National Council for Mental Wellbeing

📢 Join us this January as we recognize the first national Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month. Help raise awareness and share resources that connect people to the treatment they might need: samhsa.gov/SUDTM

In a new report from the Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, "Eliminating Tobacco-Related Disease and Death: Addressing Disparities" highlights the latest scientific evidence on disparities and outlines tobacco prevention and control strategies that have the potential to reduce those disparities. "The Surgeon General's report is a powerful reminder that behavioral health and tobacco use are deeply interconnected," said Alex Hurst, MHA, Director of the National Behavioral Health Network for Tobacco and Cancer Control. "Individuals with mental health or substance use challenges are disproportionately affected by tobacco-related harm, yet they are often underserved by prevention and treatment efforts. By illuminating these inequities and outlining actionable solutions, this report reinforces the urgency of integrating behavioral health into every aspect of tobacco control." https://bit.ly/3Dlh6oo

Along with The College for Behavioral Health Leadership and Health Management Associates, our Center for Workforce Solutions will be hosting the monthly Workforce Solutions Jam on Tuesday to explore creative solutions to developing a workforce that reflects the diverse populations it serves, with insight into the Social Work Interstate Licensure Compact and spotlighting the work of the National Mental Health Workforce Acceleration Collaborative. Join us to be a part of the discussion: https://bit.ly/3Bx8k64

In the new report, "Mass Violence in the United States: Definition, Prevalence, Causes, Impacts and Solutions: A Call to Action,” the Medical Director Institute (MDI) of the National Council found that incidents of mass violence, while still relatively rare, are increasing, and the time to respond is now. "We have the ability to take important steps right now to curtail mass violence, but we have not adequately addressed the crisis," said National Council Medical Director Joseph Parks, MD, cochair of the MDI. "This is a major public health problem, one no other country is facing to this degree, and we should be doing more to stem it." The revised and updated report builds upon a 2019 MDI report created by a diverse team of policy and medical experts to examine contributing factors and actionable solutions to mass violence in the U.S. through the lens of behavioral health: https://bit.ly/49ubrIK

Had a wonderful evening at Ad Council annual Public Service Awards on behalf of the National Council for Mental Wellbeing and the Start With Hope campaign! ✨ So grateful for all of the incredible humans that exist in our world trying to make positive change.

The National Behavioral Health Network for Tobacco and Cancer Control (NBHN) is pleased to announce the launch of a new ECHO series, Beyond the Diagnosis: Integrating Trauma-informed Approaches in Cancer Care. This 5-session virtual series, running from January to May 2025, will provide cancer care professionals with the tools to integrate trauma-informed care principles into cancer prevention, screening, treatment, and survivorship programs. We invite those who work in cancer care, cancer centers, clinicians and their teams to apply by Dec. 16 (submit your application at https://lnkd.in/e2jF_Yfe). Learn how this ECHO series can enhance your work in cancer care at our upcoming info session this Thursday at 1pm ET: https://bit.ly/41l1E5O

It is only fitting that on Giving Tuesday, we share the press release that came out today from one of our insureds (David Lawrence Centers): FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE David Lawrence Centers receives $40,000 grant from the Mental Health Risk Retention Group to launch ‘Caring Contacts’ suicide prevention pilot program. Please click here to read more about it.

As the year comes to a close, many county leaders and employees feel the strain of balancing year-end tasks with the pressure of a new year ahead. Join us tomorrow for a free webinar that will focus on managing seasonal stress and enhancing wellbeing in the workplace, tailored specifically for county leaders and employees. Along with the National Association of Counties, we will provide you with actionable insights to navigate seasonal shifts, set healthy boundaries, and foster mental resilience: https://bit.ly/48UgMZD

This Thanksgiving, we have much to be grateful for, including all of the work our 3,400 member organizations do for their communities every single day. Have a #HappyThanksgiving!

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the National Council for Mental Wellbeing are committed to improving treatment and recovery supports for people with serious mental illness (SMI). With this in mind, we are thrilled to announce the launch of SAMHSA’s new Serious Mental Illness Training and Technical Assistance Center (SMI TTAC). SMI TTAC builds upon the work previously completed by the SAMHSA-funded SMI Adviser to support those involved in the care and treatment of people with SMI, including clinicians, caregivers, organizations and people experiencing SMI themselves. Learn more about SMI TTAC at samhsa.gov/smi-ttac and stay updated on the latest news from SMI TTAC by subscribing to the listserv: https://bit.ly/4hWqdM6