• Mental Health Facilities Locator
  A searchable directory of mental health treatment facilities and support services.
• Mental Health Services Directory
  A list of consumer, family, and advocacy organizations that provides comprehensive information about these mental health resources.
• Hispanic Youth Violence Prevention Services
  A searchable directory of Hispanic youth violence prevention services.
• State Resource Guide
  A summary of national and State organizations that provide professional advocacy protection, family support programs, financing information, and self-help groups.
• State Suicide Prevention Programs
  A list of available State-funded suicide prevention plans and programs.
• Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator
  A searchable directory of nationwide drug and alcohol treatment centers.
• CMHS Grantees
  Public and private organizations that receive funding from the Center for Mental Health Services to provide mental health services.
• State Statistics
  State-based data on the incidence of mental illness among children and adults, the utilization of inpatient services, and the amount of State spending on mental health.

The Parent Site

Click on the image above to be taken to the GoodSearch home page.  Before clicking search – be sure “Minnesota Association for Children’s Mental Health – St. Paul” appears in the who do you GoodSearch for section.  Any click you search on, or shop for will contribute a percentage to MACMH.

Watch for special promotions like the November GiveMN day!

You may be asking: What impact may this have on my child’s development? What does this mean for the health and mental health of my family? How do I know what products are safe?  Why are these chemicals in our products in the first place?  Good questions!

What impact may this have on my child’s development?

Children are at greater risk, especially fetuses and young children.  Children’s immature immune systems, rapid development, and different eating patterns make them more vulnerable to toxic exposures.  Child development is a delicate biological process, guided by the body’s own hormones acting at very low levels and affecting every cell, organ, and function of the human body. Exposures to hormone-mimicking chemicals like phthalates and bisphenol A during critical times in development can disrupt the body’s natural signals.

What does this mean for the health and mental health of my family?

Exposure to these chemicals could compromise our health and mental health.  Overwhelming peer reviewed research  links some chemicals to increased rates of behavioral, learning, and developmental disabilities; early onset of puberty; breast and prostate cancer; infertility; and more.  Because we are exposed to so many chemicals  every day, it’s almost impossible to link a given exposure to a health problem.  Also, we can’t do anything about past exposures. But we can start being more aware of products we use and try to reduce exposures from now on.

How do I know what products are safe?

It’s easy to be overwhelmed at the thought of trying to avoid toxic chemicals that seem to be everywhere, in everything. And no one can totally isolate themselves from chemicals that are such an integral part of our lives.  But there are things you can control; there are steps you can take to lessen exposures–the key word here is “steps,” take one little step at a time.  It’s helpful to do even just one thing, versus nothing.  See “Where Do I Start?” below for suggestions, and let Healthy Legacy help!

Healthy Legacy (www.healthylegacy.org) is a Minnesota non-profit coalition that promotes healthy lives by supporting the production and use of everyday products without toxic chemicals.  They aim to educate and empower people to protect themselves and their children by encouraging support of healthy businesses and practices.  The Healthy Legacy website is chock full of guides, information, and links to help you make safer choices for the products you buy.

Why are these chemicals in our products in the first place?

Most people assume the products they buy (toys, personal care products, cleaning products, electronics, pesticides, plastics, and more) are tested for safety by someone, somewhere before they’re sold.  Unfortunately, the chemicals that make up the majority of products found in your local retailer are untested and unregulated.  A broken federal chemical policy system has led to our involuntary exposure to toxic chemicals, and they are ending up in places they don’t belong: our ecosystems, our communities, and our bodies.

Of the 80,000+ synthetic chemicals used in US consumer goods, the EPA has required testing of only 200 chemicals for health effects under the Toxics Substance Control Act, the 1976 U.S. law regulating industrial chemicals.  Healthy Legacy promotes policies that would phase out the most toxic chemicals and those that persist and build up in our bodies and the environment.  They encourage businesses to protect our health and environment through the development and use of safe substitutes.  Investing in clean technologies also creates new jobs, profitable new markets for farmers and industry, and increases worker safety.

Wouldn’t it be nice to go into a store and know that any product you buy is proven safe?  You shouldn’t have to do a research project to find safe products for your family.  The good news is that safer chemicals and products are increasingly hitting the market.  States have been taking the lead where the federal government has fallen behind and have dramatically moved markets, shifted retailers purchasing preferences, and spurred federal attention to the issue.  In addition, consumers like you have already made significant change by voting with their wallets.  Never underestimate the power of your wallet!  Many manufacturers have phased out certain plastics in certain items (think baby bottles and bisphenol A, or BPA) just because of consumer awareness and demand, before any laws were put in place to do it. What you buy, or do not buy, is casting a vote for or against that product–and the materials with which it is made.

But, consumer choices alone can’t solve this problem.  Healthy Legacy is working to reform the state and federal chemical regulatory systems that allow the continued introduction of untested chemicals into every day consumer products.  They are currently helping with a nationwide effort to pass new smart federal policies that protect us from toxic chemicals (see www.saferchemicals.org). Check out the Healthy Legacy web site for ways you can get involved in advocating for policy change www.healthylegacy.org.

See this link for an overview of toxins and regulation: www.healthylegacy.org/resources.cfm?refid=103969

Who is Healthy Legacy?

Healthy Legacy is a Minnesota-based coalition that is dedicated to safe products, made safely. They have over one million members, representing 32 organizations that include public health, labor, and environmental organizations; mental health, learning disability, and developmental disability groups; parent groups; faith-based organizations; and more.  Their vision is healthy people, safe communities, a clean environment, and a thriving economy.  All the work at Healthy Legacy is based on sound science documented in independent, peer reviewed scientific journals.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Where do I start?  What can I do as an easy first step?

Here are several choices for your easy first step(s):

1.  Take your shoes off at the door. Removing shoes before entering the home not only keeps your home cleaner by keeping dirt out, it also greatly reduces exposure to pesticides, gasoline, and other chemicals that get tracked in.

2.  Avoid antibacterial soaps. Antibacterial soaps, with the acting chemical triclosan, kill good germs as well as bad germs, and contribute to the growing problem of bacteria becoming antibiotic resistant (super bugs).  Also, according to the EPA, triclosan “could be” and is “suspected to be” contaminated with dioxins, which are highly carcinogenic chemicals¹.  Finally, research shows antibacterial soaps are no better than plain soap in preventing infectious disease.  It’s how you wash your hands that matters. Rub hands together vigorously for at least 15-20 seconds. Don’t forget the spaces between your fingers, your wrists, and under your nails.

3.  Choose fragrance-free products, or products scented with essential oils. Fragrances often contain phthalates (the same hormone-mimicking chemical that is in vinyl plastic).  Phthalates will rarely be listed by name on the label, as fragrance ingredients are considered a “trade secret.”  Fragrances can also cause allergic reactions.

Be aware though, products that claim to be “unscented” on the packaging may not be. They could contain masking fragrances that give off a neutral odor. Read the ingredient label–in products truly free of fragrance, the word “fragrance” will not appear there.

Also be alert to air fresheners.  Synthetically fragranced sprays, plug-ins, candles, etc. are full of chemicals.  Choose products made with essential oils or natural herbs.

4.  Lose the pesticides. Pesticides are poisons and can harm organisms other than those targeted, including your children. By their very nature, pesticides are not safe; and it is illegal for a company to tell you otherwise. There are safer, alternative ways of dealing with virtually every pest problem; here are three resources to start you on a pesticide-free track:

Natural Lawn and Garden Basics

www.healthylegacy.org/resources.cfm?refid=106292

Pests in Home and Garden

www.beyondpesticides.org/alternatives/factsheets/index.htm

http://healthychild.org/5steps/5_steps_1/

5.  Brush up on your plastic knowledge. Learn what the different plastic labeling numbers mean—which types are safer and which ones to avoid.  Use the following handy guide provided through Healthy Legacy from the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy:

Smart Plastics Guide

http://www.healthobservatory.org/library.cfm?refid=102202

Also see Healthy Legacy’s “Quick Tips for Safer Plastics:”

www.healthylegacy.org/consumer_plastics.cfm

6.  Buy organic for one produce item that your family eats. Shop smart and make the most of your extra investment—unless you can buy all organic, don’t bother spending the extra money on produce with the lowest levels of pesticide.  Get a guide to produce with the highest and lowest levels here: http://www.foodnews.org/walletguide.php.

7.  Begin replacing your harshest cleaning products. There are several safer cleaning products currently on the market.  Many are found at food co-ops and natural food stores, but you can find some at common retailers.  Here are some brand names to look for:

7^th Generation

Dr. Bronner’s Soaps

Ecover

Earth Friendly Products

Method

Simple ingredients from your kitchen can double as safe and effective cleaning products, for example white vinegar and baking soda.  Add a couple of additional simple ingredients—a castile soap (like Dr. Bronner’s) and Borax—and you can make a cleaner for most any purpose.  To take that on, get cleaning recipes here: http://www.healthylegacy.org/consumer_cleaning.cfm

If/when you are ready to tackle more, here are some good resources to help guide you:

Healthy Legacy

www.healthylegacy.org

Healthy Legacy information on personal products

www.healthylegacy.org/consumer_personal.cfm

Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families

http://www.saferchemicals.org/

Healthy Child Healthy World

http://healthychild.org/main/

Healthy Child Healthy World five first steps (a little more involved than the easy steps above).

http://healthychild.org/5steps/

HealthyStuff.org –They test toys and everyday products for toxic chemicals and metals; a database of test results is provided.

http://www.healthystuff.org/

Note: Most information in this article was taken from the Healthy Legacy website.

¹Common Antibacterial Soaps Threaten Children’s Health and Offer No Added Protection From Bacteria by Aviva Glaser, Beyond Pesticides

In Fall 2009, 5400 people saw the Human Development Center and County Seat Theatre’s production in Northeast Minnesota.

That’s a lot of awareness raising!

Fidgety Fairy Tales and Fidgety Fairy Tales 2 reimagine familiar fairy tales to raise awareness about mental health and show positive portrayals of children with mental health disorders such as AD/HD, depression, and autism.

Are you between 9 and 18 years old and enjoy performing?  Do feel it is important to raise awareness about mental health?

Then you should audition for Fidgety Fairy Tales!  Click here to find out more about the shows and how you can audition!

Online Registration

Session 1 • Infant Mental Health: A Primer For Mental Health Professionals • CANCELED

Session 2 • U of MN Series — FASD: The Real Deal, Imitators, & What Lies Ahead • Thursday, July 29 • 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. • Eagan Community Center • $40* •  COMPLETED

This workshop covers risks and trends in prenatal alcohol use and the latest tools and guidelines to clinically diagnose various types of FetalAlcohol SpectrumDisorders (FASD). Clues to look for that separate these diagnoses from disorders that mimic FASD; an overview of recent research on the developmental trajectory of the varying forms of FASD; and thoughts on outcomes for children and families will be discussed.

Judith Eckerle Kang, MD Dr. Kang is Assistant Professor at the University of Minnesota Department of Pediatrics. She is the recipient of a post-doctoral research fellowship through the Center For Neurobehavioral Development for 2007-2010, funded by a National Institutes of Health. She is on staff at the International Adoption Medicine Program at the University of Minnesota

Session 3 • U of MN Series — Coordinated Interventions with School, Home, & Healthcare for FASD • Monday, August 2 • 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. • Southdale Public Library • $40*•  COMPLETED

This workshop provides a detailed description and rationalization of several practical, evidence-based intervention practices aimed at improving the lives of childrenwith FetalAlcohol SpectrumDisorders (FASD) in school, home, and healthcare environments. A case will be made that coordinating these efforts can lead to even better outcomes in all settings, and attendees will learn strategies to facilitate a successful coordinated intervention model for FASD.

Christopher Boys, PhD, LP Dr. Boys is an Assistant Professor at the University of Minnesota Department of Pediatrics. He is a Pediatric Neuropsychologist and completed his clinical internship and post-doctoral fellowship in Pediatric Neuropsychology at the University of Minnesota Medical School.

Session 4 • U of MN Series — Can We Heal the Brain in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders? • Monday, August 2 • 1:30-3:00 p.m. • Southdale Public Library • $40*•  COMPLETED

This workshop will look at recent brain imaging research at the U of MN that shows brain abnormalities in children exposed to alcohol during pregnancy. What these findings may suggest about the links between brain development and common cognitive and behavioral difficulties in children with FASDwill be discussed. Hear about a new study that is the first to investigate a nutrient-based treatment aimed at improving brain development in children with FASD.

Jeffrey Wozniak, PhD, LP Dr. Wozniak is an Assistant Professor at the University of Minnesota Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and an adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology. He also runs the Child and Adolescent Neuropsychology Clinic in the Department of Psychiatry where he sees patients with a variety of neurodevelopmental, neurological, and psychiatric conditions.

Session 5 • Adolescents with Chemical Dependency and Mental Illness: Addressing the Complexities of Dual Diagnosis • Thursday, August 19 • 1:00-3:00 p.m. • Limited to the first 25 registrants. • Webinar • $49 • COMPLETED

Webinar: This webinar workshop is accessed exclusively via internet and toll-free phone. Instructions on how to connect to this webinar workshop will be emailed in advance of the workshop date.

Traditional treatment approaches to co-occurring chemical dependency and mental illness often fail to explore the underlying causes and challenges faced by youth. This workshop will review the neurological changes taking place in the teen brain, the nature of the drug of choice in relation to themental health diagnosis, and the social and emotional issues of the young person. The importance of developing an individualized, integrated holistic treatment plan will be discussed.

Deborah Cavitt, MS Cavitt is a project coordinator forMinnesota Association for Children’s Mental Health with a Master’s Degree in Human Service with a specialization in addiction counseling studies. As a certified Minnesota teacher, she taught for over 20 years, primarily on the White Earth Indian Reservation. She also worked as a substance abuse prevention specialist in Iowa.

Session 6 • Child & Adolescent Depression, Self-harm & Suicide Risk • Monday, August 23 • 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. • Brookdale Public Library • $79 • COMPLETED

Depression may cause substantial morbidity and mortality in children and youth. However, somemay engage in self-harming behaviors which are not intended to result in death. Dr. Joel Oberstar will review the symptoms of child and adolescent depression and common reasons why youth may engage in selfharm. Risks assessment, brief intervention, and approaches to referral and follow up actions will be discussed.

Please note presenter change – our new presenter is:
Bonnie Klimes-Dougan, Ph.D. Dr. Klimes-Dougan is Assistant Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry at the University of Minnesota. She is a clinical psychologist who for the past 15 years has assessed, treated and conducted research on adolescents at risk or those suffering from depression.

Session 7 • Depression, Anxiety and Bipolar Disorders in Youth: Distinctions and Overlap • Tuesday, August 31 • 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. • Maplewood Community Center • $79 • COMPLETED

Youth depression, anxiety and bipolar disorders may occur together and distinctions can be challenging to identify and treat. Dr. Oberstar will review the presenting symptoms of these disorders and their comorbidity, and discuss appropriate treatment options, including both psychotherapeutic and pharmacotherapeutic modalities.

Please note presenter change – our new presenter is:
Sanjiv Kumra, MD. Dr. Kumra is the Division Chief of the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Division at the University of Minnesota. After completing his MD at the University of Toronto he went on to train at Harvard University for both adult and child psychiatry and at the National Institutes of Health where he worked with Dr. Judith Rapoport. His current interest is working with youth with severe emotional disturbances.

*Discounts available for attending multiple UMN Series FASD Sessions
• 2 UMN Sessions $37 each
• 3 UMN Sessions $33 each

Download the Registration Brochure PDF

Online Registration

THANK YOU

Overnight Nerdery Website Challenge Team – ArcStone Super Squad

WE ARE EXTREMELY GRATEFUL FOR ALL OF YOUR WORK TOWARD BUILDING THIS FANTASTIC WEBSITE

This year MACMH was one of the lucky non-profit recipients of the Nerdery Overnight Website Challenge.  Nine dedicated and talented individuals volunteered over 24hours (straight) to build MACMH a new website and data management system. See their names listed below.  For more information about Nerdery, a division of Sierra Bravo Corporation, and the Challenge go to overnightwebsitechallenge.com

Belden Sadler, Project Manager

Business Analyst, The Lacek Group

Chris Hentges, Tech Lead

VP of Operations, Arcstone Technologies, Inc.

Jess Louwagie, Creative Lead

VP of Creative, Arcstone Technologies, Inc.

Alicia Cermak, Sys Admin, Programmer

Developer, Analyst, Arcstone Technologies, Inc.

Shawn Grigson, Programmer

Senior Developer, Arcstone Technologies, Inc.

Nik Rowell, Creative, Programmer

Design Specialist, Production Dude, Front-End Magik

Nick Longtin, Programmer

Programmer, Analyst, Arcstone Technologies, Inc.

Susan Schweiger, SEO & Content

Independent Information Technology and Services Professional

Dan Sundquist, Content & Utility Player/Project Manager

Project Manager, Sales, Arcstone Technologies, Inc.

Early Warning Signs of Mental Health Disorders 2005

Brain-Based Parenting 2006

Children’s Mental Health Disorders:Brain Functioning and Interventions 2008

Brain-Based Parenting: How Science Can Help Us Parent
Our Very Challenging Children 2005

Summertime with Your Challenging Child 2005