FastTrackerMN’s Anoka-Hennepin Ambassador Awareness Project

We were honored to receive funding from Congressman Phillips’ office, marking the commencement of our “Anoka-Hennepin Ambassador Project.” This initiative allows us to collaborate with the Anoka-Hennepin school district, working closely with students, faculty, and the community. Our primary focus is to elevate awareness surrounding mental health and facilitate open conversations to socialize mental health discussions. Together, through the Anoka-Hennepin Ambassador Project, we strive to create a supportive environment that encourages understanding and proactive engagement with mental health concerns.

Anoka-Hennepin Ambassador Project Goals

  • Elevate Awareness
  • Cultivate Community Presence
  • Foster comfort and awareness in dealing with mental health and substance use disorder concerns

The Anoka-Hennepin Ambassador Project Team

Tips for Providers

We’re excited to share that FastTrackerMN has expanded its keyword options to better represent the diverse range of services offered by our dedicated providers. Two new keywords have been introduced:

  1. Veteran:
    • Use this keyword if you serve the veteran population.
    • Offer groups or services tailored to veterans.
    • Have providers on your team who are veterans.
  2. Adoption/Foster Care:
    • Select this keyword if your location has expertise in adoption or foster care services.
    • Indicate providers with experience working with families undergoing the adoption process or involved in foster care.

These additions aim to enhance the accuracy and specificity of your listings, ensuring individuals can easily find the services that align with their unique needs. Thank you for your continued commitment to supporting our community’s mental health and substance use disorder needs.

Login to Update

 

Breaking Language Barriers: A Multicultural Initiative Unveiled!

FastTrackerMN.org is  embarking on a groundbreaking journey to ensure our platform is accessible to everyone. Our Language Translators and Cultural Liaisons from the Hmong, Spanish, and Somali communities are collaborating to enhance the availability of Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder resources across Minnesota.

But that’s not all! If your program includes providers fluent in Somali, Hmong, or Spanish, make sure to highlight this information by adding it as a keyword. It helps individuals in need find you easily and ensures effective communication.

Moreover, as we work on translations, we aim to make our site truly reflect the diversity of Minnesota. We’re striving to create an inclusive space that mirrors the rich cultural tapestry of our state.

Stay tuned for more details and be part of our journey toward breaking language barriers and providing accessible support for all.

FastTrackerMN.org Hmong Translation
Now search FastTrackerMN in Hmong!

 

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Thursday, March 14thScreenagers Under the Influence: Addressing Vaping, Drugs, & Alcohol in the Digital Age– In an era where digital influence is inescapable, understanding its impact on our youth’s choices and well-being has never been more crucial. We cordially invite you to join in a powerful film that is aimed at unraveling the digital threads that shape the lives of our young generation. “Screenagers Under the Influence: Addressing Vaping, Drugs, & Alcohol in the Digital Age” is a film followed by expert panel event that delves deep into these pressing issues, offering insights, strategies, and a platform for meaningful dialogue.… Jordan High School: REGISTER

Wednesday, March 20thMinnesota Social Services Association Conference– This year’s conference focuses on empowering HHS professionals, fostering a culture of support, and building sustainability in our work, while centering anti-oppression, equity, and inclusion… REGISTER

Thursday, March 21stScreenagers Under the Influence: Addressing Vaping, Drugs, & Alcohol in the Digital Age– In an era where digital influence is inescapable, understanding its impact on our youth’s choices and well-being has never been more crucial. We cordially invite you to join in a powerful film that is aimed at unraveling the digital threads that shape the lives of our young generation. “Screenagers Under the Influence: Addressing Vaping, Drugs, & Alcohol in the Digital Age” is a film followed by expert panel event that delves deep into these pressing issues, offering insights, strategies, and a platform for meaningful dialogue.… Lake Middle School: REGISTER

Thursday, April 18thScreenagers Under the Influence: Addressing Vaping, Drugs, & Alcohol in the Digital Age– In an era where digital influence is inescapable, understanding its impact on our youth’s choices and well-being has never been more crucial. We cordially invite you to join in a powerful film that is aimed at unraveling the digital threads that shape the lives of our young generation. “Screenagers Under the Influence: Addressing Vaping, Drugs, & Alcohol in the Digital Age” is a film followed by expert panel event that delves deep into these pressing issues, offering insights, strategies, and a platform for meaningful dialogue.… Two Rivers High School: REGISTER

 

If you have any news or announcements, you would like added to the FastTrackerMN.org Newsletter, please Email:

Logan Sheppard: Logan@FastTrackerMN.org

Now Search by Languages Spoken, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ Providers

Search FastTrackerMN by Languages Spoken, BIPOC + LGBTQ Providers! Recovering Hope Treatment Center offers SUD Intensive Outpatient, Residential Treatment.

Tips For Providers on FastTrackerMN:

To maximize the visibility of your services on FastTrackerMN and connect with a broader audience, consider incorporating relevant keywords into your listing. Here are some essential keywords you may want to include:

  1. BIPOC Providers: If you identify as part of the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) community, make sure to highlight this in your listing.
  2. LGBTQ+ Providers: For those who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, emphasizing this aspect can help users find providers who align with their specific needs.
  3. Languages Spoken: If you’re proficient in languages like Somali, Spanish, Hmong, or any others, include them in your listing. This ensures potential clients can easily identify providers who can cater to their language preferences.

Login to Update

Updating your listing with these keywords not only enhances your visibility but also helps create a more inclusive and accessible platform for users seeking diverse and culturally competent services.

 

New Option Added!

We’re delighted to inform our providers about a recent enhancement to our platform. As of now, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is available as a new option for you to select and add to your program listings. ABA, widely recognized for its effectiveness in treating Autism, is a valuable addition to the range of services you can showcase on FastTrackerMN. This update reflects our commitment to empowering providers with diverse options, ensuring you have the flexibility to represent your programs accurately and comprehensively. Stay tuned for more updates, and thank you for being a part of FastTrackerMN!

 

Provider Spotlight:

About The Provider:

Recovering Hope Treatment Center is currently welcoming individuals seeking immediate assistance across a spectrum of services. Our specialized women’s residential program caters to the diverse needs of women aged 18 and older, pregnant women, and mothers with children up to the age of five. In a significant expansion of our services, we are delighted to announce that we are now accepting clients on Suboxone, reinforcing our commitment to providing tailored substance use and mental health treatment.

Our comprehensive offerings include SUD Intensive Outpatient (IOP), Outpatient, Residential Treatment, and dedicated care for clients with children. Excitingly, we are on the verge of opening our IOP with lodging, reflecting our ongoing dedication to excellence. At Recovering Hope, we steadfastly believe in the transformative impact on families and the restoration of hope through our extensive services, which encompass Medication Management, Peer Support, and SUD Assessment. Join us on this journey towards recovery, where personalized care meets unwavering commitment.

Services Offered:

  • SUD Intensive Outpatient (IOP)
  • Outpatient
  • Residential Treatment
  • Clients with Children
  • Co Occurring
  • Medication Management
  • Peer Support
  • SUD Assessment
  • EMDR
  • DBT
  • CBT
  • Psychotherapy

For Referrals:

Phone: (844) 314-4673

Website: https://recoveringhope.life/

 

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Thursday, February 8th– CBT Certification: Rational Living Therapy Level-One Certification Webinar– Our Level-One Certification Seminar in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (Rational Living Therapy) is a three-day training that is very comprehensive. Attendees learn the start-to-finish systematic approach, as well as how to deal with difficult and challenging clients who resist therapy, and an comprehensive introduction to applying it to various problems (depression,anxiety, etc…).. REGISTER

Tuesday, February 13th– The Next Step in Suicide Prevention– Despite considerable effort by the mental healthcare industry and widespread use of the Columbia screening tool, suicide deaths in the United States have been tragically increasing since at least 1999. The CDC estimates that 49,449 people died by suicide in 2022… REGISTER

Saturday, February 17thThe Mystery of the Mind Gala-Join us for the 8th Annual Night of Impact Gala – The Mystery of The Mind! A modern twist on a classic masquerade ball exploring the mystery of the mind so many of us keep hidden behind our own masks. Mental illness is often invisible or masked behind the facades many of us project into the world to show we are okay. When the mask is removed, only then can we see our true selves and the reality of our mind. Come together to help us raise $275,000 for youth mental health programming in Minnesota schools! .. REGISTER

Thursday, March 14thScreenagers Under the Influence: Addressing Vaping, Drugs, & Alcohol in the Digital Age– In an era where digital influence is inescapable, understanding its impact on our youth’s choices and well-being has never been more crucial. We cordially invite you to join in a powerful film that is aimed at unraveling the digital threads that shape the lives of our young generation. “Screenagers Under the Influence: Addressing Vaping, Drugs, & Alcohol in the Digital Age” is a film followed by expert panel event that delves deep into these pressing issues, offering insights, strategies, and a platform for meaningful dialogue.… Jordan High School: REGISTER

Wednesday, March 20thMinnesota Social Services Association Conference– This year’s conference focuses on empowering HHS professionals, fostering a culture of support, and building sustainability in our work, while centering anti-oppression, equity, and inclusion… REGISTER

Thursday, March 21stScreenagers Under the Influence: Addressing Vaping, Drugs, & Alcohol in the Digital Age– In an era where digital influence is inescapable, understanding its impact on our youth’s choices and well-being has never been more crucial. We cordially invite you to join in a powerful film that is aimed at unraveling the digital threads that shape the lives of our young generation. “Screenagers Under the Influence: Addressing Vaping, Drugs, & Alcohol in the Digital Age” is a film followed by expert panel event that delves deep into these pressing issues, offering insights, strategies, and a platform for meaningful dialogue.… Lake Middle School: REGISTER

Thursday, April 18thScreenagers Under the Influence: Addressing Vaping, Drugs, & Alcohol in the Digital Age– In an era where digital influence is inescapable, understanding its impact on our youth’s choices and well-being has never been more crucial. We cordially invite you to join in a powerful film that is aimed at unraveling the digital threads that shape the lives of our young generation. “Screenagers Under the Influence: Addressing Vaping, Drugs, & Alcohol in the Digital Age” is a film followed by expert panel event that delves deep into these pressing issues, offering insights, strategies, and a platform for meaningful dialogue.… Two Rivers High School: REGISTER

 

If you have any news or announcements you would like added to the FastTrackerMN.org Newsletter, please Email:

Logan Sheppard: Logan@FastTrackerMN.org

Forward this newsletter to a friend!

Providers Can Now Easily Share Your FastTrackerMN.org Listing

FastTrackerMN is thrilled to unveil a powerful feature for our providers—Link Sharing! Now, you can easily obtain a direct link to your FastTrackerMN listing and effortlessly share it on your social media platforms or website. Want to showcase your availability and connect with individuals seeking mental health and SUD support? This feature is your solution! Enhance your visibility, amplify your impact, and continue making a positive difference in our community. Get started today and share your availability with just a few clicks!

Login to Update

For assistance:

  • Mental Health Providers: MHadmin@FastTrackerMN.org
  • Substance Use Disorder Providers: SUDadmin@FastTrackerMN.org

Tips For Providers on FastTrackerMN:

Did you know that your location descriptions play a crucial role in helping individuals find the right services? Our search functionality doesn’t stop at keywords—it extends to your location descriptions too! When crafting these descriptions, consider adding essential information that might not be covered by specific services or keywords.

For instance, include details about your facility’s amenities, accessibility features, if transportation is provided or any unique aspects of your location that individuals might find valuable. This extra layer of information can make a significant impact on someone’s decision-making process. Ensure your descriptions are informative, welcoming, and highlight the distinctive qualities that set your services apart. Let’s work together to create a seamless experience for those seeking support on FastTrackerMN. Your attention to detail can make a world of difference!

Provider Spotlight:

Traverse Counseling &Consulting

About The Provider:

To Traverse is to travel across, through or around a difficult barrier. All of us have difficult barriers that keep us feeling “stuck”. We believe that families have the capacity for healing and that when things are difficult it can be useful to seek out a guide. With 40+ years of collective experience, we have been honored to guide clients out of their stuck places. We assists them in discovering a new path cross, through or around their barriers (s) to engage in family, relationships, work or school in a more life-giving and fulfilling way while supporting them in a safe and nurturing environment. Other specialties not listed are individuals and families struggling with divorce, complusive technology use, and chronic medical conditions.

Services Offered:

For Referrals:

Phone: (952) 595-5967

Website: www.traversecc.org

Check Out Availability

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Thursday, February 8thCBT Certification: Rational Living Therapy Level-One Certification Webinar– Our Level-One Certification Seminar in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (Rational Living Therapy) is a three-day training that is very comprehensive. Attendees learn the start-to-finish systematic approach, as well as how to deal with difficult and challenging clients who resist therapy, and an comprehensive introduction to applying it to various problems (depression,anxiety, etc…).. REGISTER

Tuesday, February 13thThe Next Step in Suicide Prevention– Despite considerable effort by the mental healthcare industry and widespread use of the Columbia screening tool, suicide deaths in the United States have been tragically increasing since at least 1999. The CDC estimates that 49,449 people died by suicide in 2022… REGISTER

Saturday, February 17thThe Mystery of the Mind Gala-Join us for the 8th Annual Night of Impact Gala – The Mystery of The Mind! A modern twist on a classic masquerade ball exploring the mystery of the mind so many of us keep hidden behind our own masks. Mental illness is often invisible or masked behind the facades many of us project into the world to show we are okay. When the mask is removed, only then can we see our true selves and the reality of our mind. Come together to help us raise $275,000 for youth mental health programming in Minnesota schools! .. REGISTER

Wednesday, March 20thMinnesota Social Services Association Conference– This year’s conference focuses on empowering HHS professionals, fostering a culture of support, and building sustainability in our work, while centering anti-oppression, equity, and inclusion… REGISTER

If you have any news or announcements you would like added to the FastTrackerMN.org Newsletter, please Email:

Logan Sheppard: Logan@FastTrackerMN.org

Forward this newsletter to a friend!

Important Information to Ensure Visibility In Searches

We at FastTrackerMN.org have been auditing locations and organizations already listed on our database search site and have noticed that several are not visible in searches due to missing information. Please check each of your organizations and locations to make sure you are not missing vital information so searchers can find you!

If you manage an organization or location, PLEASE READ!

KEY THINGS TO CHECK ON YOUR PROFILE:

  • Do you have locations listed?
    • Your organization is not what shows up in searches. Even if your organization information is the same, you need to create at least one location. Add a location for every location where you provide services. If your locations have the same name, add the city to clarify.
  • Are your locations complete?
    • Please make sure you select if your location is MH or SUD
      • If you are an SUD facility or provider, you MUST add a correct license number for that location:
      • Facilities can find license numbers HERE
      • MHCP providers make sure you are listed HERE
      • Tribal programs must include the name of the Tribe.
    • Add all insurances THAT EACH LOCATION accepts.
    • Add all key words associated with that location.
    • MOST IMPORTANT: enter all services provided at that specific location with their availability.
    • Do not list SUD services if that location is not primarily licensed as a SUD program. If your MH clinic locations offers SUD services, please create a duplicate location, including license for SUD searchers.

Login to Update

Please watch the below 5-minute video if you need help with making sure your profiles are complete.

How to Video

Use this code until 12/31/2023.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Thursday, October 26th- School Refusal: Facts, Guidance & Resources @ Plymouth Psychology Group 9655 Schmidt Lake Rd Suite 150, Plymouth, MN 55442 REGISTER

Wednesday, November 1st- Saint Paul College Basic Needs Tabling – 235 Marshall Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55102 11-1pm *FASTTRACKERMN.ORG will have a table here.

Saturday, November 4th- NAMI State Conference “Mind and Body Connection” will be held at the Saint Paul RiverCentre CEUs available REGISTER

Wednesday, November 8th- Social Media’s Impact on Mental Health and the Complicated Relationship for People with Diabetes REGISTER

 

If you have any news or announcements you would like added to the FastTrackerMN.org Newsletter, please Email us:

October 18 is World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day 2023 is an opportunity for people and communities to unite behind the theme ‘Mental health is a universal human right” to improve knowledge, raise awareness and drive actions that promote and protect everyone’s mental health as a universal human right.

Read More Here

 

October is Mental Health Screening Month

Search – Fast Tracker (fasttrackermn.org) to connect with local to you, Minnesota mental and chemical health providers today!

FastTrackerMN.org is a dynamic behavioral health search tool that gives Minnesotans access to real time information and availability. It improves connections for Individuals and collaboration for systems. Whether you’re searching for yourself, a loved one, a patient, or looking for general information, this is your place to start!

Use this code until 12/31/2023.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Wednesday, October 18th @ 1:30PM- CEs Available Help Families Empower Change with CRAFT REGISTER

Wednesday, October 25th 11:00AM- Free Webinar: The ASAM Criteria Third Edition or Fourth Edition, a Conundrum Or Not? REGISTER

Thursday, October 26th- School Refusal: Facts, Guidance & Resources @ Plymouth Psychology Group 9655 Schmidt Lake Rd Suite 150, Plymouth, MN 55442 REGISTER

Saturday, November 4th- NAMI State Conference “Mind and Body Connection” will be held at the Saint Paul RiverCentre CEUs available REGISTER

Wednesday, November 8th- Social Media’s Impact on Mental Health and the Complicated Relationship for People with Diabetes REGISTER

If you have any news or announcements you would like added to the FastTrackerMN.org Newsletter, please Email us:

Samantha with Substance Use ProgramsSamantha@FastTrackerMN.org and
Jessica with Mental HealthJessica@FastTrackerMN.org

Forward this newsletter to a friend!

Tips for Surviving and Thriving through the Holidays

Here are some tips to prevent holiday stress and maintain sobriety that can be put in practice by all.

Reach out. If you feel lonely or isolated, seek out community or other social events or communities. Many may have websites, online support groups, social media sites or virtual events. They can offer support and companionship.

Be realistic. The holidays don’t have to be perfect or just like last year, don’t set unrealistic expectations of yourself or others.

Set aside differences. Try to accept family members and friends as they are, even if they don’t live up to all of your expectations. Set aside grievances until a more appropriate time for discussion.

Learn to say no. Don’t feel pressured into giving time, effort or money that will cause stress. When it comes to sobriety, make sure your not caving to peer pressure, bring your own non alcoholic beverages.

Don’t abandon healthy habits. Don’t let the holidays become a free-for-all. Overindulgence only adds to your stress and guilt.

Take a breather/don’t forget self care. Take a break by yourself. Spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, may refresh you enough to handle everything you need to do. Caring for yourself will give you the reserves to manage both holiday stress and drinking urges, and let you bring your best self to your family gatherings.

Seek professional help if you need it. Despite your best efforts, you may find yourself feeling persistently sad or anxious, plagued by physical complaints, unable to sleep, irritable and hopeless, triggered to use and unable to face routine chores. If these feelings last for a while, IT’S OKAY TO ASK FOR HELP!

Find a Mental Health or Substance Use provider/ program with IMMEDIATE availability at Search – Fast Tracker (fasttrackermn.org)

 

DHS seeks input on online search tools for finding mental health and substance use disorder treatment

The Minnesota Department of Human Services is asking stakeholders to complete an online survey by Jan. 20, 2023, to improve currently existing online tools that direct individuals to mental health and substance use disorder services.

The survey gives stakeholders an opportunity to identify what tools are currently being used and what improvements could be made to those tools.

Also included in the survey are questions regarding the culturally specific functionality of these online tools and how that can be improved. The responses will be used to determine how to direct funding related to these online tools and any potential new tools.

Instructions for navigating this web-based survey:

Click the RESET button to reset answers on the current page in the survey.
Click the SUBMIT button on the last page to submit your completed survey to DHS.

CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE SURVEY

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Tue, Jan 24: Exercise and Eating Disorders: Helping Clients Return to Healthy Engagement with Exercise – Free Online Webinar -1:00 PM – 2:00 PM CST

 

See you all next year!

 

If you have any news or announcements you would like added to the FastTrackerMN.org Newsletter, please Email us:

DC’s Black Adam Star talks about Vulnerability as a Superpower!

With 21-inch biceps and 10 WWE World Wrestling Championship belts, “vulnerability” is not a word many would associate with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

But vulnerability has been a superpower of sorts for the wrestler, actor and “Black Adam” star, he revealed in a recent interview with Men’s Health magazine. And he’s encouraging other men to find their vulnerable side, too.

“The Rock” tells all men that its okay to ask for help and take care of their mental health HERE

 

Men’s Mental Health Month Facts

November is Men’s Mental Health Month, The goal of Men’s Mental Health Month is to increase public awareness of a range of issues that influence men’s health. We cannot disregard this fact as we focus on men this month since men are more hesitant to seek help or therapy for their mental health issues.

Read More Facts on Mental Health in men from Mental Health America HERE

Please visit Search – Fast Tracker (fasttrackermn.org) to get the Mental Health support you deserve with the availability you NEED!

 

Overdose spike ALERT

Numbers
There has been a spike of 34 suspected non-fatal overdoses and 6 suspected fatal overdoses reported between October 28 and 30 in Hennepin County. Naloxone was reported being administered in 10 of these overdoses.

Considerations: 1) A spike is defined as 17 or more non-fatal overdoses or 3 or more suspected fatal overdoses reported in a 24 hour period 2) overdoses are suspected, not confirmed, 3) there are likely more overdoses happening than reported, 4) the fatality status is unknown for individuals being transported to the emergency department, 5) the information on substances involved are suspected, not confirmed.

Data source: First responder reports to Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program (ODMAP).

Location Reports are showing that the overdoses have happened recently in ZIP codes 55316 (Champlin), 55401 (Minneapolis Central), 55403 (Minneapolis Central), 55404 (Minneapolis Central and Phillips), 55406 (Minneapolis Longfellow), 55407 (Minneapolis Powderhorn), 55408 (Minneapolis Isles), 55409 (Minneapolis Isles), 55414 (Minneapolis Northeast), 55415 (Minneapolis Central), 55417 (Minneapolis Nokomis), 55419 (Minneapolis Southwest), 55423 (Richfield), 55430 (Brooklyn Center), 55447 (Plymouth), and 55454 (Cedar Riverside).

Substance information Reports are showing that substances suspected to be involved in this spike are alcohol, fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, over-the-counter medication not specified, oxycodone and prescription drugs. In most cases the suspected drug was missing.

Information from Hennepin County’s opioid response

 

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Friday, December 2nd- FREE HYBRID CEU “Affluence and Addiction” presented by Arden O’Connor. Statistics demonstrate that children raised in wealthy families and affluent communities are more likely to develop depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. REGISTER

Friday, December 2nd- A Virtual Discussion About Ethical Decision Making and the use of Involuntary Holds in Eating Disorder Treatment – December 2, 2022,11 a.m. CST REGISTER

Wednesday, December 7th- Virtual CE Event: The Somatic Approach to Healing – 11am-12pm CST REGISTER

 

Have a Great Thanksgiving, we are thankful for ALL of you!

 

If you have any news or announcements you would like added to the FastTrackerMN.org Newsletter, please Email us:

Post Election Stress: 5 Helpful Mental Health Tips

Election stress is one thing but election stress on top of, COVID-19 stress and seasonal stress is another layer of emotion. Here are 5 tips to cope with post-election stress.

  1. Reconnect with Family and Friends – Take a break from social media and connect with friends, family and community members virtually or in a safe way. If you have concerns over the election, express those with people you feel safe with to get those concerns off your chest.
  2. Channel Your Stress into Something Productive – You have the power to impact your community more than you think! It feels good to know you are making a difference. Create a plan to donate, volunteer or share the message of an organization you support. If you have strong feelings towards the political system, see what actions can be taken at the local level.
  3. Limit Media Consumption – Reduce the amount of media you are consuming in a day. Take note of the way the news makes you feel and adjust accordingly. A large amount of exposure to political upheaval can exacerbate feelings of stress and anxiety. Limit TV time and phone screen time. Set parameters on your TV or turn off notifications on your phone.
  4. Set Boundaries – Conversations around the election can cause stress especially if there are disagreements on political views. Take a moment to understand a point of view rather than to persuade a point of view. Have a toolkit of phrases to pull from when you are ready to disconnect from a conversation. Phrases like, “Thank you for the conversation but I have to go now” or “I appreciate this conversation, but I must attend to my work now” are great to have handy.
  5. Self-Care – Overall, take care of yourself by creating healthy habits to deal with stress. Eat healthy, exercise, work on a hobby, get enough sleep and avoid drugs and alcohol to cope.

Read the full article HERE

You can also Search – Fast Tracker (fasttrackermn.org) for Mental and Chemical Health openings in your local area.

From Thanksgiving to New Year’s: Protecting Your Mental Health During the Holidays

Concerned about the impact of the holiday season on your mental health? You are not alone.

In a recent survey, nearly 88% of adults referred to the holiday season (or the period beginning in November and lasting until the New Year) as the most stressful time of the year. And while some stress is inevitable, too much stress, especially if we are already having mental health challenges, can challenge our ability to cope.

The good news? There are things you can do that can help during this stressful time.

Get outside during daylight hours.

Having fewer hours of daylight during the season can have a negative impact on your mood. Especially during the months of November and December, and especially if you struggle with depression, try to find 30 minutes to get outside during daytime hours. Walk somewhere instead of driving, invite a friend or neighbor to take a daily walk, sit outside every day, or watch a sunrise.

Take a risk and connect if you are feeling lonely.

Chances are pretty good that you are not the only one feeling lonely this season. Reach out to someone who may also be feeling that way. Sharing how you are feeling may empower them to do the same. Talk about ways you can stay connected and support each other this season. A regular call, text or note to check in with each other may help both of you.

Do at least one thing to improve your sleep this season.

Keeping consistent sleep hours (and getting enough sleep) can help you to better navigate the stressful months of the season. Pick one thing you will do to improve your sleep and do it as consistently as you can. Go to bed 30 minutes earlier, leave your phone in another room, make the room completely dark (or use an eye mask or dark curtains), or keep the thermostat lower, since we often sleep better in cooler temperatures.

More ideas HERE

 

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Tuesday, November 15th– MINNESOTA CONFERENCE ON PROBLEM GAMBLING – 8am – 5pm – ONLINE OR AT THE HERITAGE CENTER OF BROOKLYN CENTER – 6155 EARLE BROWN DRIVE, BROOKLYN CENTER, MN 55430

Thursday, November 17th- “Involving parents and caregivers: A team-based approach” Led by Jerry Halverson, MD, FACPsych, DFAPA, and Joshua Nadeau, PhD, this webinar will explore the importance and benefits of family involvement for youths and adolescents during mental health treatment. REGISTER

Friday November 18th- No Wait, That’s Grief Virtual Symposium seeks to unite the stories of a variety of individuals from different backgrounds, life circumstances, and lived experiences with one common thread – grief. REGISTER

Friday, December 2nd- FREE HYBRID CEU “Affluence and Addiction” presented by Arden O’Connor. Statistics demonstrate that children raised in wealthy families and affluent communities are more likely to develop depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. REGISTER

 

If you have any news or announcements you would like added to the FastTrackerMN.org Newsletter, please Email us:

A note on the re-launch from our Executive Director

Dear Admin Community Partners,

First, thank you for joining with FastTrackerMN.org over the years on this effort to better connect the public and each other to simplify navigating Minnesota’s mental health and substance use disorder systems. We’ve made great progress together and we plan to build on that legacy even more for the future. To that goal, we’ve researched, taken information from focus groups, emails, and conversations with you, and invested in a new version of FastTrackerMN.org. Our goal was to update and streamline our interface with you, and ultimately collect data to better measure need and capacity, and inform future investments in Minnesota.

That brings us to the recent re-launch. We knew we would discover some glitches with the relaunch and fully expected to troubleshoot. Now we realize that, although the redesign aimed to be familiar and build on past strengths, the admin interface has not been as intuitive as anticipated, and we’ve identified glitches that have been challenging for everyone.

I want to apologize to you and ask you to bear with us as we address these issues. You have been very helpful and patient. We built this tool to help you do the important work you do serve Minnesotans, and we value your time.

GOOD NEWS:

  • Thanks to your feedback about inaccurate search results, we discovered the source for some data update troubles and resulting erroneously small search results. We’re still partnering with over 1500 clinics and programs across Minnesota. We’re fixing that bug and invite you to test the search results again.

ACTION STEPS:

  • Email us your comments, your feedback, and your screenshots. We want to hear about your search results successes and misses, your update victories, and challenges. Tell us what you think about the site’s navigation.
  • We are working with our data and IT contractors to develop training modules and will be offering them in the coming weeks.

Stick with us through these bumpy days and help us build FastTrackerMN.org into exactly what you need. Together we can create connection and cohesion.

Please contact me with any questions or concerns. L.vukelich@comcast.net or 651-278-4241.

Search now – Search – Fast Tracker (fasttrackermn.org)

All Email reminders will be coming from MHAdmin@FastTrackerMN.org or SUDAdmin@FastTrackerMN.org going forward, please make sure you have both unblocked in order to continue to get important updates about your listings and avoid being deleted. Thank you!

 

Help us welcome BABY LUCY!

Help Us congratulate the Lillestol family on their newest addition!

Our MH lead here at FastTrackerMN.org, Jessica and her family welcomed their second child, baby Lucy on 9/23/2022! Mamma is doing great, and big brother Archie is so proud!

Jessica will be out until mid-November to bond with Lucy, so if you need any assistance with the website or your listings, please email Samantha at Samantha@FastTrackerMN.org

 

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Thursday September 29th – “INSTILLING HOPE: ADDRESSING SPIRITUAL CONFLICT, CONFUSION, AND PAIN IN ADDICTION TREATMENT” – 11am – 1pm CST – 2 free CEUs

Friday September 30th – Progress Valley’s 50th Anniversary Breakfast Celebration 8am – 9:30am – Hyland Hills Chalet – *FastTrackerMN.org will be here in person, come see us

Saturday October 1st – Should Out Loud 3rd suicide prevention & awareness Concert Benefit -St. Louis Park Rec Center R.O.C. – 3700 Monterey Drive, St. louis park, MN 55416 11am to 8pm CST *FastTrackerMN.org will be here in person, come see us at the face painting booth!

Friday October 7th – It Takes a Virtual Village “Ethics in the Virtual Space” – 10:30 a.m. CT – 1.5 CE Hours

Wednesday, Oct 12th – Listening sessions to help inform upcoming Minnesota SUD Summit – 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM or 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM -Webex

Monday October 24 through the 26th – 2022 MARRCH Annual Conference & Expo – Saint Paul RiverCentre.

 

Welcome Fall!

 

If you have any news or announcements you would like added to the FastTrackerMN.org Newsletter, please Email us:

Samantha with Substance Use Programs – Samantha@FastTrackerMN.org and
Jessica with Mental Health – Jessica@FastTrackerMN.org

Forward this newsletter to a friend!

New Website Launch

The new FastTrackerMN.org website has launched with improved search capabilities.

Start your search here – https://fasttrackermn.org/search/.

  1. Type in a Keyword (ie. Anxiety, Child Psychiatry, Spanish Speaking) or click on Services drop down menu to select a service
  2. Enter the zip code where you are looking for services. All other information is optional, enter what you know or leave blank
  3. If you are looking for an appointment right away, click the box next to “Require Immediate Availability”
  4. Your results will be displayed with closest and most recently updated clinics at the top. Click on a clinic to view what services they offer and appointment availability
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