The Pandemic Will Affect Students’ Mental Health for Years to Come. How Schools Can Help

For the foreseeable future, educators will have to grapple with a host of additional challenges that will complicate students’ abilities to learn, such as increased anxiety, substance abuse, and hyperactivity—all symptoms of the trauma many students have lived through this past year.
Research on how children have responded to traumatic events shows that there are myriad ways kids will react—and those reactions may not always be obviously related to the pandemic.

Read more here

No Bruises on the Outside

Join Roger Reynolds and Lafayette County Mental Health Matters for a 3 part session on his personal experiences of ACEs (adverse childhood experiences) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and journey toward healing and recovery. An accurate diagnosis is the first step in any successful medical treatment. When there are no bruises on the outside; how do we identify Neglect and Abuse? How do we identify when insults become Emotional Abuse or when arguments become Domestic Violence; when there are no bruises on the outside? Learn more at the discussion taking place this Thursday at the event here

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CLINICIAN

Unified Community Services (UCS) is accepting applications for a BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CLINICIAN position in our Dodgeville office. UCS is an approved site where service requirements may be fulfilled for the NHSC Loan Repayment Program, and Substance Use Disorder Workforce Loan Repayment Program. https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/loan-repayment/index.html

Successful applicants will provide outpatient behavioral health assessment, treatment planning, and treatment in individual, group and family formats, for mental health, substance use, and co-occurring disorders.

Requires Wisconsin licensure as a Clinical Social Worker, Marriage and Family Therapist, or Professional Counselor, or training license. Ideal candidate will also be licensed as a Substance Abuse Counselor (SAC) or Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC).

Competitive salary and comprehensive benefit package, including Wisconsin Retirement System, health, life and disability insurance, training, and paid time off.

Screening of applicants will continue until the position is filled. Submit resume and letter of interest to:

Cheryl
Unified Community Services
200 W. Alona Lane
Lancaster, WI 53813
(608) 723-6357
cknapp@unifiedservices.org
EOE/AA/CRC

Birth to 3 Program information for Families

Birth to 3 Program: Public Outreach Campaign | Wisconsin Department of Health Services

DHS is hosting two online family input sessions where families will have the chance to learn about the Birth to 3 Program, learn about the outreach campaign, and share their thoughts and ideas in their own words. You are invited to participate if you:

  • Are currently or have ever been enrolled in the Birth to 3 Program.
  • Were referred to the Birth to 3 Program but chose not to enroll.
  • Are a family with a young child.

Get more information here!

Safe Haven for Newborns Information

Safe Haven, also known as “infant relinquishment,” allows a parent to leave their newborn in a safe place in certain circumstances with certain individuals.
Under Wisconsin law, a parent can leave their unharmed newborn child under 72 hours old with a:

  • police officer
  • 911 emergency medical staff person
  • hospital staff member

without fear of legal consequences. If you do not indicate that you will be back for your child this is called “Safe Haven” or “Infant Relinquishment.” You do not have to give your name or address to the professional accepting the baby, unless:

  • The baby has been harmed
  • You are being forced by someone to give up the baby
  • The baby is more than 3 days old

You may be asked if you are willing to fill out a form. This form is NOT required. It will, however, help providers give the best care to your infant now and in the future.
Get more information here

Supporting child Well-Being Through Preventing Suicide

The rate of adolescents who are dying by suicide has risen in the last few years across the nation as well as in Wisconsin, especially among vulnerable populations. The challenges faced by today’s youth are unique to their age, race, and gender identity and require early intervention. Unfortunately, in 2019 most Wisconsin high school students who are considering suicide are not receiving the help they need.

FREE Adult Mental Health First Aid Training

Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders. This training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem and help connect them to the appropriate care.

Sign up for the FREE Adult Mental Health First Aid Training here: https://forms.gle/cAsawmoo6No2WtBc6

adult-mhfa-flyer-Ext-February-2021Download

Gov. Evers delivers the Democratic Radio Address

Hi everyone, Governor Tony Evers here.

The holidays can be a difficult time for many and Wisconsinites across our state and country have had a stressful year personally, financially, emotionally.

It’s important to remember that no matter what you are going through, you’re not alone and help is available.

The Department of Health Services has compiled resources for Wisconsinites to stay resilient through these tough times. From assistance with paying bills and putting food on the table, to mental health counseling, head to dhs.wisconsin.gov/resilient to find help

You can also text HOPELINE to 741-741 for free emotional support services at any time from anywhere.

Our kids are no exception as well. Which is why the Office of Children’s Mental Health put together resources for parents and families to use over the holiday season to connect with kids, provide support, and help them get through these tough times at children.wi.gov.

Let’s stay hopeful, let’s stay safe, and let’s get through these upcoming months together, Wisconsin.

Thank you.