Behavioral Health in Education Resources and Opportunities Technical Assistance Center (B-HERO)
Mission
To engage K-12 Behavioral Health Resource Coordinators in training, technical assistance, and opportunities to facilitate connections.  
Vision
All school personnel will develop the knowledge and skills to support the health and wellbeing of every student and family. 
WHAT HELPS US! 
Demands on school personnel are real—this school year, more than ever. Between managing multiple learning platforms, cleaning between bells, and facilitating instruction in socially distanced spaces, school personnel are experiencing stress. B-HERO aims to elevate what helps school personnel manage stress by highlighting stories created by school personnel for school personnel. 
Here's Trevor Sinclair from Hazen Elementary to share what helps him manage stress! 
SECURE YOUR OWN
MASK FIRST! 
STRESS MANAGEMENT 
STRATEGY FOR SCHOOL PERSONNEL 

YOU ARE AMAZING! Have you stopped to tell yourself this once you realize all that you have accomplished this year—despite the challenges that you have faced? Our inner dialogue is like fuel for our bodies and the work they produce. When we put good thoughts in, we achieve positive results. 
 
When things feel overwhelming or we feel like we aren’t achieving, taking a moment to give ourselves forgiveness, compassion, and grace allows us to recognize that we are truly doing the best we can. Positive self-talk coincides with a growth mindset, wherein the work becomes truly productive and meaningful instead of simply “getting done.”

Find more tips on self-talk here: Self-Talk for Teachers.pub (nd.gov) 
CAREGIVERS ARE
KEY!
FAMILY SUPPORT STRATEGY
 
In today's busy world where caregivers must juggle work, extracurricular activities (of both caregivers and children), and social lives outside of the household, it can be hard for families to find moments to come together to talk. Yet, the positive impacts of real connection via face-to-face communication are immeasurable.

Whether talking about life takes place at the breakfast and/or dinner table, in the vehicle during commutes, or an hour prior to bedtime for persons in the household, it is important for caregivers to be able to check in with their family, especially the children at home. Family time can be used to discuss a child's day, how they are doing, what they are doing, who they are hanging out with, and more -- all while having fun and laughing together! Healthy and regular communication is key for developing and maintaining meaningful relationships, but some caregivers may need support to get started.

For tips on communicating with children, see these “Door Openers vs. Door Slammers” and “Tips for Successful Communication” from Parents Lead.
Parents Lead is an evidence-based prevention program providing parents and caregivers with supports for creating safe environments for children that promote behavioral health. It was developed with collaboration from the ND Department of Human Services, ND Department of Transportation, and the ND University System. For more information, visit parentslead.org. 
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH RESOURCE COORDINATOR
TIPS & TRICKS 
Once you as a BHRC have assembled a team of allies, consider taking inventory of all the stakeholders that may benefit from the sharing of behavioral health resources and opportunities. This could include the student body and/or specific groups within your student population (ex. health occupation students, the tennis team, debate club, or the school band); teachers and teacher assistants; club and team leaders; other school personnel and support staff like bus drivers; caregivers of your students; and partners of the school, including the school board members and parent-teacher associations or organizations.
 
As you consider these stakeholders, try to identify a person within each group or organization that you can regularly communicate with. Feel free to lean on your team and allies for help in the identification of liaisons, as they are a piece of your behavioral health resource puzzle! 
 
When building these connections and establishing lines of communication, consider introducing your role as the Behavioral Health Resource Coordinator and let stakeholders know what they can expect from you. It could sound something like this: 
 
“My name is Melissa Spelchen, and I am the Behavioral Health Resource Coordinator (BHRC) for our school. That means that I get to be a liaison and share behavioral health resources and opportunities, that can help you, as a valued member of our school community. My role as BHRC is to share valuable resources that can help us all manage stresses, continue to work through unforeseen challenges, and promote wellness throughout our community. If you have any questions about my role, how I can support you, or what resources I have available to share, please contact me at melissa.spelchen@k12.nd.us.”  

Ready – Set – Share! 

The Behavioral Health in Education Resources and Opportunities Technical Assistance Center is a collaboration between the North Dakota Department of Human Services: Behavioral Health Division and the Central Regional Education Association. 
If you are no longer serving in the role of the Behavioral Health Resource Coordinator, know the name/email of the educator who is serving as the BHRC, or have transitioned to another school since Spring of 2019, please inform Melissa Spelchen via email at melissa.spelchen@k12.nd.us at your earliest convenience. 
 
Project Renew provides FREE & anonymous support services.
Call 701-223-1510 to talk with a trained counselor.