The LiveStrong Loop

 

February 2021

As we celebrate Black History Month, we are reminded of this disheartening fact: Black Americans have the highest death rate and shortest survival of any racial and ethnic group in the US for most cancers. In June 2020, Livestrong committed $50,000 annually to fund lasting solutions that will improve the cancer experience for Black Americans. And that's just the beginning - here's an update on the progress we've made together so far:  Because of YOU, this year we are able to invest $64,720+ in 5 organizations dedicated to filling the gaps in care. ✔️ Next month we are excited to share our new class of Livestrong Solution Grant Winners - all of whom are dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, internally and across all programmatic areas. Stay tuned to see how your support is changing the way we all live with cancer. ✔️ Additionally, we are happy to announce the second annual Icon Global EQ will be held on June 11th. This year, we will continue the conversation around inequities in the cancer experience within the Black community and will explore how we can leverage technology in new ways to do so. Registration opens soon - sign up to receive updates to be the first to know! GET ICON UPDATES   LEARN MORE Can't wait? Revisit insights from the inaugural Icon Global EQ (July 2020). LEGACY New Blog: The Unknown In All Things, We Must Have Courage. Taylor was a junior in high school when his mom was first diagnosed with breast cancer. Years later, her cancer returned and treatment options were eventually exhausted. Taylor's blog reflects on his priceless time with the woman he loved most in the world -- and how the agonizing early days of grief have now been replaced with a loving reminiscence of his Mom. "When I get down, I think of the fight my Mom had. We can’t give up in this life. My Mother was a warrior. Her breast cancer battle taught us to value family more than ever. It taught us to persevere and fight through the challenges of life, but most of all, it taught us that in all things, we must have courage." READ TAYLOR'S BLOG   SHARE YOUR STORY Taylor runs with Team Livestrong in honor of his mom. Walk, run or ride in honor of your - or a loved one's - cancer journey. JOIN TEAM LIVESTRONG SOLUTIONS Solution Session: Mental Health Join Us for a Conversation on Mental Health For those of you that joined us in October for the 2020 Livestrong Icon Summit, you've seen the power of bringing diverse, creative minds together to solve previously unsolveable cancer problems.  Whether you're ready to continue to the conversation or are joining us for the first time, we welcome you to pull up a virtual seat + explore solutions related to Mental Health and Cancer. Let Your Voice Shape the Future of Cancer Care. Mental health is a big part of the cancer journey – not just for patients, but for their caregivers, family members and health care workers as well. With three conversations happening, you can choose the solution you want to be a part of: 1) Rebranding “mental health” 2) Connecting to others like me 3) Care Plan Implementation RESERVE YOUR SPOT   COLLABORATION Supporter Shout Out! Triple B - A Celebration of Life Although the pandemic forced the event to go virtual, the event still raised over $7,000 for Livestrong's mission. Thank you, Triple B! In 2017, the Triple B event was born as a way to celebrate the end of treatments for three friends that had been fighting cancer - two with breast cancer and one with colon cancer.  What started out as a simple conversation around the breakfast table, has turned into a celebration of life that supports others in the fight and Livestrong's mission. Michael K. - Taking A Slice Out Of Cancer Livestrong Development Manager and pizza aficionado, Michael, ran one mile for every $100 donated to his DIY Fundraiser for Livestrong on Valentine's Day -- in a pizza costume. Not only did he reach his goal, he held to his word - despite the cold temperatures in ATX. Way to Keep Austin Weird, Michael! CREATE YOUR OWN DIY FUNDRAISER Mark Your Calendar! Mar 4th 6:00 PM - March 5th 6:00 PM CST Amplify Austin Day | Support Central Texas Survivors - Donate Now!   Mar X, 2021 Solution Series: Mental Health | Virtual | Register Now   Apr 25, 2021 Austin Half Marathon and 5K | Austin, TX | Register Now   Jun 11, 2021 Icon Global EQ | Virtual | Sign Up to Receive Updates   Jul 25-31, 2021 RAGBRAI | IA | Register Now   Aug 14, 2021 Leadville Trail 100 MTB | Leadville, CO | Register Now   Sept 26, 2021 BMW Berlin Marathon | Berlin, Germany | Registration FULL!   Oct 10, 2021 Bank of America Chicago Marathon | Chicago, IL | Just A Few Spots Left! Register Now   Oct 17, 2021 Livestrong Challenge | Austin, TX | Register Now   Oct 24, 2021 KBC Dublin Marathon | Dublin, Ireland | Register Now   Fall 2021 - Date TBD TCS New York City Marathon | New York City, NY | Registration Coming Soon!   Fall 2021 - Date TBD TD Five Boro Bike Tour | New York City, NY | Registration Coming Soon! ALWAYS STAY IN THE LOOP FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL!

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Mental Health First Aid Monthly Newsletter

 

As Black History Month comes to a close, we want to acknowledge the importance of supporting everyone around you, all races, socioeconomic groups and cultural backgrounds. The events of this past year have not been easy, particularly in terms of mental health for Black Americans in comparison to the rest of the population. Though we have made great strides in talking about mental health, stigma prevents many within the Black community from discussing any challenges they may have. On top of that, the legacy of slavery and institutional racism impedes many from getting adequate professional care. So, even as we celebrate Black History Month and the successes and contributions made by Black Americans, we are reminded that there is still much work to do. That’s why this month, we’re sharing a variety of resources and educational tools to help frame the inequities in mental health care, including a guest commentary from Tramaine EL-Amin, Assistant Vice President of Strategic Partnerships with Mental Health First Aid USA, who underscores the importance of supporting your Black coworkers and employees during this unprecedented time. We encourage you to explore all of the articles and resources shared to get a better picture of the current state of mental health for Black Americans so you can #BeTheDifference for everyone in your community. Be sure to check us out on our blog and social media channels for daily information and tips, including Twitter, Facebook and Instagram!

Virtual Event Opportunity! On March 5, join Mental Health First Aid’s Tramaine EL-Amin and others to discuss how companies are taking the lead in addressing the strain the COVID-19 pandemic is putting on mental health in an enduring way that will guide us into a healthier future. This conversation will be part of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s 11th Annual International Women’s Day Forum: Business Powering a New Tomorrow. There is no cost to attend the event. Learn more and register today.

Tips from the Curriculum

Supporting the Black Community as a Mental Health First Aider As a Mental Health First Aider, it is important to understand the disparities that exist between demographic groups. We highlight how behavioral health within the Black community differs from the rest of the population and provide resources so you can use your training to offer the best support. Read more.

Addressing Increasing Suicide Rates in the Black Community and How You Can Help The COVID-19 pandemic has encouraged us to take a closer look at our mental health, and recent data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) show that Black Americans are dying by suicide at higher rates than other demographic groups. We take a closer look at recent trends and explain how Mental Health First Aid can help. Read More.

During Black History Month, Understand Workplace Concerns of Black Employees The traumatic events of the past year have disproportionately affected the mental health of Black Americans, who are carrying more of an emotional burden than others. Our guest commentary from Tramaine EL-Amin at Mental Health First Aid USA emphasizes the importance of checking in with and supporting your Black coworkers and employees. Read more.

ALGEE in the News

A local community center in Evanston, Ill., offered virtual Mental Health First Aid to residents in the hopes that the training will encourage them to have more open and honest conversations around mental health. Read more.       In an effort to improve a recent local rise in mental health crises in youth and young adults, the Citrus County School District and the Citrus Health Improvement Partnership in Florida are offering free Youth Mental Health First Aid to parents. Read more.       A local organization in Kingstown, R.I., is offering free Mental Health First Aid courses in response to a recent report showing worsening mental health nationwide. 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.