The MCS Mental Health Fair was hosted at James Clemens High School on Thursday, November 14.  Many local community resources were there to answer questions and give information regarding local services.  Then, an expert panel discussed the impact of technology on mental health and provided many helpful tips and resources for parents as they answered questions submitted by parents.  Watch the full video posted here, as well as many shared resources from this event posted below:

• The Enrichment Center - School-Based mental health counseling program in Madison City. Schools. Website has great resources for parents and students.

• National Children’s Advocacy Center - Trauma counseling services and support, parenting classes, and advocacy. Located in Huntsville. 

• The Caring House - Grief Support services

• Crisis Services of North Alabama and SPEAK of North Alabama Suicide. Prevention. Empowerment. Awareness. Knowledge.

• Wellstone/NOVA Center for Youth and Family - Mental health screenings and therapy resources through the Mental Health Center. 

• United Way of North Alabama - DIAL 2-1-1 FROM YOUR PHONE OR SEARCH THE DATABASE ONLINE TO GET HELP WITH NON-EMERGENCY NEEDS.

• NAMI of Huntsville - List of area mental health providers, education and community support

• Partnership for a Drug Free Community - Information on substance use prevention, support, and treatment. 

Consult with your child’s doctor or pediatrician. Describe what concerns you and ask for recommendations. They may provide a referral for a Mental Health Professional. 

Contact key people at your child’s school. Who should you reach out to? The School Counselor is a great resource to start if you aren’t sure. Click here for the Madison City School Counselors Contact List. 

Teachers can also provide insight such as changes or concerns in your child’s behavior. Ask: Are they noticing similar concerns? 

Crisis help lines are available:

• National Suicide Prevention Line: Call or Text 988 for free 24-hour help

• Crisis Text Line - A free, 24/7 text line for people in crisis. Text HOME to 741741   

If you or your child are in immediate danger, please call 911. 

Remember: You are not alone!  Reach out for help. 

Have a safety concern for a student or school? Text to Protect is a confidential way for students to report concerns that may affect our students or schools via text or email. 256-604-2345 or texttoprotect@madisonal.gov

• National PTA Healthy Minds: Prioritizing Mental Health

  • Tips on Helping Kids Cope
    

  • How to Get Help
    

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• Supporting Children’s Mental Health: Tips for Parents and Educators
  
  

• Talking to your teen about mental health
  
  

• National Institute on Mental Health -  Resources for child and adolescent mental health.
  

  • The Teen Brain: 7 things to know
    

  • Children and Mental Health
    
    

• Mentalhealth.gov - What to look for and how to talk about mental health.
  
  

• National Alliance on Mental Illness
  
  

• Mental Health America
  
  

• Child Mind Institute Resources for Families
  

  • 44 Children’s Books About Mental Health
    
    

• Military Child Resources for mental health
  
  

• Not One More: Resources on Addiction
  
  

• Suicide Prevention Resources:
  

  • The Jason Foundation - Information on youth suicide
    

  • American Foundation for Suicide Prevention