MHFA Monthly: Prepare for the New Year --January 2021

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Have a Happy and Healthy New Year!   As 2020 comes to a close, you may feel relieved, excited, a bit apprehensive — or all of the above. Regardless of how you’re feeling, there is no denying that we have been through so much collectively, and many of us are looking forward to having the end in sight. This historic year has brought plenty of highs and some challenging lows, but we look forward to creating a positive and comfortable space to begin the new year.   While we don’t know exactly what the new year will bring, one thing you can do to start the year on an optimistic note is to plan with your mental health in mind. If we have learned anything from 2020, it’s to expect the unexpected. Self-care should always be a priority — it is a fantastic tool to step away from chaos and re-center yourself when life happens. Practices like meditation have been proven to help manage anxiety, increase resiliency, and improve brain function. 2021 will bring a fresh start and new sets of challenges, but we’ll be ready.   This year we shared resources and tips from the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) curriculum to help you take care of yourself and your loved ones while physically distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic, information to help you support your coworkers virtually and in person, inspiring stories from First Aiders and Instructors, and so much more. And we’ll be right by your side in the new year with more tips and resources to help you stay resilient and hopeful as 2021 unfolds.   Thank you for all the positivity you’ve brought to this year unlike any other. We hope you are having a wonderful holiday season, and we look forward to helping you #BeTheDifference in the New Year!   Be sure to check us out on our blog and social media channels, including Twitter , Facebook and Instagram !     New Funding Opportunity!   This month, the Federal government appropriated more than $16.7 million in funding for projects like Mental Health First Aid in FY2021! As many as 134 organizations can receive up to $125,000 per year for up to five years. The grants can help you bring Mental Health First Aid to more school, first responders, veterans and other communities. Visit the MHFA website to learn more about the application requirements and process.     Tips from the Curriculum   Tackle the Winter Blues with Mental Health First Aid Shorter days and colder weather are here, but you can use tips from MHFA to keep the winter blues at bay and support your mental health if you or a loved one are feeling down. Read more.     How to Cope with Physical Distancing During the Holidays Physical distancing guidelines encouraged us to stay home this holiday season, but there are still ways to make all of your celebrations special while staying put as we continue to adjust to COVID-19. Read more.     Supporting Caregivers with MHFA MHFA Instructor Dalimarie Perez shares how caregivers can get the support they need with the tools they learn in Mental Health First Aid. Read more.     Building Back Stronger in 2021 As this unbelievable year comes to a close, make your mental health a priority. Use these tips from MHFA to start 2021 in a positive light! Read more.     ALGEE in the News     In Buffalo, NY, Mayor Byron W. Brown launched an initiative that will provide virtual MHFA trainings to members of the community, beginning with a cohort made up of clergy, block club members, Buffalo Peacemakers, small business owners, and several youth and police officers. Read more.       New River Valley Community Services Center (Blacksburg, Va.) is offering free Adult and Youth MHFA classes to help people recognize the signs of a crisis and destigmatize conversations about mental health. Read more.       In Lawrence, Kansas, the Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center is meeting increased need for mental health services stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic with virtual MHFA courses and other programs. Read more.       Thank you for choosing to #BeTheDifference, Mental Health First Aid USA     The  National Council for Behavioral Health is the unifying voice of America’s health care organizations that deliver mental health and addictions treatment and services. Together with our 3,326 member organizations serving over 10 million adults, children and families living with mental illnesses and addictions, the National Council is committed to all Americans having access to comprehensive, high-quality care that affords every opportunity for recovery. The National Council introduced  Mental Health First Aid USA  and 2 million Americans have been trained. For more information, please visit  www.TheNationalCouncil.org.