Hoy es el #DíaMundialDeLaPrevenciónDelSuicicio, un momento para recordarle a todos que siempre hay ayuda disponible. Si estás pasando por un momento difícil, llama o envía un mensaje de texto al 988 o chatea en 988lifeline.org/es 988lifeline.org/es

SEP: National Recovery Month

SEP 30: National Recovery Day of Service

National Recovery Month and National Recovery Day are are national observances, since 1989, held every September to promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, recovery community, and the dedication of service providers and the communities. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) aims to increase public awareness surrounding mental health and addiction recovery.

SAMHSA has quite a few interesting links regarding recovery month, including a video greeting and the Gallery of Hope.

Harbor Care’s Facilitating Organization manages a state grant for 20 Peer-to-Peer Recovery Centers across New Hampshire, many of which have various events going on throughout September and October. To find out more information of these events please visit our NH Recovery Hub Website and/or Facebook page. (Laina Reavis)

SEP: National Suicide Awareness Month

#BeThe1To is the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s message for National Suicide Prevention Month and beyond, which helps spread the word about actions we can all take to prevent suicide. The Lifeline network and its partners are working to change the conversation from suicide to suicide prevention, to actions that can promote healing, help and give hope. You can turn to us for help: SSG Fox Suicide Prevention Program for veterans; Harbor Care Mental Health Services; or our LGBT Therapy Group.

Hispanic Heritage Month (Sep. 15-Oct. 14)

Celebrating the Rich Tapestry of Hispanic and Latino Heritage

¡Hola, amigos! It's Hispanic Heritage Month, from September 15th to October 15th. a time to celebrate the vibrant and diverse cultures of the Hispanic and Latino communities. Do you know about;

The artistic expressions of Frida Kahlo – an icon of feminism, LGBTQ+ rights & Mexican culture

Cesar Chavez’s commitment to social justice using non-violent means in the labor movement

Sonia Sotomayor’s journey from a Bronx housing project to the Supreme Court – becoming the first Hispanic and third woman to serve in the highest court

Whether you're dancing to salsa, munching tacos, or watching “The Rich Also Cry”, there are countless ways to honor and appreciate the enduring impact of Hispanic cultures. ¡Viva la cultura! (George Chege)

OCT: LGBTQ+ History Month

In 1994, Rodney Wilson, a Missouri high school teacher, believed a month should be dedicated to the celebration and teaching of gay and lesbian history, and gathered other teachers and community leaders. They selected October because public schools are in session and existing traditions, such as Coming Out Day (October 11), occur that month. The LGBT community is the only community worldwide that is not taught its history at home, in public schools or in religious institutions. LGBT History Month provides role models, builds community and makes the civil rights statement about our extraordinary national and international contributions. (Wendy Leblanc)

OCT: Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic Violence (DV), also known as Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), can be physical, sexual, emotional, economic, or psychological and often involves gaining power and/or control over an intimate partner. Unfortunately, DV and IPV is common. In the United States, over 1 in 3 women, and 1 in 4 men have experienced rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime. Learn more about how to identify abuse and get help here (in English and Spanish). Learn more about how to have an informed conversation about DV and IPV here. To all those impacted, you are not alone. (Erin Sawicki)

OCT: Global Diversity Awareness Month

Celebrating the Rich Mosaic of Global Diversity

Hello, world citizens! It’s October, Global Diversity Awareness Month, a time to celebrate the vibrant tapestry of cultures, perspectives, and backgrounds that enrich our global community. It’s rooted in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and below are four ways to celebrate:

Host a multicultural potluck: Invite friends to share dishes from their heritage and enjoy a delicious world tour!
Story time: Organize a storytelling event to share cultural experiences.
Learn a new language: Pick up a few phrases in a new language. ¿Por qué no?
Diversity training: Participate in workshops that promote understanding and inclusion.

So, please raise your voice to honor the beautiful mosaic of humanity. Together, we can live in a world where diversity is not just accepted, but truly celebrated! (George Chege)

OCT 9: Indigenous People’s Day

Celebrating Indigenous Peoples' Day: Honoring Native American Heritage Hello, friends! Indigenous Peoples' Day is here, a time to honor the vibrant cultures and enduring contributions of Native American communities. Observed on the second Monday of October, this day shifts focus from Columbus to the original stewards of these lands. Did you know?

The Navajo Nation is the largest of 574 tribes in the U.S., and 150 Native American languages are still spoken in the US today.
Native Americans pioneered the cultivation of corn, tomatoes, and potatoes— and introduced chocolate, vanilla, and avocados - foods that shaped global cuisine!
The Abenaki have lived in New Hampshire for at least 8,000 years - fishing at the Amoskeag falls in Manchester.
About 8,000 Native Americans live in New Hampshire today, including 4,000 “hiding in plain sight” - due to fear of historical persecution and discrimination.
Celebrate by visiting local Indigenous heritage sites, purchasing authentic Native art, participating in powwows, or diving into Indigenous music and podcasts. Let’s honor Native American heritage and strive for a more understanding America! (George Chege)

October 10: World Mental Health Day!

Supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) since its inception in 1992, this is an international day dedicated to raising global awareness about mental health. This year’s theme is, “It is Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace.” For the 60% of the world population that is working, healthy working environments can support mental health, while unhealthy environments pose risks to mental health, quality of life, and work participation and performance. Key messages of this year's theme include: “Mental health and work are closely linked”, “Stigma creates barriers to employment”, and “Government action and collaboration are essential.” The WHO emphasizes the importance of listening and involving workers with mental illness, and on training managers to support mental health and use evidence-based approaches to help everyone thrive at work and in life. Learn more: World Mental Health Day. (Lauren Meehan)

OCT 10: World Homeless Day

This international day serves as a platform to advocate for improved policies and funding that can help prevent and end homelessness. World Homeless Day also aims to raise awareness about the needs of people who currently experience homelessness and promote work in local communities to alleviate suffering and prevent death. If you or a friend is homeless (living on the street or in a temporary hotel situation, couch surfing, living a car, etc.) reach out to NH 211 for help. The 211 number partners with Harbor Care and many other organizations to find safe housing for all individuals. Visit https://www.211.org/.

OCT 11: National Coming Out Day

Be proud of who you are and your support for LGBTQ+ equality this National Coming Out Day! Sharing our authentic selves with others is not always safe or easy, and it is not a one-day event — but when possible, it can be an extraordinarily powerful key to breaking down the barriers we face as LGBTQ+ people. Visit the Human Rights Campaign for more info.

SEP-OCT | JEDI NEWS (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion)