The beginning of fall, and boy, am I happy. It has been a long, sweltering summer. I was thinking about summers on the farm and remembering the good times. We knew very little about air-conditioning so we did not miss it. Fond memories include books -but I have already told you about the bookmobile and how I read every book for every grade, every summer. I don’t believe I mentioned all of my reading spots. As I think about it, I remember the amazing smells of each location. Including the creek, hay loft filled with peanut hay, under the house (not gross like it sounds), my favorite chinaberry tree where I built a platform and had a few pillows stashed, and my bed at night under the cover with a flashlight when it was not too hot. I love to read and always have. Remember, we had no media for the first ten years of my life, which is hard to believe today. 

Literacy is on my mind this morning because someone sent me the following statistics yesterday: 130 million Americans read below a 6th-grade level. 332 Million population – 47 million kids age range to 11. 130/285=46%. These statistics are unbelievable and scary. Please think of the implications across the board, such as the ability to create a life of opportunity for both oneself and future generations.  

I hate to pose a question I have no idea how to solve, but here goes – what is the answer? How did we get here, and how do we fix it? I believe a good first step is to utilize the resources we have available to use. Below, I have included a few. 

I genuinely want everyone to know the joy that books brought to me personally. As a child, they expanded my world far beyond the hot dust corn and cotton fields of home. ookies for special occasions. 

I wish you all a wonderful, successful school year.

Sue L. Smith Ed.D, MPH

CEO

Trainings for Remainder of 2023

The year is about to come to an end and we are gearing up for the remaining trainings left for the year. Below you will find the dates for the CPS-P Trainings and the last CPS-Y of the year. 

Certified Peer Specialist-Parent (CPS-P) Calendar dates:

October 11-13 & 18-19, 2023.

November 1-3 & 6-7, 2023.

Certified Peer Specialist-Youth (CPS-Y) Calendar dates:

October 2-6, 2023

This will be our last youth training for 2023. 

Tuesdays from 2-3 pm EST

National FFCMH

We have news: The 2023 NFF Conference: Award Nominations are now open!

Our awards recognize the individuals and organizations who have made substantial contributions to the field of mental health and/or substance use prevention and to families whose children—of any age—experience mental health and/or substance use challenges. Our 2023 Awards Luncheon is Friday, November 10th at 11.30 am at the Hyatt Regency Chicago.

You are invited to submit your nomination to honor those who #AcceptAdvocateAct. Learn more about the award categories and how to register for our conference.

The deadline for nomination submissions is September 30th, 2023.

Support in Accessing Community Services

• Housing

• Therapy/Counseling

• Employment Services

• Medical Care

• Education

• Food Pantries

• Vital Records

Youth MOVE Georgia is a dynamic and inspiring organization that empowers young people across Georgia to advocate for mental health and wellness. With a passionate commitment to youth-driven change, they provide a platform for young individuals to share their experiences, challenge stigma, and promote access to effective mental health services. Through education, peer support, and leadership development programs, Youth MOVE Georgia is instrumental in fostering a community of young advocates who drive policy reform, fight for equity, and champion the rights of youth with lived experience in the mental health system. Their dedication to amplifying the voices of the next generation is a beacon of hope for a more inclusive and compassionate mental health landscape.

Help us spread the word! CHEARR, the Collaborative Hub for Emerging Adult Recovery Research, has an exciting opportunity for persons impacted by the opioid use crisis to join our national community boards and influence research on how to best support young people in recovery from opioid use disorder. Community board meetings are held remotely, you will be paid for your time, and serving on a board provides an outstanding opportunity to use your voice and lived experience to impact research on this topic. We are currently recruiting for two boards:

Young Adults in Recovery Community Board 

We are looking for young adults (ages 18-28) who are in recovery and have lived experience receiving treatment involving medications for opioid use disorder. 

Peer Recovery Support Specialist Community Board 

We are looking for certified peer recovery specialists and recovery coaches who have experience working with young adults and have worked in settings where medications for opioid use disorder are offered as a treatment option.

We would like to include a diversity of voices, including those who have been traditionally underrepresented in research: Black, Indigenous, Latinx, and other people of color; people with disabilities; and people in the LGBTQI+ community.

No previous board experience or research experience is required. There are also no educational requirements, and all training will be provided.

• Please see our website for more information about the Community Boards: chearr.org
• You are welcome to contact our team with questions before you apply: chearr@uchc.edu
• Commitment: Board meetings are held 6-9 times per year; meetings last 90 minutes
• Compensation: $150 for each meeting (if chosen to be a facilitator by your peers, $200 for each meeting)

Applications reviewed upon receipt.

CAMERON | TIANNA | ANTUWN

Certified Peer Support - Youth training offer a multitude of invaluable benefits to young individuals navigating the challenges of adolescence and mental health. Firstly, they create a safe and non-judgmental space where young people can connect with their peers who may have faced similar issues, fostering a sense of belonging and understanding. This shared experience can lead to increased self-esteem and self-confidence, empowering youth to tackle their problems with greater resilience. Moreover, youth peer support encourages active listening and empathy, enhancing crucial interpersonal skills that are beneficial in both personal and professional spheres. These programs promote a sense of agency and autonomy, empowering young individuals to take control of their lives and make informed decisions. Ultimately, youth peer support not only offers practical guidance but also a sense of community and emotional support, equipping the next generation with the tools they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Georgia Pathways to Coverage is a new program to help low-income Georgians qualify for Medicaid who otherwise would not be eligible for traditional Medicaid. 

Georgia Parent Support Network | GPSN.