The 2019 Annual Conference will be held on Tuesday, April 30. This year's theme is "Promoting Self-Care and Avoiding Burnout in the Helping Professions."

Do you know someone making a difference in our community? Presented annually, the HOPE Awards honor people and organizations who are making strides and influencing change to advance behavioral health right here in Stark County. The HOPE Awards honor people and organizations within the five following categories. Nominations due Monday, April 8.

Make your nomination today for:

The new Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Awards honor people who are advancing best practice in encounters involving people who may be struggling with substance abuse and/or a mental illness. The CIT awards recognize those who are making a significant positive impact in Stark County efforts to use de-escalation techniques in crisis situations improving the safety of the officer, consumer and family.

Make your nomination today for:

StarkMHAR is offering a funding opportunity for the development of new, and continuation of current, youth programs that address social factors such as education, poverty and lack of family supports that undermine physical and mental wellness. Eligible Stark County based 501(c)3 non-profit organizations may apply for up to $2,500.

March is Self-Harm Awareness Month. Among teenagers, an estimated 15 percent will experience some form of self-injury. When helping a person through the trauma of self-injury, listen, don’t judge or act disgusted. Self-Harm Awareness Month is a chance to set aside stigma, understand the problem and be open about mental health and recovery.

March is National Problem Gambling Awareness Month. According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, the term “problem gambling” refers to the urge to gamble, despite harmful and negative consequences or a desire to stop.

This definition may also include the condition known as “pathological gambling,” a progressive addiction whereby a person gambles compulsively to such an extent that the activity has a severe negative effect on his/her job, relationships, mental health and/or other important aspects of life. People who suffer from pathological gambling may continue to gamble even after they have developed social, economic, interpersonal or legal problems as a result of the gambling.

In an effort to help schools implement strategies and programs to increase resilience, feelings of connectedness and ultimately reduced feelings of isolation and loneliness, Stark County Mental Health & Addiction Recovery has funded eight $2,500 awards to Stark County schools for youth-led prevention programming. Read the list of winners in the full article below.

Click below to learn more about current job openings at StarkMHAR and within our care network.