Families as Allies

Jackson Public Schools Dads' Summit
2022-02-05 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago)
Jackson Public School District, Jackson, MS.
Jackson Public Schools will host a Dads’ Summit on February 5, 2022, at Forest Hill High School from 9AM to 12PM. This year’s theme is “A Dad’s Health is a School’s Wealth”.
JPS dads and father figures will receive free medical checks and learn helpful tips on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. We look forward to seeing you there!
Register here >>
Check out the Facebook event page here >>

Tips for Successful Meetings
2022-02-09 11:00 - 11:30
Mississippi Parent Training and Information Center
IEP meetings can be nerve wracking! Join us and learn tips to help prepare, have more productive IEP meetings and how to improve your documentation and communication.
Register here >>

Supportive Coaching for Parents Supporting Other Parents
2022-02-09 12:00, 2022-03-09 12:00
For any parents supporting other parents in any system. Parent peer support specialists, parent consultants, parent educators and parents who have completed parent peer support training are strongly encouraged to attend. We will discuss current trends in parent peer support, national standards for parent peer support, continuing education opportunities, local and state issues affecting parent peer support. The group also provides support and coaching for any specific issues participants share. Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month at 12 pm. We ask that anyone attending respect the confidentiality of the group.

Join here >>

Joint Planning Council Meeting
2022-02-10 10:00 - 12:00
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Block Grant
Joint Planning & Advisory Council Meeting
Federal law specifies the duties of the Joint Mental Health Planning Councils.
>Duties include:

To review the Mental Health Block Grant Plan and to make recommendations;
To serve as an advocate for adults with serious mental illness, children with a serious emotional disturbance, and other individuals with mental illnesses; and
To monitor, review, and evaluate, not less than once each year, the allocation and adequacy of mental health services within the State.

Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/399024421

You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (872) 240-3212
Access Code: 255-710-061

New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/255710061

Download the Agenda here >>
Download the Meeting Minutes from Nov. 23 here>>

Special Education Process: What are the Steps?
2022-02-16 11:00 - 11:30
Mississippi Parent Training and Information Center
Special education and all the moving parts of the process are overwhelming! Join us and learn seven important steps in the process.
Register here>>

Rethinking Substance Use: An Earlier and Broader Approach
2022-02-16 13:00 - 14:30
National Family Support Technical Assistance Center
A growing body of research on the effects of adverse and positive childhood experiences, along with neuroscientific evidence emerging from the National Institute on Drug Abuse and other research groups, have made it increasingly clear that the roots of addiction risk and resilience are planted very early in life. This webinar will describe the early and broad factors that influence a child’s risk and resilience for substance use and addiction and what is needed to more effectively address these issues going forward. To better protect our nation from experiencing the next substance use and addiction crisis, we must intervene at the earliest stages of life and continue through all stages of development, address the root causes of substance use, and promote youth health and resilience via a family-based approach.
Register here >>
Learning Objectives:

Establish a framework for an earlier and broader approach to addressing youth substance use and addiction
Describe the impact of early experiences on neurological, cognitive, and emotional development
Explore the protective factors that can forestall and mitigate the effects of adverse experiences, including COVID, on children’s risk for substance use and addiction
To develop tools that families can use as they support their loved ones

Meet the Presenters:
Greg Dicharry (Louisiana)
Greg Dicharry is the national youth empowerment director at Magellan Health. In 2008, Greg developed the MY LIFE (Magellan Youth Leaders Inspiring Future Empowerment) program, one of the nation’s leading programs for youth who experience mental health, substance use and/or foster care- related challenges. Since establishing MY LIFE in Arizona, Greg has worked with communities in Pennsylvania, Florida, Louisiana, Nebraska and Wyoming to implement 20 additional MY LIFE programs, which have impacted thousands of youth participants.
Greg was introduced to the world of mental health while living in Hollywood pursuing his dream of working in the entertainment industry. It was there he experienced his first manic episode and was hospitalized and diagnosed with co-occurring bipolar and substance use disorders. In 2004, Greg became committed to recovery and completed a certified peer support training program. Soon after, he was hired to oversee that same program and trained over 100 individuals to work as peer support specialists. He also started 12-step recovery groups at the Arizona State Mental Hospital Forensic Unit and two juvenile detention centers in Arizona.
Linda Richter, Ph.D.
Linda Richter, Ph.D., is the Vice President of Prevention Research and Analysis at Partnership to End Addiction, where she has worked for over 20 years conducting research on the nature, scope, predictors, and consequences of all forms of substance use and addiction, especially among young people. She leverages this research to help raise awareness among parents, educators, health professionals, and policymakers about best practices in substance use prevention and addiction care.
Dr. Richter has more than 40 peer-reviewed journal publications and 10 book chapters. She serves on substance use advisory panels and regularly presents at local and national professional conferences as well as to schools and communities about youth substance use. Dr. Richter received her doctorate in psychology from the University of Maryland.

Board of Mental Health Meeting
2022-02-17 09:00
State Agency: Department of Mental Health

Board Committee meetings will be held prior to the Board meeting. The full Board will begin at 9 a.m.

MEETING LOCATION-in person
Department of Mental Health 239 N. Lamar Street
Jackson MS 39201
CONTACT INFORMATION
Grenaye Sullivan 6013596260
grenaye.sullivan@dmh.ms.gov

The Mississippi State Board of Education Meeting
2022-02-17 10:00 | Central High School, Location: Central High School Building, 359 N. West St., Jackson, MS, 4th floor Board Room, Jackson, MS
Mississippi State Board of Education

Mississippi State Board of Education meetings can be viewed via live stream.

Date: 10 a.m., February 17, 2022
Location: Central High School Building, 359 N. West St., Jackson, MS, 4th floor Board Room

Virtual: Bring Your IEP and Other School Questions
2022-02-17 12:00
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 and other school situations. We ask anyone who stops by to respect the confidentiality of the group and not share anything discussed in the group outside of the group.
Join here >>

Steps for Success: Making IEP Meetings Work
2022-02-18 11:00 - 11:30
Mississippi Parent Training and Information Center
Do you often leave your child’s IEP meeting feeling as if your concerns were not heard or addressed and that nothing has changed? You may be missing one of the steps covered in this training. Join us to learn how you can avoid some of the most common hurdles and how to have more productive IEP meetings and better outcomes for your child.
Register here >>

Call for Presentations | 2022 MS Virtual Trauma Informed Care Conference
2022-02-18 17:00
2022 Virtual Mississippi Trauma Informed Care Conference
“Finding Hope in a Never Ending Storm”
September 21 – 23, 2022
Call for Presentations
For the past 8 years, several state and local agencies have joined together to host the annual Trauma Informed Care Conference. Each year, the premier conference has brought together over 400 – 500 diverse participants representing a wide array of service providers.
This year’s theme, “Finding Hope in a Never Ending Storm” continues to use the “Storm” as the analogy for “Trauma” as with previous year’s theme as well as focusing on the current mental health crisis heightened by the pandemic.
These unprecedented times have been a struggle for everyone! The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic effect on mental health has been substantial. There has been a 400% increase of reported symptoms of anxiety or depression disorder among adults and up to a 30% increase of ER visits by children for mental health issues.
Hope is defined as an optimistic state of mind that is based on an expectation of positive outcomes with respect to events and circumstances in one’s life or the world at large. Through innovative and thought-provoking sessions, it is our expectation the conference will stimulate the process of reclaiming hope to attendees. This includes inspiring hope that survivors can and do recover, practicing self-care when you feel your hope is slipping due to burnout, and applying principles of Trauma Informed Care to respond effectively and prevent further trauma.
The 2022 Mississippi Trauma Informed Care Conference planning committee is seeking 60 – 90
minutes keynote presentations and 60 – 90 minutes breakout sessions. The sessions should be
designed for Mental Health and Addiction Professionals, Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, Juvenile Justice Personnel – judges, counselors, administrators, probation officers, Educators – teachers, administrators, counselors, Domestic Violence and other advocates, Parents/Guardians/Foster Parents/Resource Parents. Community and Faith Based, Peer Support Specialists and Survivors and family members.
The committee is particularly seeking sessions that can be replicated, outcome based and address critical issues of importance in creating a trauma informed system of care.
Click here for the full PDF for electronic submission.
Include a resume or vita, brief bio for introductions, and submit all documents to mstraumaconference@gmail.com.

Recovery Community Town Hall
2022-02-22 18:00
Join the Mississippi Recovery Advocacy Project in a conversation with some amazing community leaders about how people around the state are creating positive changes for those seeking and/or receiving mental health and substance use recovery services.

Topics of discussion include:
-Solutions that reduce stigma
-Improving access to recovery support services
-Justice Reform
-Ways to address housing issues for people with mental illness and/or substance use disorders

Moderated By Brand Strategist, Author, and Speaker Maranda Joiner

Panelists Include:
Pauline Rogers, Leader in the Criminal and Social Justice space
Kay Daneault, Executive Director, Mental Health
Association of South Mississippi
Joy Hogge, Executive director, Families as Allies

RSVP TODAY USING THE LINK PROVIDED.
https://actionnetwork.org/…/mississippi-recovery…
Once you RSVP, the link/call-in number to the town hall will be sent to you.

Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP Tupelo!)
2022-02-23 08:00 - 2022-02-24 17:00

Special Education Records: What to Keep and How to Organize it.
2022-02-23 11:00 - 11:30
Mississippi Parent Training and Information Center
What do you do with all those papers? What do you need to keep and how do you keep it organized? Join us for tips on how to keep everything together.
Register here >>

Virtual Leadership Training
2022-02-24 09:00 - 2022-02-25 09:00
This training is for parents, caregivers and staff members who are interested in learning to serve on decision-making groups and committees. There will be 2 sessions, and each session will last 2.5 hours. Participants must attend all sessions for the entire session in order to receive their certificate. They also must be able to join the sessions from a device that has a camera and stay on camera throughout all sessions. Parents and caregivers who are receiving a stipend for completing this training must also turn in all course evaluations in addition to completing the other requirements in order to receive their stipends.
Register here >>

Webinar: Understanding the Role of Families and Parents in Supporting School Safety Before, During, and After an Emergency
2022-02-28 09:00 - 10:00
The U.S. Department of Education, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, Office of Safe and Supportive Schools and its Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools (REMS) Technical Assistance (TA) Center will host a Webinar on Monday, February 28, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. EST. This Webinar will highlight the role of parents and families in supporting school safety efforts at the local and state levels.
The objectives of this 60-minute Webinar are to
Highlight the role of parents and families in supporting school safety efforts at the local and state levels.
Demonstrate the importance of developing a collaborative planning team to support emergency operations plan development, as outlined in Step 1 of the six-step planning process detailed in the Guide for Developing High-Quality School Emergency Operations Plans.
Discuss the role that parents, parent engagement specialists, and parent advocacy groups play in supporting the National Preparedness System mission areas — prevention, protection, mitigation, response, and recovery — as well as their role in the before, during, and after phases of a potential emergency.
Share resources to assist parents, families, parent engagement specialists, and parent advocacy groups in collaborating and supporting school safety efforts at the local and state levels.
Register on the REMS TA Center Website to participate here >>
Presenters:
U.S. Department of Education, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education
Beth Yeh, Education Program Specialist
REMS TA Center
Janelle Hughes, Project Director
Questions About the Event?
Contact the REMS TA Center Help Desk at 1-855-781-REMS [7367] or info@remstacenter.org from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday.
Can’t make the live event? This Webinar will be archived on the REMS TA Center’s Website within 7 business days.

2022 Mississippi Virtual State Capitol Day Event
2022-03-01 12:00 - 14:00
AFSP State Capitol Day events bring together passionate volunteers to advocate for state policy changes that will improve mental health and prevent suicide. The event will include a brief training session on the basics of advocating for suicide prevention and current policy issues impacting our state.
Interested advocates will also have the opportunity to schedule video or phone calls with our state legislators following the event to:

Share with them why suicide prevention is important to YOU and to your community
Educate them about the work being done in your community to prevent suicide
Teach them what more must be done to prevent suicide

Event Contact: Meghan Goldbeck (mgoldbeck@afsp.org)
DATE: Tues. Mar. 1st
TIME: 12noon – 1pm OR 6:00pm – 7:00pm Central (choose 1 below)
LOCATION: Zoom – a link will be sent to all registered attendees prior to the event
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: 2/27/22
Register here >>

MHDD Webinar Series: Promoting Resilience in Families During COVID
2022-03-01 13:00 - 14:00
The Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities National Training Center

This webinar will focus on the impact of COVID-19 on family mental and emotional health and well-being and discuss strategies to promote resiliency with family members with co-occurring mental health and developmental disabilities.

Presenter: Carol Weitzman, M.D.
Co-Director of the Autism Spectrum Center Boston Children’s Hospital
Professor Emeritus Yale School of Medicine

Learning objectives:
-Know the impact of COVID-19 on family emotional, behavioral and developmental well-being
-Become familiar with the science of resiliency
-Learn strategies to promote resiliency in families

Register here >>

Policy and Leadership Discussion
2022-03-02 12:00
This group will focus on legislation that is still alive after the March 1 committee deadline and also proposed policies and how both legislation and policies can relate to family-driven practice and working together for our children.
You can see what legislation is still alive at this link http://www.legislature.ms.gov/legislation/all-measures-not-dead/
We will likely also discuss this proposed Medicaid policy about psychiatric residential treatment facilities: https://files.constantcontact.com/e5552cf9201/5737d936-2981-4c6b-9ae5-ec25bc57e763.pdf?rdr=true
Leadership training graduates are especially encouraged to attend, but the discussion is open to anyone who is interested in learning more about legislation and policy.

Register here >>

2021 GANGS Workshop
2022-03-03 09:00 - 16:00, 2022-03-04 09:00 - 16:00
FTC Prevention Services
Participants are presented with STRATEGIES to help strengthen community efforts and plans to combat local street gangs and address youth violence, keeping in mind that street gangs are extremely fluid and adapt to their environments.
Learn how to identify indicators of traditional street gang activity by their:

physical appearance,
traditions,
trends,
and more…

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

Clinicians, Counselors, Social Workers, Therapists, Psychologists, and Interventionists
Advocates, Families, and Former Gang Members
Law Enforcement Personnel, School Security and Resource Officers
Public Health and Prevention Officials
Federal, State, and Local Officials and Lawmakers
Education Specialists and Researchers
Lawyers, Judges, and Court Officials

Register here >>

Drop In Family Support Time
2022-03-03 12:00
This hour is open for any family member to drop in for all or some of the time to share any concerns or get feedback from others about handling different situations. We ask anyone who stops by to respect the confidentiality of the group and not share anything discussed in the group outside of the group.
Join here>>

Family Connections
2022-03-03 12:30 - 13:30
Hosted by the National Family Support Technical Assistance Center, “Family Connections” is a virtual community for parents and caregivers who support loved ones facing substance use and/or mental health challenges. Families tell us they need credible resources, guidance to accessing help, and the opportunity to connect with others facing similar challenges. Monthly gatherings will focus on a specific topic, provide tips and tools, and offer the opportunity to network with other families.
Family Connections take place the first Thursday of every month at 1:30 p.m. ET.
Our March discussion topic is “What Parents & Caregivers Need to Know About Eating Disorders.”
Join us from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 3rd.
Moderator:

Gena Fitzgerald, Senior Director, Family Outreach and Support, SAFE Project

Look for details about speakers and learning objectives to be posted soon.

This event is free and open to all families who are impacted by mental health and/or substance use challenges and to the workforce, organizations and communities that support them. Request No-Cost Technical Assistance or Training from NFSTAC at: www.nfstac.org/request-ta.
Providing Family Support Across the Lifespan | www.nfstac.org | info@nfstac.org
The National Family Support Technical Assistance Center of Excellence (COE) Grant #1H79F6000160-Fam-CoE is funded by SAMHSA.
Register here >>

Mississippi Thrive! Early Childhood Health & Development Summit in the COVID Era
2022-03-04 08:30 - 16:45
Mississippi Thrive!
Join us for a full day of convening early childhood stakeholders for information and discussion about promoting children’s optimal health and development during the era of COVID.
The Refuge Hotel & Conference Center, Flowood, MS
ATTEND IN-PERSON or VIRTUALLY
Speakers will be national and state experts from key areas impacting early child development including healthcare, education, business, policy, research and workforce development.
National speakers will include:
Dr. Lee Beers, National American Academy of Pediatrics,
Dr. Paul Dworkin, Help Me Grow National Center,
Dr. Wendy Ellis, The Center for Community Resilience at the Milken Institute School of Public Health at George Washington University,
Dr. Dina Lieser, Health Resources and Services Administration,
Dr. Julie Sweetland, Frameworks Institute,
and more…
Topics include:
Impact of COVID-19 on the young child in Mississippi.
Information on the Help Me Grow Model (HMG), an evidence based early childhood system approach that promotes children’s optimal health and development.
The impact on child health, developmental screenings, and kindergarten readiness.
Economic impacts.
CEs will be available to MDs, NPs, educators, child care professionals, speech pathologists, students, psychologists, social workers, and more. See credit statements below.
Cost:
$25 Non-Clinical Attendees, $75 Clinical Attendees
Register here >>

State Rehabilitation Council
2022-03-04 10:00 - 12:00
Department of Rehabilitation Services
It is the express mission of the State of Mississippi Rehabilitation Council to ensure that Mississippians with disabilities have a strong role in shaping the vocational rehabilitation programs of the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services.

NWI Webinar: Wraparound & the FFPSA
2022-03-08 14:30 - 16:00
Wraparound is now eligible for Title IV-E reimbursement under the Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA); however, the designation of “Promising” means states that include Wraparound in FFPSA five-year plans must also have a well-designed and rigorous evaluation strategy, as well as a plan for fidelity monitoring and continuous quality improvement (CQI). This webinar, Wraparound and the FFPSA: Opportunities and Requirements for States, will provide a brief background on FFPSA and the Clearinghouse decision for Wraparound, followed by guidance on how to develop a “well-designed and rigorous evaluation strategy” in state plans. Q&A and discussion among attendees will follow the presentation.
Also, see NWI Guidance for FFPSA Evaluation Plans for Wraparound for additional information on this topic.
Register here >>

COVID-19 Listening Session: Mental Health Discussion
2022-03-08 18:00
The purpose of this listening session is to raise awareness and destigmatize the topic of mental health among our African American community.

Register here >>

Embracing Culturally Responsive Programs for Black LGBTQ+ People
2022-03-09 12:30 - 14:00
Join The Institute’s Center of Excellence for LGBTQ+ Behavioral Health for Embracing Culturally Responsive Programs and Practices for Black and African American LGBTQ+ People. This webinar will review evidence-based, culturally responsive programs, followed by a discussion with providers who have adapted their practices to meet the needs of Black and African American clients.
Register now: Non-credit RegistrationCEU RegistrationCME Registration

2022 Virtual Mental Health & Wellness Day at the Capitol
2022-03-10 10:00 - 11:00
Due to COVID-19, the Mental Health and Wellness Day at the Capitol will be held online Thursday, March 10 from 10 – 11 a.m.
The program includes personal stories, speakers and other activities. Hosts include NAMI Mississippi, the Mental Health Association of South Mississippi, and the Mississippi Department of Mental Health.
You must RSVP to receive an email with the videoconference link. For more information, call 601-899-9058 or email stateoffice@namims.org.
Register here >>
