ECCO First Round Judging Results & Next Steps -- (06-26-09) -- Congratulations OCSI Team! The Campaign Resource Group (CRG), an advisory group to the Caring for Every Child’s Mental Health Campaign (SAMHSA) conducted its first round of judging for the 2009 Excellence in Community Communications and Outreach (ECCO) Recognition Program. We have been selected as one of 24 finalists for our website and calendar in the category of "Community Outreach: Parents and Caregivers".

Free Braille Books Program -- (01-09-09) -- In 1997, the AAF started this program to provide blind children a free Braille book every month from a popular children's reading series. The books are for the children to keep and collect for as long as they want them. Blind youth, blind parents, teachers of the blind, schools, and libraries serving the blind are eligible to participate in this program.

Victory in Supreme Court -- (06-24-09) -- On June 22, 2009, the US Supreme Court in Forest Grove School District v. T.A. (No. 08-305) issued a 6-3 decision in favor of T.A., a student with AD/HD and related disorders. T.A. had ongoing difficulties in school but despite repeated requests was not evaluated for AD/HD by the Forest Grove (Oregon) School District.

Adolescent Mental Health: Service Setting and Reasons for Receiving Care -- (02-19-09) -- This is a a 3 page short report based on data from SAMHSA's National Survey on Drug Use & Health (NSDUH) that provides data on rates of services adolescents received from a long list of outpatient, residential, educational, and general medical settings such as hospital, foster care home, private therapist care, in-home therapist, school counselor, etc. Also included is a long list of reasons adolescents received mental health services including suicidal thought/attempts, eating problems, depression, etc.

FosterClub's Guide for Young People in Foster Care: Getting Through the Holidays -- (12-19-07) -- Lots of people talk about how stressful the holidays can be. But it can be REALLY tough for young people in foster care. This guide includes 10 tips for youth in foster care, developed by young people who know first-hand what it's like.

Prozac Can Help Teens with Co-occurring Addictions, Mental Illness, Researchers Say -- (11-16-07) -- Adolescents with co-occurring addictions and depression can benefit from a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy and fluoxetine (Prozac) in cases where therapy alone does not appear to be improving their depressive symptoms.

Talk, Listen, Connect: Helping Families During Military Deployment -- (04-02-07) -- This free, bilingual kit helps families with 3- to 5-year-olds cope with challenges and concerns related to pre-deployment, deployment, and homecoming. Including a DVD with the beloved Muppets from Sesame Street, and a magazine and poster for parents or caregivers.

Asperger's Syndrome - Children's Mental Health Fact Sheet for the Classroom -- (04-09-04) -- Asperger's Syndrome, a subset of the autism spectrum disorders, was first identified in the 1940's. Before knowledge of the diagnosis was expanded, the term "high functioning autism" was usually used. An increasing number of children are now being identified with this disorder.

Eating Disorders - Children's Mental Health Fact Sheet for the Classroom -- (06-23-04) -- People with eating disorders experience serious disturbances in their food intake or overeating, as well as extreme concern about body shape or weight. Eating disorders usually develop during adolescence or early adulthood. Eating disorders are not due to weak willpower or bad behavior, rather, they are real, treatable illnesses. The two main types of eating disorders are anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome/Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAS/FAE) - Children's Mental Health Fact Sheet for the Classroom -- (06-23-04) -- Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is brain damage and physical birth defects caused by a woman drinking alcohol during pregnancy. FAS can include growth deficiencies, central nervous system dysfunction that may include low IQ or mental retardation, and abnormal facial features (for example, small eye openings, small upturned nose, thin upper lip, small lower jaw, low set ears, and an overall small head circumference). Children lacking the distinguishing facial features may be labeled with fetal alcohol effects (FAE).

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) - Children's Mental Health Fact Sheet for the Classroom -- (06-23-04) -- Students with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) seem angry much of the time. They're quick to blame others for mistakes and act in negative, hostile, and vindictive ways. All students exhibit these behaviors at times, but in those with ODD, these behaviors occur more frequently than is typical in individuals of comparable age and level of development.

April is Autism Awareness Month -- (04-03-09) -- In order to increase public awareness about autism, the United States recognizes April as National Autism Awareness Month.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - Children's Mental Health Fact Sheet for the Classroom -- (06-23-04) -- Children who are involved in or witness to a traumatic event that involved intense fear, helplessness, or horror are at risk for developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The event is usually a situation where someone's life has been threatened or severe injury has occurred such as serious accidents, abuse, violence, or natural disasters. In some cases, the "event" may be a re-occurring trauma, such as continuing domestic violence.

Reactive Attachment Disorder - Children's Mental Health Fact Sheet for the Classroom -- (06-23-04) -- The essential feature of reactive attachment disorder (RAD) is a markedly disturbed and developmentally inappropriate social relatedness with peers and adults in most contexts. RAD begins before age five and is associated with grossly inadequate or pathological care that disregards the child's basic emotional and physical needs. In some cases, it is associated with repeated changes of a primary caregiver.

Schizophrenia - Children's Mental Health Fact Sheet for the Classroom -- (06-23-04) -- Schizophrenia is a medical illness that causes a person to think and act strangely. It is uncommon in young children - usually striking young people between the ages of 16 and 25. This disorder affects about one percent of the population. Schizophrenia can be difficult to recognize in its early phases.

Tourette's Disorder - Children's Mental Health Fact Sheet for the Classroom -- (06-23-04) -- Tourette's disorder is a neurological disorder that has dramatic consequences for some 200,000 Americans and affects an approximate additional two million to some degree. Boys identified with Tourette's disorder outnumber girls three to one; the disorder affects all races and ethnic groups. Researchers have traced the condition to a single abnormal gene that predisposes the individual to abnormal production or function of dopamine and other neurotransmitters in the brain. Although Tourette's disorder is classified as a mental health disorder, it is usually treated by a neurologist as well as a psychiatrist.

Spotlight on... -- (10-01-07) -- "Spotlight on...." will focus on a particular service offered or special information about a partner within the Northwest Minnesota Council of Collaboratives.

Spotlight on.. Fertile-Beltrami Public School District #599: "The Laptop High School" -- (10-01-07) -- The mission of the laptop program was to "level the playing field" for our students. As the need for technology skills increased, the faculty was finding that there was a larger and larger gap between the "have computers at home" students and the "have nots". The school district felt that it wanted to, not only help students, but also increase the technology exposure to the community by allowing students to have their laptops at home to share with family.

When Terrible Things Happen -- (03-23-09) -- Recognizing common reactions faced by survivors, and suggesting helpful and less helpful responses.

Alcohol, Medication, And Drug Use After A Disaster -- (03-23-09) -- Helping people understand and manage their use of alcohol, prescription medications, or other drugs after a disaster.

Coping with Your Emotions During Public Health Emergencies -- (03-23-09) -- Trifold brochure helping a person cope with anxiety during a public health emergency.

Helping Families Deal With the Stress of Relocation After a Disaster -- (03-23-09) -- ATSDR fact sheet to help family members of different ages deal with the stress of relocation.

Evacuation Checklist -- (03-30-09) -- If you are evacuating your neighborhood or city because of flooding or other disasters, consider taking the following items. While preparing, make sure that your vehicle has a full tank of gas or arrange for other transportation. Listen to your local radio station for updates on evacuation and shelter information. Remember to notify an emergency contact about where you are going.

Sexual Violence in Disasters: A planning guide for prevention and response -- (03-27-09) -- This guide offers readers important information about sexual violence and disasters that will help communities to understand the connection and develop better disaster responses.

Disaster "Go Kit" for Team Responders -- (03-25-09) -- Important information for team responders including an information checklist, code of conduct, safety as well as a supply list and a sample packing list.

Fact Sheets for Disasters -- (03-24-09) -- As the flood waters rise, and you are preparing your communities for flooding, we want to let you know about materials that are available from MDH regarding health threats.

FEMA Responder Knowledge Base (RKB) Toll Free Number and Email address -- (09-16-08) -- You can call 1-877-FEMA-RKB (1-877-336-2752) for live help with questions regarding the RKB, equipment, standards, available grants and many other topics from 8am - 5pm EST, Monday through Friday. Similarly, questions may be emailed at anytime to RKBMailbox@us.saic.com and will be acknowledged within 24 hours.

Addressing Emergency Psychological Needs During Traumatic Events -- (03-18-04) -- When people experience traumatic events, we address their physical and safety needs. ATSM offers "practical tools" for addressing the wide spectrum of traumatic experiences - from mild to the most severe.

Emotional Health Issues for Victims -- (04-10-09) -- Emotional health issues for victims, from the American Red Cross.

Warning Signs -- (04-10-09) -- Warning signs of trauma-related stress, from the American Psychological Association.

Critical Incident -- (04-10-09) -- Critical incident stress information sheet, from Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health.

Normalizing Emotions -- (04-10-09) -- You are not alone! Description of normal emotions following a disaster, from the American Red Cross.

Reducing Building Safety Fears -- (04-10-09) -- Reducing fear about building safety, by Dan Friedman, American Society of Home Inspectors.

Coping Suggestions -- (04-10-09) -- Coping suggestions, from Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health.

Steps to Take -- (04-10-09) -- After a disaster: Steps you can take, from Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health.

Helping Children After the Flood -- (03-23-09) -- Children react differently to a flood and its aftermath depending on their age, developmental level, and prior experiences.

Responder Self Care: Caring For Yourself in the Face of Difficult Work -- (03-23-09) -- Tips to help responders recognize stress and care for themselves while working on a traumatic event.

Psychological First Aid for First Responders -- (03-23-09) -- SAMHSA tips for emergency and disaster response workers.

Swine Influenza and You -- (04-27-09) -- Questions and answers regarding swine flu.

Key Facts about Swine Influenza -- (04-27-09) -- Questions and answers about key facts of swine flu.

INFLUENZA: Pigs, People and Public Health -- (04-27-09) -- Public health fact sheet for swine flu.

Connect for Kids: Online Resources for Helping Victims of Hurricane Katrina -- (09-09-05) -- In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Connect for Kids has pulled together online resources for helping those affected. We’ve divided them into three sections: Emergency Guidelines for Helping Victims looks at how government agencies are developing procedures for helping the displaced; Giving & Getting Help is a compilation of information on donating and volunteering, also on help available to those affected; and Help with Healing offers information on supporting kids and families dealing with trauma related to Katrina. We expect to update this resource frequently.

Springtime Stressors for Students and Staff -- (04-21-09) -- Spring time is a marker not only for new beginnings, but also for tragic events. The tragedies of past school shootings and other community acts of violence along with the flooding in northern Minnesota and the continuing economic crisis have provided students, staff and their families with many springtime stressors. While some of these pressures are “new”, there are constant factors and pressures on students and staff face each spring. School personnel should review them and be aware because these stressors may contribute to increased threats of violence and behavior problems each spring.

Help for Parents and Teachers to Recognize Children’s Reactions to the Recent ______Attacks -- (03-22-05) -- Children of all ages may experience a wide range of reactions to the recent ______ attacks, such as feeling frightened, confused, and insecure. Knowing the signs that are common at different ages can help parents and teachers to recognize problems and respond appropriately. To help parents and teachers, the Virginia Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services offers the tips below.

Senate Takes up FDA Tobacco Regulation Bill -- (06-15-09) -- This legislation would give the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the authority to regulate tobacco products.

National Survey Finds a Decrease in the Percentage of Adolescents Seeing Substance Use Prevention Messages in the Media -- (04-27-09) -- A new national report issued during National Alcohol Awareness Month provides both discouraging and encouraging news about the state of efforts to inform young people about the risks of underage drinking and illicit substances.

Trends in Adolescent Inhalant Use: 2002 to 2007 -- (03-18-09) -- This is a 3 page short report based on data from SAMHSA's National Survey on Drug Use & Health (NSDUH) that provides data on demographics and trends in inhalant use as well as on specific types of inhalants.

Not in My House -- (06-30-08) -- The Partnership for a Drug-Free America (PDFA) has joined with the Abbott pharmaceutical firm to sponsor a new campaign against teen prescription-drug misuse.

What You Need to Know About Drug Testing in Schools -- (03-18-08) -- From the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, this booklet is "designed to assist educators, parents, and community leaders in determining whether student drug testing is appropriate for their schools."

NAABT Patient/Physician Matching System -- (12-13-07) -- The National Alliance of Advocates for Buprenorphine Treatment has launched its National Patient/Physician Matching System to connect those addicted to opioids with doctors able to provide medical treatment with buprenorphine in the privacy of their office.

Early Childhood Developmental Wheel -- (11-02-07) -- In continuous child find efforts to reach Minnesota children and families on the importance of early childhood intervention, the ever-popular "Developmental Wheel - A Guide to Your Child's First Five Years" has been translated into Spanish, Hmong and Somali. The wheel describes some of the development children have by the time they reach certain ages (birth to five), as well as related nutrition, hearing, speech and language, and vision information. A new component is the list of things that families can do to help their child grow, learn and stay healthy and safe.

Disability Etiquette -- (10-07-08) -- A great resource for businesses, schools, organizations, staff training and disability awareness programs. This booklet provides tips for you to follow that will help create positive interactions and raise everyone's comfort levels. The publication offers advice related to a diverse number of specific disabilities.

Surviving Daylight Saving Switch -- (03-03-08) -- Planning ahead and following a few simple steps can help you minimize the impact of lost sleep when the clocks go ahead one hour on March 9, says the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

Broad plan seeks to eliminate childhood lead poisoning in state by 2010 -- (08-25-04) -- A plan to eliminate childhood lead poisoning in Minnesota by 2010 has been completed by a multi-agency workgroup and endorsed by Gov. Tim Pawlenty.

Involving Families of Youth Who Are in Contact with the Juvenile Justice System -- (11-14-07) -- This 6 page Research and Program Brief published by the National Center for Mental Health and Juvenile Justice offers insights into the way families experience the juvenile justice system and suggestions for juvenile justice system staff and families to work together in every stage of the system.

The Invisible Children's Project: An Example of a Promising Program -- (02-10-09) -- In 1993, the Mental Health Association (MHA) in Orange County, N.Y., began an effort to raise awareness of the needs of families in which a parent has a mental illness or co-occurring disorder. The MHA developed the Invisible Children's Project (ICP), a program that aims to integrate essential services for these parents, to increase their ability to function as parents and assist them in creating a safe and nurturing environment for their children.

PSAs Educate Parents and Target Potential Predators -- (12-17-08) -- The U.S. Department of Justice has announced four new public service announcements (PSAs) to help prevent online crimes against children.

PSAs Educate Parents and Target Potential Predators -- (12-17-08) -- The U.S. Department of Justice has announced four new public service announcements (PSAs) to help prevent online crimes against children.

Veterans' Resource Guide -- (11-18-08) -- You fought for the American way of life. Now improve your quality of life by getting the help you need. Referrals and information on mental health, substance abuse, and other services for you and your family are now available, many of them anonymous, many of them free of charge.

June is LGBT Pride Month -- (06-16-09) -- President Obama has declared June to be Lesbian, Gay, BIsexual and Transgender Pride Month.

Spotlight on... U.S. Office of Special Education Programs Technical Assistance Center on School-Wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports -- (09-08-08) -- Eight universities and four educational agencies collaborating to assist states in large-scale implementation of School-wide Positive Behavior Support to achieve both reduction in problem behavior and enhanced learning environments.

Spotlight on... Northwest Regional Corrections and Justice Center -- (03-03-08) -- Being incarcerated is far from a pleasant experience, as anyone who's ever been in jail can attest to. The education program at the Northwest Regional Corrections Center, however, aims to provide a bright spot in its inmates' days.

Spotlight On... Crookston School District #593: Prime Time Program -- (02-08-08) -- Crookston High School has started a new program called "Prime Time" this school year. The goal of Prime Time is to form positive relationships between students and teachers and also between other students.

Spotlight on... the Local Advisory Council for Children's Mental Health -- (01-25-08) -- Local mental health advisory councils (LAC) provide on of the best opportunities for you to participate at a local level in the development of mental health programs and policies. You will gain information on support services, organizations and resources.

Spotlight on... Our Children Succeed Initiative Enrollment Process Begins! -- (12-21-07) -- The Our Children Succeed Initiative formally started (the intake process of ) enrolling children on December 5, 2007. There were 17 referrals received in the first week.

Spotlight On... Norman-Mahnomen Public Health -- (12-14-07) -- The Norman-Mahnomen Public Health is working hard at getting the word out to the public about getting their flu shots!

Spotlight On.. Mahnomen County School District #432: School Home Interventionist - A Necessity in Schools -- (11-30-07) -- School home interventionist - a necessity in a school. The interventionist is a valuable person in a school to assist the students, parents, teachers and administration. This position has many components.

Spotlight On... Marshall County -- (10-26-07) -- Marshall County has been very proactive in the past year regarding the preservation of the county courthouse.

Spotlight On.. Red Lake Falls School District #630: J.A. Hughes Elementary School -- (10-02-07) -- When most people think of a classroom, they think of a teacher lecturing in front of a group of kids. But J.A. Hughes Elementary School in Red Lake Falls, Minn., is exploring a new classroom format that leverages HP technology within an interdisciplinary, project-based curriculum. The new approach re-casts teachers in the role of facilitator and encourages students to take fuller responsibility for their assignments.

Spotlight on... Tri-Valley's 40th Anniversary! -- (05-27-05) -- Everyone is invited to participate in the activities listed - June 21-23, 2005.

Spotlight on... the NEW Northwest Minnesota Connections website -- (11-03-04) -- The Council of Collaboratives is pleased to announce the launching of our "sister" website, the Northwest Minnesota Connections website.

Spotlight on... North Star Summer Program -- (09-22-04) -- The North Star Summer Program is designed to meet the needs of children in the Elementary School Setting, who have completed Kindergarten through Sixth Grade. The goal is to provide opportunities for children to learn more about and build life skills in various areas.

Spotlight on... RRV Juvenile Center -- (08-19-04) -- Located in Crookston, MN, the Center is in its sixth year of providing Shelter Care, Residential Evaluation/Treatment and Secure/Non-Secure Detention.

Spotlight on... First Call 2-1-1 -- (07-16-04) -- First Call 2-1-1 is a 24 hour, 7 days a week Information and Referral service which helps people find the programs they need. ALL CALLS ARE CONFIDENTIAL, ANONYMOUS AND FREE.

Web tool gives students voice to share hopes and dreams -- (03-20-09) -- Creating video clips with Tel*A*Vision helps kids learn more about themselves and their peers, schools say.

Workshop: Family Connections for family members with a loved one with Borderline Personality Disorder. Jan 7, 2010 St. Paul, MN. Class is 12 weeks. -- (12-07-09) -- The class provides the most current information on Borderline Personality Disorder, teaching coping skills and helps develop support networks. Registration required. Presented by NAMI.

Training/Conferences/Workshops -- (07-04-07) -- Upcoming training and workshop opportunities.

Returning Home From War: Tips for the Troops -- (04-21-09) -- The National Mental Health Association has developed the Coping With Disaster fact sheet series to help you and your loved ones cope during crisis and loss.

Returning from the War Zone: A Guide for Military Personnel -- (04-21-09) -- This guide is for services members returning from deployment. It contains information to help military personnel understand what to expect when returning from a war zone, and to help them to better adapt back to home life.

Transition Assistance for Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom Veterans -- (04-21-09) -- Discusses VA's Transition Centers and lists some resources for further information.

Warzone-Related Stress Reactions: What Veterans Need to Know -- (04-21-09) -- Most reactions to traumatic war experiencesare temporary, but sometimes the reactions continue after service members return home. Here you will find out what these reactions look like and how to get help.

Warzone-Related Stress Reactions: What Families Need to Know -- (04-21-09) -- Talks about how traumatic stress reactions affect families and also how important the family is in recovery.

Families in the Military -- (04-21-09) -- Deployment can lead to different affects for different family members. This sheet describes different reactions for various ages and provides tips to ease the stress.

Homecoming: Dealing with Changes and Expectations -- (04-21-09) -- Homecoming can be a joyful and also stressful time. This sheet reviews what reactions to expect of the service member, the spouse and children, as well as provides tips to help you have the best possible reunion.

Homecoming: Tips for Reunion -- (04-21-09) -- A brief list of tips for soldiers, spouses and children.

Coloring Book Pages for Kids -- (04-21-09) -- This is a coloring book for military kids dealing with deployment. It was written and illustrated by Deborah Butler.

Returning from the War Zone: A Guide for Families of Military Personnel -- (04-20-09) -- This guide is for services members and their families. It contains information to help military family members understand what to expect during the reintegration following time in a war zone, and to help them adapt back to home life with their loved one.

Bill would legally protect Minn. students from bullying -- (03-18-09) -- From the Star Tribune: Students throughout Minnesota would be legally protected from bullying under a bill that would expand the state's human rights protections to harassment in school.