Book Review - by Lynne Linder: I came across Dr. Nadine Burke Harris’ TED talk from 2014 in my quest to find out more about ACE’s and the Trauma Informed Community... In her book, “The Deepest Well,” she explains how she became aware of ACE’s through the ACE study and how and why she changed her pediatric practices based on her new knowledge and understanding…
Read MoreIn this edition of the Healthy Minds podcast, learn how praising children is one of the ways parents can build up children's self-esteem and self-worth, including more about the two distinct kinds of praise parents can give. Listen now.
Read MoreThe Suicide Prevention Alliance of Northern Virginia (SPAN) encourages residents to educate themselves and others on ways to prevent suicide and strengthen mental health. SPAN’s newly redesigned, mobile-friendly website has information and resources like a free self-screening easy to scan lists of risk factors and warning signs, suicide prevention videos for teens, peers and parents, and easy access links to hotlines and text lines.
Read MoreEspecially during the pandemic, parents may be concerned about their children’s’ mental health. Healthy Minds Fairfax and the CSB have gathered information on what to look for and how to get help. Read the news story, or get a printable flyer with this information, and share with your networks.
Read MoreGMU Center for Psychological Services COVID-19 ESSENTIAL WORKERS EMOTIONAL SUPPORT LINE 8:30 AM- 8:30 PM, Mon-Fri 8:30AM - 4:00 PM, Saturday. Essential workers such as teachers, grocery store workers, and medical professionals can call to speak confidentially with a trained provider about stress, anxiety, depression, or grief for free. 703-215-1898
Read MoreNIMH has issued a Request for Information to seek input from a variety of stakeholders including researchers, healthcare providers, community leaders, and individuals from other relevant organizations (e.g., schools, social welfare, justice, faith communities) around the risks for and prevention of death by suicide and suicidal ideation and behaviors (SIB) of Black children and adolescents. Responses are due January 15.
https://grants.nih.gov/.../notice-files/NOT-MH-21-035.html
Read MoreIn this Healthy Minds podcast, Maria Genova, an FCPS psychology supervisor, shares unique ways we can all give through “connections” this holiday season and reap the results of added joy in our lives. She addresses how we can learn to flex our “happiness” muscles and how we can look for the micro-moments to feel and demonstrate and cultivate optimism.
Read MoreThe COVID-19 pandemic has caused upheaval and unexpected stress in the lives of so many people. To support Virginians, the VA C.O.P.E.S. (Compassionate, Optimistic, Person-Centered, Empowering Support) warmline is available to offer support. The mental health tip line started in May 2020 and, thanks to new funding, the service will be extended through May 2021.
CALL OR TEXT: 877-349-MHAV | 877-349-6428
Monday–Friday: 9:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Saturday–Sunday: 5:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
The Fairfax County Council PTA (FCCPTA), representing over 160+ school PTAs and the Fairfax Special Education PTA (SEPTA) have joined together to address the use of restraint and seclusion in FCPS. To view the revised FCPS policy, click here, and to view the SEPTA position statement (also adopted by FCCPTA board) click here.
Read this article for next steps and how you can help advocate for a trauma informed FCPS.
Read MoreAdvocates are preparing for the upcoming 45-day session of the VA General Assembly. Follow the Voices blog for news about the Governor’s proposed budget (coming soon) and opportunities to advocate. Teams are being formed focused on Early Childhood, Foster Care, and The Campaign for a Trauma-Informed VA/Racial Truth & Reconciliation.
https://vakids.org/our-news/blog
https://vakids.org/.../blog/racial-truth-reconciliation-va
Read MoreFormed Families Forward- Check out their website and give them a follow on social media to stay informed about their offerings, which currently include a twice monthly IN PERSON peer support group for teens and young adults, and regular webinars covering topics that will be of interest to many TICN members and the families you serve. https://formedfamiliesforward.org/
Read MoreDepartment of Family Services- A schedule of upcoming parenting classes is attached to this message. Classes are being offered virtually, and upcoming offerings include ARC Reflections, a course for parents who have a child who has been impacted by trauma. Calendar in article.
Read MoreFrom the Office for Children’s Neighborhood School Readiness Teams- They are currently having some small group virtual meetings on topics of interest (e.g., mental health support, needs of preschool directors) and will continue to have these periodic meetings. If there are topics any of you want to suggest for small group, virtual meetings or you want to participate in the groups, please let Elaine know- p.elaine.barker@fairfaxcounty.gov
Read MoreOn November 5th, Governor Northam signed the Marcus-David Peters Act, a new law requiring the implementation of new co-responder models to mental health crisis across Virginia. The law, named for Marcus-David Peters, a black man who was shot and killed by Richmond police in 2017 while suffering a mental health crisis, will create a system where mental health clinicians work alongside law enforcement to address mental health crisis calls. This system aims to de-escalate situations involving an individual with a mental health concern without the use of force. We commend Governor Northam for signing this into law.
Read MoreMany Native/Indigenous tribes have a worldview that centers around connectedness, strong family bonds, adaptability, connection to nature, wisdom of elders, meaningful traditions, and strong spirit, all of which could serve as protective factors for mental health.* Despite these protective factors, Native/Indigenous people in the U.S. report 2.5 times more serious psychological distress in a month than the general population. In addition, poverty rates among Native/Indigenous people are almost twice that of the general population, making access to treatment difficult.
Read MoreYouth MOVE VA is piloting a new program aimed at promoting resiliency in young adults. They are looking for youth and young adults to take part in this 6-hour workshop on December 14, 15 and 16th from 6-8pm. If you or someone you know is interested in participating, register here by November 29th at 11:59pm.
Read MoreIn this week's Healthy Minds podcast. Dr. Ronne Lancaster shares important information on actions families can take to help their students cope with the ongoing pandemic. Action strategies relating to managing screen time, building personal resilience, and the importance of recognizing one another’s positive strengths and seizing times to turn current challenges into positive opportunities to move forward. Listen to the podcast.
Read MoreThe Fairfax County Youth Survey is a comprehensive, anonymous and voluntary survey given each year to students in grades 6, 8, 10 and 12 that examines behaviors, experiences and other factors that influence the health and well-being of Fairfax County's youth. Results from the 2019-2020 school year are now available; read 5 things you need to know about the results, or check out the full report. Read coverage from the Tysons Reporter, or listen to the FCPS Healthy Minds Podcast about the survey.
Read More
