A publicatio n of the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health July 2018
MINORITY MENTAL HEALTH MONTH
National Minority Mental Health was developed in 2008 by the U.S. House of Representatives in honor of Bebe Moore Campbell . She was an author, advocate, co-founder of NAMI Urban Los Angeles and national spokesperson, who passed away in November 2006. She advocated for mental health education and support among individuals of diverse communities. The month commemorates her legacy and work by highlighting mental wellness awareness and information for communities of color. Though the commemorative month is used to promote mental wellness, many persons of color find the term “minority” to be an antiquated term, opting for terms like, and not limited to people of color. The term denotes a “less than value” to a person, their experiences, and can possible trigger them. Actions were taken upon people to make them less than and what this experience is sometimes referred to is being “ minoritized .” For example, the black American experiences of slavery and segregation which forced a group of Americans to be economic and social minorities.
 
Over the last two years, the Department has made Race, Equity, and Inclusion (REI) a priority. Like National Minority Health Month, the Department’s REI work should not be separate from DMH business but rather integrated into all of our business truly aligning with our person-centered, trauma-informed, and recovery-focused values . By understanding the cultural experiences and needs of communities of color, we can better serve our individuals and families served, as well as our staff. We can value persons of color by also understanding how language is important. Even
 
DMH encourages staff to speak with their supervisors to identify ways to ensure our individuals and family served, as well as staff, of color feel safe and respected and are not treated a less than here at the Department. For elevated issues or concerns, contact Joy Connell , DMH Diversity Officer or the local DMH Human Rights Officer.
Infographic courtesy of Mental Health America.
ADULT COMMUNITY CLINICAL SERVICES (ACCS)
DMH is excited to have reached the significant milestone of launching the Adult Community Clinical Services (ACCS) contracts on July 1, 2018. This milestone is the beginning of the efforts to strengthen the community services to support adults with serious mental health conditions in the community. It represents significant clinical enhancements within the DMH delivery system and the launch of major efforts toward healthcare integration in collaboration with MassHealth. Planning is underway to build integration with Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission resources into the integrated system. 
DMH REFRAMES THE AGE FOR SERVICE PLANNING
DMH issued for July 1, 2018 revised service authorization regulations (104 CMR 29.00) that allow young adults to be authorized for services using Child, Youth, and Family (CYF) criteria until their 22nd birthday.  The purpose of this change, which is named Reframe the Age, is to provide flexibility in meeting the service needs of young adults as they transition into adulthood. Service planning for young adults 18 through 21 will now consider the person’s need for services from either CYF or adult Mental Health Services (MHS), making it possible to draw on the resources of both the youth serving and adult serving systems to meet young adults’ individual needs. 
The new regulations also recognize that some young adults will transition to adult DMH services at age 22, while others will transition to services outside of DMH. Transition planning is an ongoing process and reflects the evolving needs and competencies of young adults. 
MULTICULTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ADVOCATING FOR EQUITY AND INCLUSION
By Tina Sang, Office of Multicultural Affairs
People with lived experience of mental illness, their family members, mental health providers, and other external stakeholders interested in providing guidance to Department of Mental Health (DMH) about diversity, equity, and inclusion are invited to join the Multicultural Advisory Committee (MAC). MAC recognizes diversity as a strength and embraces a broad view of diversity that includes race, culture, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, family or socioeconomic status, physical or mental ability, and immigration status. MAC speaks up for the mental health and recovery of Massachusetts’ culturally and linguistically diverse populations, especially communities that are marginalized, underserved, or unserved.
MAC is currently planning a mental health outreach event for students and staff at a Boston area community college. The next MAC meeting is scheduled for August 27, 2018, 3:30 p.m. at DMH Central Office in Boston and is open to anyone to attend. 

If you would like more information about the Multicultural Advisory Committee, please visit our webpage , or email OMCA@massmail.state.ma.us  
VIDEO RELEASED: 13 REASONS WHY WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT SUICIDE
The NAN Project recently released 13 Reasons Why We Need to Talk about Suicide , a video in response to the Netflix series, 13 Reasons Why . Peer mentors were concerned that the series both glamorized suicide by giving the main character a voice after her death and neglected to inform viewers about the primary risk factors for suicide - mental health issues. The Netflix series also made the supports in her life seem both irresponsible and negligent. They Nan Project created their video in hopes to more clearly illustrate the risk factors that may lead to a suicide, and more importantly, show what resources are available to those who may be struggling. In the coming months they plan to release a discussion guide that can be used in a classroom or similar setting to facilitate conversations about suicide and mental health with students.
STAFF NEWS
RACE, EQUITY AND INCLUSION (REI) WORKGROUP UPDATE
NEW EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
On July 1, 2018, the Group Insurance Commission (GIC) introduced a new Employee Assistance Program (EAP) called  Mass4You . Administered by Optum, the GIC’s new EAP vendor,  Mass4You  is available at no additional cost to all active state employees and their immediate family members who are eligible for GIC coverage. Enrollment in GIC health insurance coverage is not required to access services offered through  Mass4You  and participation in this valuable new program is confidential.

Mass4You  also offers telephonic management support services for managers and supervisors including telephonic and in-person Critical Incidence Response Services (CIRS), and a myriad of trainings (self-paced, in-person and WebEx).
JOY CONNELL RECEIVES THE 2018 TONY WINSOR AWARD
Congratulations to Joy Connell who was presented with the Tony Winsor award in a ceremony last month. Massachusetts Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Network established the award for medical interpreters in Tony Winsor’s name in 2015. The purpose of this award is to honor a person who, like Tony Winsor advocated for professionalizing the work of a medical interpreter to improve language access for all persons. The contributions to the field of medical interpreting may include advocating for the utilization of medical interpreters, providing education for medical interpreters, or promoting the work of medical interpreters. Joy's compassion and advocacy for individuals with disabilities at DMH has been instrumental over her tenure.
Looking for new learning and development (LD) opportunities? Use the DMH LD Calendar to search for a variety of opportunities in your area or statewide. The learning calendar is updated on an ongoing basis with personal and professional development opportunities as well as continuing education events. Easily filter your search by clicking on any of the color-coded categories that are displayed on the calendar.

The DMH Events Calendar is the one stop location for upcoming mental health related events planned around the state. 
CELEBRATE THE 28TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
ADA Celebration Day is a yearly commemoration of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. The 2018 ADA Celebration in Boston will be held on July 28, 2018 at City Hall Plaza. It is celebrated in July to honor the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act signing. ADA Celebration Day is an event for people of all ages and all abilities to come together and celebrate a milestone in the disability community.

For celebrations around New England, visit: www.newenglandada.org/calendar
Join DMH and your local legislators for our annual
DMH Citizens Legislative Breakfast Series for 2018
NORTHEAST AREA
Thursday July 19, 2018
Massachusetts State House, Great Hall
Sponsors: Sen. Joan Lovely, Rep. Bradford Hill

Event starts with registration and refreshments from 9:30-10 a.m. The program starts promptly at 10 a.m. and runs approximately until 11 a.m.
JULY POLL
What do you think (or have seen) the barriers are for persons of color to access mental health?
Access to Care
Stigma
Language Access
Culturally Humble Workforce/Workforce Representative of communities of color
Other Factors
JUNE QUIZ RESULTS
Answer: 1973
Kudos to this who got the correct answer!
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