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Empowering Education Professionals NAMI Ending the Silence for Educators is a free 1 to 2-hour mental health education in-service for school professionals to help them better understand the emotional and behavioral difficulties that may be early warning signs of mental health concerns in children and adolescents in their classrooms. The in-service also provides tips on how to intervene once the symptoms are recognized and suggestions on how to communicate with the parents and caregivers of the students to achieve the best possible outcome. Our free, on-site presentation is led by a team from your community consisting of a young adult with a mental health condition, a parent and a teacher. The presentation will share how to: Understand the difference between “bad behavior” and symptoms of a mental health condition. Recognize early warning signs. Communicate and partner with families effectively. Link to community services quickly. Create a supportive learning environment for all students. Why Your School Needs NAMI Ending the Silence for Educators 1 in 5 kids experiences a mental health condition, but only 20% of them actually receive services. About 50% of students ages 14+ with a mental health condition will drop out. Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for 15-24 year olds. "This program gave me a new understanding of the importance of my role in early recognition of kids with symptoms of mental illness and the urgency of early intervention on their behalf."

Phyllis Finley Phyllis Finley is a graduate from the University of North Texas with a B.A. in Sociology and a minor in Psychology. She has worked in the human services field for over 30 years and at Denton County MHMR Center for the last 27 years. Ms. Finley has extensive and varied experience working alongside Individuals with Developmental Disabilities as well as individuals with Mental Illness. Bilang isang dating propesyonal na manlalaro ng football, mayroon akong access sa mga mapagkukunan ng kalusugan ng isip. Ang NFL at ang NFL Players Association ay nakipagtulungan upang lumikha ng isang mapagkukunan ng kalusugan ng isip para sa mga dati at kasalukuyang manlalaro upang humingi ng tulong sakaling kailanganin iyon. Ito ay isang libreng serbisyo sa amin at sa aming pamilya. Ginagamit ko ang mga mapagkukunang iyon kapag kinakailangan o kahit na para lamang mag-check in upang makipag-usap tungkol sa kung nasaan ako sa buhay at kung ano ang nangyayari. Noong nakaraang linggo, sinimulan ng NAMI North Texas ang isang programa sa pagsasanay upang magbigay ng ganap na kumpidensyal, walang gastos, walang stigma na network ng suporta sa kalusugan ng isip para sa pagpapatupad ng batas (at kalaunan ang lahat ng unang tumugon at kanilang mga pamilya). Sa pamamagitan ng disenyo, tinutugunan nito ang mga pinakakilalang dahilan kung bakit ang mga unang tumugon ay madalas na hindi humingi ng pangangalaga sa kalusugan ng isip; panlipunan at propesyonal na stigma, takot sa pagbaba ng posisyon o pagkawala ng trabaho, kawalan ng kakayahang makahanap ng tagapagbigay ng serbisyo na may kakayahang iugnay ang paulit-ulit na trauma na naghihikayat sa pangangailangan para sa isang propesyonal sa kalusugan ng isip. Ang programang ito ay magiging isang ganap na kumpidensyal na unang hakbang sa pangangalaga sa kalusugan ng isip, na ginagawang mas madali para sa mga unang tumugon na humingi ng tulong. Ang mga Peer Supporter ay magsisilbi ring tulay sa mga propesyonal na serbisyo sa kalusugan ng isip. Sila ay sasanayin na kilalanin kapag ang isang kapwa opisyal ay nangangailangan ng higit sa kanilang sinanay na mag-alok at tulungan silang kumonekta sa isang therapist, psychiatrist o iba pang propesyonal na serbisyo na may karanasan sa pakikipagtulungan sa mga unang tumugon. Palagi kong iginagalang ang tagapagpatupad ng batas, at oo, kahit na sa ilalim ng ilang mahihirap na kalagayan, dahil mayroon din silang mga pamilya at ang kanilang priyoridad ay magbigay ng serbisyo sa komunidad, at protektahan at pagsilbihan. Timmy Newsome Pangulo ng NAMI NTX Para sa karagdagang impormasyon sa aming Overwatch Peer Support Program (OPS) , makipag-ugnayan sa aming Direktor ng Mga Programa at OPS, Christopher Payne .

Officer Todd Gyure Todd Gyure has worked at the Garland Police Department for over 18 years with the majority of that time spent on the street in Patrol. Todd is currently the Mental Health Liaison for The Garland Police Department. For the past 9 years Todd has also been a member of The Garland Police Departments S.W.A.T. team as a hostage negotiator. Bilang isang dating propesyonal na manlalaro ng football, mayroon akong access sa mga mapagkukunan ng kalusugan ng isip. Ang NFL at ang NFL Players Association ay nakipagtulungan upang lumikha ng isang mapagkukunan ng kalusugan ng isip para sa mga dati at kasalukuyang manlalaro upang humingi ng tulong sakaling kailanganin iyon. Ito ay isang libreng serbisyo sa amin at sa aming pamilya. Ginagamit ko ang mga mapagkukunang iyon kapag kinakailangan o kahit na para lamang mag-check in upang makipag-usap tungkol sa kung nasaan ako sa buhay at kung ano ang nangyayari. Noong nakaraang linggo, sinimulan ng NAMI North Texas ang isang programa sa pagsasanay upang magbigay ng ganap na kumpidensyal, walang gastos, walang stigma na network ng suporta sa kalusugan ng isip para sa pagpapatupad ng batas (at kalaunan ang lahat ng unang tumugon at kanilang mga pamilya). Sa pamamagitan ng disenyo, tinutugunan nito ang mga pinakakilalang dahilan kung bakit ang mga unang tumugon ay madalas na hindi humingi ng pangangalaga sa kalusugan ng isip; panlipunan at propesyonal na stigma, takot sa pagbaba ng posisyon o pagkawala ng trabaho, kawalan ng kakayahang makahanap ng tagapagbigay ng serbisyo na may kakayahang iugnay ang paulit-ulit na trauma na naghihikayat sa pangangailangan para sa isang propesyonal sa kalusugan ng isip. Ang programang ito ay magiging isang ganap na kumpidensyal na unang hakbang sa pangangalaga sa kalusugan ng isip, na ginagawang mas madali para sa mga unang tumugon na humingi ng tulong. Ang mga Peer Supporter ay magsisilbi ring tulay sa mga propesyonal na serbisyo sa kalusugan ng isip. Sila ay sasanayin na kilalanin kapag ang isang kapwa opisyal ay nangangailangan ng higit sa kanilang sinanay na mag-alok at tulungan silang kumonekta sa isang therapist, psychiatrist o iba pang propesyonal na serbisyo na may karanasan sa pakikipagtulungan sa mga unang tumugon. Palagi kong iginagalang ang tagapagpatupad ng batas, at oo, kahit na sa ilalim ng ilang mahihirap na kalagayan, dahil mayroon din silang mga pamilya at ang kanilang priyoridad ay magbigay ng serbisyo sa komunidad, at protektahan at pagsilbihan. Timmy Newsome Pangulo ng NAMI NTX Para sa karagdagang impormasyon sa aming Overwatch Peer Support Program (OPS) , makipag-ugnayan sa aming Direktor ng Mga Programa at OPS, Christopher Payne .

Resources IF YOU NEED EMERGENCY HELP, PLEASE CALL 911. Crisis Hotlines — Speak with Someone Now If you are in crisis and need to talk to someone immediately, please reach out to any of the following 24/7 crisis lines: National Hotlines 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Call or Text 988 Free, confidential support for people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis. Crisis Text Line Text HOME to 741741 Trained Crisis Counselors available 24/7 via text. The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Youth) Call 1-866-488-7386 | Text START to 678678 Trans Lifeline Call 1-877-565-8860 Peer support by and for the transgender community. Veterans Crisis Line Call 988, then press 1 | Text 838255 Local North Texas Resources Suicide and Crisis Center of North Texas Call 214-828-1000 Confidential support for individuals in crisis in the Dallas area. North Texas Behavioral Health Authority (NTBHA) Call 866-260-8000 24/7 crisis support for Dallas, Ellis, Hunt, Kaufman, Navarro, and Rockwall counties. Collin County (LifePath Systems) Call 877-422-5939 Mental health crisis services for Collin County residents. Denton County Mobile Crisis Outreach Team Call 800-762-0157 Emergency mental health response team available 24/7. Denton County Mental Health Treatment Court Program Call 940-349-2160 For individuals engaged in the legal system who need mental health support. Resources United Way Metropolitan Dallas Get Assistance United Way Denton County Community Resources United Way Denton County & Credible Minds NAMI Help Line Here For Texas Find Help Resources for Children & Families Navigate Life Texas North Texas Help Texas Transition and Employment Guide Psychiatric & Emergency Services EMERGENCY: 911 Suicide Crisis Line: 988 Poison Help: 800-222-1222 Spanish Helpline: 972-233-2428

Kilalanin ang Aming Koponan Kasey Smith, BSW, MBA Executive Director Amya Waldrop Programs & Volunteer Engagement Coordinator Juliana Lawley Fundraising & Donor Engagement Coordinator Claudia Smith Office Support & Spanish Programming Kilalanin ang Aming Koponan Lee Pierson President Khadijah Ibrahim Vice President Phyllis Finley Secretary Michaela Himes Treasurer Courtney Jaimes Sharonda Young Calderon Monserrat Mata Officer Carlos Henderson Alyse Ferguson Brittany Waymack Jennifer Wadsworth

About Carlos Henderson Carlos has 10 years with The Colony Police Department. He has an Advanced Peace Officer Certification and Mental Health Officer Certification. He is a m ember of Texas CIT Association, a Star of Texas recipient, Hostage Negotiator, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Instructor, Psychiatric Technician, and is a Behavior Consultant for a 6A school district. Carlos holds a Life-Space Crisis Intervention Certification, Critical Incident Stress Management Certification Individual and Group EMT Intermediate (non-active) He has numerous interactions and negotiations with Crisis Affected Individual. Carlos is involved with NAMI North Texas Overwatch Peer Support.

NAMI Basics is a free, six-session program designed for parents and other family caregivers of children and adolescents experiencing mental health challenges. NAMI North Texas is now offering this class for professionals to help them better understand the impact that mental health conditions have on the youth as well as the family. The information provided will equip professionals working with youth and their families with unique insights that can enable them to work more collaboratively with families as part of the treatment team, as well as help them understand the value of referring their clients to NAMI Basics. "What is the difference between a “regular” NAMI Basics class and a NAMI Basics for Professionals class provided to professionals?" There is no difference in content. All 6 sessions are taught in their entirety, by trained NAMI Basics teachers. The following modifications are made when the audience is professional caregivers: During the discussion portions of the classes, Basics teachers share what parents tell us when we pose the discussion topics. For example: Discussion question: “How did it feel for you when you finally had a diagnosis for your child’s symptoms?” Basics teacher response: “For me it was a relief. Other parents who have taken this course tell us that it is helpful to finally have a name for what is going on; to know that there actually is something causing the behavior and that it can be treated.” During story sharing, participants are asked to share a story about their experiences with a child that they have worked with and how it impacted them. "Can’t I just take a regular NAMI Basics class with parents?" We never allow anyone into our peer education programs (Basics, Family-to-Family, Peer-to-Peer, or Homefront) who does not have the lived experience. This is to insure a safe, judgment-free environment for participants to be open and honest about their emotional reactions to the challenges of mental health conditions. "Why do we offer a 6 session class to busy professionals?" When NAMI Basics classes are advertised in community, routinely there are requests from teachers, counselors, youth court staff, child protective services staff and other professionals to attend so that they can learn more about the families they are working with. Because these requests are so common, approval was given to pilot the course, as it is written, with professionals in NAMI New York City Metro several years ago. It was such a success that they offer this option several times a year. It has resulted in a better equipped group of professional caregivers, and has also increased the number of families referred by these professionals to the NAMI Basics classes for parents. Questions? Contact Chris Payne, NAMI North Texas Director of Programs at CarolynK@NAMINorthTexas.org

NAMI On Campus NAMI On Campus are student-led clubs that raise mental health awareness and reduce stigma on high school and college campuses through peer-led activities, education, and events. Through a partnership with NAMI North Texas, student leaders are empowered with toolkits, materials, and resources to make running the club fun and educational. NAMI On Campus connect students with their local community and supports them in creating a culture free of judgment and accepting of reaching out for help; a more aware and mental health-supportive school culture. NAMI On Campus are open to all students interested in mental health – It is not a support or therapy group. NAMI On Campus serves as a space where like minded students can spearhead activities and discussions that combat stigma and contribute to an overall positive climate for mental health Open to schools and universities in Collin, Dallas, Denton and Rockwall Counties. The purpose of NAMI On Campus is to: Educate and raise the awareness of students, teachers, faculty, and school administration about mental health and wellness Be supportive of students who are living with mental health conditions Encourage people to recognize early warning signs Let students know there is help available if they need it Encourage students who are having mental health issues to get help Provide information on school and community resources Work to end the stigma that surrounds mental health conditions Create an inclusive, safe, and supportive school environment NAMI knows that some of the best support a student can receive is from their peers. When students connect with one another, they can share common experiences and support each other. It's the NAMI way. NAMI On Campus works to end the stigma that makes it harder for students to talk about mental health and get the help they need. NAMI On Campus clubs hold creative meetings, innovative awareness events, and offer signature NAMI programs though partnership with NAMI North Texas. Interested in starting a club? Please complete our Online Interest Form . We can't wait to meet you! If you have any questions, please give us a call at 214.341.7133 or email Olivia Frolichstein at Olivia@naminorthtexas.org

Mohammad 'Pasha' Rahman Vice President Pharm D., MHA, FACHE Pasha Rahman is the Director of Pharmacy Services at Medical City Green Oaks Hospital in Dallas, Texas. Medical City Green Oaks Hospital is dedicated to inpatient psychiatric care, and has multiple outpatient programs and locations in North Texas. Bilang isang dating propesyonal na manlalaro ng football, mayroon akong access sa mga mapagkukunan ng kalusugan ng isip. Ang NFL at ang NFL Players Association ay nakipagtulungan upang lumikha ng isang mapagkukunan ng kalusugan ng isip para sa mga dati at kasalukuyang manlalaro upang humingi ng tulong sakaling kailanganin iyon. Ito ay isang libreng serbisyo sa amin at sa aming pamilya. Ginagamit ko ang mga mapagkukunang iyon kapag kinakailangan o kahit na para lamang mag-check in upang makipag-usap tungkol sa kung nasaan ako sa buhay at kung ano ang nangyayari. Noong nakaraang linggo, sinimulan ng NAMI North Texas ang isang programa sa pagsasanay upang magbigay ng ganap na kumpidensyal, walang gastos, walang stigma na network ng suporta sa kalusugan ng isip para sa pagpapatupad ng batas (at kalaunan ang lahat ng unang tumugon at kanilang mga pamilya). Sa pamamagitan ng disenyo, tinutugunan nito ang mga pinakakilalang dahilan kung bakit ang mga unang tumugon ay madalas na hindi humingi ng pangangalaga sa kalusugan ng isip; panlipunan at propesyonal na stigma, takot sa pagbaba ng posisyon o pagkawala ng trabaho, kawalan ng kakayahang makahanap ng tagapagbigay ng serbisyo na may kakayahang iugnay ang paulit-ulit na trauma na naghihikayat sa pangangailangan para sa isang propesyonal sa kalusugan ng isip. Ang programang ito ay magiging isang ganap na kumpidensyal na unang hakbang sa pangangalaga sa kalusugan ng isip, na ginagawang mas madali para sa mga unang tumugon na humingi ng tulong. Ang mga Peer Supporter ay magsisilbi ring tulay sa mga propesyonal na serbisyo sa kalusugan ng isip. Sila ay sasanayin na kilalanin kapag ang isang kapwa opisyal ay nangangailangan ng higit sa kanilang sinanay na mag-alok at tulungan silang kumonekta sa isang therapist, psychiatrist o iba pang propesyonal na serbisyo na may karanasan sa pakikipagtulungan sa mga unang tumugon. Palagi kong iginagalang ang tagapagpatupad ng batas, at oo, kahit na sa ilalim ng ilang mahihirap na kalagayan, dahil mayroon din silang mga pamilya at ang kanilang priyoridad ay magbigay ng serbisyo sa komunidad, at protektahan at pagsilbihan. Timmy Newsome Pangulo ng NAMI NTX Para sa karagdagang impormasyon sa aming Overwatch Peer Support Program (OPS) , makipag-ugnayan sa aming Direktor ng Mga Programa at OPS, Christopher Payne .

Together We Can Achieve More If you are seeking support or need information on how to better manage a mental health challenge in yourself or a loved one, you are not alone. NAMI is here for you. NAMI supports and enriches your and your family's unique journey towards mental wellness. Our outstanding peer-led programs provide free education, skills training and support. We invite you to join our movement to ensure better lives for everyone. Together we can make mental health a priority and be part of the solution to solve one of the biggest problems we face as a nation. Mission NAMI North Texas is a grassroots organization that provides education, support, advocacy, and public awareness to improve the lives of people living with mental health conditions and their family members. Vision NAMI North Texas empowers North Texans through our ongoing education, support, advocacy, and awareness initiatives. We envision a stigma-free, supportive community where recovery is achievable and mental health services are accessible by all. Komunidad Nililinang namin ang isang komunidad ng pagsasama, halaga, at pagtitiwala. Authenticity Nangangako kami ng transparency, pagiging totoo, at pagiging patas sa aming paglilingkod sa komunidad. Paggalang Pinararangalan namin ang bawat tao at ang kanilang paglalakbay sa pagbawi. Empowerment Sinusuportahan namin ang isang pamantayan ng kahusayan sa aming mga pagsisikap na magbigay ng inspirasyon sa pag-asa at lakas sa puso ng bawat North Texan.

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About Katie Gorski Katie Gorski, LMSW, is a dedicated social worker with the Garland Police Department, where she’s been serving since July 2023. In her role, she supports both the community and internal department staff—officers, civilian employees, and their families—by promoting mental wellness and connecting them with meaningful first responder qualified resources. Katie earned her bachelor’s degree from Western Kentucky University and her Master of Social Work from Baylor University, equipping her with both the clinical skills and compassionate approach that guide her work every day. Katie is currently working on her next State of TX certification to become a licensed clinical social worker. Coming from a law enforcement family herself—her dad and grandfather both served—Katie understands the unique challenges first responders and their families face. That personal connection fuels her mission to break the stigma around mental health in public safety. She’s passionate about creating a culture where seeking help is seen as strength, not weakness, and where those who protect others feel supported to take care of themselves too. Her goal is simple but powerful: to help first responders live healthier, fuller lives and enjoy long, well-earned retirements.