McLaughlin Research Institute is pleased to host country music artist and mental health advocate Jason DeShaw’s performance in Great Falls. Both MRI and the Center for Mental Health Research and Recovery at Montana State University in Bozeman are working to discover new ways to prevent or treat brain diseases that range from Alzheimer’s and related dementias to depression, schizophrenia, and bi-polar disorder. We join Jason in his battle to end the stigma associated with mental illness and to encourage those afflicted to start on the path to recovery.

 

Mental illness and addiction are epidemics in our society. Many people face their struggles in isolation, afraid to speak to others about their experiences. Open and public communication about mental illness and addiction can reduce stigma associated with both illnesses, and can also encourage individuals to seek help.

Meet Jason DeShaw

Jason DeShaw is a 33-year old national award-winning mental health speaker and country singer. Jason lives with bipolar disorder and alcoholism; he has worked to develop coping mechanisms that help him meet each day with a spirit of gratitude and a desire to help others find relief from their emotional pain.

As an accomplished recording artist and musical performer from rural Montana, Jason turned to music as his way to deal with his own mental illness. What has emerged from Jason’s journey is a performance that is nationally acclaimed.

Finding Serenity in the Storm

For the past decade Jason has toured across 35 states, Canada, and Europe singing original country music. In 2010, he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and alcoholism. Since then, he has advocated for mental health and addiction recovery as both a speaker and singer.

His presentation, Serenity in the Storm, combines his powerful story of recovery with original songs of hope. His audiences range from the lay public attending a performance hall event, to those in a forensic unit of a state psychiatric hospital, to officers at the state Law Enforcement Academy.

Serenity in the Storm is a powerful presentation in which Jason speaks personally of his lived experiences, interwoven with original music that soundtrack his life’s struggles and triumphs. The event is honest and poignant. It provides audiences with insight into the challenges of living with mental illness and addiction, hope for those who are in despair over their own or a loved one’s struggle, and encouragement to seek help. Jason’s presentation directly addresses suicide, an epidemic in America.

 Jason DeShaw and Serenity in the Storm are Nationally Acclaimed and Locally Celebrated

Jason received the 2014 Champions Award in Washington D.C. from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), recognizing an individual with a mental illness who reduces stigma by “exhibiting courage, leadership and service on behalf of people with mental illness.”

 

“This is a young man who has a powerful message and a truly unique medium to communicate that message with his original music, beautiful voice, and compelling lyrics. His musical story of bipolar disorder, hope and recovery is not easy-listening, it’s profound-listening and courageous-telling.”

– Dr. Mark Komrad, Johns Hopkins Hospital, NAMI Psychiatrist of the year award

 

“Jason has an incredible musical gift that he combines with a powerful message of hope for personal recovery from mental illness and a broad victory over mental illness stigma.”

-Matt Kuntz, Executive Director, NAMI Montana

 

“I wanted to thank you again for the tremendous gift you provided to the community at our event. It was the most impressive thing I’ve ever witnessed in relation to helping people understand the essence and importance of mental disorders.”

-Dr. Matt Byerly, University of Texas – Southwestern Medical Center

 

Projects

This spring, Jason will embark on a 10-city tour across Montana reaching out to rural and urban communities on the topics of mental health and addiction recovery. He will also be presenting in schools along the way. Our nation’s youth are of particular concern, as we know that early diagnosis is critical to successful recovery. This tour is presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana and The Center for Mental Health Research & Recovery at Montana State University.

Evening Presentations:

April 14 – Butte

April 16 – Great Falls

April 21 – Havre

April 23 – Glasgow

April 28 – Sidney

April 29 – Miles City

May 1 – Billings

May 4 – Helena

May 6 – Bozeman

May 7 – Missoula

Grammy award winner, Kostas Lazarides, is producing Jason’s next album; a recovery album with songs of hope. Emmy award-winning documentary filmmaker, Justin Lubke, is currently working on a documentary film about Jason’s life as an advocate for recovery.

Meeting the Need

Jason is intimately familiar with the cultural and environmental influences that contribute to America’s high incidence of mental illness, addiction, and suicide. Jason’s presentation is unique in both its persona and message; when he openly acknowledges that he has both mental illness and alcoholism, people listen.

With Jason’s image and musical talent, Serenity in the Storm appeals to audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Serenity in the Storm gives hope to those who need it by reducing stigma and opening the door to understanding.

References

Richard Opper – Director, Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services: 1.406.444.5622

Gary Mihelish – Board Member, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): 1.406.458.9738

Leo C. Dutton – Sheriff, Lewis & Clark County: 1.406.447.8235

 

 

 

Dr. George Carlson, Director and Professor at McLaughlin Research Institute, has been named as the 2014 Montana BioScience Hall of Fame inductee.

“Dr. Carlson’s underlying research focus has been the application of formal and molecular mouse genetics to advance the understanding of susceptibility to neurodegenerative diseases.”

For more information on Dr. Carlson’s work, please click on the following link:

http://www.montanabio.org/hall-of-fame/

 

Time to make summer plans!

Students in their junior or senior year of high school, or freshman through senior year of
college from one of the following counties are eligible: Cascade, Chouteau, Glacier, Lewis
& Clark, Pondera, Teton, or Toole. Students should be on track for four years of math,
biology, chemistry and/or physics. Stipends are paid to all participants however, the
Institute does not provide housing for interns. Our funding source stipulates that we give
preference to applicants from the above Montana counties, however, all are welcome to apply.

Internships begin Tuesday, June 16, 2015
and end Tuesday, August 11, 2015.

To apply, include a letter of application highlighting your interest in science, a resume,
transcripts (unofficial is fine), ACT or SAT scores (high school), and two letters of
recommendation (in sealed envelopes signed across the flap), preferably from instructors in
the science disciplines.

Please send applications by March 31, 2015 to:
McLaughlin Research Institute
Attn: Student Intern Programs
1520 23rd Street South
Great Falls, MT 59405

Tel: 406-452-6208

Student Program Brochure 2015

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Click on the link below to learn more about applying for a summer internship through the National Institute on Aging:

http://www.nia.nih.gov/research/blog/2015/02/summer-training-aging-research-now-accepting-applications?utm_source=20150204_blog&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=research_blog

 

 

http://www.greatfallstribune.com/story/life/health-and-fitness/2014/11/17/state-researchers-make-inroads-prion-study/19206769/

Please take the time to view MRI’s brochure and information regarding our latest project, in collaboration with Benefis Health System. This is an exciting new step in the world of biomedical research, which we are very proud of!

MT Center for Aging Research and Memory Care

“Alzheimer’s disease causes a physical, psychological, and financial toll on thousands of Montana patients and their families. And as the number of aging residents continues to grow, more and more families will be affected.”

That was the message delivered during a Senate Special Committee on Aging field hearing held on August 12th, 2014, in Billings, MT.

Below is part of the story on Montana Public Radio covering the hearing. Senator John Walsh and Dr. George Carlson gave testament to the growing need for Alzheimer’s research funding.

2014 SAC flyer

Check out this story on www.greatfallstribune.com:

http://www.greatfallstribune.com/story/news/local/2014/06/27/mclaughlin-research-institute-conference-highlights-ingenuity/11572167/

McLaughlin Research Institute’s Spring 2014 Newsletter can be viewed by clicking the image below

 

Time to make summer plans!

Students in their junior or senior year of high school, or freshman through senior year of
college from one of the following counties are eligible: Cascade, Chouteau, Glacier, Lewis
& Clark, Pondera, Teton, or Toole. Students should be on track for four years of math,
biology, chemistry and/or physics. Stipends are paid to all participants however, the
Institute does not provide housing for interns. Our funding source stipulates that we give
preference to applicants from the above Montana counties, however, all are welcome to apply.

Internships begin Wednesday, June 11, 2014
and end Wednesday, August 13, 2014.

To apply, include a letter of application highlighting your interest in science, a resume,
transcripts (unofficial is fine), ACT or SAT scores (high school), and two letters of
recommendation (in sealed envelopes signed across the flap), preferably from instructors in
the science disciplines.

Please send applications by March 26, 2014 to:
McLaughlin Research Institute
Attn: Student Intern Programs
1520 23rd Street South
Great Falls, MT 59405

Tel: 406-452-6208