Emotional Support Humans in the news

The movement is spreading as a growing number of Emotional Support Humans are taking the pledge, and our latest ads are showing up in Facebook and Instagram newsfeeds. Launched in May, the Horizon Foundation’s marketing campaign is encouraging people in the community to sign on and learn tips to better support friends and family members living with mental health challenges.

Liesl Morin took the pledge because “I have family members suffering with mental illness and know it is important to have someone who accepts and understands and is there for them to talk to.”

Take the pledge to be an Emotional Support Human>>

And be sure to share some of our latest Emotional Support Human ads on Facebook and Twitter!

We’re in the news!

The Baltimore Sun, Howard County Times and Columbia Flier featured the Emotional Support Human Etiquette campaign in a story that talked about how we’re aiming to bring a practical – yet playful – approach to discussing what is sometimes a difficult topic. As the article describes it: “Cartoons and clever word play are the key elements of a new Horizon Foundation campaign that aims to empower people to help others who struggle with mental health challenges…” Read the full story>>

Amelia Ryerse, a radio host at 98 Rock, also spoke with Horizon CEO Nikki Highsmith Vernick about mental health, stigma and how we can all make a difference. The interview aired as part of the Maryland Perspectives show. Listen to the interview>>

Ready to go a step further? Register for a free mental health training

Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center is offering free trainings to people who live or work in Howard County. Sponsored by the Horizon Foundation, offerings include Question Persuade Refer (QPR) suicide prevention training and Youth Mental Health First Aid for adults who work with adolescents age 12-18. QPR is being offered Aug. 3 and Aug. 9. Youth Mental Health First Aid is available July 29. Register now>> 

Find additional mental health trainings in the community on the Howard County Local Health Improvement Coalition’s calendar>>

Thanks to our partners!

We are fortunate to have so many partners and champions who care about mental health and have helped to share our Emotional Support Human tips. Special thanks to our grantee partners: A-OK Mentoring, Bet Chaverim Congregation, Bollman Bridge Elementary, Bonnie Branch Middle PTA, Bryant Woods Elementary, Building Families for Children Inc., Chinese American Parent Association of Howard County, Clarksville Middle School PTA, Clemens Crossing Elementary PTA, Conexiones Inc., Cradlerock Elementary School, Dunloggin Middle PTA, Equity4HC, Every Kid Can Cook, Fulton Elementary PTA, Hammond Elementary School PTA, Hammond Middle School PTA, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA, Howard County Autism Society, Hanover Hills Elementary, Howard High School, Laurel Woods Elementary School, Lisbon Elementary PTA, Manor Woods Elementary PTA, Marriots Ridge High PTA, Maryland Coalition of Families, Mt. Hebron High PTA, Oakland Mills Middle PTA, Oakland Mills High PTA, Patuxent Valley Middle PTA, Pointers Run Elementary, Running Brook Elementary, Stevens Forest Elementary PTA, Thomas Viaduct PTA and Wilde Lake High PTA.

If you are interested in becoming a future grantee partner, please be on the look out for our next RFP this fall and contact Rashel Taylor, community engagement associate, with any questions: rtaylor@thehorizonfoundation.org.

July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental health conditions are experienced by people of all races and backgrounds. Yet, as with physical health, communities of color often face greater challenges and disparities when it comes to experiencing mental health conditions and getting access to treatment. July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, designated by the U.S. House of Representatives in 2008 to elevate public awareness about the importance of mental health issues among communities of color. Learn more from the National Alliance on Mental Illness>> 

Save the date for the 2019 Mental Health Film Festival: Oct. 23

The Horizon Foundation will host its third Mental Health Film Festival this fall at Regal UA Snowden Square in Columbia, Maryland, on Wednesday Oct. 23. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more information!