Time to Talk Forum!

Registration Now Open: The Rosenberry Conference

Register Here! Children's Hospital Colorado Course Catalog

Funding Opportunity for Mental Health Awareness Training

Check out this new funding opportunity from SAMHSA for Mental Health Awareness Training.

"The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) is accepting applications for fiscal year (FY) 2018 Mental Health Awareness Training grants (Short Title: MHAT). The purpose of this program is to: (1) train individuals (e.g., school personnel, emergency first responders, law enforcement, veterans, armed services members and their families) to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental disorders, particularly serious mental illness (SMI) and/or serious emotional disturbance (SED); (2) establish linkages with school- and/or community-based mental health agencies to refer individuals with the signs or symptoms of mental illness to appropriate services; (3) train emergency services personnel, veterans, law enforcement, fire department personnel, and others to identify persons with a mental disorder and employ crisis de-escalation techniques; and (4) educate individuals about resources that are available in the community for individuals with a mental disorder. It is expected that this program will prepare and train others on how to appropriately and safely respond to individuals with mental disorders, particularly individuals with SMI and/or SED.Eligibility


Eligible applicants are domestic public and private not-for-profit entities. For example:

• State governments and territories (the District of Columbia, Guam, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau).
• Governmental units within political subdivisions of a state, such as a county, city or town (e.g., local education agencies, law enforcement agencies, fire department agencies, emergency medical units).
• Federally recognized American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) tribes, tribal organizations, Urban Indian Organizations, and consortia of tribes or tribal organizations.
• Community- and faith-based organizations, including those that serve veterans, armed services personnel, and their families.
• Public or private universities and colleges....

Anticipated Total Available Funding:  $15,801,221
Anticipated Number of Awards:  Up to 126
Anticipated Award Amount:  Up to $125,000 per year
Length of Project:  Up to 3 years
Cost Sharing/Match Required?:  No

Proposed budgets cannot exceed $125,000 in total costs (direct and indirect) in any year of the proposed project.

MADD Youth Advocacy Internship

MADD is accepting applications for their Youth Advocacy Internship Program! Please share the following with anyone you think might be interested:

You're the one willing to ask tough questions. You often raise your voice in moments of injustice. You dive into creativity to address challenges. You value the lives of your peers. You pay attention to your health and well-being. You know you can make a difference. Here is one way to do just that.  MADD Colorado's Youth Advocacy Internship Program is designed to give young voices the opportunity to be heard. This program provides a space for you to share perspectives on underage drinking and substance use prevention in Colorado.

Interns take a personal stand against drinking before age 21 or riding in a car with someone who has been drinking. They are committed to helping others do the same through planning and implementing community outreach activities and event, school awareness campaigns culminating with MADD's Red Ribbon Week in October. Interns will assist in planning and providing operational support of MADD Colorado's Law Enforcement Recognition, three Walk Like MADD events and Red Ribbon week. Interns with also shape our youth programming to increase MADD Colorado's relevance to the next generation it serves.

Youth Advocacy Internship Program is a 5-month volunteer commitment that includes:

• Participation in 4 out of 5 meetings (one meeting can be via telephone) 
• Participation in 3 out of 4 MADD events and Intern Excursions 
• Potential excursions: District Attorneys’ offices, Sentencing hearings, the Capitol, Police Departments, Department of Transportation. 
• Opportunities to participate in projects/activities (e.g. engaging with local police departments, school presentations, Colorado Youth Drivers Alliance etc.) to address the needs of the prevention community and educate the public on the value of underage drinking and substance use prevention 

To be eligible for participation in the group, you must be:

• Ages 15-18 
• A Colorado resident 
• In good standing with your school 
• Drug-free (this includes alcohol, marijuana and tobacco) 

 Students who complete the internship will walk away with leadership skills, an understanding of the legislative process, community engagement experience, and letters of recommendation for college and future employment.

Check out the MADD Youth Advocacy Internship application here!  Applications are due on April 30th, 2018!

Questions? Contact Rebecca Green at rebecca.green@madd.org

Teen Board Panel Discussion: Pikes Peak Suicide Prevention

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month!

Lieutenant Governor and CDHS Staff Kick Off National Child Abuse Prevention Month at the Capitol

We all play a role in strengthening families to help prevent child abuse and neglect!

1 in 5 Colorado parents say they feel like they have no one they can turn to for day-to-day emotional support in raising children. It's part of the reason advocates, organizations and elected officials join together each year to raise awareness.

DENVER (April 3, 2018) — Lt. Gov. Donna Lynne and Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) staff joined community partners, county leaders and advocates today to kick off National Child Abuse Prevention Month at the State Capitol. The occasion reinforced the importance of individuals and communities working together to keep kids safe and families healthy.

The event also featured remarks by community members such as a librarian, a local business owner and the founder of a unique moms’ group to highlight the fact that everyone can play a role in strengthening families, which is one of the most effective ways to prevent child abuse from happening in the first place.

These individuals emphasized how a single person can make an extraordinary difference in the lives of both kids and families. Some examples they highlighted of ways individuals, businesses and communities can support families include:

• A family member offering to babysit so parents can get a little break
• A friend or neighbor shoveling snow or raking leaves for a young family to lighten their load
• Recreation centers hosting playgroups
• Local libraries offering story times for young children
• Employers allowing for flexibility with schedules when possible

"We all play a role in strengthening families," said Lieutenant Governor and Chief Operating Officer Donna Lynne. "I encourage every adult to get involved to prevent child abuse and neglect, even if you are not raising a child or working with families."

Click here to read full article!

PIPER SEMINAR: Thursday, April 19th

The Program for Injury Prevention, Education & Research (PIPER) is holding a seminar next Thursday, April 19^th. Please see above for details and share with other contacts who may be interested in attending!