May 2017
Federation in Action 
Parent Support Provider Reciprocity Project
The Federation is working with  NTTAC to survey and crosswalk state and national certification. The project is also looking at medicaid funding for services. For more information or to share your state's information 
Message from Executive Director, Lynda Gargan
In today’s challenging times, you need to stay informed and connected. The National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health provides you with information and connects you with the people and programs that will help you serve families..

As information, trainings and action alerts come to our attention we are posting to Facebook so you can get the information in real time. These are fast moving times, to be sure you don't miss somthing, here are this month's highlights.

Lynda 

At the Federation, we are transforming the way we operate to continuously improve our ability to be your representative at the National level and looking for ways to become an active part of your team. Updating our Social Media is one of those ways.

We want the  National Website  to encompass the amazing work you do everyday!  Send us your resources and activities to add. 

Facebook is the best way to hear about alerts for Advocacy and Policy as well as news about webinars and training resources.

To expand the types of resources we can offer, we have relaunched Pinterest. It's a great place for the sharing of family activities, videos and more.
Children's Mental Health Awareness Week Highlights
  NFFCMH had a very busy 2017 CMHAW. We once again facilitated a very successful Legislative Briefing. This year’s theme was “Integrated Physical and Behavioral Health Care”. We provided green ribbons for every Congressional member to highlight the week, we served as members of the Executive Planning Committee for SAMHSA’s CMHAD national event and we provided complimentary green ribbons for each of our chapters nationwide. Thanks to L eAnn for making sure that each chapter received their complimentary green ribbons.
Huge thank you to Congresswoman Grace Napolitano and Congressman John Katko for once again sponsoring the CMHAW Legislative Briefing. Michael Phelps and Allison Schmitt were incredible honorary Chairpersons for this year’s Children’s Mental Health Day national event.
Advocacy in Action
2017 is a critical year to advocate in support of addiction and mental health priorities. With major proposed changes to Medicaid and behavioral health funding, the National Council is reliant upon its members to unite to protect behavioral health care. Visit this page regularly to see our latest opportunities and Unite4BH.

National Council on Behavioral Health present advocacy webinars every two weeks with the updated proposed changes on the ACA and calls to Action.. We encourage all our affiliates to watch the webinars, either live or recorded,

National Council Medicaid Expansion Fact Sheets can be found at this link as well as Social Media Shareables.

The Capitol Connector has the latest updates from Capitol Hill. 
The National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors produces a weekly newsletter highlighting the events of the week, funding Opportunities and upcoming educational events. We highly recommend it for affiliates weekly reading.
News
Federation Family Mourns the Loss of Diane Flashnick
"It is with a very heavy heart that I share with you that Diane Flashnick has passed away peacefully early Sunday morning.(May 28) She was truly a warrior in all that she did; not least of all in her 3 and half year battle with cancer. Diane was truly a trailblazer in her work for families and children South Carolina. We will continue to honor her legacy and vision. Having had the privilege of traveling across the country with her, I know she has many friends far and wide whose lives are enriched for having known her. Diane will truly be missed."
Jenah Cason
Executive Director
Federation of Families South Carolina
SAMHSA Welcomes Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Dr. Justine Larson, as Senior Medical Advisor for the Center for Mental Health Services
Upcoming Webinars
Measuring Family Experience of Care Integration to Improve Care Delivery

Thursday, June 15, 2017
10 to 10:30 a.m. PT;
1 to 1:30 p.m. ET

Sponsored by  the Lucile Packard Foundation for Children's Health, the Catalyst Center, and Family Voices
Early Childhood Evaluation:  Improving Policy, Systems, and Services

Monday 19 June 2017,
02:30 PM - 04:00 PM
 
Lauren Rabinovitz, MPH, MSW, LCSW-C, Georgetown University Center for Child and Human Development and Neal Horen, PhD, Georgetown University Center for Child and Human Development
SOC Expansion Leadership Learning Community: Governance Structures

Wednesday 21 June 2017
02:30 PM - 04:00 PM

Denise Sulzbach, Deputy Director, The TA Network, University of Maryland School of
Social Work


Families for Depression Awareness is presenting a free, 1-hour webinar on Tuesday, June 27 at
3:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM PT

Featuring Michael Petruzzelli and Rebecca Farley of the National Council for Behavioral Health.
Mental Health Crisis Planning for Youth and Families - Free Parent Webinar

Thursday, June 29th
at 2:00PM MDT
Presented by Kim Nealey, NCC, LCPC, ACADC;  and
Jennifer S. Eason-Barnett, LCSW.
Resources 
Nevada PEP is pleased to offer free one-hour previously recorded webinars so you can learn from your home or office at your convenience. They are designed specifically for busy parents, grandparents, advocates, and professionals who want to learn more but may have limited time.

In the wake of the #Manchester explosion NCTSN has resources for parents, educators, and providers.  Resources will help caregivers and providers discuss the event with children and teens.
P ACER offers nearly 100 helpful, free workshops a year
     Family Educational Materials
Access SAMHSA fact sheets that help caregivers and young adults learn about symptoms of various mental illnesses, treatment options, and support services.  The fact sheets provide the latest scientific information about symptoms and a range of treatment options, as well as peer support groups and services.