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Tag Archive: awareness month

  1. Community Conversation in Chesterfield Attracts Lawmakers

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    As part of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Campaign organized an event on May 29, “A Community Conversation about Children’s Mental Health,” to raise awareness of the need for Chesterfield elected officials and residents to address mental health issues in children. The event was sponsored by Voices for Virginia’s Children and the Campaign for Children’s Mental Health, Chesterfield Community Services Board, and Bon Secours. Bon Secours is a major funder of the Campaign for Children’s Mental Health, and generously provided meeting space at its St. Francis Medical Center in Chesterfield.

    Senator Henry Marsh, Delegate Kirk Cox, and Delegate Riley Ingram, all members of the General Assembly committees that create the state budget, served as co-hosts for the event, which attracted nearly 40 individuals who live and work in Chesterfield County.

    After viewing a webinar produced by the Child Mind Institute about the mental health needs of children at a national level,  the legislators discussed the additional general funds the state has provided in the last two years to improve children’s crisis response and child psychiatry services.  The conversation that followed highlighted the ongoing difficulties families often face in accessing mental health treatment for their children, as well as suggestions for improvements.

    The event served as an important vehicle for keeping children’s mental health issues in the spotlight for key legislators who shape Virginia’s budget and for bringing together families and treatment professionals to discuss ways to improve the lives of children with mental health challenges. Thanks to all the Chesterfield folks who attended!

    The Campaign hopes to replicate this type of event in other areas of the state. If you are interested in having an event like this in your locality, please contact campaign coordinator Margaret Nimmo Crowe, margaret@vakids.org.

  2. Adolescent Substance Use: Training May 23 in Richmond

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    Great events just keep popping up in May! The Campaign is pleased to spread the word about this training about adolescent substance use. We’ve worked with parent-trainer Carol Obrochta often, and she is wonderful! Be prepared to get some helpful information in a very supportive environment. Here are the details- be sure to register:

    The Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services is sponsoring a free training titled

    Adolescent Substance Use: “Information that all Families Should Know”

    Family members and caregivers who are concerned that their child or adolescent may have a substance use disorder often have many questions and concerns. This training is designed to provide attendees with accurate information about drugs and drug trends as well as strategies on how to effectively address substance use behavior in the family environment. The presentation is designed especially for family members and care givers.  Topics to be covered include but not limited to are signs and symptoms of substance use, abuse, and dependence, the culture of drugs and alcohol, drug trends, how and where to get help, strategies on stabilizing the family and self-care for the family that is impacted by youth substance use.

    Presenters:  Barbara Burke (LCSW) is the Clinical Director for the Family Counseling Center for Recovery at the Radford Ave. location and has over 25 years of experience providing counseling services for adolescents and family.

    Carol Obrochta is a national trainer with over 25 years of experience in the area of  developing child and family support and networking organizations.

    Date:  Thursday, May 23, 2013

    Time:  5:30-8:30 p.m.

    Place: Virginia Tech Richmond Center, 2810 N. Parham Road, Richmond, VA

    Light dinner refreshments will be served

    Registration Information:

    The workshop is free, but space is limited, therefore registration is required. In order to register, please forward your name, email address,  and telephone number to Malcolm King at (804) – 371-4604 or via email at malcolm.king@dbhds.virginia.gov  A confirmation email will be sent to you after your information has been received. Directions to the Virginia Tech Richmond Center may be found at http://www.richmond.vt.edu/newsite/directions.html

  3. Speak Up for Kids: May is Mental Health Awareness Month!

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    At the Campaign, we are very excited about a new partnership with the Child Mind Institute in New York and its “Speak Up for Kids” initiative in May: “The centerpiece of Speak Up for Kids 2013 is a series of marquee events—livestreamed talks and roundtable discussions by our nation’s mental health leaders—that expose and address the real barriers that stand in the way of effective mental health care for children and families.”

    There is an AMAZING lineup of 16 webinars throughout the month of May, and you have the opportunity to host viewing parties—gatherings of interested folks, whether work colleagues, parents, or clients of your organization – to view the webinars together and then discuss. I have discussion guides available if you would like to organize a viewing party. No group is too large or too small! Also, if the time of the live webinar is not convenient, you can host a viewing party at a later time that works for you. All webinars will be available on the Child Mind website.

    Topics include everything from teen addictions, brain research, fighting stigma, and partnering with your pediatrician, and speakers include young people, parents, Congressman Patrick Kennedy and NIMH director Dr. Tom Insel. There is truly something for everyone!

    The Child Mind Institute is offering the webinars and discussion guides totally free of charge, and we are excited to bring this opportunity to your attention. Please let us know if you would like to host a viewing party: margaret@vakids.org.

  4. Family Media Training in Fairfax May 14

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    As part of Children’s Mental Health Awareness Month, the Campaign for Children’s Mental Health is teaming up with Fairfax Partnership for Youth to offer a media training for families of children with mental health issues on May 14 in Fairfax. Here’s the scoop:

    Parents and the Media: What Reporters Are Looking For, and How to Tell Your Story

    When:                         Tue, May 14, 2013, 6:30pm-8:30pm

    Where:                       Room 1034, Pennino Building, 12011 Governement Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA 22035

    Who Attends:          Family members of children with mental health challenges

    Free to attend. Dinner will be provided. Please register! (http://www.fairfaxyouth.org)

    The Campaign for Children’s Mental Health works to spread the word about children’s mental health needs and reduce stigma for the children affected and their families. Part of raising public awareness of children’s mental health issues is to work through the media, helping inform decision makers to change policies that serve our most vulnerable children. Reporters always want to talk to families who are affected by children’s mental health issues. We know that can be intimidating, so we want to help you prepare BEFORE we get a call and need your help.

    This training will be led by a seasoned media consultant who will tell you what reporters are looking for and how to share your story succinctly. As a result, you’ll be able to help improve the children’s mental health system by speaking up about your experiences!

    Please register today and feel free to pass along the info to any other families who might be interested.

    Questions? Email margaret@vakids.org.