UPO is committed to improving the lives of the
District’s residents. One way is to bring together thought
leaders to address major concerns.
Among the most important is inequity in Mental
Health, a problem that has grown during the
pandemic. Addressing this crisis is vital to achieving UPO's
vision: A city of thriving communities and self-sufficient
residents.
Register now
to hear our distinguished panel of leaders
for
their online discussion:
MODERATOR
MARY ROARY, PhD
Director of the Office
of Behavioral Health Equity
U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services’
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
(SAMHSA)
Dr. Roary is a public
health epidemiologist who focuses on infectious and chronic
diseases. She is also an Adjunct Professor at The Catholic
University of America. Dr. Roary has worked across
government, academia, and private industry. Her ultimate goal is
to become an influential champion of eliminating health
disparities by identifying and implementing data-driven best
practices that promote health equity and wellness.
PANELISTS
BARBARA J. BAZRON, PHD
Director
DC Dept. of Behavioral Health
Dr. Bazron manages DC’s
recovery-oriented, integrated behavioral health system.
Throughout her career, she has used her expertise in strategic
planning and organizational development to build systems of care
that promote the integration of mental health and addiction
services, foster equity with physical health care, and
address disparities in health care. She is an early innovator and
a published author on cultural competency in behavioral
health.
HOWARD STEVENSON, PHD
Professor of Africana
Studies
University of Pennsylvania
Dr. Stevenson is
the Constance Clayton Professor of Urban Education,
Professor of Africana Studies, in the Human Development & Quantitative
Methods Division of the Graduate School of Education at the
University of Pennsylvania. He is Executive Director of the Racial Empowerment Collaborative, designed to promote racial literacy in
education, health, and community institutions. His research
focuses on helping children and adults assert themselves during
face-to-face microaggressions.
LISA CACARI STONE, PHD
Associate Professor of
Health and Social Policy
University of New Mexico
In addition to teaching
at the University of New Mexico, Dr. Cacari Stone is senior
research fellow with the university’s Robert Wood Johnson Center
for Health Policy. She is trusted for her work in moving
knowledge about health equity into action in governments,
community-based organizations, coalitions, and foundations. Her
studies have focused on the role of health and social policies in
moderating U.S. health equity.
The World Bank announced today a $93 billion replenishment
package of the International Development Association (IDA) to help
low-income countries respond to the COVID-19 crisis and build a greener,
more resilient, and inclusive future. The financing brings together $23.5
billion of contributions from 48 high- and middle-income countries with
financing raised in the capital markets, repayments, and the World Bank’s
own contributions.
SAMHSA
is now accepting applications for the first-ever SAMHSA Harm Reduction Grant Program
and expects to issue $30 million in grant awards. This funding,
authorized by the American Rescue Plan, will help increase access
to a range of community harm reduction services and support harm
reduction service providers as they work to help prevent overdose
deaths and reduce health risks often associated with drug use.
Ways Parents Can Encourage Positive Digital
Behavior and Prevent Cyberbullying
As the weather cools and schools close for
winter break, your child may spend more time inside. More
time inside can mean more time online. Worried about the
risks of cyberbullying? There are things you can do to
encourage positive digital behavior in kids.
As a parent, you can create trust with your children by
starting honest conversations. A discussion with your child
is an opportunity to communicate values. Establish
expectations about your family’s digital behavior and
explain what is appropriate to view or share online. Make
sure your child knows which apps can and cannot be used.
Make time to check in with your child about their
experiences online. Talk to them about their interactions
and address any risks of cyberbullying. Be clear that you
are trying to look out for them and that you want to have
open dialogue with them. Listen to their concerns and share
your point of view.
To minimize the risk of cyberbullying or harm from digital
behavior, parents can:
Set clear expectations
about how to represent yourself and treat others
online
Learn about the harmful
effects of cyberbullying and potential legal issues,
like hate speech and sexting
Be clear about what
content can be viewed or shared
Identify which apps are
appropriate for your child’s use and which are not
Limit the amount of time
that a child can spend online or on their devices
Model positive,
respectful digital behavior on your own devices and
accounts