What's New April 2006

April is Counseling Awareness Month. Every day, counselors are making a difference in the lives of individuals coping with a mental illness or other form of emotional distress.

Among its special online features this month, the Substance Abuse and Mental Heath Services Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) National Mental Health Information Centerhttp://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov is offering publications and resources related to Counseling Awareness Month. These resources may be useful for communities that are honoring counselors for the vital services they offer. Below are more details about this and other highlights featured on the site this month.

To order copies of print publications, go to http://nmhicstore.samhsa.gov/publications/ordering.aspx or call 1-800-789-2647 for bilingual information services, TDD: 1-866-889-2647, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 12 a.m., EST.

Features for April 2006

• Featured Publication
• Remarks by the CMHS Director
• National Observances
• CMHS Program Spotlight

Featured Publication

Preadmission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR) Screening for Mental Illness in Nursing Facility Applicants and Residents (SMA 05-4158) http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/publications/allpubs/SMA05-4158/
This recently released report is based on the second phase of a study that explores State implementation of PASRR and examines how the program has affected the identification and delivery of mental health services to people with serious mental illnesses in nursing facilities. The document is available for downloading only.

Recent Remarks by A. Kathryn Power, M.Ed. Director, CMHS

• The Balancing Act: Providing Quality Services
  March 27, 2006
  
• Building Public/Private Partnerships in Mental Health
  March 19, 2006
  
• Cross-Systems Collaborations: Catalysts for Transforming Behavioral Health
  March 16, 2006
  
• Transforming Mental Health Care in Texas
  March 9, 2006

National Observances—April 2006

National Public Health Week (NPHW) April 3–9, 2006

• This year’s NPHW theme is “Designing Healthy Communities: Raising Healthy Kids.” In accordance with the theme, public health professionals and organizations across the country will explore ways to promote healthier communities and healthier kids by evaluating the impact of neighborhood design and environmental changes on children's health. For details and resources, go to http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/highlights/april2006/nationalpublichealth/default.asp

National Autism Awareness Month

• This annual observance provides an opportunity for the Autism Society of America (ASA), its State chapters, and others in the autism community to educate the public about autism. For details, publications, and other related resources, visit http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/highlights/april2006/autismawareness/default.asp

Counseling Awareness Month

• Sponsored annually by the American Counseling Association (ACA), this observance focuses on the significant contributions that counselors make in helping individuals live healthy, productive lives. According to the ACA, "Professional counselors help clients identify goals and potential solutions to problems which cause emotional turmoil; seek to improve communication and coping skills; strengthen self-esteem; and promote behavior change and optimal mental health." You can find resources related to this event at http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/highlights/april2006/counselingawareness/default.asp

Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) Program Spotlight - Protection and Advocacy

CMHS provides grants to help States initiate programs to protect and advocate for the rights of people with mental illnesses in public and private mental health treatment facilities. States use these Federal dollars to investigate reports of abuse, neglect, and rights violations; find appropriate legal and legislative remedies to correct injustices; and aid individuals in locating resources. To learn more about this program, visit http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/cmhs/P&A/

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