A Note from Stephanie Welch
It is with sadness that I send this message, but I will be leaving CalMHSA to accept an appointment by Governor Jerry Brown to be the Executive Officer of the Council on Mentally Ill Offenders. I’m grateful that I have been able to contribute to efforts that aim to prevent mental illness and the unfortunate consequences of unaddressed mental health challenges. Above all, this work requires a steadfast commitment to eradicating stigma and its impact on our systems, communities, and individuals. This commitment is one I intend to keep with this new professional and personal opportunity.
My time at CalMHSA has been incredibly rewarding because I was able to work with so many talented and committed individuals. Thank you to CalMHSA’s members, programs, and all the partners for the outcomes we have accomplished together over the years.
Ann Collentine will be taking over CalMHSA’s Phase II contracts and will provide the leadership and support needed to achieve outcomes with quality – and make a difference in people’s lives.
I don’t see this as good-bye, but rather another chapter of our work together. I plan on still being involved with CalMHSA’s prevention and early intervention programs both professionally, and as Each Mind Matters’ #1 volunteer.
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Helping Student Veterans Aim High
This Veteran’s Day we highlight the innovative strategies California’s Community Colleges have implemented to help veterans succeed on campus and beyond. “Welcome Home” Trainings for faculty, staff and students increase awareness about military culture, the transition challenges veterans face when leaving the military, and the particular stressors faced by student veterans. Over 1,300 faculty, staff and students have attended a Welcome Home Training.
To receive more information on California’s Community College’s Student Mental Health Program, sign up for the monthly newsletter by emailing Health McClenahen at hmcclenahen@foundationccc.org.
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Culturally Relevant Mental Health 101
NAMI California’s Mental Health 101 (MH 101) offers hope and encouragement from culturally diverse individuals with lived experience and their supporters, helping to address the stigma associated with mental illness through education, support and advocacy. Free presentations are offered to all, with a specific focus on the African American, Asian & Pacific Islander, LGBTQ, and the Native American communities. To date, MH 101 has trained more than 600 individuals across California. To learn more about hosting a MH 101 training or becoming a presenter for the program, please contact Veronica J. Delgado at veronica@namica.org or (916) 567-0163.
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Directing Change Program Honored
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) San Diego presented the Directing Change Program & Film Contest with the Media Champion Inspiration Award at the 12th Annual NAMI San Diego Color Ball. NAMI San Diego’s CEO, Shannon Jaccard, commended Directing Change for “inspiring us to all strive for reducing the stigma associated with mental illness and promoting prosperity in all areas of our lives.” Visit Directing Change to view student films. Contact: Jana Sczersputowski at jana@yoursocialmarketer.com.
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Butte County Library Goes Lime Green
The Butte County Library was recently awarded a competitive grant through the California Library Association to implement Each Mind Matters in collaboration with the Butte County Department of Behavioral Health. The grant will help update mental health and wellness books that will be flagged on the shelves with lime green shelf flags and stickers and provide speakers and trainings for library staff and the community at large on mental health and wellness, stigma and discrimination, and how to make the library more user friendly for individuals with mental health challenges. Contact: Jeremy Wilson at JWilson@buttecounty.net.
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Prop. 63 in the News
The Ventura County Star and the Santa Clarita Valley News highlighted the University of California’s Red Folder, a resource for faculty and staff to identify and respond to the signs of a mental health crisis in students.
The Hollister Free Lance highlights how Each Mind Matters and the Mental Health Services Act are helping give adolescents and young adults in the community a place to share their ideas about mental health and form a sense of belonging.
The Contra Costa Times featured Manuel J. Jiménez Jr., the director of Alameda County Behavioral Health Care Services, encouraging parents, school staff and high school and college students to learn about and use mental health resources.
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3rd Annual Tools for Change Conference – Innovative Paths to Achieving Wellness
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Who: The Center for Dignity, Recovery, and Empowerment invites mental health experts, consumers, health technology leaders, providers, researchers and community members.
What: The 3rd Annual Tools for Change Conference focuses on lived experience and culture change around mental health to advance the future of mental health and technology. Register here.
When: November 6th, 2015 – November 7th, 2015
Where: Hilton San Francisco Financial District, 750 Kearny Street, CA
Contact: Erin Huie at erin@mentalhealthsf.org or Eduardo Vega at eduardo@mentalhealthsf.org.
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