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Strength in September

"The epic story of tomorrow can't be written if it ends today." -Unknown

September is a great month to recognize and appreciate all of our strengths in life, and in our experiences.


"Suicidal thoughts, much like mental health conditions, can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or background. In fact, suicide is often the result of an untreated mental health condition. Suicidal thoughts, although common, should not be considered normal and often indicate more serious issues.

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month —a time to raise awareness of this stigmatized, and often taboo, topic. We use this month to shift public perception, spread hope and share vital information to people affected by suicide. Our goal is ensuring that individuals, friends and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and to seek help.

Throughout the month of September, NAMI will highlight the “Together for Mental Health,” campaign which encourages people to bring their voices together to advocate for better mental health care, including an effective crisis response system. After years of advocacy and preparation, 988 is now available nationwide as the new number to contact for mental health, substance use and suicide crises — a simple, easy-to-remember way for people to get help. This new number will allow people to quickly connect with support during a crisis, 24/7, no matter where they live.

Ultimately, NAMI wants any person experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviors to have a number to call, a system to turn to, that would connect them to the treatment and support they need." (NAMI, National Alliance on Mental Illness)

Crisis Resources

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 immediately.

  • If you are uncomfortable talking on the phone, you can chat the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988lifeline.org.

  • You can also text NAMI to 741-741 to be connected to a free, trained crisis counselor on the Crisis Text Line.

  • Know the Warning Signs and Risk Factors of Suicide

  • Being Prepared for a Crisis

  • Read our guide, "Navigating a Mental Health Crisis"

  • What You Need to Know About Youth Suicide

  • Need more information, referrals or support? Contact the NAMI HelpLine." (from the NAMI website)



 

Monthly Update


Theme: “Strength in September”

Color: “Sunflower-Yellow”

Our monthly theme and color are based on September being Suicide Prevention Month. Our participants are encouraged to incorporate our monthly themes and colors within their artistic self-expression.

NSSB

MVMC Activities

  • Staff and Volunteers will attend a FREE Mental Health First Aid Training by Mental Health First Aid with NAMI of Franklin County on ZOOM

  • Merry Miller-Gass, facilitator for our Art and Feelings session begins to facilitate a session with the California Health Collaborative’s HEAL Project for youth, ages 14-17

  • A new session begins in Allensworth. Facilitator Lateef, will be providing a youth session the last Thursday of each month.

  • Taste the Arts Volunteering is open for ALL! Visit artsconsrotium.org for more information. Fill out the form here:

Suicide Prevention Resources


The My Voice Media Center (MVMC) is made possible through a partnership between the Arts Consortium and the Tulare County Health and Human Services Mental Health branch.





The My Voice Media Center serves adults from throughout Tulare County who have first-hand experiences with mental health struggles and those who provide support for the same.

We believe that self-expression through various mediums of art can help our community members thrive on their path of wellness and recovery. The My Voice Media Center aims to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness.

Our activities include the following:

  • We provide a safe and welcoming environment where participants may explore their own artistic style

  • We provide opportunities for our participants to learn from professional artists on and off-site

  • We provide exhibition and art sale opportunities for interested participants

  • We provide opportunities for our participants to take part in presentations that help educate our community at large about mental wellness and recovery

  • We collaborate with local organizations to promote and advocate for mental health services

  • We provide opportunities for our participants to visit other arts and culture centers

Onsite Adult Sessions: Photography, Printmaking, Video Editing, Photo Editing, Drawing, Painting, Guitar, 2D and 3D Art, NSSB (No Stigma Speakers Bureau), Peer Support, Art and Feelings, Art of Movement, and other activities, such as field trips.

Offsite Youth Sessions: Tulare County Court Appointed Youth, or CASA Art Night, California Health Collaborative’s HEAL Project Art Night

We would like to invite you to become a participant in the My Voice Media Center's free arts programming by visiting us and completing an enrollment form.

If you are interested in becoming a participant, having the NSSB session speak to your organization, would like to showcase MVMC’s artwork, or have general questions about the MVMC Project of Arts Consortium, please contact us!


Voicemail: 559-772-0001

Social Media: Facebook

YouTube

Enroll at the Arts Consortium:

808 N Court St. Visalia, CA 93291

HRS: 10-3 PM TUES-FRI

Thank you!


 




The My Voice Media Center is a project of the Arts Consortium, in collaboration with the Tulare County Health and Human Services Agency - Mental Health Branch, the City of Visalia, and the California Arts Council, with the support of the Tulare County Board of Supervisors.


Works Cited and Resources:


National Alliance on Mental Illness; NAMI; accessed August 11, 2023; https://nami.org/Get-Involved/Awareness-Events/Suicide-Prevention-Awareness-Month-(SPAM)

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