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.

Hand in Hand: Academic Success and Social Success -- (04-23-09) -- A new study from the University of Wisconsin-Madison has shown that children's academic accomplishments are directly related to their emotional health. The report recommends that schools use the resources they already have on hand to provide mental health services for students, but need to focus on making these services a part of the mainstream academic experiences for more students.

Children's Perspectives of Their Mental Health Services -- (07-16-08) -- This literature review attempted to summarize research examining foster children's perspectives of child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS). Given the dearth of information on this topic, the authors instead reviewed the literature on children's and youth's perspectives of mental health services.

Are Brothers and Sisters a Good Source of Support? -- (01-23-08) -- This longitudinal study investigated the effects of positive sibling relationships on the mental health of children who experience stressful life events.

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.

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.

MDH Emergency Preparedness - Chart/Map -- (05-01-08) -- Public Health, Healthcare, and Behavioral Health Preparedness Regions and Teams Three-in-one: a single chart/map showing regional RHRCs, PHPCs, and RBHCs.

September is National Preparedness Month -- (07-17-07) -- Get a Kit. Make a Plan. Be informed and get involved.

U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security Sponsors Fourth Annual National Preparedness Month -- (07-06-07) -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security will sponsor the fourth annual National Preparedness Month this September and encourage Americans to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and communities. This year's effort has a growing coalition of more than 625 national, regional, state, and local organizations pledging support.

Hurricane Coloring Book -- (11-14-07) -- Coloring book for children who have survived a hurricane.

When Can We Go Home? -- (11-14-07) -- Children have to leave their homes for many reasons. This book is designed to help children do two things: cope with the reality of being away from their homes and develop the "emotional intelligence" skills they need to be resilient throughout life.

Pup's World -- (11-13-07) -- This interactive and educational coloring book is designed to help children understand and be prepared for disasters.

Time-sensitive: Hepatitis A Outbreak -- (10-26-07) -- This is to inform you of a hepatitis A outbreak involving several cases and a number of possible exposure situations for residents of numerous Minnesota counties.

Talking to Children About Swine Flu (H1N1): A Parent Resource - PDF/Audio Versions -- (05-06-09) -- Handout for parents on talking with kids about the swine flu: The National Association of School Nurses (NASN), the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), and the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) have partnered to develop and disseminate a handout for parents on talking to their children about the Swine Flu virus.

Officials offer recommendations for protecting respiratory health while doing flood cleanup work -- (08-19-07) -- State health officials are recommending that people take steps to protect their respiratory health if they do flood cleanup work that releases dust into the air.

Minnesota Goes "Code Ready" -- (06-13-07) -- New campaign helps Minnesotans prepare for disasters.

Adolescent Development and Alcohol: Brain, Body, Behavior and Cultural Context - April 23, 2009 -- (03-13-09) -- In part two of our look at the interaction between alcohol and the developing adolescent brain, we will discuss not only the latest research on the pre-adolescent and adolescent brain, but also other aspects of adolescent physiology and psychosocial development and how they interact in response to alcohol exposure. This information can help enhance work with law enforcement, parents, communities and decision makers. Given developmental determinants, the question of how teens would be expected to interpret conflicting environmental messages underscores the need to be even more focused on environmental strategies.

Smoking Bans Encourage Quitting -- (11-02-07) -- Public smoking bans help smokers quit both by reducing exposure to nicotine and changing perceptions about behavior.

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.

Carbon-monoxide alarms now mandatory in all homes -- (07-30-08) -- Star Tribune: A new law takes effect Friday requiring all single-family homes in Minnesota to have a carbon-monoxide detector within 10 feet of each bedroom.

Peak West Nile virus season is here: Minnesota reports first West Nile virus cases of 2008 -- (07-28-08) -- With the first human cases of West Nile virus (WNV) disease for 2008 confirmed in three Minnesota residents, state health officials today urged Minnesotans to protect themselves from mosquitoes from now through September.

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.

January is ideal time to test home for radon, health officials say -- (01-11-08) -- Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., and nearly one in three Minnesota homes contain potentially harmful levels of the tasteless, odorless gas that occurs naturally in rock and soils. The only way to know for sure if your home has it is to test for it, say Minnesota health officials, and January is an ideal time to do it

How to get flu vaccine to children en masse -- (03-18-08) -- With a federal panel now urging annual flu shots for all school-aged children, Minnesota health officials are looking for new and creative ways to offer the vaccine en masse.

Applying for free weatherization aid -- (06-23-09) -- Families earning no more than 50 percent of the state median income may qualify. (That would be $40,738 or less for a family of four.) Priority is given to households with at least one elderly or disabled member, and to homes with high heating bills.

Know of a "shovel ready" pedestrian or bike project? -- (03-02-09) -- The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, often referred to as the federal stimulus act, is providing $500 million to Minnesota for "shovel-ready" transportation projects. The funding is being managed by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT).

Depression: Out of the Shadows - May 21, 2008 -- (05-14-08) -- A PBS report on depression, including treatment options. Jane Pauley moderates a discussion after the film.

Black and Blue: Depression Among African-Americans -- (01-18-08) -- Depression knows nothing of skin color, yet cultural influences shape how people of different races deal with the illness.

TIDE - Loads of Hope Dispatched to FM and Surrounding Area -- (04-23-09) -- Good news! We are dispatching the TIDE- Loads of Hope truck to the FM area & it will be located at the Hornbacher's-Osgood store. This is a FREE service.

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.

VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) -- (12-15-08) -- VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) will be available to assist MN families again this year.

VITA Income Tax Help -- (01-07-08) -- With tax season approaching, there is a service available that will assist low to moderate income families and individuals file their taxes for free. VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) volunteers will be visiting EGF, Crookston and Warren throughout Feb., March, and April. They will e-file taxes for clients and refunds can be expected usually within 5-10 business days.

24-hour hot line to open up for veterans in crisis -- (07-03-07) -- The Veterans Affairs Department is starting a suicide prevention hot line Aug. 31, with calls to be answered at a VA medical center in New York.

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... Win-E-Mac Public School District #2609: Project Lead the Way News -- (11-09-07) -- Something new and exciting is taking place at the Win-E-Mac School. In an effort to involve our school in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) initiatives, the Win-E-Mac School has made a commitment to the Project Lead the Way (PLTW) curriculum.

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.

We Can Parent Together: Tools for engaging fathers, mothers, and others in co-parenting - Various Dates/Locations - Sept. 24 - Nov. 5, 2009 -- (07-06-09) -- When parents are consistent and support each other in the task of parenting, children benefit. This workshop presents the basics and benefits of co-parenting, and offers strategies and best practices to utilize in supporting any family working to raise children in a healthy, safe environment. Specific focus will be given to the unique challenges of divorcing and never-married parents, adolescent parents, or those with substance-abuse / dependence-related concerns.

Hope for Recovery - May 16, 2009 -- (05-07-09) -- Spend a Saturday with a trained family member who will offer information, hope and practical strategies for dealing with the complexities of mental illness. Participants learn information about: mental illnesses, treatments and recovery, coping strategies, about the mental health system and local resources.

Walk for Mental Health Awareness - May 2, 2009 -- (04-23-09) -- The Mental Health Awareness Walk will launch with a brief ceremony and open microphone. It will be followed by a gentle walk around the bike path. Green is the recognized color for mental health awareness. ** If the weather does not cooperate, the Walk will move inside to the Eagle's Nest Dining Area at UMC. **

Mom's Night Out - Apr 25 & 26, 2009 -- (04-23-09) -- For mothers of children with disabilities: Enjoy a dinner, networking, time to relax.

Transition Planning and Community Resources: What You Need to Know - Apr. 16, 2009 -- (04-09-09) -- This workshop is designed for parents of transition aged youth with disabilities. Students, teachers, and other professionals are also welcome to attend.

Surviving Parenthood - Apr. 2, 2009 -- (03-09-09) -- Parenting is a difficult job! An adoptive mom of 12 children, most with special needs, shares how she and her husband have used a sense of humor to make it through the first twelve years of parenting.

Inside the Mind of a Predator - Apr. 2, 2009 -- (03-04-09) -- This free workshop will discuss how sexual predators think and offer advice on how to keep your children safe.

Parenting Native American Teens Who Have Experienced Trauma and Violence in the Home - Feb. 25, 2009 -- (02-11-09) -- This workshop is for parents, community members and professionals to gain insights and ideas for walking with Native Teens who have experienced trauma or violence in the home on their path of resilience. You can have a positive influence in their lives in spite of what they have experienced and what problematic behaviors you see them doing. This workshop will provide some practical tools as well as increase the knowledge and understanding of our roles as adults in the teens' lives.

Minnesota Fatherhood Summit - Jan. 12-13, 2009 -- (01-06-09) -- A training conference for practitioners, policy makers, professionals, and parents interested in working with fathers, families, and children.

Understanding and Planning for School Bomb Threat Incidents - Free 1/2 Day Workshop - Several Scheduled for Oct/Nov 2008 -- (09-25-08) -- Deciding what to do with bomb threats is a challenge to any school administrator and their school safety partners. In an attempt to provide the most current information and training regarding bomb threats, the Minnesota School Safety Center in conjunction with the Minnesota Department of Education will conduct a series of regional workshops on practical strategies for handling bomb threat incidents.

Say Yes to No - August 26th, 2008 -- (06-10-08) -- David Walsh, Ph. D. has emerged as one of the world’s leading authorities on parenting and the impact of media on children’s health and development.

Northwestern Mental Health Center Open House - May 15th, 2008 -- (05-07-08) -- Enjoy a tour of the building and a brief ceremony. Refreshments will be served!

Cass and Clay County Children's Mental Health Fair - May 8, 2008 -- (05-01-08) -- Learn about children's mental health services available in our area. Children's mental health information, interactive games, prizes, resources and more!

Children's Mental Health Information Series - May 8, 15 and 22, 2008 -- (04-23-08) -- For parents, child care providers, teachers, social workers and other interested community members. Sessions are free of charge, registration is limited. Attendance certificates are available at the conclusion of each session fulfilling MN/ND teacher, child care and social work training requirements. Free, limited childcare available by reservation only. Food will be provided to registered attendees.

Psychological First Aid Training - FREE - January 24, 2008 -- (01-18-08) -- This free presentation provides a basic overview of the concept of Psychological First Aid. Psychological First Aid includes a set of skills that helps communities care for their families, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and themselves by providing basic psychological support to manage stress in the aftermath of traumatic events.

Behavior & Inclusion on the Autism Spectrum - Nov. 6 and 7, 2007 -- (10-30-07) -- Attend one or both days of training. Increase understanding of the characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) that impact behavior and can foster communication breakdowns and feelings of being overwhelmed. Participants will learn practical ways of supporting students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and other significant disabilities. These sessions are for parents and professionals.

More Than a Few Good Men - Nov. 12 -- (10-25-07) -- Join national violence prevention activist Jackson Katz for a compelling evening on ending violence. Alerus Financial and CVIC are co-sponsoring a week to promote healthy relationships in our community. This is a FREE event and open to the public.

Teens, Sex & Safety - Nov. 15 -- (10-25-07) -- Join leading dating relationship expert Mike Domitrz for an entertaining hour designed specially for parents. Alerus Financial and CVIC are co-sponsoring a week to promote healthy relationships in our community. This is a FREE event and open to the public.

Addiction, Depression Hit Soldiers Months After Returning from Combat -- (11-15-07) -- Soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan report worse symptoms of addiction and depression months after they leave the combat zone than when they initially get home.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Network Answers One Millionth Call -- (11-17-08) -- The Lifeline reached this significant milestone because more people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis are becoming aware that help is available just by picking up the telephone and dialing 1-800-273-TALK.

Wear Blue Day - April 25, 2008 -- (03-31-08) -- April is Child Abuse Prevention Month & we have selected Friday, April 25 as WEAR BLUE DAY throughout Polk County. Mark your calendars!!!

Indicators of School Crime and Safety: 2007 -- (12-03-07) -- The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) has just released the report "Indicators of School Crime and Safety: 2007." A joint effort by the Bureau of Justice Statistics and National Center for Education Statistics, this annual report examines crime occurring in school as well as on the way to and from school.

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.