This Week in School and Campus Safety

Good morning,

This Weekly Update by the Illinois School and Campus Safety Program provides information on Mental Health Month, COVID-19 mental health resources, face mask guidance, and Anti-Bullying Day.

Thank you for your interest in school and campus safety. However, if you wish to no longer receive our emails, just let me know and I will remove you from our contacts list.

Respectfully,

Laura Black
Program Coordinator
Illinois School and Campus Safety Program
Mental Health Month and COVID-19 Mental Health Resources

As the nation's struggle with COVID-19 continues, it is important to keep mental health in mind. This is a trying and stressful time, the likes of which many of us have never experienced. Additionally, tomorrow marks the start of May and Mental Health Month. As we all continue to experience this difficult time, we want to share with you resources for both Mental Health Month and mental health resources for COVID-19.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), "1 in 5 Americans live with a mental health condition," and "17% of youth (6-17 years) experience a mental health disorder." Given this and the added stresses of the COVID-19 pandemic, NAMI has created a COVID-19 Information and Resources page , which includes a link to NAMI's COVID-19 Resource and Information Guide . In addition to these COVID-19 resources, NAMI's website has a plethora of resources to help those struggling with mental health conditions, their families, and their caregivers. They also have a section specifically for Teens & Young Adults . Lastly, for those wanting to promote mental heath during Mental Health Month or even throughout the year, NAMI has Awareness Resources and infographics available.

Mental Health America's (MHA) website also provides information for Mental Health Month and on COVID-19. MHA has created a Mental Health Month page that features a downloadable "Tools 2 Thrive" Toolkit, which includes printable handouts, media and social media materials, and more. MHA's Mental Health and COVID-19 - Information and Resources page contains links to a variety of resources to help those struggling with the mental health effects caused by COVID-19, and even includes links to webinars and workshops.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has also created a Coronavirus (COVID-19) page on their website. This page has resources for individuals, mental health providers, and communities, including the Taking Care of Your Behavioral Health: Tips for Social Distancing, Quarantine, and Isolation During an Infectious Disease Outbreak resource.

Lastly, the Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Mental Health put together a document that includes resources on coping, talking with students, behavioral health, and stress.

Guidance on Face Masks From IDPH and CDC

With the new emphasis on using face masks to help slow the spread of COVID-19, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC) have provided guidance on face masks, including information on making, wearing, and cleaning masks. To view the IDPH and CDC guidance, click the links provided.
Anti-Bullying Day - May 4th

The United Nations declared May 4th to be Anti-Bullying Day in 2012. In honor of Anti-Bullying Day, below are some bullying prevention websites offering a variety of resources.
Upcoming Conferences in Illinois

Cancelled until further notice - April 16, 2020 - Illinois School Safety Conference - Niles, IL
Postponed until 2021 - June 11-12, 2020 - Whatever It Takes Conference - Galesburg, IL
Illinois School and Campus Safety Program www.ilschoolsafety.org