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Welcome to the first edition of the Southwestern Plains Hub Newsletter—your bimonthly update on tools, insights, and opportunities to help you implement effective mental health practices.
You’re not alone in this work—you’re part of a connected community working toward accessible, effective care. As you navigate what’s next, CMHIS is here to help chart the course and keep you moving forward.
| | UPCOMING LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES | | |
The Importance of Community
Engagement in Mental Health Systems
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Hosted by the Southwestern Plains Hub & Pacific West Hub
Tuesday, September 16 | 1:00 PM CT
If you work in mental health, behavioral health, public health, or a related field—and you’re ready to strengthen your connection with the communities you serve—this virtual learning session is for you.
You’ll explore the foundational principles of community engagement—what it is, why it matters, and how it creates real value beyond simply meeting compliance. Together, we’ll look at ways to bring community voices into your work from the start, share power, and build relationships that make a lasting impact.
| | Effective Strategies for Communication | |
Save The Date! 🗓️
Tuesday, September 24 | 1:00 PM CT
We all have a role in talking about the work we do—whether it’s to funders, agency leaders, peers, or our community. This session will help you think about how you share your work, why that matters, and how to create messages that connect with different people.
You’ll walk away knowing how to:
- Use three key communication strategies and when to apply them
- Understand your audience and shape messages around what matters to them
- Apply tools that make your work easier to explain and easier to support
The session will include time to work together, share ideas, and learn from each other.
Details and registration coming soon—mark your calendar now!
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Foundations of Data Storytelling
Across the Project Lifespan
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Save The Date! 🗓️
Tuesday, September 24 | 1:30 PM CT / 2:30 PM ET
You’re invited to a learning session on how to use storytelling to make data more meaningful at every stage of your work. Whether you’re planning, implementing, or reporting, this session will show you how to connect data with purpose and impact.
The session will include time to work together, share ideas, and learn from each other.
More details and registration info will be shared soon!
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We had the opportunity to connect with partners and community members at the Texas System of Care (TxSOC) & Community Resource Coordination Groups (CRCG) Conference!
Our team shared how the Southwestern Plains Hub supports organizations in implementing effective mental health practices, breaking down barriers, and improving access to quality care. It was a great chance to network, exchange ideas, and strengthen collaborations across our region.
If you know of a behavioral health conference serving our region of the country that we should attend, please send us a message.
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| Spotlight: Jennifer Baran-Prall | | |
Jennifer Baran-Prall, LCSW, is the Program Manager at our Southwestern Plains Hub. Often the first point of contact for those reaching out to our team, Jennifer plays a key role in listening to requests from across the region and working collaboratively to shape projects and resources that serve our communities.
A servant leader at heart, Jennifer brings a thoughtful, team-centered approach to her work. She’s known for her ability to strengthen teams through clear communication, active listening, and a deep commitment to shared goals. Her organizational skills and collaborative spirit help ensure that initiatives are both responsive and sustainable.
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With a strong background in trauma recovery and suicide prevention, Jennifer has worked extensively with at-risk populations. During her time as a Suicide Prevention Coordinator with the Veterans Health Administration, she led the development of innovative programs and expanded access to mental health services for Veterans. Her expertise spans trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, community outreach, and early psychosis intervention.
Jennifer is eager to connect with mental health leaders across the region and looks forward to meaningful collaboration that supports community-driven solutions!
We sat down with Jennifer to learn a little more about her work and life outside the office:
What’s one project you’re most proud of working on here?
"How can I pick just one?! Our team has accomplished so much this year, and I’m proud to be part of it. One area that stands out is our work in Communications and Social Marketing. Collaborating with such talented colleagues has been a privilege, and I’m honored to contribute to the development of resources that genuinely support and uplift the communities we serve."
What’s one hobby or interest you’re really into right now?
“I’ve been spending a lot of time in nature and expanding my garden this year. For the first time, I planted pole beans—and they’ve taken off! The vines are thriving, and the harvest has been surprisingly abundant. It’s been such a joyful and grounding experience.”
If you could have any superpower for a day, what would it be?
“I’d choose the ability to heal others. Being able to ease someone’s pain or restore their well-being would be a deeply compassionate way to support those in need.”
| | TOOLS & RESOURCES YOU CAN USE | | |
Social Marketing Primer: This guide is a 10-step process for developing a social marketing campaign and should be used to create the framework for a social marketing/communications campaign before development begins.
Organizations often consider using social marketing when they want to increase awareness, change behaviors, or engage specific communities in new ways. Whether the goal is boosting program participation, reducing stigma, or building stronger connections with partners, social marketing can provide a roadmap for success.
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We’d love to hear from you! Is there something you want us to cover in an upcoming newsletter? Send us your thoughts, stories, or feedback.
What to Expect Next Month
In September, you’ll receive the newsletter from CMHIS, with nationwide updates and highlights.
We’ll be back in October with more Hub news, stories, and insights. In the meantime, feel free to visit our website, send us an email, or follow us on LinkedIn.
Request Support
As part of the Center for Mental Health Implementation Support (CMHIS), the Southwestern Plains Hub offers assistance to grantees funded by SAMHSA’s Center for Mental Health Services and mental health service providers in HHS Regions 6 & 8 which includes Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming. We can help you strengthen your mental health programs through community engagement, implementation planning, data use, outcome evaluation, and more. Please review our guidelines and submit a request.
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