The Federation on the Move
February 2022 Newsletter
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Children's Mental Health Acceptance Week
During Children's Mental Health Acceptance Week, May 1st - 7th , we will focus on the importance of shifting from awareness to acceptance . We hope to inspire new thinking and behavior that better supports the mental health of children and youth and their families. Our new infographic, Reframing Language, was designed along with the NFSTAC team to do just that - change our thinking and the way we talk about mental health and about individuals who experience mental health and/or substance use challenges. View the full infographic here.
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The 2022 Annual Conference |
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We're excited to announce the title of this year's conference - "Families Can't Wait: Providing Essential Support for Today's Challenges and Tomorrow's Wellbeing" - taking place in Oklahoma City, OK on November 3rd - 5th, 2022. Hotel reservations can now be made here. Our room block guarantees a reduced room rate and space is limited. We recommend making your reservations early. Please visit our website for more information and look for updates in the coming weeks and months.
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The Omicron variant has spread across the country more easily than the original COVID-19 virus and every state has been affected. We will be working to stay on top of the latest information and providing updates via Facebook and our Time to Return resource pages.
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Every home in the U.S. is eligible to receive up to
4 free COVID-19 tests.
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2022 Family Survey: Closes February 28 |
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Last year, we surveyed families and created a compelling infographic spotlighting the incredible challenges so many were facing. In particular, we asked how parents and caregivers were coping with COVID-19 and the strain it put on every aspect of family life - employment, education, childcare, etc. Families who completed the anonymous survey provided us with critical information about how the pandemic was impacting them and their children, especially in terms of academic progress, mental and behavioral health and substance use.
We are asking families who have children of any age living at home to share this vital information with us again so we can continue to represent family voice at the federal level. Please take a few moments to complete the 2022 anonymous survey and share it with your network of colleagues, partners, families and friends. Hearing from as many parents and caregivers as possible will help us represent family voice by painting the most accurate picture of family health and wellness today. The survey will close on Monday, February 28th. Thank you!
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We wish the following Executive Directors a warm farewell and thank them for their work on behalf of families as they move on to the new ventures and chapters of their life:
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Patti DiNardo, Aspire Hope NY, Inc.
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Jane Plapinger, Maryland Coalition of Families
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Ken Norton, NAMI New Hampshire
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We would like to extend a warm welcome to the following new chapter leaders:
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Jeannine Struble, Executive Director, Aspire Hope NY, Inc.
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Swati Shah, Interim Executive Director, Maryland Coalition of Families
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Susan Stearns, Executive Director, NAMI New Hampshire
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The 2022 theme for Black History Month is "Black Health and Wellness." We encourage you to join us in recognizing the important contributions of Black Americans in healthcare - particularly the mental health of Black communities. Find resources below to help you learn more.
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NFSTAC News and Highlights |
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NFSTAC provides education, training, and family support resources tailored specifically to families, the family peer workforce, communities, healthcare systems, clinicians and educators. Our network of partners and subject matter experts will work with you to help address your needs. Our technical assistance is always free and we're ready to assist you.
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Join us for next month's Family Connections - a new virtual community for parents and caregivers. Each month we will focus on a specific topic providing tips and tools and time to connect with one another to build your support network. Next month's gathering will be on Thursday, March 3rd from 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. ET. The topic will be "What Parents & Caregivers Need to Know About Eating Disorders." Learn more and register here.
Parents, caregivers, family peers and support professionals are invited to NFSTAC's February webinar titled, "Rethinking Substance Use: An Earlier and Broader Approach" on Wednesday, February 16th at 2:00 p.m. ET. Learn more and register here.
Executive Directors and Family Leaders are invited to our inaugural Office Hour on Thursday, February 17th at 1:30 p.m. ET. Join us and guest speaker Dr. Gary Blau, Senior Advisor for Children, Youth and Families, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Learn more and register here.
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Lived Experience Highlight |
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In preparation for this month's webinar, "Rethinking Substance Use: An Earlier and Broader Approach" mentioned above, we invite you to read "Everything My Parents Did to Get Me Addiction Treatment and Into Recovery." The article, written by Keegan Wicks, is an account of his personal experience sharing his addiction with his family and asking for their help in seeking treatment. Find the introduction and a link to the full article below.
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“I’m addicted to heroin and I need help.” Those are the words that rang through my family’s ears as my two older brothers and my mom and dad sat with me that memorable Christmas Day. I couldn’t believe it. Did those words just come out of my mouth? Yup, they sure did. Read Keegan's story here.
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We are working on an update to our legislative web pages to provide you with updated bill and policy information. Look for information about this new resource coming soon.
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Urging Senate HELP Committee to Immediately Consider House-Passed Mental Health Bills |
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On February 1st, Reps. Grace F. Napolitano (D-CA-32) and John Katko (R-NY-24) along with 37 colleagues sent a letter urging the Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pensions (HELP) Committee to take up nine House-passed mental health bills without delay. NFF was one of the 69 organizations actively supporting this effort.
These are bills that were passed in the House in May of 2021 but are currently stalled in the Senate HELP Committee:
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Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act (S. 1795/H.R. 1475)
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STANDUP Act (S. 1543/H.R. 586)
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Mental Health Services for Students Act (S. 1841/H.R. 721)
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Effective Suicide Screening and Assessment in the Emergency Department Act (S. 467/H.R. 1324)
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Improving Mental Health Access from the Emergency Department Act (S. 2157/H.R. 1205)
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HERO Act (S. 2700/H.R. 1480)
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Suicide Prevention Lifeline Improvement Act (S. 2425/H.R. 2981)
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Campaign to Prevent Suicide Act (H.R. 2862)
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Suicide Prevention Act (H.R. 2955)
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Below is a listing of upcoming webinars and events that may be of interest to parents/caregivers, families and those who support them. Click the title of any event to learn more and/or to register. |
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We encourage you to explore the resources below for caregivers, youth and young adults, the family peer support workforce and mental health and substance use professionals. Have a resource you'd like to share? Feel free to email us for consideration in future newsletters. |
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Alonzo Russell's Story
Alonzo Russell, who goes by ALONZO, is an L.A.-based recording artist. He came into the national spotlight as a semi-finalist on “America’s Got Talent.” But before he entered the limelight, he was a young person dealing with anger and depression. Hear Alonzo share his story in this JED Voices interview with Dr. Janis Whitlock, a developmental psychologist working with JED. Watch the full conversation here.
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Mindful Moment: Today I Will Connect
Human connection is vital to our well-being, but in order to connect with others, we must be able to connect with ourselves first with authenticity and compassion. Please enjoy this guided meditation from Envision2bWell about connecting with yourself and your body.
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TED Talk: 3 Secrets of Resilient People
Everyone experiences loss, but how do you cope with the tough moments that follow? Resilience researcher Lucy Hone shares three hard-won strategies for developing the capacity to brave adversity, overcome struggle and face whatever may come head-on with fortitude and grace. Watch the video here.
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Thriving Kids Project: Understanding Feelings
The California Healthy Minds, Thriving Kids Project features free videos and print resources for parents, educators and students, in English and Spanish. The project promotes children’s emotional health and teaches essential coping skills through five topics. The first topic in the series is Understanding Feelings.
The videos feature the voices and lived experiences of caregivers, teachers and kids today.
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Tips for Caregivers: Finding a Therapist for Yourself (with Suggestions for Your Loved One, Too)
If you're considering finding a therapist to help balance your own wellness with supporting your loved one, here are some tips from Families for Depression Awareness to guide and encourage you along the way.
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