Shatterproof is designed to help first responders overcome specific obstacles and increase their ability to manage emotions during stressful situations without turning to self-medication

“We started this program as an extension of the focus of FHE Health serving as a resource for public needs” – CEO and Founder of FHE Health, Sherief Abu-Moustafa

BOCA RATON, Fla. (PRWEB)
August 11, 2022

Launched by addiction rehab center FHE Health in 2016, the Shatterproof program helps First Responders and members of law enforcement across the nation with addiction, trauma, and other mental health issues.

Since launching the program, FHE Health has helped thousands of first responders and partnered with the National Fraternal Order of Police (NFOP) to be a primary provider of choice, giving NFOP’s 350,000 members around the country—and their families—better access to PTSD, addiction, and mental health disorder treatments. Through the partnership, NFOP members are eligible for priority placement in FHE Health’s Shatterproof program.

“FHE Health is now the acute inpatient program for the NFOP,” said FHE Health National Outreach Liaison Craig Ewing. “We’re now treating officers from literally the four corners of the country, from Maine to Miami Beach, from Oregon to Phoenix, Arizona.”

The director of Shatterproof, Dr. Sachi Ananda, Ph.D., LMHC, MCAP, is a licensed mental health counselor and certified addiction professional specializing in working with first responders. Many of the staff who work at Shatterproof are former first responders as well.

“We started this program as an extension of the focus of FHE Health serving as a resource for public needs,” said CEO and Founder of FHE Health, Sherief Abu-Moustafa. “And addressing the growing need to help first responders with addiction, PTSD, and depression mental health issues.”

Shatterproof tailors its treatments to the first responder’s individual needs. The program combines neurostimulation and neurofeedback to help rebuild the neurons in each individual’s problem areas, whether they are suffering from PTSD, suicidal ideation, depression, anxiety, trauma, and more.

Patrick Fitzgibbons is a former law enforcement officer who experienced the benefits of FHE Health firsthand and is now a national liaison for the Shatterproof program.

“They treat you like a human being. They treat you with dignity and respect because 75-80% of the people who work at Shatterproof—clinicians, counselors—are former first responders,” said Fitzgibbons. “And when you have a clinician or counselor who gets that, who understands that, it is huge.”

FHE Health believes that helpers need help too and recovery is possible when first responders seek help through high-quality programs like Shatterproof. They are proud to provide one of the only programs in the country created entirely for first responders and members of law enforcement.

If you are a first responder, there is no shame in seeking help. Learn more about the Shatterproof program here.

More About FHE Health

The Florida House Experience, or FHE Health, is a healthcare facility that specializes in the treatment of addiction and behavioral health issues, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Providing innovative treatment by creating an environment that promotes healing and optimized learning.

Share article on social media or email:

Complete physical, mental, and social well-being is critical to overall health.

MIAMI (PRWEB)
August 07, 2022

Viewpoint, an informational television program hosted by award-winning actor Dennis Quaid, will highlight men’s health in a soon-to-be-created episode. Industry professionals will go into depth in the program discussing different aspects of men’s health.

Frequently, men’s health gets brushed under the rug. Oftentimes men pay less attention to their well-being than women do, with research indicating that men are more likely to smoke and drink and live generally less healthy lifestyles. Men are at higher risk for certain diseases like heart disease and lung cancer and have specific health problems that don’t affect women, such as prostate cancer.

Complete physical, mental, and social well-being is critical to overall health. Taking control of one’s physical and psychological condition is essential, which is why Viewpoint is pleased to dedicate a segment to discussing men’s health. It is crucial to bring awareness about regular health care for men of all ages in all stages of life.

Every episode of the Viewpoint documentary series is created with the intention of educating viewing audiences. The show covers numerous topics in addition to health awareness, such as environmental issues, medical innovations, and agriculture.

Senior producers from Viewpoint’s development team will collaborate with content providers to produce the episode on men’s health.

Viewpoint with Dennis Quaid is an educational program made for distribution across the nation. The show is the recipient of numerous Telly awards and accolades for its endeavors in educational television. A veteran crew of editors, producers, and writers develop the show.

Share article on social media or email:

CHICAGO (PRWEB)
August 02, 2022

STIGMA, the mental health startup that uses video storytelling to normalize conversations about mental health, today announced the launch of its native app available to download for free in both the App Store and Google Play. Through asynchronous text, audio, and video messages, the app connects people with others who share their lived experiences to exchange messages of HOPE.

“People aren’t comfortable talking about their mental health,” says Ariana Alejandra Gibson, CEO and founder of STIGMA, who personally lives with anxiety disorder, panic attacks and is the daughter of a father with schizophrenia. “A devastating repercussion of this is that the average time between someone experiencing their first symptom of mental illness and first seeking treatment is 11 years. We believe we can meaningfully lower this number by offering people safe spaces to practice talking about their mental health and easy ways to connect with others who are looking to do the same.”

The global mental health app market is expected to reach $17.5 billion dollars by 2030, yet many solutions in today’s market are focused on creating better experiences for people already in treatment. STIGMA is focused on attracting the 60-80% of people with treatable mental illness who don’t seek treatment by helping them get on a path to healing more quickly. “We’re not a replacement for treatment or therapy,” says Gibson. “We’re a place to find social connection and develop the vulnerability required to successfully ask for help.”

“STIGMA has found a way to get more people involved in the conversations surrounding mental health,” says Steven Galanis, CEO and co-founder of Cameo and one of STIGMA’s first investors. “Every day at Cameo we see the positive impact human connection has on the people who invite us to join them in the celebratory moments of their lives. What impressed me about STIGMA is how quickly Ariana and her team created a brand that people trust enough to invite into the harder moments of life. I think STIGMA is going to shatter taboos surrounding mental health because they’re using the way people like to communicate and applying this to a topic that can be hard to talk about.”

Following this launch, STIGMA will be focused on expanding its partnerships with behavioral and mental health providers with the goal to offer patients’ another tool in their mental health toolkits that can be used in between sessions and in the exact moment of need. Additionally, the company will continue to be the safest place online to talk about mental health by moderating every message before it’s shared.

“People are looking for safe places to talk about their mental health,” says Gibson. “Recent research we conducted found that while 78% of people said they’d be there to support a friend or family member who was struggling, 70% felt they themselves had no one to talk to about their mental health when they needed support. Our respondents overwhelmingly said they’re looking for someone who understands and shares their lived experience.”

The iOS app is available to download in the App Store, and the Android app is available to download via Google Play today. Users can search “the STIGMA app” in the App store to download it.

About STIGMA

STIGMA is a mental health startup that uses video storytelling to normalize conversations about mental health. In addition to capturing and sharing personal stories from people who share what it’s like to live with mental illness and other misunderstood conditions, they offer an online community where members can ask for and offer messages of HOPE via asynchronous video, audio, and text message. STIGMA is backed by LongJump, SSC Venture Partners, Mike Gamson, Steven Galanis and other notable angels. For more information please visit https://www.thestigma.app/.

Share article on social media or email:

“I’ve aimed to be transparent in providing a glimpse as to what it can look and feel like when someone experiences a traumatic event in their lives,” Valentine said. – “God has laid writing this book in my spirit to help individuals and their families who are navigating mental health struggles.”

BOWIE, Md. (PRWEB)
August 01, 2022

Debated as one of the most tragic events in American history, the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, continues to impact many Americans’ lives today- including author Hilda M. Valentine. Nearly escaping the destruction of the South Tower of the World Trade Center, after United Flight 175 crashed into the building, Valentine shares her long journey of medical, emotional, social, and spiritual healing in her new memoir, “The Other Side of Nothing: A Survivor’s Journey toward Healing.”

In the book, readers are introduced to Valentine’s life following the events during and after the 9/11 terrorist attacks; she survived the attack while in the stairwell of the 75th floor, right below the impact of United Airlines Flight 175. As she worked to transition back into her daily functioning, Valentine began to experience intense physical pain and emotions and was later diagnosed with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). Its influence affected her personal life. Coupled with the lack of understanding from her church and her strained relationship with her daughter, Valentine felt broken and lonely. However, with God’s grace, the support of numerous medical and mental health professionals, and journaling, Valentine began to heal from her trauma.

“I’ve aimed to be transparent in providing a glimpse as to what it can look and feel like when someone experiences a traumatic event in their lives,” Valentine said. “God has laid writing this book in my spirit to help individuals and their families who are navigating mental health struggles.”

Valentine hopes to share her story as a nurturing read to those who may be struggling with mental health or a fellow survivor/survivor’s family to practice compassion for themselves and loved ones as she once hoped to have for herself during her healing journey. She encourages her readers to dismiss the stigmas that can accompany mental health struggles and offer grace to those suffering.

“The book emphasizes the importance of mental health and aims to spread awareness in a world where mental health is slowly becoming acknowledged and accepted,” said Valentine. “I hope to share, through my personal story, that there is no shame in seeking or receiving help during a difficult time.”

“The Other Side of Nothing: A Survivor’s Journey toward Healing”

By Hilda M. Valentine

ISBN: 9781664264526 (softcover); 9781664264533 (hardcover); 9781664264519 (electronic)

Available at Westbow Press, Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the author

Hilda M. Valentine was born in Ringgold, Va., and lived on a small farm. After graduating from college, Valentine moved to New York City, N.Y., chasing her dream of a better life. After 20 years of working on insurance claims, she climbed the ranks of management, landing her dream job on the hundredth floor of the South Tower of the World Trade Center. Two months after landing the job, the dream was shattered by the 9/11 terrorist attacks, changing her life forever. Years later, after a long healing journey, Valentine now resides in Bowie, Md., where she spends time with her daughter, son-in-law, and two grandchildren. To learn more, please visit http://www.theothersideofnothing.org

General Inquiries:            

LAVIDGE – Phoenix                        

Taylor Moralez

tmoralez@lavidge.com

Share article on social media or email:

“With today’s overwhelming demand for behavioral health services, giving clinicians a complete understanding of the people they care for, while concurrently saving them time, should be a key goal for behavioral health organizations everywhere,” said Marty Elisco, CEO of Augintel.

CHICAGO (PRWEB)
July 21, 2022

Augintel, an NLP-based SaaS platform that gives clinicians a deeper understanding of the people they care for, today announced that WellPower, Denver’s community mental health provider, has selected the Augintel platform to read and process extensive amounts of case notes. The service is designed to help clinicians make well-informed decisions that will lead to improved clinical outcomes.

Like many behavioral health organizations, WellPower understands the value of the observations of clinicians and specialists, but was struggling to aggregate and comb through narrative data in an efficient way. They needed a streamlined method to access and assess that information to monitor for risk factors, quality of services being delivered, and fidelity to practice models. Recognized nationally for innovative and effective behavioral health care, WellPower looked for an innovative solution to better access notes and chose Augintel.

“Reducing burdens and burnout among our clinical staff is a top priority for us,” said Wes Williams, CIO of WellPower. “Partnering with Augintel will allow us to make significant progress toward this goal in a way that aligns with our commitment to dismantling institutional racism. We’re very aware of the potential of AI to perpetuate bias, and we wanted to make sure we were working with a different approach. NLP’s ability to reveal key indicators in narrative data will help our clinicians provide the most efficient and effective care possible, all while ensuring the proper controls are in place to counteract bias.”

“With today’s overwhelming demand for behavioral health services, giving clinicians a complete understanding of the people they care for, while concurrently saving them time, should be a key goal for behavioral health organizations everywhere,” said Marty Elisco, CEO of Augintel. “This goal can be achieved with an NLP platform that presents and provides key insights to clinicians so they can more quickly and confidently make the most impactful decisions. We look forward to collaborating with WellPower to empower their clinicians with the ability to do just this.”

WellPower also went the extra mile when it came to evaluating AI “trustworthiness” before moving forward with Augintel. To ensure that the tool as well as Augintel’s business practices were ethical and unbiased, Augintel was asked to take part in a “TRUST Assessment” with the Artificial Intelligence Institute at the Iliff School of Theology. As the acronym suggests, the TRUST Assessment ensures that AI-related processes are Transparent, Responsible, User-centered, Sustainable, and Team-centric. Ultimately, the TRUST evaluation process revealed to WellPower that Augintel has the proper business and technology practices in place to deliver tools that minimize bias.

About Augintel

Augintel is a health and human services-focused software development company focused on solving longstanding problems with data — specifically, narrative unstructured data. Augintel has pioneered the development of natural language processing (NLP) in social services to make narrative data accessible, searchable and actionable for staff across the organization – from front line clinicians to supervisors, quality managers and leaders.

About WellPower

We know the pursuit to live, feel and be well looks different for each person. At WellPower, we power the pursuit of well-being by supporting and promoting the vital connection between a person’s mental health and overall wellbeing. Our nationally-recognized services help children, families and adults in the Denver community create a path to living happier and healthier lives.

Share article on social media or email:

Mind Body Align uses brain science as the foundation for its new experiential virtual course.

This new PD is an energizing experience teachers enjoy. It combines a live experience with online learning. The PD improves school culture because when the teacher practices, often the students follow the lead and soon everyone is back on task, teaching and learning.

MANSFIELD, Ohio (PRWEB)
July 18, 2022

Mind Body Align, LLC, recently launched a first-ever blended learning educator professional development (PD) aimed at giving teachers an unforgettable experience that alleviates burnout and renews their passion for their work.

The National Education Association recently reported on the current educational climate, and a shocking 55% of teachers are considering leaving the profession. The article reported, “According to the NEA survey, 91 percent say that pandemic-related stress is a serious problem for educators and 90 percent of members say feeling burned out is a serious problem, with 67 percent saying it’s very serious.”

“Educators need tools which support their wellbeing and help manage stress,” said Caitlin DiLallo, a former Chicago-area principal who is now a member of the Mind Body Align team. “This new PD is an energizing experience teachers enjoy. It combines a live experience with online learning. The PD improves school culture because when the teacher practices, often the students follow the lead and soon everyone is back on task, teaching and learning.”

The PD makes it easy for school administrators to fit into inservice days and is flexible for busy teachers. This PD combines online interactive learning with live sessions with the Mind Body Align team of licensed teachers. Teachers earn continuing education units (CEUs). Follow this link for more information about the PD.

It is no surprise that one’s wellbeing at work is a basic human need. It has been reported in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology that mindfulness alone is the key to a sense of wellbeing at work.

“Mind Body Align’s new professional development gives principals and school leaders mindfulness-based in-service that fulfills the need to support wellbeing. This PD is a positive, enjoyable experience with benefits that expand across all aspects of life for educators,” said Annamarie Fernyak, founder of Mind Body Align.

Proven mental and physical health benefits of mindfulness include reduced stress, anxiety, and burnout, along with increased joy and job satisfaction. There are also proven health benefits, including decreased blood pressure, reduced gray matter in the brain, reduced risk of dementia, and more. These were recently proven in multiple studies involving serious life situations, including Parkinson’s Disease and cancer.

In data secured from surveys administered as a part of the Mind Body Align at School program, teachers express that when they pause to practice mindfulness during times of chaos in the classroom, it has the effect of helping the students pause, take time to breathe, and self-regulate. “When life in the classroom is disrupted or stressed, mindfulness brings us back to a place of awareness. We use our breath, and it allows us to focus on our own. Skills of self-regulation are critical to executive function,” said Julie Braumberger, a licensed teacher with over 20 years in primary education and the director of education for Mind Body Align.”

Mind Body Align was recently named a finalist for the Innovation Showcase by the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA). A part of the CODiE Awards, the Innovation Showcase highlights forward-thinking use of technology in education. Learn more about this nomination here.

***

About Mind Body Align, LLC

Creating a better world through mindfulness, Mind Body Align improves lives by teaching mindful social and emotional learning at school, at work, and everywhere. Mind Body Align at School benefits students, teachers, and staff. Their SEL curriculums for pre-K and primary grades meet curriculum standards and are a great complement for PBIS programs. Their new, inclusive teacher professional development course is an experience supporting and training teachers. Contact Mind Body Align to inquire about bringing Mind Body Align educator programs to your school. Experience Connect In, Mind Body Align’s free, 15-minute virtual community mindfulness practice each Wednesday at 8:15 EST and each Thursday at 3:45 pm EST. Mind Body Align at Work improves the profitability of businesses by using mindfulness education as a part of employee resources. Studies show mindfulness positively impacts academic and professional performance, focus, collaboration, and job satisfaction. Mind Body Align services are available both online and in person. Mindfulness Starts Now. Join us at mindbodyalign.com.

Share article on social media or email:

“The generous financial and in-kind support from American Family Insurance brings us another step closer to our goal of helping our four pilot school districts meet their challenge grant match,” said WEA Member Benefits Foundation Executive Director Steve Goldberg.

MADISON, Wis. (PRWEB)
July 12, 2022

The philanthropic arm of a statewide insurance and financial services organization for educators—WEA Member Benefits Foundation, Inc.—has launched a pilot project with four Wisconsin school districts to test a funding model for expanding private philanthropic support for school-based mental health programs throughout the state. The American Family Insurance Dreams Foundation and the American Family Insurance Institute for Corporate and Social Impact have committed to supporting this pilot project, joining a growing list of corporate philanthropic organizations.

The WEA Member Benefits Foundation announced it will help their four pilot districts, Appleton, Racine, Sun Prairie, and Watertown, approach potential funders in their local communities to meet their challenge grant—provided by the Foundation—potentially doubling the total for each district. “The generous financial and in-kind support from American Family Insurance brings us another step closer to our goal of helping our four pilot school districts meet their challenge grant match,” said WEA Member Benefits Foundation Executive Director Steve Goldberg. “We are grateful for their generosity and hope that other corporate foundations will follow their lead to help the school districts strengthen their mental health programs.”

“We are strongly committed to supporting equity in healthy youth development, especially mental health,” said Shayna Hetzel, American Family community and social impact director. “More than ever, young people having easy access to mental health resources is critical – and that’s what innovative school-based programs such as this one help to cultivate.”

“We are thankful for American Family’s philanthropic support of our four pilot school districts. School-based mental health, especially during these stressful times, is so important to the success of our students. We hope others will join us in this effort,” said WEA Member Benefits President and CEO, David Kijek.

Initial funding for WEA Member Benefits Foundation’s student mental health pilot grant program has come from WEA Member Benefits, WEA Trust, the Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC), GenRe, Empower Retirement, Delta Dental of Wisconsin, Parnassus Investments, Newport Group, Wisconsin Mutual Insurance, Velcor, Strom Ballweg, von Briesen & Roper, and T. Rowe Price.

More information about the WEA Member Benefits Foundation’s school-based mental health initiative and ways you can help support can be found at weafoundation.org.

#####    #####    #####

About the WEA Member Benefits Foundation, Inc.

The WEA Member Benefits Foundation, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity supporting public education through grants and charitable donations to public educators, public schools, and the communities they serve. More information can be found at weafoundation.org.

About WEA Member Benefits 

WEA Member Benefits has been helping Wisconsin public school employees and their families achieve their financial goals for over 50 years by providing personal insurance, retirement and investment, and financial planning programs. Learn more at weabenefits.com.

About the American Family Insurance Dreams Foundation, Inc.

The American Family Insurance Dreams Foundation builds on our long-standing commitment to communities by offering unrestricted, general operating grants to eligible non-profit partners. We’re committed to using trust-based values to create meaningful, impactful relationships and reduce the inherent power imbalances of traditional funding models. Like our community partners, we’re also committed to learning, listening and changing through collaboration and trust. Grant funding priorities are Academic Achievement and Education, Healthy Youth Development, Economic Opportunity, and Community Resiliency. These priorities align with our organization’s efforts to close equity gaps, invest in and improve communities.

About the American Family Insurance Institute for Corporate and Social Impact    

The American Family Insurance Institute for Corporate and Social Impact is a venture capital firm and partner of choice for exceptional entrepreneurs who are building scalable, sustainable businesses in a long-term effort to close equity gaps in America. It also recognizes that capacity building and supporting organizations and experts that have been working toward social causes are equally important in making a positive impact within our communities around the country.

Share article on social media or email: