|
We're getting excited for the 7th Annual Alaska Advanced Trauma Institute! National experts Dr. Tony Mannarino and Dr. Brad Stolbach will be joined by Alaskan experts including Dr. Linda Chamberlain, Dr. Laverne Demienteff, Laura Norton-Cruz, and our own Kristin Mortenson to present two full days of learning! See the full
press release
.
|
|
|
Parenting with Love and Limits at ACMHS has openings!
|
ACMHS is accepting families to start PLL services in July and August. PLL is an evidence based, brief family therapy program. We work with the whole family system to improve communication, connection, and behaviors through a combination of group therapy, family therapy, and skill development for youth and parents. Call Meghan at 762-2814 for more information.
Read more.
|
|
|
Alaska Seeds of Change will be taking it outside this summer. Our indoor hydroponic farm is a great way to grow through the winter, but we also want our youth to understand more traditional soil-based growing, reap the benefits of Alaska's long days of sunshine and Vitamin D, and realize what a wide variety of food can be grown in Alaska. Crops will include potatoes, carrots, peas, beets, radishes, cabbage, kale, tomatoes and more.
Kelly Ballantyne will be leading youth in an outdoor garden project at St. Mary's Episcopal Church and on the south side of our building. St. Mary's and the Alaska South Central deanery have also generously donated funding for the project. Additional
donations
to support staff time and
volunteers
are always welcome.
|
|
This summer, you can find Seeds of Change at the Airport Heights Farmers Market, Wednesdays from 3:00 - 6:00!
|
|
|
Outreach at Brother Francis
|
Once a week, Clinician William Hutchings and student intern Daniel McHarge spend the morning at Brother Francis Shelter, letting people know what services are available at ACMHS. Sometimes they recognize current clients and help with contact information, appointment times, and reaching their treatment team. When someone is ready to start addressing their mental health needs, or to re-engage with services, we want them to be able to find us.
|
|
If you know someone who needs services, click
here
for Adult services intake information in Anchorage, or
here
for Fairbanks.
|
|
|
Mental Health Awareness Month
|
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month in May, ACMHS staff provided community outreach at the Walk and Roll for Hope, and presented to the Anchorage Assembly. In
Fairbanks, FCMHS staff and clients wore green bracelets to raise awareness of the prevalence of mental health issues and share support for recovery. They also held a BBQ for clients and staff.
|
|
|
Professional Development at ACMHS
|
The key to expanding services for Alaskans is expanding our workforce - in both quality and quantity of providers. We continue to offer support for licensure at ACMHS and FCMHS, with a
ll of our clinical providers receiving 1-2 hours per week of group and individual supervision. In addition, weekly critical case conferences provide the opportunity to discuss particularly tough cases. We've also
recently begun a couple of new initiatives to ensure the quality of services we provide, and improve employee recruitment and retention.
|
|
We've committed to the goal of having all clinical staff certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) through the Beck Institute. CBT is one of the key, evidence-based practices for treating many mental illnesses.
The Board of Directors also recently approved a new policy to
help employees pay for education expenses
. Employees in good standing who are working toward a degree or certification relevant to their work at ACMHS/FCMHS are eligible to receive reimbursement for educational expenses. Employees will need to have an education plan approved by their supervisor, including their timeline for completion, and then may submit for tuition reimbursement up to a lifetime maximum of $20,000. Cheryl Mounts, HR Director, says she is
"grateful that the Board recognizes the value of our staff and their continued development. This is a wonderful opportunity for those wishing to increase their knowledge, learn new skills, and advance in their careers."
Check current job openings on our
website
.
|
|
|
The Alaska Child Trauma Center at ACMHS recently wrapped up the Trauma 101 training season. More than 400 people received training via 5 in-person and 4 webinar trainings. Trauma 101 training is provided free of charge with support from the Alaska Division of Behavioral Health to help social service agency staff, mental health providers and community members understand the effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences and other trauma on brains and behavior, as well as promote more effective trauma-informed care throughout Alaska. Thank you to our excellent trainers - Lindsay Coffey (pictured), Mara Hill, and Marissa Hanson!
Overall, the Alaska Child Trauma Center has provided training to 3,421 people so far this fiscal year, the highest number in our history, and that's before the June Trauma Institute!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|