Aligning Resources Across Georgia To Support Resiliency |
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To Our Resilient Georgia Partners and Stakeholders: |
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April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, an opportunity to spread the word about the prevalence and consequences of different types of mistreatment towards kids. With the CDC reporting that around 1 in every 7 children will experience a form of abuse, the impact of child abuse cannot be understated. We would like to encourage our readers, especially those working directly with children, to do their part to prevent abuse whenever possible. Georgia Center for Child Advocacy’s Prevention Palooza is a great way to attend a training or event preparing individuals to help protect children from abuse. You can take a look at all their trainings throughout the month of April here. Georgia Trauma Systems is also offering a free lunch and learn webinar on April 27th at 12PM EST, titled “Prevent Trauma: Child Abuse Prevalence, Prevention, and Response”. This training is most appropriate for healthcare providers, first responders, community advocates, Peds CHAMPS, and school nurses. Additionally, be sure to check out Prevent Child Abuse Georgia’s website for a list of the many incredible trainings they offer and to access their 2022 Child Abuse Prevention Month Toolkit. Thank you for all you do to keep our children safe and thriving!
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We would like to highlight several resources and news updates:
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In case you missed it, Georgia’s Mental Health Parity Bill recently unanimously passed the House and Senate and the Governor signed it into law! We couldn’t be more thrilled about this news, as the bill will improve access to services across the state and improve quality of care for countless Georgia residents.
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We are excited to promote the Reach Institute’s new Pediatric Mental Health Training Award, which will offer an organization or health center serving low-income individuals the chance to train 50 providers in their Patient-Centered Mental Health in Pediatric Primary Care (PPP) Program. To learn more about the program and to apply before the May 9 deadline, please visit their webpage.
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This coverage shows how the incredible Dharma Project is bringing yoga movement and meditation to female inmates in the Fulton County Jail.
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These resources from the American Farm Bureau Federation are uplifting the mental health and wellbeing of farmers across the nation.
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In Kansas City, mental and behavioral health center “Strawberry Hill” offers a new approach to mental health services: one that is community-based, destigmatized, and intentionally designed to promote serenity and comfort.
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We would also like to share the following opportunities:
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In partnership with the Atlanta Hawks, Silence the Shame is hosting a Teen Wellness Clinic on May 7th for youth ages 13-15 looking to expand their skills for wellbeing. Participants will get to practice techniques, build community, and have lots of fun during this half day summit. Parents and guardians can register for their teen by visiting this link.
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The Kennedy-Satcher Center for Mental Health Equity (KSCMHE), in partnership with WellPath Care, is hosting a series of virtual round-tables to address the inequities in the justice system. Their fourth session on April 19th will address re-entry programs and reducing prison recidivism rates, and the fifth session on May 17th will discuss housing access and environmental support systems. Register now for these important events discussing the wellbeing and adjustment of justice-involved individuals.
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Join our partners in Resilient Southwest Georgia at the Vashti Center for their children’s mental health awareness campaign featuring a Guinness World Record Attempt for most people dressed like a butterfly! The event will take place on May 6th at 5:30 at the Ritz Amphitheater in Thomasville.
Follow us on Facebook or Instagram for more resources, events, and news. As always, we want to extend our warmest thanks to all our partners showing up to support behavioral health in Georgia.
Sincerely,
Brenda Fitzgerald, MD
Executive Board Chair
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Emily Anne Vall, PhD
Executive Director
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Addressing Refugee Mental Health |
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The recent news about Ukraine and the impact of war on innocent civilians is absolutely heartbreaking. The collective trauma that this nation is facing is something we have seen before (in countries like Syria) , yet it never becomes less shocking and tragic. The consequences of existing amidst the violence of war are so large that scientists have begun to utilize a new diagnosis for individuals in Syria titled “Human Devastation Syndrome”. Many are unable to leave their home country in the midst of war due to refugee quotas, lack of resources, or fear of being away from family, leaving them continually exposed to the turmoil of war. Yet, even for refugees who are able to successfully resettle, there can be a major impact on health and wellbeing. We would also be remiss not to address the impact war often has on our youngest citizens. This powerful article from NPR about the repercussions of the war in Ukraine shows how parents can be a protective support system from the stress Ukrainian children are facing. Additionally, parents outside of Ukraine should also be aware of their ability to minimize anxiety about what is going on in the world right now. Calming children with an age appropriate conversation about war and other conflict may seem difficult, but can be important for providing necessary comfort during this time. This interview offers additional tips on how to be prepared for inevitable questions from young ones about the jarring news on Ukraine.
If there is a small role that we can play to support Ukrainian citizens and refugees, it is crucial that we do so. We are proud of our partners at the Trauma Resource Institute for their recognition of the positive impact that the Community Resilience Model training can have on managing trauma through bodily-based interventions. As a result, they have provided virtual CRM training for Ukrainian people to support their wellbeing in the midst of horrific chaos. Other organizations that have supported refugees throughout the years include the incredible Refugee Women’s Network, who launched a hiking group in 2021 to promote community and wellbeing for this population, and the Center for Victims of Torture, who provide resources, training, and advocacy for those impacted by global crises. For a large list organizations in Clarkston GA supporting refugees, we recommend this guide .
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Positive and Adverse Childhood Experiences (PACEs) |
This report from the US Senate Finance Committee presents a compelling argument for national action towards supporting mental health. But in the midst of recognition for greater access, there are also a number of significant barriers to receiving proper mental healthcare. Many, including healthcare workers - who arguably need mental health support most, remain under the oppressive hand of stigma. There is also a huge need for greater data to create evidence-based solutions for supporting children's wellbeing. In response, our partners over at Marcus Autism Center are working with other organizations to identify upstream factors that promote healthy development from a young age. A lack of education about PACEs can also be a factor inhibiting proper care. In recognition of this potential barrier, PACEs connection has created an awesome presentation to be used by anyone teaching the science behind PACES and trauma-informed care.
In addition, we are excited to continue to highlight the progress towards a more Resilient Georgia. This article covers the growth of trauma-informed care into non-traditional spaces, a movement that is helping trauma-informed care reach a larger population than ever before. The Foundation for Social Connection’s Connect Conversations explores the work that can be done to combat loneliness in schools, workplaces, and health settings, and beyond, while a new series from Georgia Public Radio called “Hope Givers” is uplifting kids and educators towards resilience through storytelling and educational entertainment. Their upcoming work is informed by surveyed feedback about the mental health needs of schools across Georgia. Finally, starting this July, Georgians will be able to dial 988 to reach a trained Suicide Prevention Lifeline counselor. We couldn’t be more proud of all the incredible and diverse ways professionals are stepping up to address behavioral health concerns across the nation.
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This set of resources from Georgia Tech addresses the mental and behavioral health needs of Asian-American Pacific Islander (AAPI) students. In case you missed it, our most recent blog highlights AAPI mental health and the incredible organizations working to get individuals the support they deserve. Be sure to check it out!
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"Dare to be brave today, and trust that when you extend your wings, you will fly."
-Mary DeMuth
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