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Racial Equity and Cultural Diversity Resource Compilation

Check out our compilation of products and resources on cultural responsiveness, racial equity and cultural diversity for the mental health workforce, curated by the MHTTC Behavioral Health Equity & Cultural Responsiveness Working Group
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Free 3-part training
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School Based Mental Health

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Celebrate by sharing resources for women from the MHTTC Network.

Learn More

Find us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Spotify!

Get Connected

Racial Equity and Cultural Diversity Resource Compilation

Check out our compilation of products and resources on cultural responsiveness, racial equity and cultural diversity for the mental health workforce, curated by the MHTTC Behavioral Health Equity & Cultural Responsiveness Working Group
Access Here
Free 3-part training
Learn More

School Based Mental Health

Find Out More

Great Lakes MHTTC

University of Wisconsin–Madison
1513 University Avenue
Madison,
WI
53706
HHS Region 5
IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI
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The Great Lakes Mental Health Technology Transfer Center (Great Lakes MHTTC) is located at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Center for Health Enhancement Systems Studies (CHESS).

We are funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to provide evidence-based technical assistance, training, and resources addressing the needs of the behavioral and mental health workforce in Health and Human Services (HHS) Region 5:  Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin.

We work closely with the Great Lakes ATTC and the Great Lakes PTTC, both of which are also based out of the University of Wisconsin–Madison, CHESS.

Recent News

From the Great Lakes MHTTC
Jan. 16, 2024
Watch the recorded virtual panel presentation in honor of Black History Month. The panel features the 2024 Hall of Fame Award Recipients from the Museum of African American Addictions, Treatment, and Recovery and is moderated by our colleagues, Mark Sanders and Kisha Freed. The group discusses the importance of providing culturally-responsive care and ways practitioners can be […]
Dec. 21, 2023
By:  Kisha Freed and Mark Sanders Ella Fitzgerald’s 1938 blues song, “When I Get Low, I Get High,” eloquently summarizes the medicinal role alcohol and other drugs have played for African Americans experiencing oppression, isolation, and depression (Sanders, Sanders and White, 2006). The first article of this three-part series discusses the cultural importance of spirituality […]
Dec. 06, 2023
Publication date: November 27, 2023 By: Tanner Bommersbach, MD, MPH; Policy Fellow, Center for Mental Health Services   As we approach the holiday season, it is important to remember that it is very common to feel added stress — and this stress can worsen symptoms of a mental health condition, such as depression or anxiety, or a substance use […]

Upcoming Events

Hosted by the Great Lakes MHTTC
Webinar/Virtual Training
In this training, you'll gain knowledge, practical communication strategies, and insights into cultural nuances to help you navigate interactions with respect and understanding. The workshop also explores current political and humanitarian issues impacting the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, fostering your awareness of the complex realities individuals and communities are facing. You’ll acquire valuable tools to enhance your ability to provide culturally competent services and contribute meaningfully to the well-being of the Middle Eastern community.   LEARNING OBJECTIVES Develop culturally sensitive communication skills to effectively engage with Muslim individuals within the Middle Eastern community. Identify cultural nuances and sensitivities within the Middle Eastern community that may impact social work practices and interventions. Gain an understanding of the political and humanitarian issues affecting the MENA region.   CERTIFICATES Participants who fully attend this event will be eligible to receive 1.5 hours of continuing education (CE) certified by Ohio Mental Health and Addiction Services. CE certification will be managed by the hosting agency for this training (OACBHA).     PRESENTER Jasmin Abu-Hummos, MSW, LSW and Walaa Kanan, MSW, LSW Jasmin Abu-Hummos is a Palestinian American licensed social worker who has been practicing social work for four years. She is the founder of Yusuf Mental Health, a mental health agency that provides services to the underserved population of Arabic-speaking and Muslim individuals in Ohio. Jasmin also works per diem at Toledo Hospital in their pediatric psychiatric unit. Outside of work, Jasmin dedicates her time to initiatives around the city that educate underserved communities about de-stigmatizing mental health. She also serves as an advocate for human rights and equity initiatives globally.   Walaa Kanan is a master's level licensed social worker currently providing therapy through private practice. Wall is a second generation, immigrant and proud Palestinian who utilizes her cultural background to inform her practice. Wall's focus with clients revolves around trauma, gender-based, violence, relationship dynamics, and working through a decolonizing lens. Outside of work, Wall serves as an advocate attempting to bring attention to the various issues she is passionate about, including consent, equal access, and liberation.     This training is provided by our valued partners at the Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities. The Great Lakes MHTTC is offering this training for individuals working in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI. This training is being provided in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders.
Webinar/Virtual Training
***This series is only open to HHS Region 5 Project AWARE grantees. Email Sarah Parker McMinn for the meeting link.***   The Midwest Center for School Mental Health and the Great Lakes MHTTC will be hosting a series of three interactive learning sessions for Project AWARE grantees. The sessions will focus on working towards sustainability of Project AWARE initiatives, with a focus on strategic planning, communication, partnerships and engagement, and organizational capacity. Each session will combine presentation, peer learning, and discussion.      TRAINING SCHEDULE: All sessions will take place virtually from 9:00 AM–10:30 AM CT/10:00 AM–11:30 AM ET. February 22: Sustainability and Strategic Planning March 28: Organizational Capacity and Communications April 25: Partnerships and Engagement (including with youth and parents)     HOW TO ATTEND: HHS Region 5 Project AWARE grantees should email Sarah Parker McMinn ([email protected]) for the Zoom meeting link and registration details.     CERTIFICATES: Registrants who fully attend this event or training will receive a certificate of attendance via email within two weeks after the conclusion of the event or training.     PRESENTERS: Mark Sander, PsyD Dr. Sander is a Senior Clinical Psychologist for Hennepin County and the Director of School Mental Health for Hennepin County and the Minneapolis Public Schools. He is a Certified Master Trainer on the Adverse Childhood Experience Study and a Visiting Scholar at Wilder Research. He is also on the Advisory Board for the Center for School Mental Health at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and a Board Member for the Minnesota Trauma Project. Dr. Sander has published journal articles and book chapters on school mental health and has presented extensively on school mental health and ACEs and developing trauma sensitive schools at local, state and national conferences. He has a private practice is Minnetonka, Minnesota.   Cheryl Holm-Hansen, PhD Dr. Holm-Hansen is a community psychologist who brings 30 years of experience conducting community-based research related to children’s mental health. In addition to serving as the Co-Director of the Midwest Center for School Mental Health, she manages a consulting firm specializing in children’s mental health research and strategic planning.   Her portfolio includes many evaluation and research projects designed to help schools, mental health providers, and local/state governments understand community needs, develop effective services, build stronger systems, and demonstrate impact. Prior to establishing her consulting practice, Dr. Holm-Hansen spent 21 years as a Senior Research Manager at Wilder Research in Saint Paul, Minnesota.     This training is provided with our valued partners from the Midwest Center for School Mental Health.     The Great Lakes MHTTC is offering this training for individuals working in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI. This training is being provided in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders.
Webinar/Virtual Training
The transfer of work from a leader to their direct reports increases the efficiency of a team because now the leader can work on the things only they can do. This approach has the benefit of helping employees grow by giving them increasingly demanding and complex work. This session describes how to start delegating effectively right away.   LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Describe common barriers to delegation with solutions Determine what to delegate to whom Describe three levels of delegation with examples   CONTINUING EDUCATION: Registrants who fully attend this training will be eligible to receive 1 continuing education (CE) hour certified by the Minnesota Board of Social Work. CE certificates are provided by People Incorporated Training Institute.   PRESENTER: Russ Turner, MA, Director of the People Incorporated Training Institute During Russ’s 16-year tenure, he has written and taught thousands of hours of person-centered curriculum to help people become more effective helpers, communicators, and leaders. His audience includes workers and leaders across a wide range of organizations from human services, healthcare, and libraries, to law enforcement and corrections. He trains trainers, works with management, and has consulted and coached on training projects across multiple sectors of the economy. He has worked as an educator for three decades in a variety of countries and settings including Japan, the Czech Republic, and the UK. His teaching philosophy is that adults learn best when they are challenged, the material is applicable to work situations, and sessions are interactive and engaging.     This training is provided by our valued partners at the People Incorporated Training Institute. The Great Lakes MHTTC is offering this training for individuals working in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI. This training is being provided in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders.

Products & Resources

Developed by the Great Lakes MHTTC
Print Media
Rates of behavioral health needs are higher for people living with HIV (PLWH) and those at risk of acquiring HIV than the general population. Current research indicates PLWH are twice as likely to have a behavioral health condition than the general population. For this reason, our partners at Vivent Health have created this new infographic highlighting some basic information about integrated care for PLWH that providers need to know.
Multimedia
  RECORDING: Collaboration for High Quality School Mental Health Services: Effective Partnering with Families and Advocates   Effective family-school collaboration has consistently been shown to enhance child and family outcomes. Caregivers know their children best and are well-equipped to serve as equal members of school teams that support their children and communities. Additionally, federal law and professional ethics necessitate the full participation of families in many school-based processes. Unfortunately, many school-based providers struggle to meaningfully collaborate with families due to competing demands and a lack of understanding around best practices in family engagement and legal requirements. Family advocates provide necessary support to families as they navigate complex school and community resources and can support schools in effective collaboration. In this webinar, participants will learn about effective family-school partnership practices, which will include an outline of procedures that necessitate caregiver involvement, specific family engagement strategies, and community resources for families and professionals.     LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Demonstrate effective family-school partnership practices Develop appropriate procedures for caregiver involvement Identify specific family engagement strategies and community resources     PRESENTERS: Miranda Zahn, PhD, NCSP, is an Assistant Professor of School Psychology at the University of South Dakota. She conducts research, training, and technical assistance in school-based mental health services. Specifically, Miranda focuses on social justice and the role of teachers in school supports for youth mental health. In addition, Miranda is a school psychologist and school mental health provider at Nebraska’s Educational Service Unit #1, where she provides direct services to youth as well as training and systems consultation to schools.     Lisa Sanderson has served as Project Director for the statewide Family to Family Health Information Center at South Dakota Parent Connection since 2008, also home to the state’s OSEP funded Parent Training and Information Center. She has worked with systems and families across South Dakota for over 25 years, serves as USD Faculty for the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) Program, and is the CDC's Act Early Ambassador to South Dakota (2018-2024). Lisa has a Bachelor of Science degree, maintains licensure by the SD Board of Social Work Examiners, and was a certified educator for many years. Lisa is a parent and grandparent of children with exceptional needs.       The Great Lakes MHTTC is offering this training for individuals working in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI. This training is being provided in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders.
Multimedia
    The Great Lakes MHTTC's training series, Applying Culturally Responsive and Trauma-Informed Care at the Intersection of Intimate Partner Violence and Mental Health is now available in an online flipbook! Peruse this digital collection to access webinar recordings, practitioner resources, and evidence-based recommendations for providing culturally responsive and trauma-informed care to those experiencing mental illness and trauma as a result of intimate partner violence (IPV) and/or domestic violence (DV).       TRAINERS Cathy Cave, Senior Training Consultant, The National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma, and Mental Health Cathy Cave has more than 30 years’ experience as an administrator, facilitator and consultant specializing in cultural inclusion, equity, anti-racism work and disparities elimination, trauma informed services and supports, organizational development, supervisory practice and leadership coaching within child welfare, juvenile justice, disaster response, health care, mental health, and substance use services. She is one of New York State’s early trauma champions, coordinating county collaboratives and clinical training trauma conferences. For the National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma, and Mental Health, Cathy is engaged in internal and external planning, development, and change initiatives. She provides in-person and virtual training, TA, and curriculum development supporting programs, coalitions, other technical assistance centers, governmental bodies and community-based organizations. Since 2012 as a Senior Training Consultant with NCDVTMH, she utilizes her survivor, family, community and administrative perspectives to facilitate organizational change to improve service quality at local, state and national levels.   Rachel Ramirez, LISW-S, RASS, Director of Health and Disability Programs and the Founder of The Center on Partner-Inflicted Brain Injury at The Ohio Domestic Violence Network Rachel Ramirez is the Director of Health and Disability Programs and the Founder of The Center on Partner-Inflicted Brain Injury at The Ohio Domestic Violence Network (ODVN). In this role, she oversees several initiatives on the intersection of domestic violence, disability, and health access, with a focus on trauma-informed services and partner-inflicted brain injury. She also provides extensive statewide, national, and international training, consultation, technical assistance, and program support. Rachel has been with ODVN for 15 years and has co-authored several peer reviewed journal articles, as well as been featured on National Public Radio, The New York Times Magazine, and The Washington Post discussing brain injury and domestic violence.   Victoria “Tori” Wynecoop-Abrahamson, Training and Technical Assistance Manager at the National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma, and Mental Health Victoria “Tori” Wynecoop-Abrahamson (she/her) is a citizen of the Spokane Tribe located in Eastern Washington State and the Training and Technical Assistance Manager at the National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma, and Mental Health (NCDVTMH). She began her advocacy journey during her undergraduate career at Illinois College by establishing a sexual assault support group in response to the #MeToo movement. After graduation, she returned home to the Spokane Indian Reservation and worked as a Domestic Violence Advocate providing assistance to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, teen dating violence, stalking, and elder abuse. Assistance for survivors often included accessing resources for civil and criminal court cases, mental health support, and substance use services. This position encouraged Tori to pursue and complete a Master of Social Work at the University of Chicago Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice. Prior to joining NCDVTMH, Tori provided SAMHSA-funded training and technical assistance to tribal communities and nations with a focus on building program capacity and sustainability in the areas of suicide prevention, substance use, and mental health.   Gabriela Zapata-Alma, LCSW, CADC, Associate Director at the National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma, and Mental Health Gabriela Zapata-Alma is the Associate Director at the National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma, and Mental Health, as well as a Lecturer at the University of Chicago, where they direct the Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor Training Program. Gabriela brings over 15 years of experience supporting people impacted by structural and interpersonal violence and their traumatic effects through innovative and evidence-based clinical, housing, resource advocacy, peer-led, and HIV-integrated care programs. Currently, Gabriela authors best practices, leads national capacity-building efforts, and provides trauma-informed policy consultation to advance health equity and social justice.  
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