Paying Attention to Mental Health as Seasons Change
A key strategy within the Bright Beginnings countywide strategic framework is strengthening mental health supports for parents and caregivers, and increasing our collective capacity to be trauma-informed and healing centered in our work. Below are a few examples:
Monterey County Behavioral Health Needs Assessment Community Conversations
You can still help shape how the County invests funds from the CA Mental Health Services Act in the years ahead, in prevention services such as:
- Parenting support groups and parenting classes that help parents feel connected and promote their wellbeing
- Playgroups
- Postpartum support — groups, check-in calls, or home visiting
- Warmline for families/caregivers to call when they need support
- Training for caregivers and those working with young children and families (early educators, doctors) to be better equipped to support our community
Please share your experience and insights through these surveys: Provider survey and/or Community survey
Maternal Mental Health Task Force
20+ partners that support new parents learn and share monthly at the Maternal Mental Health Task Force, co-chaired by Monterey County Behavioral Health. Recent topics include a review of services at Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital, and lessons learned from Door to Hope’s Circle of Security for new Triqui mothers in Greenfield. Check out their collective work and resources here on the Monterey County site, and find archives of monthly newsletters here on the Bright Beginnings site. If a new parent needs help now, call the Parenting Connection’s postpartum warmline at: (831) 783-5933.
F5MC Mental Health Trainings
Last month, First 5 Monterey County hosted over 100 community members, educators, and providers in conversation around trauma informed practices to support children and families with Dr. Chandra Ghosh Ippen. Learn more about Chandra and her publications here.
Visit the First 5 Monterey County website to learn more about how they invest in specialized training and reflective practice to support a broad range of practitioners focused on the healthy development and well-being of infants, young children, and their families.
