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| Volume 16 Issue 9 |
May 2021 |
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This month we share:
Also included: upcoming trainings and events and employment opportunities.
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Children's Mental Health Awareness Week is Here!
 Children's Mental Health Awareness Week, May 2-8 has arrived! 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
- awareness events all over Maryland
When you join the campaign, 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,
Instagram or follow us on Twitter.
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10 Self-Care Tips for Spring
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 for 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 a 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]
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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 http://go.mdcoalition.org/e/312281/2021-05-03/fwhqh/1309264192?h=Rgut09A6_GJnF0O7uRMCBcST2o8NwXpCxmaiF8Kr7gI.
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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 Alkermes, 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. Alkermes believes that the most important feedback they can collect is from families. They are very interested in the experiences families have had with clinical trials and/or reasons why they may not consider enrolling their children.
The 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. 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 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:
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Upcoming Trainings & 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 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 for May 4
Click Here to Register for May 7
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] 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] 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:
Substance Use/Problem Gambling:
Mental Health
DJS/Substance Use/Mental Health
Kinship Navigator:
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