Policy Research Associates, Inc

November is American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures of AI/AN communities. As we recognize this occasion, we’re sharing resources that highlight the importance of incorporating culturally relevant programming into service delivery for Tribal members with system involvement, such as the SAMHSA’s GAINS Center webinar “Mitigating Behavioral Health Disparities: Using Culturally Relevant Approaches to Support Native American People Who Are Justice Involved.” ▶ Watch the webinar now: https://bit.ly/482bLh4

New research coauthored by Policy Research Vice President Terri Hay and Senior Project Associate Donald Harris highlights gaps in community-based crisis care following the launch of the 988 Lifeline. The study underscores a need for stronger relationships and targeted training to meet the demand for crisis care. 🔗 Learn more: https://bit.ly/40s4jdw 988 offers 24/7 judgment-free support for mental health, substance use, and more. Text, call, or chat 988.

As we enter National Veterans and Military Families month, let's raise awareness for the sacrifices and contributions made by service members, Veterans, and their families (SMVF). To learn how to strengthen behavioral health systems for our military community, check out this webinar by the SMVF TA Center on fortifying peer support for military-affiliated populations. 🔗 https://bit.ly/3ZXIxOb

💻 SMVF Webinar TOMORROW [11/5]: Invisible Wounds of Service: PTSD, TBI, and Moral Injury 📅 November 5, 2024, 2:00–3:30 p.m. ET ℹ️ This webinar will focus on the critical issues of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), and moral injury as they relate to service members, Veterans, and their families (SMVF). This session aims to provide valuable insights and foster a deeper understanding of these conditions. 🔗https://bit.ly/3NodjbS

📊 In a recent episode of Data Points, Dr. Elan Hope discusses the importance of capturing the diverse experiences of college students to understand sociopolitical stress. This study offers a comprehensive view of how students of different racial, gender, and political backgrounds experience political stress. Tune in to hear how this research sheds light on the varied ways students react to political events. 🎧 Listen to the full episode: https://bit.ly/3X9z7gW 📖 Read the paper: https://bit.ly/47Y4ygr

💻 On November 4, catch Policy Research President and CEO Dr. Sarah Desmarais speaking at the online event "The Role of AI in Modern Policing"! Running as part of the Economic and Social Research Council's Festival of Social Science, the discussion will feature contributions from two leading artificial intelligence (AI) researchers and an applied researcher from the College of Policing. Key topics will include risk assessment, facial recognition, robotics, data mining, and cybercrime detection, offering a deep dive into the current applications of AI in policing. Register for the free session today: https://bit.ly/3BEM9e7

📈 We've released our impact report for quarter 2! This report highlights Policy Research's work through its technical assistance centers, projects, and fee-for-service activities from April to June 2024, including the following: ✅ Facilitating 14 policy and practice changes ✅ Reaching 1,091 people through 111 site and technical assistance visits ✅ Hosting 143 meetings and events, with 14,182 attendees ✅ Delivering 23 professional presentations to the field ✅ Conducting 93 research interviews And more! 🔗 https://bit.ly/3VJBd50

PRA operates national technical assistance centers, resource centers, and research projects across several areas of expertise. Check out some of our highlighted projects: ⭐ Homeless & Housing Resource Center ⭐ SAMHSA SOAR (SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery) Technical Assistance Center ⭐ SAMHSA’s GAINS Center ⭐ SAMHSA’s Service Members, Veterans, and their Families Technical Assistance Center https://zurl.co/aMKT

📢 The October eNews is here! Explore research across crisis care, mental health, and justice reform, with articles on defendant representation, mental health screening, and recovery housing. In addition, check out leadership insights from Vice President Kristin Lupfer! 🔗 https://bit.ly/3UvP7Id

📰 PRA in the press! In this article, Duane France, co-director of the SMVF TA Center, explores how societal norms surrounding masculinity affect men’s mental health, especially in the military. “The military is an inherently dangerous occupation,” Duane explains, noting how stigma around showing weakness can be a barrier to seeking help. He emphasizes the importance of breaking these harmful norms and supporting mental well-being in service members. 🔗 https://bit.ly/4elEy2D