Montgomery, Ala. – All of us can help prevent suicide. Every year, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, other mental health organizations and individuals across the nation raise awareness of suicide prevention during September. While suicide prevention is important to address year-round, Suicide Prevention Awareness Month is a dedicated time to share resources and stories to shed light on this stigmatized topic. #BeThe1To is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s message this month and beyond and helps spread the word about actions we can all take to prevent suicide.
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused an increase in anxiety, depression, suicide and substance use. This year’s campaign is now more important than ever. While half of individuals who die by suicide may have a diagnosed mental health condition, research shows that 90% experienced suicidal symptoms. A recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report revealed that 40 percent of adults said they had struggled with mental health issues or substance use issues during late June.
“Most notably the COVID-19 pandemic has imposed significant psychological and social effects on everyone. This month we are emphasizing the importance of suicide prevention and the stigma surrounding emotional and mental challenges,” said Alabama Department of Mental Health Commissioner (ADMH) Lynn Beshear. “Because of the pandemic, our providers have increased alternative means of access such as telehealth and continue to be a beacon of light to individuals in need and help family members understand the signs and symptoms of suicidal iterations.”
Every year thousands of individuals die by suicide, leaving behind friends and family members to navigate the tragedy of loss. In many cases, friends and families affected by a suicide loss (often called “suicide loss survivors”) are left in the dark. Too often the feelings of shame and stigma prevent them from talking openly.
ADMH Prevention Services Director, Beverly Johnson said, “As we are faced with COVID-19 and certain levels of uncertainty, emotional distress and anxiety can occur and we want to provide support and the necessary referral resources to those who need it.”
She continued, “We observe the month of September to raise public awareness of suicide prevention. The annual observance yields much needed attention to such a priority area of focus for individuals and communities that we utilize those platforms throughout the year to promote emotional well-being and resource availability,” said Johnson.
ADMH encourages everyone to learn more about how they can directly help someone in need. QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) and Mental Health First Aid are two education first steps. QPR is a gatekeeper training to enable any adult to identify someone who may be suicidal, initiate a conversation, persuade the person to get help, and assist her or him in finding and accessing appropriate help. For more information on this training, please contact Katie Beaugez at 205-677-6116, or visit www.ASPARC.org
Mental Health First Aid offers the education to anyone interested in skills and information to help a person developing a mental health problem or experiencing a crisis until professional treatment is obtained or the crisis resolves. For more information on this training, please contact ADMH staff member Lauren Blanding at 334-353-8866 or email lauren.blanding@mh.alabama.gov.
Veterans are 1.5 times more likely to die by suicide than Americans who never served in the military. For female veterans, the risk factor is 2.2 times more likely. Suicide prevention information is important to share with veterans, as crises can be heightened by their experiences during military service. If you’re a veteran or service member and in crisis, please call the Veterans Crisis Line for help.
Suicide is preventable. Learn how to help and obtain resources at https://afsp.org/take-action/. Please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.
Montgomery, Ala. – September is National Recovery Month and this long-standing, national observance promotes the societal benefits of prevention, treatment, and recovery for substance use and mental disorders, as well as promoting that recovery is possible. Now in its 31st year, Recovery Month celebrates the gains made by those living in recovery.
This year’s theme “Join the Voices for Recovery: Celebrating Connection” spreads the positive message that behavioral health is essential to overall health, prevention works, treatment is effective, and people can and do recover.
The Alabama Department of Mental Health, the Division of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services and community providers are stepping up promotion of this month, with a dedicated webpage packed with a calendar of virtual events, art and poetry created by individuals in recovery, success stories, anti-stigma information and community provider videos. View the first provider video today, R.O.S.S. in Birmingham!
ADMH’s Division of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services, in partnership with community providers and advocacy groups, coordinates virtual events throughout the month. Events and promotional information related to Recovery Month can be found during September on ADMH’s social media pages, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Recovery Month works to promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, the emergence of a strong and proud recovery community, and the dedication of service providers and community members. Ensuring that individuals know where to look and how to find resources is essential. To find a provider in your area, click here. Treatment is available at little to no cost in our state programs.
About Us: The Alabama Department of Mental Health serves more than 200,000 Alabama citizens with mental illnesses, intellectual disabilities, and substance use disorders. The department strives to Serve, Empower, and offer support to create awareness while promoting the health and well-being of Alabamians. Visit www.mh.alabama.gov for more information.
Of the more than 72,000 preventable drug overdose deaths in the country in 2017, more than 47,000 involving opioids. In Alabama, 835 preventable drug overdoses deaths occurred in 2017, with 419 involving opioids1. International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) is a global event held Aug. 31 each year to remember those gone too soon from overdose deaths. Read more
Montgomery, Ala. – To extend the missions of the Alabama Department of Mental Health and Public Health of ending stigma in Alabama, a new resource is now offered as part of the ongoing Stop Judging, Start Healing campaign. The addition of an extensive informational PowerPoint to the website brings awareness and exposure to ending the stigmas of opioid use disorder (OUD), HIV, viral Hepatitis, substance use disorder (SUD) or mental illness (MI). The PowerPoint is also designed to give supporting information to enhance the healing process for the people experiencing stigma, as well as to the people who support them.
As described in the PowerPoint, the anti-stigma campaign Stop Judging, Start Healing was created to educate and bring awareness to create a state of mind where people with opioid use disorder, HIV, viral Hepatitis, substance use disorder or mental illness are valued and treated with dignity and where stigma, accompanying attitudes, discrimination, and other barriers to treatment and recovery are eliminated.
In a state of growth and understanding, it is vital that we highlight what stigma is, why it delays the healing process, and how it affects our loved ones. Once this understanding happens, we can truly create and sustain a safe environment for treatment and recovery.
In the Language Matters section of the PowerPoint, we list the quote “Words are important. If you want to care for something you call it a ‘flower’; if you want to kill something, you call it a weed’.” -Don Coyhis. Join us in the fight to understand stigma, utilize helpful language, and make a difference in the lives of the people around us. Join us in ending stigma in Alabama now.
The PowerPoint may be download here. Please share and utilize the information for the purposes of education. If you have any questions or for more information on the Stop Judging, Start Healing campaign and the programs that support this work, please visit www.mh.alabama.gov, email publicinformation.dmh@mh.alabama.gov or call 334-242-3417.
###
Montgomery, Ala. – The Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH) is proud to facilitate the Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) initiative, a three-year Centers for Disease Control (CDC) funding opportunity. This grant will afford Alabama the opportunity to strengthen and expand its statewide opioid prevention efforts. The initiative offers enhanced opportunities with the Alabama Department of Public Health and activities will include deepening coalition networks and an inspired statewide media campaign – H.O.P.E.: Hold On, Pain Ends.
The H.O.P.E. campaign is designed to reach audiences with messages of prevention, treatment and recovery. The campaign will provide resources and information to prevent opioid misuse and overdose to those in need. In coordination with ADPH, the departments will be able to identify and increase access to substance abuse treatment services in communities where drug addiction may be prevalent.
“Drug overdose deaths continue to be on the rise, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now more than ever we need an expansive response plan that will promote appropriate and accessible services for those in need,” said ADMH Director of Prevention Services, Beverly Johnson. “Through this campaign, we will discuss opioid use disorder and take a comprehensive look at efforts to combat the epidemic in our communities,” she continued.
“Our Offices of Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment play a crucial role in decreasing opioid overdoses and related harms, while highlighting that recovery from substance use disorders is possible. This campaign shows the vital role our local providers and peer support specialists play in their efforts to link people to effective treatment resources,” said Commissioner Lynn Beshear, ADMH.
Four prevention providers were selected regionally, representing the composition of the substance use planning regions, through a Request for Proposal process. Each provider has a host of local stakeholders to assist with its local prevention efforts, to medical professionals.
- Region I – Northwest Alabama Mental Health Center, Jasper, Alabama
- Region II – Agency for Substance Abuse Prevention, Anniston, Alabama
- Region III – Council on Substance Abuse – NCADD, Montgomery, Alabama
- Region IV – South Central Alabama Mental Health Center, Andalusia, Alabama
Please contact local providers for information on direct services and information. Learn more about the campaign at https://mh.alabama.gov/hold-on-pain-ends/.
About Us: The Alabama Department of Mental Health serves more than 200,000 Alabama citizens with mental illnesses, intellectual disabilities, and substance use disorders. The department strives to Serve, Empower, and offer support to create awareness while promoting the health and well-being of Alabamians. Visit www.mh.alabama.gov for more information.
Montgomery, Ala. – The emergence of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has presented many challenges to Alabamians. During these uncertain times, those who misuse substances are particularly vulnerable. The isolation, lack of social interaction, and normal activities have challenged many individuals who are in recovery. In addition to increased mental health needs, the number of overdoses seen in some parts of the state have also increased.
According to the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH), there was a significant increase in suspected overdose emergency department (ED) visits when comparing the weeks before and after the stay-at-home orders (effective April 4, 2020). The highest number of overdose-related ED visits that occurred weekly and monthly were during the month of May.
There are options for an immediate connection to peer support specialists who can offer resources and important information for someone in need. The Recovery Organization of Support Specialists (ROSS), funded by the Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH), offers the state’s only 24/7 Helpline at 1-844-307-1760, manned by certified peer support specialists. Please call this number if you, a family member, or friend should need information related to substance use disorder resources and treatment or just need to talk to someone who understands. ROSS also provides online support groups which can be accessed at www.ross4u.org. A link to all substance use disorder providers supported by ADMH can be found on the Provider Directory page. Additional group meeting information can be found here.
“COVID-19 has created a situation in which many individuals are more open and comfortable in talking about our mental and emotional needs as human beings, as well as creating the situation of greatly increased stress and isolation. In that vein, we want to ensure that everyone has ready access to correct information about all options for substance use disorder treatment and recovery across the state. We are challenged to reach out more, during this difficult time, to our family, friends and neighbors. It is essential that we share information with anyone that is experiencing the harmful use of a substance and help them access a safe path to recovery,” said Commissioner Lynn Beshear, ADMH.
ADPH, Office of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) state that Alabama first responders have administered an increased number of doses of the opioid reversing medication, naloxone, in recent months.
Naloxone is an easy-to-use antidote for an overdose from heroin or other opioid drugs, allowing for the temporary reversal of an opioid overdose. Naloxone administration totals in 2020 were: January, 544; February 513; March, 499; April 655; and May, 705. Initial June data indicates that naloxone administration by EMS remains higher than pre-pandemic.
State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris said, “No one was fully prepared to deal with the stresses of the pandemic. Everyone’s routines have been altered, and many people are facing significant financial and other pressures like never before. As a result, we are more vulnerable to emotional and physical illness.”
Substance use disorders can progress quickly, especially during COVID-19 social isolation. If you are dealing with strong cravings or relapse, contact your provider immediately and, if possible, include your family or close friend. Ask about medication to treat your symptoms, a plan for refills, and options such as urgent or emergency services, as well as the risks of going to the local ED. Many providers are offering virtual visits via webchat or phone.
Utilize state support such as Wings Across Alabama’s Warm Line at 1-844-999-4647. Also available are Crisis lines such as National Association for Mental Illness’ Crisis Text Line. Just text “NAMI” to 741741. Also, you can call SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline, 1-800-985-5990, 24/7, which is dedicated to providing immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also suggests the following:
- Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
- Take care of your body:
- Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate.
- Eat healthy, well-balanced meals; exercise regularly; and get plenty of sleep.
- Avoid alcohol and drugs.
- Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy. Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
- Take proactive steps to safeguard your health.
Montgomery, Ala.– The Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH) is pleased to announce the addition of 19 new Nationally Certified Trauma Trainers in the state of Alabama, which includes seven ADMH staff members. ADMH was one of 10 communities chosen nationally to participate in the trauma-informed care experience.
The certification was provided by the Substance Abuse Mental Health Service Administration’s (SAMHSA) GAINS Center for Behavioral Health and Justice Transformation. The training, “How Being Trauma Informed Improves Criminal Justice System Responses,” helps educate criminal justice professionals about the impact of trauma and how to develop trauma-informed responses.
The four-hour highly interactive training is tailored to community-based criminal justice professionals including, community correction (probation, parole, and pretrial services officers), court personnel, police, behavioral health care providers and other human service providers. During the training, professionals increase their understanding of trauma, create an awareness of the impact of trauma on behavior and develop trauma-informed responses.
“Trauma informed responses can help to avoid re-traumatizing individuals, and thereby increase safety for all, decrease recidivism, and promote support recovery of justice-involved individuals with serious mental illness and substance use issues,” says Nicole Walden, ADMH Director of Substance Abuse Treatment. “Partnerships across the systems can also help to link individuals to trauma-informed services and treatment for trauma,” she continued.
SAMHSA recognizes the majority of people who have behavioral health issues and are involved with the justice system have significant histories of trauma and exposure to personal and community violence. Involvement with the justice system can further exacerbate trauma for these individuals.
Traumatic events can include physical and sexual abuse, neglect, bullying, community-based violence, disaster, terrorism, and war. Such experiences can challenge a person’s capacity for recovery, pose significant barriers to accessing services, and result in an increased risk of interacting with the criminal justice system.
For more information about receiving training for your agency or your community, please reach out directly to one of these individuals below.
| Jill Bates AIDS Alabama Phone: 205-427-9104 Email: jill.bates@aidsalabama.org | Camille Jones Social Worker Birmingham Municipal Court 801 17th Street N, Birmingham, AL Phone: 205-254-2447 Email: cdjones890@yahoo.com |
| Yakima Burch Treatment Services Coordinator Aletheia House 201 Finley Avenue W, Birmingham, AL Phone: 205-324-6502 Email: yburch@specialkindofcaring.org
| Stacey Lee Program Coordinator Alabama Department of Mental Health 100 North Union Street, Montgomery, AL Phone: 334-451-6788 Email: Stacey.lee@mh.alabama.gov |
| Pamela Butler Coordinator of Peer Services Alabama Department of Mental Health 100 North Union Street, Montgomery, AL Phone: 205-383-8467 | Dana McCreless Q/A Program Administrator Community Justice Programs University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Psychiatry and Neurobiology 401 Beacon Parkway W, Homewood, AL Phone: 205-917-3780 ext. 248 Email: danamccreless@uabmc.edu
|
| Luciana Coleman Program Manager Alabama Department of Mental Health 100 North Union Street, Montgomery, AL Phone: 334-242-1709 | Debbi Sims Metzger Program Manager Alabama Department of Mental Health 100 North Union Street, Montgomery, AL Phone: 334-322-0160 Email: debbi.sims@mh.alabama.gov |
| Keisha Kennedy Director of Behavioral Health Aletheia House 2100 16th Avenue S, Birmingham, AL Phone: 205-229-7534 | Denice Morris Program Manager Alabama Department of Mental Health 100 North Union Street, Montgomery, AL Phone: 334-242-1707 Email: denice.morris@mh.alabama.gov
|
|
Stephen Bailey Davis Director of Community Justice Programs University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Psychiatry and Neurobiology 530 Beacon Parkway W, St. 300 Birmingham, AL Phone: 205-427-9870 |
Madalyn Roberts Social Worker Birmingham Municipal Court 801 17th Street North, Birmingham, AL Phone: 205-254-2447 |
| Meta Eatman Alabama Pardons and Parole Birmingham, AL Phone: 205-305-1426 | Yvonne Thomas Director Connecting Creative Communities 7753 1st Avenue S, Birmingham, AL Phone: 317-501-7209 Email: yk1qt@yahoo.com
|
| Gloria Howard Chief Operating Officer Aletheia House 2100 16th Avenue S, Birmingham, AL Phone: 205-533-6014 Email: ghoward@specialkindofcaring.
| Tunja Tolbert Outreach Specialist R.O.S.S. 716 37th Street S. Birmingham, AL Phone: 334-207-0061 Email: ross4us.trtolbert@gmail.com
|
| Brooke Whitfield Program Manager Alabama Department of Mental Health 100 North Union Street, Montgomery, AL Phone: 334-399-5215 | Bethany Tyree Clinical Director CED Fellowship House, Inc. 4209 Brooke Avenue, Gadsden, AL Phone: 256-458-4463 Email: bethanyttyree@yahoo.com |
| Nicole Walden Director, Substance Abuse Treatment Services Alabama Department of Mental Health 100 North Union Street, Montgomery, AL Phone: 334-353-7248 Email: nicole.walden@mh.alabama.gov |
The Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH), Office of Prevention is partnering with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to observe the annual National Prevention Week for May 10-16, 2020. National Prevention Week is an annual health observance focused on increasing the prevention of substance use and the promotion of mental health.
The three primary goals of National Prevention Week are to:
- Involve communities in raising awareness about behavioral health issues and implementing prevention strategies, and showcasing effectiveness of evidence-based prevention programs;
- Foster partnerships and collaboration with federal agencies and national organizations dedicated to behavioral and public health; and
- Promote and disseminate quality behavioral health resources and publications.
Each year, National Prevention Week includes daily themes to focus on major substance use and mental health topics. ADMH is sharing important fact sheets and webinars with staff and the public (linked within each day).
The 2020 weekday themes are:
- Monday, May 11: Preventing Prescription Drug and Opioid Misuse
- Tuesday, May 12: Preventing Underage Drinking and Alcohol Misuse
- Wednesday, May 13: Preventing Illicit Drug Use and Youth Marijuana Use
- Thursday, May 14: Preventing Youth Tobacco Use (E-Cigarettes and Vaping)
- Friday, May 15: Preventing Suicide
We also ask that you participate in the social media challenge, and announce where prevention happens for you in three steps:
- Fill out the sign
- Take a selfie with it
- Share on social media with the #PreventionHappensHere hashtag
There are also other ways to raise awareness about the importance of positive mental health and substance use prevention. SAMHSA has created a list of 7 Things You Can Do For National Prevention Week.
To learn more about National Prevention Week, visit the ADMH Facebook page and join the #PreventionHappensHere challenge today.
Learn More about the Tools to Thrive
Montgomery, Ala. – This May is Mental Health Month and the Alabama Department of Mental Health is highlighting #Tools2Thrive – what individuals can do daily to prioritize their mental health, build resiliency in the face of trauma and obstacles, support those who are struggling, and work towards a path of recovery.
Mental health is essential to everyone’s overall health and well-being, and mental illnesses are common and treatable. While 1 in 5 people will experience a mental illness during their lifetime, everyone faces challenges in life that can impact their mental health.
Commissioner Lynn Beshear said, “COVID-19 has shown us that community and communication with each other are vitally important to our mental and emotional health.
During Mental Health Month 2020 in particular, as we strive to “stay apart together” there is no better time to share resources and information with our loved ones, friends and colleagues.”
This May, we are also exploring topics that can help you build your own set of #Tools2Thrive – recognizing and owning your feelings; finding the positive after loss; connecting with others; eliminating toxic influences; creating healthy routines; and supporting others – all as ways to boost the mental health and general wellness of you and your loved ones.
For each of us, the tools we use to keep us mentally healthy will be unique. The Alabama Department of Mental Health would like all to know that mental illnesses are real, and recovery is possible. Gradually making small changes and building on those successes can be achieved. By developing #Tools2Thrive, it is possible to find balance between work and play, the ups and downs of life, and physical health and mental health – and set yourself on the path to recovery.
Also, May 11-15 is Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week, emphasizing the importance of an integrated approach to caring for the mental health needs of children, youth, and young adults who have experienced trauma, as well as their families. Wings Across Alabama selected the artist, an individual served at East Alabama Mental Health Center. This year’s theme is “Bringing Children’s Mental Health into Focus Perfect Vision in 2020.”
Many of the department’s providers may host informational events designed to encourage a healthy mind and body and offer important resource information. Please contact your local mental health authority and partner agencies, such as National Association for Mental Illness Alabama, for more information.
Mental Health Month was started 71 years ago by the Alabama Department of Mental Health’s partner, Mental Health America, to raise awareness about conditions and the importance of good mental health for everyone. For more information on Mental Awareness Health Month, visit www.mh.alabama.gov and Mental Health America’s website at www.mentalhealthamerica.net/may.