April News & Updates

4/16/2018


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   INSIDE THIS MONTH'S ISSUE

2018 SEEDS Conference
Safe Schools Legislation
New Associate Director
In Business Phoenix Event
Opioid Support Group
Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Upcoming Events and Community Calendar
Support Groups in Maricopa County
2017 MHA of AZ Board of Directors
Contact Us


The MHA of AZ Seeds Conference is exactly ONE MONTH away!
Join us on May 16th, 2018!







MHA AZ's Response to Governor Ducey's Safe Schools Draft Legislation

 

Mental Health America of Arizona (MHA AZ) has reviewed the draft copy of the Governor's Safe Schools legislation. While we are pleased to see the issues of violence in our schools being addressed, we have a number of concerns with the legislation as proposed. 

It is important to note that individuals living with mental illness are no more violent than those living without a mental illness. In fact, they are more often the victims of violence than the perpetrators of it. Additionally, mental illness has never been the sole cause of school violence, it is simply one factor amongst many. With that said, MHA AZ welcomes the desire of our Governor to address the often unmet mental health needs of our children in schools. 




Erin Callinan joins Sabetta Consulting LLC as MHA AZ's new  Associate Director!


Erin Callinan is the Founder/Owner of Peace of My Mind LLC through which she authored and published her book, "Beautifully Bipolar: An Inspiring Look into Mental Illness" in 2013. As a statewide and national public speaker, Erin is dedicated to reframing the way society views mental illness by promoting stigma reduction, healthy help-seeking behaviors, and focusing on prevention efforts and recovery . She earned her B.A. in Elementary Education from the U of A and will graduate with her MSW from ASU in May 2019. Erin was fortunate to have recently completed a year-long graduate internship at MHA AZ. For the last 3 years, Erin has served on the Board of Directors for MIKID and has volunteered as a Mentor through the New Pathways for Youth Program since 2012. Last year, Erin received the Emerging Leader of the Year Award from the National Association of Social Workers, Arizona Chapter  for her work in behavioral health advocacy and the anti-violence movement. 
Previously, Erin served as the Director of Domestic Violence Response Initiatives at the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence from 2011-2018. While in the field, she was an Associate Board Member of End Violence Against Women International and held a seat on the Maricopa Continuum of Care Regional Committee on Homelessness. From 2008-2011, Erin served as an Advocate and Women's Shelter Manager for Northland Family Help Center, a domestic violence crisis shelter in Flagstaff, AZ. Erin is thrilled to combine her personal and professional passion for advocacy in this new role!



MHA AZ's Executive Director, Kristina Sabetta is Speaking Out About Mental Health in the Workplace as the Keynote Presenter on April 27th!

 


Opioid Support Group



Do you need support to help you stop using or keep from relapsing on pain killers or other opioids? Have you taken opioids that were not prescribed to you? Have you taken opioids more frequently than prescribed? S.T.A.R. offers a free weekly support group for adults ages 18+ Take the steps to stop the cycle TODAY.

S.T.A.R. Central
2502 E. Washington St. Phoenix, AZ 85034 upstairs on the second floor
Every Wednesday evening, 6-7pm
For Questions: 602-231-0071

-Groups will be facilitated by a counselor and a peer
-Group focus is on opioid addiction & dependency
-No referral needed, join anytime



The Important of Mental Health During Sexual Assault Awareness Month


April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and any conversation about sexual trauma should include its impact on mental health.  According to the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN), someone experiences sexual assault  every 98 seconds . Survivors of sexual violence often experience Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and are at  an increased risk  for thinking about, attempting, and completing suicide. Sexual trauma is also a factor for many individuals  experiencing depression, anxiety, addictions, and disordered eating .


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2nd Annual Mental Health Resource and Career Expo
April 19th, 2018 from 10:00am - 5:00pm
Glendale Community College, 6000 W. Olive Ave, Glendale, AZ 85302

9th Annual Ability360 Center Health and Wellness Fair
April 27th, 2018 from 12:00pm - 5:00pm, April 28th from 10:00am - 4:00pm
Ability360 Center, 5025 E. Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85034 

 Children's Mental Health Awareness Community Celebration
April 28th, 2018 from 11:00am - 2:00pm
 7337 North 19th Avenue 
Phoenix, AZ 85021

GOYFF Youth Leadership Day
May 4th, 2018 from 9:00am - 3:00pm
Grand Canyon University 3300 W. Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85017

Mesa Police Department Mental Health Awareness Fair
May 5th, 2018 from 9:00am - 2:00pm
Mesa Convention Center, 263 N Center St. in Mesa
Now accepting reservations for vendors. Indoor event with tables provided. 

Mental Health America of Arizona Seeds Conference
May 16th, 2018, 8:00am - 5:15pm
Glendale Community College, 6000 W. Olive Ave, Glendale, AZ 85302
Click here to register

Mental Health Criminal Justice Summit
August 23-24, 2018
Embassy Suites, Tempe


Check out more Community Calendars in the Phoenix Area!

Arizona Trauma Institute  Trainings   
ASU Center for Applied Behavioral Health Policy  Events
Health Choice Integrated Care Community  Events
Mercy Maricopa Integrated Care  Events
NAMI Arizona  Calendar

Mental Health America of Arizona 
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