ZemiTek’s Post

NEW POLICY: USAID has long supported initiatives that increase access to mental health services. The Agency now elevates this commitment with the launch of a Mental Health Position Paper, USAID’s first policy document related to the integration of mental health into our programs. The Position Paper signals our strong commitment to addressing mental health in development programming, recognizing the central role that mental health plays in advancing the Agency's mission regarding inclusive international development. Positive mental health allows people to more readily cope with stressors and adapt to change. At scale, mental adaptiveness translates into stronger, more resilient communities. In this way, elevating mental health throughout USAID is another way of putting into practice our Agency's mission of advancing a free, peaceful, and prosperous world. Read the policy here: https://lnkd.in/gETTm_at #USAID #MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth

The Policy Paper focuses on four principles that will guide the Agency’s approach: Promote sustainable enabling environments that support mental health. Apply contextually-appropriate approaches developed in partnership with local communities. Actively promote the use of ethics, human rights, and Do No Harm practices. Address key barriers to effective programming, including mental health stigma and the need to diversify and strengthen partnerships. important links to literature reviews and policy papers included.

fascinating to learn of these resources. in poland today as US consults with Polish ministry of health and WHO about mental health in Poland and eastern Europe more generally-especially Ukraine and its millions of refugees and displaced people. i wonder how much usaid thinking reflects how mental health is being addressed in the US? looking forward to finding out!

I just read an excellent paper sharing the perspectives of Muslims from minoritised ethnic communities on barriers to accessing mental health services. The perspectives shared by the consultees speak to the systemic failures to implement and sustain quality, comprehensive, meaningful, and culturally-responsive services for minoritised ethnic communities. As the authors write, solutions must include: 1. Trust building 2. Tailored model of care 3. Community mental health prevention initiatives 4. Culturally conscious training and education "...there is an urgent need to rethink processes involved in mental health needs assessment for people who are Muslims from minoritised ethnic communities. Also, there is an urgent need to reimagine mental health services' research capability building by placing more emphasis on collaborative advocacy and adopting place-based and integrative approaches." Find the article here: https://lnkd.in/g7XKSyhB

🌍 USAID Leading on Mental Health 🌍 https://lnkd.in/eudCw9Dx Congratulations to USAID's Mental Health team for this groundbreaking accomplishment! Special congratulations to Teresa Parr, Ph.D. who has been at the forefront of this effort. USAID has released the Agency's first mental health policy document, dedicated to integrating mental health into Agency programs. This Position Paper underscores USAID's commitment to advancing mental health globally and aligns with the Agency's long-term development goals, including advancing inclusive development. This is a pivotal moment for global mental health, and we are thrilled to be at the forefront of these transformative efforts. Nearly 200 participants, representing geographic, thematic, professional, and experiential diversity provided input. The Policy Paper is built on four guiding principles: 🌟 Promote sustainable enabling environments that support mental health. 🌟 Apply contextually-appropriate approaches developed in partnership with local communities. 🌟 Actively promote the use of ethics, human rights, and Do No Harm practices. 🌟 Address key barriers to effective programming, including mental health stigma and the need to diversify and strengthen partnerships.

I just read an excellent paper sharing the perspectives of Muslims from minoritised ethnic communities about barriers to accessing mental health support. The perspectives shared by the consultees speak to systemic failures to implement and sustain quality, comprehensive, meaningful, and culturally-responsive mental health services in minoritised ethnic communities. As the authors write, solutions must include: 1. Trust building 2. Tailored model of care 3. Community mental health prevention initiatives 4. Culturally conscious training and education "...there is an urgent need to rethink processes involved in mental health needs assessment for people who are Muslims from minoritised ethnic communities. Also, there is an urgent need to reimagine mental health services' research capability building by placing more emphasis on collaborative advocacy and adopting place-based and integrative approaches." If your work involves community engagement, I recommend reading this paper: https://lnkd.in/g7XKSyhB

Small steps, big changes: meeting youth mental health needs https://lnkd.in/erEhcsn9 🐾 #CAMHSsmallsteps 🐾 FREE webinar 12-1pm GMT, Wed 7th Feb 2024 Meeting the mental health needs of children & young people by making small changes to services. This webinar will provide evidence-based insights into how we might improve children and young people’s mental health services from the perspectives of young people who use services, their parents and carers, the professionals delivering and commissioning these services and the international literature. Drawing on three National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) funded research projects led by Cardiff University (CAMH Crisis, CAMH Crisis 2) and University of Manchester (Blueprint), a panel of experts will lead a discussion on how these findings can be implemented into practice. The webinar is aimed at policy makers, commissioners and funders, service providers, practitioners, researchers and anyone interested in children and young people’s mental health provision. #YouthMentalHealth #CAMHS #MentalHealthServices #CYP #Children #YoungPeople #ChildAndAdolescent #MentalHealth #Webinar #Research

The current ‘decolonisation of global health’ movement is driving a critical examination of the research and practice of global mental health. Despite efforts to promote equity, justice and health for all, colonial frameworks of global health are still embedded in existing ideologies and practices. In our upcoming #MHForAll webinar on Tuesday 26th March, 9AM GMT, we will be joined by expert panellists from India, South Africa, Denmark, Indonesia and more, to delve into this complex issue. The objectives of this webinar are: To offer practical perspectives, ranging from individual practices to institutional structures, on what the decolonisation of global mental health means at this point in time. To educate and enable a space for reflection that can inform what taking action may look like in such a big topic. Date: Tuesday 26th March Time: 9AM GMT | 10AM CET | 11AM CAT | 2:30PM IST https://lnkd.in/eqr2qYFA

Important work Liam, to highlight prevention as what should be a primary consideration for the wellbeing and mental health of young people

Mental health awareness aims to rid stigma, allowing those who experience mental health conditions to feel secure and supported, while also encouraging those who may not share these experiences to understand the importance of prioritizing mental health and wellbeing. The Network for Public Health Law is pleased to share a policy brief developed by our attorneys and staff in May for Mental Health Awareness Month: Amy Judd Lieberman, April Shaw, Ashleigh Dennis, Daniel Wacker, Darlene Huang Briggs, Emma Kaeser, Jill Krueger, Joanna Suder, Susan Fleurant, Arianna Murray, Joyce Imafidon, and Kaylee Romilus.  This document highlights six key policies with the potential to significantly improve mental health outcomes nationwide. Covering diverse areas, our brief serves as a practical resource for public health professionals, leaders, and partners. Importantly, it offers actionable strategies to improve mental health and well-being while addressing disparities in mental health care. 🔗 To read the full brief, visit: https://lnkd.in/e4ZhPVVW #MentalHealthAwareness #HealthEquity