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September 8-14 is National Suicide Prevention Week. In this newsletter, you'll find useful resources for our region, as well as news about suicide prevention policies at the national level.
Many of us may be struggling to cope following the recent incidents of
mass violence in Gilroy, El Paso, and Dayton. Resources are provided to support you and the work you do with communities, families, and students and youth.
For our school mental health community, we are excited to share the start of a new school year with you, and we are pleased to share a
new resource on the Interconnected Systems Framework (ISF). We hope you will join us for the
Pacific Southwest School Mental Health Learning Collaborative.
Get in touch:
Contact us
for technical assistance and support on mental health topics.
The
Pacific Southwest MHTTC is a SAMHSA-funded center serving American Samoa, Arizona, California, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Hawaii, Marshall Islands, Nevada, Northern Mariana Islands, and Palau.
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 Suicide Prevention Events & Resources
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Suicide Prevention Events
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Suicide Prevention Trainings
Many suicide prevention coalitions and agencies in our region offer trainings in evidence-based programs such as ASIST or safeTALK. Here are a few examples:
Access a detailed list of crisis intervention services, lifelines, and training sources in your state or island region:
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Register | August 20 |
2:00-3:15 p.m. ET / 11:00 a.m.-12:15 p.m. PT / 8:00-9:15 a.m. HT
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2019 Mental and Behavioral Health Symposium
Enhancing Suicide Prevention Through Connectivity
Register | September 12 | Las Vegas, Nevada
This Nevada annual cross-agency statewide event brings together professionals, clinicians, first responders, veterans, and others for a day of phenomenal learning from recognized experts on topics and skills in suicide ideation and prevention.
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Arizona Suicide Prevention Coalition HOPE Conference
Register | October 23-25 | Phoenix, Arizona
Sample topics include social media and suicide prevention; improving access to behavioral healthcare in schools; serious mental illness; and supporting veterans, African Americans, and sexual and gender minority communities.
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Suicide Prevention Resources
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Webinar Recording - Trauma-Informed Suicide Prevention for Educators: Stories, Science, and Strategies
In this Pacific Southwest MHTTC session, join suicide prevention advocates Leah Harris and Kelechi Ubozoh in exploring how educators can build a trauma-informed suicide prevention approach.
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Suicide Prevention Week 2019 - Each Mind Matters
The 2019 toolkit from
Each Mind Matters: California's Mental Health Movement includes "Know the Signs" outreach materials in several languages; suggested activities; resources for schools; and more.
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K-12 Toolkit for Mental Health Promotion and Suicide Prevention
The HEARD Alliance designed this toolkit specifically to help California schools implement AB 2246, the Pupil Suicide Prevention Policy, but any secondary school can use these helpful tools. The PS MHTTC recently co-hosted a webinar on the toolkit that will be available soon.
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Preventing Suicide - The Role of High School Teachers and The Role of High School Mental Health Providers
The Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) recently announced two redesigned information sheets to help school personnel
identify and assist students at risk, respond to a suicide death, and access prevention resources. You can also access the full SPRC
After a Suicide: A Toolkit for Schools (updated 2nd ed.).
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Arizona Spotlight: Be Connected Suicide Prevention Initiative
Be Connected, an Arizona statewide suicide prevention program, was featured in
Health Affairs. Be Connected uses a unique upstream intervention model to connect service members, veterans, and their families to resources across all social determinants of health.
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Suicide Prevention Policy Spotlight
Several recent bills have been receiving attention for potential positive impact on suicide prevention and mental health services.
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Bill
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Description
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| H.R. 3778:
Cady Housh and Gemesha Thomas Student Suicide Prevention Act of 2019
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The purpose of this bill is to authorize certain grants (for youth suicide early intervention and prevention strategies) to be used for school personnel in elementary and secondary schools and students in secondary schools to receive student suicide awareness and prevention training, and for other purposes. This bill was introduced into Congress on July 16, 2019. It will be considered by committee next before it is possibly sent on to the House or Senate. |
H.R. 1191: Native American Suicide Prevention Act of 2019
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The purpose of this bill is to require States and their designees receiving grants for development and implementation of statewide suicide early intervention and prevention strategies to collaborate with each Federally recognized Indian tribe, tribal organization, urban Indian organization, and Native Hawaiian health care system in the State. Introduced February 13; goes to committee next.
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H.R. 1109: Mental Health Services for Students Act of 2019
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The purpose of this bill is to revise and extend projects relating to children and to provide access to school-based comprehensive mental health programs.
Introduced February 8; to committee next.
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The purpose of this bill is to improve the identification and support of children and families who experience trauma through grants to address community trauma. Introduced June 10; to committee next.
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School Mental Health Feature
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Happy Project Year 2! We're so looking forward to continuing the amazing school mental health workforce leadership and growth work of this past year into the next by providing technical assistance to our region. Every month we release products, curricula, training opportunities, and multimedia that can support your school mental health leadership.
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Our 2019-2020 Areas of Focus include:
- School mental health programs, policies, and practices
- Evidence-based practice implementation support (trauma-informed and resilience-oriented programs, policies, and practices; school mental health referral pathways)
- School mental health literacy and leadership development
- School violence prevention, intervention, and postvention
Our Fall School Mental Health Webinar Series will begin in October.
Have a topic request? Email Leora (Lwolf@cars-rp.org) with topic ideas, presenters, or requests for a repeat from this year's series.
Webinar topics must focus on: school mental health evidence-based practices; school mental health literacy; school violence prevention and crisis response; or trauma-informed school policy, practices, or programs
For any technical assistance (on-site trainings, virtual coaching, in-person coaching) on any of the above track areas, please contact us at (844) 856-1749 or pacificsouthwest@mhttcnetwork.org.
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New from Pacific Southwest MHTTC:
Interconnected Systems Framework Fact Sheets
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New! Interconnected Systems Framework (ISF) Fact Sheet Series
The Interconnected System Framework (ISF) is an emerging approach for building a single system of social, emotional, and behavioral supports in schools. Integrating Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and school mental health, the ISF also brings community partners and families into one structure.
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Join Us!
School Mental Health Learning Collaborative
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Pacific Southwest School Mental Health Learning Collaborative
This year, the National Center for School Mental Health (NCSMH) and the National MHTTC Network collaborated to create a national curriculum for school mental health, including a train-the-trainer for school district leadership (see below).
The Pacific Southwest School Mental Health Learning Collaborative is an opportunity to
bring this exciting new curriculum to schools in our region.
Want to learn more about joining our regional collaborative and getting trained in the new curriculum (or becoming a trainer)?
Register for one of the following 30-minute information sessions:
- Today! August 15 | 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT / 8 a.m. HT | Register
- Tomorrow! August 16 | 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT / 10 a.m. HT | Register
- August 23 | 12 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. PT / 6 a.m. HT | Register
Can't attend an information session but want to learn more? Reach out to School Mental Health Lead Leora Wolf-Prusan (
Lwolf@cars-rp.org).
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MHTTC National School Mental Health Curriculum: Guidance and Best Practices for States, Districts, and Schools
The new MHTTC National School Mental Health Curriculum is designed to be used by district teams to influence, develop, and oversee school mental health systems. It
includes:
- Trainer Manual
- Participant Manual
- 8 PPT slide decks (60 minutes each)
- 5 recorded virtual learning sessions (75 minutes)
Each module can be adapted and contextualized to regions, states, and districts. Join the Pacific Southwest School Mental Health Learning Collaborative to explore how to customize the Curriculum for our region!
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Save the Dates: School Mental Health Training Series
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California School-Based Health Alliance/PS MHTTC School Mental Health Training Series
The PS MHTTC is proud to present a series of upcoming trainings in collaboration with the California School-Based Health Alliance. Stay tuned for a full announcement in your inbox soon!
Exploring School Employee Sustainability and Wellness
September 24 | 4-7 p.m. | UC Merced Center, Fresno
Full details and registration coming soon
Building Effective Student Mental Health Identification and Response Systems
November 13 | 4-7 p.m. | UC Merced Center, Fresno
Full details and registration coming soon
Suicide Assessment and Intervention in School Systems
December 4 | 4-7 p.m. | Location TBD
Full details and registration coming soon
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More School Mental Health Upcoming Events
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Webinar - Identifying Trauma
Register | August 29 |
4:00-5:30 p.m. ET / 1:00-2:30 p.m. PT / 10:00-11:30 a.m. HT
Dr. Hilary Hodgdon, Director of Research Operations at the Trauma Center at the Justice Resource Institute, will talk about the science and the tools that can help school staff identify students at the greatest risk of experiencing significant trauma.
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Arizona Rural Schools Association 2019 Annual Conference
Register | September 12-14 | Flagstaff, Arizona
The annual conference includes selected exhibits, recognized speakers, topical workshops, and opportunities for school board members and administrators to network and exchange valuable information.
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Webinar - Best Practices for Transition Planning for High School Students with Mental Health Conditions
Register | September 12 | 1-2 p.m. ET / 10-11 a.m. PT / 7-8 a.m. HT
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Instructional Coaching for Equity Institute with the National Equity Project
Learn More | September 18, October 22, October 23 | Tucson area, Arizona
The Coaching for Equity Institute is geared towards administrators, coaches, and mentors who support AZ teachers in their classroom practice. Participants will examine and practice their coaching skills with a focus on education equity.
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HERE this NOW's Trauma-Responsive Schools Conference
Register | October 23-25 | Temecula, California
Join a unique, cohort-based conference. This intensive learning experience is designed to leave participants prepared, supported, connected, and inspired to champion trauma-responsive change in their schools.
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70th Annual CASP (CA Association of School Psychologists) Convention
Register | October 24-26 | Long Beach, California
In recognition of the theme, "You're Not Alone: Integrating Systems of Support," this convention emphasizes partnerships -- ways in which school psychologists partner with other mental health professionals and educators to ensure all students learn.
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2019 California PBIS Conference Leading the Way for Positive and Equitable Schools
Register - Flyer | October 28-29 (Post Conference: Oct. 30) | Sacramento, California
We're a workshop and post-conference presenter!
The theme this year is "Leading the Way for Positive and Equitable Schools." We hope to see you in our sessions on designing and implementing school mental health referral pathways.
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2019 Annual Conference on Advancing School Mental Health (ASMH)
We're a presenter!
ASMH is the premier interdisciplinary conference on school mental health. Attendees include educators, administrators, support personnel, mental health practitioners, and others. This year's theme is "Safe and Supportive Schools for All Students."
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What We're Reading: School Mental Health Research and Resources
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Happy back to school! In honor of school beginning anew, here are our top 5 favorite resources and research to launch this coming school year:
- Rapport matters, especially in those beginning weeks. From Edutopia: 6 Ways to Build Rapport With Students
- We're so grateful for Sesame Street in Communities. From helpful age-by-age strategies, to videos on how to offer comfort in stressful times, to articles on school safety drills, it's a fabulous resource for students and educators.
- School employee well-being is essential. Check out Kaiser Permanente's Thriving Schools resources to support employees' social-emotional health.
- The National Education Association released a helpful Back to School Guide. Discussing prepping for the first week, family engagement, classroom culture, and lesson planning, it's worth checking out.
- The Child Mind Institute for Educators offers phenomenal tips on subjects like recognizing learning disorders, understanding ADHD in the classroom, and anxiety management.
We wish you an enormously healthy, resourced, and nourished launch to the school year, and we're so glad to be a part of your support team.
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More Upcoming Learning Opportunities
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Conferences and Workshops
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2019 Trauma-Informed Care Conference: A National Conference for Helping Professionals
Register |
August 23 | Los Angeles, California
Hear from leaders in vicarious trauma research, attend experiential workshops in vicarious trauma and wellness, and participate in discussions on trauma and culture.
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Call for Proposals - 2020 Training Institutes
#WhatCouldBe: Bolder Systems and Brighter Futures for Children, Youth, Young Adults & Their Families
The 2020 Training Institutes challenge us to build on existing delivery systems for children's services with new ideas and approaches. Proposals welcomed from individuals with expertise in integrating systems and improving outcomes for children, youth, young adults, and their families.
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Call for Proposals - 33rd Annual Research & Policy Conference on Child, Adolescent, and Young Adult Behavioral Health
The "Tampa Conference" is an annual gathering of more than 700 researchers, evaluators, policymakers, administrators, parents, and advocates working to improve systems for children and youth with mental health challenges and their families. Tracks include Youth and Young Adults, Behavioral Health Equity, Men and Boys' Mental Health and Wellbeing, and more.
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16th Statewide Conference: Integrating Substance Use, Mental Health, and Primary Care Services
Enhancing Foundations for Change
Register | October 23-24 | Universal City, California
This integrated care conference will address a wide array of topics and intersections, including peer services, care for veterans, supports for LGBTQ communities, pain management, mental health treatment, treatment for opioids, and more.
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Webinar - Clarifying the Youth Peer Support Role
Register | August 19 |
1-2 p.m. ET / 10-11 a.m. PT / 7-8 a.m. HT
This Northwest MHTTC webinar will address the importance of clarifying the Youth Peer Support role and specific techniques for supporting healthy boundaries.
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Webinar - Trauma-Informed Care and Practices (Part II): Sensory Strategies
Register | August 22 |
1-2 p.m. ET / 10-11 a.m. PT / 7-8 a.m. HT
This Mountain Plains MHTTC webinar will discuss sensory strategies that providers and educators can use to help people coping with the effects of trauma.
Part III of this series (September 5) will address correcting behaviors.
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Webinar - Incarcerated Mothers: Understanding the System and their Unique Mental Health Needs
Register | August 23 |
3-4 p.m. ET / 12-1 p.m. PT / 9-10 a.m. HT
This session will provide increased understanding of how to support women experiencing pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period while incarcerated.
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Community of Practice - Building a Diverse Workforce
Register | August 28 | 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT / 12 p.m. HT
In this Community of Practice, we explore our organizational successes and challenges in building a diverse workforce. Join us for our final discussion this year.
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After Mass Violence: Resources
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Talking to Children About Terrorist Attacks and School & Community Shootings in the News
This guide from the National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement offers advice on how to
talk to children about tragic events,
such as shootings and terrorist
attacks.
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Supporting Students and Staff in the Aftermath of Crisis and Loss
In this archived Pacific Southwest MHTTC webinar, grief and crisis expert Dr. David Schonfeld describes how school professionals can talk with and support members of the school community coping with loss.
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How to Deal with Grief, Pain and Anxiety After the Mass Shootings
In this interview, grief expert David Kessler discusses how the news of mass shootings can affect those who are and are not immediately impacted by personal loss.
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Restoring a Sense of Safety in the Aftermath of a Mass Shooting: Tips for Parents and Professionals
This tip sheet describes common questions that parents may ask after mass violence, and offers guidance on how to respond.
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More New Resources
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Pacific Southwest MHTTC Tool: Evaluating Community-Defined Evidence (CDE) Practices - Resource Compendium
There is a growing movement to identify and promote community-defined evidence (CDE) practices. CDE practices are bottom-up practices that come from the community and organizations that serve them. This compendium is designed to help organizations, providers, and communities establish evidence of effectiveness for CDE practices. It includes:
- Introduction to CDE
- CDE examples from the Pacific Southwest
- Evaluation approaches
- Best practices for ethical evaluation
- Annotated list of 25+ tools and resources
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Webinar Recording - Approaches to Evaluating Services for Youth and Young Adults of Transition Age
This Children's Mental Health Initiative web event discussed strategies for assessing services, supports, and systems that serve
youth and young adults. Topics included relevant types of data; considerations and trade-offs for different types of data; youth and young adult perspective on evaluation; and the O-YEAH evaluation model.
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Trauma and American Indian and Alaska Native Youth
This newsletter from the National American Indian and Alaska Native MHTTC focuses on the impact of trauma on Native youth. It describes several evidence-based programs for addressing their trauma and discusses common elements:
- Incorporating adapted therapeutic components
- Encouraging youth to talk about experiences
- Group-based interventions
- Connecting youth to an adult mentor
- Helping youth develop positive coping skills
- Reconnecting youth to traditional Native culture
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Wildfire Preparedness and Response Resources
Wildfire preparedness is critically important in the Pacific Southwest states. The Disaster Technical Assistance Center (DTAC) compiled key resources and guidance for preventing wildfire, protecting yourself during wildfire, and recovering after.
Also visit SAMHSA's
Wildfires page and the American Psychological Association's
Recovering from Wildfires to learn about symptoms and coping mechanisms for disaster-related distress.
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Share Your Insights with Our Team
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Please Complete Our Needs Assessment
As your MHTTC, we are eager to learn about your organization's mental health services, challenges, and priorities. We deeply appreciate your time. The survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete.
Please share with your networks:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MHTTCneedsassessment
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