Reducing the Stigma
Changing Minds Through Education
It's Time to Re-Think
The shame and isolation associated with stigma prevent thousands of people from seeking the help necessary to live healthy and full lives. Our goal is to raise awareness of the myths and misconceptions that are common in our society about individuals with mental illnesses, substance use disorders and intellectual/developmental disabilities.
Our mission is to use education and outreach to replace myth with truth and foster broader understanding to create communities that welcome individuals into recovery and offer them as much freedom as possible to make their own choices and decisions about how they live their lives.
The ability to make a difference in the life of someone with a mental health or substance use issue is not just for first responders. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training can give the skills to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a challenge or experiencing a crisis.
This training is now being offered virtually.
If you’d like to have Alliance train your organization, please contact James Osborn, Director of Education and Outreach, at [email protected]
Mental Health First Aid participants.
Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training teaches police and other first responders to recognize and respond appropriately to individuals in a behavioral health crisis. The goal is to de-escalate dangerous situations and refer individuals, when appropriate, to treatment instead of emergency departments or jail.
We’ve developed a specialized 16-hour Veterans CIT module in addition to the normal 40-hour CIT training to help first responders react appropriately in situations involving military veterans.
In 2021, Alliance trained 240 officers and first responders in CIT. CIT is a foundation for Alliance’s longstanding commitment to improving safety and health in our community.
“We wanted to ensure that each employee had exposure to mental health training to empower them to engage effectively and compassionately with those we serve. Our partnership with Alliance has been instrumental to this effort.”
Former Raleigh PD Chief Sandra Deck-Brown
The Alliance Consumer and Family Advisory Committee, or CFAC, is made up of consumers and family members who receive mental health, intellectual/developmental disabilities and substance use/addiction services. CFAC is a self-governing committee that serves as an advisor to Alliance administration and the Board of Directors.
CFAC embraces the dignity of all residents in our communities so that each person may achieve his or her highest level of responsibility in the community.
CFAC gives voice to the interests and opinions of persons with needs related to mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance use.
Alliance Board Member/CFAC Chair Dave Curro
Decisions about health and medications can be hard for patients to make if they don’t fully understand the benefits and risks of their options. As part of our effort to promote the health literacy and engagement of our members, Alliance has developed tools to promote their understanding and involvement. In addition, we have trained members of the community in Whole Health Action Management (WHAM), which is a peer support group model created to encourage increased resiliency, wellness and self-management.
“It allowed me to learn more about myself because it gave me the tools reevaluate myself and see my strengths.”
Ricky W. – WHAM Participant
Featured News:
Hear from three of our staff members about their experiences with the COVID-19 vaccine, their thoughts on why some are hesitant, and why they ultimately chose to get vaccinated. #FindYourSpot #TakeYourShot #COVID #MentalHealth #PoweredByPeoplepartner and start a new initiative!
Erica Asbury is a Member Engagement Specialist at Alliance Health. As a parent of a child who had developmental disabilities, she knows first hand how important the resources are, that Alliance Health offers.
This series of six trainings will give you basic tools needed to support the people we serve with the dignity and respect they deserve, to improve our communities by allowing them to experience all of their citizens’ different gifts, to have inclusive neighborhoods that embrace the value of every member.
Alliance Health is now pleased to offer both Adult and Youth Mental Health First Aid virtually. This virtual learning experience includes two hours of self-paced learning followed by four hours of virtual live instruction. Register now to attend one of our upcoming classes.
