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 Sara Medalen from Sunnyside Elementary in Minot to share what helps her manage school stress.
SECURE YOUR OWN
MASK FIRST! 
STRESS MANAGEMENT 
STRATEGY FOR SCHOOL PERSONNEL 

Humans are social beings, and most of our greatest inspiration comes from a strong inner circle of friends and family. A vibrant and supportive personal life leads to a productive and strong professional life.  
 
Our social groups help us develop an important part of our identity and teach us skills that help us thrive in all facets of our lives. Taking time to visit with social circles outside of emailing, texting, snapping, and posting provides concrete connections, comfort, and grounding. However, when circumstances tell us to social distance to stay safe, finding creative alternatives to interacting with loved ones is a must.   
 
For creative ideas on supporting mental health while “staying connected"  happens virtually, see 25 Things to Do to Support Your Mental health while Social Distancing. 
CAREGIVERS ARE
KEY!
FAMILY SUPPORT STRATEGY
 
When children experience stress, they show their frustration in multiple ways and often find strategies to cope through exercise or by participating in other activities they enjoy. Although certain levels of stress are normal and unavoidable, too much stress can be detrimental to a child’s mental and physical growth, development, and well-being.  
 
By recognizing common behaviors children display when experiencing stress, caregivers can help manage their child’s stress levels by encouraging healthy behaviors and allowing children to say when things feel like “too much.”  
 
For information on maintaining healthy levels of stress in your children, see this guide from Parents Lead: Maintaining Healthy Levels of Stress in Your Children | 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 
“It takes a village” when addressing all the factors that can positively impact behavioral health. It is not the job of the Behavioral Health Resource Coordinator to walk this road alone! As you work to share valuable behavioral health resources for your school community, consider whom you want on your team to help.   
 
In creating your team, consider skill sets and strengths that you can utilize in your role. Who in your building has those skills? How can you ask for their help, and how can you leverage their skills and contributions? You may not have the answer just yet, but informing those individuals of this work will let them know you see them as an ally. In addition, consider stakeholder groups both inside and outside of your building that have valuable resources to share. How can your PTA/PTO group get involved? What community partners are invested in your school and the health of the students you serve?  
 
Assembling your team of supportive stakeholders and individuals can make your work easier. These “health-helpers” can assist your role in disseminating resources and assist with buy-in within your school community. There is strength in numbers, and together, we can be better supports for our students and school communities! 
 

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.