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

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/ 

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

People can dial, call, text or chat 988, a the three-digit number, available 24/7, to directly connect anyone experiencing a behavioral health crisis to compassionate care and support from trained crisis counselors. 988 connects callers to the existing Oregon partners of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, a network of local crisis call-centers throughout the country. 988 call-centers in Oregon 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 OHA’s press release about 988.

NOTE:

PeerGalaxy has a 988 Card and web page with additional resources.

For details, visit this link: https://www.peergalaxy.com/988card/

Disaster Distress Helpline Videophone for American Sign Language Users

Call or Text (800)-985-5990 or Visit ASL NOW link below

Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Disaster Distress Helpline Videophone for American Sign Language Users.

The Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH) is a 24/7, year-round, confidential, multi-lingual crisis counseling and emotional support resource for survivors, responders, and anyone in the U.S./territories struggling with distress or other mental health concerns related to any natural or human-caused disaster. Calls and texts to 1-800-985-5990 are answered by trained counselors from a network of independently operated crisis centers located across the country. https://www.samhsa.gov/ddh

.

Video: Why a DDH VP for ASL users? (1 minute, 30 seconds)

While most people impacted by disaster will be able to bounce back fairly quickly with help from their support networks, others may experience significant emotional distress or other mental health concerns that can impede recovery. Deaf and hard of hearing people may be especially at risk for disaster-related distress. Barriers to accessibility for mental healthcare, emergency preparedness, and disaster relief services are just a few distress risk factors that Deaf/HoH people face throughout the disaster cycle.

In addition, the vast majority of crisis hotlines are set up to accommodate hearing, not Deaf/HoH, callers. While video Relay connections can offer 3rd-party interpretation between ASL users and hearing counselors, the responding counselor still may not fully understand the needs or be able to communicate effectively via the interpreter, especially if the caller is in crisis. While crisis chat and text services can seem like a sufficient alternative to hearing hotlines, Deaf people might understandably assume that responding chat/text counselors may not understand their needs as Deaf individuals, and therefore may be resistant in accessing these options.

Video: Who can access the DDH VP? (1 minute)

The DDH VP is intended for American Sign Language users, regardless of fluency level or whether they are fully Deaf or hard of hearing. The common denominator is that ASL is the language being used between the caller & counselor. Callers who cannot communicate at all in ASL should not use the DDH VP. These callers should call or text the DDH 1-800-985-5990 via their standard phone device.

Video: Who answers DDH VP calls? (1 minute)

The national Disaster Distress Helpline is a network of independently operated crisis centers located across the United States. DeafLEAD is the not-for-profit crisis center that staffs and responds to DDH VP calls, 24/7/365. DeafLEAD’s mission is to “provide individuals who are Deaf and hard of hearing with comprehensive, unified and continuous support by enhancing socio-emotional development, effective communication and leadership through education.” Learn more about DeafLEAD

Video: Who funds and operates the DDH? (1 minute)

The DDH is funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA; a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) and is administered by the nonprofit Vibrant Emotional Health; Vibrant also administers the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK) for SAMHSA, of which the DDH is a sub-network. Learn more about SAMHSA and Vibrant

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 righthand 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

UPDATE

January 18, 2022

FREE COVID Test & Support

As of January 18, 2022, the U.S. Federal Government announced that households may get up to 4 FREE COVID tests.

Visit the website of the US Postal Service for free at-home COVID-19 test kits at this link:

https://special.usps.com/testkits

or

Visit this US White House provide link at:

https://www.covidtests.com

Excerpt(s):

Place Your Order for Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests

Residential households in the U.S. can order one set of 4 free at-home tests from USPS.com. Here’s what you need to know about your order:

Limit of one order per residential address

One order includes 4 individual rapid antigen COVID-19 tests

Orders will ship free starting in late January

Fill in the form with your contact and shipping information to order your tests.

USPS only requires users to enter their name and the address where the kits will be shipped.

NOTE: If you have an apartment number or suite, be sure to put the apartment number on the 1st address line.  Otherwise, you might get an error message rejecting the request, indicating the address was already used.

If you test positive:

NEW: State of Oregon has a website and hotline number you can call for information on next steps if you test positive for COVID.

Hotline:

Toll Free (866) 917-8881.  Staff available Monday through Friday,  8am-6pm PST.  Saturday 10am-4pm PST.

Website:

https://govstatus.egov.com/or-oha-covid-19-positive-test?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Survey:

https://www.oregon.gov/positivecovidtest

—

Additional resources:

211info.org

Dial 211 to ask about COVID tests, vaccines, and boosters

SAFE+STRONG helpline for support 

Toll Free: (800) 923-4357

https://www.safestrongoregon.org/

JOB / CAREER FAIRS, EVENTS, OPENINGS, AND INTERNSHIPS

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.

OSPO – Oregon Senior Peer Outreach

Seeking Independent Contractor for Evaluation.  Contact Sharon Kuehn, Program Manager.  503-308-2624 between 9am & 5pm PST, Monday thru Friday.

* OSPO Web Page

Seeking PEARLS Coach for the Program to Enhance an Active Rewarding Life for Seniors to reduce depression with older adults.  This is a part-time job, 14 hours per week, $19+ per hour. For more details visit the links below:

* PEARLS Coach position (Milwaukie, Oregon)

* OSPO Web Page

* CCS Job Openings Page

MHAAO – Mental Health and Addiction Association of Oregon is recruiting for several positions including 2 in Multnomah County – PSS/CRM Kaiser Project Nurture and PSS/CRM Voluntary Isolation Motel/Shelter (VIMOS) plus 1 in Washington County – PSS/CRM PRIME+ (Spanish Version).  For more details visit the link below:

* MHAAO Careers

Folktime is recruiting for several positions including Peer Support Specialist, Youth Peer Support Specialist,  Mobile crisis response team (Clackamas MCRT), Caring Connector, and others.  For more details visit the link below:

* FOLKTIME Career Page

Multnomah County Crisis Assessment & Treatment Center (CATC) looking for Peer Support Specialists to join mobile crisis respoinse team. For more details visit the links below:

* Telecare CATC Overview

* Telecare CATC Careers

Lines for Life is hiring for a Peer Support Specialist / Program Coordinator. For more details visit the link below:

* Lines for Life – Follow Up Coordinator / PSS Job Opening Page

* Lines for Life – Other Positions

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

A Kids Book About School Shootings

Crystal Woodman Miller

Many of us are going to need to find the words to talk to the kids in our lives about tragic events like the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas. Here’s a free resource from A Kids Company About to help you do that was written by Crystal Woodman-Miller, one of the survivors of the Columbine school shooting.

I hate that we need tools like this. I can’t wait for us to have to write the book “A Kids Book About Why It’s So Hard To Buy A Gun”

Link: www.akidsco.com

There aren’t enough words to explain all the thoughts, emotions, and heartbreak that comes with yesterday’s tragedy in Uvalde. We hope this book helps everyone start somewhere.

We’re making #AKidsBookAboutSchoolShootings free for kids, grownups, and educators everywhere, so that this conversation can get started when it matters most.

FREE DOWNLOAD

A Kids Book About School Shootings by Crystal Woodman Miller:

Link: akidsco.com

Visit this link: https://www.beam.community/get-help-now/

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 

Opioid Recovery Resources

Addiction is a medical condition. Treatment can help. Recovery is possible.

Opioid addiction, also known as opioid use disorder (OUD), is a chronic and relapsing disease that can affect anyone. In fact, millions of Americans suffer from opioid addiction.

As with most other chronic diseases, addiction is treatable. If you or someone you know is struggling, treatment is available. While no single treatment method is right for everyone, recovery is possible, and help is available for opioid addiction.

Recovery is possible

Resources for Families and Children Facing Tragic Events

Racial Stress – Racism – Hate Crimes

Helpful Resources to Address the Mass Shooting in Uvalde, Texas
Many thanks to Michelle Zabel, MSS, Assistant Dean, and Director, The Institute for Innovation and Implementation, for compiling this list of resources in response to the horrific mass shooting in Texas earlier this week.

Helping Young People Cope With Mental Health Challenges
Vox Media’s NowThis is linking arms with Ken Burns and PBS to share an upcoming documentary titled “Hiding in Plain Sight: Youth Mental Illness.” Scenes from the forthcoming film will be shared across NowThis social platforms throughout Mental Health Awareness Month in May. NowThis will host a live TikTok conversation about the topic, as well. The goal, Burns said, is “to get this material out to young people around the country.” The film itself will debut at the end of June on PBS.

Uplift by Youth Era: Teaching Youth Peer Support Skills
More than 500 youth signed up for the most recent Uplift event! Studied by the University of Oxford and co-designed with young adults, Uplift by Youth Era is the future of peer support. Empower a young person in your life to be who they need, and apply to join the next Uplift training in June!

Randolph “Randy” Muck September 14, 1955 to April 21, 2021 in Memoriam
On the first anniversary of his death, several of us who knew and worked with Randy write this tribute to remember and honor his impact on so many people. Randy provided much-needed leadership from within the federal government to develop and disseminate evidence-based substance use treatments designed for adolescents and their families. He was successful because he had a rare ability to connect with all the groups important to improving adolescent treatment: provider organizations, schools, juvenile justice, counselors, federal agency decision-makers, researchers, private foundations, and most importantly—adolescents and their families. He saw how these groups could align their different interests and collaborate. This, in turn, helped youth, families, and systems of care in ways that continue to have an impact.

HHS Awards Nearly $25 Million to Expand Access to School-Based Health Services
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), recently announced nearly $25 million will be made available to improve and strengthen access to school-based health services in communities across the country. Awards will support local partnerships between schools and health centers to provide children and youth with the comprehensive physical and mental health care they need.

Investing in Prevention Makes Good Financial Sense
Primary prevention—including screening and intervention before negative health outcomes occur—is relatively inexpensive. The higher-risk behaviors it is designed to reduce are so costly to the healthcare system that it is staggeringly wasteful not to make sure that screening and treatment referrals are readily implemented and faithfully reimbursed by insurers and that interventions are convenient for parents and their children.

PAX Good Behavior Game
Speaking of prevention…
The PAX Good Behavior Game is an evidence-based universal preventive intervention applied by teachers in the classroom. This evidence-based practice consists of research-based strategies with origins in behavioral science, neuroscience, and cultural wisdom that operate together to improve children’s self-regulation. Teachers implement these strategies as part of their daily routines in carrying out tasks such as getting students’ attention, selecting students for tasks, transitioning from one task to the next, working as part of a team, limiting problematic behavior, and reinforcing pro-social behavior.

HHS Launches New Maternal Mental Health Hotline
The Maternal Mental Health Hotline is a new, confidential, toll-free hotline for expecting and new moms experiencing mental health challenges. Those who contact the hotline can receive a range of support, including brief interventions from trained culturally and trauma-informed counselors and referrals to both community-based and telehealth providers as needed. Callers also will receive evidence-based information and referrals to support groups and other community resources.

Six Things You Need To Know About Music and Health
A growing body of research suggests that listening to or performing music affects the brain in ways that may help promote health and manage disease symptoms. More justification for the plethora of music videos posted in Friday Update!

Know Your Rights: Parity for Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Benefits
This brochure gives an overview of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. It lists some common limits placed on mental health and substance use disorder benefits and services.

Going Digital: Behavioral Health Tech
Aaahhhh!!! Less than 20 days!!! Well? Have you registered for the 2022 Going Digital: Behavioral Health Tech summit on June 8-9th yet? Can’t make it? Wondering if you can access all of the sessions with our hundreds of speakers after June 8-9th? YES, but ONLY if you register in advance. So, you should probably get on that.

Building a More Equitable Juvenile Justice System for Everyone
Racial inequities regarding the policing of children, and the subsequent disparities in their treatment within the juvenile justice system, have been problems in this country for far too long. It is encouraging that many states and counties are not only recognizing these issues but are taking action. The CSG Justice Center is committed to providing research-driven, data-informed solutions to our partners to continue building safer and stronger communities for everyone, especially our youth.

Disruptions to School and Home Life Among High School Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic — Adolescent Behaviors and Experiences Survey, United States, January–June 2021
Young people have experienced disruptions to school and home life since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020. From January to June 2021, CDC conducted the Adolescent Behaviors and Experiences Survey (ABES), an online survey of a probability-based, nationally representative sample of U.S. public- and private-school students in grades 9–12. ABES data were used to estimate the prevalence of disruptions and adverse experiences during the pandemic, including parental and personal job loss, homelessness, hunger, emotional or physical abuse by a parent or other adult at home, receipt of telemedicine, and difficulty completing schoolwork. Prevalence estimates are presented for all students by sex, race and ethnicity, grade, sexual identity, and difficulty completing schoolwork.

CDC Survey Finds the Pandemic Had a Big Impact on Teens’ Mental Health
According to a survey published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than four in 10 teens report feeling “persistently sad or hopeless” during the COVID-19 pandemic. Girls were twice as likely to experience mental health troubles compared to boys. And LGBTQ students were hit the hardest. The CDC’s findings were gathered from online surveys from a sample of 7,700 US students during the first six months of 2021.

New Initiative to Define Policy Recommendations for Embedding Equity into 988
The Kennedy-Satcher Center for Mental Health Equity & Beacon Health Options are joining forces to create and develop an equitable crisis response for the future of behavioral health service delivery ahead of the July 2022 launch of 988.

State Policymakers Can Support Equitable School-based Telemental Health Services
This brief presents five ways state policymakers can support equitable school-based telemental health services, with recommendations based on relevant policy context, existing research, and—in some cases—feedback from interviews with five TMH providers who testified to on-the-ground experience with these interventions.

• SAMHSA Disaster/Distress Hotline: 1-800-985-5990
• SAMHSA Incidents of Mass Violence
• SAMHSA: Tips for Talking with and Helping Children and Youth Cope After a Disaster or Traumatic Event

• CDC Infographic: 6 Guiding Principles to a Trauma-Informed Approach
• CDC Helping Children Cope with Emergencies
• NCSMH Supporting Students, Staff, Families & Communities Impacted by Violence
• NIMH Helping Children & Adolescents Cope with Traumatic Events
• Talking to Children About Terrorist Attacks & School & Community Shootings in the News
• CDC Caring for Children in a Disaster: Tools & Resources
• NCTSN School Shooting Resources
• Sesame Street in Communities: Community & Gun Violence

• AAP Talking to Children About Tragedies & Other News Events
• AAP Talking with Children About Disasters
• CDC Helping Children Cope During & After a Disaster

• AAP Helping Children Cope & Adjust After a Disaster
• AAP Pediatric Preparedness Resource Kit

Helping Children with Tragic Events in the News

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.

Physical Effects

Emotional Effects

Spiritual Effects

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.”

Legislation
Much of the debate today is around gun control. Below are links to two bills currently pending in Congress.

HR 1446 Enhanced Background Check Act of 2021

HR 8 Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2021

Suicide Prevention Resource Center

Resource Lists to Support Mental Health and Coping with the Coronavirus (COVID-19)

LISTS COURTESY OF THE SUICIDE PREVENTION RESCOURCE CENTER

GENERAL AUDIANCE

MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

HEALTH CARE WORKERS AND FIRST RESPONDERS

COMMUNITY LEADERS

COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITES

SCHOOLS

PARENTS AND CARE GIVERS

• EWLY ADDED! COVID-19 Resource Guide for Parents and Guardians – This webpage from the Jed Foundation has links to resources to assist parents and guardians in helping themselves and their teenage and young adult children cope with the mental health effects of COVID-19.
• Talking with Children: Tips for Caregivers, Parents, and Teachers during Infectious Disease Outbreaks – This tip sheet from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides caregivers, parents, and teachers with information on reactions children and youth may have during an infectious disease outbreak and how to support them. Some of the information is tailored for different age groups.
• Helping Children Cope Emotionally with the Coronavirus – This web page from the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress (AAETS) provides parents with specific suggestions for helping children cope with COVID-19.
• Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope with the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) – This sheet from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) provides parents and caregivers with information related to the health and mental health aspects of coping with COVID-19. It includes a list by age groups of some typical reactions and ways to help children cope.
• Countering COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Stigma and Racism: Tips for Parents and Caregivers ​- This information sheet from the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) contains tips for parents and caregivers on addressing stigma and racism related to COVID-19 with children. It also provides suggestions to help children feel safe and deal with stigma they may encounter.​
• COVID-19: Five Helpful Responses for Families – This web page from Conscious Discipline provides information on five ways to help children feel safe and connected during COVID-19. Each section includes links to activities, examples, stories, and webinars for children and parents to help incorporate the strategies.
• Supporting Families During COVID-19 – This resource list from the Child Mind Institute includes links to a large number of resources, including ones specifically for children with anxiety disorders, ADHD, autism, and PTSD. There are also links to resources relevant for all children on managing anxiety, discipline and behavior, and dealing with loss.
• How to Avoid Passing Anxiety on to Your Kids – This web page from the Child Mind Institute provides information and strategies to help parents deal with their own anxiety and keep from passing it on to their children.
• Supporting Teenagers and Young Adults During the Coronavirus Crisis – This web page from the Child Mind Institute provides tips specifically for parenting teenagers and young adults home from college during the pandemic.
• Teachers and Parents: Working Together to Make Distance Learning Work – This web page from Mental Health America briefly describes ways that parents and teachers can work together to increase the success of distance/virtual learning for school-age students.
• Co-Parenting during a Pandemic – This information sheet from Parents Lead.org contains a checklist with items that can help in adjusting co-parenting plans. It also provides information on what to do if one parent thinks the other parent is a risk due to COVID-19

TEENAGERS

OLDER ADULTS

HISPANICS/LATINOS

LGBTQ

FAITH COMMUNITIES

WORKPLACES

• EWLY ADDED! Meeting the Mental Health Needs of Unemployed Individuals, Parts 1 and 2 – This two-part webinar series from the American Psychological Association (APA) and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) provides information on the potential impact of job loss and unemployment on mental health. It features evidence-based strategies that can be used to decrease the negative effects of unemployment on mental health and substance use.
• Employee Mental Health & Well-being During & Beyond COVID-19 – This sheet from the American Psychiatric Association Foundation’s Center for Workplace Mental Health provides information on how employers can support the mental health and well-being of their employees. It includes sections on employee needs and how employers can lead and communicate well, adapt to the changes needed, and support employees in accessing care.
• ​​Working Remotely During COVID-19: Your Mental Health & Well-Being – This sheet from the American Psychiatric Association Foundation’s Center for Workplace Mental Health provides information on how employees can maintain their health, mental health and well-being during COVID-19 and what managers and human resources professionals can do to support employees.
• COVID-19 Resources for Organizations and Employees – This web page from the KonTerra Group contains links to information sheets and archived and upcoming webinars on a variety of topics for managers and employees related to coping during COVID-19.
• Promoting Workplace Mental Health in The Age of COVID-19 – This blog from SHRM provides suggestions for how workplaces and employees can support employees’ mental wellness efforts during COVID-19.
• Leading during COVID-19: How Anxiety and Depression Impact Teams (Archived Webinar) – This webinar from MindWise Innovations helps business leaders and managers understand and support their employees who are experiencing anxiety and depression, especially during COVID-19.
• What to Know about Behavioral Health for Remote and Onsite Teams (Archived Webinar) – This webinar from MindWise Innovations helps business leaders and managers understand and support their employees cope with working remotely and/or onsite during COVID-19.

COVID-19 Resource Lists from Partners of the Suicide Prevention Resource Center

• The National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention (Action Alliance) has developed a list of resources on safe messaging and for some specific populations.
• The Zero Suicide Institute (ZSI) has developed a resource list for health care leaders and mental health professionals that addresses safe suicide care.
• The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has developed a resource list for individuals, providers, communities, and states focused on behavioral health care.
• Education Development Center (EDC) has developed a list of resources related to health, mental health, and education.

COVID – 19 Resources

PARENTING EDUCATION RESOURCES

OPEC has a new website! Visit health.oregonstate.edu/opec for the most update OPEC information. ORParenting.org will be phased out by the end of 2022.

OPEC HUBS IN OREGON

About OPEC Hubs

The Oregon Parenting Education Collaborative (OPEC) supports a statewide network of parenting “Hubs.” As part of their role, OPEC Hubs:

• Provide infrastructure to support parenting education efforts across their region, serving as a “go-to” place for families and community partners related to parenting resources and programs, support professional development opportunities for parenting education professionals, and collect data
• Foster community collaboration to coordinate parenting programs across community partners, build relationships between cross-sector partners, and leverage available resources in support of families
• Expand access to and normalize parenting education programs through a combination of direct service and mini-grants to partner organizations to meet the needs of all families in their communities. OPEC Hubs support a blend of universal and targeted parenting programs that are evidence-/research-based and culturally-responsive

The OPEC Logic Model illustrates the strategies, outputs, and outcomes of this work.

Ready to get connected? Your local OPEC Hub can connect you with in-person and remote parenting classes, workshops, resources, and family events in your community.

OPEC Facebook Page

https://www.facebook.com/OPECParentingEd/

Select From the Counties listed below to fund your HUB

FOR PARENTING EDUCATORS

Resource Tip Sheets

• Getting Started: A Guide for Parenting Educators
• Going Online: Positive Strategies for Supporting Virtual Parenting Education
• Virtual Learning During COVID: Supporting Parents for Childrens Success
• COVID-19 Resources for Children and Families
• Trauma Informed Care: Considerations for Remote Delivery of Parenting Education Programming
• Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
• Resource Guide: For Working with Foster Parents
• Gender Roles in Families

Parenting Education Curricula Resources

• Foundations of Facilitation materials
• Haga de la Paternidad un Placer (Spanish Version – Make Parenting a Pleasure)
• Incredible Years
• Make Parenting a Pleasure / Parenting Now
• Nurturing Parenting
• Parenting: The First Three Years Curriculum Training
• Strengthening Families Program for parents of 7-17 year olds
• Strengthening Families Program: For Parents and Youth 10-14

 Training Opportunities

• Essentials of Parenting Education Professional Practice
• Trauma Informed Care Training Modules
• I-LABS Training Modules
• National Alliance of Children’s Trust and Prevention Funds Online Training Course
• Oregon Association for the Education of Young Children
• Monitoring Fidelity in OPEC Series 2019
• Oregon Registry Online Training Calendar
• OrPEN Conference/Trainings
• Ask Phoenix Solutions
• The Ounce: Achieve OnDemand
• Division for Early Childhood – Learning Decks

Research

• Harvard University Center on the Developing Child
• Oregon State University Hallie E. Ford Center for Healthy Children and Families
• Zero to Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families

Program Fidelity Rating Tools

• Monitoring Fidelity in OPEC Series 2019 (PDF)
• OPEC Fidelity Guidelines
• How to Rate Fidelity to Best Practices in Parenting Education User Guide
• Fidelity Best Practices Shortened Tool (PDF)
• Fidelity Checklist for Facilitators (PDF) & Fidelity Checklist for Facilitators Guide (PDF)

Additional Resources

• Diversity of Fatherhood Photo Bank
• Uber Central — organize rides for families or clients
• Zero to Three: Grandparent resources
• Bright by Text
• Simple Interactions Approach
• Fred Rogers Center
• Ages and Stages Questionnaires
• CDC: Act Early
• Liberating Structures — change the way groups work together

OPEC GRANTEE SITES

Grantee Directory

Contact information for each of the OPEC Parenting Education Hubs is listed below.

OPEC Parenting Hubs

Family Resource Center of Central Oregon:
Crook, Deschutes, Jefferson

Dee Ann Lewis
Executive Director
541.389.5468
deeannl@frconline.org

Kim Pitts
Program Logistics Coordinator
541.389.5468
kimp@frconline.org

First 5 Siskiyou:
Siskiyou, CA

Karen Pautz
Executive Director
First 5 Siskiyou
530.918.7222
karenpautz@first5siskiyou.org

Four Rivers Early Learning & Parenting Hub:
Gilliam, Hood River, Sherman, Wasco, Wheeler

Christa Rude
Regional Coordinator
541.506.2255
christa.rude@cgesd.k12.or.us

Shira Skybinskyy
Parenting Hub Assistant Director
sskybinskyy@cgesd.k12.or.us

Frontier Hub:
Grant, Harney

Donna Schnitker
Hub Director
541.573.6461
schnitkd@harneyesd.k12.or.us

Patti Wright
OPEC Grant Coordinator
541.620.0622
wrightp@harneyesd.k12.or.us

LaneKids:
Lane

Claire Hambly
Education Program Manager
541.741.6000 ext 141
chambly@unitedwaylane.org

Emily Reiter
Education Program Specialist
541.741.6000
ereiter@unitedwaylane.org

Marion & Polk Early Learning Hub, Inc.:
Marion

Lisa Harnisch
Executive Director
503.967.1187
lharnisch@earlylearninghub.org

Tiffany Miller
Communication Specialist and Parent Education Associate
503.485.3291
tmiller@earlylearninghub.org

Margie Lowe
Performance and Fiscal Officer
503.559.9610
mlowe@earlylearninghub.org

Mid-Valley Parenting:
Polk, Yamhill

Brent DeMoe
Director, Family & Community Outreach
503.623.9664 ext. 2118
demoe.brent@co.polk.or.us

Stephanie Gilbert
Early Learning and Family Engagement Coordinator
503.623.9664 ext. 2368
gilbert.stephanie@co.polk.or.us

Northwest Parenting:
Clatsop, Columbia, Tillamook 

Dorothy Spence
Early Learning & Parenting Education Hub Coordinator
503.614.1682
dspence@nwresd.k12.or.us 

Elena Barreto
Regional Coordinator
503.614.1443
ebarreto@nwresd.k12.or.us

Parenting Success Network:
Benton, Linn

Mike Jerpbak
Department Chair, Parenting Education
541.917.4891
wolfej@linnbenton.edu

Sommer McLeish
Coordinator (Lincoln County)
541.557.6215
smcleish@samhealth.org

Parenting Together Washington County:
Washington

Leslie Moguil
Senior Program Coordinator
503.846.4556
leslie_moguil@co.washington.or.us

Pathways to Positive Parenting:
Coos, Curry

Charity Grover
Parenting Lead
541.266.3909
charityg@scesd.k12.or.us 

Take Root:
Douglas, Klamath, Lake

Julie Hurley
Parenting Education Coordinator
Douglas/Lake/Klamath
541.492.6607
julie.hurley@douglasesd.k12.or.us

Susan Stiles-Sumstine
Assistant Parenting Hub Coordinator
Douglas/Lake/Klamath
541.492.6604
susan.stiles-sumstine@douglasesd.k12.or.us

Sanora Hoggarth
Parenting Education Coordinator for Klamath County
sanora.hoggarth@douglasesd.k12.or.us

Umatilla Morrow Head Start, Inc.:
Morrow, Umatilla, Union

Aaron Treadwell
Executive Director
541.564.6878
atreadwe@umchs.org

Mary Lou Gutierrez
Parenting Education Coordinator
541.667.6091
mgutierr@umchs.org

Jen Goodman
Family and Community Partnership Manager (Union County)
541.786.5535
goodmajd@eou.edu

OPEC Funded Parenting Education Curriculum

Abriendo Puertas /Opening Doors

PARENTING EDUCATION BOOK LISTS

CUTTING OUT SCREENTIME: OUR FAMILY’S EXPERIMENT January/February 2022 

Run Wild 

by David Covell 

Daniel Finds a Poem 

by Micha Archer 

What to do with a Box 

by Jane Yolen & Chris Sheban

GETTING IN TOUCH 

WITH NATURE 

March 2022 

Green Green: A Community Gardening Story by Marie Lamba 

Lola Plants a Garden / Lola planta un jardín by Anna McQuinn 

Up in the Air: Butterflies, Birds, and 

Everything Up Above 

by Zoe Armstrong 

Greenie grows a garden / Verdecito cultiva un jardín (bilingual) 

by Harriet Ziefert 

Hasta Las Rodillas / Up to My Knees 

by Grace Lin (bilingual 

*This booklist provides recommendations 

based on the content of our monthly 

parent newsletter: Parenting Together. 

https://orparenting.org/parents/newsletters/ 

1 

GETTING MESSY 

AND BEING HANDS-ON April 2022 

Mix It Up! 

by Hervé Tullet 

Pinta Ratones 

by Ellen Stoll Walsh 

Edward Gets Messy 

by Rita Meade 

Ultimate Slime: 100 new recipes and projects for oddly satisying, Borax-free slime 

by Alyssa Jagan 

Mud 

by Mary Lyn Ray 

SIBLINGS & FRIENDS 

May 2022 

How Do Dinosaurs Stay Friends? / Cómo son buenos amigos los dinosaurios 

by Jane Yolen 

The Evil Princess vs. The Brave Knight by Jennifer Holm 

How to Apologize 

by David LaRochelle 

Maple & Willow Together / Arce y Sauce juntas 

by Lori Nichols 

Meesha Makes Friends 

by Tom Percival

GETTING CREATIVE WITH RECYCLABLES 

June 2022 

Recycle and Remake, 

edited by Hélene Hilton 

Rainbow Weaver / Tejedora del arcoíris (bilingual) 

by Linda Elovitz Marshall 

Out of the Box 

by Jemma Westing 

100 Easy STEAM Activities: awesome 

hands-on projects for aspiring artists and engineers 

by Andrea Scalzo Yi 

Recycling Crafts by Annalees Lim 

BUILDING EMPATHY USING STORYBOOKS 

July 2022 

A Kids Book About Epathy 

by Daron K. Roberts 

I am Human: A Book of Empathy 

by Susan Verde 

Caring with Bert and Ernie: A Book 

About Empathy 

by Marie-Therese Miller 

Empatía: una guia para padres e hijos by Patricia Fernández Bieberach 

Everyone… 

by Christopher Silas Neal 

GOING TO THE DENTIST August 2022 

ABC Dentist 

by Harriet Ziefert 

Does a Tiger Go to the Dentist? 

by Harriet Ziefert 

Max va al dentista 

by Adria F. Klein 

What to Expect When You Go to the Dentist by Heidi Eisenberg Murkoff 

Vamos al Dentista 

ALL ABOUT STRESS 

September 2022 

How Big Are Your Worries Little Bear? By Jayneen Sanders 

The Rabbit Listened 

by Cori Doerrfeld 

Breath Like a Bear: 30 Mindful 

Moments For Kids to Feel Calm and 

Focused Anytime, Anywhere 

by Kira Wiley 

Plantando semillas : la práctica del 

mindfulness con niños 

by Nhá̂t Hạnh 

Scaredy Squirrel 

by Melanie Watt

ALL ABOUT CALM 

October 2022 

Mindfulness Moments for Kids: 

Hot Cocoa Calm 

by Kira Willey 

Calm Monsters, Kind Monsters: a Sesame Street Guide to Mindfulness 

by Karen Latchana Kenney 

You Are a Lion!: And Other Fun Yoga Poses / Eres un león!: posturas de yoga para niños 

GET INTO THE KITCHEN November 2022 

Thank You, Omu! / ¡Gracias, Omu! 

by Oge Mora 

Cooking Class: 57 Fun Recipes Kids 

will Love to Make (and Eat!) 

by Deanna F. Cook 

Plaza Sésamo: C es de cocinar – recetas de nuestra comunidad 

by Susan McQuillan 

Kalamata’s Kitchen 

by Sarah Thomas 

FAMILY CELEBRATIONS December 2022 

Dumpling Day 

by Meera Sriram 

Alma and How She Got Her Name / Alma y cómo obtuvo su nombre 

by Juana Martinez-Neal 

The Heart of Mi Familia 

by Carrie Lara 

Mango, Abuela, and Me / Mango, Abuela y yo by Meg Medina 

We Are Family 

by Patricia Hegarty 

The Alexander Foundation is a non-profit, 501(c)3, all-volunteer organization whose sole focus is to give back to the LGBTQ+ community of Colorado.

USE THIS LINK TO OPEN THE VA WELCOME KIT

Print out your VA Welcome Kit

Whether you’re just getting out of the service or you’ve been a civilian for years now, the VA Welcome Kit can help guide you to the benefits and services you’ve earned.

Based on where you are in life, your VA benefits and services can support you in different ways. Keep your welcome kit handy, so you can turn to it throughout your life—like when it’s time to go to school, get a job, buy a house, get health care, retire, or make plans for your care as you age.

 

Explore VA.gov to learn about your benefits

• Disability

  File a claim for disability compensation for conditions related to your military service, and manage your benefits over time.

• Health care

  Apply for VA health care, find out how to access services, and manage your health and benefits online.

• Education and training

  Apply for and manage your GI Bill and other education benefits to help pay for college and training programs.

• Housing assistance

  Find out if you’re eligible for VA home loan programs to help you buy, build, repair, or keep a home. If you have a service-connected disability, see if you qualify for a housing grant to help you live more independently.

• Careers and employment

  Apply for vocational rehabilitation services, get support for your Veteran-owned small business, and access other career resources.

• Life insurance

  Explore VA life insurance options for Veterans, service members, and families. Manage your policy online, file claims for benefits, and access helpful resources.

• Pension

  Apply for monthly payments for wartime Veterans and survivors with limited or no income who meet certain age and disability requirements.

• Burials and memorials

  Get help planning a burial in a VA national cemetery, order a headstone or other memorial item to honor a Veteran’s service, and apply for survivor and dependent benefits.

• Records

  Apply for a printed Veteran ID card, get your VA benefit letters and medical records, and learn how to apply for a discharge upgrade.

• Benefits for spouses, dependents, survivors, and family caregivers

  Learn about benefits for spouses and dependents of a Veteran or service member, including added support if you’re caring for a Veteran with a service-connected disability.

LOCATE SERVICES IN OREGON

Veteran Resource Navigator

The Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs (ODVA) has a comprehensive online resource guide (VETERAN RESOURCE NAVIGATOR) available to assist veterans in finding the benefits that are most useful to their unique circumstances at this time.

Use the link below for the Veteran Resource Navigator

https://www.oregon.gov/odva/COVID/Pages/default.aspx

Veteran Services by County

Click on the link blow for interactive map  access resources in your county in Oregon.

VETERAN SERVICES BY COUNTY INTERACTIVE MAP

COVID-19 ALERT – Due to COVID-19 many County Offices are limiting in-person services and are providing services by phone. Please call your County Veteran Service Office before going in to confirm how they can best serve you during this time.

COVID19 County Office Status March 26.pdf

Other Resources Available to Veterans and Military Service Members

DD214 & Military Records Request:

https://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records

Veteran Resource Navigator site by ODVA:

https://www.oregon.gov/odva/COVID/Pages/default.aspx

(Oregon)Military Help Line:  

Call 888-457-4838

VA Crisis Line 1-800-273-8255:

Press 1.VA Confidential crisis chat at net or text to 838255 

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, National Center for PTSD:

https://www.ptsd.va.gov/

Defining Discharge Status:

https://militarybenefits.info/character-of-discharge/#:~:text=There%20are%206%20types%20of,DD%20214%20must%20have%20a

How to apply for a discharge status upgrade:

https://www.va.gov/discharge-upgrade-instructions/

Oregon Supportive Services for Vets & Families (Housing):

https://caporegon.org/what-we-do/ssvf/

Clackamas County VSO’s (Veteran Service Officers):

https://www.clackamas.us/socialservices/veterans.html

Portland VA Clinic that can help with homelessness & medical care:

https://www.portland.va.gov/locations/crrc.asp

Portland VA Mental Health Clinic:

https://www.portland.va.gov/services/mentalhealth.asp

Veterans Crisis Line/ Suicide Prevention:

https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/

If you are a veteran or family member with specific questions not addressed here, or if you need other direct assistance,

please contact an ODVA Resource Navigator by calling (503) 373-2085 or toll-free at 1-800-692-9666.

Contact ODVA Headquarters

Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs
700 Summer St NE
Salem, OR 97301

Web: https://www.oregon.gov/odva/Pages/default.aspx

Phone: (800) 692-9666 or (503) 373-2085

Fax: (503) 373-2392

Email:orvetsbenefits@odva.state.or.us

 

 

 

 

Web Resources

Oregon Health Plan – Enrollment Page

https://www.oregon.gov/oha/hsd/ohp/pages/apply.aspx

 

SAMHSA Treatment Locator

https://findtreatment.gov/

VA National Center on PTSD

 PTSD Treatment Decision Aid

 Educational Materials

  Mobile Apps

  Whiteboard Videos

  Consultation Program

 

VA Healthcare – Community Care network

https://www.va.gov/COMMUNITYCARE/providers/Community_Care_Network.asp

 

VA’s Center for Women Veterans (CWV)

https://www.va.gov/womenvet/

Minority Veterans of America

https://www.minorityvets.org/

 

Vet Centers:

Central Oregon Vet Center

Eugene Vet Center

Grants Pass Vet Center

Portland Vet Center

Salem Vet Center

 Community Based Outpatient Clinics:

Bend CBOC

Morrow County VA Telehealth Clinic (Boardman OR)

Brookings VA Clinic

Wallowa County VA Telehealth Clinic (Enterprise OR)

Eugene Health Care Center

Eugene VA Downtown Clinic

Fairview Clinic

Grants Pass West VA CBOC

Hillsboro CBOC

Klamath Falls CBOC

La Grande CBOC

Lincoln City Clinic

North Bend VA Clinic

Community Resource and Referral Center (CRRC)

Salem CBOC

North Coast CBOC

 

Additional Resources By Phone:

Veterans Crisis Line: 800-273-8255, Press 1

Women Veterans Hotline: 855-829-663

Vet Center Call Center: 877-WAR-VETS (927-8387)

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Caregiver Support Line: 855-260-3274

Lines for Life Military Help Line:  Call 1-888-457-4838

Senior Loneliness Line:  Call 503-200-1633

The Trevor Project:  866-488-7386

PEER SUPPORT AND PEER TRAINING

USE THIS LINK TO APPLY

Online BIPOC Veteran Peer Support Specialist Training – April 2022

NAMI Multnomah is pleased to offer this Oregon Health Authority (OHA) approved Peer Support Specialist Training (PSST) for adults in Mental Health recovery. In collaboration with Cultivating a New Life LLC, we will offer the Warriors in Recovery: Forging an Alliance of Peers, Peer Support Specialist Training, 𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙛𝙞𝙘 𝙩𝙤 𝙑𝙚𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙈𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙮 𝙎𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝙈𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙛𝙮𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙨 𝘽𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙠, 𝙄𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙤𝙧 𝙖𝙨 𝙖 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙤𝙣 𝙤𝙛 𝙘𝙤𝙡𝙤𝙧 (𝘽𝙄𝙋𝙊𝘾).

Warriors in Recovery: Forging an Alliance of Peers represents 44 hours of comprehensive training designed to inform and empower individuals wishing to work as peers for veterans within peer-delivered services, assisting individuals past or presently affected by mental health services, mental health system survival, addiction(s), co-occurring disorder(s), and traumatic experience(s), as they re-enter the community utilizing naturally occurring support.

The core elements of this program include wellness coping skills and WRAP training (Wellness Recovery Action Plan), all from a social justice framework with an emphasis on trauma-informed care, cultural humility model and narrative approaches. Through a narrative approach, participants will recognize the power of the stories that they tell themselves, and how to reconstruct their life narrative according to person-centered principles that will assist them in reducing the influence of problems in their lives.

Individuals who complete the 44-hour PSST training are eligible to become Oregon State Certified Peer Support Specialists for adult mental health under the Traditional Health Worker (THW) program. The training consists of 44 online classroom hours and a written exam.

This training is offered at no cost to Veterans and Active/Past Military Service Members who live, work, or volunteer in the state of Oregon.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗙𝗲𝗯𝗿𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟮𝟴𝘁𝗵, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟮.

𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀

1. 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗽𝗲𝗲𝗿 which is defined as a self-identified person currently or formerly receiving mental health services. (𝗣𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘 𝗡𝗢𝗧𝗘: If you do not self-identify as a peer, you will not be eligible for this training. If you identify as a family member, please go to OHA’s website to find certified Family Support Specialist Trainings in Oregon.)

2. 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝘁:

-be a Veteran or active/past Military Service Member

-identify as Black, Indigenous or a person of color

-be at least 18 years of age

-live, work, and/or volunteer in Oregon

-not be listed on the Medicaid provider exclusion list

-have the ability to attend the entirety of the 44-hour/6 session training ONLINE

𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘿𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙏𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙨:

-Friday, April 8th, 3:00pm-7:00pm

-Saturday, April 9th, 9:00am-5:00pm

-Sunday, April 10th, 9:00am-5:00pm

-Friday, April 22nd, 9:00am-5:00pm

-Saturday, April 23rd, 9:00am-5:00pm

-Sunday, April 24th, 9:00am-5:00pm

*𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙧𝙚 1-𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙡𝙪𝙣𝙘𝙝 𝙗𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙠𝙨 𝙤𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧 𝙙𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜*

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗙𝗲𝗯𝗿𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟮𝟴𝘁𝗵, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟮. 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗱𝗲𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝘆 𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝗯𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟳𝘁𝗵, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟮.

Apply Here: BIPOC Veteran & Military Service Member PSST Application

PUBLICATIONS

Psychosocial Interventions for Older Adults With Serious Mental Illness

The guide provides considerations and strategies for interdisciplinary teams, peer specialists, clinicians, registered nurses, behavioral health organizations, and policymakers in understanding, selecting, and implementing evidence-based interventions that support older adults with serious mental illness.

Publication ID

PEP21-06-05-001

Publication Date

November 2021

Download

Psychosocial Interventions for Older Adults With Serious Mental Illness, 15.96 MB

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Opportunities for Engagement

  What:  Warriors in Recovery:  Forging an Alliance of Peers

Host/Coordinating Organization: NAMI Multnomah

Dates:  November 4^th through 6^th and 18^th through 20th

Additional Information:  An OHA-approved Peer Support Specialist Training for adults in mental health recovery. This training is offered at no cost to participants and is open to Veterans across Oregon.  To apply online, please click here.  Applications are due by September 18, 2022

What:  Veteran Volunteer Program – flyer attached

Host/Coordinating Organization:  Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs (ODVA)

Additional Information:  Join the ODVA in implementing the new veteran volunteer program to ensure very Oregon veteran is connected to the benefits they have earned.  For additional information, or to sign up, please review the attached flyer or reach out to Mark Newell, ODVA Veteran Volunteer Coordinator by calling 503.373.2057, emailing veteranvolunteer@odva.state.or.us, or visiting the ODVA volunteer website by clicking here.

What:  Free Veteran Peer Support – flyer attached

Host/Coordinating Organization:  NAMI Multnomah

Additional Information:  Did you know NAMI Multnomah offers FREE veteran peer support?  Veteran Peer Support Specialists are veterans who use their personal experiences with military culture, mental health challenges, and recovery to support and inspire hope in other veterans.  Check out the attached PDF to learn more how NAMI Multnomah’s Veteran Peer Support Specialists can assist you.  To get started or learn more, contact Dan at 971.303.2671 or dfriedrich@namimultnomah.org

What:  Opportunity to Join NAMI Multnomah Veteran Outreach Team (repeat from 7/19/22)  

Host/Coordinating Organization: NAMI Multnomah

Additional Information:  NAMI Multnomah is looking for veterans and family members interested in volunteering. Our primary need is for folks interested in joining our Veteran Outreach Team. These volunteers will participate in tabling events and/or presentations sharing NAMI resources with communities of Veterans, family members, and those who work with Veterans. These opportunities are primarily in-person, and require proof of vaccination against COVID-19. Please reach out to Alyssa at acarnes@namimultnomah.org if you have any questions or are interested in volunteering.

What:  Oregon Suicide Prevention Conference (repeat from 7/19/22)

Host/Coordinating Organization:  Lines for Life

Dates:  October 11 – 13, 2022, with pre-conference trainings held on October 10, 2022

Additional Information:   OSPC 2022 – Reconnecting to Hope: Growing Responsive Communities – focuses on rebuilding and growing connections between individuals, providers, local and state resources, advocates and prevention leaders. These connections strengthen networks of community support and create systems that can respond with compassion and care to address the unique needs of individuals – lifting Oregonians to reconnect to hope when they are struggling.  Update your calendar and stay tuned for our registration announcement!  Click here to access the OSPC website.

Funding & Scholarship Opportunities

 What:  RFGA #5487 Increasing Access to Veteran and Military Peer Support Specialist Training (repeat from 7/19/22) 

Funder:  Oregon Health Authority (OHA)

Additional Information:  OHA is pleased to announce this solicitation of applications for funding Peer Support Specialist trainings.  The intention is to make in-person Peer Support Specialist trainings more accessible to military veterans living in communities designated as Rural or Frontier by the Oregon Office of Rural Health.  OHA is calling for applications from organizations who are well-positioned to provide services to military veterans and have the capacity to grow the peer-delivered services workforce in their communities.  Applications are due by 10 p.m. Aug. 31, 2022.  Please visit the OHA Veterans and Military Behavioral Health website to access application documents.

What:  Peer Wellness Specialist Training Scholarship Application

Funder/Coordinating Organization:  Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Mental Health & Addiction Association of Oregon (MHAAO)

Additional Information:  Scholarships for this training cohort are supported by OHA’s Office of Equity and Inclusion to increase training accessibility across the state.  This scholarship opportunity is meant for Oregon frontier and rural communities.   Completed applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis.  Once you complete this application, you will receive a confirmation email that it has been submitted.  Please note that the training details and materials will be shared approximately 2-4 weeks prior to the training start date for the cohort for which you have applied.  If you have any specific questions, please reach out to Training Center Manger, Emily Nelson at enelson@mhaoforegon.org.  The role of a Peer Wellness Specialist is to provide peer support, encouragement, and assistance to address physical and mental health needs.  In order to do that, it is important that the Peer Wellness Specialist has a working knowledge of the various health care and wellness resources in their community and how to access these services and resources.  Click here to access the Peer Wellness Specialist Training Scholarship Application.

What:  Integrated Co-Occurring Disorders Start Up Funding

Funder:  Oregon Health Authority (OHA)

Additional Information:  OHA is getting ready to develop contracts for Integrated Co-Occurring Disorders (ICOD) start up funding.  Programs that can and/or want to specialize in working with veterans who experience co-occurring disorders can contact David Corse at David.Corse@dhsoha.state.or.us