June is a mix of things to celebrate and be informed about.
In June, we’re raising awareness about mental health, women's health and maternal mental health.
June is LGBT Pride Month
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month (LGBT Pride Month) is celebrated annually in June to honor the 1969 Stonewall riots, and works to achieve equal justice and equal opportunity for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) Americans. In June of 1969, patrons and supporters of the Stonewall Inn in New York City staged an uprising to resist the police harassment and persecution to which LGBT Americans were commonly subjected. This uprising marks the beginning of a movement to outlaw discriminatory laws and practices against LGBT Americans.
Today, celebrations include pride parades, picnics, parties, workshops, symposia and concerts, and LGBT Pride Month events attract millions of participants around the world. Memorials are held during this month for those members of the community who have been lost to hate crimes or HIV/AIDS. The purpose of the commemorative month is to recognize the impact that LGBTQ individuals have had on history locally, nationally, and internationally.
Federal and local policies and practices are increasingly acknowledging and focusing on LGBTQ youth and numerous national advocacy and other organizations are also giving greater attention to LGBTQ youth in their work. Encouraging greater acceptance and support for all youth, including those who are or are perceived to be LGBTQ, will make communities, schools, and other settings safer, better places for all youth.
Take a look at resources from the Administration on Children and Families’ National Clearinghouse on Youth and Families. These resources are geared at helping youth-serving organizations understand and more effectively support lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning young people: Serving Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning Youth With Open Arms.
Pride events occur throughout the month. Find a LGBT Pride event in your area.
Check out the It Gets Better Project. Take the pledge to speak up against hate and intolerance whenever and wherever you see it. Watch videos from folks who know “It gets better,” or submit a video of your own.
Men's Health Month
Throughout June, Men’s Health Month aims to encourage boys and men to take charge of their overall health by implementing healthy living decisions. This year, as the country has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is crucial that men get regular checkups and be aware of the risks for their age, ethnicity, and lifestyle. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 13.2% of men aged 18 and over are in fair or poor health. During Men’s Health Month, we urge men to take steps to enrich their health and wellness through proper screenings and care.
International Men’s Health Week 2023 is June 12-18
Led by Men's Health Network, representatives from six leading men's health organizations around the world met at the 2nd World Congress on Men's Health in Vienna, Austria in 2002 and resolved to work together to launch International Men's Health Week (IMHW). The goal is to increase awareness of male health issues on a global level and to encourage inter- and intra-national institutions to develop health policies and services that meet the specific needs of men, boys, and their families.
The history of International Men's Health Week and Men's Health Month can be found here.
Recognition from the President of the United States provides encouragement to men, boys, and their families around the globe. President Trump's statement is attached. President Biden has yet to announce one.
Action Anxiety Day
This year, June 10th is officially the third annual world anxiety awareness day now known as Action Anxiety Day.
The purpose is to bring awareness and support to those with anxiety by being a global movement in hopes to promote awareness and education about anxiety disorders. It is so important to provide information and eliminate the stigma surrounding anxiety as it impacts so many people in different ways. That is why today we want to share 7 tips for coping with anxiety and anxious thoughts. Check them out!
Identify Anxiety Triggers
Pay attention to what specific events or situations may be causing your anxiety or worrying. When you identify triggers it can be easier to prepare and deal with these feelings. Feeling out of control is often a symptom of anxiety, so being prepared for situations you know might bring about your symptoms can help minimize this anxiety and get you through these moments.
7 tips to help with anxiety:
Words of affirmation or a phrase that grounds and calms you are great tools to have for combatting anxiety. One that resonates and is meaningful to you can be repeated or written down to help remind you that anxious feelings are temporary and separate you from overwhelming thoughts.
- Find An Activity That Reduces Your Anxiety
Everyone will have different activities that help distract them from periods of anxiety. Finding what works for you might take some trial and error but is important for reducing and getting through moments of anxiety. For some, a workout may be exactly what they need to clear their mind while others may prefer diving into a good book or watching their favourite movie. Activities that bring you a sense of calm and ease can be just what you need to reduce worries and cope with anxiety.
- Put Your Thoughts On Paper
When our mind is racing with anxious thoughts it can be difficult to untangle your worries from your present reality. Sometimes the best way to do this is to put these thoughts down on paper. Try a journal or even a blank piece of paper that you can get rid of after. Physically transferring your thoughts from your mind to paper can help you see what you are feeling and clear space for present, positive thoughts.
Fresh air can do wonders for clearing the mind and relieving symptoms of anxiety. Sometimes a walk outside with your favourite music or a trip to get lunch can help distract you from what is triggering your anxiety and give you the refresh needed to carry on.
Anxiety can make it difficult to focus on anything other than negative ‘what if’s’. Focusing on positive things that are happening to you right now, or the things you’re grateful for is a great way to pull yourself out of negative, anxious thoughts. You could write down 5 things that are making you happy in that moment, say out loud what makes you grateful, or think about them in your head while focusing on taking deep breaths. Find what works for you!
If you’re overwhelmed by anxiety it’s important to talk to someone you trust or seek help. You should never be ashamed to talk about your anxiety with a loved one or a professional. Counselors and therapists have a lot of experience treating anxiety and can recommend tools and resources just for you. Anxiety is more common than people realize and it’s OK to reach out for help!
Community Resources:
Utilize this website for the following resources
https://americanaddictioncenters.org/
Visit FoundinFaithMD.org/get-help/apply/
to apply to the Fresh Start Furniture Program TODAY!
If you do not have computer access, please call 443-519-2464 ext. 2
ALL FURNITURE REQUESTS ARE SCHEDULED BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
If you need immediate help finding shelter or a place to eat, call 211.
Meals
Baltimore- Our Daily Bread Employment Center
725 Fallsway, Baltimore City
443-986-9000
PG CO- Bethel House 301-372-1700 & Salvation Army of Prince George’s County Food Pantry 301-277-6103
AA CO- Anne Arundel County Food Access WARM Line 410- 222- 3663 &
Anne Arundel County Food Bank
120 Marbury Drive Crownsville, MD 21032
Harford CO- Breathe 379, 2124 Nuttal Ave. Edgewood. Groceries, prepared food, clothes.
& EPICENTER, EPICENTER at Edgewood, 1918 Pulaski Hwy, Edgewood. 443.981.3742.
Mental Health Assistance
National Alliance for Mental Illness
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Call 24/7: 1-800-273-8255
Baltimore Crisis Response, Inc.
Call 24/7: 410-433-5175 if you or someone you know needs help with a mental health crisis
Legal Services
Homeless Persons Representation Project (HPRP)
201 N. Charles St., Suite 1104, Baltimore City
410-685-6589 / 800-773-4340
Provides free legal aid to those experiencing or at risk of homelessness
Maryland Legal Aid
500 E. Lexington St., Baltimore City
410-951-7777
Provides a full range of free civil legal services to financially eligible individuals, with a focus on legal issues concerning elder rights, employment, family, public benefits, health care and housing
Reentry Services
Assists prisoners, ex-prisoners and others in need become independent, responsible citizens through civil legal assistance and re-entry services
Baltimore- Alternative Directions
2505 N. Charles St., Baltimore City
410-889-5072
PG CO- People Ready 5814 Baltimore Ave.
Hyattsville, Maryland 20781 (301)277-2172
AA CO- AmeriCorps (800) 942-2677
Identification
Beans and Bread
402 South Bond St., Baltimore City
410-732-1892
ID cards and birth certificates available on the first business day of the month to the first 5 to 10 people who arrive
Manna House
435 East 25th St., Baltimore
410-889-3001
Provides assistance with birth certificate and ID cards applications
Employment Assistance
ONE STOP CAREER CENTERS
Downtown One Stop Career Center
1100 North Eutaw St., Room 101, Baltimore City
410-767-2148
Eastside One-Stop Career Center
3001 East Madison St., Baltimore City
410-396-9030
Provides assistance with job search strategies, employment referrals and placement and other workforce services; offers access to copiers, faxes and phones
Northwest American Job Center (Re-entry Center)
Mondawmin Mall, Suite 302
2401 Liberty Heights Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21215
Telephone: 410-396-7873
DROP-IN CENTERS
Manna House
435 E. 25th St., Baltimore City
410-889-3001
Franciscan Center
101 W. 23rd St., Baltimore City
410-467-5340
H.O.P.E.
2828 Loch Raven Rd., Baltimore City
410-327-5830
Provides clothing, communication, laundry, food, recreation and showers
** For any other region specific info email socialmedia@emrcgroup.org **
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