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Over 30+ warmlines plus webinars, workshops, job postings, special events, consumer input opportunities and more.
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First, at the top of the list: SAMHSA Disaster Helpline and similar links.
Next in the list: Bundled “All Day” Events for organizations with events happening at multiple times throughout the day and/or in many formats or locations; these are bundled into a single listing to prevent endless scrolling. Usually these offer a lookup by zip code or other criteria.
Lastly, Time-Specific Events listed by start time from 12:01am early morning to 11:59pm late night. Warmlines and places east of Oregon’s time zone tend to start earlier (e.g. 4am in Oregon is 7am in New York).
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
RESOURCES AND INFORMATION
Veteran Resource Navigator
The coronavirus pandemic has changed our world. But it has not changed Oregon’s commitment to those who served and fought for us.
This comprehensive online resource guide is meant to assist veterans from all walks of life in finding the benefits that are most useful to their unique circumstances at this time.
These benefits and resources are yours, earned through your faithful and honorable service to our nation; they are also an investment in the state of Oregon, because your success is our success.
Oregon veterans are a diverse community, but we are united in our shared service, and this has never been truer than it is today. We are all in this together, and we are not defeated. We will stand again, united.
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.
Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs 700 Summer St NE Salem, OR 97301
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.
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.
Download your VA Welcome Kit
Feel free to share this guide with friends or family members who need help with their benefits too. You can print out copies for yourself and others:
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, check if you qualify for a housing grant to help you live more independently.
Explore VA life insurance options for Veterans, service members, and families. Manage your policy online, file claims for benefits, and access helpful resources.
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.
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.
Other Resources Available to Veterans and Military Service Members
The National Resource Directory (NRD) is a resource website that connects wounded warriors, Service Members, Veterans, their families, and caregivers to programs and services that support them. The NRD is hosted, managed, maintained, sustained and developed by the Defense Health Agency’s Recovery Coordination Program.
It provides access to services and resources at the national, state and local levels to support recovery, rehabilitation and community reintegration. Visitors can find information on a variety of topics that supply an abundance of vetted resources. For help finding resources on the site, visit the How to Use this site section of the NRD. Please see below for some of our major categories.
The National Recovery Directory is a partnership among the Departments of Defense, Labor, and Veterans Affairs. Information contained within the NRD is from federal, state, and local government agencies; Veteran and military service organizations; non-profit and community-based organizations; academic institutions and professional associations that provide assistance to wounded warriors and their families.
GLOSSARIES
Find definitions to commonly used terms in VA, DoD, DOL, and other federal government agencies.
Semper Fi & America’s Fund offers a Caregiver Support Program encompassing a variety of activities, education, support tools and resource connections designed to assist the spouses, parents, siblings, extended family members, or close friends who drop everything to care for a catastrophically wounded, critically ill or injured service member. The Caregiver Support Program provides different types of events to suit the busy schedules of our caregivers.
Join MVCN with special guest Karen Hetherington, Director of Case Management for the Semper Fi & America’s Fund, a non-profit that assists catastrophically wounded, ill and injured service members. Ms. Hetherington will share about Semper Fi & America’s Fund’s programs and answer questions.
Come learn how Semper Fi & America’s Fund can help you!
**Please SAVE your confirmation email as it contains information to join the Zoom group.** Check your spam or junk folder if you do not receive an email confirmation from Eventbrite.Find other peer support opportunities on our Caregiver Calendar on the MVCN website. https://www.redcross.org/caregiversVisit the safe and secure, caregiver-only Online Community available 24/7 for support. https://mvcn.force.com/login.
DDA was founded by a highly decorated veteran, Corbett Monica. After serving in the Vietnam War, like other veterans, returning to home only find anguish, trauma, and remorse. After suffering from severe PTSD, OCD, survivors guilt, and addictions, Corbett found a way to transcend from destructive means with the inception of Dual Diagnosis Anonymous (DDA) providing hope and recovery through our peer support which is now his legacy.
Culturally responsive DDA’s Veterans meetings are intended to provide a safe venue to be open about depression, post-traumatic stress, alcohol and drug use, abuse, and addiction as well as serve as a resource for navigation of the telehealth system, It will encourage healthy solutions for adapting to the changing times. Specifically. the project will Improve access for Veterans and military service members to dual diagnosis services through the creation of on-line recovery support groups and on-line DDA meetings.
This project will serve Veterans throughout the state and is beginning outreach through Veterans publications, local newspapers, the VA, Veterans websites, list services, and anything else that will help identify Oregonians who can use the services.
Military kids face unique psychological challenges related to military life. Compared to their non-military peers, military kids are many times more likely to move multiple times during their school careers and have a parent absent for long periods of time in potentially dangerous locations – factors that can greatly stress military kids’ mental health.
The Defense Health Agency maintains two online resources to support military children use the links povided below:
Military Kids Connect is an online community specifically for military children ages 6-17, and provides access to age-appropriate resources for military kids and also for parents, caregivers, and educators to help them understand and support military kids at home and in school.
Sesame Street for Military Families is a free, bilingual (English and Spanish) website where families can find information and multimedia resources on the topics of military deployments, multiple deployments, homecomings, injuries, grief, and self-expression.
The Native & Strong Lifeline is a crisis call center operated entirely by Native staff and is available 24/7 in Washington State. To connect with the Native & Strong Lifeline from a Washington State area code, dial 988 and press “4”.
The Native crisis counselor who answers will help with mental health crises in an empathetic and culturally connected way. The Native & Strong Lifeline currently employs 16 Indigenous counselors from all over the United States. In addition to the training all 988 crisis counselors receive, Native & Strong counselors are trained in cultural competency, traditional forms of healing, and Native slang and language. Counselors use cultural activities, traditional medicines, and connections with elders and Native healers as a part of self-care planning with callers, in addition to clinical and community resources.
Although Native & Strong is only available in Washington State, this crisis call center can serve as a model for Tribes that want to open their own crisis call centers nationwide.
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!
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.
In times of community or world-wide crisis, it’s easy to assume that young children don’t know what’s going on. But one thing’s for sure — children are very sensitive to how their parents feel. They’re keenly aware of the expressions on their parents’ faces and the tone of their voices. Children can sense when their parents are really worried, whether they’re watching the news or talking about it with others. No matter what children know about a “crisis,” it’s especially scary for children to realize that their parents are scared.
Some Scary, Confusing Images
The way that news is presented on television can be quite confusing for a young child. The same video segment may be shown over and over again through the day, as if each showing was a different event. Someone who has died turns up alive and then dies again and again. Children often become very anxious since they don’t understand much about videotape replays, closeups, and camera angles. Any televised danger seems close to home to them because the tragic scenes are taking place on the TV set in their own living room. Children can’t tell the difference between what’s close and what’s far away, what’s real and what’s pretend, or what’s new and what’s re-run.
The younger the children are, the more likely they are to be interested in scenes of close-up faces, particularly if the people are expressing some strong feelings. When there’s tragic news, the images on TV are most often much too graphic and disturbing for young children.
“Who will take care of me?”
In times of crisis, children want to know, “Who will take care of me?” They’re dependent on adults for their survival and security. They’re naturally self-centered. They need to hear very clearly that their parents are doing all they can to take care of them and to keep them safe. They also need to hear that people in the government and other grown-ups they don’t even know are working hard to keep them safe, too.
Helping Children Feel More Secure
Play is one of the important ways young children have of dealing with their concerns. Of course, playing about violent news can be scary and sometimes unsafe, so adults need to be nearby to help redirect that kind of play into nurturing themes, such as a hospital for the wounded or a pretend meal for emergency workers.
When children are scared and anxious, they might become more dependent, clingy, and afraid to go to bed at night. Whining, aggressive behavior, or toilet “accidents” may be their way of asking for more comfort from the important adults in their lives. Little by little, as the adults around them become more confident, hopeful and secure, our children probably will, too.
Turn Off the TV
When there’s something tragic in the news, many parents get concerned about what and how to tell their children. It’s even harder than usual if we’re struggling with our own powerful feelings about what has happened. Adults are sometimes surprised that their own reactions to a televised crisis are so strong, but great loss and devastation in the news often reawaken our own earlier losses and fears – even some we think we might have “forgotten”
It’s easy to allow ourselves to get drawn into watching televised news of a crisis for hours and hours; however, exposing ourselves to so many tragedies can make us feel hopeless, insecure, and even depressed. We help our children and ourselves if we’re able to limit our own television viewing. Our children need us to spend time with them – away from the frightening images on the screen.
Talking and Listening
Even if we wanted to, it would be impossible to give our children all the reasons for such things as war, terrorists, abuse, murders, major fires, hurricanes, and earthquakes. If they ask questions, our best answer may be to ask them, “What do you think happened?” If the answer is “I don’t know,” then the simplest reply might be something like, “I’m sad about the news, and I’m worried. But I love you, and I’m here to care for you.”
If we don’t let children know it’s okay to feel sad and scared, they may think something is wrong with them when they do feel that way. They certainly don’t need to hear all the details of what’s making us sad or scared, but if we can help them accept their own feelings as natural and normal, their feelings will be much more manageable for them.
Angry feelings are part of being human, especially when we feel powerless. One of the most important messages we can give our children is, “It’s okay to be angry, but it’s not okay to hurt ourselves or others.” Besides giving children the right to their anger, we can help them find constructive things to do with their feelings. This way, we’ll be giving them useful tools that will serve them all their life, and help them to become the worlds’ future peacemakers — the world’s future “helpers.”
Helpful Hints
Do your best to keep the television off, or at least limit how much your child sees of any news event.
Try to keep yourself calm. Your presence can help your child feel more secure.
Give your child extra comfort and physical affection, like hugs or snuggling up together with a favorite book. Physical comfort goes a long way towards providing inner security. That closeness can nourish you, too.
Try to keep regular routines as normal as possible. Children and adults count on their familiar pattern of everyday life.
Plan something that you and your child enjoy doing together, like taking a walk, going on a picnic, having some quiet time, or doing something silly. It can help to know there are simple things in life that can help us feel better, in good times and in bad.
Even if children don’t mention what they’ve seen or heard in the news, it can help to ask what they think has happened. If parents don’t bring up the subject, children can be left with their misinterpretations. You may be really surprised at how much your child has heard from others.
Focus attention on the helpers, like the police, firemen, doctors, nurses, paramedics, and volunteers. It’s reassuring to know there are many caring people who are doing all they can to help others in this world.
Let your child know if you’re making a donation, going to a town meeting, writing a letter or e-mail of support, or taking some other action. It can help children to know that adults take many different active roles and that we don’t give in to helplessness in times of worldwide crisis.
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.
How race-related stress affects you and your relationship with your child
What effect does racism have on your health and well-being?
Not only does racism impact you as a parent, it can also impact how you interact with your children. Experiences of racism build on each other and can chip away at your emotional, physical and spiritual resources as a parent, contributing to race-related stress. Race-related stress can make it hard to have the space needed to take care of yourself as a parent, which reduces the emotional space you need to adequately take care of your children.
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.
Strategies to deal with racial stress and practice self-care.
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 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
You are not the only person dealing with race-related stress and connecting with other people with similar experiences and feelings can help you to successfully navigate racism.
Talk with family and trusted friends specifically about racialized events that have occurred and how to handle them
Start or join a group with others who may have had similar experiences and similar interests, like a book club that reads books by Black authors, or spend time with other African American parents who have the same concerns you do about how your children are treated at the school.
Seek out activities that you can do with your friends or family (e.g., exercising, cooking, watching a family show or movie together, etc.)
Legislation
Much of the debate today is around gun control. Below are links to two bills currently pending in Congress.
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.
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.
Explore VA life insurance options for Veterans, service members, and families. Manage your policy online, file claims for benefits, and access helpful resources.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
You are welcome to share this guide with friends or family members who need help with their benefits too. You can print out copies for yourself and others:
What: Warriors in Recovery: Forging an Alliance of Peers
Host/Coordinating Organization: NAMI Multnomah
Dates: November 4th through 6th and 18th 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
4 – Resources – MAP – Moms for All Paths to Recovery – Mother’s Resource Group – 24/7
@ Facebook Group
This is a group for moms who have or had children that are experiencing issues due to alcohol or drug use. We also have advocates, harm reductionists, and experts in the field of addiction in our camp.
We mothers often feel powerless to act on behalf of our own (and our family and children’s) best interests. But we know the antidote to powerlessness: KNOWLEDGE.
🚩 THAT’S WHY THIS IS NOT A SUPPORT GROUP 🚩.
It is a hub for information and resources that are relevant to our member audience, based on science, and driven by data.
We encourage you to engage with our community by posting relevant information: Trusted news reports, scientific articles, and any other information that would be helpful to our members in navigating this long and winding road.
Of course, data doesn’t speak for itself, and members are free to post their interpretations of the information shared here. We do not necessarily have to agree with everything that’s posted; critical conversations are important and make us stronger and wiser. So take what you need, and leave the rest behind.
Follow this link to Join
Group rules from the admins
🔹 We support Harm Reduction (meeting people where they’re at).
🔹 We do NOT believe in the concepts of “tough love,” “enabling” and “codependency.”
🔹 We support ALL Pathways to Recovery, including FDA approved medications for opioid and alcohol use disorders.
🔹 We do NOT support drug induced homicide laws. PLEASE DO NOT JOIN THIS GROUP if you are not OPEN to LEARNING more about the above or to promote anything that is contrary to our principles.
Avoid Stigmatizing Language
It’s important to ensure that the language we use to talk about substance use is respectful and compassionate. Terms like; addict, junkie, drug abusers, etc. will be deleted (we have a complete list of suggested terms in our GUIDE section). Using neutral, medically accurate terminology when describing substance use is preferred. Please use people-first language, that focuses first on the individual.
Be Kind and Courteous
We are all on this roller-coaster ride together. Please treat everyone with respect. Healthy debates are natural, but kindness is required.
Do Not Advertise or Promote Your Services
But we do welcome your opinions and any other relevant information as it pertains to our groups subject matter. This needs to be a safe space without sales. Give more to this group than you take. Self-promotion, spam, and irrelevant links aren’t allowed.
Irrelevant content will be deleted.
We Are Mothers
We are not medical professionals. Our only degree is in mothering our children through addiction. We do however, bring a wealth knowledge based on our experiences.
Do Not Ask for Mony or Post Fundraisiers
We do not allow solicitation of any kind. The only fundraiser we support is for our annual Warrior Woman Retreat and to support our LIVE giveaways.
Do Not BLOCK Group Admins
MAP is an educational group, and we encourage thoughtful discussion. The full benefit, however, cannot be gained if members block Admins who comment in the group or who post relevant content, including announcements. Members who block Admins will be removed from the Group. Posts shared into MAP by individuals who have our Admins blocked will likewise be deleted since we are unable to validate the legitimacy of the post if we cannot view the information.
5 – Warmline – CA/OSA – Cocaine Anonymous Online Service Area – OSA HELP LINE – EMAIL BASED – 24/7
@ email
This group is owned and operated by American Addiction Centers (AAC). Amid the current pandemic, AAC is here to support you. During these times of uncertainty, you can be certain that we care about your recovery journey. We understand that attending in-person support group meetings over the coming weeks will be difficult, which is why we will be facilitating online Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings. We have dedicated this group to sharing information related to these support group meetings.
These virtual 12-step meetings are intended to offer a safe place for individuals in recovery to find support during this time of uncertainty. We recognize the heightened sensitivity of attending an online meeting, and we kindly ask for your help in creating and maintaining an environment of peace, support, and confidentiality. Please respect the privacy and anonymity of all those who attend these meetings.
The facilitators of these meetings will protect your identity by hiding the meeting list, so that it is not visible to attendees. We ask for your support in this by not sharing anything discussed within the meeting, including individuals’ names and stories. We are grateful to have the opportunity to support you in your recovery and appreciate your commitment to these.
Group rules from the admins
Respect Everyone’s Privacy
Being part of this group requires mutual trust. Authentic, expressive discussions make groups great, but may also be sensitive and private. What’s shared in the group should stay in the group.
Be kind and Courteous
We’re all in this together to create a welcoming environment. Let’s treat everyone with respect. Healthy debates are natural, but kindness is required.
No Hate Speech or Bullying
Make sure everyone feels safe. Bullying of any kind isn’t allowed, and degrading comments about things like race, religion, culture, sexual orientation, gender, or identity will not be tolerated.
No Promotions or Spam
Give more than you take to this group. Self-promotion, spam and irrelevant links aren’t allowed.
AM – All Month – Eating and/or Body Image Struggles – Resources for Peer Support, Recovery & Wellness
Food addiction can take many forms. Symptoms include obesity, under eating, and bulimia. People often think of the term “eating disorders” when describing the disease of food addiction. Food addicts are obsessed with food, body size, and weight. We spend our days thinking about when and what we are going to eat or not eat. Binging, purging, and dieting are a way of life. The bottom line is that we can’t stop thinking about eating. Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous (FA) offers relief from the symptoms of eating disorders and guidance on living in recovery.
ANAD – National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders
https://anad.org/get-help/
ANAD is committed to providing free, peer support services to anyone struggling with an eating disorderOur free, eating disorders Helpline is available for treatment referrals, support and encouragement, and general questions about eating disorders.
NEDA: External link list of virtual support groups for different time zones offered by multiple organizations dedicated to eating disorder recovery across the United States.
Around the Dinner Table Forum, FEAST: External linkonline community of parents of eating disorder patients around the world. [note, I would say parents/caregivers of family members or persons experiencing eating struggles or struggling with eating, not patients!]
Meeting Location Virtual through our community website. Members must first sign up for a free membership to our website, and then they can register for a group. (https://eatingdisorders.dukehealth.org/)
Friends & Family support groups are 1.5 hours and are open to loved ones of individuals who are experiencing and/or on the journey from eating disorders.
18percent is a free online community based off Slack, where one can receive peer to peer support. 18percent has channels on various mental health issues, one of which is eating disorders. They offer free, 24/7 eating disorder support in a moderated environment. For more information, click the link below and sign up.
The main aim of EDRC is to increase awareness and understanding of eating disorders for the public and for health professionals; to promote early diagnosis, effective treatment, and recovery; and to advocate for mental health parity legislation and effective insurance coverage. We collaborate with other organizations such as National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in our effort to bring the needed attention to eating disorders.
The Lotus Collaborative: Online Eating Disorder Recovery Support Group
This group is for anyone struggling with an eating disorder to get recovery support as well as to practice giving recovery support to others. While this is not a therapy group, it is a supportive virtual environment in which to meet others working towards recovery, build relationships, gain insight, and practice recovery skills. Everyone working towards eating disorder recovery is welcome.
The Lotus Collaborative hosts a free online support group for the friends and family members supporting a loved one through eating disorder recovery. This group is a space for family members and friends to get support, ask questions and connect with others in the supporting role.
Although we are not an official AA/NA group, this site is for 12 step discussion but should not be used instead of face to face meetings. This site is here to help others in recovery from a very harsh disease. Consequently, we welcome the opportunity to share AA/NA experience with those who would like to get clean and sober. Your anonymity is not guaranteed on this site. The fact that you are a member of the group might be seen by others. Your posts in this group are visible only to other members of the group.
GROUP GUIDELINES
All Facebook rules regarding conduct and speech are in effect in this group. You may be removed or banned from this group for the following reasons:
* The subject of CbD oil, suboxone or marijuana maintenance (These subjects have a history of heated emotional debate and are considered and outside issue)
* If you are looking for theological debates.
* If you are seeking medical advice about your prescriptions. * WE ARE NOT DOCTORS*
* If you engage in racist, disruptive, or rude speech or behavior.
* If you block any of the group’s administrators.
* If you post pictures, video, memes, hashtags, or stickers.
* If you post links as an opening post, or post links in the comments that have nothing to do with the topic being discussed in an ongoing thread.
* If you post advertisements of any sort.
* If you are trolling, seeking private messages, asking for or putting your phone number on the group walls.
* If you are not here to offer or receive help with your drug addiction or alcoholism, if you are here to promote your own agenda.
When you troll for fish, you throw a line and wait for a bite. When you’re trolling for mayhem in a discussion group, you (post) or (comment) objectionable, confrontational, or intentionally controversial statements in an attempt to generate arguments. It’s petulant, sophomoric, and harmful, and it will not be tolerated.
If you feel the need to complain about anything, please send an instant message to any of the admins.
Thank you!
Admins
Randy Tawnja Rhonda Beth Tammi Cheryl Michelle Cameo Jenelle
APRSP – All Pathways Recovery Support Group – Private Women’s Facebook Group – 24/7
@ Facebook Group
Our mission is to empower women to reach their full recovery and parenting potential through peer-to-peer support and mentorship.
Our groups offer support, resources, and encouragement to women balancing recovery and parental responsibilities; while providing opportunities to build their recovery tribe.
These support groups are VERY different than some may be accustomed to. They are not centered around any particular recovery pathway, and all are welcome. We encourage and celebrate any and all efforts to improve quality of life.
Our groups and organization were created primarily for those who might avoid (for whatever personal reason) recovery programs that preach abstinence only. This group is not about exclusion. It is about joining together on the road to freedom, and respecting each other’s right to paint that picture differently.
We understand that recovery is not a box, and we do not try to cram our own personal beliefs or opinions down anyone’s windpipe. We listen. We share our personal experience. We show support.
These groups will not be received well by all. Many will struggle to embrace the lack of structure regarding what recovery is and isn’t — and that is okay. Those who wish to grow and work through those struggles will be met with plenty of opportunity and support in doing just that. We understand how difficult it can be to accept that recovery is not a black and white, simple solution. We know how much self reflection it takes to be truly open to the idea that our particular brand of recovery is not necessarily the “right” one — that there is no right way to find and maintain personal recovery.
Our groups will challenge you to step outside whatever box you’ve been wrapped, and if you decide they are not the appropriate place for you in your process right now, we will hold the door open for you in case you ever change your mind. You will not be judged.
There will be threads about active use, medication assistance, and moderation in this group, and some may feel triggered. You will always be encouraged to speak up these things in a way that respects us all. It is 100% possible to voice discomfort in a way that invites us all into conversation about boundaries and the importance of acknowledging and protecting our own edges.
If ever you wish to reach out to admin to discuss any of this, we really hope you will.
We are SO happy you found us, and I hope – after reading and processing all of this – you’ll join us and rejoice in the rare opportunities this group has to offer you.
Julie Maida, Founder
Visit the Facebook community page to join this group
Make sure everyone feels safe. Bullying of any kind isn’t allowed, and degrading comments about things like race, religion, culture, sexual orientation, gender, or identity will not be tolerated.
We encourage every member to share about struggles; we just ask that you please leave out details that could be triggering to another member.
If you’re posting anything you feel might be triggering to members, please write *TRIGGER WARNING* at the top of your post and then hit . & return at least 10 times before beginning.
Even if you are a doctor, please refrain from giving ANY medical or medication advice. When in doubt, ask YOUR primary care physician.
Being part of this group requires mutual trust. Authentic, expressive discussions make groups great, but may also be sensitive and private. What’s shared in the group should stay in the group.
Understand that while your way works for you, it may not work for everyone. There is no right or wrong way.
We’re all in this together to create a welcoming environment. Let’s treat everyone with respect. Healthy debates are natural, but kindness and mutual respect are required. No name calling.
It is also not okay to solicit group members by private messages. If you have a new group or page you think some of our members might benefit from, please reach out to admin and ASK before posting it.
It is not just the responsibility of admins to keep enforcing guidelines and ensure safety, it is also yours. Please help keep our group safe by flagging any and all posts you find concerning.
Do not take screenshots in this group and do not share screenshots from anywhere else in this group.
ARSG – Addiction and Recovery Support Group – Facebook Groups – 24/7
@ Facebook Group
This group is for people to share anything that’s addictions/mental health related. This is NOT a place to promote your business or sell your products. The abuse of other members will not be tolerated. Please be humble and kind.
1. Please Be kind and courteous
Bullying cannot be tolerated.
2. No Promotions or Spam
Give more than you take to this group. Self-promotion, spam and irrelevant links aren’t allowed.
3. Respect everyone’s privacy
Being part of this group requires mutual trust. Authentic, expressive discussions make groups great, but may also be sensitive and private. What’s shared in the group should stay in the group.
4. Be yourself!
Honesty and frankness is ALWAYS a good thing! Feel free to express yourself and your feelings.
ARSP – Addiction and Recovery Support Group – Online Via Facebook – 24/7
@ Online Via Facebook Live
We are glad you have found us, and we hope we can be a part of your recovery journey!
Our group is a support community for all those who have been affected by any kind of addiction (not limited to drugs/alcohol). We welcome those who struggle themselves as well as those who have family, friends, or partners that face addiction.
Addiction does not discriminate, and neither do we! We are a safe space for anyone 16+ regardless of gender, sex, religion, race, ethnicity or disability. We are a part of a network of groups called Misfit Mamas Page. Follow our main Facebook page for posts, memes, and updates.
Link below! You can also reach us on our website. We are also apart of a network called The Glowing Haze Network! We would love for you to come and look at our other groups we offer!
What is shared within this group must remain in this group! Mutual respect goes a long way to make this a safe environment.
If you go real life you will be immediately blocked. You must have consent to message and/or friend request another member.
Absolutely no photos of substances/paraphernalia
This group does not allow sharing any photos of any type of drug or paraphernalia, as it is extremely triggering for many addicts.
We do not allow “glory stories”
We are not here to glorify any type of substance use! These stories often trigger others and can even lead us back to relapse.
If posting about another individual, be mindful
We ask that if posting about a family member, friend, partner, etc that you do not include their name, age, location or photos. For added privacy protection we encourage you to post anonymously, but it’s not required!
No Sales, fundraisers, lives, promotions, or spam
Give more than you take from our community! For safety reasons, we are not allowing fundraisers or sales at this time. We do not allow any lives or promotional content.
Be kind, respectful and on topic
This is a support group first and foremost! We do not tolerate bullying, name-calling, arguing or being rude. We ask you remain helpful to the OPs post!
We may ask for a TW on certain topics
We may ask you to edit with a trigger warning (TW) on posts that discuss sexual assault, abuse, abortion, miscarriage & overdose. We may ask for any post that we see fit that is outside of these topics. Please add a TW to the top of the post and resubmit!
Never belittle someone’s experience!
We are all equal here regardless of time in recovery, addiction type, years of use or age. Everyone’s experience is valid and we never want to make members feel as if what they experienced was less than!
BHRN – Behavioral Health Rescource Network – Free Passes Peer Support & Recovery
Per Measure 110 Funding through the Oregon Health Authority, each of the Oregon 36 Counties across the state has at least one BHRN service network, plus there is an Oregon Tribe BHRN.
Each BHRN network has 1 or more community partners to ensure access to services for SUD – Substance Use Disorder recovery.
Each BHRN network provides trauma-informed, culturally specific and linguistically responsive services. Services include but are not limited to:
Screening for health and social service needs. Screening and referral for substance use disorder. Access to an individualized intervention plan. Case management. Low-barrier substance use disorder treatment. Harm reduction services. Peer-supported services. Housing. Mobile and virtual outreach. Referral to appropriate outside services.
BHRN programs and services in Oregon are contracted through June 30th, 2025.
To access BHRN Programs and Services, use the Oregon BHRN Maps Page.
These maps offer Information about the BRHNs, the Partner Organizations, their Service Offerings specific to each BHRN, and additional insights..
We are a recovery fellowship comprised of men, women, youth, survivors, and their families that are committed to supporting and living a crime-free lifestyle. We welcome you to check out our website at www.crimanon.org. Zoom on in with us! To join this meeting, use the ZOOM Link and Meeting ID provided below:
To join an email meeting, simply click on the JOIN LINK
The address that you join with will be used to send and receive meeting emails using email list software on the C.A. online system. After you have joined, you will receive a welcome email and then start to receive meetings emails.
Bilingual Meeting available – ca-en-espanol
Members are invited to join the bilingual email meeting
MEETING/GROUP TYPES:
OPEN: Attended by C.A. members, their families, friends, and other interested people.
CLOSED: Attendance is limited to C.A. members only.
CA/OSA – Cocaine Anonymous Online Service Area – Email Meeting – There is A Solution – Men’s Recovery Group – 24/7
@ email
The address that you join with will be used to send and receive meeting emails using email list software on the C.A. online system. After you have joined, you will receive a welcome email and then start to receive meetings emails.
Bilingual Meeting available – ca-en-espanol
Members are invited to join the bilingual email meeting
MEETING/GROUP TYPES:
OPEN: Attended by C.A. members, their families, friends, and other interested people.
CLOSED: Attendance is limited to C.A. members only.
CA/OSA – Cocaine Anonymous Online Service Area – Online 12 Step Meeting – Last House On The Block – 7 days a week
@ email
OPEN:Attended by C.A. members, their families, friends and other interested people. CLOSED:Attendance is limited to C.A. members only.
Cocaine Anonymous Around the World Clock
Pacific Standard Time (PDT)
Eastern Standard Time (EDT)
Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)
British Standard Time (BST)
Central European Summer Time (CEST)
July 26, 2023 9:08:36 AM
July 26, 2023 12:08:36 PM
July 26, 2023 4:08:36 PM
July 26, 2023 5:08:36 PM
July 26, 2023 6:08:36 PM
Sweden, Stockholm
South Africa, Johannesburg
Thailand, Bangkok
Asia, Hong Kong
Australia, Melbourne
6:08:36 PM
6:08:36 PM
11:08:36 PM
12:08:36 AM
2:08:36 AM
Please check the time above for the time zone you are in. U.S. Daylight Savings and U.K. Daylight Savings happen about two weeks apart. U.K. falls back at 2am Sunday October 25th/U.S. falls back at 2am Sunday November 1st. The schedule can vary and be 1 hour different during that period.
+44 203 051 2874 United Kingdom
+44 203 481 5237 United Kingdom
+1 929 436 2866 US (New York)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
MEETING/GROUP TYPES:
OPEN:Attended by C.A. members, their families, friends and other interested people. CLOSED:Attendance is limited to C.A. members only.
Cocaine Anonymous Around the World Clock
Pacific Standard Time (PDT)
Eastern Standard Time (EDT)
Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)
British Standard Time (BST)
Central European Summer Time (CEST)
July 26, 2023 9:08:36 AM
July 26, 2023 12:08:36 PM
July 26, 2023 4:08:36 PM
July 26, 2023 5:08:36 PM
July 26, 2023 6:08:36 PM
Sweden, Stockholm
South Africa, Johannesburg
Thailand, Bangkok
Asia, Hong Kong
Australia, Melbourne
6:08:36 PM
6:08:36 PM
11:08:36 PM
12:08:36 AM
2:08:36 AM
Please check the time above for the time zone you are in. U.S. Daylight Savings and U.K. Daylight Savings happen about two weeks apart. U.K. falls back at 2am Sunday October 25th/U.S. falls back at 2am Sunday November 1st. The schedule can vary and be 1 hour different during that period.
Discussion meeting for all addicts seeking recovery
The Hope, Faith & Courage Meeting of C.A. (HFC) is an email-based open discussion meeting for Cocaine Anonymous. It is a member of the Online Service Area and is accredited by them as a CA Group. HFC has been in continuous operation since Feb 1, 1997.
The format is open discussion, and it is intended to be a point of first contact with addicts seeking recovery, as well as support for addicts far from CA meetings. HFC has members from around the world.
The address that you join with will be used to send and receive meeting emails using email list software on the C.A. online system. After you have joined, you will receive a welcome email and then start to receive meetings emails.
Bilingual Meeting available – ca-en-espanol
Members are invited to join the bilingual email meeting
MEETING/GROUP TYPES:
OPEN: Attended by C.A. members, their families, friends, and other interested people.
CLOSED: Attendance is limited to C.A. members only.
CA/OSA – Cocaine Anonymous Online Service Area – Online 12 Step Meeting – A WORLD OF C.A. – Saturdays
@ Online Via Zoom
OPEN:Attended by C.A. members, their families, friends and other interested people.
CLOSED:Attendance is limited to C.A. members only.
Cocaine Anonymous Around the World Clock
Pacific Standard Time (PDT)
Eastern Standard Time (EDT)
Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)
British Standard Time (BST)
Central European Summer Time (CEST)
July 26, 2023 9:08:36 AM
July 26, 2023 12:08:36 PM
July 26, 2023 4:08:36 PM
July 26, 2023 5:08:36 PM
July 26, 2023 6:08:36 PM
Sweden, Stockholm
South Africa, Johannesburg
Thailand, Bangkok
Asia, Hong Kong
Australia, Melbourne
6:08:36 PM
6:08:36 PM
11:08:36 PM
12:08:36 AM
2:08:36 AM
Please check the time above for the time zone you are in. U.S. Daylight Savings and U.K. Daylight Savings happen about two weeks apart. U.K. falls back at 2am Sunday October 25th/U.S. falls back at 2am Sunday November 1st. The schedule can vary and be 1 hour different during that period.
OPEN:Attended by C.A. members, their families, friends and other interested people.
CLOSED:Attendance is limited to C.A. members only.
Cocaine Anonymous Around the World Clock
Pacific Standard Time (PDT)
Eastern Standard Time (EDT)
Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)
British Standard Time (BST)
Central European Summer Time (CEST)
July 26, 2023 9:08:36 AM
July 26, 2023 12:08:36 PM
July 26, 2023 4:08:36 PM
July 26, 2023 5:08:36 PM
July 26, 2023 6:08:36 PM
Sweden, Stockholm
South Africa, Johannesburg
Thailand, Bangkok
Asia, Hong Kong
Australia, Melbourne
6:08:36 PM
6:08:36 PM
11:08:36 PM
12:08:36 AM
2:08:36 AM
Please check the time above for the time zone you are in. U.S. Daylight Savings and U.K. Daylight Savings happen about two weeks apart. U.K. falls back at 2am Sunday October 25th/U.S. falls back at 2am Sunday November 1st. The schedule can vary and be 1 hour different during that period.
This new chat/resource group was created to help support those and their families who suffer from mental health and, or, addiction struggles during the coronavirus situation.
Please know that we are all in this together, so please invite those who might be able to help or benefit. The five rules of respect will govern this site, so love, encouragement, and valid resources are the primary mission of this group. We look forward to the support of the community and sharing support and resources for those who need it.
IMPORTANT: Anyone who chooses to promote panic, fear, racism, or misinformation will be asked to stop and or be blocked.
1. First, and most importantly, who you see here and what is said here, let it stay here! (Here! Here!) Confidentiality and anonymity are the spiritual foundations that keep our recovery possible.
2. Questions and answers are welcome and positive feedback is given, when asked for.
3. Keep it real.
4. Try not to disrupt the group.
5. It is OK to pass, if you do not wish to share.
DDA – Dual Diagnosis Anonymous – Hope and Recovery Meetings – Weekdays and Weekends
@ Online via Zoom
Saturdays at 4 pm (PST) Meeting ID is: 892-5105-3549 and password: novadda
Fun In Recovery Events
Art night is continuing every Tuesday at 3 pm (PST). Can’t wait to socialize and build new skills in recovery with you all!!! https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88050830159
Dual Diagnosis Anonymous (DDA) is a peer support group based on an authorized version of the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous plus an additional 5 Steps that focus on Dual Diagnosis (mental illness and substance abuse). DDA’s unique 12 Steps Plus 5 Program offers hope for achieving the promise of recovery. Read more about the history of DDA at http://www.ddaoregon.com/about.htm.
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