May 2017
In This Issue
Who We Are
SPARC
As a Massachusetts
Department of Mental Health Research Center of Excellence, SPARC aims to improve the mental and behavioral health of all citizens of Massachusetts and beyond.
SPARC
Transitions RTC
A division of SPARC, the Transitions RTC promotes the full participation in socially valued roles of transition-age youth and young adults (ages 14-30) with serious mental health conditions.
What We Do
SPARC and Transitions RTC are committed to transferring knowledge and insights gained through rigorous research to improve the lives of people with lived mental health experience.

We conduct Participatory Action Research, an all-inclusive approach that ensures that every aspect of our research incorporates the voices of those with lived mental health experience. 
Tell Us What You Think
We want to hear from you!
 
If you are interested in knowing more about a particular area of research or want to collaborate with us, please let us know .
Contact us at:
 SPARC@umassmed.edu
 
Please share this e-letter with your networks; we're happy to include them in our circle.
New Contest!
Celebrate May is Mental Health Month.   
 
Visit the MHE & YOU website and get the contest details! 
Stay Connected

ADVANCING RESEARCH
CHEER!   
Explores the work and education experiences of young adults, including young parents, with serious mental health conditions.
Research in The Works
IMPROVING PRACTICE
Implementing Wellness into Mental Health & Addiction Recovery 
 
The Addressing Wellness Through Organization Change (AWTOC) approach can be used to strengthen an organization's capacity to change their culture, make a commitment to change, and implement and sustain new goals and strategies to promote wellness at their agency for everyone.   
If you missed our webinar:  
Deaf 101: How to Navigate Clinical Interactions with Deaf Sign Language Users,
watch it here!
EMPOWERING ACTION
May is Mental Health Month
 
In Celebration of May is Mental Health Month we offer these video statements developed by the MHE & YOU (Mental Health Experienced & Years of Understanding) Advisory Council and SPARC. Watch the videos
FEATURED RESEARCHER
Maryann Davis
Maryann Davis is a Research Associate Professor of Psychiatry, the Director of the Systems & Psychosocial Advances Research Center and of the Learning & Working Transitions RTC.  Dr. Davis is an internationally recognized expert on services for transition age youth and young adults with serious mental health conditions. Read more about her work here.
 
Maryann Davis spoke at a Massachusetts Health Forum on Supporting Careers in Youth & Young Adults with Serious Mental Health Conditions. Learn more
In the News
Joanne Nicholson, Professor of Psychiatry at Dartmouth College and Associate SPARC Faculty, was quoted in an article published in the
Columbia Chronicle:  
   It Takes a Village--How Parents with Mental Health Conditions Can Be Successful  

Upcoming Events!
SPARC and Transitions RTC will have an exhibit table at the Massachusetts Parent / Professional Advocacy League's 7th Annual Conference & Celebration on Friday, May 19, 2017.  Tania Duperoy & Emma PiciD'Ottavio are presenting the Youth Track Workshop, "Real for Real Students: Making College Accommodations Work for You" at the event. Hope to see you there.
 
SPARC and the Transitions RTC will be presenting at the June 24-26 Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association (PRA) 40th Annual Wellness and Recovery Summit in Atlanta. Stay tuned to see copies of their presentations.
  
                   Visit SPARC online at:   www.umassmed.edu/sparc


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