NYAPRS Note: Social isolation has been linked to several health issues, including worsening mental health and substance use challenges throughout the nation. It has become clear tackling the growing mental health crisis in the US will also require taking steps to reduce isolation and loneliness. Last month, the U.S. Surgeon General Dr Vivek Murthy released a report on the impact of loneliness and isolation and outlined six pillars to advance social connection. To help with implementation of these pillars, the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD) will be hosting three Town Halls.
Use this link to register for any of the Town Halls in the series.
See below for more information on the Town Halls and Dr. Murthy’s recent report.
Cultivating a Culture of Connection through Community-Designed Initiatives
Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has called for action to address the public health crisis and devastating impact of the epidemic of loneliness and isolation in the United States.
Dr. Murthy explains that disconnection fundamentally affects our mental, physical, and societal health. He also states that loneliness and isolation increase the risk for individuals to develop mental health challenges in their lives. Through funding from SAMHSA’s Technology Transfer Initiative, NASMHPD has partnered with peer-run and community-designed initiatives to serve diverse populations, including those experiencing trauma in their daily lives and individuals struggling with serious mental health challenges. This Town Hall series will provide an opportunity for discussion and implementation of the six foundational pillars outlined by Dr. Murthy’s important report. Click here to view the report.
Town Hall One: Faith Communities Respond
Date: Monday, June 12, 2023, from 2 – 3:30 PM ET
Description: Deepening trauma-informed knowledge, faith leaders are providing innovative programs that restore connection to self and others. The TAMAR program, originally funded by SAMHSA, provides weekly groups focused on understanding the impact of trauma on all aspects of our lives, offering connection, healing, community, and hope.
Resources:
Town Hall Two: Peer-Led Inclusive Approaches Designed to Support, Unify, and Prevent Isolation
Date: Monday, June 26, 2023, from 2 – 3:30 PM ET
Description: Understanding the impact of isolation and loneliness on emotional well-being and health, survivors of trauma, labels of mental illness, and substance use challenges have long-established healing communities designed to advance healing through connection and shared experience. Join us as we explore these examples, that range from open-access wellness centers to 24/7 peer phone lines and peer-run respites, which create an alternative to hospitalization during mental health crises.
Town Hall Three: Combating Loneliness and Isolation in Diverse Communities
Date: Monday, July 10, 2023, from 2 – 3:30 PM ET
Description: Creating relevant connections requires engagement of community members in development and implementation of culturally relevant initiatives. Discussion led by youth leaders, LGBTQ+ advocates, and Indigenous people representatives will share innovative approaches and resources developed to enhance connection and reduce loneliness for individuals experiencing isolation and emotional pain.
Resources:
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Making Relatives: A Guide for Healing the Soul Wound for Tribal Communities – https://url.avanan.click/v2/___https://www.nasmhpd.org/sites/default/files/2022_NASMHPD_Making_Relatives.pdf___.YXAzOm55YXByczphOm86MTg0YjQ4YTBmNDQ0MjJmNjQ2OWFkZWYwZGViYTIwNzU6NjozY2Y4OmFhZTQ2MzRjOGM4MzZkMTQwZDA4ZWU3MGQ3MTcwYWZiODkwNzY5ZjgyNGNmOGQwOGU0NGEzNzU4N2FlNzg1MzA6dDpU