The stress and anxiety about this school year, your sports season, and other COVID-19 worries can be staggering. Even if you have never considered counseling before, now might be the time to connect with a professional who can help you move forward more peacefully and give you some tools for healthy interaction as your family copes with these situations. System of Care Family Engagement Coordinator, Bev James, shares her feelings and available resources.

There’s truly no one-size-fits-all solution for how families will transition back-to-school this year. With the many changes and questions COVID-19 has created the past several months, parents may feel overwhelmed with the task of learning and interpreting ever-changing information, guidelines and mandates to keep their families safe.

Akron Children's Hospital has created a one-stop resource for guidance and information to help kids transition, adjust and succeed during this upcoming 2020/2021 school year.

Naloxone, more commonly known as Narcan, is an opioid overdose-reversal medication that serves as an important tool in reducing overdose deaths. Opioid Use Disorder has been called an “epidemic within a pandemic,” so it is more critical than ever to have access to this life-saving medication. Canton City Public Health has made Narcan kits available for FREE through mail-order for residents of Stark County.

will look a little different this year- they are picnicking COVID Quarantine style, or as they like to call it CQ style! Here’s how it works:

Go on-line & secure your free ticket for you and all members of your family who would like to participate. Remember, everyone must have a ticket to get a meal.

2. Show Up & Drive Thru - Don't Forget Your Tickets!

On Saturday, September 12th, come to our Massillon Recovery Campus (1680 Nave Road SE, Massillon, OH) anytime between 11:30 and 1:30, drive through to receive your free meals and swag bags filled with lots of goodies and community information.

Hosted by Coleman Professional Services on Wednesday, September 16 from 12-2PM at the main entrance courtyard area of the 400 Tuscarawas St W, Canton location. There will be a Kona Ice Truck and mindfulness activities. Physical distancing is required, and hand sanitizer will be available.

StarkMHAR has partnered with the Dismantling Racism Coalition of Stark County to create the 15 Day Unity Challenge to Dismantle Racism. The challenge is designed to create dedicated time and space to build more effective social justice habits, particularly those dealing with issues of race, power, privilege, and leadership. Participants will explore racial equity and social injustice through activities designed to dismantle racism and other forms of discrimination.

StarkMHAR will be hosting virtual trainings through January 1, 2021. Here are some upcoming FREE online trainings:

Stark County's Mobile Response Program provides culturally competent, trauma-informed response for urgent mental health and substance use disorder concerns with response times of 30 minutes or less anywhere in Stark County. The Mobile Response Team is made up of local professionals trained in crisis intervention, information and referral. Reasons for calling could include things like difficulty coping with stress, behavior concerns in yourself or others, feelings of isolation, substance use worries, and more. Call 330-452-6000 anytime, day or night!

Text with a crisis counselor anytime, day or night. Text '4Hope' to 741 741 to get started. You will not receive a bill from Crisis Text Line.

Healthcare professionals and essential workers are showing up on the frontlines during the coronavirus pandemic—risking their health every day to help other people. Crisis Counseling is available fast, free and 24/7 #ForTheFrontlines. Text FRONTLINE to 741741.

Sign up for the StarkMHAR Clinical E-News, a monthly e-newsletter for behavioral health professionals in Stark County!