FOCUS Monthly Newsletter
September 2022
REGISTER TODAY if you are planning on attending. We are nearing our maximum capacity at Shocco Springs! Late Registration Fee is now in Effect! 


2022 AL Youth Mental Health Conference (AYMHC)
 
September 21, 2022 at Shocco Springs Conference Center
1314 Shocco Springs Rd, Talladega, AL 35160

 
ATTENDEES
(ADULTS & STUDENTS)

Late Registration Fee/Onsite $35

2 Hours of Professional Development through PowerSchool (you must register through PowerSchool to receive professional development) and social work CEUs (Pending) will be offered. Certificates of Attendance will also be available. 
 
ESSER Funds Eligible


SPACE IS LIMITED - REGISTER NOW! 


Learn more about the Keynote Speaker here! Don't miss this valuable In-Person event at Shocco Springs Conference Center, September 21, 2022.


Visit www.thefocusprogram.com to register and for information.
 
Register Your School with FOCUS!
Welcome to all our new and renewed schools for the 2022-2023 school year! As a reminder, we request that all registered facilitators renew each year to update information. Please take a moment and click on the link below to submit your registration.
FOCUS Student Trainings
Kim Bailey is available for FOCUS Student Trainings. Registered FOCUS schools may now schedule face-to-face trainings on various topics including suicide prevention, stigma, tobacco prevention, dating/relationships, sexual health, HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, effective communication, and emotional wellness. Other topics may be available upon request.

Schedule now to reserve the dates you prefer. To schedule, contact Mrs. Kim Bailey at KimBaileycounseling@gmail.com or call (205) 910-3692.
New! 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline!
988 is now the active phone number that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. This shorter number is easier to remember, and it provides free and confidential support for anyone in distress.
 
Be sure to share this updated information with staff and students in your school and community. Let everyone know that when they call, text or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors who will listen and help, 24/7. They will even assist you if you know of someone who is in distress. This can be reassuring when you are trying to assist a student or peer and need professional help.
 
*The previous Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-TALK) will always remain available for people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis.
Are you interested in
Youth Mental Health First Aid Certification? 

Register today by emailing KimBaileycounseling@gmail.com

Only 25 spots remaining!

Date: Friday, November 4, 2022
Time: 8:30am - 4:00pm

Location: 
Shelby County Instructional Services Center
601 1st Street South
Alabaster, AL 35007

YMHFA Certification is valued at $170.00. Thanks to a donation from the FOCUS Program, attending learners may participate and attain certification at no charge.

Trainers:
Kim Bailey, MEd, ALC
Assistant FOCUS Director, Central AL
Retired Shelby County Schools Counseling Supervisor
205-910-3692

Jennifer Bailey, EdS
Director of Student Services, Vestavia City Schools
205-305-3812 

For more information about mental health first aid, visit: 
A new FOCUS student brochure is now available!
Free hard copies are available by request! Email sjones@thefocusprogram.com to place your order. A digital copy is available for printing on the FOCUS Facilitator Portal.
Connect with FOCUS!
Stay up to date on everything that is happening with FOCUS by following us on social media! Don't hesitate, follow us today!
Monthly Health Observances
We encourage all FOCUS schools to engage in at least one health observance activity each month. Each month has some excellent choices for students on your campuses to “Make a Difference” and to encourage their peers to participate.

September
  • 1-30  National Suicide Prevention Month
  • 1-30  Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
  • 1-30  National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month
  • 1-30   Sexual Health Awareness Month
  • 8-14   National Suicide Prevention Week

October
  • 1-31  Domestic Violence Awareness Month
  • 1-31  National Bullying Prevention Month
  • 1-31  National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
  • 6-12   Mental Illness Awareness Week
  • 9 National Walk to School Day
  • 11 National Depression Screening Day
  • 23-31 Red Ribbon Week

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

FOCUS values continued partnerships with the following state and community organizations.

Alabama Department of Public Health
Alabama Department of Education
Alabama Campaign for Adolescent Sexual Health
Addiction Prevention Coalition
Children's Policy Council
Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS)
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama