We’re almost through July, and it’s hard to believe many kids will be returning to the classroom full time and in person in just a few weeks. Children have endured so much change and uncertainty during the pandemic and we know their symptoms may just now show up as they transition back to more structure and normalcy at school. They’ve also greatly missed some important people in their support network – their peers and their teachers. I’m thankful our school-based counselors will be there to greet them and provide help.

The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us all the importance of living life to its fullest, and occupational therapy is one intervention that helps children who have everyday difficulties to develop the skills needed for independence and to live their best life.

At Seven Counties Services, our addictions team has been preparing for nearly a year to obtain an American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Certification from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities. This certification shows that a detoxification and residential treatment program maintains a high level of care and demonstrates the capacity of our programs to provide residential addiction treatment consistent with their criteria.

July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month (aka: Black, Indigenous, and People of Color Mental Health Awareness Month). Mental health conditions do not discriminate based on race, color, gender or identity. Anyone can experience the challenges of mental illness; however, background, identity, systems, and institutions can make mental health access more difficult for certain populations. In May of 2008, the US House of Representatives resolved that July is Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month to improve access to mental health treatment and services and promote public awareness of minority mental health.