministry attendees
- NUCC Stephen Ministry attendees
- NUCC Stephen Ministry attendees
- Dr. Julie Rego, Deena Baxter and Jill Harrington
- Healing Tree
- Healing Ceremony Giftbags
- Healing Giftbag for each attendee
- Healing Giftbag
- Personal Message to Our Loved One
- Healing messages in a charmed bottle
- Break Time
- Break Time II
- Dr. Julie Rego, Deena Baxter, Jill Harrington
- Time for Reflection
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Saturday, April 9, 2016
8:00 – 9:00am: Breakfast Keynote Speaker
The Silent Epidemic: A Conference on Suicide
Hosted by The Kevin’s Song Foundation
The Inn at St. John’s, 44045 Five Mile Road, Plymouth MI 48170
Author & Mental Health Advocate Deena Baxter
Presentation: The Mourning Cure – One Ounce of Heartache with a Splash of Humor
The 3-day conference was hosted by the Kevin’s Song Foundation, co-founded by Gail and John Urso, in memory of their son Kevin. The goal of the inaugural conference was to provide a local forum for those who share an interest in the causes and means of prevention of suicide, including physicians, psychologists, nurses, social workers, clinicians, educators, public policy makers, clergy, first-responders, crisis center workers, students and veterans, as well as those who have lost a loved one to suicide or had their own suicidal experience, to meet. It was an opportunity to share information about suicide and the repercussions of suicide as well as how to identify and assess those at risk and learn about the means of prevention. Thursday evening was the premiere of the new film, Death is Not the Answer, produced and directed by documentary filmmaker, Keith Famie and co-produced by KnowResolve and Kevin’s Song. Saturday sessions focused on survivors, with an emphasis on grief-and-loss resources. Deena Baxter was invited to be the breakfast speaker on Saturday. It was an opportunity to shine a bright light on NAMI-Collier and NAMI-MI Executive Director Kevin Fischer. It was an honor to participate in this inaugural conference – an incredible undertaking by the Kevin’s Song Foundation.
- Hosts John & Gail Urso with Deena Baxter
- Committee Member, Deena Baxter, Gail Urso
- John Urso & Deena Baxter
- Guest, Deena Baxter, Gigi Colombini
- Deena Baxter & Leo Nouhan
- Barb Smith & Deena Baxter
- Film Debut
- Terry Shulman, Deena Baxter, Tina Shulman
- Deena Baxter & Gabrielle Cullen
- Dennis Liegghio Performance
- Dennis Liegghio of KnowResolve
- Dennis Liegghio & Deena
- Deena & Lawrence Wentworth
- Dennis Liegghio & Deena
- Deena & Kevin Fischer, NAMI-MI
- Gabrielle Cullen, Deena, Mark Olexa
- Gigi Colombini, Judith Burdick, Deena, Barb Smith
- Ken Weisel shares his poetry tribute to Kevin Urso
- Leo Nouhand, Deena, Kevin Fischer
- Michelle Cornette, Deena, Leo Nouhan
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Thursday, April 14, 2016
Time: 10:00am-11:30am
Woman’s Cultural Alliance Speaker’s Series
Naples Daily News Community Room
1100 Immokalee Rd., Naples, FL 34110
Author & Mental Health Advocate Deena Baxter
Presentation: Embracing Mental Mending – Searching for “Normal” After Sudden Loss
- WCA President Elaine Soffer, Deena Baxter, and NAMI-Collier CEO Pamela Baker
- WCA members – Thanks for attending
- Susie and Jon Fobes
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Monday, April 11, 2016
P.E.O. Philanthropic Educational Organization
Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 777 Mooringline Drive, Naples
Author & Mental Health Advocate Deena Baxter
Presentation: The Power of Art in My Search for “Normal”
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Wednesday, March 9, 2016
3:00pm – 4:30pm
Naples Regional Library
650 Central Avenue, Naples, FL
Author & Mental Health Advocate Deena Baxter
Presentation: Driving Like Crazy on the Road to “Normal”
Book Signing
- Heather Davis & Deena Baxter
- Deena Baxter greets some of the guests
- Caroleena Russ & Deena Baxter
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Saturday, March 5, 2016
3:00pm – 4:30pm
Unity Church of Bonita Springs
28285 Imperial Pkwy, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Author & Mental Health Advocate Deena Baxter
Presentation: Mental Mending – Searching for “Normal” after Sudden Loss
- Lorie, Corrine, Leslie and Deena Baxter
- Corrine, Leslie, Deena and John
- Lorie, Corrine, Leslie and Deena
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Monday, February 15, 2016
Noon – 1:30pm
Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU)
Graduate Social Work Family Therapy Class
Hosted by: Adjunct Professor Ann Fisher
Author & Mental Health Advocate Deena Baxter
Presentation: Surviving Suicide – Searching for “Normal” after Sudden Loss
- The FGCU Graduate Social Work Family Therapy Class welcomes Deena Baxter
- Prof. Ann Fisher and her class
- Deena shares her journey
- Prof. Ann Fisher shares insights on family dynamics
- Here’s lookin’ @ You, Kid!
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Sunday, February 7, 2016
9:00 – 10:00am
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Greater Naples
6340 Napa Woods Way, Naples, FL 34116
Author & Mental Health Advocate Deena Baxter
Presentation: Mental Wellness – Ways to Keep Our Local Community & Congregations Safer
Open to the General Public.
- Ann Fisher greets Deena Baxter
- Deena & Supporter Skip Muller who flew in from D.C.
- John Boettjer welcomes Deena
- Susie Savage & Guy With Wayyy Cool Pony Tail
- Joan Insel & Susie Savage
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Wednesday, January 20, 2016
6:00 – 6:45pm: Social & Lite buffet dinner
6:45 – 7:45pm: Program
Community Wednesday Program
Unitarian Universalist Church of Fort Myers, FL
13411 Shire Lane, Ft. Myers, FL 33912
Author & Mental Health Advocate Deena Baxter
Presentation: A Designated Driver – Driving Like Crazy in Search of “Normal”
Book Signing
- Rev. Allison Farnum & Deena Baxter
- Linda Jensen, Deena Baxter, Diane Buckley, Alice Brunner
- The Folk Singers
- Linda Jensen, Deena Baxter and Rev. Stevens
- Deena Baxter
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Wednesday, November 18, 2015
3:00 – 4:00pm
Project HELP! Crisis Center, 3123 Terrace Ave., Naples, FL
Author & Mental Health Advocate Deena Baxter and
Jacqueline Sly Metcalf, Director for Communications & Donor Relations, NAMI-CC
Program: Driving Like Crazy In Search of “Normal”
Book Signing
- Michelle English, Deena Baxter, Shaina Alexander
- Deena, Jacquelyn Metcalf
- Shaina and Jax
- Some Guest Attendees
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Wednesday, October 14, 2015
1:00 – 1:30pm
GFWC Naples Woman’s Club, 570 Park Street, Naples, FL
Author & Mental Health Advocate Deena Baxter and
Jacqueline Sly Metcalf, Director for Communications & Donor Relations, NAMI-CC
Program: Out to Lunch: Searching for ‘Normal’.
Book Signing
- NWC President Lee Kraus, Deena, NWC Donna Porter, Jax
- Jax & Deena
- Deena, Jax, NWC Barrie Conley
- Deena Baxter
- Jax Metcalf
- NWC Group
- NWC Nancy Quinter, Deena, NWC Donna Porter
- NWC Nancy Quinter and Donna Porter, Jax
- NWC Members
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Thursday, June 11, 2015
12:30 – 1:00pm
Bonita Springs Rotary, Spanish Wells Country Club, Bonita Springs, FL
Author & Mental Health Advocate Deena Baxter and
Jacqueline Sly Metcalf, Director for Communications & Donor Relations, NAMI-CC
Title: Driving Like Crazy on the Road to “Normal”
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Wednesday, April 15, 2015
1:30 – 3:30 pm
The Shelter for Abused Women & Children
Presentation to Staff & Volunteers
Title: “Out To Lunch – Searching for ’Normal’”
Author & Mental Health Advocate Deena Baxter and
Kristin Long, CLEAR Program Manager (Clearing the Way for Change in Florida), NAMI-CC
- Deena Baxter & Kristin Long
- Deena Baxter & Jason Young
- Presentation
- Kristin talks about NAMI
- Kristin with Guests
- Kristin & Deena with Guests
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Tuesday, March 24, 2015
3:00 – 4:00pm
Imperial Golf Club Girlfriends Group & Guests, Naples, FL 34110
Author & Mental Health Advocate Deena Baxter and
Jacqueline Sly, Director for Communications & Donor Relations, NAMI-CC
Title: Searching for “Normal” after Sudden Loss
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Saturday, March 21, 2015
8:30 – Noon
National Alliance on Mental Illness – Collier County, FL
13th Annual Hope Shines Walk
Cambier Park, Park Street, Naples, FL
Author & Mental Health Advocate Deena Baxter’s book available for purchase
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Saturday, March 21, 2015
2:00 – 4:00pm
Barnes & Noble, Waterside Shoppes
5377 Tamiami Trail North, Naples, FL 34108
Local Authors Event & Book Signing: Author & Mental Health Advocate Deena Baxter
- Deena Baxter
- Charnele Tate, Deena Baxter, Michelle Shaw Hashman, Connie Bransilver
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Monday, March 2, 2015
2:00 – 3:30pm
Collier County Public Library Headquarters, Naples, FL
Author & Mental Health Advocate Deena Baxter presentation and book signing
Title: Surviving Sudden Loss – Searching for “Normal” with Heartache & Humor
- Jax Sly, NAMI-CC, & Deena Baxter
- Presentation Poster
- Mary Counihan, Nancy Fickett, Deena Baxter, Beth Peterson
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February 2015:
Gulfshore Life Magazine
Gulfshore Life Magazine featured an excellent profile story about author Deena Baxter and The Surviving Suicide & Sudden Loss Project in their February 2015 issue. The article, written by Executive Editor Cayla Stanley, also shined a light on the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Collier County.
Click here to view the article.
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Tuesday, January 27, 2015
6:30pm Social. 7-8pm Presentation
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Greater Naples
Author & Mental Health Advocate Deena Baxter presentation and book signing
Title: My Odyssey – Searching for “Normal” with Heartache & Humor
- Deena Baxer
- Wonderful Audience
- Linda Allen & Deena Baxter
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Monday, January 26, 2015
5:00 – 6:30pm
Marco Island Center for the Arts (MICA)
Author & Mental Health Advocate Deena Baxter presentation and book signing
Title: The Power of Art in My Search for “Normal”
Gallery Photos for MICA Event Courtesy of Bernadette La Paglia.
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