Excerpt(s) from link:

https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline

Disaster Distress Helpline

Deaf & HoH Accessible Crisis Line

Video Phone with ASL

Available 24/7/365

Call VP (321) 800-3323

Crisis Resources and Deaf-Accessible Hotlines

The National Center for College Students with Disabilities (NCCSD) offers several resources and strategies to locate deaf-accessible crisis services, community resources and hotlines:

• Crisis Line for VideoPhone users who use American Sign Language (available 24/7): (321) 800-DEAF (321-800-3323)
• SAMHSA National Disaster Distress Hotline:
  • TTY Hotline: 800-846-8517   
  • VideoPhone Hotline: 800-985-5990
  • ASL NOW Button goes to link: https://vibrant.aslnow.io/app/8/10004
  • ASL FAQ & VIDEOS Link: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline/asl-faq
• National Suicide Prevention Hotline:
  • To chat online with a counselor (2pm-2am Monday-Friday Eastern Standard Time)
  • TTY Hotline: 800-799-4889
• Crisis text chatline:
  • free, available 24/7, sometimes has Deaf counselors available
  • text START to 741-741
• National Domestic Violence Hotline:
  • E-mail: deafhelp@thehotline.org
  • TTY: 1-800-787-3224 (24/7 hotline)
  • VP: 1-855-812-1001 (Monday to Friday 9AM—5PM Pacific Standard Time

Link: https://www.nccsdclearinghouse.org/crisis-resources.html

“when the world comes crashing at
your feet
it’s okay to let others
help pick up the pieces
if we’re present to take part in your
happiness
when your circumstances are great
we are more than capable
of sharing your pain”

― Rupi Kaur, The Sun and Her Flowers

\\

Oregon is ready for nationwide launch of 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

Starting July 16, people in Oregon and nationwide will be able to call, text or chat 988, a new three-digit number, available 24/7, that will directly connect anyone experiencing a behavioral health crisis to compassionate care and support from trained crisis counselors. The 988 dialing-code connects callers to the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, a network of local crisis call-centers throughout the country. In Oregon, 988 call-centers are operated by Lines for Life statewide, and Northwest Human Services in Marion and Polk counties.

How Does 988 Work?

988 was established in July 2022 to improve access to crisis services in a way that meets our country’s growing suicide and mental health-related crisis care needs. 988 provides easier access to behavioral health crisis services, which are distinct from the public safety purposes of 911 (where the focus is on dispatching Emergency Medical Services, fire and police as needed).

911 continues to operate as it does across the state. For serious and life-threatening situations, 988 call centers work with local mental health providers to support appropriate interventions.

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Oregon’s 988 call centers are collaborating with 911 Public Safety Answering Points to develop a roadmap on how 911 and 988 can coordinate with each other in the future.

988 crisis counselors are trained to use the least invasive interventions. Oftentimes, responding to a call, text or chat is all that is needed to help someone in crisis. In fact, more than 95 percent of current calls are resolved over the phone.

If a 988 call cannot be resolved over the phone, a mobile crisis team or first responder may be dispatched.

Other important facts to know:

• 988 is available through every landline, cell phone and voice-over internet device in the United States, as well as text and chat.
• The current technology for 988 routes callers by area code, not geolocation.
• 988 is not currently available when phones are locked or do not have prepaid minutes.
• The transition to 988 does not impact the availability of crisis services for veterans and military service members. They can call 988 and press 1 to connect with the Veterans Crisis Line.
• For support in Spanish, callers can press 2 to connect with the Red Nacional de Prevención del Suicidio.

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline has an infographic with more information on what happens when people call, text or chat.

Community partners interested in helping promote 988 can use posters, social media shareables and other materials about 988 from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration at samhsa.gov/988. Learn more about 988 in Oregon on OHA’s 988 webpage. Read press release about 988.

 2SLGBT+ CRISIS CALL & TEXT SERVICES GUIDE

YOUR GUIDE TO CRISIS CALL & TEXT SERVICES

Increasing Outreach to Teens

​Teens are more connected than ever ​before and the Boys Town National Hotline^® at 800-448-3000 is right there with them.

In addition to calling, teens can now text VOICE to 20121 or email hotline@boystown.org any day, any time to speak with a trained counselor.

Online resources are also available at yourlifeyourvoice.org.

Love is Respect Advocates are available 24/7

We offer confidential support for teens, young adults, and their loved ones seeking help, resources, or information related to healthy relationships and dating abuse in the US. We’re available by text (“LOVEIS” to 22522), call (866.331.9474), or live chat online.

Terms & conditions for text services

For 50 years, the National Runaway Safeline has been responding to youth and families in crisis, serving as the national communications system for runaway and homeless youth. We continually transform technology, training and services to meet the current needs of vulnerable youth and ultimately achieve an end to youth homelessness.

Oregon Recovery Center Hotline

Reach out.

We’re here for you, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Oregon Recovery Center Hotline is a free and confidential statewide resource that can connect you to harm reduction, treatment, recovery, and supportive services.

Call Now – (833) 975 – 0505
or
Use this Link For Live Chat
https://orrecoverycenterhotline.org/

Connecting you to the services you need.

When you call us or chat with us online, you’ll talk to one of our caring, trained Peer Support Specialists. We can help you decide what kind of services you need by asking you a few questions, and we can connect you to them through your local Behavioral Health Resource Network (BHRN). Learn more about the kind of services available to you

Received a fine for possession?

If you received a citation for possessing small amounts of drugs in Oregon (called a “Class E violation”), you can have the fine waived by calling the Oregon Recovery Center Hotline and completing a health assessment.

1. Call us at (833) 975-0505. Our trained Peer Support Specialists will provide a screening for substance use, mental health and other supportive service referrals you might need.

2. Once the screening is complete, we will refer you to appropriate services.

3. We will email you a letter that confirms you have completed the health assessment. Bring it to court to waive your fine.

Harm reduction

Harm reduction saves lives. These services keep people who use drugs, like fentanyl or alcohol, safe by offering non-judgmental care that improves their quality of life and health, prevents and manages injury and disease, and prevents fatal overdoses. Harm reduction honors the dignity and wellbeing of each person.

Treatment

Treatment combines medical care, like supporting people through withdrawal symptoms or starting medication that helps with cravings, with services that help you learn coping skills. Treatment can happen in an inpatient or outpatient setting, and you and your treatment provider decide together what kind of treatment is right for you.

Recovery

Being in recovery means making changes over time that can help you feel better, live life on your own terms, and work toward reaching your goals. Recovery looks different for everyone and might include medication-assisted treatment, self-help or support groups, recovery coaching, or being part of recovery communities.

Supportive services

A person’s recovery is best supported when they have everything they need to live well. In addition to substance use services, services like housing support, employment assistance, and food insecurity services are also available.

Behavioral Health Resource Networks (BHRNs)

Behavioral Health Resource Networks (BHRNs) are networks of organizations that provide trauma-informed, culturally specific services to people who need treatment and support for substance use concerns. The services they provide include screening for substance use disorder, substance use disorder treatment, harm reduction services, and peer support services. They also screen for health and social service needs, including housing support. Each county and Tribal area in Oregon has at least one BHRN.

CHATLINE

FREE Text Messaging to Connect with a Crisis Counselor for Depression / Crisis, etc.

Anytime 24/7/365 Weekdays and Weekends

Text HELP to 741741  

An alternative way to connect is through Facebook Messenger at this link: https://www.messenger.com/t/204427966369963/?messaging_source=source%3Apages%3Amessage_shortlink

You aren’t alone – support is out there! 

How you feel NOW may not last Forever.

Connecting with someone who cares and listens can make a difference and can help us get through our most difficult moments.

Whether it’s friends, family, or community – Everyone needs Somebody to lean on!

NOTE: Wait time can vary.  Usually a response comes pretty quickly in under 5 minutes.  Sometimes the wait can be 5 to 15 minutes or longer if there is a disaster or other reason.

Who are the Crisis Counselors? They are trained volunteers who—with the support of full-time Crisis Text Line staff—use active listening, collaborative problem solving, and safety planning to help texters in their moment of crisis.

Crisis doesn’t just mean suicide; it’s any painful emotion for which you need support. 

This service is for short term needs and is not a substitute for a friend or professional therapist.

For more information, check out the Frequently Asked Questions at this link: https://www.crisistextline.org/about-us/faq/ 

If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis and need to chat with a qualified crisis responder, we are here for you.

If you are an underrepresented individual (person of color, LGBTQ2S+, person living with disabilities, neurodivergent, and/or other marginalized identities), and experiencing obstacles because of (or simply have questions about) your identities, we want to help you navigate those.

Please text “THRIVE” to begin your conversation with us 24/7/365, from anywhere: +1.313.662.8209

We are experienced suicide interveners who will help keep you safe during times of acute mental health crises. If you are not in an acute crisis, but are dealing with stress as you navigate identity, orientation, or barriers to academic and professional entry, we can help! We are here to support your whole-self and we’re happy to help you during these troubling times.

THRIVE Lifeline offers 24/7/365 judgment-free, confidential text messaging to individuals aged 18+.

Click here for a list of other non-carceral support options in addition to THRIVE Lifeline

Call toll-free anytime 24/7

(800) 604-5841

BlackLine® provides a space for peer support, counseling, witnessing and affirming the lived experiences to folxs who are most impacted by systematic oppression with an LGBTQ+ Black Femme Lens.

Call BlackLine® prioritizes BIPOC
(Black, Indigenous and People of Color).

By us for us.

The National Grad Crisis Line

1.877.GRAD.HLP (1.877.472.3457)

The National Grad Crisis Line helps graduate students reach free, confidential telephone counseling, crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and information and referral services provided by specially-trained call-takers. Caring, professional staff and well-trained volunteers answer around the clock.

All counselors have completed training to understand the unique issues faced by graduate students. In addition to listening to and empathizing with a caller’s concerns, counselors assess the caller’s lethality risk, counsel, and offer various local support services and mental health resources for follow-up.

1.877.GRAD.HLP

https://gradresources.org/

National Problem Gambling Helpline

Chatline

www.ncpgambling.org/chat

Click the link below to chat with a helpline specialist.

Free, confidential and available 24/7. Works in all 50 states.

Online. Click here to enter.

Below are state helpline text/chat numbers. Hyperlinked items with take you directly to their contact page:

Arizona: Text NEXTSTEP to 53342

California: Text SUPPORT to 53342

Connecticut: Text CTGAMB to 53342

Illinois:  Text ILGAMB to 53342

Indiana: Text INGAMBÂto 53342

Minnesota: Text HOPE to 53342

Mississippi: Text to MSGAMB 53342

North Carolina:  Text MORETHANAGAMENC 53342

If you would like to call the National Problem Gambling Helpline, dial 1-800-522-4700

If you would like to text the helpline, text 1-800-522-4700.

NCPG also supports GamTalk, a 24/7 moderated online peer support forum, www.gamtalk.org.

Promise Response Hotline

Since 1987, Oregon has officially been a sanctuary state that supports immigrant and refugee communities by prioritizing human rights, dignity, and safety.

The Sanctuary Promise Act », signed into law on July 19, 2021, strengthens the existing state sanctuary laws. It restricts the collection and prohibits sharing of information related to a person’s national origin, immigration, or citizenship status. Oregon state and local public resources and personnel, including state and local government offices and law enforcement agencies, are prohibited from being used for immigration enforcement.

If you suspect a violation of Oregon’s sanctuary laws, we want to hear from you.  Suspected violations can be reported through this online portal (available in 8 languages by using the language menu in the upper right hand corner of this screen) or the Sanctuary Promise Hotline at 1-844-924-STAY (1-844-924-7829). Call us in any language.  We have a direct access Spanish language website at PromesaSantuario.Oregon.gov with a Spanish direct dial hotline at 1-844-6-AMPARO (1-844-626-7276).

To report ICE activity in the community, contact Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition, PIRC » at 1-888-622-1510.

Examples of violations to Oregon Sanctuary Promise Laws include:

• Investigation or interrogation by police for immigration enforcement purposes;
• Most inquiries, storing, or sharing of information about national origin, immigration, or citizenship status by police or state or local government;
• Civil arrest without a judicial warrant/order from a court facility;
• Arrests by federal immigration of a person on their way to or from court or while at court;
• Police collaboration with federal authorities for immigration enforcement purposes;
• Denial of services, benefits, or privileges to a person in jail or on probation/parole based on immigration status;
• Police establishing coordinated traffic stops or traffic perimeters to enforce federal immigration laws; or
• State or local government or police failing to document or report requests from a federal immigration agency relating to immigration enforcement;

Report a Sanctuary Promise Violation

Information About The Victim/Targeted Person

Note: The targeted person’s identity will not be shared publicly by ODOJ, but will be used and shared with the state/local government agency during the course of any investigation ODOJ opens. It will not be shared with federal immigration agencies or otherwise be shared to assist with immigration enforcement. If a specific person was not targeted in the violation, you can simply put “general public” as first and last names.

Use This Link to Report A Violation of the Sanctuary Promise Violation

Parent Stress Line

1-800 – 632 – 8188

Call our Parent Stress Line any time and any day of the week

if you need to vent about the stress from taking care of a child or children. 18006328188

24/7 Helpline

887- 870 – 4673

Get Support Now

If you are feeling suicidal, lonely, or depressed, we are here for you. Whatever the reason, you will get help from a trained volunteer offering nonjudgmental support. The 24/7 Helpline is confidential and free. You can call or text us any time at 988. 

You can also use these links

CALL NOW

TEXT NOW

What happens when you use the 24/7 Helpline?

1. You call or text Samaritans’ 24/7 Helpline because you need to talk.
2. One of our incredible volunteers will answer your call or text.
3. They will ask for your name, but you do not need to disclose it if you don’t feel comfortable.
4. Our volunteers will listen to you. We will not give advice or try to “fix” anything. We simply want to support you in whatever feelings you want to share.

Crisis Text Line

SHATTERPROOF to 741741

Who can I call if I am going through a crisis?

If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, or a substance use disorder, text- SHATTERPROOF to 741741 for help.

You are not alone. Reach out to the following support hotlines for immediate help. If you have an emergency, please dial 911.

877-360-LGBT(5428)

Are you feeling alone, hopeless, or experiencing a crisis? The SAGE LGBTQ+ Elder Hotline is here for you. We connect LGBTQ+ older people who want to talk with friendly responders who are ready to listen.  Hotline responders:

• Are certified in crisis response
• Offer support without judgment
• Are trained in LGBTQ+ culturally competency

The SAGE LGBTQ+ Elder Hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in English and Spanish, with translation in 180 languages.

The hotline is managed by our partner Centerstone, a nonprofit health system specializing in mental health and substance use disorder treatments for people of all ages.

Crisis / Support Line For Racial Equity Support

Oregon Health Authority

Get Prepared

Heat-related deaths and illness are preventable, yet annually many people succumb to extreme heat. This website provides easily accessible resources for members of the public, local health departments and other organizations to assist ongoing outreach efforts to those most vulnerable to extreme heat events.

• Know the warning signs and symptoms
• Health threats from extreme heat
• Fact sheets in multiple languages

Heat-related Illness:

Warning Signs and Symptoms

• Muscle cramping might be the first sign of heat-related illness, and may lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Here is how you can recognize heat exhaustion and heat stroke and what to do:
  Heat Exhaustion    What you should do
  Faint or dizzy

  Move to a cooler location.

  Sip water.

  Apply cool, wet cloths to as much of your body as possible.

  Lie down and loosen your clothing.

If the person has vomited and it continues, seek medical attention immediately.

Heavy sweating
Fast, weak pulse
Nausea or vomiting
Cold, pale, clammy skin
Muscle cramps
Heat Stroke    What you should do
High body temperature (above 103°F)

Call 911 immediately – heat stroke is a medical emergency.

Move the person to a cooler environment.

Reduce the person’s body temperature with cool cloths or even a bath.

Do NOT give fluids.

Health Threats from Extreme Heat

Infants and young children

Infants and young children are sensitive to the effects of extreme heat, and must rely on other people to keep them cool and hydrated.

• Never leave infants or children in a parked car. (Nor should pets be left in parked cars—they can suffer heat-related illness too.)
• Dress infants and children in loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Seek medical care immediately if your child has symptoms of heat-related illness.

People with chronic medical conditions

People of any age with a chronic medical condition are less likely to sense and respond to changes in temperature. Also, they may be taking medications that can worsen the impact of extreme heat. People in this category need the following information:

• Drink more water than usual and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
• Learn about how any medications you take affects your body’s ability to regulate temperature.
• Check on a friend or neighbor, and have someone do the same for you.
• Check the local news for health and safety updates regularly.
• Avoid use the stove or oven to cook — it will make you and your house hotter.
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Take cool showers or baths to cool down.
• Seek medical care immediately if you or someone you know experiences symptoms of heat-related illness.

Athletes and outdoor sports enthusiasts

People who exercise in extreme heat are more likely to become dehydrated and get heat-related illness. STOP all activity and get to a cool environment if you feel faint or weak.

• Drink more water than usual and take a drink before you are thirsty. Muscle cramping may be an early sign of heat-related illness.
• Limit outdoor activity, especially midday when the sun is hottest.
• Schedule workouts, practices, and activities earlier or later in the day when the temperature is cooler.
• Pace activity. Start activities slow and pick up the pace gradually. Remember it may take 1-2 weeks of exposure to high temperatures before your body fully adjusts.
• Monitor a teammate’s condition, and have someone do the same for you.
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Wear and reapply sunscreen as indicated on the package.
• Seek medical care immediately if you or a teammate has symptoms of heat-related illness.
• Learn about Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA) heat policies and guidance if you are an athlete, parent of an athlete, coach, trainer or athletics director. This guidance applies to members of OSAA, so if you engage in club sports, you may want to ask if they have similar policies.

Outdoor workers

People who work outdoors, whether as a source of income or for DIY home projects and landscaping, are more likely to become dehydrated. This makes them more likely to get heat-related illness. STOP all activity and get to a cool environment if you feel faint or weak.

• Drink from two to four cups of water every hour while working. Take a drink BEFORE you are thirsty.
• Avoid alcohol or liquids containing large amounts of sugar.
• Ask your employer if tasks can be scheduled for earlier or later in the day to avoid midday heat. If you have DIY projects at home, consider moving work to the coolest parts of the day.
• Wear a brimmed hat and loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Spend time in air-conditioned buildings during breaks and after work.
• Encourage co-workers or those helping you with home projects to take breaks to cool off and drink water.
• Wear and reapply sunscreen as indicated on the package.
• Seek medical care immediately if you or a co-worker has symptoms of heat-related illness.
• For more information, please visit the CDC’s page on Heat Stress and visit OR-OSHA’s heat stress page.

Heat and low income

• Drink more water than usual and take a drink BEFORE you are thirsty.
• If you have air conditioning, use it to keep your home cool.
• If you can’t afford to use your air conditioning:
  • Contact your local health department or locate an air-conditioned shelter in your area.
  • You can also contact Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for help.
  • Learn more about utility bill payment assistance programs from Oregon Housing and Community Services.
• If you live outdoors, identify public spaces with air conditioning and check to see if cooling centers are available in your community. 211 INFO’s Severe Weather Extreme Heat Cooling Center List, local service agencies and emergency management often have this information in locations where it is available.
• Check on a friend or neighbor, and have someone do the same for you.
• Seek medical care immediately if you have, or someone you know has, symptoms of heat-related illness.

 Fact Sheets

FAQ: Extreme Heat and Public Health

OR-OSHA Resources

• OR-OSHA Heat Stress Page: Provides information and links to resources on preventing heat stress for those working in hot environments.
• Federal OSHA Heat Illness Prevention Campaign: Educates employers and workers on the dangers of working in the heat and offers resources.
• Key requirements: Oregon OSHA’s permanent rules for heat illness prevention: Oregon OSHA’s rules for preventing heat illnesses apply to workplaces whenever an employee is working and the heat index equals or exceeds 80 degrees Fahrenheit. More requirements apply when the heat index exceeds 90 degrees Fahrenheit (English, 05/09/2022).
  • Reglas de prevención de enfermedades causadas por el calor Requisitos clave: Las normas de Oregon OSHA para prevenir enfermedades causadas por el calor se aplican a los lugares de trabajo cuando un empleado está trabajando y el índice de calor es igual o superior a 80 grados Fahrenheit. Se aplican más requisitos (consulte las Prácticas de altas temperaturas y planes médicos de emergencia, a continuación) cuando el índice de calor supera los 90 grados Fahrenheit (Spanish, 05/09/2022)
• Requisitos clave: norma de Oregon OSHA sobre las altas temperaturas ambientales en las viviendas laborales:  Key requirements: Addressing high ambient temperatures in labor housing (Spanish).
• Opciones para fijar el horario de pausas de descanso para la prevención de enfermedades causadas por el calor: Rest Break Schedule Options for Heat Illness Prevention (Spanish).
• Water temperatures referenced in Oregon OSHA’s rules: Defines the various water temperature terms and requirements that ensure employers provide workers with cold, cool, tepid, warm, or hot water for drinking, bathing, hand washing, laundering clothes, etc. (English 11/20/2012)

Some Resources for Families and Communities:

Due to recent tragic events across the country

Physical Effects

Physical Effects can include increased hypertension, illness and risky behaviors such as substance use.

Emotional Effects

Emotional effects can include depression, anxiety, anger, irritability and aggression.

Spiritual Effects

Spiritual effects can include a decreased sense of purpose, lack of connection with the larger community, isolation from larger social groups and reduced involvement in communal activities that you enjoy.

Potential reactions to racial stress or trauma

Insecure Feelings

Feelings of shame and lack of confidence due to feeling that a situation cannot be changed.

Lack of Trust

Feeling detached or a lack of trust for others due to experiencing multiple losses or letdowns. This can make it very difficult to seek out help and to identify potential safe sources of support.

Triggers

Reminders of the event, such as particular people or situations, can also trigger strong emotional or physical responses (e.g., crying or rapid heartbeat).

Difficulty Controlling Emotions

Difficulty controlling emotional responses (going from “zero to one hundred”) can occur as the body helps you adapt to potentially unsafe situations, making you feel constantly on “alert.”

The body’s response to the experience of racism can make accessing resources to cope with the situation difficult. Race-related stress is unique in that it threatens psychological resources that are needed to cope and fulfill basic needs such as financial support, housing, access to jobs, etc.

When your body is in stress mode, it is geared up to help you and your child survive, which sometimes leads to impulsive decisions. If you live in a chronic state of stress related to racism, you can start to engage in survival coping. Survival coping can help you to deal with very hard or potentially life-threatening situations. However, if you continue to exist in this mode long-term, it can make it difficult to enjoy being in the moment with your child and can reduce your ability to feel safe and in control.

What impact can racial stress have on your parenting?

Experiencing race-related stress can also impact the quality of parenting relationships in the following ways:

Impostor syndrome

When you are exposed to racism repeatedly, you often start doubting yourself and can feel like you are an imposter in dominant culture settings or in settings where you feel as though you do not belong. Your inner thoughts might sound something like: “Am I being judged?” “Am I worthy?” “I got lucky.” “I only got this because I am Black.”

Being overly alert (hypervigilance)

Experiencing racial stress can make you more aware of potential dangers and negative experiences that can occur. This, in turn, can make the experience of parenting even more stressful. When you interact with your children, you can sometimes be reminded of negative race-related experiences that you had when you were a child. This reminder can amp up emotional responses, or hyperarousal, making it hard for you to “keep your cool” and be open to flexible problem solving.

“Helicopter parenting” (monitoring in fear)

These experiences of racism and unwarranted blame or lack of acceptance can make you want to protect your children so much, that you don’t allow them to explore in the way that they need to. You may shelter them from failures, which everyone needs to experience in order to learn how to manage everyday life. You may tend to be overly cautious or suspicious. Examples can include not allowing your children to have sleepovers or go to the park, even with your supervision.

Difficulty regulating emotions

• When your past influences your emotional state, it can affect your emotional responses to both big and minor stressors with children, such as when they misbehave. This, in turn, can lead to being overprotective or overuse of physical discipline, as a means of survival.
• For children, having parents who can keep perspective (stay cool) when children are upset, or misbehaving is very important. Likewise, it is important to stay calm when disciplining a child, otherwise discipline may go overboard. Both of these things can be hard if you are having difficulty controlling your emotions.

Avoidance

• Avoiding situations that are related to racism can be a needed strategy to survive; such as instances that may involve violence or threat to yourself or your family. Sometimes you may avoid reminders of past experiences due to the pain or discomfort they cause.
• If you find yourself avoiding strong feelings or situations with your child that bring up painful memories, it may make it hard to show affection and support for your child. It may even make it difficult to know how to provide emotional support for your child during times of stress. For instance, if your child brings up their own experience of oppression or an event in their life reminds you of something from your own childhood.

Mistrusting others

• Racism can lead to distrust or mistrust of other communities. Internalized racism is when you begin to accept negative messages about your own abilities and inherent worth by the dominant group in society.
• When you use society’s norms to judge yourself, you can feel depressed, unworthy and just not good enough. You are taught in many ways to take these feelings and paint them onto another group.
• Intra and interracial violence, contention among disenfranchised communities or color, and the way the media conveys information about people of color, contribute to this.
• This kind of coping can make you more vulnerable to racism, because on some level you may believe in racial hierarchy and difference when you belittle other groups. And when you show your children that it is right to discriminate against certain other groups, you make them more vulnerable to discrimination that they face.

Minimizing racism

• Racism is overwhelming, as is the history of violence. You are sometimes taught that accepting this and minimizing racism is the only thing you can do. But when you ignore racism, and accept powerlessness, you encourage your kids to internalize racism. This can lead to increased levels of depression, anxiety and externalizing behaviors (e.g., engaging in risky behaviors, such as alcohol or substance use).
• When you believe that you should be able to handle and manage it all without a break or without asking for help, you are at increased risk for health problems and can miss important cues about your well-being and safety.

Self-blame

Experiencing chronically unfair and dangerous discriminatory practices due to race can lead to feelings of low worth. For parents, this can also lead to a questioning of your parenting choices and abilities.

Unbalanced Racial and Ethnic Socialization (RES)

Unbalanced messaging or communication about race and ethnicity occurs when you only promote messages of mistrust, preparation for bias, or only give racial pride messages to your children.

So, what can you do to mitigate racial stress?

As parents, it is important to develop positive identities and share your cultural identities with your children. Positive cultural identity and advocacy are protective factors against racism, which can help to reduce and prevent racial stress.

There are many other ways to cope with stress and everyone has different preferences. Reducing stress can also allow you to model healthy coping strategies for your child. Here are some suggestions with links you can try.

• Build or access a support network
• Incorporate traditions at home
• Get some exercise
• Deep breathing
• Journal
• Limit your media intake
• Counseling/therapy Spirituality
• Podcast

Talking with Children About Tragic Events

What do we tell our children? How do we reassure them of their own safety?

At The Dougy Center in Portland, Oregon, we’ve provided grief support groups for children, teens, young adults and their parents or adult caregivers since 1982.

Based on our experience, here are some things for adults to keep in mind as you struggle with how to talk with children following tragic events, such as natural disasters, plane crashes, or school shootings.

1. Don’t project your fears onto your children. They take their cues from the adults around them.
You can’t hear the news about children being murdered or communities devastated by natural disasters without thinking about how you’d feel if it happened to your family, friends, or hometown. The outpouring of care and empathy for the families who lost loved ones will be powerful, and…we all know it could have been our friends, our child, our family and community members who died or were injured.

Identifying with the senselessness and randomness makes us all feel more vulnerable. But we should remember that children don’t always see things the same way that adults do, and it won’t be helpful to them for us to fall apart. They need to see that we care, that we feel terrible about this tragedy, and that we will do everything we can to keep them safe. They will take their cues from our behavior.

It’s okay to show emotion. We can model for children that feeling sad, scared, and upset is normal after tragedies. But we don’t want to overwhelm them with our emotions, or put them in the position of having to ‘parent,’ or take care of, the adults around them. Make sure you also model taking care of yourself, by sharing with trusted and supportive adult friends, eating (and drinking) healthfully.

2. Try to limit their access to the recurring news and exposure to the tragedy over and over.
Over-exposure to the graphic and emotional news can be overwhelming for children and can cause unnecessary anxiety and fear. Some children who repeatedly watched the footage of planes crashing into the towers on 9/11 thought it was happening again and again. Some children (and some adults) may have difficulty getting graphic scenes and images out of their minds. Too much exposure can fuel their fear, so don’t let them sit and watch the news over and over. Better yet, set the example of not doing so yourself as well.

3. Understand that you can’t completely shield them from what happened.
It would be next to impossible to hide these events from children, as much as we wish we could. You might be able to shield your own child in your home, for example, by not turning on (or owning) a television, but you can’t protect your children from hearing about it from other kids. The fact is, they will hear about it, so although they don’t “need” to know about it, pretending we can shield them is magical thinking.

That said, you don’t need to give them more information than they can handle, or more than they’re asking for. A simple, “Did they talk about what happened in _____ today at school?” would be a good starter. They need to know that you’re not trying to hide the truth from them, that you’re open to talking about it, but that you’re also not forcing them to do so.

4. Model truth-telling and build trust with your children by letting them hear things, even hard things, from you directly.
Eight days after the 9/11 attacks, I was meeting in small groups with pre-school workers in New York City, talking about how to respond to the young children in their care about the events. A man asked to speak to me privately after one of the trainings, and asked for my advice around his 7-year-old daughter. For the last week, since September 12th, she had been having stomach aches and difficulty sleeping. He said it was not tied to the events of 9/11 because, “We don’t have a television.” As his story unfolded it was evident that he did not want to have to explain to his child why people would do such horrible things, a normal dilemma that we face as parents and adults. This child was experiencing physical reactions, as it turned out, not primarily because of her reaction to the events of 9/11, but because she was unable to share her fears and concerns and questions in her own home, faced with her parents’ denial.

Here are some principles to keep in mind as you talk with children:

1. There is no one typical reaction one can or should expect from children.
Their responses will vary all over the ‘emotional’ map, from seeming disinterest to nightmares, eating issues, and anxiety. How any specific child will respond will depend on their age, previous experience with death and loss, and their personality style. Fearful children will tend to worry; quiet children may keep their feelings to themselves; those who want to appear unfazed may exhibit a sense of bravado or lack of caring. Of course, children directly affected – those who had a family member die; those who witnessed the tragedy; those who had friends die – will tend to have longer-term reactions and needs. Watch for changes in behavior, or concerning trends. While it would be normal to have heightened anxiety and sleeplessness, any concerning behavior or troubling symptoms should be taken seriously, and if warranted, professional help sought.

2. Many children will have an increased sense of fear about their safety.
Understandably. So will many adults. After a shooting at an Oregon mall in December 2012, the news outlets were filled with people who said they’d never take their children there again. Others said they’d return as soon as it opened in order to support the stores and employees who had experienced the traumatic events, and whose livelihoods were going to suffer as a result of the several day closure. Some runners in the Boston Marathon vowed to return; others said they would never do so again.

While we can’t guarantee to our children that nothing bad will ever happen to them, we can provide assurance that these events are relatively rare, and that we will do everything we can to keep them safe. Children may have many questions about the events, particularly about natural disasters. Answer their questions with language that fits their developmental stage. It’s okay if you don’t know the answer to a question. If it’s a question that might have an answer, offer to look up more information. You can also ask children what they think the answer is as they often have thoughts and ideas they want to share with you. In the case of natural disasters, if your child is fearful of something like that happening in your community, talk with them about the safety plan that you have in place for your family and home. You can also look into what community safety measures are in place and whatever elements are relevant with your children. Many children will be reassured knowing that there are specific, tangible things they and your family can do if something occurs. Some examples include, picking a meeting place, keeping flashlights in every bedroom, talking about where you will keep emergency water and food.

3. Children want, need, and deserve the truth.
In over 30 years of providing grief support to thousands of children and teens at The Dougy Center for Grieving Children & Families, we have never heard a child say, “I’m glad I was lied to.” Many, however, struggle with anger and lack of trust toward parents or other adults who lied to them. When we don’t tell the truth, they learn that we cannot be trusted. As difficult as it can be at times, and as horrendous as the truth may be, children want, need, and deserve the truth. Being able to talk openly and honestly with your children about tragic events and other losses, creates a foundation of trust, enabling them to come to you in the future with their questions, fears, and concerns.

Helping Children with Tragic Events in the News

JOB / CAREER FAIRS, EVENTS, OPENINGS, AND INTERNSHIPS 2024

Peer Support, Recovery & Wellness

NOTE: Information here is provided solely as a courtesy without any guarantees or warranties or liability of any kind whatsoever.  Use at your own risk and expense.

If you learn of any opportunities not listed here, please share via social media or email: webmail@peergalaxy.com.

NW Instituto Latino

We are hiring! We are seeking Bilingual Recovery Center Support Staff in Washington County! Please send a cover letter & resume to dmichael@nwilpdx.com

¡Estamos contratando! ¡Estamos buscando un Personal de Apoyo Bilingüe para El Centro de Recuperación en el condado de Washington! Envíe una carta de presentación y un currículum a dmichael@nwilpdx.com

We are hiring! We are seeking Bilingual Recovery Center Support Staff in Washington County! Please send a cover letter & resume to dmichael@nwilpdx.com

Position Description Recovery Center Support Staff

Position Description Mentor Job Description

MHAAO – Mental Health and Addiction Association of Oregon is recruiting for several positions.  For more details visit the link below:

* MHAAO Careers

Oregon Peer Warmline / CCS – Community Counseling Solutions

* CCS Job Openings Page

Folktime

* FOLKTIME Career Page

Multnomah County Crisis Assessment & Treatment Center (CATC)

* Telecare CATC Overview

* Telecare CATC Careers

Lines for Life:

* Lines for Life – Jobs Page

JOB BOARDS

MHACCBO – Mental Health and Addictions Certification Credentialing Board of Oregon

* MHACCBO Job Board

State of Oregon

* State of Oregon – Jobs Page

Partners in Diversity

* Jobs Board

Indeed.com

* Job Board for Peer Support Specialist positions

* Job Board for Certified Recovery Mentor positions

MAC’S LIST features many nonprofit opportunities

* MAC’S List

JOB / CAREER FAIRS, EVENTS, OPENINGS, AND INTERNSHIPS 2024

Peer Support, Recovery & Wellness

NOTE: Information here is provided solely as a courtesy without any guarantees or warranties or liability of any kind whatsoever.  Use at your own risk and expense.

If you learn of any opportunities not listed here, please share via social media or email: webmail@peergalaxy.com.

NW Instituto Latino

We are hiring! We are seeking Bilingual Recovery Center Support Staff in Washington County! Please send a cover letter & resume to dmichael@nwilpdx.com

¡Estamos contratando! ¡Estamos buscando un Personal de Apoyo Bilingüe para El Centro de Recuperación en el condado de Washington! Envíe una carta de presentación y un currículum a dmichael@nwilpdx.com

We are hiring! We are seeking Bilingual Recovery Center Support Staff in Washington County! Please send a cover letter & resume to dmichael@nwilpdx.com

Position Description Recovery Center Support Staff

Position Description Mentor Job Description

MHAAO – Mental Health and Addiction Association of Oregon is recruiting for several positions.  For more details visit the link below:

* MHAAO Careers

Oregon Peer Warmline / CCS – Community Counseling Solutions

* CCS Job Openings Page

Folktime

* FOLKTIME Career Page

Multnomah County Crisis Assessment & Treatment Center (CATC)

* Telecare CATC Overview

* Telecare CATC Careers

Lines for Life:

* Lines for Life – Jobs Page

JOB BOARDS

MHACCBO – Mental Health and Addictions Certification Credentialing Board of Oregon

* MHACCBO Job Board

State of Oregon

* State of Oregon – Jobs Page

Partners in Diversity

* Jobs Board

Indeed.com

* Job Board for Peer Support Specialist positions

* Job Board for Certified Recovery Mentor positions

MAC’S LIST features many nonprofit opportunities

* MAC’S List

RESOURCES

Trans Youth and Young Adults

“These rescources selectedf from the Mapping Action Collective

( https://www.oregonyouthresourcemap.com)