In partnership with Grant United Way, Makin’ It Happen presented to several youth serving organizations at the YMCA in Manchester on March 12th, 2020.
Mary Forsythe-Taber, Executive Director provided overviews of the NH Regional Public Health Network, the NH Doorway system, and the NH Recovery Friendly Workplace initiative. In addition, Ms. Forsythe-Taber, provided a high-level overview of the work underway to develop and rollout a comprehensive awareness and sustainability approach to mental wellness and Suicide Prevention in collaboration with the school districts and key community stakeholders, within the Greater Manchester region.
Pam Santa Fe, Program Manager presented an overview of two core MIH initiatives: Youth empowerYOU! and empowerYOUTH! empowerYOU! is an initiative designed to educate and empower community members to take actions on health issues impacting their communities; empowerYOUTH! is a youth led, adult supported initiative. Local youth come together to share, listen, learn and discuss issues and challenges within their school community. Collectively they identify prevention solutions that they can put into action and share with their peers, utilizing a Peer-2-Peer model.
The focus of this training was to engage, educate and empower the youth serving agencies in attendance. This was an opportunity to strengthen their understanding of the importance of participating and supporting the continued development of our Substance Use Disorder Community of Care model. In addition, participants gain an understanding of training and networking opportunities they can participate in to strengthen resilience and capacity within the Greater Manchester region.
Every youth serving organization in the Greater Manchester Public Health Region has a role to play in increasing the protective factors for youth in our communities. Together we can work to ensure a bright and healthy future for our kids. All agencies were encouraged to consider attending an upcoming Substance Use Disorder Community of care meeting and/or the Youth Substance Misuse/Use Disorder Task Force meeting in the upcoming months.
Granite United Way is offering resources to community members during the COVID-19 epidemic. To learn more visit www.graniteuw.org. Additionally, 211 NH is serving as the NH as the information and referral helpline for any COVID-19 questions or concerns.
SUD Collaborative meets the second Tuesday of each month, beginning at 10AM, meeting location rotates among partners. The Youth SM/SUD task-force meets the third Tuesday of each month at Makin’ It Happen, with a 10AM start time. Effective 03.13.2020 – both meeting will offer a call-in/zoom meeting option. Those interested in attending should email our CoC lead, Brian Mooney @ [email protected]
