CHOC Mental Health Education Program | School-Based Staff – Substance Use and Trauma

CHOC Mental Health Education Program

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A Child and Adolescent Mental Health expert from CHOC Hospital of Orange County will talk with school staff about how to identify when a student may be using and/or engaging in substance use and what next steps can look like. Our expert will also cover signs and symptoms of stress and trauma, particularly in the context of current events such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Date: February 16, 2022

Time: 1st Session 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. | Breakout Sessions 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Location: Zoom

Target Audience: All School Staff

Languages Available: English

Topic Age Range: Pre-K to 12th Grade

Launched in July 2017, CHOC’s Mental Health Education Program (MHEP) and our team of pediatric mental health specialists have provided hundreds of educational sessions to thousands of community members, including youth, parents, educators, and providers. Through our presentations and trainings, we strive to partner with and equip our community stakeholders with the needed knowledge, tools, and resources to support the wellness of our County’s children, adolescents, and young adults. If you have any questions about our educational offerings, please contact our MHEP team at MHEP@choc.org.

Agenda

1st Session: Kids and Teens and Substance Use: You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know | 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Audience: All School Staff

A Child and Adolescent Mental Health expert from CHOC Hospital of Orange County will talk with school staff about how to identify when a student may be using and/or engaging in substance use and what next steps can look like. This large session outlines specific, small steps to help support the students in your school community.

Presenter: Rebecca BaТGah, MD

Objectives:

  • Learn and identify what’s being used today from the non-medical use of prescription medications to illicit substances
  • Recognize signs that someone may be engaging in medication misuse and/or substance use
  • Understand the power of words in working with students who may use substances

 

Breakout Session I – Stress, Trauma, and Resilience: How to Support Youth | 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Audience: Student-Facing School-Based Staff

A CHOC Mental Health expert will cover signs and symptoms of stress and trauma, particularly in the context of current events such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The presentation will additionally cover Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and their impact on health and development. Information will focus on the negative effects of stress and trauma in youth as well as ways to support children’s resilience.

Presenter: Sarah Ruiz, PhD

Objectives:

  • Learn about stress, trauma, and ACEs
  • Learn how stressors and stressful experiences can impact your growing child
  • Learn skills to help support your children (and yourselves) in times of stress

 

Breakout Session II – Kids and Teens and Substance Use: Connecting and Supporting Your Students | 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Audience: School-Based Clinical Staff

Presenter: Rebecca BaТGah, MD

Objectives:

  • Becoming comfortable with uncomfortable conversations
  • Getting acquainted with community resources and supports
  • Practice with some cases