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| Volume 16 Issue 1 |
July 2020 |
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This month we share:
Also included: upcoming trainings and events and employment opportunities.
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MCF's Overdose Response Program:
Getting Naloxone to Those in Need
 Naloxone, a medication used to reverse an opioid overdose, can rapidly restore normal breathing in a person who has overdosed on heroin or another opioid. In partnership with the Howard County Health Department, all nine of MCF’s Substance Use Family Peer Support Specialists across the state have been certified to deliver training on the use of Naloxone and to distribute Naloxone doses to families in need, all at no cost to families.
“MCF developed this program because we saw a need – our staff regularly encounter families with a loved one who is actively using opioids and these families need a safety plan immediately,” explains Trish Todd, MCF’s Substance Use Program Manager. “Through this program, we have been able to train individuals and distribute Naloxone to families on the spot.”
While initially trainings were done with families on a one-to-one basis, later our staff began offering trainings and Naloxone at support group meetings and during presentations to groups on Maryland’s Good Samaritan Law (this law offers legal protections for people who seek help in an emergency overdose situation, as well as for the person experiencing an overdose). Our staff also deliver these trainings online, as well as at workshops and resource fairs across the state.
Since MCF’s Overdose Response Program began in June 2019, 154 people have been trained and 356 doses of Naloxone have been distributed. Staff provide two doses of Naloxone to each person who is trained, and families that use up their doses can return to us for more. Each dose that is used has potentially saved a life.
For more information about Naloxone and Overdose Prevention training through MCF’s Overdose Response Program, contact Trish Todd at [email protected].
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Are you spending your screen time 'doomscrolling?'
 If you spend hours scrolling through social media and news during your downtime, you might be unintentionally harming your mental health. Defined as "the tendency to continue to surf or scroll through bad news, even though that news is saddening, disheartening or depressing," Make a self-care commitment to limit or eliminate doomscrolling and replace it with a calming app, or better yet, with a connection to someone you care about!
Read the Online Article
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Building a Magical Bond With Your Young Child
by Rachel Stoyanov, FPSS, MCF’s Midshore Regional Team
 I teach lots of classes these days, and parents of preschoolers always want to know the secret to happy, compliant “easy” kids. I can let the cat out of the bag for you today! The secret is building a bond as a family. You can do this by becoming an engaged parent and developing a “magical mindset.” A magical mindset means removing your heavy adult frame of mind and thinking like a little kid thinks. It means seeing the world around you with those young eyes. Trees are taller, bugs are cool, dirt feels
and smells amazing. You have so much magic inside you! Here’s how you can use it.
Read More
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How is COVID-19 Affecting Adolescents?
 Adolescents may appear to be less at risk for severe COVID-19 symptoms, but the pandemic has significantly disrupted their lives in many other ways. Social distancing and the interruption of typical school routines can be especially challenging for adolescents. Two of the developmental tasks of adolescence are to develop social skills and empathy and to develop a strong sense of identity. Both of these tasks happen primarily through interactions with their peers. It’s important for parents and educators to recognize that these
students are experiencing not only educational setbacks, but also setbacks in their social and emotional skills. Two faculty experts from the Johns Hopkins Center for Adolescent Health share their insights in this article.
Read the Online Article |
Are Video Games Priming Our Children for Gambling?
“Right now we are living in a new world, one that we have never experienced before, and with this comes the challenge of managing the way our children use technology,” says Nancy Quidas, MCF’s Problem Gambling Program Coordinator.
Most children are now spending substantial amounts of time on electronic devices, and often that means more time spent playing online video games--which can lead to gambling or risk taking behaviors. Many popular video games feature “loot boxes,” where players can spend money to gain access to mystery game features like better weapons, a better player, or extra points. There’s no way to know when making the purchase which of these features you’ll ultimately get, which can lead some children to make repeated purchases in hopes of getting that one elusive item.
“Without realizing it, when we purchase these items for our children we are supporting the risky behavior of spending real money for unknown virtual rewards,” explains Nancy.
Read More
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Get Connected With Our Online Support Groups
 MCF now offers many online support groups to provide a safe space for you to learn, share and receive compassionate help. All are facilitated by trained Family Peer Support Specialists who have dealt with similar challenges in their own families. Current groups are available for:
- Parents and caregivers of children with behavioral health challenges
- Young adults ages 18-26 struggling with behavioral health challenges
- Anyone who cares for a person struggling with substance use (alcohol or drugs)
- Parents who have lost a child to overdose
- Anyone who cares for a person struggling with problem gambling
Groups are free for all participants and are held on different days of the week and different times of day. Find one or more that can work for you and join us soon!
Find a Support Group
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Also online:
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Upcoming Trainings & Events:
Exploring the Stages of Change: Regrounding Our Response
Join Maryland Coalition of Families for a free virtual training for families and loved ones of those struggling with substance use disorders. Learn how to support yourself and your loved one by understanding addictive behaviors and the process of intentional behavior change.
When: Tuesday, August 11
Time: 7:00 – 8:30 PM
Where: Online
Read More and Register
For a complete list of upcoming trainings and events, visit our web site.
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MCF Employment Opportunities
MCF is growing, and we have employment opportunities that might be perfect for you or someone you know! We currently have job openings for:
Substance Use/Problem Gambling:
Mental Health
Early Childhood
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