May 1, 2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PHILADELPHIA \u2014 In observance of Mental Health Awareness Month, Philadelphia\u2019s behavioral health department will host a number of free community education and outreach events during May to promote mental wellness, healing and understanding and encourage use of the City\u2019s array of mental health services and treatments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The lineup of events kicks off today with a panel discussion highlighting evidence-based practices proving effective in the treatment of substance use disorder. Clinicians and individuals in addiction recovery will highlight the positive results being achieved through the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Prolonged Exposure for PTSD and Medication-Assisted Treatment. Details: Substance-Use Treatment: An Evidence-Based Approach, May 1, 2019, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Community Behavioral Health, 801 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107. Click <\/em>here<\/a><\/em><\/strong> for more information.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n A community workshop exploring the psychological effects of gambling and the diversity of cultural norms and perspectives on problem gambling takes place May 6. Details: Betting on Culture: Gambling in the Global Community, May 6, 2019, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Jewish Family and Children\u2019s Services, 2100 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103. Click here<\/a> for more information.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Adults who regularly interact with young people are encouraged to register here<\/a><\/strong> for a training that teaches participants how to administer First Aid to a person between the ages of 12 and 18 who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. The training introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development and teaches a five-step action plan for helping. Participants will learn how to identify, understand, and respond to signs and symptoms of mental illness and substance use challenges. They will receive a three-year national Mental Health First Aid certification upon completion of the training. Details: Youth Mental Health First Aid @ Friends Hospital, May 7, 2019, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Friends Hospital, 4641 Roosevelt Blvd., Scattergood Building, Philadelphia, PA 19124. Click <\/em>here<\/a><\/em><\/strong> for more information.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Philadelphians interested in learning how to administer First Aid to an adult experiencing a mental health crisis such as hallucinations, self-injury, panic attacks, suicidal behavior or crippling depression can register here<\/a><\/strong> for the adult Mental Health First Aid curriculum training. Participants will learn how to identify, understand and respond to a person in crisis until appropriate supports are received or until the crisis resolves. They will receive a three-year national Mental Health First Aid certification upon completion of the training. Details: Wednesday, May 8, 2019 and Thursday, May 9, 2019, 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. both days. **This is a two-day session. Attendance is required on both days to receive three-year national certification. Click <\/em>here<\/a><\/em><\/strong> for more information. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Children\u2019s Mental Health Awareness Day is May 9 and a community celebration with music, games, giveaways and resources is planned to support the mental health and wellness of kids and to show children they are not alone in an effort to help prevent youth suicide. Details: Children\u2019s Mental Health Awareness Day: Suicide Prevention: Strategies that Work, May 9, 2019, 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Shane Victorino\u2019s Nicetown Boys & Girls Club, 1721 West Hunting Park Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19140. Click <\/em>here<\/a><\/em><\/strong> for more information.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n An intimate and thought-provoking conversation with #MeToo founder Tarana Burke will be the centerpiece of a behavioral health symposium on ending the cycle of silence around sexual assault and harassment. Community members are invited to experience and participate in a discussion about survivors and solutions with the popular activist who started the movement celebrated around the world for giving voice to survivors of sexual violence. Details: Sexual Assault and Harassment Symposium: Ending the Cycle Where you Live, Work, and Learn, May 17, 2019, full symposium, 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., keynote session with Tarana Burke, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Loews Philadelphia Hotel, 1200 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107. Click <\/em>here<\/a><\/em><\/strong> for more information. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThese free events are community interventions that will help us raise awareness about the importance of mental health and healing, the impact of trauma on our behaviors and mental well-being, and the abundance of mental health and wellness services available in Philadelphia,\u201d said Behavioral Health Commissioner, David T. Jones. \u201cWe welcome and encourage public participation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to May\u2019s event lineup, the behavioral health department offers several community wellness interventions year-round at no cost to the public. Here are six to consider tapping into:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mental Health First Aid Certification Training<\/strong> 24\/7 Mental Health Screenings Online<\/strong> Network of Neighbors Responding to Violence<\/strong> Drug Free Communities Grant<\/strong> Mental Health Kiosks <\/strong>
Both adult and youth curriculum Mental Health First Aid trainings are available throughout the year to all who live, work or study in Philadelphia. Know the Signs. Learn the Actions. Be a Lifeline. For more information click here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Get a check-up from the neck up. Check your emotional well-being any time with a quick, free and anonymous online mental health screening at www.healthymindsphilly.org<\/a>. Learn whether you or someone you care about might be experiencing symptoms of a mental health disorder. If you feel sad, anxious or stressed, this screening tool can help you decide if you need further help. At the end you will be presented with information and next steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Continued exposure to violence and trauma can take a devastating toll on a community\u2019s mental health and well-being. Enter the Network of Neighbors Responding to Violence \u2014 a network of community members the behavioral health department trains and deploys as trauma responders to support and lead responses to violence, trauma, loss and stress within their own communities. Trauma responders focus on addressing the lasting impact trauma can have on a community inspiring hope and healing after a violent or traumatic occurrence. If an event of trauma, violence or loss or constant exposure to community violence is affecting members of your community you are encouraged to call 267-233-4837<\/a> or email networkofneighbors@phila.gov<\/a> to request the presence and support of trauma responders. Your call or email will be answered within one to two business days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Leaders of grassroots community organizations are encouraged to apply through the behavioral health department to become a drug-free coalition and eligibility to be awarded a $125,000 grant to continue or expand their efforts to prevent and reduce substance abuse among youth in their community. Drug-free coalitions are community-based groups located in a defined neighborhood or ZIP code. Coalitions must complete a 10-month training focused on community engagement with a goal of fostering drug-free communities. For registration to participate in the 10-month Philadelphia Coalition Academy Training please complete this online assessment<\/a>. You may also email michelle.heyward@phila.gov<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These kiosks are like blood pressure machines \u2013 they are free, quick, anonymous and allow you to conveniently take a mental health screening right in the community. Remember, they do not take the place of an evaluation or diagnosis \u2013 but they can help you learn if you are experiencing any symptoms of a mental health challenge and will give you a list of resources in your neighborhood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n