ACS Mental Health Connector

October is Bullying Prevention Awareness Month; a time to increase our awareness and understanding of bullying and its impact on students. Bullying can be a deeply distressing and potentially traumatic experience. It is important to recognize that individuals respond to difficult experiences in different ways. What may be particularly impactful or traumatic for one person may affect another differently. As a school community, we have a shared responsibility to promote kindness, respect, inclusion, and safety. By increasing awareness, encouraging open communication, and taking concerns seriously, we can help create an environment where every student feels valued, supported, and protected. Together, let’s stand against bullying and work to create a safer, more supportive community for everyone.

We can’t monitor our kids 24 hours a day, but we can gain knowledge on these issues to protect our youth while they are using technology. This information is meant for you to use as a tool, and share what you learn with your peers, and your children to ensure online safety for our youth. Please click on link below and view resources.

October is ADHD Awareness Month, a time to increase understanding and awareness of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and recognize the experiences of those who live with it. ADHD is a condition that affects both children and adults worldwide. Individuals with ADHD may experience symptoms such as difficulty paying attention, forgetfulness, impulsivity, frequent fidgeting or restlessness, daydreaming, losing items, making careless mistakes, difficulty resisting temptations, and challenges with social interactions. ADHD affects each person differently, and understanding these differences can help us respond with greater patience, empathy, and support. This month, let’s take the opportunity to learn more about ADHD, reduce misconceptions, and promote an environment where everyone feels understood, respected, and supported. Together, we can increase awareness, encourage understanding, and support individuals with ADHD.

Positive Attitude Month focuses on the positive side of life. Throughout October, we should focus on changing our outlook and embracing the difficulties of life with a smile. This month observes the way in which we as individuals can be more optimistic and happy.

Red Ribbon Week is a national drug-prevention awareness campaign observed each October. It provides an opportunity for students, families, schools, and communities to learn about the importance of making healthy choices and maintaining a drug-free lifestyle. During Red Ribbon Week, we encourage students to make positive decisions, understand the risks associated with substance use, and recognize the importance of taking care of their physical and emotional well-being. This week also reminds us that prevention begins with education, open communication, positive relationships, and strong support systems. Together, we can empower our students to make healthy choices and build a safe, healthy, and drug-free future. Let’s celebrate Red Ribbon Week by making healthy choices and choosing to live drug-free!

The following links are resources for some of the local organizations dedicated to assist victims of Domestic Violence. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact Athens Police Department at 256-233-8700. Domestic violence victims are also encouraged to call Hope Place/Crisis Services at 256-716-1000.

Other Local Resources

• Limestone County Department of Human Resources 256-216-6380
• Athens-Limestone Family Resource Center 256-230-0880
• Family Services Center -Huntsville 256-551-1610

Kids and Kin is a FREE statewide program that provides resources and training to grandparents, aunts, uncles, and older siblings who provide child care for the children of a relative. Kids and Kin offers a wide range of helpful topics in a small and supportive group setting. If you have any questions, contact Tammie Hill, Family Guidance Center, at thill@familyguidancecenter.org or call (256) 724-2554. Learn more at www.familyguidancecenter.org. Kids and Kin is provided by the Family Guidance Center of Alabama and funded by the Alabama Department of Human Resources.

988 is now the active phone number that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Call, text or chat 988 to be connected to trained counselors who will listen and help, 24/7. This confidential support is for anyone in emotional distress or crisis. Learn more at 988lifeline.org. *The previous Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-TALK) will always remain available for people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis.

• Breast Cancer Awareness Month
• World Smile Day-10/2
• Kindness To Animals Day-10/4
• Down Syndrome Awareness Month
  
• National Dyslexia Awareness Day- 10/8
• World Mental Health Day- 10/10

Athens Hospital

https://www.athenslimestonehospital.com/

Athens-Limestone Counseling Center

Mental health screenings and treatment resources

https://www.mhcnca.org/

Community Table of Athens

The food pantry provides perishable, emergency assistance, and non-perishable items to families of Limestone County. Assistance is available at 201 North Jefferson Street, Athens, AL. Clients may receive Food Pantry assistance up to 6 times per calendar year.

https://limestonechurchesinvolved.org/assistance/

Limestone County Health Department
COVID Vaccinations, Clinical, Environmental and Home Health services https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/limestone/

Caring House
Grief Support services

https://hhcaringforlife.org/caring-house

United Way
DIAL 2-1-1 from your phone or search the database online to get help with non-emergency needs.

https://unitedwayathenslimestone.com/

Limestone County DHR

https://dhr.alabama.gov/county-office-contact/

Limestone Child Advocacy Center
Prevention and intervention services for children and families

https://www.limestonecac.org/

Family Resource Center
Housing, Rent, Utilities, Clothing, and Counseling

https://alcfrc.org/

Decatur West Behavioral Medicine Hospital

Mental Health Inpatient Hospital

https://decaturmorganhospital.net/services-a-z/psychiatric-services

Wellstone Emergency Services

WellStone Emergency Services (WES) provides 24/7 quality, compassionate, onsite crisis care for adults (age 19+) facing a mental health or substance use emergency.

Walk-ins and EMS are welcome. No assessment or appointment is required, though you may call ahead to confirm bed availability.

https://wellstone.com/service-locations/wellstone-emergency-services-adult-unit/

Happi Health

Medical and Behavioral Health Services

https://www.happiinc.com/

TLC Pediatrics

Pediatric Medical Services

https://www.tlcpedsathens.com/

Hometown Pediatrics

Pediatric Medical Services

https://www.hometown-peds.com/

Beyond Blessed (Athens, AL)

Beyond Blessed, a local organization that serves homeless individuals. We hold coat drives, blankets drives, & water drives to help those in need.

beyondblessed2020@aol.com

(256) 777-2619

My goal is to provide and assist families with mental health resources within the community. Reach out if you have any questions!

ACS has a collaboration with Athens-Limestone Counseling Center to provide School-Based Mental Health Counseling for students at school. Please contact school counselor or mental health coordinator for more information.

ACS Mental Health Services Coordinator

Email: michael.ross@acs-k12.org
Website: https://www.acs-k12.org/Domain/2168
Location: 100 U.S. 31, Athens, AL 35611, USA
Phone: 256-233-6600