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September 8, 2023

The Ally: Being There for Our Children

 

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Nothing could be more important. It is sobering because we know youth suicide rates are much higher than they were a decade ago. Reasons and patterns are complicated, and some things are still unknown, but we can be there for our children in real, practical ways. This week, we share information about signs that someone might be suicidal and things you can do and say if you think they are. We also remind everyone that 988 is a number you can call 24/7 if someone needs help with a mental health crisis.


Nothing is more important than our children. They are the reason Families as Allies exists. We want every child to have the opportunity to grow up and succeed. We want them to be happy and to thrive. We share a lot of policy information with you. We do that because unless our systems set up those policies to help children—and young people and adults—have the chance to succeed and thrive, they are not good policies. The people most affected by policies are the best judges of how helpful those policies are.

 
This week, we share things about what Families as Allies is working on. We want to know from you if we're going in the right direction to help all children succeed and thrive. We also share information about policies and practices in the mental health system. We hope it's helpful to you.


It touches my heart to work with all of you and on behalf of our children. They are so important, and each one is precious. The thought of losing one makes my heart stand still. I know some of you have lost a child to suicide. There are no words. Please know I hold you and your pain in my heart. 

Joy Hogge signature

NEWS

 
It's National Suicide Prevention Month, a vital time to draw attention to an issue that has profound implications for families.
 
This week, we draw your attention to three recently released documents -- mental health updates for Mississippi.
 
"Families as Allies Live" featured Joy Hogge, Henry Moore, Coreaner Price, Nikki Flippins, Jacquelynn Taylor and guests Ashley Glascoe and LaTonya Pittman.

EVENTS

 
The conference features motivational speaker & autism advocate Anthony Ianni as well as agencies and organizations creating change.
 
The Mental Health Association of South MS is pleased to offer Continuing Education hours for Peer Support Specialists training.
 
Attendees with learn basic knowledge of psychosis spectrum disorders, transitioning to college, & resources for support.
 
Enjoy Free health screenings, information about local resources and Drawings for Door Prizes and more.
 
Parent peer support is a parent/caregiver or using their lived experience to support others going through similar experiences.
 
Strength In Neurodiversity: Inclusive Mental Health Care for Providers, Professionals, & Community Members.
 
Join other parents for a monthly meeting and online gathering to coach and support other parents in any system.
 
The Mental Health Association of South MS is pleased to offer Continuing Education hours for Peer Support Specialists training.
 
The Mental Health Association of South MS is pleased to offer this training for Peer Support Specialists with speaker Dr. Damien Thomas.
 
The BIDD has launched an awareness campaign recognizing March as Intellectual and Developmental Disability Awareness Month.
 
Join us in congratulating our newest class of parent peer support graduates and learn more about being a parent peer supporter.
 
Join the MSPTI for a special education boot camp that will provide you with the tools to understand the special education process.
 
St James United Methodist Church invites vendors to sign up for their upcoming September 16th Community Health Fair.
 
This event aims to raise awareness about autism and offer valuable information and resources to parents and communities.
 
The Mental Health Association of South MS is pleased to offer Continuing Education hours for Peer Support Specialists training.
 
This session will focus on increasing access to behavioral health services for underrepresented communities.
 
This hour is open for any family member to drop in for all or some of the time to ask questions or get feedback about IEP issues.
 
Join Relias and the National Council to learn more on how to protect your clients with suicidality, during care transitions.
 
The Mississippi Autism Advisory Committee will meet on Sept. 26th in person at the Department of Mental Health.
 
Join the CoE-IHS webinar on September 26 at 10:00 am, Partnering with Schools to Improve Youth Mental Health.
 
Gain an understanding of current policy issues and opportunities for leadership training graduates to serve on decision-making committees.

RESOURCES

 
Young people with disabilities, families and professionals who support them make up a powerful network of relationships, knowledge and experience for what's working in transition. Through the power of collaboration, our initiative connects these networks into a detailed road map for success.
 
Learn more about our mental health services. If you or a loved one is struggling, give us a call today, as we would love to help.
 
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people between 10 to 24. Sometimes it feels as though your struggle is being underestimated by your age. But we hear you, and help is available.