Pharmacy Week is celebrated from October 20-26. This week is dedicated to National Pharmacy Week, a time to honor and appreciate the crucial contributions pharmacists and pharmacy technicians make to patient care.

Celebrating World Mental Health Day: The Importance of Reaching Out and Being Kind

Every year, on October 10th, people around the globe come together to raise awareness and take action for mental health. Known as World Mental Health Day, this day serves as a gentle reminder of the importance of nurturing our mental well-being, just as much as we care for our physical health. Here at Northwest Area Health Education Center (Northwest AHEC), we are proud to be part of this crucial conversation, striving to make a difference in the communities we serve.

In recent years, mental health has become a topic that is increasingly brought into the spotlight. Yet, it remains shrouded in stigma and misunderstanding. At Northwest AHEC, we believe that fostering open, honest conversations about mental health is key to breaking down these barriers. 

But what makes World Mental Health Day particularly powerful is its ability to bring people together. It’s not just about raising awareness; it's about creating a supportive network where individuals feel comfortable seeking help and offering support to one another. After all, mental health isn’t just a solitary journey—it’s a collective effort.

The Work We Do at Northwest AHEC

At Northwest AHEC, we are committed to offering programs that educate and support mental health initiatives. Our workshops and seminars are designed to equip healthcare professionals with the necessary tools to address mental health issues effectively. We are firm believers in the idea that education can be a powerful catalyst for change, and our events focus on broadening understanding, fostering empathy, and promoting resilience.

Moreover, we prioritize creating an environment where both professionals and community members can discuss mental health openly. Through collaborative discussions and interactive sessions, we aim to build a community that embraces mental health with compassion and understanding. 

Be Kind—To Yourself and Others

Kindness is a small but mighty tool that can make a world of difference. Whether it's being kind to yourself by acknowledging your feelings, or extending kindness to someone else who might be struggling, these gestures create a ripple effect that can transform lives.

On this World Mental Health Day, let’s make a conscious effort to practice kindness. Check in with yourself and those around you. Ask questions, listen actively, and offer support without judgment. Sometimes, even the smallest act of kindness can light up the darkest of days.

In conclusion, while World Mental Health Day is a wonderful opportunity to shine a spotlight on mental health, the conversation should continue every day. At Northwest AHEC, we are dedicated to advancing this dialogue and supporting our community in any way we can. Remember, it’s okay to reach out for help—there is always someone willing to listen. And always, always choose kindness—it’s more powerful than you might think.

Through multidisciplinary presentations from HPB cancer experts in medical oncology, surgical oncology, gastroenterology, and interventional radiology, the latest data on treatment of HPB malignancies will be discussed and highlighted with clinical case presentations and audience participation.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to join us this November.

This presentation will provide knowledge and background on Veteran risk and protective factors to support risk assessment and safety planning. Attending this training will improve competencies related to supporting Veterans in crisis. Register Today!

Understanding Different Motives of Domestic Violence Offenders and the Connection to Risk and Lethality: A Trauma-Responsive Approach to Domestic Violence Intervention

Please join us on Friday, October 18, 2024, for Salem Academy and College’s fourth Health Leadership Forum. The Forum will take place on Salem's campus from 9:00 am - 1:30 pm. Register Now

Let’s be clear. The “finish line” in mental health treatment looks different for each and every client that entrusts us with their care. And, we know that when clients reach out for help, they really mean it! So why is it that clients sometimes drop out before they have reached their goals for therapy? We, as counselors, social workers and psychologists working in private practice, know that we have a gift to offer clients. We build rapport, create a gameplan, and then help clients through their journey of change. If you are struggling to retain clients past the first few sessions and are tired of watching them leave just as unfulfilled in the work as you are, then join us for a day long exploration of clinician leadership. You will leave with practice tools to implement immediately as well as a set of new friends and colleagues who are rooting for you in your own “practice of the practice."