This month's is Suicide Prevention Month. If you or someone you know are having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Georgia Crisis & Access Line at 1(800) 715-4225 or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting “Hello” to 741741.
Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
This month is dedicated to raising awareness and providing helpful information around suicide in Georgia. In this state, a person dies every 6 hours by suicide, and it is the second leading cause of death for people aged 25-34. Suicide is tragic, but preventable. Knowing the signs & symptoms for for suicide and who is at risk is one important way to reduce the rate.
Mental Health, Substance Use, and Suicidal Behavior during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The CDC recently conducted a study on the effects of the pandemic on mental health. They found that U.S. adults reported considerably elevated adverse mental health conditions associated with COVID-19. Furthermore, younger adults, racial/ethnic minorities, essential workers, and unpaid adult caregivers reported having experienced disproportionately worse mental health outcomes, increased substance use, and elevated suicidal thoughts. Read their report here
**The Georgia COVID-19 Emotional Support Line provides free and confidential assistance to callers needing emotional support or resources information as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Emotional Support Line is staffed by volunteers, including mental health professionals and others who have received training in crisis counseling. Hours of operation: 8 am - 11 pm. Call 866.399.8938. 
Storytime with Frank and Lorie
MHA of GA is pleased to announce the release of a new program, Storytime with Frank and Lorie, a live puppetry story book reading for children. Twice a month, Frank and Lorie will be reading a selection of books based around mental health and wellness and will have a little discussion afterwards. September's first performance will be on Wednesday, September 9th at 3pm, where they will be reading The Mindful Dragon: Teaching Your Dragon to be Mindful by Steve Herman and A Little Peaceful SPOT by Diane Alber.

At the time of the event, go to our Facebook page and view it through FB Live, or click the link below to join the Zoom performance, or use:

Webinar ID: 884 7023 3264
Passcode: 208453
Follow us on our social media pages or follow the hashtag #FrankandLorie to stay up-to-date with all subsequent readings.
Kids on the Block
Kids on the Block is back on! We are providing socially distant in-person performances as well as interactive online performances. If you are interested in scheduling a performance for your school or organization please contact Lorie Summers at lorie@mhageorgia.org or 770-741-1493.

Kids on the Block (KOTB) is an educational puppetry program that uses life-sized, multicultural puppets to promote mental wellness for children. The presentations are designed to help children understand their feelings and encourage communication of problems or stressors that affect them at home, school, and in other venues.
Free Virtual Training's for the Community
My Life is a Gift:
Suicide Prevention
For this month's community training we will be presenting one of our Outreach Wellness Learning (OWL) Seminars, My Life is a Gift: Suicide Prevention. In this session we will explain the impact of suicide, describing the warning signs and interventions, as well as exploring ways to provide support to individuals after an attempt.
Youth Suicide Prevention: "Georgia’s Children in Crisis"
Join MHAG for a viewing of Youth Suicide Prevention- Georgia's Children in Crisis created through the partnerships at the Child Fatality Review Program. Georgia organizations have come together to produce a series of public service announcements (PSAs) aimed at children helping children. The youth featured in this PSA share their struggles and offer a message of hope to others who may be in need.
Peach Forum: From Surviving to Thriving
MHAG will celebrate those who are working on thriving in life. Thriving allows an opportunity of wisdom, appreciation of wonder, and being able to bring purpose and compassion into your life. As we battle through this pandemic learn from our panelists on the importance of hope, wellness and everything needed in between.
CALM: Counseling on Access to Lethal Means
Reducing access to lethal means, such as firearms and medication, can determine whether a person at risk for suicide lives or dies. This free online course focuses on how to reduce access to the methods people use to kill themselves. It demonstrates how to: (1) identify people who could benefit from lethal means counseling, (2) ask about their access to lethal methods, and (3) work with them—and their families—to reduce access.
HABLANDO SE SALVA VIDAS: Una Introducción a la Prevención del Suicidio - 10 de Septiembre

El suicidio se puede prevenir. Esta presentación incluirá lo que sabemos sobre esta principal causa de muerte, la investigación más reciente sobre cómo prevenirlo y lo que podemos hacer para luchar contra el suicidio. 

Los participantes conocerán los factores de riesgo más comunes del suicidio, cómo reconocer las advertencias de otras personas y cómo mantener a salvo a nuestros seres queridos y a las personas de nuestra comunidad.

Suicide can be prevented. This presentation will cover what we know about this leading cause of death, the most up-to-date research on prevention, and what we can all do to fight suicide. 

Participants will learn the common risk factors for suicide, how to spot the warning signs in others, and how to keep ourselves, our loved ones and those in our community safe.
Mental Health Academy
The Mental Health Academy is a mental health awareness training program designed to increase mental health literacy and improve mental health outcomes for Georgians. We are currently offering courses online! If you are interested in hosting a training please contact Erin Clayton at MHAG@mhageorgia.org or
770-741-1489.
Save the Date
Mental Health America of Georgia has been accepted into the Global Giving Accelerator community, where nonprofits, donors, and companies are connected throughout the world.

From September 14th through the 30th, MHA of GA will be participating in their crowdfunding campaign. You can show your support by donating or becoming a fundraising ambassador. Keep an eye out in your email's inbox for details on how to participate.
In the Community
GBPI Senior Policy Analyst Laura Harker and Mental Health America of Georgia Executive Director Jewell Gooding discussed the effects of budget cuts this year and the ongoing need for more support for mental health services statewide. Watch it here.
Mental Health Spotlight
Georgia Department of Early Care & Learning (DECAL) will provide scholarships for families with students enrolled in a Georgia public school system offering only a virtual learning model. This program is called Supporting Onsite Learning for Virtual Education (SOLVE). Scholarships support working families with children ages 5-12 (kindergarten through grade 6) by paying for care, supervision, and support during the school day while students are engaged in virtual learning. The scholarship will go in to effect September 1st,2020.
Please share with your networks and those who
would benefit from this opportunity.
Advocacy Activities
September 22nd is National Voter Registration Day

Voter registration is more important than ever as states shift policies to respond to COVID-19. At the same time, social distancing prevents many voters from getting registered in their communities, at DMVs, and more. Figure out how to get #VoteReady in your state, including the possibility to register online, now!
Community Resources
Pandemic EBT: Additional Support

Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) is a newly available benefit available for children who were receiving free or reduced price lunch at school in March 2020. Children who are already receiving SNAP will automatically receive the benefit without applying. Eligible children who are not on SNAP must apply for P-EBT by September 25, 2020 to receive the benefit. A P-EBT Hotline is available for any problems with families determining eligibility at 855-501-4636. For more information, you can visit Division of Family and Children Services P-EBT page here.

Please share this flyer with your networks and those who
would benefit from this opportunity.
Clinical Trials Corner
In partnership with the National Institute of Mental Health, each month we will be highlighting mental health related clinical trials. We believe participating in clinical trials is very important as it progresses all of our knowledge on mental health. Participation is always free and sometimes even compensated.