WELCOME BACK TO THE HUB!
The HUB is specially designed to serve our community and connect you to the rich array of K-12 school-based mental health events, activities, services, resources, webinars, trainings, policy and funding opportunities, and more, happening here in Orange County (OC) and beyond.
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OCTOBER: A MONTH FULL OF KEY MENTAL HEALTH DATES
October is full of new opportunities to advance school-based mental health including how to take a stand and stop bullying, World Mental Health Day, and programs to support school staff and health professionals.
Throughout this issue of The HUB, we will connect you to grab-and-go information, no-cost resources, and ways to get involved. Plus, The HUB Interview is back featuring Baldwin Pedraza who is the Director of Student Services at Garden Grove Unified School District sharing insights on integrating mental health and wellness practices every day in schools.
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OCTOBER IS NATIONAL BULLYING PREVENTION MONTH |
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Key Messages to Support Bullying Prevention Efforts in Schools
Every child has the right to feel safe and supported in school. Bullying directly affects a student’s ability to learn. Students who are bullied often do not want to go to school. They may find it difficult to concentrate, show a decline in grades, and lose self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-worth.
Bullying and Self-Esteem Webinar
What you’ll learn during the webinar:
- How to define various types of bullying and statistics
- Places where bullying happens
- Causes of being a bully and a bully's perspective
- Managing and understanding when your child is a bully or being bullied
- Self-esteem and coping tips
- Resources
The webinar will have a 30-minute presentation followed by an additional 30 minutes for discussion and one-on-one skill-building breakouts tailored for participants.
The Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) Bullying Prevention Program
Did you know that Orange County has its own local bullying prevention programs? It does!
The OCDE Bullying Prevention Program supports schools throughout the county in learning how to provide a safe, welcoming, and positive school climate for students, families, and staff members. Promoting a positive school climate can support schools’ efforts to meet the academic, social, and emotional needs of students. The program includes student and parent trainings and a bullying prevention program for middle schools. Learn more and get involved here.
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OCTOBER IS NATIONAL DEPRESSION AND MENTAL HEALTH SCREENING MONTH |
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Mental health screenings are an important tool to detect disorders like depression and getting screened is a key first step to connect those in need to support and treatment. National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month, established to promote screenings in the community and across the country, is designed to heighten awareness and link people to accessible and affordable mental health screenings. Check out this site to find out more.
No-Cost Online Mental Health Screenings by Mental Health America
Mental Health America (MHA) offers online, evidence-based screening tools that are free, anonymous, and confidential. Online screening is one of the most accessible way ways to determine whether someone is experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition. Access the online screenings here.
Important: Keep in mind that a screening is not a diagnosis, but it can be a helpful tool for starting a conversation with a professional or loved one about mental health.
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NATIONAL MENTAL ILLNESS AWARENESS WEEK: 10/3 - 10/9 |
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The Theme: Together for Mental Health
Each year during the first week of October, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and participants across the country raise awareness of mental illness, fight discrimination, and provide support. This year’s theme is “Together for Mental Health,” which focuses on the importance of advocating for better care for people with serious mental illness. Wondering how you can get involved? We’ve got you covered.
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Here are some sample social media posts to use throughout Mental Illness Awareness Week:
- 1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year, but less than two-thirds get treatment. We must improve access to quality care. #Together4MH
- Mental health is a huge part of overall health and should be a priority for everyone, whether you have a mental health condition or not. #Together4MH #MIAW
- Now, more than ever, we need to provide mental health support and resources. NAMI is here for you! #Together4MH
Spread the awareness and post them on your social media sites, especially during October 3 through October 9.
All month, NAMI is also featuring videos from people sharing their lived experiences. Watch and share the videos:
Mental Health 101: Understanding Mental Illness Webinar
What you’ll learn during the webinar:
- The meaning of mental health
- Signs and symptoms of common mental health disorders
- Current types of treatment and resources
The webinar will feature a 30-minute presentation followed by 30 minutes of discussion and breakouts for skill-building.
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“How Do I Help?” Family-to-Family Class Series Hosted by NAMI OC
When a loved one is affected by mental illness, that often impacts other family members and caregivers. To help community members cope, NAMI OC is offering a 12-session program – Family-to-Family – at no cost. The classes are every Wednesday via Zoom from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. beginning on October 6 through December 22.
To sign up, visit this website or call (714) 544-8488.
#FinishForMentalHealth: NAMIWalks Orange County
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Over 80 NAMI chapters will be participating in the NAMIWalks event this year. NAMIWalks is one of the top mental health walk series in the country.
NAMIWalks Orange County will be on Saturday, November 20, 2021. Let's continue to pave the way, showing others that we should not be afraid or ashamed to ask for help and finish strong for mental health. NAMIWalks will follow the local health department COVID-19 guidelines. Register here.
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WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY: OCTOBER 10 |
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World Mental Health Day is turning twenty-nine! It was started in 1992 as an annual global activity by the World Federation for Mental Health. Countries from around the world raise awareness and mobilize efforts in support of mental health. The day is officially commemorated each year on October 10.
The long COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on mental health around the world, but there is hope. During the World Health Assembly in May 2021, governments recognized the need to increase quality mental health services at all levels. Some countries have even found new ways to provide mental health care.
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The Theme: Mental Health Care for All: Let’s Make it a Reality
For this year’s World Mental Health Day campaign, The World Health Organization (WHO) will showcase successful initiatives and encourage individuals to highlight positive stories to inspire others. WHO will also provide new materials, in easy-to-read formats, offering ideas for how to take care of your own mental health and provide support to others.
Materials to support your World Mental Health Day planning can be found on this site. More materials will be added in the lead-up to October 10.
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Baldwin Pedraza
Director, Student Services, Garden Grove Unified School District
Each month, The HUB talks to leaders in OC. This month, we had a chance to catch up with Baldwin Pedraza at Garden Grove Unified School District.
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HUB: We’ve heard you talk about mental health and the importance of focusing on skill building vs. skill deficit. Can you tell us more?
Baldwin: When hearing the term “mental health,” sometimes there is the inclination to think of mental health from a skill-deficit point of view. However, everyone strives to have positive mental health and wellbeing, so it is important to remember that equally as important as it is in identifying someone who may need support, we also need to support building positive mental health in our schools by helping to build skills that help us cope with normal stresses and that build resiliency in the face of adversity.
HUB: How should schools incorporate mental health?
Baldwin: Schools should think of mental health from a whole-school approach. It is important that all stakeholders -- parents, students, and staff -- are provided the resources to help develop and sustain a safe and welcoming learning environment. Everyone plays a role.
HUB: October is a big month for mental health activities. How can these mental health days, weeks, and months be integrated into schools?
Baldwin: Mental health can be integrated through programs and practices that build awareness, foster the growth of positive mental health, and identify potential mental health conditions. These can range from activities integrated seamlessly into classroom practices to identified daily or monthly themes with targeted and intentional practices.
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NATIONAL HEALTH EDUCATION WEEK: 10/17 - 10/22 |
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This year, the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) is focusing National Health Education Week on how to promote a better understanding of the role of health education in schools.
“COVID-19 Classroom Chat: Adapting to the Classroom in 2021” Webinar
Kick off National Health Education Week on Monday, October 18 and register for the “COVID-19 Classroom Chat: Adapting to the Classroom in 2021” webinar hosted by SOPHE. The webinar will feature a panel of school health experts from different educational areas who will share their experiences of re-adapting to the classroom. Topics may include:
- Addressing mental health challenges
- Describing experiences with being back in person
- Tackling barriers that come with re-acclimating to the school environment.
The Theme: Gateway to the Future: The Power of Health Education & Promotion
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We Want to Hear From You! Want to share an event that advances student mental health? Let The Hub help. Whether an event, training, webinar, grant, or a “Zoom” gathering, we can help spread the word! We encourage you to submit items for future issues.
Share The HUB – Please forward it on to educators, staff, administrators, parents, families and students in the school community and community organizations serving youth and families.
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The HUB is brought to you by The Reilly Group as part of the HCA Community Networking Project, and humble editors: Colleen Reilly, Gabriela Rodriguez, Angela Castellanos, and Jenna Shaffer. We look forward to serving you!
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Contact the Community Networking Project
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Funded by OC Health Care Agency (OCHCA), Behavioral Health Services, Prevention & Intervention, Mental Health Services Act/Prop. 63 |
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