Get involved
You can be a star!
Galaxy [gal-ax-y]:
a. A system made up of hundreds of thousands, or even billions, of stars.
STARS for Children’s Mental Health:
a. A system made up of hundreds, or even thousands, of STARS.
What’s the difference? Our STARS are children and teens, families, teachers, providers, professionals, religious leaders and other community members. STARS for Children’s Mental Health is networking every STAR into a collaborative, coordinated system. By joining forces, every STAR will become part of a constellation of change, dedicated to improving the children’s mental health system.
You too can be a STAR—get involved! Here are some ways you can become part of the STARS galaxy.
Mental Health Month
For over 50 years, our country has celebrated "May as Mental Health Month" to raise awareness about mental illness and the importance of mental wellness for all. Children’s Mental Health Week (May 4-10, 2008) and National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day (May 8, 2008) offer the opportunity to help raise awareness about the mental illnesses that impact the lives of children, adolescents and families across our country. Click here to learn how you can join STARS in celebrating May and children's mental health.
Family Fun Day: To kick off mental health month, STARS is sponsoring a Family Fun Day on May 3, 2008 from 10am-2:30pm at the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School. Kids - bring engergy to burn! We will have magic shows, inflatables, face painting, caricature artists, carnival games and prizes galore! Don't forget to bring your parents. We will have speakers throughout the day, community resource booths and free massages. Lunch and snacks will be provided. Click here to learn more and join in the fun! Click here to get directions to the High School.
Youth Involvement
Are you a youth who wants to get involved? STARS can help you make a difference and can help you let your voice be heard! Click here to learn how.
Join the Fight Against Stigma
The negative attitudes held by many members of society have helped create a discriminatory social climate for persons with mental illnesses. Click here to learn more and join the fight against stigma.
Committees
STARS committees help give you a voice. They allow you to become an active change agent for the children’s mental health system. Committees include:
- Parent Voices – Committed to involving parents in full partnership with the system of care community while providing support for each other.
- Communications – Develop and implement a comprehensive social marketing and communications strategy.
- Evaluation – Assess information that will drive decisions regarding the system of care.
- Comprehensive Assessment – Develop timely comprehensive assessments, which include psychiatric and psychological evaluations.
- Cultural Competency – Identify and develop cultural competency strategies for system of care implementation.
- Training Committee - Identify and coordinate mental health trainings/workshops in the four county area.
- Practice Improvement Commitee - Working to identify barriers, improve quality of care and evaluate children's mental health services.
For more information please call Tara at (763) 271-5323, toll free (877) 333-0083 or email tfreed@cmmhc.com.
Trainings
STARS for Children's Mental Health is committed to educating the four county area about children's mental health issues. We provide trainings and workshops that benefit professionals, parents, youth and supports - all at a low to no cost! If you are interested in collaborating or co-sponsoring a training, would like to make a training request or just want more information on STARS training opportunities, please contact Tara by emailing tfreed@cmmhc.com or by calling (763) 271-5323, toll free (877) 333-0083.
Become a Leader
Sometimes the words, “be a leader,” can be scary. Fortunately, there are many ways to be a leader that will fit your interests and comfort level.
- Become involved on a STARS Committee
- Volunteer at a mental health clinic or school
- Work behind the scenes at a mental health conference
- Mentor another parent or child
- Write letters to your local and state representatives on mental health issues
- Support policies that promote children’s mental health and well-being
- Learn about children’s mental health and share your knowledge
- Share your personal story/expertise
- Advocate for your child/children
- Learn how to advocate for your child and family
- Start/Attend a support group
- Speak up — let others know that children’s mental health is everybody’s business!
- The list goes on and on!
For more information on how you can be a leader,
contact Mary Christen Czech, STARS Family Involvement Coordinator or Sara Dahlquist, STARS Youth Involvement Coordinator.
Mary Christen Czech
(763) 271-5321 or toll free (877) 333-0083
mczech@cmmhc.com
Sara Dahlquist
(763) 271-5334 or toll free (877) 333-0083
sdahlquist@cmmhc.com
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