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October 1, 2020 Resource Bulletin |
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Miss our last email? Past e-bulletins are posted in the left column on both the ABADA and AMHB websites. |
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Next Week: AMHB/ABADA Virtual Fall Board Meeting & Public Comment
October 8-9, 12:00-4:30pm AKDT
AMHB/ABADA will meet virtually to learn and share about statewide efforts related to behavioral health (mental health and substance use disorders). The two day meeting will include a welcome from state leadership, updates from the State of Alaska Division of Behavioral Health, and a panel on the impact of COVID-19 on behavioral health in Alaska.
In addition, there will be an opportunity for public comment on Thursday, October 8th at 4pm. All members of the public are welcome to comment live via Zoom or by phone, or send written comments in advance to amhb.abada@alaska.gov by October 7th. To help spread the word about public comment, you can download the flyer here.
To access the Zoom link, call-in info, and full agenda please visit: http://dhss.alaska.gov/amhb
Statewide Suicide Prevention Council Virtual Quarterly Meeting
October 21, 1:00-4:30pm AKDT
The Statewide Suicide Prevention Council (SSPC) will be holding its fall quarterly meeting via Zoom. The meeting is open to the public. The meeting agenda will be posted soon at: http://dhss.alaska.gov/suicideprevention/
To get the Zoom login and password contact Eric Morrison at eric.morrison@alaska.gov or (907) 465-6518.
‘Super Advocate’ Virtual Advocacy Training
October 23, November 5, 14, or 18, 9:00am-3:30pm AKDT
This one-day training conducted over Zoom, offers tools and hands-on practice for advocating for state and local public policy and funding decisions that affect people with mental illness, substance use disorders, and intellectual/developmental disabilities including fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, traumatic brain injury, and Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. The training is offered to peers and people with lived experience, family members, providers of services and administrators. Topics include:
- Tools for successful meetings with policymakers
- Tips for speaking on a public panel or before a public committee
- Refining personal stories for the most impact
- Tips for advocating from home
- Updates on current issues
Individuals can register for any of the 4 dates. There will be a one-hour lunch break and plenty of interactive and engaging activities.
To register, email advocacy.coordinator@mhtrust.org, or call 907-465-4765.
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Suicide Prevention & Postvention
Managing our mental health, substance use, and healthy relationships is always important for mitigating the risk factors for suicide. Physical isolation due to COVID-19 can make this much more difficult.
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 Effective Suicide Prevention at Home
Promoting Community Conversations About Research to End Suicide (PC CARES) is a community health intervention designed and implemented by the remote communities of Northwest Alaska. PC CARES released the above info-graphic showing the various ways each family can help prevent suicide by mitigating risks and increasing protective factors within the home.
To learn more about PC CARES and to download the graphic, click here:
http://www.pc-cares.org/prevention
Reports: Adolescent Suicide in Alaska and Across the United States
The State of Alaska Epidemiology released a report in September on adolescent suicide deaths that analyzed the data from the Alaska Violent Death Reporting System between 2016 and 2019. The 90 adolescent suicide deaths in that period accounted for 11% of all suicide deaths in Alaska, with an annual unadjusted suicide rate of 28.8 suicides per 100,000 adolescents aged 12-19. The highest rate was among Indian/Alaska Native youth at 78.9 per 100,000.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention also released a National Vital Statistics Report in September that studied suicide rates among adolescents and young adults aged 10-24 between 2000 and 2018. Nationally, the suicide rate among that age group was stable from 2000 to 2007 and then increased by 57.4% between 2007 and 2018. Between 2016 and 2018, suicide rates increased significantly in 42 states.
For more information visit:
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Alaska Careline
For someone to talk to, call anytime:
1-877-266-4357 (HELP) or text 4help to 839863
3-11 p.m. Tue-Sat
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Substance Misuse & Recovery
As we continue to self-isolate to slow the spread of COVID-19, it is especially important to approach things one day at a time and to care for pre-existing health concerns such as substance misuse.
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Justice Involved
We are told to practice physical distancing but how does that work for people living in correctional facilities? What happens when they return to the community? This section is for topics like these and more.
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Addressing the Health and Social Needs of Justice-Involved Young Adults
George Naufal, PhD and Emily Naiser of Texas A&M University discuss how their team, in collaboration with the Access to Justice Lab at Harvard Law School, the University of Texas Health Science Center, the Lone Star Justice Alliance, and multiple local non-profits and county agencies, will test the effectiveness of the Transformative Justice (TJ) program to provide targeted services and supports to vulnerable emerging adults to reduce the conditions and behaviors that lead to incarceration and its adverse health effects.
To watch the September 16th presentation click here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFuXxtQ4sNE&feature=youtu.be
Restorative Justice Virtual Workshops
October 24 and November 2, 9:00am-5:00pm AKDT
The Northern Light United Church in Juneau is sponsoring two virtual workshops through the Minnesota Peacebuilding Leadership Institute. These workshops offer practice and evidence-based tools for understanding and responding to trauma as a fundamental step for developing restorative healing in Alaska’s justice system. The October workshop will focus on trauma awareness, cultural competence, racial justice healing, and equity. The November workshop will focus on the principles, philosophies, and practices of restorative justice, setting the stage for healing relationships, community reconciliation, and community collaboration. For more information, call KJ Metcalf at 907-500-2894 or email angkjm@yahoo.com.
To register click here:
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Mental Health
The relationship between our immune system and mental health is important to consider, especially for people with pre-existing mental and physical health conditions.
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Webinar: October Battle Rhythm
October 5, 10:00-11:00am AKDT
America’s Warrior Partnership is hosting a webinar on Promoting and Strengthening Positive Behavioral Health to share opportunities for veterans, their family members and caregivers to strengthen their well-being and learn about the importance of connecting veterans to their community through physical and social activity.
For more information and to register, click: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYqceioqT0jHtUPrwXUj7jfZVNujoVI2BxN
Free Trauma Training
October 30, 9:00am-12:30pm AKDT
Alaska Behavioral Health is offering a virtual "Trauma 101" training which provides an introductory overview of the dynamics of trauma and basic safety strategies. This includes definitions, physiology, impact, behavioral adaptations, safety strategies and how to understand and attune to the issues faced by people who have experienced trauma. The training is approved for 3 CEU hours for the State of Alaska’s Board of Licensed Professional Counselors.
To register, click here: https://akbh-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_glyNPKbCS96MLmUuPpWuCQ
Eating Disorders Resources and Survey
The Alaska Eating Disorders Alliance (AKEDA) is asking Alaskans to complete a 5-minute survey that will direct future efforts and resources. The survey is available online, along with information and resources including monthly Zoom support groups. For questions about the groups, email eabello.alaskaedalliance@gmail.com or click here to learn more:
https://www.akeatingdisordersalliance.org/covid-19-resources
To complete the survey, click: https://www.akeatingdisordersalliance.org/survey-on-eating-disorders
Change The Frequency
Change the Frequency is an extension of the SAMHSA-funded program "Project AWARE Indiana" which advocates for sustainable mental health awareness practices for educators and the families and youth they serve. The program offers free resources including an activity guide that promotes positive coping practices, effective communication, and connection with social supports for individuals, families, and caregivers. Activities include grounding exercises, identifying feelings, connection tips, and more. To learn more about Project AWARE click: https://www.projectawarein.org/.
To download the guide click here: https://changethefrequency.today/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Change-the-Frequency_Activity-Guide.pdf
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Alaska First Responders 24-hour Relief Line
1-844-985-8275
Crisis counseling and general support for healthcare and behavioral professionals.
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Alaska Careline
For someone to talk to, call anytime:
1-877-266-4357 (HELP) or text 4help to 839863
3-11 p.m. Tue-Sat
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Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)
Many individuals with FASD have a high rate of pre-existing health conditions and often rely on the help of others. Below are resources for individuals and their caregivers.
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Online Caregiver Group: Self-Regulating When Things Get Spooky
October 29, 9:00-10:00am AKDT
The October group will feature occupational therapist Alissa McKnight who will offer tips for helping your child with self-regulation, whether at home or participating in Halloween activities in the community.
For more information, contact Jenn Wagaman, jenn.wagaman@alaskacenter.org, 907-371-2847 (phone or text).
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Other Resources
If you discover a great resource send us an email and we'll try our best to include it in a future issue.
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Sixth Annual Disability and Aging Virtual Summit
October 5-9, 12:30-3:00pm AKDT
The Alaska Disability and Aging Coalition's 6th Annual Disability and Aging Summit will include presentations on aging well in Alaska. Topics include: COVID-19: Aging Persons with Intellectual Developmental Disabilities, Building Natural Supports, Aging in Place, and Changing Guardianship Statutes. There will also be an elder panel and a legislative and community panel addressing topics such as the impact of COVID-19 on the aging population, budget assurance, and the future of the workforce for aging individuals with IDD.
For more information and to register, click here: https://www.aktclms.org/Training/Class/103703
Virtual Town Hall: Perspectives & Policy Discussion on Housing and Homelessness
October 8, 7:00-8:30pm AKDT
The Anchorage Coalition to End Homelessness is hosting this event intended to be a neutral platform for candidates to discuss their perspectives and policy goals on the suite of issues pertaining to housing and homelessness in Anchorage. This opportunity provides a forum to share information with the community on the systemic challenges to residential development, housing affordability, and addressing homelessness.
Join the Facebook Live event here: https://www.facebook.com/events/789188438522237
Webinar Series: Your Vote Counts!
October 6 or 15, 6:30-7:30pm AKDT
October 8 or 13, 12:00-1:00pm AKDT
The Alaska Association on Developmental Disabilities is hosting a series of nonpartisan, educational one-hour webinars with the goal of assisting Alaskans with disabilities to understand the voting process. Individuals can register for any of the 4 dates.
For more information and to register, click: https://aadd.ticketbud.com/your-vote-counts-webinar-series
2nd Annual Alaska Veterans and Military Veterans Virtual Summit
October 20-21, 8:00am-4:00pm AKDT
The Alaska Coalition For Veterans & Military Families is hosting a two day virtual summit for networking, interactive learning and resources. This event is open to the public and includes highlights like breakout sessions for veterans, families, caregivers and service providers, free tax and VA claims preparation, and free childcare.
For more information and to register visit:
https://www.akcvmf.org/veterans-summit.html
Alaska Public Interest Research Group Guide to the CDC Eviction Moratorium
Alaska Public Interest Research Group (AKPIRG) and Native Movement created a quick guide to the CDC eviction protections that are in effect through December, 2020. This brief guide has information about the CDC order, eligibility, and how to apply for a Declaration of Hardship.
To learn more, click here: https://www.akpirg.org/news/2020/9/23/akpirgs-guide-to-the-cdc-eviction-moratorium
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Questions? Comments? 
