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Volume 11  Issue 6 March 2022

This month we share:

Also included: upcoming trainings and events and employment opportunities. 
Winners of Children's Mental Health Matters Campaign Poster Contest Announced

Four students from Phillips School--Laurel combined their talents to create the inspiring winning poster design for this year's Children's Mental Health Matters Campaign.

The winning artwork, entitled "Freedom Through Expression," was created by Christian, Theo, Terrell and Jack under the guidance of their art teacher, Christina Haines. Their design reflects different coping mechanisms and creative outlets including reading, spending time with friends and family, dancing, playing video games, and drawing.The four students share an interest in comics, anime and manga, which is reflected in the style of their piece of art. Their entry was created using a technique called monoprinting.

The poster featuring the students' artwork will be used to promote the goals of the Children's Mental Health Matters! Campaign: to bring awareness to the importance of children's mental health; reduce the stigma surrounding mental health; and connect children and families with resources for prevention and support of mental health disorders. 

To request a copy of the poster, please email Tara Wetherell at [email protected]
 
Know the Signs of Problem Gambling

March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month, an annual grassroots public awareness and outreach campaign established by the National Council on Problem Gambling to educate the public and healthcare professionals about the warning signs of problem gambling and raise awareness about the help and resources available.

For most, gambling can be fun. But for some, gambling can get out of control, resulting in financial problems, legal issues, family/relationship conflict, and even suicide attempts. Signs someone may have a gambling problem include:
  • Preoccupation with gambling
  • Secretive about his/her gambling habits, and defensive when confronted
  • Trying unsuccessfully to control, cut back or stop gambling
  • Restless or irritable when not gambling
  • Gambling to escape problems
  • Trying to win back losses by more gambling
  • Lying to family and others about the extent of gambling
  • Jeopardizing or losing relationships, jobs or career opportunities because of gambling
  • Relying on others to bail them out or to relieve financial problems
Read More Online
What Is Self-Care and Why Is It Important?
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While many people may view self-care as a form of selfish indulgence, the act of caring for oneself is actually an important part of a person's overall well-being.

Self-care has been a trendy term in recent years, but many people do not fully understand what it means. Read on to find out more about self-care and why it's an important part of your mental and physical health.

Read More Online
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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
Also online:
Upcoming Trainings & Events:

Supporting an Autistic Child's Challenging Behavior
Join other parents and caregivers of children with autism to learn positive ways to navigate challenging behaviors. For more info, contact Jenice Bruce at 443-539-6410 or [email protected]

When: Thursday, April 21
Time: 6:00 to 7:00 PM
Where: Online via Zoom
Register at: https://go.mdcoalition.org/e/312281/3DfUBx6/hv2qh/1706680499?h=6z1x4PyfQgHQ3ef8GLL64WP4Flnoo8sWaB1qNc6dNek

Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences
Adverse childhood experiences (ACES) are serious childhood traumas that can result in toxic stress, which can damage the developing brain and body of children and affect overall health. Find out how the research around ACES is changing the fields of mental health, education and medicine. For more info, contact Christina Spangler at 443-472-7918 or [email protected]

When: Wednesday, April 27
Time: 6:00 to 7:30 PM
Where: Online via Zoom
Register at: https://go.mdcoalition.org/e/312281/3NsXEGT/hv2rw/1706680499?h=6z1x4PyfQgHQ3ef8GLL64WP4Flnoo8sWaB1qNc6dNek

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 openings in many areas of the state. Please check our website for a complete list of openings.

Statewide/Central Office:
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

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