December 2016 eNews
Program Update
The WA Recovery Help Line is celebrating another record-breaking year in 2016. We responded to 27,997 calls from adults and teens across Washington State who needed support and resources for mental health, substance abuse, and problem gambling. Without the help of our incredible volunteers, who contributed an amazing 3,627 hours of service, we could never have helped so many people in our communities. We are so grateful for the work that they, and our staff, do each and every day.
As the weather warms and the flowers bloom, it’s a good time to think about renewal and fresh starts. Even though many of us are welcoming the sunny days with a mood to match, there are many others in our communities who are struggling. Some of them may be searching for a way to make a change. It can make all the difference to have somewhere to turn when they need support, empathy, and resources. The WA Recovery Help Line will be here to answer their calls.
Robyn Smith MSW, CDP
Recovery Help Line Manager
World Bipolar Day – March 30th at Crisis Clinic
Crisis Clinic will once again be co-hosting a free event on World Bipolar Day this year. Join us for a screening of the 40-minute AFSP-produced film, Living With Bipolar Disorder, followed by a discussion led by a mental health professional, and valuable insights from attendees with lived experience. Food & refreshments will be provided. Parking is free. Please note that pre-registration is required to attend!
National Council for Behavioral Health Conference
This April 3-5, the NATCON Conference will take place at the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle. Each year, this innovative conference on mental and behavioral health offers programs and speakers that will not be available anywhere else. This year, areas of focus include newly added segments on Measurement, Outcomes, and Quality, Board Governance, and Medicaid Boot Camp.
For more information, or to register, visit the NATCON Conference website at https://www.thenationalcouncil.org/events-and-training/conference/ . Be sure you follow along on social media with #natcon17!
Save the Date
Spring represents a time of rebirth, and so it comes as no surprise that several springtime months are devoted to recovery-related awareness programs.
- March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month. This is a nationwide grassroots campaign to educated and raise awareness of problem gambling – and the help that is available – both for the general public and for healthcare professionals. Check out www.npgam.org to learn more, and share your support on social media with #HaveTheConvo.
- April is Alcohol Awareness Month. Founded and sponsored by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD), this annual event was established in 1987 to help reduce stigma, educate communities, and lower the barriers to treatment and resources. You can learn more about their program at https://www.ncadd.org/aam.
- May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Since 1949, Mental Health America and other agencies across the country have led this month-long movement each year. Their advocacy efforts have helped reach millions of people through the media, local events, and screenings. If you’d like to join in, fight stigma, and spread the word, you can learn more by visiting http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/may.
Volunteer with the WA Recovery Help Line
Candidates with a specific interest in chemical dependency have an opportunity to gain valuable experience on the WA Recovery Help Line. We offer internships for those who require a placement for school credit.
“We help both by providing resources, and by providing information on the best way to access those resources. We also provide a lot of emotional support by validating people's experience and pain, while at the same time encouraging callers to believe that they have the strength to get better.”
Johanna Pirko
WA Recovery Help Line Volunteer
Remote training and professional supervision are provided, with shifts available days, nights, and/or weekends. Applications are currently being accepted for the next round of training.
For more information about any of these opportunities, please visit our Volunteer page.
Also, keep an eye on the Washington Recovery Help Line Job Board for more opportunities.
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