MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH MONTH

May 2023

Featured Article

How to Feel Less Lonely, According to the Surgeon General

America’s top physician, Dr. Vivek Murthy, offers advice on how to build meaningful social connections in an increasingly lonely world.

Americans have become increasingly lonely and isolated, and this lack of social connection is having profound effects on our mental and physical health, the surgeon general warned in an advisory on Tuesday.

Advisories from America’s top doctor are typically reserved for public health challenges that require immediate attention. This is the first time one has been used to highlight the issue of loneliness.

More than half of Americans are lonely, according to a 2021 poll, which also found that young adults are almost twice as likely to report feeling lonely as those over age 65.

Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, the surgeon general, has often spoken about the decline in social connection and wrote a book about the subject, “Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World,” which was published in 2020. In the new advisory, he calls on the nation to strengthen its social fabric and to prioritize meaningful relationships.

In the Community

7th Annual Suicide Prevention Walk & Mental Health Fair

In partnership with The Family Center of Grosse Pointe and Harper Woods and Kevin’s Song, The Grosse Pointe Academy mental wellness week consisted of activities and events designed to help students learn about overall health & mental wellness and how to take care of their well-being.

Kenny Spear, founder of Positive You, presented on Living Inside Out
Greg Jones, Super Bowl Champion, shared his story overcoming real life obstacles
Therapy Dogs brought comfort to students on campus during recess.
Workshops on stress management and coping skills
Circle of Control
Self Affirmation
Privilege Walk
Gratitude Mindset
Journaling
Mindfulness Meditation & Walk
Art and music therapy sessions
Physical activities such as yoga and sports

Anne Moigis (MA, LPC, NCC) from Center Pointe Counseling will spook to parents about the importance of giving children tools to help them cope with stress and anxiety, how they can support their children at home, and some of the signs that their child(ren) may need to seek help from a professional.

In addition, The Family Center partnered with students at the Grosse Pointe North High School Peer to Peer Program for their 7th Annual Suicide Prevention Walk & Mental Health Fair on Sunday, May 21st, from 10:30 am–12:30 pm at Grosse Pointe North High School. To participate and for more info, click here.

Starry, Starry Night, Thursday, September 21, 2023

MICHIGAN SUICIDE PREVENTION CONFERENCE

On May 3, 4 and 5, Kevin’s Song’s Board members Leo Nouhan and John Urso attended the Michigan Suicide Prevention Community Technical Assistance Conference in Gaylord, MI.

Over the course of two full days, conference participants heard speakers outline suicide prevention programs within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

Brian Ahmedani, Ph.D., co-chair of the Michigan Suicide Prevention Commission outlined a number of initiatives such as trauma informed care, volunteer recruitment, 988, etc.

The afternoon plenary session on May 4th featured Janel Cubbage who spoke on understanding the Intersection of Racism and Suicide Risk. Friday, May 5, the attendees heard from Amelia Lehto, Chief Program Officer for the American Association of Suicidology, spoke about the Intersection of Social Justice and Suicidology.

The conference was well attended and well worth it.

The search continues for an Executive Director for Kevin's Song!

Executive Director Position for Kevin's Song
Kevin’s Song, a rapidly growing Southeastern Michigan nonprofit devoted to empowering communities to prevent suicide and offering hope and healing to survivors, is seeking an executive director. The Executive Director position is envisioned to be full time, although depending on the candidate, a part time role may be considered. We have recently hired an executive assistant to provide support to the Executive Director position.

Salary and benefits are negotiable, and envisioned to be tailored to the successful candidate.

The Executive Director will be the key management leader of Kevin’s Song. The Executive Director will be responsible for overseeing the administration, programs, and strategic plan of the organization. Other key duties include but are not limited to fundraising, marketing, community outreach, and financial management. The Executive Director will report directly to the Board of Directors and will be assisted by a transition committee of the Board.

Please send a cover letter, resumé and three references to info@kevinssong.org.

Volunteer Spotlight - Greg Boudreau

Books of the Month

The Month of May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Kevin’s Song Book of the Month features two coloring books, one for adults and one for children.

Click to Purchase

Resources

National Suicide Lifeline 988 OR TEXT "GO" TO 741741

Click to Purchase Book