Frontline Strong Together 5 on LinkedIn: 🛎️IMPORTANT! We invite all first responders and veterans to take this… (2024)

What a week! It’s Friday, and I wanted to take a moment to reflect. Many people often ask: what do you do as a professor? I can tell you that my weeks are wildly different, all with the ultimate goal of creating or having impact!When thinking about this past week, I’ve had many opportunities. I spent part of my time engaging in a listening session for Face the Fight with veterans from groups whose voices we don’t always hear from in order to understand their views on suicide prevention efforts. This meeting left a lasting impression (more to come, I promise!).I also connected with multiple organizations dedicated to supporting suicide prevention efforts. We discussed potential projects and future collaborations, ranging from peer support and spiritual-based programs to software and app-based interventions.STRONG STAR Training Initiative provided Crisis Response Plan Training for suicide prevention at no cost, which I had the honor of leading. This event brought together around 100 individuals eager to learn skills to help prevent suicide. Check out our page for upcoming opportunities!As part of our learning communities at STRONG STAR Training Initiative, I hosted consultations for therapists mastering Cognitive Processing Therapy and Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Suicide Prevention. These therapists are truly all-stars and are opening access for many to evidence-based treatments!We at STRONG STAR Training Initiative worked with our collaborators at Face the Fight and USAA to check in on progress, discuss strategies for the future, and disseminate key information to stakeholders.Additionally, I planned a peer-support training and mental health check-in program for local law enforcement agencies, an area that is a significant focus for many in this field. Thanks Chief Brandon Erekson for facilitating this!During the week, our team continued to move forward with planning new and innovative programs and platforms to support others in learning evidence-based treatments (another stay-tuned moment!).All of this in just one week! Each week brings new challenges, and I am thankful to be working on such important projects with great people. Can’t wait to see what next week brings😊Happy Friday!#mentalhealth #Veterans #suicideprevention #mentalhealthmatters

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https://lnkd.in/efbgW3dhPlease read and share this important article focusing on the mental health crisis among our nation's veterans and the failures of the Department of Veterans Affairs in meeting their needs. The article focuses on one of my clients, the Dash family, and their struggle with the VA system, the tragic loss of Brieux Dash, and the litigation I helped see them through.

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“The findings confirmed exactly what we knew. More than nine in 10 Alabamians see mental health and substance abuse treatment as a big priority, 90% believe mental health and substance abuse issues are hurting our communities,” said Holly McCorkle with the Alabama Council for Behavioral Healthcare.It’s one thing for me or someone else working in mental health to advocate for more funding and mental health services. We see the need every day in the trenches. But this survey of Alabama citizens reports the exact same thing. They see the need for more mental health funding to expand services in our communities. Let’s get this done. Let’s build a comprehensive crisis care system, outpatient and speciality care system that promotes same day access to needed services staffed by well compensated staff. Let’s build fully staffed 988 call centers throughout the state that answer the call when veterans and other citizens need someone to listen. I know we can accomplish great things in mental health treatment. We have proven we can accomplish great things in other areas. We build ships in Mobile. We launch rockets in Huntsville. We win championships in Tuscaloosa. We build cars in Montgomery. We incubate entrepreneurs in Birmingham, Shipt anyone. Let’s lead in mental healthcare.

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Some former service members might not feel comfortable and safe prioritizing their behavioral health and reaching out for support. With the right supports and resources #Veterans experiencing mental and substance use disorders can recover and lead meaningful lives. Read more in our blog: https://lnkd.in/ewFrjuhu #VeteransDay

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🇺🇸 Supporting Veterans' Mental Health: The Compact Act 🇺🇸This September, as we focus on Suicide Awareness, let's shine a spotlight on our Veterans and the crucial role the Compact Act plays in their mental health care.Our Veterans have faced incredible challenges while serving our nation, and their mental well-being is of utmost importance. The Compact Act is a beacon of hope, ensuring that our Veterans receive the mental health care they deserve.🤝 What is the Compact Act? 🤝 The Compact Act is legislation designed to enhance access to mental health services for Veterans, especially in regions with limited resources. It fosters collaboration between the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and local healthcare providers to ensure timely and quality care.💪 Empowering Veterans: 💪 By supporting the Compact Act, we empower our Veterans to seek the help they need without undue barriers. It reduces the stigma associated with mental health issues and reinforces that seeking help is a sign of strength.❤️ Preventing Suicide: ❤️ Suicide among Veterans is a pressing concern, but with the Compact Act, we take a significant step towards preventing these tragedies. Timely access to mental health services can be a lifeline for those in crisis.🗣️ Raise Your Voice: 🗣️ This September, let's raise our voices in support of Veterans' mental health. Share this post, spread awareness, and encourage your representatives to prioritize the Compact Act.Together, we can make sure our Veterans receive the mental health care they've earned through their service. Let's honor their sacrifice by standing up for their well-being. 🙏 #VeteransMentalHealth #CompactAct #SuicideAwareness #SupportOurVeteransReach out to me if you have questions or need a local resource in Southern California. Abel GalvanBHC Alhambra Hospital 562 294 1817

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Like all sector leaders I celebrate the commitment to primary prevention. It is critical and part of changing the story. But unless this is supported by an uplift in funding for trauma capable response services we simply wont change things. Imagine this: a man is using disrespectful language around his friends about a partner. He gets called on it. He wants to change his behaviour - where does he go to? We have little to no de stigmatising early intervention services for men. Or, a man verbally abuses his girlfriend. He grew up with a violent dad. He is struggling with his mental health and is deeply ashamed. He wants to change. Where can he receive treatment and support? Really almost nowhere. We have 100’s of men on the waitlist and they are all in contact with the justice system already. Let’s build accountability through personal responsibility. Which can only be done through flexible, integrated trauma capable work. Successful prevention and early intervention has to be supported by pathways to support. We can rewrite the story but it needs all authors at the table. Every part of the system working together keeps people safe.

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DAV (Disabled American Veterans) supports H.R. 5247, in accordance with DAV Resolution No. 250, which calls for effective recruitment, retention, and development of the VA health care workforce."The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) National Center for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), noted in 2023, that PTSD is more common among veterans than civilians. At some point in their life, 7 out of every 100 Veterans (or 7%) will have PTSD. The VA'sNational Suicide Prevention Report of 2023, reported in 2021, 6,392 veterans died by suicide and many veterans struggle to get timely mental health services they need and deserve.Recruiting and hiring mental health specialists is challenging, which hinders VA’s ability to support the growing number of veterans seeking help. A 2023 VA Inspector General report revealed that more than half of VA’s 139 medical facilities faced a severe shortage of psychiatrists.H.R. 5247, the Expedited Hiring for VA Trained Psychiatrists Act of 2023, aims to reduce wait times for veterans seeking mental health care by allowing the VA to establish a fast-track process for hiring psychiatrists."Follow this link to take action and make your voice heard on Capitol Hill!

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The Franklin County Commissioners have proclaimed the week of September 18 to be National Co-Responder and Crisis Responder Week in Franklin County. In doing so, the commissioners are asking residents to recognize the efforts these professionals undertake to divert individuals in mental health crisis away from the criminal justice system and toward community-based supportive services.Mental health challenges may lead to a variety of unfavorable outcomes, which can be more intrusive and more costly for communities and detrimental for individuals compared to early interventions through local behavioral health services.Seeing that impact and a corresponding need for additional behavioral health resources, Franklin County established a Mental Health Co-Responder Program to embed mental health professionals with law enforcement agencies to respond collaboratively to individuals in crisis, provide the right intervention at the right time to avoid arrests, emergency room visits, and repeat 911 calls by connecting those individuals to appropriate resources.Since May 2017, co-responders with the Chambersburg, Greencastle, Washington Township and Waynesboro police departments have served over 1,700 individuals for more than 9,000 contacts. Of those 1,700-plus individuals, 91% have not had additional contact with law enforcement.Read the full press release: https://bit.ly/3ZqPyou

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📢 SpeakUp! is proud to support the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) 2024 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention plan, emphasizing the power of Care, Connect, and Collaborate. Join us in this vital mission! 🙌CARE: Suicide prevention requires a thoughtful strategy, integrating prevention, intervention, and postvention supports.CONNECT: Community and cultural connections are key protective factors for health and well-being, including protecting against suicide risk. Utilizing data and research informs and improves effective suicide prevention strategies.COLLABORATE: A comprehensive approach relies on collaboration with public and private sector partners, individuals with lived experiences, and those in populations disproportionately affected by suicide and suicide attempts.Learn more at www.hhs.gov/nsspOne way SpeakUp! is contributing to this mission is by offering vital training sessions to equip our community with the skills needed to support those in need and help prevent suicide. We're excited to announce that we will be hosting 4 Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) trainings and 4 QPR trainings during the 2024/2025 academic year.🧠 Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA)This course teaches participants how to assist someone developing a mental health issue or experiencing a crisis.💬 QPR (Question. Persuade. Refer.) Training focused on reducing suicidal behaviors by teaching participants how to recognize the warning signs, offer hope, and refer for help.Mark your calendars for these important training dates:YMHFA Training📅 Wednesday, September 24, 2024📅 Wednesday, November 6, 2024📅 Wednesday, January 22, 2025📅 Wednesday, April 23, 2025QPR Training📅 Wednesday, October 30, 2024📅 Wednesday, December 18, 2024📅 Wednesday, March 19, 2025📅 Wednesday, April 16, 2025Together, let's make a difference!#suicideprevention #actionalliance #MentalHealthMatters #SpeakUp #CareConnectCollaborate #988Lifeline National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention

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🚨 New Systematic Review Alert! 🚨Exciting news! A Rapid Review of the Barriers and Facilitators of Mental Health Service Access Among Veterans and Their Families, authored by Dr. Natalie Ein- postdoc at -Western University and colleagues at the MacDonald Franklin OSI Research and Innovation Centre - Lawson Health Research Institute - St. Joseph's Health Care London, has been published on July 21, 2024, in Frontiers in Health Services. Check out the full article here.Key Takeaways:🪖 Transitioning to civilian life is crucial for Veterans and their families, emphasizing the need for accessible mental health services.🔍 This review analyzed 60 articles and 67 independent samples following the Cochrane Handbook and PRISMA-RR guidelines.📊 Barriers included 23 themes, with navigating the mental health care system being a significant challenge. Facilitators highlighted the importance of support in navigating the system, falling under the environmental context and resources domain.Discussion:The diverse experiences showcased the complexity of addressing mental health service access for Veterans and their families. Coordinated efforts are essential to overcome systemic, logistical, social, and interpersonal obstacles for improved access and outcomes.Conclusion:This review underscores the intricate nature of mental health care access, advocating for comprehensive multi-faceted approaches to effectively support Veterans and their families' needs. Let's collaborate to break down barriers and enhance mental health services for those who have served and their loved ones.#MentalHealth #Veterans #HealthcareAccess #SystematicReview #FrontiersInHealthServices #SupportOurTroops #VeteranFamilies #HealthServicesResearch

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