Tagged With "mental health"
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Trauma Training: Mental Health in our Schools
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Children’s mental health report finds less stigma, more recognition [WCTrib.com]
Parents, children and professionals involved in the Kandiyohi County children’s mental health system say there’s reason to feel optimistic about the system. Professionals and parents who participated in a series of focus group...
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EmpowerSurvivors "NEW" Monday Eagan, MN Peer Support Group!
Great Things Are Happening Here At EmpowerSurvivors! EmpowerSurvivors wants to give a very LARGE shout out and warm welcome to our newest EmpowerSurvivors certified peer support specialist and facilitator Rachel Block! Rachel participated in our weekly meetings and has shown us what it means to go from victim to survivor, to thriver! Rachel will be heading up a new EmpowerSurvivors peer support group for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse beginning July 1, 2019 in Eagan, Minnesota .
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Eradicating the roots of childhood trauma [indianapolisrecorder.com]
On the east side of Indianapolis in late March, a barrage of bullets sprayed through a home, killing 1-year-old Malaysia Robson as she slept on the couch. It was a drive-by shooting in the middle of the night by two men in their late 20s. It’s the kind of violence that can shake a community, leaving its distraught members wondering how much more they can take. Community violence — and other forms of trauma — are especially harmful for children. They’re called adverse childhood experiences...
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Exciting Upcoming Events in Minnesota!
Midwest ACE Summit | November 10-11, 2016 Eagan, Minnesota | Click here for more information You have likely already heard about the Midwest ACE Summit from previous posts in this group. What you haven't heard is an exciting update about the event -- Laura Porter of the Foundation for Healthy Generations in Washington will be facilitating the final plenary session at the Summit! This rounds the keynote speakers out to four: Sam Simmons, Dr. Henry Emmons, Dr. Roy Wade, Jr. and Laura Porter.
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"Faces of ACEs: The Lifelong Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences" Conference 2019
Friday, April 12, 2019 marked an exciting, auspicious, and perhaps pivotal day in the history of Monroe County, Indiana. That’s a lot of adjectives—and pressure—to pile onto just another glorious spring day in Bloomington. But I think many folks who virtually congregate on a site that supports communities implementing trauma-informed and resilience-building practices grounded in ACEs science would agree that a county’s first-ever ACEs conference deserves a little ballyhoo. But this ACEs...
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Feature: Central Minnesota ACEs Collaborative
Sometimes the problem is so big we struggle to see how we can make a difference. It is like that first step you take at the base of the mountain. You know it is the first of many. You know that you have a long way to go to the finish. It is easy at that point to get discouraged; to feel helpless; or even to deny your ability to actually do what was set out to be done. You may want to quit or you do quit! Mother Teresa said, “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the...
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Fidgety Fairy Tales – The Mental Health Musicals
One upon a time, familiar fairy tales were re-imagined as delightful 40-minute musical theatre performances. Fidgety Fairy Tales - The Mental Health Musicals use gentle humor, great music, and compelling performances by talented youth to raise awareness about children's mental health. The goals are to: Provide accurate information about mental health disorders using clear, accessible language Dispel the myths and reduce the fear and misunderstanding around mental health disorders Portray the...
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From Trauma to Resilience training in Minneapolis, MN
Only 15 SPOTS remain for our training, From Trauma to Resilience: Fostering Hope Through Trauma-Informed Care! On September 27, participants will come together for our day long comprehensive training. This training is designed to assist participants in developing their unique skillset needed to support individuals who have experienced adverse childhood experiences and traumatic events. Objectives: Increase awareness of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and impact on well-being. Explain...
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Growing Up in Today's World is NOT Easy: One Student's Story
Growing up in today's world is NOT easy. I have heard hundreds of students tell me this. Despite this fact, many of them have also told me that many of the adults in their lives don't seem to understand this, including parents, teachers, and society. Adults who are disconnected from the reality of the lives of the youth that they are around will not be able to completely understand how to provide the support that might be needed for those youth needing it most. I recently met a young woman...
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Harvard Infographic on ACEs and Toxic Stress
This was just posted by Harvard. I thought all of us could use access to it, for use in our schools and the settings we work in. The full image is on the attached PDF.
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Health system should recognize intergenerational trauma, expert says [CBCNews]
A leading authority on First Nations health is calling on healthcare practitioners to recognize intergenerational trauma when treating Indigenous patients. Dr. Evan Adams is the chief medical officer for the First Nations Health Authority in B.C. He told the's CBC's The Early Edition the historic oppression faced by Indigenous people can linger as trauma in subsequent generations. "Trauma really is a wound," he said. "Often, trauma is psychic in nature, not physical ... and it can be an...
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Helping Students Overcome Toxic Stress through Science-Based Teaching Practices (stresshealth.org)
“What our students really crave the most is predictability from the adults interacting with them,” says Roger Sapp, a student success teacher at KIPP. For that reason, the one-on-one session is not a reward for being “good” or withheld if something bad happens. The kids who need it can count on it – every day. The scene is from a video by Edutopia (aka the George Lucas Educational Foundation), which has produced a series of more than 20 powerful, engaging shorts on how children learn in...
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How childhood stress can knock 20 years off your life [The Guardian]
T here is a scene in James Redford’s new film, Resilience , in which a paediatrician cites a parental misdeed so outmoded as to seem bizarre. “Parents used to smoke in the car with kids in the back and the windows rolled up,” she says, incredulous. How long ago those days now seem; how wise today’s parents are to the dangers of those toxins. Yet every week in her clinic in the Bayview-Hunters Point area of San Francisco, children present with symptoms of a new pollutant – one that is just as...
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Igniting Change from the Ground Up: Uplifting Best Practices for Community Organizing and Leadership Engagement
Tuesday, August 7, 2018, 11:00 am to 12:00 pm This webinar will focus on tools and resources communities have utilized to build a strong base of support and mobilize leaders around efforts that advance health and equity. Presenters will highlight best practices from both urban and rural communities around the country. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about engagement techniques for cultivating leadership, approaches for fostering community ownership, and action-oriented...
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Information on the Minnesota Student Survey and other resources
“Youth in Minnesota Correctional Facilities and Adverse Childhood Experiences: Responses to the 2013 Minnesota Student Survey, May 2013 https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/o...20CKR_ACES_FINAL.pdf Slide presentation by...
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Introducing Dunia Dadi, Evaluation and Community Education Manager
Dunia holds a Master of Public Health degree in Epidemiology from the University of Minnesota's School of Public Health. She also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a Bachelor of Arts in Public Health Sciences. Before starting at MCCC, Dunia has had two years of experience working on professional development projects and developing algorithms and protocols around intimate partner violence screening and response for home visiting professionals. Dunia will support communication...
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Introducing Emily Clary, MCCC's Director of ACE Collaborative Partnerships
Emily Clary is responsible for helping develop and coordinate the ACE Interface training and Self-Healing Communities partnership with the Children’s Mental Health and Family Services Collaboratives across the state. Emily holds a Master’s Degree in Public Policy from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota and a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in Sociology from Beloit College. Emily is deeply committed to sharing research about Adverse Childhood Experiences and...
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Introducing Linsey McMurrin, Regional ACE Training Coordinator
Linsey McMurrin is an enrolled member of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. She is an organizer of the Bemidji Area Truth and Reconciliation Initiative, a grassroots effort to promote truth-seeking, healing, and change through increasing understanding and building relationships among area indigenous and non-indigenous communities. She is a strong advocate of social justice and community driven work, and believes that the development of cultural, social, and emotional competencies is integral to...
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Kickoff- Mental Well-Being Learning Community
Join the Minnesota Department of Health for the inaugural monthly statewide Mental Well-Being and Resilience Learning Community TUESDAY MAY 30 th 10:00-12:00 REGISTER HERE TO PARTICIPATE SITES ? Registration includes a list of sites near you. NO SITE ADDRESS? We will update site addresses as identified. Hosts will also email participants before the event. NO SITE NEAR YOU? Email anna.lynn@state.mn.us to confirm if one is currently available or to become a host. OTHER QUESTIONS? See...
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Life Expectancy by Zip Code: Where You Live Affects How Long You Live
Life expectancy is highly correlated with ACE scores and complex childhood trauma. Enter your address or zip code to know what the health outcomes are in your neighborhoods and communities. Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Life Expectancy Calculator
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Meet Minnesota Communities Caring for Children's new staff!
Rebecca Laesch Regional ACE Training Coordinator - Northwest MN Rebecca is completing a Bachelor's degree in Multidisciplinary Studies at the University of Minnesota. She has 20 years of extensive and diverse experience in community collaboration and is guided by the principles of acceptance, tolerance, and understanding. She believes in the inherent value of every person, and sees diversity as one of our greatest resources in creating healthier communities. Rebecca will be coordinating the...
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The 2016 Midwest ACE Summit
Thank you to those who attended the 2016 Midwest ACE Summit! At the event nearly 300 people came together to learn about how communities are addressing ACEs and promoting healing in Minnesota and across the Midwest. We hope that participants were energized by the stories they heard and inspired about what can be done to foster resilience and healing in their own communities. Attached to this post are the Summit agenda and breakout session descriptions for your reference. Resources shared at...
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Minnesota Budget Change Item for the Department of Human Services: Build Community Capacity to Address Adverse Childhood Experiences
Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton approved a $796,000 program Build Community Capacity to Address Childhood Experiences (attached) to support Children’s Mental Health Collaboratives and Family Services Collaboratives in their local efforts to...
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MN Research: The Value of Understanding ACEs
Over the past three years, Minnesota Communities Caring for Children (MCCC) has worked to raise awareness about brain development, ACEs, and resilience statewide using the national ACE Interface curriculum. To date the organization has trained more than 130 Minnesotans from diverse communities to present this curriculum and help foster community responses. This summer, Maxine Freedman of Macalester College interviewed 29 members of MCCC's network to assess the impact of this work on...
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MN Trauma Project aims to increase understanding of how past experiences shape our lives today [MinnPost.com]
Many people experience trauma, but few — and that includes medical professionals — understand the larger impact it can have on their lives and the lives of others. Ryan Van Wyk, a psychologist at Park Nicollet Melrose Center , wants to change that. He believes that past trauma lies at the root of many common mental health and addiction issues, and if more people understood that fact and worked to heal trauma, many could live happier, healthier lives. “My graduate school was great,” Van Wyk...
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"Moving from Understanding to Implementing Trauma-Responsive Services" Takeaways from SAMSHA Forum in Johnson City 9.5.19
Speakers and guests at the SAMSHA Forum included (l-r) Mary Rolando of the Department of Children's Services; Chrissy Haslam, First Lady of Tennessee; Dr. Joan Gillece, SAMSHA Center for Trauma Informed Care; Dr. Andi Clements, East Tennessee State University; Becky Haas, Johnson City Police Department; Carey Sipp, ACEs Connection, and Robin Crumley, Boys & Girls Club of Johnson City/Washington County. It was easy to be both inspired and a bit overwhelmed at the Substance Abuse and...
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National Council for Behavioral Health Conference #NatCon19
Last month, I had the pleasure of attending the annual National Council for Behavioral Health Conference. I have been to my fair share of conferences but #NatCon19 was one of the best. First, I'm biased. It took place in my city, Nashville, TN . And the venue was the world renowned Opryland Hotel's Gaylord Convention Center . And, I love, love, love the Opryland Hotel ! As any seasoned conference goer, I had a strategy when it came to which sessions and events I wanted to attend. My game...
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New Community!!! Ardmore OK Behavioral Health Collaborative
I'm excited to announce the newest ACEs Connection geographic community for my region, the Midwest & TN: Ardmore OK Behavioral Health Collaborative . This community is a partnership of local organizations taking a trauma-informed stance on behavioral health in Carter County, OK. Their goal is to build a healthy, connected and resilient community. The community manager is Ashley Godwin . Ashley Godwin joined Ardmore Behavioral Health Collaborative in March 2017 as the Director where she...
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Nominate a Trauma-Informed Care Champion: #TICchampion
Becoming a trauma-informed organization requires clear communication about the transformation process, and support from staff at all levels of an organization. Often these efforts are spearheaded by “trauma-informed care champions”— individuals committed to raising awareness regarding the health effects of trauma and toxic stress and improving care for people who have experienced trauma. This week, the Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS) invites you to recognize people around you who...
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Paper Tigers and Resilience Documentary Screenings in Stewartville
Paper Tigers and Resilience Documentary Screenings Stewartville High School Performing Arts Center Brought to you by REACH Stewartville, Olmsted County BRIDGE Collaborative, Rochester Area Fatherhood Network https://www.eventbrite.com/o/ olmsted-county-bridge- collaborative-amp- stewartville-reach-program- 12813118350 Paper Tigers Documentary Monday, January 22 nd , 7:00-9:00pm (film 7:00-8:30 with discussion to follow) Stewartville High School Performing Arts Center 440 6 th Ave. SW,...
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Paper Tigers Documentary Viewing in Stewartville March 6th
REACH Stewartville and the Olmsted County BRIDGE Collaborative would like to invite you to a free public viewing of the documentary Paper Tigers. This film shows how one school changed their approach working with students who have a high number of ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences). I highly recommend this film for everyone who works with students. See the attached flyer, the information below, and the Eventbrite registration link for more information about this film and ACEs. What:...
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Parent Leadership, Education, and Collaboration
Barb Sorum, Director of Prevention Initiatives- Southern MN Locations across Minnesota's southern region are diligent and focused on strengthening their communities. Olmsted County is determined to make significant changes to further support area families and children, improve and strengthen resilience, and create a community of healing. On Monday, February 6, the Olmsted County BRIDGE Collaborative hosted an Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) community summit, Understanding ACEs: Building...
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Positive Childhood Experiences offset ACEs: Q & A with Dr. Robert Sege about HOPE
Tufts University medical professor Dr. Robert Sege directs the Center for Community-Engaged Medicine and is nationally known for his research on effective health systems approaches that address social determinants of health. He is also the principal investigator for the HOPE framework (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences).The HOPE framework is based on research that shows how positive childhood experiences can mitigate the effects of adverse childhood experiences. Sege and colleagues...
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Positive Childhood Experiences offset ACEs: Q & A with Dr. Robert Sege about HOPE
Tufts University medical professor Dr. Robert Sege directs the Center for Community-Engaged Medicine and is nationally known for his research on effective health systems approaches that address social determinants of health. He is also the principal investigator for the HOPE framework (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences).The HOPE framework is based on research that shows how positive childhood experiences can mitigate the effects of adverse childhood experiences. Sege and colleagues...
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Racism Kills: What Community-Level Interventions Can Do About It [Rewire.news]
In the first two installments of this series, we addressed promising approaches for buffering the impact of racism on health—learning cognitive and emotional strategies, known as self-regulation , for coping with stress and building cultural connections that buffer the impacts of toxic stress. Both of those arenas are born out of social science research showing a connection between these elements and improved health outcomes, even in the face of significant adversity. But these individual...
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Reducing ACEs & Building Resilience in Washington State
Free Webinar With Lowell Johnson, ACEs Resiliency Coalition; Emily Clary, Minnesota Communities Caring for Children January 18 th , 9:00-10:30 a.m. CT Description: The Adverse Childhood Experiences Study (ACE Study), released in 1998, confirmed that early adversity in childhood increases an individual’s likelihood for negative health, mental health, and social outcomes later in life. The ACE Study found that most people experience at least one of the 10 Adverse Childhood Experiences that...
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Reducing ACEs & Building Resilience in Washington State Webinar
With Lowell Johnson, ACEs Resiliency Coalition; Emily Clary, Minnesota Communities Caring for Children Learn about significant progress being made in reducing the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and early childhood trauma, through examples of some of the successes that three communities experienced in Washington State, and sharing conversations with people doing this work in Washington State. Watch the full webinar here
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Report: There Are Too Few School Counselors for Traumatized Black Children — But Plenty of Punishment [Atlanta Black Star]
As the nation grapples with the problems of the school-to-prison pipeline and the intersection of racial justice, the criminal justice system, law enforcement and education, the need for new priorities for children comes to light. For example, in a national public school system that is now majority children of color, students are suffering from trauma. And while there is a shortage of support staff to service public school children — including counselors, psychologists and social workers —...
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Resilience Screening at the Frozen River Film Festival in Winona, MN
Save the date, spread the word and invite your friends and family to the screening of the documentary movie Resilience! Frozen River Film Festival Harriet Johnson Auditorium 255 Main St Winona, MN 55987 Sunday, February 19, 2017 – 1 p.m. The impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences can increase negative outcomes for lifelong health and well-being. This film focuses on strategies developed by professionals working in pediatrics, education, and human services to mitigate these impacts by...
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Resources from the 2018 Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Conference
In October, I attended the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Conference in San Francisco. It was really inspiring. Below please find share some of the books, videos, and resources that I learned about. All the best, Natalie BOOKS 1) The Deepest Well: Healing the Long-Term Effects of Childhood Adversity by Nadine Burke Harris, MD https://centerforyouthwellness.org/the-deepest-well/ 2) The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk, MD...
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Save the Date for the 2016 Midwest ACE Summit!
The 2016 Midwest ACE Summit will bring people across the region together in shared learning that goes beyond the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study to focus on deeper issues of historical trauma and successful strategies for helping individuals and communities heal, build resiliency, and prevent future ACEs. We welcome your ideas for Summit presentation topics and presenters. To submit an idea or nomination, please see the form attached to this post. For more information about the...
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Screenings of Resilience
Save the date, spread the word and invite your friends and family to MCCC’s screening of the documentary movie Resilience! Resilience Facebook Event Page Metro State University Thursday, March 2, 2017 – 6:30 p.m. $10.00 suggested donation The impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences can increase negative outcomes for lifelong health and wellbeing. This film focuses on strategies developed by professionals working in pediatrics, education, and human services to mitigate these impacts by...
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Some Thoughts About The Harsh Reality of ACEs
So here is the harsh reality of ACEs. The child who enters kindergarten with an ACEs score of 3 or 4 will likely have that score double or more by the time they graduate from high school. For far too many students, adverse childhood experiences ARE life experiences. These life experiences affect everything from mental and physical health to relationships and academics. Our students can't simply be "fixed" with a temporary response. Trauma-informed/responsive education isn't a fad. This isn't...