May 2024 #WeHealUS Campaign Dashboard
CHECK BACK DAILY AS WE CONTINUE TO GROW!
Toolkit
View our live toolkit for additional information about the campaign and how to get involved.
Download Your State's Logo
Each state involved with this year's campaign receives their own WeHealUS Graphic.
Attend an Event
View our national event calendar to find local and hybrid happenings.
View Resources
Learn about trauma and its effects on our health.
Wednesday, May 1st - Saturday, May 4th
Wednesday, May 1st
We are excited for #WeHealUS 2024! We encourage you to sign up for live events, share and like post and use the #WeHealUS hashtag throughout May! Please check out our amazing partners and support the vital work they are doing!
WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER AND TOGETHER #WeHealUS
Wednesday, May 1st
Lyons Township Mental Health Commission
Exciting Information Coming Soon!
Wednesday, May 1st
PENNSYLVANIA Capital Day
In Person Harrisburg, PA
View the flyer here.
Trauma & Mental HealthAwareness Capitol Day
Yoga on the Steps • Press Conference • HEAL PA Annual Meeting
Thursday , May 2nd
Main Line Health We care for your mind, body and spirit at Main Line Health. Our dedicated team of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, counselors, addiction specialists and social workers provides state-of-the-art, evidence-based treatment for behavioral health concerns, complemented by the empathetic care that our neighbors know and trust.
Across the United States, millions of people struggle with behavioral health concerns — the overarching term used to describe mental health issues, psychiatric conditions and substance use disorders. In fact, in the United States, one in five adults and one in six youths struggle with mental health issues and the subsequent impact on family, relationships, employment, quality of life and physical well-being.
That’s why we do everything we can to get to know you as a person and learn your specific needs. We understand that seeking help can be hard, but you can feel assured that Main Line Health strives to make your journey to wellness recovery easier.
We offer comprehensive services that range from professional counseling for mood disorders, to treatment for addiction, to crisis intervention and more. Our goal is to provide individualized treatment so you and your loved ones can find healing and get back to living life with greater happiness.
Thursday , May 2nd
HEAL PA is a multisectoral and multidisciplinary coalition developed and sponsored by the Pennsylvania Governor's Office of Advocacy and Reform (OAR). The coalition consists of volunteers from a wide variety of fields, geographies, ethnicities and life experiences, including several former 2019 OAR Trauma Think-Tank members and multiple trauma survivors. The coalition has been organized into a variety of diverse action teams focused on implementing the Trauma-Informed PA plan.
Branded as HEAL PA, this mix of state agency representatives and community stakeholders from all across the Commonwealth is responsible for prioritizing the recommendations, setting short and long term goals, and assigning accountabilities to make the plan recommendations a reality. Action teams are expected to push the envelope to ensure PA not only keeps up with the latest science and trends in trauma and ACEs, but sets the bar for planning, innovation, and action. Learn more about how you can become involved as a community champion through our partners, the United Way of Pennsylvania-Resilient PA.
Friday, May 3rd
Behavioral Health Training & Education Network
Philadelphia’s Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS) has a comprehensive behavioral health system. DBHIDS is dedicated to promoting healthy behaviors and healthy communities through education and awareness building strategies. In 1996, DBHIDS founded and funded the Behavioral Health Training and Education Network (BHTEN) to support Philadelphia’s behavioral health system by planning, coordinating, and providing quality educational experiences. These educational experiences are geared to a wide range of audiences, including individuals and their family members, DBHIDS staff members, behavioral health service provider organizations, and other human services and community based organizations.
Check out their May Calendar of events HERE
Friday, May 3rd
TAR Anon™ is an international fellowship of survivors who share their experience, strength, and hope that each may solve their own personal TAR Tale and in doing so, help others recover from the emotional battlefield and collateral damage stemming from TAR – Toxic Abusive Relationships.
TAR Anon provides a neuro-safe setting and program of recovery for those to become self-aware and focus on developing essential self-love. It is a trauma-informed safe path of emotional regulation while transforming lives in a healthy co-regulated, non-judgmental way, helping others in the process.
TAR Anon is powered by TAR Network™, an international 501(c)(3) and includes research-based Steps, Promises and even trained TAR Mentors who participate online and in person. Our Fellowship serves as the only supportive and accessible program for those who vitally need to come "out of the fog and into the light" after narcissistic abuse.Monday, May 6th - Friday, May 10th
Monday , May 6th
Insightful Crisis Response, LLC is a law enforcement training company that opened in January 2022 with the following mission:
Provide high quality training to as many officers as possible, empowering them to:
Recognize the signs of mental illness
Resolve crisis situations more effectively
Resolve crisis situations more effectively
We have embarked on this mission because ICRs founder, Troy Siewert, knows what it’s like to be an officer responding to a mental health crisis call – often with the same individual on multiple occasions.
He remembers the pressure to successfully resolve these calls despite receiving very little, if any, training in mental health awareness or crisis response.
And he can still feel the frustration of believing the only resolution options to these calls are arrest, hospital transport, or walking away – none of which seem to stop the repeat calls for serviceNO OFFICER SHOULD HAVE TO FEEL THIS WAY!
Tuesday, May 7th
Embracing Resilience and Recovery
in the Wake of Collective Trauma
12:00-1:00pm CST
Zoom Webinar
1.0 CEU for LCSW/LSW and LCPC/LPCPresented by: Tara Powell, Associate Professor, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign School of Social Work
Learn more HERE.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
School of Social Work
Tuesday, May 7th
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
School of Socila Work
We prepare future social work leaders and help empower people and communities. We work for social justice and equity and are tireless in our pursuit of positive change. Our innovative research establishes evidence that transforms social work practice. Guided by our student-focused faculty, you will receive a well-balanced experience that couples creative classroom learning with immersive field internships. You can participate in collaborative research and service-learning projects that impact and improve lives.
Tuesday, May 7th
ICT Tuesday nights via Zoom at 7:00 PM Eastern.
What is ICT?
Integrative Community Therapy (ICT) is an accessible, effective method that does not rely on referrals, doctors, insurance, or wait lists to offer immediate, no-cost access to any person needing mental health support.
Our mission is to pioneer the introduction of this alternative approach, inspired by a Brazilian model known as Terapia Comunitária Integrativa, to mental and community health to communities all around the country.
ICT uses guided conversation between members of a community (defined by characteristics such as shared interests, socioeconomic status, occupation, cultural background, age, ethnicity, or geographic location) as a solution to the US mental health emergency.
The method creates a safe space for people to share life experiences and wisdom, with each participant becoming their own therapist by listening to the life stories that are told, sharing in the responsibility of seeking solutions and overcoming daily challenges.
This accessible, effective method does not rely on referrals, doctors, insurance, or wait lists, and offers immediate, no-cost access to any person needing mental health support in a warm, welcoming environment.
Tuesday, May 7th
May 7 @ 6:00 pm EDT
The 6th Annual Compassionate Champion Awards
The Compassionate Champion Award highlights individuals or teams in government, non-profit and private organizations, first-responder professions, educational institutions, healthcare professionals, and other agencies that have taken steps toward providing services in a manner consistent with trauma-informed care. Registration Required!
Free
Wednesday, May 8th
TAR Network™ is a 501(c)(3) charity dedicated to bringing worldwide awareness and treatment to those whose emotional reality has been distorted by narcissistic abuse.
The mission of TAR Network is to support men, women, the LGBTQ+community, tweens & teens, families, parents who are alienated from their children, workers, and caregivers going through or emerging from TAR. With subject matter experts, affiliates, organizations with supportive resources, and our individual donor community our programs will help you out of the fog and into the light.
TAR Network is currently developing several innovative projects:
- TAR Tales – a safe place to share your truth
- TAR Centers – a safe place to get vital CPTSD treatment
- TAR Anon – a safe and nonjudgmental worldwide support network.
There is strength in numbers. We’ve all suffered from trauma and abuse at the hands of someone close. Please join us in this worldwide effort toward recovery.
Wednesday, May 8th
May 8 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EDT
Trauma Awareness Month: Unlocking Leadership Potential Through Expressive Writing
Trauma Awareness Month, a time to celebrate the exceptional work done to date, share best practices and resources for trauma-informed care, and learn how trauma-informed practices can enhance your organization’s services. Join Sage Horizons in the "Unlock Leadership Potential with Expressive Writing" webinar on May 8, 2024, from 12-1 PM ET and discover how journaling […]
Free
Thursday, May 9th
Youth MOVE PA is a statewide youth & young adult advocacy organization dedicated to eliminating stigma surrounding mental health while promoting wellness and recovery for those seeking aid along their journey.
Youth MOVE PA provides an array of training and educational opportunities for youth, young adults, and the professionals who work for them across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Youth MOVE PA staff are trained as Certified Peer Specialists (CPS) and/or Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS), giving us the ability to share our lived experience.
Become a member and help us represent, empower, and unify youth and youth adult voices to act as an agent of meaningful change. In partnership with youth organizations, youth allies, and system advisers, we aim to foster an environment where youth are true equal partners ensuring accessible and high-quality supports and services across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. With your support, our aim is to establish a movement that motivates others through the voices of experience.
Thursday, May 9th
CPTSD Foundation Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) describes the results of ongoing, inescapable, relational trauma. Unlike Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Complex PTSD always involves being hurt by another person. These hurts are ongoing, repeated, and often involving a betrayal and loss of safety.
It is estimated that 70% of adults or 223.4 million people in the United States have experienced at least one form of trauma in their lifetime, as reported by the National Council for Behavioral Health (NCBH) in 2013. In addition, 90% of childhood sexual abuse victims, 33% of children exposed to community violence, and 77% of children exposed to school shootings develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (NCBH).
The foundation is built on the recognition that complex relational trauma does not have one face or one experience, but is, instead, a unique hurt and experience which is deeply personal to each survivor. Yet, with a continually growing global community that is committed to learning and healing, no survivor has to walk alone on their journey.
Learn more HERE.
Friday, May 10th
Traumatic experiences influence the people around you more than you may realize. Trauma affects at least one-third of the general population and much higher rates among those with disabilities. If you work with people (and who doesn’t?), it is likely that some have experienced health issues related to traumatic experiences. Many workers face secondary trauma as a result of supporting others. Trauma Informed Perspectives was formed to educate those interested in understanding people who have experienced trauma, in order to facilitate effective teamwork and encourage healthy employees.
Is this talk about trauma new to you? Do you know what ACEs are? I learned how to support people who had experienced trauma as they lived with me. I went back and did the research. I start with an introduction to trauma that explains trauma, and why it affects your workplace. If you already understand trauma, but don’t know what it looks like in real life, we can start there. I want to teach you in a way that works for you and your organization. I am getting a lot of feedback from teachers, and our workforce that most trauma training is about facts, and statistics. I teach using stories so that staff have something to hang the information they are learning on. I would love to talk to you about supporting your company, church, school, or anywhere I can help!
Monday, May 13th - Saturday, May 18th
Monday, May 13th
Unveiling Trauma's Hidden Costs: A Panel Discussion
Executive Summary: Two-hour Zoom panel discussion focused on exploring the hidden costs of trauma and strategies to address them. The discussion will delve into the societal impacts of unaddressed trauma, systemic barriers to addressing these costs, fostering awareness, promoting inclusivity, ethical obligations, and innovative approaches for healing and resilience.
Moderated by:Panelists:
Jesse Kohler, President of The Change Campaign, Executive Director of CTIPP, board member of The National Prevention Science Coalition to Improve Lives.
Ingrid Cockhren , CEO and Chief Visionary Officer, PACEsConnection
Connie Iannetta, Founder, FosterStrong
Tuesday, May 14th
Inter-generational Adversity among Youth and their Parents/Caregivers in Illinois: Recommendations for Screenings & Family-based Prevention Efforts
12:00-1:00pm CST
Zoom Webinar
1.0 CEU for LCSW/LSW and LCPC/LPCPresented by: Rachel Garthe, Associate Professor, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign School of Social Work
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
School of Social Work
Tuesday, May 14th
ICT Tuesday nights via Zoom at 7:00 PM Eastern.
What is ICT?
Integrative Community Therapy (ICT) is an accessible, effective method that does not rely on referrals, doctors, insurance, or wait lists to offer immediate, no-cost access to any person needing mental health support.
Our mission is to pioneer the introduction of this alternative approach, inspired by a Brazilian model known as Terapia Comunitária Integrativa, to mental and community health to communities all around the country.
ICT uses guided conversation between members of a community (defined by characteristics such as shared interests, socioeconomic status, occupation, cultural background, age, ethnicity, or geographic location) as a solution to the US mental health emergency.The method creates a safe space for people to share life experiences and wisdom, with each participant becoming their own therapist by listening to the life stories that are told, sharing in the responsibility of seeking solutions and overcoming daily challenges.This accessible, effective method does not rely on referrals, doctors, insurance, or wait lists, and offers immediate, no-cost access to any person needing mental health support in a warm, welcoming environment.
Wednesday, May 15th
Illinois Safe Schools Alliance: Action Camp, July 29 through August 2
Webpage: https://phimc.org/initiatives/alliance/youth-organizing-and-leadership/
Illinois Safe Schools Alliance (the Alliance) promotes safety, support, and healthy development for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ+) youth in Illinois schools and communities through advocacy, education, youth organizing, and research. Action Camp is its largest annual youth leadership convening, planned in partnership with Youth Services’ Pride Program. It brings together leaders from GSAs and youth groups across Illinois for a 5-day sleepaway camp in August where youth are able to see their identities reflected back at them, sharpen their critical lens, strengthen their own anti-oppressive frameworks, and actively skill-share and practice what it means to create spaces in the world where all identities are safe, supported, affirmed, and celebrated. Learn more at https://phimc.org/initiatives/alliance/youth-organizing-and-leadership/
Community Reentry Project
Webpage: https://phimc.org/initiatives/crp/
Each year about 35,000 individuals exit the Illinois state prison system. Incarcerated individuals are disproportionately impacted by chronic and infectious illnesses with higher rates of HIV, hepatitis, tuberculosis, substance abuse, mental illness, and other medical conditions. For incarcerated individuals living with chronic health problems, the challenges of reintegrating into the community are exacerbated. Community Reentry Project is a multiple-stakeholder initiative that coordinates reentry efforts in Illinois, ensuring that justice-involved individuals transition smoothly from incarceration to communities. Learn more at https://phimc.org/initiatives/crp/
Wednesday, May 15th
11:00 AM Eastern Time via Zoom.
To commemorate May as "Trauma Awareness Month," Dr. Maria A. Turkson, Associate Teaching Professor of Psychology at Penn State Harrisburg is hosting a Child Advocacy Centers Presentation at Penn State Harrisburg on campus with a simultaneous Zoom component.
Zoom attendees must register in advance for this meeting by using the "Register Here" link.
Guest speaker is Dr. Drew Krantz, PsyD, LPC, NCC, CATP Behavioral Health Supervisor, Restoring Hope Trauma Therapy Services & Mental Health Program at UPMC Child Advocacy Center of Central PA. Dr. Krantz will discuss trauma and its impact on children who are abused, as well as ways that Child Advocacy Centers help children who are abused so that they are not re-traumatized by the system.
Questions can be directed to Dr. Maria Turkson, mat17@psu.edu.
Wednesday, May 15th
I988 in Delaware: Expanding the Behavioral Health Crisis Service Continuum
"9-8-8 was launched nationwide in July 2022 as the new 3-digit hotline for mental health and suicide crisis. In this workshop, the speakers will overview the history, significance, and current progress in implementing 988 in Delaware. They will also discuss how Delaware is creating a robust behavioral health crisis care continuum of tomorrow." Registration Required!
Free
Thursday, May 16th
Dr. Jamie is a trauma-certified psychologist and licensed clinical social worker, Dr. Jamie’s experiences in clinical practice, media, and government affairs have provided him with unique opportunities to develop tools to help burned-out adults at worksites, couples in crisis and alienated families caught in Toxic Abusive Relationships (TAR).
He does that by providing education, empowerment and energy to individuals, couples, families, organizations and communities at large to reduce the detrimental damage of TAR, attachment disorders and parental alienation by encouraging individuals to create loving and healthy environment for themselves and their loved ones.
Dr. Jamie dedicates his legacy — working to make a better place for his daughter and all children to grow in a world that fosters happy, healthy, and healing relationships.
Thursday, May 16th
May 16 @ 11:30 am - 4:00 pm EDT
Delaware Department of Education and the SEL Collaborative: Summer Book Study (2 Sessions Available)
Book study sessions are online at 11:30 AM (1st Session) and 4:00 PM (2nd Session). Participants must attend ONE of the time slots. How May I Serve You? Revelations in Education by Lori L. Desautels Ph.D. (Author) Registration Required!
Free
Thursday, May 16th
Collective Seven Solutions, LLC
Sis, Are You Alright? A BIPOC Woman’s Workplace Survival Guide.
2pm Eastern Time
This hour-long session focuses on the experience of BIPOC women in the work environment and the impact on mental and emotional health. Attendees will discuss strategies to individually and collectively process work hurt, as well as ways to resist and recover from the impacts of white body supremacy culture “down at the job!”
Friday, May 17th
YW3CA’s Restoring Hope: Trauma 101 – An Overview of Trauma-Informed Care Learning Session
Virtual Event
$25 per person – register here via EventBrite
Friday, May 17th
Our expertise is in experiential trauma therapies including EMDR, psychodrama, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Expressive Arts Therapies. The services we offer include individual trauma therapy, low-cost options with our graduate interns, group therapy, support groups, couples/family therapy, individual EMDR intensives, group personal growth intensives, and community crisis/trauma responses – as well as trauma-informed care consultation for other organizations and training for therapists.
Monday, May 20th - Friday, May 24th
Monday, May 20th
MAN THERAPY
Big Challenges Require Bold Solutions
Suicide is a complex issue with no easy answers. But one thing’s for sure — the best defense is a good offense. Each man is on their own journey of well-being, trying to navigate their own issue and opportunities. Man Therapy takes a comprehensive, upstream approach and meets men where they are.
What began as a suicide prevention campaign has morphed into a men's mental health campaign where the goal is to support all men before they are ever in crisis. We remind men that taking care of their mental health is the manliest things a man can do, that therapy comes in many forms and connect men and their loved ones to information, tools and resources. Our goals remain to bust through the stigma, increase help-seeking behavior and reduce suicide among working-age men.
A Researched-Backed Tool that Reduces Suicide Risk
Man Therapy was created by a dream team of suicidologist, mental health experts, marketing strategists, creatives, and technologists to destigmatize mental health through humor, straight-shooting, and practical tools. The best part? It works. The results of a 4-year, $1.2 million CDC-funded study show that Man Therapy not only reduces depression, suicide risk, and bad mental health days — it also improves help-seeking behavior in working-age men.
Tuesday, May 21st
Founded in 2007, the Arizona ACEs Consortium is a diverse group of individuals working together to create a strong and productive Arizona, where good health is available to all. We promote ideas, policies, and practices that bring awareness and understanding to the depth of the impact of childhood adversity and build resilience in individuals, families, and communities. We know that adverse childhood experiences can last a lifetime, but they don’t have to.
Our organization engages professionals and agencies to increase awareness about the causes, effects, and opportunities to mitigate the impact of ACEs in our community. We also support and empower Arizona’s most vulnerable groups so they can reach their full potential, which benefits our communities, our economy, and society as a whole.
Tuesday, May 21st
ICT Tuesday nights via Zoom at 7:00 PM Eastern.
What is ICT?
Integrative Community Therapy (ICT) is an accessible, effective method that does not rely on referrals, doctors, insurance, or wait lists to offer immediate, no-cost access to any person needing mental health support.
Our mission is to pioneer the introduction of this alternative approach, inspired by a Brazilian model known as Terapia Comunitária Integrativa, to mental and community health to communities all around the country.
ICT uses guided conversation between members of a community (defined by characteristics such as shared interests, socioeconomic status, occupation, cultural background, age, ethnicity, or geographic location) as a solution to the US mental health emergency.The method creates a safe space for people to share life experiences and wisdom, with each participant becoming their own therapist by listening to the life stories that are told, sharing in the responsibility of seeking solutions and overcoming daily challenges.This accessible, effective method does not rely on referrals, doctors, insurance, or wait lists, and offers immediate, no-cost access to any person needing mental health support in a warm, welcoming environment.
Tuesday, May 21th
Ghosts and Angels in the Nursery: Exploring the Intergenerational Transmission of Trauma and Healing
12:00-1:00pm CST
Zoom Webinar
1.0 CEU for LCSW/LSW and LCPC/LPCPresented by: Flora Cohen, Assistant Professor, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign School of Social Work.
Learn More HERE.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign School of Social Work
Wednesday, May 22nd
VOCE Our Story(vō-chāy) means voice.
We use our voice, and empower you to use yours, to create positive, lasting change in people's lives. We use our voice because we believe every person should belong and be empowered to thrive.
Our agency (previously known as Family Design Resources) began in 1999 by pioneering a model that is nationally recognized for expediting adoptions and supporting families.
Today, we provide consultation and training to agencies throughout the country in the areas of trauma and loss, adoption and permanency, diversity and inclusion, and individual and family well-being.
Additionally, with our partner Diakon, we co-administer the Statewide Adoption and Permanency Network (SWAN) program for the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.
Wednesday, May 22nd
May 22 @ 12:00 pm EDT
From Their Voices: What Higher Education Students Value in a Trauma-Informed Classroom
Engage participants in thoughtful conversation about why trauma-informed classrooms are necessary in higher education, examine what elements of trauma-informed classrooms are important to students, and consider ways to easily integrate trauma-informed principles into the classroom. Registration Required!
Free
Thursday, May 23rd
Pennsylvania Mental Health Consumers' Association (PMHCA) is a state-wide member organization dedicated to the support of all people who seek aid for recovery from a mental illness at any stage in their journey.
PMHCA also provides training to individuals in such areas as Mental Health Advance Directives, Peer Support, LGBTQI+ Issues, and other training.
PMHCA advocates for the continuation and improvement of mental health services in Pennsylvania by participating in both systems advocacy and grassroots advocacy.
System advocacy focuses on policy and law reform activities, contact with local officials, media releases, publications, and community trainings. Through systems advocacy, we seek to make changes in legislation and government policy as well as in policy and practices of service providers in order to guarantee fail treatment and social justice for people in recovery at the local, state, and national level. This can also include strategies like collective advocacy, community development and education, resource development, and lobbying.
Friday, May 24th
D.O.P.E. Coach Academy – a world where ambitious coaches can take their skills to the next level and make a real difference in the lives of their athletes.
At D.O.P.E. Coach Academy, we understand that being a coach isn’t just about winning games, it’s about empowering your athletes to be their best selves on and off the field or court.
We help ambitious Coaches become D.O.P.E. Coaches by teaching them the RITE Methods, the RITE Messaging, & the RITE Mindset, to be able to communicate with their athletes in the RITE State of Mind, with the RITE Tools.
The DOPE™ Coach & RITE™ Methods powered by The Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics in Sport developed by renowned Child Trauma Expert, Psychiatrist, & Neuroscientist, Dr. Bruce Perry. Dr. Perry co-authored The New York Times Bestselling book “What Happened to You?” Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, & Healing with Oprah Winfrey.
Friday, May 24th
Manya is a keynote speaker and advocate. Her life took an unexpected turn when the Boston Marathon bombings left her with deep emotional scars and post-traumatic stress. Her healing journey led her to help individuals and organizations reimagine leadership with a focus on empathy and well-being.
A communication expert with a background in writing, research, and marketing, Manya shares her powerful insights and helps individuals and organizations understand the mental and emotional effects of trauma and build resilience during times of change and crisis. She shared her wisdom on stages like SXSW and TEDx, on CBS, NPR, and in The Boston Globe.
Manya’s honest and down-to-earth approach when addressing challenging topics resonates with diverse audiences. Her passion lies in advocating for those affected by psychological wounds, emphasizing the importance of validation and visibility on the path to recovery and growth. She empowers her audiences to discover their inner strengths and take practical steps toward compassionate leadership.
Monday, May 27th - Friday, May 31st
Monday, May 27th
NAMI Metro Suburban is a grassroots individual and family mental health support, education and advocacy organization dedicated to improving the lives of people, families and communities affected by mental illness in the western suburbs of Cook County, IL.
NAMI Metro Suburban is an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. We are a grassroots family and consumer self-help support, education and advocacy organization dedicated to improving the lives of people, families and communities affected by mental illness in the western suburbs of Cook County. NAMI Metro Suburban is one of 900 affiliates nationwide.
Tuesday, May 28th
Pathways to Resilience raises awareness of the impact of adversity and trauma on individuals, families, and communities and advances cross-sector strategies for promoting equity, lifelong health, and well-being. We convene state and community leaders to break down silos, build connections, and identify and implement practical solutions.
Pathways recognizes the power of collaboration across the health, education, early childhood, housing, social services, and justice sectors to achieve common goals and believes that states and communities are in the best position to create a culture of healing and resilience for our children and families.
Tuesday, May 28th
ICT Tuesday nights via Zoom at 7:00 PM Eastern.
What is ICT?
Integrative Community Therapy (ICT) is an accessible, effective method that does not rely on referrals, doctors, insurance, or wait lists to offer immediate, no-cost access to any person needing mental health support.
Our mission is to pioneer the introduction of this alternative approach, inspired by a Brazilian model known as Terapia Comunitária Integrativa, to mental and community health to communities all around the country.
ICT uses guided conversation between members of a community (defined by characteristics such as shared interests, socioeconomic status, occupation, cultural background, age, ethnicity, or geographic location) as a solution to the US mental health emergency.The method creates a safe space for people to share life experiences and wisdom, with each participant becoming their own therapist by listening to the life stories that are told, sharing in the responsibility of seeking solutions and overcoming daily challenges.This accessible, effective method does not rely on referrals, doctors, insurance, or wait lists, and offers immediate, no-cost access to any person needing mental health support in a warm, welcoming environment.
Wednesday, May 29th
A proud program of the Chester County Health Department.
Introduction to ACEs
The Chester County ACEs Coalition, a collaborative network of individuals and organizations, increases awareness, knowledge, and prevention strategies on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), trauma, and toxic stress. Building resilience and fostering hope can offset the cycle of trauma as well as contribute to long-term health benefits, bringing strength to our communities.
We work towards our mission by offering the following opportunities:
Trauma Training Series - includes topics such as Trauma & Resiliency 101, Compassion Fatigue, Burnout, and the Importance of Self-Care, and Trauma-Informed Care & Evidence Based Practices.
Film Screenings - includes powerful documentaries that highlight the science behind ACEs/trauma as well as the importance of implementing trauma-informed care practices. Documentaries featured include Paper Tigers and Resilience: The Biology of Stress and the Science of Hope.
ACEs Community Meetings - The Chester County ACEs Coalition’s Leadership Committee hosts quarterly ACEs Community Meetings where different topics related to ACEs, trauma, toxic stress, hope and resiliency are highlighted and community members gain insight into the coalition’s work and progress.
Continued partnerships with key stakeholders within Chester County - We cultivate relationships with key stakeholders and providers within Chester County to offer the community a variety of different presentations and training opportunities to increase the awareness and knowledge of the impact of ACEs, trauma, and toxic stress.
Wednesday, May 29th
Finding Hope Through Resilience
ResourcesI Speakers I Hope Walk
Sponsored by:
Chester Country Suicide Prevention Tast Force , Penn Medicine Chester County Hospital , Mental Health / Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities , Chester County ACEs Coalition , NAMI , & Department of Drug & Alcohol Services of Chester County, PA
View the flyer here.
Thursday, May 30th
Be Part of the Solution with Trauma-Informed Approaches
Trauma impacts individuals, families, and communities in many ways, and on many levels. Caring professionals without appropriate training in trauma, and its effects, may actually worsen trauma-related issues. Be part of the solution–learn about the impact of trauma on clients, co-workers, friends, family, and even ourselves and become a trauma-informed professional. Learn more here.
Thursday, May 30th
Resilience and Safety Tools for Families and Caregivers
More info coming soon!
Friday, May 31st
Founded in 1975, PCAR works to end sexual violence and advocates for the rights and needs of all sexual assault victims. PCAR partners with a network of rape crisis programs to bring help, hope, and healing around issues of sexual violence to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. PCAR:
Ensures that communities have access to quality victim services and prevention education by providing funding, training, materials and assistance to a network of rape crisis centers that serve all of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties.
Provides resources and training on sexual assault-related issues to professionals across the Commonwealth.
Promotes public policies that provide protections and services to victims of sexual violence, hold offenders accountable, and enhance community safety.
Maria A. Turkson, Ph.D., Associate Teaching Professor of Psychology/Licensed Psychologist, at Penn State Harrisburg will discuss a case of domestic/intimate partner violence using a trauma-informed lens. Hope and resilience will also be discussed. Identifying information has been changed to protect the client's confidentiality. Dr. Turkson is a member of the National Register of Health Service Psychologists and she conducted therapy on gender-based violence in a Women's Center in Washington, DC, as well as in her private practice. Dr. Turkson has been a long time advocate for the prevention of domestic violence. She is the 2024 winner of a national award for Best Youth Initiative for her work on raising awareness of domestic violence among college students, including her mentorship of student internships focusing on gender-based violence, and she also won an award on campus for raising awareness of domestic violence.
Friday, May 31st
Scars to Stars Summit
From 10:00AM - 3:00PM EDT
Mark your calendars and get ready for an event like no other – the highly anticipated 2024 Scars to Stars Summitpresented by TAR Network™ during Mental Health Awareness Month. As we prepare to embark on this transformative journey, we invite you to join us for a day filled with inspiration, healing, and empowerment as we learn to deal with TAR (Toxic Abusive Relationships) in intimate relationships, worksites, among teens & tweens, high-conflict caregiving, parenting, and parental alienation. Whether you're a survivor of TAR or navigating the road to recovery, this summit is for you.
Register here: https://events.ringcentral
