SPAN The Bridge Newsletter pictorial graphic.  Your weekly access to SPAN news, resources and events.

December 14, 2021 | Issue 9 (View newsletter as webpage)

Important News


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US Surgeon General Youth Mental Health Advisory


In 2019, one in three high school students and half of female

students in the US reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, an overall increase of 40% from 2009.

Mental health challenges in children, adolescents, and young adults are real, and widespread. Most importantly, they are treatable, and often preventable.

This Advisory provides

recommendations for action by:

  • young people and their families
  • schools and health care systems
  • technology and media companies
  • employers, community organizations, and governments


Read the Full Advisory Here

CDC Expands COVID-19 Booster Recommendations to 16-and-17-year-olds


The CDC is encouraging everyone 16 and older to receive a booster shot. 


Initial data suggests that COVID-19 boosters help broaden and strengthen the protection against Omicron and other variants.

"We know that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, and I strongly encourage adolescents ages 16 and 17 to get their booster if they are at least 6 months post their initial Pfizer vaccination series.”

-CDC Director, Dr. Rochelle Walensky


At this time, only the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is authorized and recommended for adolescents aged 16 and 17. More information will be available on CDC’s website here soon


Resources


Mental Health Toolkit for Family Caregivers

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Making sure the needs of your child/children may make maintaining physical and mental health more difficult. When you are caring for a child who has a disability or special health care need, the stress is even greater.


Data from MHAScreening.org show that 46% of parents caring for a child said that they were taking the screening because of the stress of caregiving,


Fathers who were experiencing a mental health condition were much less likely to have received previous mental health support than mothers.


Those caring for both their children and their parents were more likely to be at risk of a mental health condition.


MHA has gathered a wealth of resources to help parents and other caregivers address their own mental health in this toolkit. The toolkit includes:


  • Social Media Images
  • MHA Resource List
  • Fact Sheets •
  • Mental Health and the New Father
  • Caregiving and the Sandwich Generation
  • Mental Health and the Single Parent


Download the Toolkit Here

Upcoming Events

See what's happening this month


SPAN offers a variety of learning opportunities for families and the professionals who work with them. Check out our Event Calendar (link) for details and registration links.


Upcoming Events include (links):

And more (link)!


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COVID Vaccine Information Session with the Governor’s Office and NJ Department of Health

Thursday, December 16,2021

10:00 a.m.


With much in the news about new COVID variants, third doses, boosters, and the possible approval of a vaccine booster for children 12 and under, Governor Murphy's office will provide an update of the status of COVID vaccines in New Jersey and answer as many questions as possible.


Please feel free to share this invitation with others in your community and organization. 


Registration is required.


What: Vaccine Information Session with the Governor’s Office and NJ Department of Health

When: December 16th, 2021 10:00am – 11:00am


Register in advance for this meeting here


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