New esketamine program for treatment-resistant depression
NORTHAMPTON – ServiceNet, a provider of community mental health services in western Massachusetts, is launching a new esketamine program at its Northampton clinic for people experiencing treatment-resistant depression. Though preciously limited to those with substantial financial means, this breakthrough treatment approved by the FDA in 2019 is now covered by most insurance plans, including Medicare and MassHealth. In depression, certain areas of the brain may be underactive, leading to symptoms such as low-mood, loss if interest, and feelings of hopelessness. Esketamine helps to restore balance by promoting the formation of new connections between brain cells, known as synapses, in these underactive areas. This process enhances learning functions and eventually trains the brain to adapt to a more comfortable and positive state. For more information about ServiceNet’s comprehensive clinical options for treatment of depression, call 413-584-6855, or go to www.servicenet.org.
Girl Scout Gold Award Winner receives MiraVista admiration Award
HOLYOKE – Western Massachusetts college student Isabella “Izy” Hess was honored by MIraVista Behavioral Health Center with it its You-Have-Our AdMIRAtion Award for her work educating young children and their caregivers about the importance of mental health. The 19-year-old sophomore is author of “When I’m Worried,” a project influenced by her own experience with anxiety and emotional wellness and one she undertook to be among the 2023 Girl Scouts of Central and western Massachusetts Gold Award Girl Scouts. The award is Girl Scouting’s highest, and Hess devoted more than 180 hours on the picture book project, as well as reading and discussing it with youth and their parents. The book is available on Amazon for $10. For more information on MiraVista, visit www.miravistabhc.care.
Local business expands services
GREENFIELD – FootCare by Nurses, a Greenfield-based footcare business, is growing. Kate Clayton-Jones, founder and CEO of the company, announced last week that three new contracts will allow FootCare by Nurses to expand its services in Central Massachusetts, the city of Springfield and some towns in Connecticut. FootCare by Nurses is redefining elder care by making evidence-based footcare central to general health. A contract with the Program of All-Inclusive Care (PACE) in Springfield will allow Serenity Care caseworkers to refer clients to FootCare by Nurses. The PACE program is centered on the core belief that given a choice, most elders, the disabled and their families would choose to receive care in their homes and communities rather than in a nursing home. A contract with Tri Valley Elder Services will expand Footcare by Nurses services into the area south of Worcester. Additionally, Footcare by Nurses will take on former clients of Connecticut-based Pedi-care. For those who would prefer going to a clinic to a home visit, FootCare by Nurses has offices in Greenfield, Lenox and Fitchburg, Massachusetts.
Local Nonprofit seeks Board Growth and Diversity
HUNTINGTON – The Board of Directors of It Takes A Village (ITAV), a small human services nonprofit based in the Hilltowns is seeking new members who more fully represent the populations served by its programs. The mission of It Takes A Village is to provide free postpartum and early parenting support to families with babies and young children living in Western Massachusetts, and to inspire the community to welcome the newest members of their village. Founded in 2009 as a neighbor-to-neighbor support network, ITAV has grown throughout the last 14 years. The Village Closet donation center has distributed over $1.8 million worth of free children’s clothing, diapers, and other essential supplies to families across the region. Ideal candidates will identify with the populations served by ITAV programs, enhance and broaden the organization’s understanding of the needs of the community, and help create a board that reflects and reinforces its mission. People with diverse backgrounds and experiences, as well as past board experience, are encouraged to inquire. Inquiries and nominations from the public should be sent to Board@HilltownVillage.org by Sept. 30. For more information, visit www.hilltownvillage.org/volunteer or call 413-650-3640.
Macy’s Fundraiser and Support for NAMI-WM
HOLYOKE – Macy’s is partnering with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and The JED Foundation to support youth mental health resources. Now through Sept. 14, people who shop at Macy’s in the store or online will have the opportunity to donate to NAMI and The JED Foundation. The funds raised in Aug. and early Sept. will provide resources and create systemic change in youth mental health care through educational and support programs at schools and campuses in underserved communities across the United States. Throughout the six-week campaign Macy’s customers will have an opportunity to round up their purchases to the nearest dollar (up to $0.99), donating the change in stores from coast-to-coast.
Youth Grief Support Program
WILBRAHAM – Rick’s Place provides free, peer grief support groups for youth (ages 5-18) and their caregivers. Rick’s Place offers young people and their families a place to remember their loved ones and to avoid the sense of isolation that such losses can produce Rick’s Place was established in 2007, in memory of Rick Thorpe, who died in Tower Two of the World Trade Center on 9/11. This is for young people and their families from all over Western Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut and offered at no charge. To participate in these free grief support programs provided by Rick’s Place, email info@ricksplacema.org or call 413-279-2010.
NAMI online/phone support group
HOLYOKE – The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI-WM) of Western Massachusetts would like to inform the public that the NAMI Connection Recovery Support Groups have resumed in a virtual format.
Mondays, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Access online with zoom: https://us02web.zom.us/j/88206475051; access by phone, 646-558-8656, meeting ID: 88206475051.
Wednesdays, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Access online with zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82690755017; access by phone, 646-558-8656, meeting ID 82690755017. For more information, contact the office or go to namiwm.org/support.
For members of the LGBTQIA+ community, Wednesdays, 7:15 to 8:45 p.m. For more information email: triciafitz7@gmail.com.
Shiloh SDA Church and The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI-WM) of Western Massachusetts announces a new Family and Friends Support group for black and brown communities. The Black & Brown Family & Friends Support Group meets on the first Thursday of every month. A Zoom link will be provided for participants. For more information, contact the NAMI-WM office at 413-786-9139 or email information@namiwm.org.
A diagnosis is not required to attend any group. Anyone with mental health condition is welcome to attend any group without prior registration.
NAMI – Western Massachusetts Family Support Group
GREENFIELD – The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Western Massachusetts announces that their Family Support Group in Greenfield is resuming in person. The group meets monthly on the last Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Clinical Support Options (CSO), 296 Federal Street, across from Sandri’s Gas Station.
In NAMI Family Support Groups, families join a caring group of individuals helping one another by utilizing their collective lived experiences and learned wisdom. Family members can achieve a renewed sense of hope for their loved one living with mental health challenges. NAMI’s support groups are unique because they follow a structured model, ensuring everyone can be heard and get what they need: free, confidential, and safe; designed for adult loved ones of people with mental health conditions; led by family members of people with mental health conditions; no specific medical therapy or treatment is endorsed. For more information, contact the NAMI-WM office at 413-786-9139 or information@namiwm.org.
MJD Support Group
LUDLOW – The Michael J. Dias Foundation provides education, area resources, peer support, and hope for family members and friends coping with a loved one with a substance use disorder. A support group gathers on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month from 6 to 7:15 p.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Parish Center, 438 Winsor St. anyone needing support is welcome to attend. Masks are required and guests will be seated six feet apart. If you have any questions, contact Maureen at 413-563-6226.
The MJD Foundation announces its “Cornhole for a Cause” fundraiser will take place on Sunday, Aug. 20 at the Chicopee Moose Lodge, 244 Fuller Road. This is a bring-your-own-partner event featuring four rounds of gameplay into double elimination. Registration will begin at 10 a.m. and the tournament will kick off promptly at 11 a.m. The registration fee is $60 per team. The event will feature cash prizes for the top-performing teams. Attendees can also engage in raffles and air mail games and participate in the 50/50 raffle to win prizes. For more information or to register, contact Karen at 413-304-0715. Additional details and updates about the event can also be found on the MJD Foundation Facebook event page.
Grief support group
CHICOPEE – Saint Rose de Lima Grief Support Group meets every Monday except major holidays from 6 to 7:30 p.m. This free weekly grief support group is for people who have experienced the loss of a spouse, partner, family member or friend. All are welcome. The group meets at Saint Rose de Lima Pastoral Center, 15 Chapel St.
Stroke of Inspiration support group
SPRINGFIELD – The Springfield College Occupational Therapy (OT) Department offers a free weekly support group for people living with stroke and their caregivers. The group meets in a virtual format on Zoom every Thursday from 1 to 2:00 p.m. Facilitated by Kathy Post, Professor Emeritus, with the assistance of 1 or 2 OT graduate students, the group provides opportunities to meet other stroke survivors from western Massachusetts, and to share challenges, successes, questions, and resources. For further information and the link to the meetings, please email Kathy at kpost@springfieldcollege.edu.
Narcotics Anonymous
AGAWAM – To find a local Narcotics Anonymous support group, visit NERNA.ORG or WesternMassNA.org or call 866-NA-HELP-U.
Survivors of Suicide Loss
EAST LONGMEADOW – Survivors of Suicide Loss, a support group for adults who have lost a loved one to suicide, meets on the 3rd Monday of each month (except major holidays or severe weather) at the Forastiere Smith Funeral Home, 220 North Main St. from 6:30 to 8 p.m. This is a peer-facilitated group. The meetings are open, meaning new members are always welcome. The meeting room is set up to allow for recommended social distancing and attendees are required to bring and wear their own mask while in the meeting room. If circumstances allow, some meetings may be held outdoors.
Free Accessible Broadcast readings
SPRINGFIELD – Free 24/7 accessible local news and information is available from Valley Eye Radio for those in the Pioneer Valley no longer able to read independently due to visual and other medical and physical challenges. Contact them at www.valleyeyeradio.org or (413) 747-7337 for details on how to listen from one of their special radios or through their website, smart speakers, cable access channel, or mobile phone.
