Mental Health America Fredericksburg Region

Webinar: "You Can Talk to Me": A Family Guide to Support Students' Mental Health and Well-Being Trauma Informed Principle to Practice: Trustworthiness & Transparency, Collaboration & Mutuality
2024-04-17 17:30 - 19:00 (America/New_York)
“You Can Talk to Me”: A Family Guide to Support Students’ Mental Health and Well-Being
Trauma Informed Principle to Practice: Trustworthiness & Transparency, Collaboration & Mutuality
How might we partner with parents, caregivers and families through trauma informed approaches to support the mental health and well-being of the children and teens in their lives? In 2023, Project Cal-Well (a cross-agency mental health initiative led by the California Department of Education to promote mental health awareness and wellness among California’s K-12 students) designed the Family Guide to Supporting Young People’s Mental Health and Well-Being for parents and other caregivers (available in English and Spanish), with input from families, educators, mental health professionals, and youth. By sharing tips for families on how to have conversations about social media use, mental health, anti-LGBTQ experiences, bullying and more, this guide provides parents and other caregivers with information and easy-to-use strategies to support their children’s overall well-being and mental health.
How did the guide’s authors partner with students and their families to create this guide? How might we support students and families to dig into its information and leverage this resource to partner with parents and other caretakers? Join us to explore these questions, and the guide itself, while learning from several of its authors about how the guide’s development process was trauma informed.
Participants will: (1) learn about the development and content of the guide; (2) have the opportunity to consider how to get the guide and related local resources into the hands of families; and (3) generate ideas for how to use individual sections of the guide to align with a school’s continuum of trauma-informed approaches and social, emotional, and behavioral supports.
Audience: Educators, school site leaders, school mental health professionals, youth advocates, trauma-informed professionals, family and caregivers, family mental health advocates, technical assistance providers, and anyone interested.
Mental Health America of Fredericksburg staff will be attending this workshop and we wanted to share this resource with you.

Heppe 15K
2024-04-21 07:00 - 10:30 | 713 Sophia Street Fredericksburg, VA US 22401
All proceeds will be donated to Mental Health America of Fredericksburg.

Board Meeting (In-Person)
2024-04-23 19:00 - 21:00, 2024-06-18 17:30 - 20:30

Webinar: The Heart Work: Equity-Centered Coaching Practices for Trauma-Informed Collegiality and Collective Healing
2024-04-24 17:30 - 19:00
Workshop 6 of 6 in the “Trauma-Informed, In School Sessions” Workshop Series (view series page for full details)
The Heart Work: Equity-Centered Coaching Practices for Trauma Informed Collegiality and Collective Healing
Trauma Informed Principle to Practice: Cultural Humility As systemic inequities and trauma are often intertwined, addressing their connection becomes crucial in trauma-informed school communities. Centering equity in every student interaction and adult partnership supporting the school system is essential. The capacity for the adults responsible for implementing trauma-informed practices grounded in equity is nurtured through equity-centered coaching.
In this workshop, we will explore the principles of equity-centered coaching to cultivate trauma-informed school environments. Coaching conversations, grounded in active listening, cultural humility, and psychological safety, model the equitable interactions we hope administrators have with educators and providers so that educators and providers can offer the same experience with their students.
Together, we will examine our own identities, assumptions, patterns, and beliefs – creating space for new perspectives. This self-reflection enables us to recognize how inequities and trauma manifest in our schools. As we build self-awareness about our experiences and worldviews, we become better able to perceive concerning dynamics and interrupt cycles of harm.
This workshop invites us to envision the trauma-informed and healing-centered schools we desire – places where adults possess the tools to nurture their well-being and fully empower students. We will review evidence-based tools, rationale, and resources to foster cultural humility, mitigate systemic barriers, and build trusting partnerships across the school community.
Audience: Educators, school site leaders, school mental health professionals, youth advocates, teacher educators, school mental health graduate school educators, higher education administrators, and anyone interested in equity centered coaching in school cultures.
Mental Health America of Fredericksburg staff will be attending this workshop and we wanted to share this resource with you.

Webinar: Rooting Young Adult Mental Health Services in Culturally Sustaining Values & Practices
2024-04-24 18:00 - 19:30
Session 3 of 4 in the “Rooting Young Adult Mental Health Services in Culturally Sustaining Values & Practices” Series (view series main page for full details)
Uplifting Culturally Sustaining Practices in Substance Use Prevention
April 24, 2024: Session 3
This session’s essential question is: How might we challenge the deficit model permeating prevention and recovery to make space for culturally sustaining perspectives and practices in the field?
Main Series Program Goals

Counter the impacts of vicarious trauma and burn out by creating a safe and responsive learning community for the YYA workforce to be heard and seen in their efforts to support the holistic needs of their clientele.
Build an understanding of healing centered engagement and approaches to youth development and case management that strengthens service provision for transition-aged youth.
Expand our organizational and individual capacity to support young adult holistic wellness, critical consciousness development, and collective healing.

Audience
All community-based organizations, institutions, and mental health professionals, including peer support specialists, therapists, psychologists, counselors, and others who support the mental health and wellness of transition-aged youth.
Mental Health America of Fredericksburg staff are attending this workshop and wanted to share this opportunity with you.

Annual MHAfred Mental Health Wellness Walk
2024-05-04 09:00 - 12:00
MHAfred holds this walk the first Saturday in May. Your support helps us raise money for the free programs that we offer. Together we can make an impact to raise awareness about mental health and wellness in our community. Join us as we walk a million steps towards mental wellness!

Board Meeting (Teams)
2024-05-21 17:30 - 20:30

Webinar: Rooting Young Adult Mental Health Services in Culturally Sustaining Values & Practices
2024-05-22 18:00 - 19:30
Session 4 of 4 in the “Rooting Young Adult Mental Health Services in Culturally Sustaining Values & Practices” Series (view series main page for full details)
Honoring and Supporting Peer Support in Healing-Centered Approaches
May 22, 2024: Session 4
This session’s essential question is: How might organizations truly value, uplift, and support the wisdom and skill of those with lived experience? Join us as we explore peer support in healing-centered engagement.
The learning objectives include:

How YYA serving organizations can implement peer support providers, and uplift lived experience professionals
Learn about the power and benefits of peer support in a young person’s life
Ways to implement peer support in young people’s treatment plan as a way to promote employment opportunities and belonging
How to create youth leadership programming and youth voice initiatives

Main Series Program Goals

Counter the impacts of vicarious trauma and burn out by creating a safe and responsive learning community for the YYA workforce to be heard and seen in their efforts to support the holistic needs of their clientele.
Build an understanding of healing centered engagement and approaches to youth development and case management that strengthens service provision for transition-aged youth.
Expand our organizational and individual capacity to support young adult holistic wellness, critical consciousness development, and collective healing.

Audience
All community-based organizations, institutions, and mental health professionals, including peer support specialists, therapists, psychologists, counselors, and others who support the mental health and wellness of transition-aged youth.
Mental Health America of Fredericksburg staff are attending this workshop and wanted to share this opportunity with you.

Memorial Day
2024-05-27

Monthly Senior Visitors Volunteer Meeting
2024-06-11 19:00 - 20:00, 2024-06-15 09:00 - 10:00, 2024-07-09 19:00 - 20:00, 2024-07-13 09:00 - 10:00
Join us for our monthly Senior Visitors volunteer meeting. Our dedicated volunteers connect with older adults in our community through the Senior Visitors program at Mental Health America of Fredericksburg. Together, we combat loneliness, promote mental well-being, and build lasting friendships.
If you are a current volunteer, an invitation link has been sent to your email inbox. If you are experiencing any difficulties, please reach out to the Senior Visitors Program Lead with any questions or concerns.
Call us at (540) 371-2704 or click here for more information on how to become a volunteer with Senior Visitors.

The Art of Aging: Life Begins at 50
2024-06-12 10:00 - 14:00 | Fredericksburg Convention Center, 2371 Carl D. Silver Pkwy, Fredericksburg, VA, 22401, United States
Join Mental Health America of Fredericksburg staff at the Partner in Aging Art of Aging: Life Begins at 50 Expo! This is a free community event and open to the public. We hope to see you there!

Pride Month panel discussion on LGBTQIA+ Allyship
2024-06-14 13:30 - 16:30 | Howell Library, 806 Lyons Boulevard, Fredericksburg, VA, 22406, United States

USOA Mrs. Southeast Meet & Greet
2024-06-27 17:00 - 20:00 | Suad’s Majles, 2619 Princess Anne St, Fredericksburg, 22401, United States
Join MHAfred for an exclusive meet and greet event with United States of America’s Mrs. Southeast, Julia Melton, hosted at Suad’s Majles. Julia Melton is running for United States of America’s Mrs. 2024 and is using her platform to spread awareness and break the stigma of mental health challenges.
The evening will unfold from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, featuring an hour of live music by Shree from 5:00 to 6:00 PM at this charming Bahraini coffee shop. Mental Health America of Fredericksburg proudly supports USOA Mrs. Southeast as her campaign sponsor and will be present to back her. Mark your calendars for June 27th!

Date: June 27th
Time: 5:00 – 8:00 PM
Where: Suad’s Majles
2619 Princess Anne St
Fredericksburg, VA 22401

FXBG PRIDE
2024-06-29 11:00 - 17:00 | Riverfront Park, 705 Sophia St, Fredericksburg, VA, 22401, United States
MHAfred is proud to be a part of the 2024 Fxbg Pride event! Stop by the MHAfred booth to say hello and learn more about mental health resources in the Fredericksburg region.

Welcome all to Fredericksburg Pride Nonprofits FOURTH FXBG PRIDE event!
Musical Performances! Local Vendors! Local Organizations! Raffles! PRIDE!
This year’s theme is Embrace Your Pride!

The Fxbg Pride March will start at Riverfront Park! Meet at 10:00 – march will start approx. at 10:30 and head through downtown BACK to the festival at Riverfront Park!
We’d love to see you in your FXBG PRIDE shirts – found here: https://shop.spreadshirt.com/fxbg-pride/
Accessibility, Parking and First Aid:

Attendee Event Entrance: Will be in main park entrance on the corner of Sophia Street and Charlotte Street. E
All booths/tents are to have a clear, clean space with standard table height accessible to all.
ASL Interpreters provided at the stage for speeches and scheduled musical performances.
Public Event Parking: For the event at Riverfront Park you may park where applicable in designated spots – except for permit/private parking. Parking for this event will be similar to that of the Christmas Parade (throughout downtown and walk-in). Public Lots – Barton Street – public parking (off William and Barton) Sophia Street and Parking garage on Wolfe St. Uber – Lyft – Yellow Taxicab Service – (540) 429-9350 Global Cab VA- (540) 657-2227. (FXBG PRIDE is not responsible for parking fees).
More info on the FXBG PRIDE MARCH HERE: https://fxbgpride.org/event/fxbg-pride-march-2024/
Disability Parking: TBD
Fredericksburg Rescue Squad will be on site with an ambulance crew.
Code of Conduct and Participation Guidelines: https://fxbgpride.org/policies/event-policies/

For additional information about how to become a sponsor click here.
For additional information on hosting a booth click here.

Independence Day
2024-07-04
https://mhafred.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Happy-Independence-Day.mp4

TRAINING - The Science of Well-Being for adults, free & online from Yale University
2024-07-14 | Online
Cutting through the hype, what self-care practices can actually help? After a brief introduction to research-based self-care and mental wellness, create your own plan with goals.
Join MHAfred staff and partnering organizations at this free Yale University training through Coursea. This online self-paced presentation opens on June 14, 2024, but enrollment is open until the course ends in three weeks. The estimated time to complete the entire course is 6 hours each week.
In this course, you will engage in various challenges designed to increase your happiness and build more productive habits. In preparation for these tasks, Professor Laurie Santos revealed misconceptions about happiness, annoying features of the mind that lead us to think the way we do, and the research that can help us change. You will ultimately be prepared to incorporate a specific wellness activity into your life successfully.
THE SCIENCE OF WELL-BEING WAS PRODUCED IN PART DUE TO THE GENEROUS FUNDING OF THE DAVID F. SWENSEN FUND FOR INNOVATION IN TEACHING.
NEW TEEN VERSION AVAILABLE HERE: https://www.coursera.org/learn/the-science-of-well-being-for-teens

TRAINING - For Teens - How to be Happy, Less Stressed, and Thrive
2024-07-14 00:00 - 2024-08-24 00:00 | Online – The Science of Well-Being for Teens, United States
MHAfred recommends this online self-paced mini-course tailored for high schoolers. It provides a concise introduction to Positive Psychology, which explores the factors contributing to happiness. With this knowledge, teens can set personal goals for enhancing well-being and developing healthier habits. The course runs for six weeks and requires just three hours each week. Registration is open until the course ends in mid-August. Free to Coursera members, a free 7-day trial and course can be completed within that timeframe.
Follow the web link in this MHAfred calendar posting for registration and a video presentation from Dr. Laurie Santos, professor of the popular Yale course Psychology and the Good Life. She explains why she developed this course for teens and what you can expect.
From the professor: A recent survey found that 37% of teens say they have poor mental health. This 6-week course aims to curb this mental health crisis by combining the best insights from Dr. Laurie Santos’ popular Yale course Psychology and the Good Life. In this course, you will explore what the field of psychology teaches us about how to be happier, how to feel less stressed, and how to thrive in high school and beyond. The lessons and short weekly ‘happiness homework’ assignments will ultimately prepare you to put these scientific findings into practice. The ultimate goal is for you to feel better and build healthier habits.
Note: This course is not affiliated with Yale University and does not offer grades, credits, or student status. THE SCIENCE OF WELL-BEING FOR TEENS WAS PRODUCED IN PART DUE TO THE GENEROUS FUNDING OF THE ARTHUR M. BLANK FAMILY FOUNDATION AND THE JOHN TEMPLETON FOUNDATION.
Parents, teachers, and professionals supporting teenagers may also find the course relevant and beneficial.

Webinar: Supporting the Mental Health Needs of Individuals Living with Sickle Cell Disease
2024-07-22 15:00 - 16:30 | WEBINAR – online
Join MHAfred staff who will be attending this SAMHSA training:
In observance of National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, the HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and the Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs are excited to host a virtual event titled “The Thriving Warrior: Supporting the Mental Health Needs of Individuals Living with Sickle Cell Disease.”
As life expectancy for individuals with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) has increased, there is a concomitant surge in the need and demand for resources to enhance quality of life, including mental health. Psychiatric disorders, especially depression and anxiety, are common in both children and adults with SCD and can be exacerbated by chronic and/or acute medical issues, socioeconomic factors, and the trauma and ongoing toll of receiving stigmatizing, biased care. In this panel, you will hear from warriors across the lifespan who will share their experiences, opportunities, and challenges in addressing their mental health and building the necessary resiliency, self-care, and support systems.
Event: SCD and mental health panel—Two warrior TED Talks followed by a facilitated panel discussion with 3 additional warriors/spouse of a warrior.
Moderator: Marsha Treadwell, Ph.D., Professor in Residence, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, UCSF School of Medicine; Co-Director, UCSF Sickle Cell Center of Excellence; Jordan Fund Endowed Chair, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland

Webinar - Healing School Communities in the Context of Faith-Based Bullying
2024-07-23 14:00 - 15:30 | WEBINAR – online
During BIPOC mental health awareness month, join MHAfred staff for day one of this webinar series – Healing School Communities in the Context of Faith-Based Bullying, exploring bullying & belonging with attention to faith-based experiences of stigma, contention, conflict, and policies and programs that foster religious literacy, thereby enhancing school culture and climate. The series is intended for students, families, educators, and school mental health professionals who are navigating the ongoing impact of faith-based bullying on student and staff mental health.
On July 23rd and 25th, 2024, we will examine recent data (quantitative and qualitative) that can help us drive school mental health leadership, policies, and programs that foster safety for students and staff, specifically those who are experiencing high levels of xenophobia, exclusion, scapegoating, and more.

Webinar – Healing School Communities in the Context of Faith-Based Bullying, day two
2024-07-25 14:00 - 15:30 | WEBINAR – online
During BIPOC mental health awareness month, join MHAfred staff for day two of this webinar series – Healing School Communities in the Context of Faith-Based Bullying, exploring bullying & belonging with attention to faith-based experiences of stigma, contention, conflict, and policies and programs that foster religious literacy, thereby enhancing school culture and climate. The series is intended for students, families, educators, and school mental health professionals who are navigating the ongoing impact of faith-based bullying on student and staff mental health.
On July 23rd and 25th, 2024, we will examine recent data (quantitative and qualitative) that can help us drive school mental health leadership, policies, and programs that foster safety for students and staff, specifically those who are experiencing high levels of xenophobia, exclusion, scapegoating, and more.
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

Webinar: Peer Services - An Overview of “The National Model Standards for Peer Support Certification" (Session 1)
2024-07-29 13:00 - 14:30 | WEBINAR – online
The National Model Standards for Peer Support Certification” is the first substantive document on peer support published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration since the 2015 landmark publication of “SAMHSA’s Core Competencies for Peer Workers in Behavioral Health Services.” A lot has changed (as evidenced by the depth and breadth of the content areas packed into the 35 pages of the Standards); and all but one state now have state-run or state-endorsed peer certification programs.
The first session, held on July 29 (1-2:30pm ET), will be an overview of the 11 standards and introduction to a matrix that groups can use to determine their compliance with the standards and whether or not the standards apply to their state/organization. Then we will do a deep dive into the two standards that have generated the most discussion among the stakeholders we have been in contact with since the release of the standards in 2023. The second session, held on August 5 (1-2:30pm ET), will review Standard 7: Recovery. For the third session, held on August 12 (1-2:30pm ET) facilitators will discuss Standard 11: Peer Supervision.

At the end of Session 1, participants will be able to:

Define what National Model Standards are generally, including whether they are mandated under federal law, can states tie funding to them, is there a timeline for their implementation, etc.
Describe the purpose and/or goal of each of the 11 standards
Describe the purpose of the matrix, and when and how it should be used.

To learn more or register, follow the website link below. For additional sessions in the series, please visit here.

National Health Center Week
2024-08-04 - 2024-08-10
For National Health Center Week, Mental Health America of Fredericksburg is spotlighting Central Virginia Health Services. CVHS was founded in 1970, making it the oldest, and largest, Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Virginia. You can find more information about CVHS by visiting their website or visiting their page in the MHAfred HELPLINE mental health provider database.
National Health Center Week is an opportunity to highlight the commitment and passion of Community Health Center staff, board members, and supporters who make it possible to provide quality, comprehensive healthcare services to more than 31.5 million patients across nearly 15,000 communities annually. – National Health Center Week
Central Virginia Health Services is also providing resources throughout the week! These events are detailed in our community calendar for your convenience.

CVHS: Back-2-School Giveaways
2024-08-05 09:00 - 12:00 | CVHS Fredericksburg, 1965 Emancipation Highway Suite 100, Fredericksburg, VA, 22401, United States
Central Virginia Health Services, a partner of MHAfred, is hosting a Back-2-School Giveaway on August 5th! Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about the CVHS and receive some needed school supplies! The event will be held at the Fredericksburg CVHS from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm.
For National Health Center Week, Mental Health America of Fredericksburg is spotlighting Central Virginia Health Services. CVHS was founded in 1970, making it the oldest, and largest, Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Virginia. You can find more information about CVHS by visiting their website or visiting their page in the MHAfred HELPLINE mental health provider database.
National Health Center Week is an opportunity to highlight the commitment and passion of Community Health Center staff, board members, and supporters who make it possible to provide quality, comprehensive healthcare services to more than 31.5 million patients across nearly 15,000 communities annually. – National Health Center Week
Central Virginia Health Services is also providing resources throughout the week! These events are detailed in our community calendar for your convenience.

Webinar: Peer Support - National Standards for Peer Support Certification: Model Standard 7, What is Recovery? (Second Session)
2024-08-05 13:00 - 14:30 | WEBINAR – online
Join MHAfred staff on day two in a series of webinars about the National Standards for Peer Support Certification. Session Two is a deep dive into Model Standard 7, What is Recovery?
Discover how organizations and communities with different understandings of “abstinent recovery” can thrive while aligning with national standards. At the end of this session, participants will be able to:

Define what “recovery” means according to Standard 7.
Describe how the standards address Medication Assisted Recovery and the purpose and goal of each of the 11 standards.
Explain the role of recovery-pathway-specific requirements in state-level certification requirements.

Use the website link below to register for this webinar. For more information about the series, please visit here to learn more or register for additional sessions.

National Health Center Week with CVHS Fredericksburg
2024-08-08 15:00 - 17:00 | Excel Inn & Suites, 594 Warrenton Road, Fredericksburg, 22406, United States
For National Health Center Week, Mental Health America of Fredericksburg is spotlighting Central Virginia Health Services. CVHS was founded in 1970, making it the oldest, and largest, Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Virginia. You can find more information about CVHS by visiting their website or visiting their page in the MHAfred HELPLINE mental health provider database.
National Health Center Week is an opportunity to highlight the commitment and passion of Community Health Center staff, board members, and supporters who make it possible to provide quality, comprehensive healthcare services to more than 31.5 million patients across nearly 15,000 communities annually. – National Health Center Week
The CVHS is partnering with the Stafford Sheriff Department to offer services at 3:00 pm at Excel Inn & Suites at 594 Warrenton Rd. These services include Blood Pressure Checks, Glucose Level Checks, Hot Meals, Narcan Training, and Health & Community Information.
Central Virginia Health Services is also providing resources throughout the week! These events are detailed in our community calendar for your convenience.
Date: August 8th, 2024
Time: 3:00 pm
Location: Excel Inn & Suites
594 Warrenton Rd
Fredericksburg, VA 22406

National Health Center Week with CVHS Fredericksburg
2024-08-08 15:00 - 17:00 | America Best Value Inn, 605 Warrenton Road, Fredericksburg, 22406, United States
For National Health Center Week, Mental Health America of Fredericksburg is spotlighting Central Virginia Health Services. CVHS was founded in 1970, making it the oldest, and largest, Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Virginia. You can find more information about CVHS by visiting their website or visiting their page in the MHAfred HELPLINE mental health provider database.
National Health Center Week is an opportunity to highlight the commitment and passion of Community Health Center staff, board members, and supporters who make it possible to provide quality, comprehensive healthcare services to more than 31.5 million patients across nearly 15,000 communities annually. – National Health Center Week
The CVHS is partnering with the Stafford Sheriff Department to offer services at 4:00 pm at America Best Value Inn on Warrenton Rd. These services include Blood Pressure Checks, Glucose Level Checks, Hot Meals, Narcan Training, and Health & Community Information.
Central Virginia Health Services is also providing resources throughout the week! These events are detailed in our community calendar for your convenience.
Date: August 8th, 2024
Time: 4:00 pm
Location: America Best Value Inn
605 Warrenton Rd
Fredericksburg, VA 22406
