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FOCUS Monthly Newsletter
October 2022
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The 2022 ReFOCUS Rally was a huge success! |
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Over 500 participants from 19 middle and high schools from across the state attended the one day conference which addressed a variety of issues facing our students and teachers. We were fortunate to have Lauren Sisler, ESPN Sportscaster, as our emcee. Jonathan Thompson brought greetings from the Alabama State Department of Education and specifically recognized the chaperones who organized the trip for their students. Stanley Leone, Jr, presented the keynote address and shared his personal story of abuse, domestic violence, and mental health issues he faced growing up. He encouraged students to seek help from a caring adult and to reach out for professional help if they are facing hardships and mental health issues in their lives. Following the Opening General Session, breakouts sessions were held on topics of depression, suicide, substance abuse, vaping, marijuana use, HIV awareness and prevention, and the effects of nutrition on mental health.
Special thanks to Chelsea High School FOCUS Peer Helpers, and Mr. Adam Oliver, for serving as the host school. We appreciate our volunteers and those who presented the breakout sessions. Thanks to our generous partners Alabama Public Health, Addiction Prevention Coalition and BlueCross BlueShield of Alabama for partnering with FOCUS to host this year's rally.
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We hope to see you at the 2023 FOCUS Rally! SAVE THE DATE~ September 20, 2023.
Enjoy the highlight video!
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LIMITED QUANTITY AND SIZES AVAILABLE OF THE ReFOCUS RALLY T-SHIRTS!
Contact [email protected] if you were unable to attend the ReFOCUS Rally and would like to purchase a T-shirt.
Only $10.00 (+Shipping Cost).
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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. |
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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 [email protected] or call (205) 910-3692.
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Are you interested in
Youth Mental Health First Aid Certification?
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:
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New! 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline! |
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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.
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A new FOCUS student brochure is now available! |
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Free hard copies are available by request! Email [email protected] to place your order. A digital copy is available for printing on the FOCUS Facilitator Portal.
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Stay up to date on everything that is happening with FOCUS by following us on social media! Don't hesitate, follow us today! |
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Monthly Health Observances |
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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.
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
November
- 1-30 Vaping Prevention Month
- 15 Great American Smokeout
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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
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Be Part of Making A Difference! |
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