Training and Events Calendar

Research has indicated that youth may experience racism, prejudice, and bias as early as preschool. In this workshop, participants will have the opportunity to reflect on their experiences of working within schools and school districts and learn strategies to help students navigate a culturally complex world while decreasing negative physical, emotional, and psychological outcomes. This webinar will also focus on existing policies within school systems and assess how those policies impact access to equitable and high quality mental and behavioral health care for communities of color. Attendees will walk away with strategies for how to discuss these topic areas with their students and how to support students who are coping with complex cultural issues in developmentally appropriate ways.   LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Define racial stress and trauma and Provide examples of how racial stress and trauma can occur in schools Identify the systems & policies within schools that impact student health and wellness Understanding the role of implicit bias in school systems & policies   CERTIFICATES: Registrants who fully attend this event or training will receive a certificate of attendance via email within two weeks after the event or training.   PRESENTERS: Nicole L. Cammack, PhD Dr. Nicole L. Cammack is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Speaker, Media Contributor, and the Founder, President and CEO of Black Mental Wellness, Corp. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Howard University and her Master’s and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from The George Washington University. Lastly, she completed a specialized Postdoctoral Fellowship, with the National Center for School Mental Health at the University of Maryland Baltimore School of Medicine. Dr. Cammack is passionate about mental health awareness, treatment, and reducing the mental health stigma, particularly as it relates to Black communities. This passion is what led to the development of Black Mental Wellness, Corp an organization of clinical psychologists passionate about shifting the narrative of mental health in the Black community. In addition, she is a co-author of, Healing Racial Stress Workbook for Black Teens: Skills to Help You Manage Emotions, Resist Racism, and Feel Empowered. Her work has been featured in Huffington Post, Essence, People, Thrive Global, Good Housekeeping, Salesforce, and Rally Up Magazine (Cover feature). In addition, she was recognized as a 40 under 40 Honoree with the Leadership Center for Excellence and recognized through her work at Fort Meade and the Department of the Army with an Achievement Medal for Civilian Service. Danielle R. Busby, PhD Dr. Danielle Busby is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Speaker, Author, Educator, and Co-Founder and Vice President of Professional Relations of Black Mental Wellness Corp. She received her Bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Michigan and her Master’s and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the George Washington University. She completed her pre-doctoral internship, with a child trauma specialization, at Duke University’s Medical Center and a postdoctoral fellowship at Michigan Medicine in the Department of Psychiatry. Dr. Busby is passionate about decreasing barriers to mental health service use for underserved patient populations and is committed to continuously bridging the gap between research and clinical practice. Her research and clinical work are centered on examining barriers to mental health service use, specifically among Black youth who are at an elevated risk for suicide. She has led and contributed to scholarly articles and research on child trauma, youth suicide prevention, racial discrimination among Black youth, and the psychological effects of neighborhood stressors, such as, community violence exposure among Black adolescents. Dr. Busby and her work has been featured in NBC News, People, Women’s Health, Parents, Rally Up Magazine (Cover feature), PsychAlive, and WJLA news. Additionally, she is an awarded recipient of the National Institute of Mental Health’s Research Supplement to Promote Diversity in Health-Related Research. She is a proud member of the American Psychological Association’s Leadership Development Institute, SelfSea Digital Wellbeing Advisory Board, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., where she has served for over 15 years. Dr. Busby was born in Detroit, MI and raised in Southfield, MI. She loves early morning yoga, college football Saturdays, and traveling with her close family and friends.   This event is being held in partnership with Black Mental Wellness.   The Great Lakes MHTTC is offering this training for individuals working in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI. This training is being provided in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders.

Event Description This presentation will define and describe adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and review the substantial empirical evidence on their mental and physical health effects. Multiple ways of understanding and assessing for ACEs will be discussed, as will how to identify and address them in clinical practice.    Trainer Melanie Wilcox Dr. Melanie Wilcox is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences, Institute of Public and Preventive Health, and Department of Psychiatry at Augusta University. She is also a licensed psychologist and board certified in counseling psychology and works part-time in private practice providing both therapy and assessment via telehealth. Her clinical areas of expertise include culturally responsive and trauma-informed care as well as substance abuse and addiction. Her research focuses on culturally response and antiracist psychotherapy and training, racial and socioeconomic inequity in higher education, and racial and social justice more broadly. She is in her final year as a member of the American Psychological Association’s Board of Educational Affairs, which she chaired in 2020, and is currently President Elect-Elect of APA Division 17, the Society of Counseling Psychology.  

  This is session 4 of the Mindful Monday series, running from March 11 to May 20. Event Description We are excited to announce that Christina Ruggiero, RP, is returning to lead our first Mindful Monday series, Mindful Monday – Experiential Mental Health Practice, for Spring 2024. Join us as we continue to explore and experience different mindfulness practices related to the topics of creativity, rest, and self-care. This series is for anyone who desires to improve their overall well-being, resilience, and mental health.  The practices that are presented in the training are designed for quick and effective implementation both personally and professionally.  For mental and behavioral health practitioners these techniques can be easily incorporate into their practice.  Mindfulness practices are varied and can last anywhere from a couple of minutes to an hour or more. Vishen Lakhiani, Meditation Expert and CEO of Mindvalley, states “You can take a one- to three-minute dip into peacefulness, and you can see remarkable results. The biggest benefits are going to happen in the first few minutes.” Attendees who have participated in past Mindful Monday series have the following to say about the training: “Incredibly validating experience”, “Love doing this- can we do it indefinitely”, “Thank you for this training. It is hard to recognize we also deserve to be heard, have needs/wants and slow down and breathe for a while.” This is a 30-minute interactive training that begins on March 11th and will run every other week through May 20th, 2024.  Each training will feature exercises from different mindfulness disciplines. At the beginning of each session, participants will spend a few minutes grounding and learning about the practice for that day and then spend approximately 15-20 minutes in experiential practice, leaving a few minutes at the end for reflection and discussion. Trainer Christina Ruggiero Master’s Counselling Psychology  Registered Psychotherapist

To submit an application for this year’s Academy, please visit: https://wiche.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEsdO6srzwrH9BvvkMVcw44BxaZGB9UzLTT  Application Schedule:  Application Deadline: March 22, 2024  Notification of Acceptance: March 29, 2024  2024 Mountain Plains Leadership Academy – Program #24CE0009 Session 1 _ The Heart of Leadership April 22, 2024 – April 25, 2024 · Boulder, CO  Session 2 _ The Business of Leadership September 23, 2024 – September 25, 2024 · Boulder, CO Target Audience: This accredited continuing education activity is designed for directors, supervisors, upcoming supervisors in the Behavioral Health, and Substance Use Disorder fields. Global Objectives: Forge meaningful mentorship relationships with experienced leaders in the field of rural behavioral health and substance use disorder management.  Identify your own leadership style, recognizing strengths and areas for development.  Discuss how to nurture high-performing individuals within your team.  Implement strategies to cultivate a supportive and positive leadership culture within your organization.    Leadership shortages in the rural behavioral health and substance abuse workforces continue to pose significant challenges for individuals and their communities throughout HHS Region 8 states of Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming.   The Mountain Plains Mental Health Technology Center (MHTTC) Leadership Academy was formed to address these gaps and for the past five years, the Academy has served the rural behavioral health workforce and their communities by providing provided customized training to effectively meet leaders where they are and provide them with a map that helps them navigate the leadership challenges they have taken on.  This year, in response to both participant feedback from the 2023 Leadership Academy, and shared concerns about the escalating impact of opioid and stimulant abuse throughout rural communities in our region, we have reformatted the Academy to offer a 6-month Leadership Intensive experience to providers in HHS Region 8 states, working in the behavioral health, mental health, and substance abuse fields.  This intensive is the result of a collaboration between the Mountain Plains MHTTC and the Mountain Plains Rural Opioid Technical Assistance Center (ROTAC).    This collaboration allows us to expand our training offering to include two in-person events, with a training curriculum that addresses both the soft and hard skills needed to be an effective leader, one-on-one coaching, group mentoring, and ongoing monthly training.   Below is a preview of the 2024 Mountain Plains Leadership Academy Schedule:   April 22, 2024 – April 25, 2024 · Boulder, CO  Session 1 _ The Heart of Leadership Some of the topics we’ll cover include Interpersonal Style, Leadership Skills and Competencies, Situational Leadership, and Building Strong Teams.  APRIL 22nd – Afternoon & Evening Group Get Together – Introductions Group Dinner – Chautauqua, Boulder, CO  APRIL 23rd – Day 1 Continental Breakfast Provided Morning Session Lunch Provided Afternoon Session  APRIL 24th · Day 2 Continental Breakfast Provided Morning Session Individual Mentoring Sessions Lunch Individual Mentoring Sessions Afternoon Session  Monthly Trainings (1 hour) – May | June | July | August Monthly Mentoring (1 hour) Individual Mentoring or Group Mentoring (1 – 2x | month) – May | June | July | August | September   Session 2 _ The Business of Leadership Some of the topics we’ll cover include Leadership and Management Skills, Cultural Competence, Ethical and Legal Considerations, and Collaboration and Networking.  September 23, 2024 – September 25, 2024 · Boulder, CO  SEPTEMBER 23rd – Afternoon & Evening Group Get Together Group Dinner – Chautauqua, Boulder, CO  SEPTEMBER 24th – Day 1 Continental Breakfast Provided Morning Session Lunch Provided Afternoon Session  SEPTEMBER 25th – Day 2 Continental Breakfast Provided Morning Session Lunch Afternoon Session – Wrap-Up Who We’re Looking For:  New and emerging rural leaders working in the behavioral health and/or substance abuse & treatment fields in the HHS Region 8 states of Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming.    Must be working in a leadership position.   Twenty participants are willing to commit to full participation in the 6-month intensive program.  What We Offer:  A free, customized curriculum adapted to meet the unique needs of rural leaders and facilitated by trainers in the behavioral health and substance use disorder fields, as well as private and public sector fields, with extensive leadership experience.   Continuous on-going support for the full 6-month period.  8.25 APA and LADC credits are available for Session 1. Credits for Session 2 are pending.  Travel, lodging, and all meals (excluding dinner on Tuesday evening 4/23 and 9/23) will be covered, per WICHE travel policy.  Applicants will receive more detailed information upon acceptance.   To submit an application for this year’s Academy, please visit: https://wiche.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEsdO6srzwrH9BvvkMVcw44BxaZGB9UzLTT  Application Schedule:  Application Deadline: March 22, 2024  Notification of Acceptance: March 29, 2024    ACCREDITED CONTINUING EDUCATION  In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by University of Nebraska Medical Center and Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE). University of Nebraska Medical Center is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.  PSYCHOLOGISTS/LICENSE MENTAL HEALTH PROVIDERS   Continuing Education (CE) credits for psychologists are provided through the co-sponsorship of the American Psychological Association (APA) Office of Continuing Education in Psychology (CEP). The APA CEP Office maintains responsibility for the content of the programs. This activity has been approved for 8.25 credit hours of continuing education credit.    LADC  This activity meets the criteria of an approved continuing education program for Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselors (LADC). 

The School Health Assessment and Performance Evaluation (SHAPE) System is a public-access, web-based platform that offers schools, districts, and states/territories a workspace and targeted resources to support school mental health quality improvement.  SHAPE was developed by the National Center for School Mental Health (NCSMH), in partnership with the field, to increase the quality and sustainability of comprehensive school mental health systems. SHAPE houses the National School Mental Health Census and the School Mental Health Quality Assessment (SMH-QA).  These measures are designed for team completion at the school or district level to document the school mental health system components, assess the comprehensiveness of a SMH system, prioritize quality improvement efforts and track improvement over time. Join us as the NCSMH walks through a high-level overview training of the SHAPE system. See how to login, complete the assessment, and what an outcome report looks like.

United South and Eastern Tribes, Inc. and New England MHTTC would like to invite you and your staff to attend "Reclaiming Native Psychological Brilliance: Wise Practices," a Tribal Behavioral Health ECHO webinar series. Native Psychological Brilliance refers to the intelligence, strengths, balance, innate resources, and resilience of Native people. April's topic is titled "Home Base- Supporting Native Veterans." This no-cost telehealth series will be held on the fourth Tuesday of every month at 11:00 am Pacific/12:00 pm Mountain/1:00 pm Central/2:00 pm Eastern. Each session will be one hour in length and will provide an opportunity for participants to:   Gain skills on strength-based approaches in partnership with Native People to enhance Native behavioral health Discuss ways that Native brilliance is demonstrated and supports behavioral health Learn about Native brilliance examples to share with behavioral health and other health care staff, as well as with local Tribal Nation citizens   The concept of Native psychological brilliance will be celebrated through Native music video and Native spoken word performances as part of each session. Who should attend? Tribal health directors, clinic staff, counselors, social workers, physicians, nurses, Tribal Epidemiology Center staff, and anyone supporting Tribal communities through the health or behavioral health sector are welcome to join. Continuing education credits will be provided.   If you would like accommodations to participate in any of our events, please contact us at [email protected] ahead of the event date. For example, if you would like an ASL interpreter, please let us know 3 weeks ahead of the event date so we have sufficient time to secure the services.  

April 24 - 26, 2024 The 22nd Annual NWPBIS Conference will be held April 24 - 26, 2024 at the Tacoma Convention Center, Tacoma WA Join Educators and Experts from all over for the longest running PBIS conference in the country. Set in the beautiful Pacific Northwest at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center, come for 2-3 days of learning, networking, and camaraderie. Workshops will be scheduled on Wednesday, April 24th and exist as a stand-alone registration option or an add-on to the general conference. General sessions will be scheduled on April 25 and 26 in several strands, including Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3, Mental Health, Equity, and Capacity Building. For more information & registration click here > KEYNOTE: Dr. Grafenreed is a Licensed Psychologist (LP) and a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP). Despite her educational attainments and accolades, Dr. Grafenreed considers herself first an educator, having spent nearly 30 years in education as a School Psychologist. Dr. Grafenreed has served Houston area school districts for 24 years, as a School Psychologist, and later as an Education Specialist at Region 4 Education Service Center in the Department of Special Education Solutions. While at Region 4, the largest Education Service Center in Texas, Dr. Grafenreed led the Texas Behavior Support (TBS) Network, a Texas Education Agency with the goal of building capacity in Texas schools for Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). During her tenure at Region 4, she helped develop the Texas Equity Summit, an annual conference designed to address key issues related to school discipline, equity, school climate, and PBIS as the lead for the TBS Network. Dr. Grafenreed also created the Region 4 Equity Collaborative, which was designed for leaders of districts and charter schools that had been identified as “Significantly Disproportionate” in discipline. The Equity Collaborative introduced district and charter school leaders to educational equity and equity literacy as a tool to address and eliminate disproportionality in school discipline. Dr. Grafenreed currently serves as a Training and Technical Assistance Coordinator at the University of Washington’s School Mental Health Assessment, Research, and Training (SMART) Center. Want more information and school mental health resources? Visit the Northwest MHTTC's School Mental Health page and sign up for our newsletter for regular updates about events, trainings, and resources available to the Northwest region.

Understanding service animals, Emotional Support Animals, and the law in Washington State for tenants is the focus of this 90-minute webinar. ABOUT THIS EVENT Service animals, trained to handle different tasks for their person, have been a boon for disabled persons for decades. In this presentation, we will examine and explain what makes an animal a service animal pursuant to Washington and Federal law. Service animals perform different functions than Emotional Support Animals (ESA)s. ESAs are protected, but to a lesser extent, under Washington law, and ESAs provide tangible benefits to persons in need of emotional support. A tenant cannot be excluded from housing on the basis of a service animal or an ESA, but there are additional steps needed to protect tenants seeking housing with an ESA. There are no additional requirements regarding a service animal, except possibly educating housing providers. Responsibility for the service animal and the ESA’s conduct remains squarely with the tenant, and we will discuss what this means. The Northwest MHTTC is proud to offer this webinar in partnership with the Tenant Law Center. FACILITATORS Elizabeth Powell, Staff Attorney Elizabeth Powell has been actively practicing law since she was admitted to the Washington Bar in 2000. She volunteered for the King County Housing Justice Project for years and took the knowledge she gained representing tenants facing evictions into her private practice, where she litigated well over a thousand cases in the last 23 years. She was solo counsel on Thoreson Homes v Prudhon, a Div I published decision which reversed the trial court. She has presented at CLE’s geared towards landlord-tenant litigation and has assisted with litigation and/or settlement of housing cases all over the state. She has handled grievance hearings with PCHA, THA, SHA, and KCHA. She has litigated matters involving the WSLAD, the ADA and service animals, and reasonable accommodation.      Kasey Burton, Senior Staff Attorney Kasey Burton is a Senior Staff Attorney at the Tenant Law Center, which provides eviction prevention and tenant advocacy services to King County. Kasey has spent several years practicing landlord-tenant law as both a right-to-counsel attorney for tenants facing eviction and providing eviction prevention assistance, which has allowed her to pursue her passion for housing justice.  Kasey attended the University of Washington for both her Bachelor’s in Political Science, with a minor in Law, Societies, and Justice, and her Juris Doctorate. She is currently working on her Master’s in Public Administration at the University of Colorado Denver and hopes to use this degree to facilitate her engagement in policy change that provides Washington citizens who are tenants or unhoused with the protections they deserve.  

 While the NIH has identified sexual and gender minorities as well as racial and ethnic minorities as groups that are facing health disparities, what is often overlooked in research and clinical care are the people living at the nexus of those two communities. Health disparities are a particular type of difference in health in which disadvantaged social groups, such as people from lower social, economic status, racial, ethnic minorities, women, sexual minorities and other groups, have persistently experienced social disadvantage or discrimination and have systematically experienced worse health or greater health risks than more advantaged groups as a result of systems of oppression. An intersectionality framework can have a meaningful impact and potentially better outcomes in behavioral health care. This presentation will offer tools for behavioral health professionals.   LEARNING OBJECTIVES Describe how systems of oppression such as racism and heterosexism create unique health disparities (e.g., addiction and behavioral health care inequities) encountered by LGBTQ+ People of Color. Individuals will also learn ways to increase their cultural humility in working with Queer People of Color.   CONTINUING EDUCATION Participants who fully attend this training or webinar will be eligible to receive 1 hour of continuing education (CE) certified by the Illinois Certification Board (ICB). CE certificates will be managed by the hosting agency and/or ICB.   PRESENTER Dr. David G. Zelaya (he/him/él) is an Assistant Professor at Brown University School of Public Health within the Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, he is a research fellow at Harvard Medical School within the Department of Psychiatry, and an affiliated scientist at Yale University with the Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS. Dr. Zelaya received his Ph.D. from Georgia State University in counseling psychology, he was a psychology resident at Harvard Medical School's Cambridge Hospital, and he completed his fellowship within the Alcohol Research Center on HIV at Brown. His program of research focuses on examining health disparities, from an intersectionality and minority stress lens, among Black, Indigenous, and People of Color and sexual and gender minority communities and links to HIV risk, mental health, and substance use. Dr. Zelaya is the PI of an NIH funded K23 career development grant aimed to develop a behavioral health intervention for Latinx queer individuals to decrease hazardous alcohol use by targeting intersectional forms of discrimination. Clinically, he is interested in providing culturally competent behavioral health services to historically underserved communities (e.g., Spanish-speaking Latinx people; sexual and gender diverse people). He has been the recipient of numerous social justice awards, his research has been published in the flagship journals of his field, and he serves on the editorial board for the Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity journal. At Brown, Dr. Zelaya teaches Introduction to Health Disparities.   The Great Lakes MHTTC is offering this training for individuals working in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI. This training is being provided in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders.

Description: With increasing overdose rates, a more lethal drug supply, and more prescription medications in many homes, it’s important to educate a wider audience about harm reduction and what it means: essentially, reducing the negative consequences of potentially risky behaviors. This workshop will present different definitions of harm reduction, highlight how we all practice harm reduction in our lives, and explain how harm reduction strategies are implemented in different settings, including syringe service programs and psychotherapy. It will also address community concerns and hesitations about harm reduction, ways to reduce the harms of stigma surrounding drug use, and opportunities to build bridges between harm reduction and treatment for people with substance use disorders Goals: Increase participants’ understanding of harm reduction principles and strategies, address myths and misperceptions about harm reduction, and explore how harm reduction can be part of the continuum of care. Workshop Outline: Different ways of defining harm reduction (National Harm Reduction Coalition, SAMHSA, NIDA). Harm reduction principles. How we all practice harm reduction (including bike helmets, sunscreen, designated drivers). Harm reduction services provided by syringe service programs (SSPs), overdose prevention centers (OPCs) and mobile units in some communities. Who harm reduction services may not be reaching (different population groups). Harm reduction psychotherapy (key practitioners and principles, including embracing goals like reduced substance use). Hesitations about harm reduction (traditional objections, like it “enables” drug use, vs. newer concerns, e.g. it’s “not enough” for people with complex needs). Building bridges between harm reduction and treatment for people with substance use disorders. Reducing harm by addressing stigma (types of stigma, avoiding stigmatizing terms). Trainer Bio: Susan Stellin, MPH is a writer, educator, and public health consultant focusing on health-centered responses to substance use and addiction. Since earning a master's in public health at Columbia University, she has worked on projects about ways to reduce overdose deaths, reform punitive drug policies, and expand access to harm reduction, treatment, and recovery support. Recent clients include NYU Langone’s Health x Housing Lab, the Northeast & Caribbean Addiction Technology Transfer Center, the Opioid Response Network, the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, the Overdose Prevention Program at Vital Strategies, and the Vera Institute of Justice. She regularly leads training workshops for service providers working with people experiencing substance use, mental health, and housing challenges, and has also taught undergraduate courses about media ethics, collaborative storytelling, and the history of journalism. Other Session in this Series: Session 1: Addressing Myths About Substance Use, Addiction, Treatment, and Recovery Session 2: Current Substance Use Trends and Evolving Risks Session 4: Understanding Addiction and Options for Care

WEDNESDAY, April 24, 2024 2:30 - 4:00 p.m. PT [Find your local time zone here] Workshop 6 of 6 in the "Trauma-Informed, In School Sessions" Workshop Series (view series page for full details) The Heart Work: Equity-Centered Coaching Practices for Trauma Informed Collegiality and Collective Healing Trauma Informed Principle to Practice: Cultural Humility As systemic inequities and trauma are often intertwined, addressing their connection becomes crucial in trauma-informed school communities. Centering equity in every student interaction and adult partnership supporting the school system is essential. The capacity for the adults responsible for implementing trauma-informed practices grounded in equity is nurtured through equity-centered coaching.   In this workshop, we will explore the principles of equity-centered coaching to cultivate trauma-informed school environments. Coaching conversations, grounded in active listening, cultural humility, and psychological safety, model the equitable interactions we hope administrators have with educators and providers so that educators and providers can offer the same experience with their students.   Together, we will examine our own identities, assumptions, patterns, and beliefs - creating space for new perspectives. This self-reflection enables us to recognize how inequities and trauma manifest in our schools. As we build self-awareness about our experiences and worldviews, we become better able to perceive concerning dynamics and interrupt cycles of harm.   This workshop invites us to envision the trauma-informed and healing-centered schools we desire – places where adults possess the tools to nurture their well-being and fully empower students. We will review evidence-based tools, rationale, and resources to foster cultural humility, mitigate systemic barriers, and build trusting partnerships across the school community.     Audience:  Educators, school site leaders, school mental health professionals, youth advocates, teacher educators, school mental health graduate school educators, higher education administrators, and anyone interested in equity centered coaching in school cultures.   Faculty Melissa Smith, M.S. (she/hers) is the newest member of the Pacific Southwest MHTTC team. As a licensed collegiate and postgraduate professional, Melissa comprehends the immense influence education can have on cultivating safe, inclusive, and engaging learning spaces that amplify voices which often go unheard. As a licensed collegiate and postgraduate professional, Melissa understands education's profound impact on ability to challenge existing norms and perceptions, amplifying the voices of those from marginalized communities.   As a Change Consultant with Change Matrix, Melissa crafts transformative learning experiences that foster personal and professional growth. Her commitment extends beyond conventions as she envisions landscapes where everyone feels valued, heard, and empowered to thrive. She uses her scholarly knowledge to create safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environments.  Her methodology empowers people and organizations to question the status quo, utilize data-driven insights, and take tangible actions to create more equitable and inclusive environments.   A passionate professional with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Master of Science in Reading from Radford University, Melissa encourages us to move beyond comfort zones to dismantle systemic barriers hindering social, emotional and mental health.     Priming Materials   Equity-Centered Trauma-Informed Education (Equity and Social Justice in Education) (Paperback) | Phoenix Books Anchor Competencies Framework    

WEDNESDAY, April 24, 2024 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. PT Session 3 of 4 in the "Rooting Young Adult Mental Health Services in Culturally Sustaining Values & Practices" Series (view series main page for full details)   Uplifting Culturally Sustaining Practices in Substance Use Prevention April 24, 2024: Session 3   This session’s essential question is: How might we challenge the deficit model permeating prevention and recovery to make space for culturally sustaining perspectives and practices in the field?   Main Series Program Goals Counter the impacts of vicarious trauma and burn out by creating a safe and responsive learning community for the YYA workforce to be heard and seen in their efforts to support the holistic needs of their clientele. Build an understanding of healing centered engagement and approaches to youth development and case management that strengthens service provision for transition-aged youth. Expand our organizational and individual capacity to support young adult holistic wellness, critical consciousness development, and collective healing.     Audience All community-based organizations, institutions, and mental health professionals, including peer support specialists, therapists, psychologists, counselors, and others who support the mental health and wellness of transition-aged youth.     Meet the Co-Facilitators & Faculty   Oriana Ides, MA, APCC, PPS (she/hers) Oriana Ides is a School Mental Health Training Specialist at CARS (the Center for Applied Research Solutions) and approaches healing the wounds of trauma and oppression as core elements of social justice. She has worked with young people across the life course from elementary school to college, and has served as teacher-leader, school counselor, classroom educator and program director. She is committed to generating equity within school structures and policies by focusing on evidence-based mental health techniques and institutional design.   Falilah “Aisha” Bilal (she/her) Falilah “Aisha” Bilal has worked joyously for over 30 years creating innovative, relevant evidence-based strategies to transform, empower and develop individuals, systems, organizations and contemporary thought. Ms. Bilal’s work is centered in healing practices, empowering youth and families, and self-discovery.  Ms. Bilal specializes in the field of youth development, healing informed organizational development, and strategic fundraising consultation. Currently Ms. Bilal serves as the Chief of Staff for the Black Organizing Project as well as directs her own consulting company where she provides trainings, curriculum development, healing experiences, coaching, and executive leadership to local and national agencies, companies and programs. Previously, Ms. Bilal served as a Senior Trainer with the National Black Women’s Justice Institute and a Radical Healer with Flourish Agenda.  She served as the Executive Director for M.I.S.S.S.E.Y. raising over 2 million dollars in funds to support sexually exploited children and young adults.   She has worked for numerous Bay Area agencies including World Trust, Alameda County Sheriff’s Department, Oakland Bay Area CARES Mentoring Movement, GirlSource, Office of Family, Children and Youth, City of Oakland, and the Young Women’s Freedom Center. Ms. Bilal holds a M.A. in Counseling Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies and a B.A. in Theater Arts and Child Psychology from San Francisco State University.

***This series is only open to HHS Region 5 Project AWARE grantees. Email Sarah Parker McMinn for the meeting link.***   The Midwest Center for School Mental Health and the Great Lakes MHTTC will be hosting a series of three interactive learning sessions for Project AWARE grantees. The sessions will focus on working towards sustainability of Project AWARE initiatives, with a focus on strategic planning, communication, partnerships and engagement, and organizational capacity. Each session will combine presentation, peer learning, and discussion.      TRAINING SCHEDULE: All sessions will take place virtually from 9:00 AM–10:30 AM CT/10:00 AM–11:30 AM ET. February 22: Sustainability and Strategic Planning March 28: Organizational Capacity and Communications April 25: Partnerships and Engagement (including with youth and parents)     HOW TO ATTEND: HHS Region 5 Project AWARE grantees should email Sarah Parker McMinn ([email protected]) for the Zoom meeting link and registration details.     CERTIFICATES: Registrants who fully attend this event or training will receive a certificate of attendance via email within two weeks after the conclusion of the event or training.     PRESENTERS: Mark Sander, PsyD Dr. Sander is a Senior Clinical Psychologist for Hennepin County and the Director of School Mental Health for Hennepin County and the Minneapolis Public Schools. He is a Certified Master Trainer on the Adverse Childhood Experience Study and a Visiting Scholar at Wilder Research. He is also on the Advisory Board for the Center for School Mental Health at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and a Board Member for the Minnesota Trauma Project. Dr. Sander has published journal articles and book chapters on school mental health and has presented extensively on school mental health and ACEs and developing trauma sensitive schools at local, state and national conferences. He has a private practice is Minnetonka, Minnesota.   Cheryl Holm-Hansen, PhD Dr. Holm-Hansen is a community psychologist who brings 30 years of experience conducting community-based research related to children’s mental health. In addition to serving as the Co-Director of the Midwest Center for School Mental Health, she manages a consulting firm specializing in children’s mental health research and strategic planning.   Her portfolio includes many evaluation and research projects designed to help schools, mental health providers, and local/state governments understand community needs, develop effective services, build stronger systems, and demonstrate impact. Prior to establishing her consulting practice, Dr. Holm-Hansen spent 21 years as a Senior Research Manager at Wilder Research in Saint Paul, Minnesota.     This training is provided with our valued partners from the Midwest Center for School Mental Health.     The Great Lakes MHTTC is offering this training for individuals working in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI. This training is being provided in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders.

  Determinants of health are varied and many, encompassing biological, social, structural, environmental, legal, and political determinants. In combination, these determinants bridge downstream and upstream locations; for example, from the clinic office to the school classroom to state-specific legislation. This 90-minute virtual session will cover the many determinants of health, their definitions, related impacts and outcomes, and current interventions, such as social prescribing and CARE courts. We will also discuss the range of competence and importance of advocacy through a trauma-informed lens to advance holistic health for collective benefit.     LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Participants will: Gain an understanding of the varied and many determinants of health Identify interconnections and impacts among multiple determinants of health Learn current interventions and what is important to help close gaps in care     CERTIFICATES: Registrants who fully attend this event or training will receive a certificate of attendance via email within two weeks after the event or training.      PRESENTER: Jean Balestrery, PhD Jean E. Balestrery holds a Joint PhD in Social Work and Anthropology from University of Michigan, a MA in Anthropology from University of Michigan, a MSW from University of Washington and a BA from Brown University. Dr. Balestrery is founder and CEO of Integrated Care Counsel, LLC, a Spirit of Eagles Hampton Faculty Fellow and a licensed independent behavioral health clinician. An interdisciplinary scholar-practitioner with more than twenty years of combined experience in research, training and practice, Dr. Balestrery has presented research nationally and internationally with a focus on holistic health and wellbeing across the life course. Dr. Balestrery is currently a National Association of Social Workers Committee Member for LGBTQ+ Issues, Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Grant Reviewer and Study of Environmental Arctic Change (SEARCH) Co-Production of Knowledge discussion participant.     The Great Lakes MHTTC is offering this training for individuals working in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI. This training is being provided in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders.

ABOUT THIS EVENT This webinar is designed for direct service providers and staff who work with clients and community members. Learn what contributes to emotionally escalated interactions, ways to assess the situation, and practical strategies to defuse and de-escalate to support the health and safety of everyone involved. Offered in partnership with NAMI Seattle. FACILITATOR   Paul Getzel, Executive Director Paul joined the NAMI Seattle team in 2022. His prior history includes work in community health, food security, HIV/AIDS, and health equity advocacy. Paul is compelled in this work by the strong belief in the power of peer-to-peer models in reducing racial and social disparities, facilitating access to mental health services, reducing stigma, and building enduring support for individuals and families pursuing their best possible mental health. 

Administrators are in the unenviable role of having to make very difficult disciplinary and policy decisions as it relates to peer harassment - both offline and online. Furthermore, they are responsible to exercise due diligence in their prevention programming, or else come under scrutiny for possible liability claims. We focus on equipping these point personnel with the knowledge they need to act through exercises based on real-world examples and research-based best practices that continue to evolve. The targeted audience for this training is school administrators and personnel responsible for implementing discipline and/or policy decisions regarding technology use. This session will teach participants to: • Understand the responsibilities of schools which use technology to meet educational needs • Consider multiple lower, appellate, and Supreme Court cases which provide precedent and guidance in this area • Determine how policy should be structured, and whether to move towards a prohibitive or permissive atmosphere regarding devices • Understand the pros and cons of general and specific deterrence, and what works best • Discover the value of Restorative Practices • Understand civil and criminal actions that may come into play regarding student behavior • Apply the Response to Intervention Model to the school's current structure and environment • Assess the existing state of your school climate, and identify what can be done to improve it   Download Flyer   Speaker     Sameer Hinduja is a Professor at Florida Atlantic University, Faculty Associate at Harvard University, & Co-Director of the Cyberbullying Research Center.  

Mental illness and substance use disorders overlap at the rate of 50 to 70%. In any given year, the majority of patients/clients with co-occurring disorders will not seek help directly for co-occurring disorders. Many find themselves seeking services for medical complications at a primary healthcare facility for medical complications caused by or exacerbated by their co-occurring disorders. In this presentation, you will learn how to address co-occurring disorders in an integrated manner in a primary care facility or other behavioral health settings. Topics covered include: Assessing your organizations readiness for integrated co-occurring disorders treatment, essential components of integrated co-occurring disorders treatment, evidence-based strategies for engaging patients/clients in co-occurring disorders treatment, and strategies for helping patients/clients with co-occurring disorders avoid slipping through the cracks.   LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Define co-occurring disorders. Articulate the 10 components of integrated co-occurring disorders treatment. Utilize the components of integrated co-occurring disorders treatment in your work. Access a tool to assess your organizations readiness for integrated co-occurring disorders treatment. Articulate reasons patients/clients with co-occurring disorders slip through the cracks. Help patients/clients with co-occurring disorders avoid slipping through the cracks.   CONTINUING EDUCATION Participants who fully attend this training will be eligible to receive 1 continuing education (CE) hour certified by Illinois Association of Behavioral Health (IABH). CE certificates will be managed or disseminated by IABH.   PRESENTER Mark Sanders, LCSW, CADC Mark Sanders, LCSW, CADC, is the Illinois state project manager for the Great Lakes ATTC, MHTTC, and PTTC. He is an international speaker and behavioral health consultant whose presentations and publications have reached thousands throughout the United States, Europe, Canada, West Indies, Lithuania, and Guam. He is the recipient of four lifetime achievement awards, including NAADAC’s prestigious Enlightenment Award, the National Association for Addiction Professionals’ 50th Anniversary Legends Award, the Illinois Certification Board's Professional of the Year Award and Jessica Hayes Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Barbara Bacon Award for outstanding contributions to the social work profession as an alumnus of Loyola University of Chicago.  Mark is the author of five books on behavioral health recovery. Recent writings include Slipping Through the Cracks: Intervention Strategies for Clients with Multiple Addictions Disorders and Relationship Detox: A Counselors Guide To Helping Clients Develop Healthy Relationships In Recovery. His groundbreaking monograph, Recovery Management, co-authored with historians William White and Earnest Kurtz, helped shift substance use disorders treatment and recovery from the acute care model towards a recovery-oriented system of care. Mark is the primary contributing author of a trauma-informed gun violence prevention curriculum which is now being implemented in several large cities throughout the U.S., and he authored two stories published in the New York Times bestselling Chicken Soup for The Soul book series. In addition to his behavioral healthcare work, Mark has a 30-year career as a university educator, having taught at The University of Chicago, Loyola University of Chicago, and Illinois State University School of Social Work. He is also the co-founder of Serenity Academy Chicago, a program which sponsors recovery-oriented peer groups in local high schools.     The Great Lakes A/MH/PTTC is offering this training for individuals working in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI. This training is being provided in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders.

During this webinar, Brittany Carney and Elizabeth Robinson will describe the role of potency in cannabis products, review risks associated with youth cannabis use, and discuss strategies to mitigate potential harms through a harm reduction approach.   Learning Objectives:  Recognize the role of CBD and THC in potency of cannabis products/formulations  Recall three health outcomes associated with youth cannabis use Identify potential risks and adverse health risks associated with cannabis use Develop a basic understanding of strategies to mitigate potential harms of youth cannabis use   Presenters:  Brittany Carney, DNP, FNP-BC (she/hers) is a clinical nurse educator for Boston Medical Center's Grayken Center for Addiction Training and Technical Assistance. She is a doctorally prepared, board-certified family nurse practitioner. Her passion is caring for youth and families, especially those with substance use disorder. Britt has published on various topics, including stigma for youth, caring for adolescents with substance use disorders and the role of addiction training for providers. She has also co-authored a book chapter on caring for adolescents with substance use. She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International and AMERSA (The Association for Multidisciplinary Education and Research in Substance use and Addiction). She received her Doctor in Nursing Practice (DNP) and Master's in Nursing degrees from the University of Massachusetts, Graduate School of Nursing. She also has a Master's in Medical Science from Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine.   Elizabeth Robinson, MSN, RN (she/hers) is the full-time nurse for the CATALYST Clinic at Boston Medical Center. CATALYST is a program for teens and young adults (up to age 25) with substance use disorder. As the team nurse, Liz helps with care management for patients in need of addiction treatment and primary care, assists with coordination of appointments for behavioral health, and provides harm reduction for those who are interested.   If you would like accommodations to participate in any of our events, please contact us at [email protected] ahead of the event date. For example, if you would like an ASL interpreter, please let us know 3 weeks ahead of the event date so we have sufficient time to secure the services.  

The webinar will focus on the issues faced in our rural communities from a mental health standpoint. Different tools and programs we are currently using to help educate our rural communities and the farm population will be explored. We will discuss how from a mental health standpoint, when dealing with the rural communities, it must be handled differently than those who live in the suburban or city areas. We will discuss the importance of why we must start the conversation now before it is too late and do our part to help ensure we have a strong viable population to continue agriculture for years to come.   LEARNING OBJECTIVES Identify the difference in how you talk to or work with those from rural communities versus non-rural communities. Emphasize the importance of why we must focus on showing the importance of beginning the hard conversations now, especially with a culture of individuals who don’t talk or discuss their issues. Discuss why suicide is an issue along with mental health for our farm communities and identify the stressors that accompany the farming industry. Raise awareness of the need for professionals to understand how those in the farming community work so they can better understand them but be able to make the greatest impact. Explore why we must focus on mental health for our farming and rural communities and how that correlates to the decrease in younger generations being resistant to entering farming as a career.   CERTIFICATES Registrants who fully attend this event or training will receive a certificate of attendance via email within two weeks after the event or training.   PRESENTER Adam Tyler, MA, 4-H and Ag & Natural Resources Extension Educator and County Extension Director, Purdue Extension - Fountain County Adam Tyler has been involved in various aspects of agriculture throughout his life. He is currently serving as the County Extension Director, 4-H and Agriculture & Natural Resources Educator in Fountain County Indiana with Purdue University Extension which he has been with since 2019. Prior to coming to Purdue, Adam was a middle and high school agriculture teacher, taught advanced life sciences, and was lead FFA advisor for 7 years. Adam also completed his school administration masters and licensure during this time while teaching. Throughout his life he has had family and friends affected by mental health issues, and when he was in education, he saw firsthand the impact that mental health had on rural communities which led him to gain as much education and understanding of mental health along with taking every opportunity to assist those going through this topic we tend to ignore. Adam became involved with the Purdue Farm Stress Team shortly after joining Purdue Extension, and he is grateful for this opportunity which allows him to help and bring awareness of mental health issues affecting our rural communities and populations.   The Great Lakes MHTTC is offering this training for individuals working in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI. This training is being provided in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders.

About this Event: Georgia has had a reputation for being a standard bearer of peer support for many years, and that reputation has been on display over the past 36 months with the launch of the new national 988 and 988lifeline.org. In this series, '988 in Every State', presenters will explore the emerging needs and implementation of peer support services in areas where the traditional medical model remains dominant.   Learning Objectives: · Understand and describe the difference between the traditional medical model vs recovery model. · Define a recovery-oriented system of care. · Identify the need to know the recovery resources.

This webinar will provide tips for increasing engagement and understanding insight when working with individuals who experience psychosis. Some of the learning goals of this webinar include: Understanding some of the common barriers to engagement in treatment for individuals who experience psychosis Learning strategies for building rapport and trust with clients whose symptoms may interfere with having insight about their condition Developing a deeper understanding of the role of empathy for the individual’s experience and validation of their values when fostering engagement and therapeutic progress Discussing important cultural and ethical considerations to keep in mind when working with individuals who struggle with developing insight into their psychotic symptoms About the Presenters: Emily Kline is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine and the Director of Psychological Services in the Wellness and Recovery After Psychosis (WRAP) Program at Boston Medical Center. She is an expert in adolescent and young adult development, emerging psychotic disorders, and serious mental illness. She has published over 40 peer reviewed papers and several book chapters on psychosis prediction, detection, diagnosis, and treatment. Her current research focuses on improving communication between parents and youth and increasing access to high quality mental health treatment for young people in distress. Dr. Kline authored The School of Hard Talks: How to Have Real Conversations with Your (Almost Grown) Kids (2023) as well as a The School of Hard Talks Online which is an online course for parents who are hoping to learn to improve their communication with their teens. Jenny Lancet MS, MBA is a Peer Support Specialist with the WRAP Program at Boston Medical Center. She provides one-on-one support by assisting others in their own journeys of recovery through sharing her own experiences and promoting hope that recovery is possible. In her spare time she enjoys photographing the city.   This webinar is part of a series on "Psychosis Informed Care in Community Outpatient Settings" geared towards clinicians working in outpatient settings with clients who present with a variety of mental health conditions including psychotic disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or mood disorder with psychotic features). This series will answer some common questions about working with individuals who experience psychosis and their families including role plays and/or case discussions of common challenges.

TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2024 10:00 - 11:15 a.m. HT / 12:00 - 1:15 p.m. PT / 1:00 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. MT / 2:00 - 3:15 p.m. CT / 3:00 - 4:15 p.m. ET Session 4 of 8 in the "Provider Plática Learning Collaborative" Series / Sesión 4 de 8 de la Serie "Colaboración de Aprendizaje para una Plática entre Profesionales" (view series main page for full details / consultar la página principal de la serie para ver toda la información) Provider Plática Learning Collaborative: Supporting the Training Needs of Practitioners of Spanish Language Mental Health Services Colaboración de Aprendizaje para una Plática entre Profesionales: Respaldando las Necesidades de Capacitación de los Profesionales que Prestan Servicios de Salud Mental en Español April 4: Session 4 / 30 de abril: Sesión 4   Welcome to Session 4 in this series! / ¡Bienvenidos a la Sesión 4 de esta serie!   Collaboratively held by the National Training & Technical Assistance Center (NTTAC) and the Pacific Southwest MHTTC this Provider Platica program is a monthly collaborative space for peer learning and resourcing. This session and all that follow are an open, bilingual space for members of the mental health workforce to share common challenges and experiences when providing services to Spanish-speaking communities with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) as well as high-quality resources and innovative solutions. All levels of Spanish language proficiency and comfort are welcome. Este programa de Plática entre Profesionales, llevado a cabo colaborativamente por el Centro Nacional de Capacitación y Asistencia Técnica (NTTAC por sus siglas en inglés) y el Centro de Transferencia de Tecnología de Salud Mental del Sudoeste del Pacífico (MHTTC por sus siglas en inglés), es un espacio mensual de colaboración para el aprendizaje entre pares y la facilitación de recursos. Esta y todas las demás sesiones son un espacio abierto y bilingüe donde los miembros de la fuerza laboral de salud mental podrán compartir desafíos y experiencias en común a la hora de prestar servicios a las comunidades de habla hispana con un Dominio Limitado del Inglés (LEP por sus siglas en inglés), así como recursos de alta calidad y soluciones innovadoras. Son bienvenidas las personas con cualquier nivel de dominio del español y comodidad con el mismo.   Audience / Audiencia Mental health professionals across the country and U.S. territories, including clinicians, peer counselors and others who provide services to Spanish-speaking individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP). We welcome providers in a wide range of professional settings, including clinical, community and government agencies, education, private practice, and more. Profesionales de la salud mental de todo Estados Unidos y sus territorios, incluidos médicos clínicos, consejeros entre pares y otras personas que prestan servicios a hablantes de español con un Dominio Limitado del Inglés (LEP por sus siglas en inglés). Les damos la bienvenida a profesionales provenientes de una amplia variedad de entornos, que incluye instituciones clínicas, comunitarias, gubernamentales, educativas, consultorios privados y demás.   About the Facilitators / Conozcan a las Facilitadoras Lisa Teyechea (she/her) is highly skilled and experienced in technical assistance, training, and project developer in areas of public health, prevention, and behavioral health. Other skills include evaluation and grant writing. More than 20 years designing and implementing systems of care and programming at agency and community levels, while approaching work with a trauma-informed lens. Lisa Teyechea (ella) está altamente capacitada y posee una enorme experiencia en asistencia técnica, capacitación y desarrollo de proyectos en las áreas de salud pública, prevención y salud conductual. Entre otras habilidades suyas se incluyen la evaluación y redacción de solicitudes de subvenciones. Posee más de 20 años de experiencia diseñando e implementando sistemas de atención y programas a nivel institucional y comunitario, abordando su labor desde una perspectiva informada sobre el trauma.     Kristi Silva (she/her) has over 15 years’ experience providing culturally responsive training and technical assistance – especially for Latine and Native American communities – at the local, state, and national level. In addition to subject matter expertise in health equity and policy, Ms. Silva is an experienced researcher and evaluator, with specialization in community-developed best practices requiring an adapted evaluation methodology. She has worked in partnership with communities impacted by pan-generational trauma to develop strengths-based policies and practices that are sustainable and rooted in a social justice framework. As a professional who now serves communities like the one she comes from, Ms. Silva brings an essential lens of lived experience to the work. Kristi Silva (ella) tiene más de 15 años de experiencia brindando capacitación y asistencia técnica culturalmente receptiva —especialmente a comunidades latinas e indígenas norteamericanas— a nivel local, estatal y nacional. Además de ser experta en asuntos de equidad y políticas de salud, la Srta. Silva es una evaluadora e investigadora experimentada, especializada en mejores prácticas desarrolladas por la comunidad que requieran una metodología de evaluación adaptada. Ha trabajado junto con comunidades impactadas por el trauma pangeneracional para desarrollar prácticas y políticas basadas en las fortalezas que sean sostenibles y se fundamenten en un marco de justicia social. Como una profesional que ahora atiende a comunidades similares a aquellas de donde proviene, la Srta. Silva lleva a cabo su trabajo con una perspectiva fundamental de experiencias de vida.     (view series main page for full details / consultar la página principal de la serie para ver toda la información)  

The application deadline for this training was April 1, 2024. For questions, please contact Sherrie Nichols ([email protected]).     This virtual certification course trains instructors to teach QPR for Suicide Prevention to their community. Participants first learn about the nature of suicidal communications, what forms these communications take, and how they may be used as the stimulus for a QPR intervention. To gain perspective, participants are introduced to the history of suicide, suicide prevention, and the spectrum of modern-day public health suicide prevention education efforts. Participants then learn to market QPR, target potential Gatekeepers, and how to teach the QPR curriculum.  Participants also learn to deal with pent up audience demands to talk about suicide, survivor issues, and how to make immediate interventions and referrals. Each participant has the opportunity for individual rehearsal and practice through role-plays.     LEARNING OBJECTIVES: To understand the nature, range and importance of suicidal communications and their importance in preventing suicide. To review and understand the groups at greatest risk of suicide and why QPR can work for them. To train participants to teach QPR, for Suicide Prevention. To gain a historical perspective about suicide prevention and how QPR fits into national efforts. To acquire specific knowledge about how audiences may respond to the QPR message and how to react in a helpful manner. To learn how to effectively promote suicide prevention in their own communities. To gain the competence and confidence to teach others how to save lives and help prevent suicidal behaviors.     AUDIENCE: This intensive training series is accepting applications from mental and behavioral health professionals working in HHS Region 5 (IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI). Space is limited.     IMPORTANT INFORMATION: The deadline to apply is April 1, 2024. Applicants will be notified about their enrollment status by April 5, 2024. There is NO COST to attend this virtual QPR certification course for those who are accepted into the training via the Great Lakes MHTTC application process (standard fee: $595.00). This is NOT a webinar. All participants are expected to actively participate for the entire course, including being on camera, using a working microphone, and having the ability to work in breakout rooms/small group exercises. Space is limited – please only apply if you work in HHS Region 5 and you can fully commit to attending the entire 6-hour course. The training will take place on May 1, 2024 from 9:00 AM–3:30 PM CT. Additional details will be shared with accepted applicants. Download the QPR Certified Gatekeeper Instructor Course Outline or visit the QPR website to learn more about the course. Remember: There is no cost to attend if you are accepted into the May 1st training through the Great Lakes MHTTC application process.     HOW TO APPLY: Click the “REGISTER” button at the top of the page to complete the application form.     CERTIFICATES: Registrants who fully attend this event or training will receive a certificate of attendance via email within two weeks after the event or training. Participants who successfully complete the course will be Gatekeeper Instructor certified for three years through QPR.     PRESENTER: Heidi Pritzl, MSW, LCSW   Heidi Pritzl graduated with her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from Hawaii Pacific University (HPU) in Honolulu, HI. Twelve years ago, Heidi moved back to St. Germain, Wisconsin with the goal to serve and support her “home” community.  When she returned to Wisconsin she began to work in the field of mental health as a clinical social worker on the inpatient unit at St. Mary’s hospital for Ministry Koller Behavioral Health, which is now Aspirus Koller Behavioral Health. Heidi then transitioned to outpatient mental health in the clinic setting as a Psychotherapist.   Heidi is trained in suicide prevention with the QPR Institute in Seattle, WA, as a Master and Gatekeeper Trainer. Her goal has been to train as many individuals as possible on the warning signs and risk factors of suicide, so they are able to identify when someone needs support to help in the nation’s goal to reduce suicides by 25% by 2025. Recently Heidi has been training college and high school staff to include coaches, in addition to consulting with corporations and universities to implement suicide prevention and mental health support into their businesses.   Heidi is also serving her second term for the NASW Wisconsin Chapter Board as the West Central/North Central/Northeast Branch Representative. She encourages new social workers to enroll in NASW to receive support and continues to work hard to have the same services, supports, and resources to rural Wisconsin as they do in the cities.   Heidi shares, “I know my work will be done when people begin receiving cards, casseroles, and flowers for a recent diagnosis for mental health or after a hospital stay on a psychiatric inpatient unit.”     The Great Lakes MHTTC is offering this training for individuals working in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI. This training is being provided in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders.

This 90-minute webinar features presenters sharing their lived experience with mental health conditions to combat stigma and provide further information and resources. ABOUT THIS EVENT The Northwest MHTTC is proud to partner with National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Seattle to present "In Our Own Voice." NAMI In Our Own Voice presentations change attitudes, assumptions and stereotypes about people with mental health conditions. This 90-minute presentation will provide a personal perspective of mental illness, as presenters with lived experience talk openly about what it's like to live with a mental health condition. Their trained presenters humanize the misunderstood, highly stigmatized topic of mental illness by showing that it’s possible—and common—to live well with a mental health condition. This presentation also provides: a chance to ask presenters questions, allowing for a deeper understanding of mental health conditions and dispelling of stereotypes and misconceptions the understanding that every person with a mental health condition can hope for a brighter future information on how to learn more about mental health and get involved with the mental health community.   SPEAKERS Abhishek Kulkarni (he/him) Greg Barber (he/him)