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The I AM H∙E∙R∙E coalition kicked off the new year with a strategic planning session for all teams. The groups reviewed their teams’ accomplishments over the past year and formulated major objectives for this year. Teams also reviewed and updated their mission statements. Here are highlights from each team:
The Help Team reviewed its accomplishments over the past year which, included expanding the implementation of TeenScreen for Primary Care into several additional pediatric practices. In addition, they began working on the development of an accompanying toolkit and resources. They are also exploring the feasibility of developing training programs and protocol for emergency room physicians dealing with suicidal adolescents and young adults.
The team revised its mission statement, which now reads:
"To improve the quality of suicide prevention practices and mental health services among providers of teen and young adult mental health in our community."
The group began developing specific objectives and action steps for these initiatives and will finalize these at its next meeting.
The Education Team's accomplishments over the past year include a very successful second annual "New Age of Bullying" conference as well as near-completion of the "H∙E∙R∙E is Hope" suicide prevention educational program. The group fleshed out specific objectives for this year's conference as well as completing and launching the training program.
The Education Team also revised its mission statement to read:
"Develop strategies and tools to educate the community regarding youth suicide prevention and impact awareness and understanding of teen and young adult mental health issues."
Among the Resources Team's accomplishments for 2011 was the completion of 95% of the content for the information part of the website, H∙E∙R∙E For You. The team also initiated a formal review process for website information and identified targets for launch with vendors. The group plans to complete a H∙E∙R∙E For You Resources Directory and will develop a plan for printing and distribution of this information.
The Resources Team's newly-revised mission statement reads:
"Facilitate access to information about resources for direct services, education and support related to teen and young adult mental health that serve our target audiences and stakeholders."
In the past year, the Encouragement Team has developed partnerships with other organizations to help expand The Living Room peer-to-peer support groups. These partners have provided resources for people, facilities and promotion of the groups. Through a partnership with Communities in Schools, support groups began in the school setting. As well, the addition of a second teen support group has helped grow the Depression Bipolar Support Alliance’s (DBSA) adult support groups.
This year, the team is further expanding support groups by launching The Living Room at Collin College. In addition, the coalition will participate in Collin College's "Celebrate Don’t Hate" week, sponsored by the college’s Active Minds chapter the week of Feb. 13-17.
The Encouragement Team revised its mission statement as well:
"Expand the network of peer-to-peer support services for teens and young adults with mental, behavioral and emotional disorders in our community; develop and promote the most effective means of delivery of these services."
Our next meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 6 at 4:30 p.m. at the Center for Community Cooperation.
We welcome new members at any time. If you are unable to attend regular meetings but would like to work on one of the initiatives, please contact Diana Weaver at DWeaver@GrantHalliburton.org or 972-744-9798.
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