MEDIA ADVISORY Texas Health and Human Services Commission | Date: May 1, 2024
Contact: Jennifer Ruffcorn
512-424-6951
Jennifer.Ruffcorn@hhs.texas.gov | Cecile Erwin Young
HHS Executive Commissioner | HHSC Recognizes May as
Mental Health Awareness Month AUSTIN – The Texas Health and Human Services Commission is recognizing May as Mental Health Awareness Month by providing resources and holding a series of events, trainings and webinars. The Mental Health Awareness Webinar Series is free and open to the public, covering several topics from self-care to recovery. To register, click on the links below: - May 9, noon to 1 p.m., Explore Healing Through Creativity: An Introduction to Art Therapy and Its Impact. This interactive webinar will include a presentation, mini-documentary and discussion with participants on art therapy.
- May 20, 10–11 a.m., Eating Disorders: What You Need to Know. This presentation will help attendees identify eating disorders and provide resources on how to seek support and better understand these complex mental and physical disorders.
- May 21, 4:30–5:30 p.m., Mental Health Creative Arts Contest Virtual Reception. Sponsored by HHSC, the Texas Institute for Excellence in Mental Health at The University of Texas at Austin, and the Texas System of Care, the event will include a slideshow of this year's winning artwork, a poetry reading, a live question-and-answer panel with the artists, and remarks from HHSC leadership.
- May 22, 10–11 a.m., Fentanyl Awareness. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid up to 50 times stronger than heroin. It is a major contributor to drug poisoning deaths in Texas. Join this parent-focused webinar to gain a comprehensive understanding of fentanyl and its dangers, as well as practical ways to protect your loved ones from deadly fentanyl poisonings.
- May 23, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Navigating the System to Recovery. It can be challenging to navigate recovery. A panel of peers will tell their story of navigating the system and share pointers on finding the needed resources not only for recovery, but as a launch-pad or foundation for their current careers.
- May 29, 11 a.m. to noon, Self-Care is Suicide Prevention. Participants will learn about the risk factors, protective factors and warning signs for suicide, and how to get help. The workshop will also focus on combating stress and burnout, including practical strategies for stress reduction and self-care.
- May 31, 10–11 a.m., The Importance of Self-Care While Caregiving. This presentation will teach caregivers how to care for their own mental health.
Other resources HHSC will post messages on Facebook, X and Instagram throughout May to promote self-care, share behavioral health data and educate the public on behavioral health challenges. Throughout the year, Mental Health First Aid training is available through local mental health authorities and local behavioral health authorities. Participants learn the risk factors and warning signs of mental health and substance use concerns, build an understanding of their impact, and receive an overview of common treatments. You can learn more about the courses by visiting Mental Health First Aid webpage. For more information on mental health resources in Texas, visit MentalHealthTX.org. -30- | 
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