September 2020
Technical Assistance Center Update
The planning phase of our National Family Support Technical Assistance Center (NFSTAC), funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, kicked off on September 1st. We are excited to begin this important work
and will continue to share updates on our progress each month.

We plan to share the center's logo and tagline in the October newsletter and to launch its initial website by November 1st. We anticipate beginning to provide resources and support for families, caregivers, professionals and organizations beginning in early 2021.
Virtual Mini-Conference
November 10th and 12th, 2020
Equity in Access, Services, and Outcomes for Children, Youth, and Families
During COVID-19
Workshop themes and tracks:
  • Tackling Mental Health Disparities for Children of Color
  • Mental Health, Substance Use, and Family and Peer Virtual Support Services that Work
Each workshop time period will feature workshops addressing the conference themes as well as topics such as peer support, family/youth leadership, co-occurring mental health/substance use disorders, trauma-informed services, etc.

Learn more about attending, presenting, sponsoring
and advertising by visiting the event web page linked below.
The deadline for presentation proposals is September 11th.
Hope Rising: Virtual Suicide Prevention Event
Saturday, September 26, 2020
The National Federation is proud to be a partner in Hope Rising - a global suicide prevention virtual summit for people impacted by suicide and those who are passionate about preventing it. This uplifting event will provide inspiration, information and opportunities for collaboration that will enhance suicide prevention and wellness around the world. #HopeRisingSP
Register to attend this free event and learn more about
the event's speakers and becoming a virtual exhibitor on the event website.
September is National Recovery Month
National Recovery Month is a national observance held every September to educate Americans that substance use treatment and mental health services can enable those with mental and substance use disorders to live healthy and rewarding lives. Now in its 31st year, Recovery Month celebrates the gains made by those living in recovery. In honor of National Recovery Month, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is offering a series of webinars on topics related to recovery. Find the dates and topics of these webinars below and visit their web page for details or to register.

September is Suicide Prevention Month
 September is National Suicide Prevention Month. All month, mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies, and community members unite to promote suicide
prevention awareness.

#BeThe1To is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s message for National Suicide Prevention Month and beyond, which helps spread the word about actions we can all take to prevent suicide. The Lifeline network and its partners are working to change the conversation from suicide to suicide prevention, to actions that can promote
healing, help and give hope.
World Suicide Day
September 10th, 2020
 Created by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and observed on September 10th every year, World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) provides the opportunity for people across the globe to raise awareness about suicide and suicide prevention. Visit IASP's website below to find WSPD banners, the World Suicide Prevention Day brochure, WSPD suggested activities, Light a Candle postcards, #WSPD facts and figures and other resources including, lapel pins, wristbands and keychains.

Watch IASP's short film "Step Closer: A World Suicide Prevention Day Awareness Film" below for a positive message about encouraging connections
and the role we all play in suicide prevention.
Legislation and Advocacy
The Latest
Congress will be back in session after Labor Day, so the next two to three weeks are THE window for advocacy on the next COVID relief package. That’s because if Congress is going to pass a COVID relief package this fall, it’s going to have to happen before the end of September - which is also the deadline for them to pass a continuing resolution (CR)
to extend government funding and avoid a shutdown. Follow our Legislative and Advocacy Facebook page for the latest updates and opportunities for advocacy.
New Updates and Resources
We recently updated our Legislative and Advocacy pages with resources to assist you in your advocacy efforts on behalf of families. Visit the pages linked below to learn more about and connect with both national advocacy organizations and those in your state.
Get the Latest News
Follow our Legislative and Advocacy page on Facebook to get the latest news. You will also find information about national and state advocacy organizations as well as tools and resources that can assist in your efforts to represent the voice of families on our Legislative and Advocacy web pages.

Submit your state's advocacy and legislative news and updates to our
Legislative Liaison, Michelle Covington, at mcovington@ffcmh.org.
Webinar and Training Highlights
Title: Recovery LIVE Virtual Event: Supporting Resilience & Recovery During Hard Times
Date/Time: Thursday, September 24, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. ET

We are living through a time of enormous social, financial, practical, and emotional challenges. While people in recovery and those that love them are survivors with great reserves of strengths and resourcefulness, they may also be at particular risk now as supports, routines, and critical resources are altered or outright disrupted. Uncertainty and unrest, racism and its toxic effects, and continuing social distancing and threats to people’s health, livelihoods, families, and abilities to meet their survival needs are challenging even the most well-developed coping skills and strategies.
Join this free, interactive, virtual conversation about supporting resilience and recovery during hard times. Our presenters will discuss their experiences and approaches, share resources, and facilitate discussion among participants.
Title: Navigating Behavioral Challenges with Remote Schooling for Parents
Date/Time: Friday, September 11, 2:15 p.m. ET

As the school year begins, there are many new challenges being faced by parents and children trying to navigate remote learning.Without the same support systems
that are typically in place there are additional layers of complexity
in addressing behavioral challenges in students.

Join this free, 60-minute webinar to discuss:
  • How to differentiate the impact of stress and trauma versus other learning issues and diagnoses.
  • The impact of trauma/stress on the brain.
  • Practical strategies to instill resilience in ourselves and our children in order to build healthy, happy children even in the face of adversity.
Title: Avoiding COVID-19 Burnout: Self-care and Resiliency for Public Health Leaders
Date/Time: Thursday, September 10, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. ET

Learn about the range of individual and collective responses to trauma and how you can practice strategies to manage stress during this webinar from the Behavioral Health Training Institute for Health Officials and the Association of State
and Territorial Health Officials.
Title: Navigating the New Normal: Whole Health, Wellness and Resilience
Date/Time: Thursday, September 10, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. ET
Join the Center of Excellence for Integrated Health Solutions and the American Occupational Therapy Association as they explore interventions for implementing a whole health approach during the pandemic, discuss the synergy of occupational therapy and whole health, and share strategies for applying resilience and compassion
cultivation when managing trauma responses. 
Our state chapter in Nevada, Nevada PEP, is offering a number of webinars covering a variety of topics in September that support parents, caregivers, families and their children as well as the professionals who support them. Click the button below to view their calendar, see titles and descriptions and to register for this month's webinars.
Title: The Impact of Social Media and Technology on Suicidality
Date/Time: September 10, 12:00 p.m. ET

Now more than ever, social media has become something that many of us rely on for engagement with others. In this webinar, professionals in the field of suicidology, Bart Andrews, PhD, and Becky Stoll, LCSW, share their understandings of the intersection of technology and suicidality. Carolyn Jones, PhD, will moderate the discussion, which will delve into the impact of social media on suicidality and suicide prevention. The conversation will highlight a new technology-based tool for clinical transition services and continuity of care for individuals at risk for a suicide-related crisis. Join this important dialogue in recognition of World Suicide Prevention Day - September 10th.

Note: You will need to create a free account with PsychU to participate.
Title: The Zarrow Mental Health Symposium
Date/Time: September 30 - October 2, 2020

Mental Health Association Oklahoma will bring together state, regional
and national experts to focus on Healing from Historical Trauma
during the 26th Annual Zarrow Mental Health Symposium.
Mark Your Calendar for this Important Webinar in October.

Title: Got Back to School Questions? We’ve Got Your Answers.
Date/Time: October 26, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. ET

As students head back to school, either in person or online, there are often questions about parental rights under the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). With a global pandemic disrupting every part of our education system, there is additional confusion and concern about how COVID-19 is impacting students with disabilities. We’ve identified pressing questions parents asked about how to navigate this new normal, and will have them answered by an expert attorney in the field.

Topics to be covered will include: compensatory education, procedural safeguards, the waiver of rights, and keeping the “I” in IEP. 

Please join SPAN for an interactive Q&A session about navigating
the special education landscape during COVID-19.  
Resource Highlight
From Clarity Child Guidance Center
Suicide Prevention Resources for Parents