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Family Focus
Volume 16  Issue 8 March 2021

This month we share:

Also included: upcoming trainings and events and employment opportunities. 
Join the Children's Mental Health Matters! Campaign

For more than 20 years, the Children's Mental Health Matters! Campaign, co-sponsored by MCF and the Mental Health Association of Maryland, has brought together schools, non-profits and other agencies with the goals of :
  • raising public awareness of the importance of children's mental health;
  • reducing the stigma of mental health issues; and
  • connecting families, educators and providers throughout Maryland with resources to help children
We encourage you to join the campaign along with more than 500 schools and agencies as a School or Community Champion to share resources and events, as well as participate in raising awareness and encouraging resiliency among Maryland's children. Visit www.ChildrensMentalHealthMatters.org for digital resources and information about the 2021 Campaign as they become available. For updates, connect with the Campaign on your favorite social network—like us on  Facebook, Instagram or follow us on Twitter.    
Five Signs That Someone You Love Has a Gambling Problem

​​​​​​March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month, the perfect time to check in with your friends and family who enjoy gambling— which can include casinos, poker, scratch-offs, sports betting and even Bingo and some video games.

While social or recreational gambling can be a fun pastime, for some, it can turn into a serious problem that interferes with finances and relationships. "Gambling stimulates the brain's reward system much like drugs or alcohol can, which can lead to addiction," explains Nancy Quidas, Problem Gambling Program Coordinator at Maryland Coalition of Families. "However, there are important differences between recreational gambling and gambling addiction--signs you can watch for that indicate your loved one has a problem."

Read More
 
Four Tips to Help With "Zoom Fatigue"

If you are feeling worn out after a day of video calls, recent research shows that there are some good reasons why. As social distancing protocols have kept us apart from each other, virtual meetings have skyrocketed and the term "Zoom fatigue" has become part of our wellness vocabulary.

Stanford University researchers recently studied this phenomenon and have come up with four tips to take advantage of the benefits of videoconferencing while decreasing the fatigue it can create.

Read More
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 with behavioral health challenges
  • Anyone who cares for a person with a substance use issue (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
Also online:
Upcoming Trainings & Events:

Eastern Shore Substance Use Resource Fairs
Join MCF and other local Eastern Shore agencies to learn about the substance use and behavioral health services available in your community, all from the comfort of your home. Local providers will be available to describe their services and answer your questions. 

When: Tuesday, March 23 (Upper Shore), Wednesday, March 24 ((Mid Shore)
and Thursday, March 25 (Upper Shore)
Time: 12:00 to 1:00 PM
Where: Online

Click Here to Register

Opioid Overdose Response Training
Join Maryland Coalition of Families for this interactive, online training and gain the skills necessary to save a life in case of an opioid overdose. Participants will receive a free Naloxone kit.

When: Thursday, March 25
Time: 6:00 to 7:00 PM
Where: Online

Click Here to Register

Does Someone You Love Have a Gambling Addiction?
Learn to recognize the difference between social gambling and problem gambling, the common types of gambling addiction and signs that your loved one needs help.

When: Wednesday, March 31
Time: 5:30 to 6:30 PM
Where: Online

Click Here to Register

For a complete list of upcoming workshops and events, please visit our events page.
 

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:

Statewide/Central Office: Substance Use/Problem Gambling: Mental Health  
Maryland Coalition of Families (MCF) helps families who care for someone with behavioral health needs. Using personal experience as parents, caregivers, youth and other loved ones, we connect, support and empower Maryland’s families. Our staff provide one-to-one support to parents and caregivers of young people with mental health issues and to any loved one who cares for someone with a substance use or gambling issue.  
 
10632 Little Patuxent Pkwy Suite 234  |  Columbia, MD 21044
Toll Free: (888) 607-3637  |  Fax: (410) 730-8331

 www.mdcoalition.org  | Connect on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn |  Join the Mailing List
 
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Our mailing address is:

Maryland Coalition of Families
10632 Little Patuxent Parkway
Suite 234
Columbia, MD 21044
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