Nurturing a child's sense of pride in their culture is a response to combat institutional and internalized racism. A news article I came across in CNN titled, “Structural Racism is Taking a Toll on Children’s Mental Health,” highlights that prolonged exposure to racism is linked to mental health challenges and can lead children to question their worth and place in society. While the responsibility for dismantling systemic racism lies with societal institutions, parents and caregivers can provide essential support by reconnecting with family values, history, and cultural pride. By fostering a strong sense of racial and ethnic identity, children are equipped with the strength and self-esteem needed to navigate and challenge discriminatory and racist practices. As Tania Maria Caballero, M.D., M.H.S. (Johns Hopkins Medicine, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics), puts it in the article, “we cannot burden children with the task of solving discrimination, but … [Read more...] about Take Action with NTTAC: Cultivating Cultural Pride to Support Children’s Mental Health
Inside NTTAC: My Friend, Grief
Content Warning: Mentions of suicide and loss. September 5th, 2017 was a warm, sunny day in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. I got up that morning and went to classes at the local community college, had lunch with friends, and blared “Look what you made me do” by Taylor Swift with the top down, driving home. I had no clue as I pulled into the driveway that Grief was waiting for me. My cousin Sean brought light and love into the lives of those who knew him. He had a passion for all things sports and an ability to bring laughter into every conversation. But Sean also struggled with his mental health, as a result of many sports-related concussions. In the early hours of September 5, 2017, he left our world and died by suicide at the age of eighteen. That was the day that I met Grief. We had crossed paths in the past; but on this day, Grief checked-in for an extended stay in my family's life. In the weeks that followed, Grief accompanied me to classes, to work, and to sporting … [Read more...] about Inside NTTAC: My Friend, Grief
Take Action with NTTAC: Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
Jordan Smelley is a certified peer support specialist with intellectual and developmental differences, shares his inspiring journey of self-advocacy and empowerment. From navigating college challenges to championing legislative reform activities in Texas, Jordan emphasizes the importance of tailored support and empathy for individuals with intellectual differences and mental health challenges. He highlights the transformative impact of virtual peer support and offers invaluable tips for effective advocacy, urging viewers to embrace curiosity and empathy in understanding and empowering others. Key Points: Relevant Resources: … [Read more...] about Take Action with NTTAC: Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
Take Action with NTTAC: Rural Health and Pediatric Integrated Primary Care
Hey y’all, and welcome back! Country roads lead me home, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. When I think of home, I think of my Mom’s famous biscuits on Sunday morning (our special treat), feeling grass between my bare toes as I ran in the backyard as a child – sweet memories that nestle between some of the more traumatic ones. I also think about how difficult it was to get anything or anywhere, from the middle of the small town I grew up in. This month, let’s chat about the Pediatric Integrated Primary Care model as a step forward to providing holistic healthcare in rural and frontier areas. I know, I know… it’s easier said than done. But let’s explore what some folks are doing across the nation. Integrated Primary Care So, what is Integrated Primary Care (IPC)? It's an opportunity for medical and behavioral health clinicians to collaborate, not just with each other but with patients and families too. Together, everyone is included in conversations about health … [Read more...] about Take Action with NTTAC: Rural Health and Pediatric Integrated Primary Care
Navigating the School System with a Resilient Heart: A Parent’s Journey Through Mental Health Challenges
Have you ever felt the weight of the world on your shoulders and so worried as a parent, trusting the school to support your child's learning and well-being, only to face unexpected struggles with your child's mental health and school-related problems? Hi, I'm Valencia, a parent with lived experience raising a child with mental health struggles. I want to share some of my personal story with you about navigating the school system as a parent, and the valuable lessons I've learned along the way. We send our kids to school, trusting that the school administration and teachers are the experts and that they will help our children learn, be safe, and grow. However, sometimes, our kids have challenges that are beyond what the school can handle, or the school may lack the necessary knowledge about children's mental health, funding, or staff to support our children. Let me take you back a little bit to my journey with my daughter, who is now 20 but faced severe mental health … [Read more...] about Navigating the School System with a Resilient Heart: A Parent’s Journey Through Mental Health Challenges