FOCUS Monthly Newsletter

September 2024

The winner of the $100 Amazon Gift Card for registering as a FOCUS School before August 31, is Eleanor James Wilson from Sumter Central High School!



Congratulations!

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. It is a time to remember those whose families, friends and communities have been impacted by loss, suicidal thoughts and feelings of hopelessness. It is a time to educate and to raise awareness and spread messages of hope, letting others know that someone is always there who cares and will listen. The 988 Crisis Lifeline is only a text or click away, and help is available 24/7 to those who are struggling or in crisis.

This year SAMSHA is sponsoring the first annual 988 DAY on 9/8/24! We are passionate about this cause, and we encourage FOCUS groups across the state to participate.This year’s theme is “NO JUDGMENT. JUST HELP.” The goal is to raise awareness in positive, fun and creative ways. Please encourage your student body to wear teal and purple on 9/8 while participating in activities planned by your student leaders. Helpful resources can be found by visiting SAMHSA 988 Day Resources. There you will find digital toolkits, ideas for social media posts and other amazing ideas that range from dance challenges and 988 friendship bracelets to art, music playlists and community events. The sky’s the limit, and we can’t wait to see what your students plan! Let’s work together to normalize the conversation around mental health, and be sure to share your activities on social media with #alabamafocus, #988day, and #nojudgementjusthelp.

COMING SOON!

FOCUS On-Demand Training Videos!

Summer Conferences Bring Professional Growth 

and 

Networking Opportunities for the FOCUS Team

This summer was full of learning and networking as our FOCUS team attended several important conferences across the state. Each one provided opportunities to grow professionally, visit with colleagues and friends, and establish new collaborative relationships. We believe that one of the most valuable aspects of attending a conference is the opportunity to network and connect with fellow attendees. Attending these conferences has enabled us to meet school administrators, counselors, mental health coordinators, nurses, and community partners to further the mission of FOCUS. We look forward to the 2024-2025 school year with more enthusiasm than ever before. 

1.Alabama State Department of Education’s MEGA Conference, Mobile, July 8-12, 2024

UNLOCKING POTENTIAL: THE POWER OF EDUCATION

This year’s conference was a week-long, in-person event which provides attendees with opportunities to engage in meaningful discussions, participate in in-depth training sessions, and learn from leading experts across the education spectrum. 

2.Children’s Policy Council Conference, Montgomery, July 30, 2024

BREAKING BARRIERS TOGETHER TO SHAPE THE FUTURE OF ALABAMA’S CHILDREN

The FOCUS team attending this year’s in-person conference exhibited, collaborated and discussed challenges and next steps for improving services for Alabama’s children. The host for the 9th Annual CPC Conference was Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education.

3.VitAL Alabama Annual Conference, Tuscaloosa, August 26-27, 2024

Rural Health: Stronger Together

The VitAL Conference opened with a Plenary Session titled “The Weight of Great: The Journey of Johnny Manziel”. Johnny is the only freshman football player to win the Heisman Trophy. His story was filled with emotion as he described the pressure he experienced as a star athlete. He told of his struggles with substance abuse disorder and two attempted suicides. His take home message was on point. ASK FOR HELP! The conference breakout sessions were filled with valuable information. Over 400 attendees, which included the School Mental Health Coordinators, activiely engaged with us at the FOCUS exhibit and we gained numerous leads for interest in FOCUS and the Rally. 



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 Childhood Obesity Awareness Month
• 1-30: Sexual Health Awareness Month
• 8: 988 Day
• 8-14: National Suicide Prevention Day
• 10: World Suicide Prevention Day
• 18: National School Backpack Awareness Day
• 29: World Heart Day

October

• 1-31: Domestic Violence Awareness Month
• 1-31: National Bullying Prevention Month
• 6-12: Mental illness Awareness Week
• 9: 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

Addiction Prevention Coalition

Children's Policy Council

Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS)

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama

Be Part of Making A Difference!