From MCF <[email protected]>
Subject MCF Newsletter: Self-Care Tips for Spring, How to Talk With a Loved One About Substance Use and More
Date May 3, 2021 9:01 PM
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Connecting, Supporting and Empowering Maryland Families

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Volume 16 Issue 9

April 2021

This month we share:

Children's Mental Health Awareness Week is Almost Here!

10 Self-Care Tips for Spring

Study Seeks Mothers of Young Children Dealing with Opioid Use

MSDE Special Education Survey for Parents

How to Talk With a Loved One About Their Substance Use

Clinical Trials for Youth: Feedback from Families Needed

Also included: upcoming trainings and events and employment opportunities.

Children's Mental Health Awareness Week is Almost Here!

Children's Mental Health Awareness Week, May 2-8--is coming up quickly! If your school or organization hasn't signed on as a campaign Champion yet, there's still time to take advantage of this great opportunity to promote Children's Mental Health Awareness. When you sign up, you get access to these great resources:

student activities and contests

a family resource kit

an educator resource kit

ready-to-go content for social media and publications

and more!

When you join the campaign

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, you'll be in the company of more than 600 schools and agencies who are helping to raise awareness and encouraging resiliency among Maryland's children. Be sure to connect with the Campaign on your favorite social network—like us on Facebook

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, Instagram

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or follow us on Twitter

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10 Self-Care Tips for Spring

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After a long, pandemic winter where we were isolated, distanced, and masked, spring has finally arrived in Maryland with warmer weather, longer days and the promise of social connections, especially at outdoor gatherings Self-care will continue to be important to keep you strong and healthy physically, emotionally and mentally. We asked some of our MCF staff to share their self-care tips fro spring. Here are the top 10!

Read More

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Study Seeks Mothers of Young Children Dealing With Opioid Use

​​​​​​If you are a mother of young child ages birth to five years, and you or someone in your family is dealing with Opioid use, you may be eligible to participate in a study through the University of Maryland Baltimore.

To participate in the study, you must be at least 18 years old and able to read and speak English. If you join the study, you will be asked to complete a survey by video, phone or in person. The survey will take about 45 minutes. You will receive a $35 e-card as a token to thank you for your time.

If you participate in the study, your identity will remain private. You will receive a summary of the study findings, which will also be shared with local, county and state officials. For more information, contact Sabrina Malachi at 443-615-1076 or [email protected]



Is Your Child Receiving Special Education Services Through an Individualized Education Program (IEP)? Make Your Voice Heard!

In early February, parents or guardians of children receiving special education and related services were mailed the Maryland Special Education Parent Involvement Survey from the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Division of Special Education/Early Intervention Services. Parents were asked to complete the survey and return it in the postage paid envelope by May 21, 2021.

The survey also may be completed online. Your feedback will help guide efforts to improve special education and related services in Maryland. Your voice can make a real difference for your child and other children across the state. To learn more or fill out the survey online, visit [link removed]

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How to Talk With a Loved One About Their Substance Use

Starting a conversation with a family member who is showing signs of substance use or a problem with alcohol can be daunting. You might worry about saying the wrong things, hurting your relationship, or causing your family member to become angry. Fear might cause you to decide that it's best to not bring up the issue, but if you think that your loved one might have a problem with drugs or alcohol, having a conversation could be the impetus that ultimately leads your family member to accept help.

Read More

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Clinical Trials for Youth: Feedback from Families Needed

The National Federation of Families (NFF) is partnering with Aikermes, a global pharmaceutical company, to help them to learn more about the perspectives of families regarding clinical trials for children living with a mental illness Aikermes believes that the most important feedback they can collect is from families. The are very interested in the experiences families have had with clinical trials and/or reasons why they may not consider enrolling their children.

he results of the survey will provide insight to researchers of the best ways to inform parents/caregivers about ongoing clinical research studies as well as provide information about what material is needed prior to and during participation in a clinical study. To participate in the survey in English, click here.

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To participate in the survey in Spanish, click here.

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Get Connected With Our Online Support Groups

MCF now offers many online support groups

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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

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Also online:

Opioid Use, Fentanyl Deaths Spike Amid Pandemic in Maryland

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When Are Kids Old Enough to Talk About Race?

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Amid Pandemic, Self-Barred Gamblers Are Returning to Casinos

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Upcoming Trainings &amp; Events:

Laughter Yoga

Join us for this free, family friendly virtual event! Why wait for something funny to happen to laugh? Learn how to create your own laughter whenever you feel like it! It’s easy to do and so much fun! For more information, contact Christina Spangler via email

mailto:[email protected]

or 443-472-7918.

When: Tuesday, May 4 and Friday, May 7

Time: 7:00 to 8:00 PM

Where: Online

Click Here to Register

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for May 4

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Click Here to Register for May 7

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​​​​Talk It Out Thursday Support Session for Baltimore City Families

Join other parents and caregivers of children with mental or behavioral health challenges to share challenges, milestones and accomplishments.

When: Thursday, May 6

Time: 4:30 to 6:30 PM

Where: Online

To register, contact Quiana White at [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

or 443-878-3115.

Family Friendly Fun: Things to Do With Your Kids in Western Maryland

Join us and discover all that Western Maryland has to offer families this summer with free and affordable activities in the region! Learn about area summer programs, nature activities, rainy day fun and local historical sites.

When: Monday, May 24

Time: 9:00 to 10:30 AM

Where: Online

To register and receive Zoom link, contact Christi Vaughan at [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

or 202-590-0060.

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

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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:

Statewide/Central Office:

Director of Human Resources

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Substance Use/Problem Gambling:

Family Peer Support Specialist, Lower Shore

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Family Peer Support Specialist, C

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ecil and Kent Counties

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Mental Health

Family Peer Support Specialist, Prince George's County

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DJS/Substance Use/Mental Health

Family Peer Support Specialist, DJS Lower Shore Maryland

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Kinship Navigator:

Kinship Peer Support Specialist, Frederick County

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Kinship Peer Support Specialist, Lower Shore Maryland

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Click here for a complete list of employment opportunities

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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

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Copyright © 2021, All rights reserved.

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Maryland Coalition of Families

10632 Little Patuxent Parkway

Suite 234

Columbia, MD 21044

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