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Next Membership Meeting
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Monday, January 14, 2013 8:30 a.m. The Women's Center 1723 Hemphill Fort Worth, Texas 76110 Join us as we honor outgoing Mental Health Connection Chair Susan Garnett and welcome new Chair Wayne Carson Discuss the future of Mental Health Connection Please park on the South side of The Women's Center so clients have easy access |
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Have you used information from the Community-Wide Children's Health and Planning Assessment? If so, send Cook Children's a note with the way you used it.
Click here to go to CCHAPS
Click here to send a note
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Join Our List
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FROM MENTAL HEALTH CONNECTION |
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Mental Health Connection Unveils Strategic Plan
| |  Goals and strategies determined After intensive work by hundreds of volunteers, Mental Health Connection has adopted a new strategic plan to guide it through the next several years. Click here to review the plan. If you would like to be involved in implementation of the strategic plan, contact Patsy Thomas. |
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Watch for Brief Surveys in 2013
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DataLink, Communications Committee Seek Feedback Mental Health Connection will be conducting surveys in the New Year to ensure that we are providing the tools and information you need.
One brief survey will ask you about your use of and knowledge about DataLink, the management information system that allows agencies to refer clients and share information about those clients. Even if you are not aware of any details concerning DataLink, we can use your input.
A second survey will ask you about the information you receive from Mental Health Connection through newsletters like this one, weekly email updates and other communication tools. This survey should not take more than 3 or 4 minutes to complete, so please set aside a little time for it when it arrives.
Our hope with these surveys is to continue improving our services and communication for you and your agency. Keep your eyes open and watch for the survey announcements. Thank you in advance for your time.
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Trauma Informed Committee Continues Work
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UTA Students Reviewing Community Services, Needs
The Mental Health Connection Trauma Informed Committee is continuing to work toward achieving its vision: A community that understands and acts quickly with sensitivity to the needs of those who have experienced any form of trauma.
Three students from the Social Policy and Mental Health class at the University of Texas at Arlington are currently contacting agencies that participate on the Trauma Informed Committee about trauma-focused services and training. The survey results, which will be presented to the Committee at its meeting on January 14, will help guide future activities.
In addition, the Trauma Informed Committee is working with the Communications Committee to develop a campaign designed to educate the public about trauma. The campaign will focus on the causes and effects of trauma in young children, along with ways to help children who have experienced a traumatic event.
If you are interested in joining the Trauma Informed Committee, attend the next meeting on Tuesday, January 15, from 2:30 to 4 p.m. The meeting will be held at ACH Child and Family Services, 1424 Summit, Fort Worth 76102.
Click here for more information about the Trauma Informed Committee's work.
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LGBTQ Conversation Opens Doors to Discussion
| |  Next steps will address key issues
More than 100 area social service providers came together on November 8 to learn more about serving Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning (LGBTQ) youth. The event, sponsored by Hand in Hand and Mental Health Connection's Cultural Connection, featured Caitlin Ryan, PhD, as keynote speaker and panel facilitator. Dr. Ryan is project director for the Family Acceptance Project and founder of the National Lesbian and Gay Health Foundation. She presented research findings on the effects of acceptance and rejection on young people who "come out" to their families. She also led a panel of three teens who shared their first-hand experiences with the attitudes they encountered, as well as the impact of those experiences. A second panel included parents, law enforcement officials, members of the faith community and social service agencies.
Because LGBTQ youth are often victims of homelessness, substance abuse and suicide, Dr. Ryan focused on the need to help them succeed in the world. Those who attended the November 8 event will be invited to help set the course for future discussions and actions to help keep LGBTQ youth safe.
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New Policy Governs Announcements, Emails
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Board approves guidelines
Over the past few months, Mental Health Connection has received numerous requests to post announcements on the Web site and/or send them in emails to all members. Those of you who receive this newsletter have probably noticed the increase.
As a result, the Mental Health Connection Communications Committee developed guidelines for announcements, which the Board of Directors approved in November.
If you have an announcement you would like posted on the Web site's Announcements page or sent via email to Mental Health Connection members, please take time to click here and review the guidelines. A link is also available from the Announcements page.
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Tarrant Cares Hits Continue to Soar
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7.5 million hits, 5.1 million pageviews since launch 
Tarrant Cares is receiving approximately half a million hits each month as individuals continue to find the site's array of information. Since Tarrant Cares launched on March 30, 2011, almost 7.5 million people have passed through the site, and more than 5.1 million have spent time reviewing information more closely.
The Tarrant Cares Governance Committee reordered rack cards and business cards for those who would like to help us continue to spread the word. To obtain marketing materials, email Kay Barkin or call her at 817-569-5326.
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Hand in Hand Supports Connections
| Counties develop systems of care
 As a part of its mission to build infrastructure for systems of care, Hand in Hand has been working with agency leaders in five counties to provide support for development of new systems. These collaborations will connect social service/mental health agencies, similar to the role Mental Health Connection plays in Tarrant County. Below is a brief update on each county's activities.
Hood County
The executive directors of several social service agencies in Hood County have been holding discussions on ways to collaborate more effectively. Hand in Hand has supported that work by facilitating meetings with agencies to provide information about the way a system of care can help their community provide better services.
Johnson County
After three meetings facilitated by Hand in Hand, stakeholders in Johnson County are ready to develop a mental health system of care. The group has selected a monthly meeting date and is researching the possibility of bringing Mental Health First Aid to the community.
Palo Pinto County
Palo Pinto Community Connection is the new name of the county's Community Resource Network. The collaboration will focus on the broad spectrum of social services, including mental health, substance abuse, senior citizens and homelessness. Palo Pinto Community Connection has adopted a logo that was commissioned by Hand in Hand and will vote on bylaws in January.
Parker County
The Big Tent, a relatively new collaboration in Parker County, will be learning about system of care values in January. The group is bringing together social service agencies to drive community change for children. In addition, many community stakeholders have expressed an interest in addressing mental health issues.
Tarrant County
While Mental Health Connection provides a system of care for the entire county, the Arlington Resource Sharing Group has been working to expand its focus. Hand in Hand has offered consultation and support to the group's Steering Committee as members determine the future direction of the collaboration. Approximately 50 individuals attend the group's meetings each month.
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Announcements
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Intro to Trauma for Adults The Women's Center is offering a weekly educational group for individuals experiencing traumatic stress as a result of crime and/or abuse. The group is also designed to help adults dealing with the impact of traumatic stress on another person. Individuals can begin the rotating four-week program at any time. There is no charge and reservations are not required. Every Tuesday 6-7:30 p.m. The Women's Center of Tarrant County 1723 Hemphill Fort Worth, Texas 76110 For more information, call 817-927-2737 Mental Health First Aid
Presented by MHMR of Tarrant CountyThursday and Friday, February 7 and 8, 2013 Thursday and Friday, May 2 and 3, 2013 MHMR 4th Floor Board Room 3840 Hulen Fort Worth, Texas 76107 $65 Fee
Job Openings
Don't forget to check the Mental Health Connection Jobs Page if you are looking for a new position.
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Mental Health Connection is a collaboration of public and private agencies, as well as individuals who need mental health care services and their caregivers. The organization works to revolutionize the mental health delivery system, with a vision of creating No Wrong Door to the Right Mental Health Resources.
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