A belief in potential. A right to dream. An opportunity to achieve.
Welcome to SCCMHA
We at SCCMHA have a deep-seated belief in the potential of every person we meet.
These same persons have a right to dream and imagine a life of their choosing and we are here to support those dreams and help them with opportunities to achieve.
November is Native American Heritage Month.
This month is observed to celebrate the traditions, stories and contributions of Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian and other native communities.
As a people of vast cultures and traditions dating back far before the creation of the United States, it is important to recognize the accomplishments and struggles of those who originally inhabited this land.
Such contributions from Native Americans include foods, medicines and even the idea for our form of government.
The Iroquois Law of Peace was an influence in how the United States Constitution was created, specifically two branches for passing laws and the system for checks and balances.
Native American Heritage Month was first designated in 1990 by then-President George H.W. Bush.
Significant figures of Native American descent include:
- Deb Haaland, the 54th United States Secretary of the Interior and of Pueblo heritage, she is the first Native American to serve as cabinet secretary in the US Congress. She was also the first Native American women to be elected to lead a state party when she ran for Lieutenant Governor of New Mexico.
- John Herrington, an astronaut and engineer of Chickasaw heritage, he is the first member of a Native American tribe to go to space in 2002
- Lily Gladstone, an actress of Blackfeet heritage, she is the first Native American woman to win a Golden Globe for Best Actress
- Charles Curtis, a politician of Kaw heritage, he is the first and only Native American to be elected Vice President of the United States
- Joy Harjo, a poet of Mvskoke heritage, she is the first Native American to receive the distinction of US Poet Laureate in 2022
- Sean Sherman, an award-winning chef of Sioux origin who is the recipient of the James Beard Award and the Julia Child Award for “revitalizing and reidentifying indigenous cuisine”
- Link Wray, a musician of Shawnee heritage who was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2023
According to data from the US Census Bureau, the Native American population makes up 5.2 million today, about two percent of the US population. It’s important to not forget those who came before us, including those who settled on this land first. Not only that, but we must honor and thank those Native Americans who made such exceptional contributions to our society today.
To learn more: National Native American Heritage Month | Indian Affairs (bia.gov) | Native American Heritage Month | Smithsonian Institution (si.edu)
November 11th is Veterans Day
In November 1919, the United States commemorated the first Armistice Day, a day used to honor the veterans who served our country during World War I.
In 1954, the US renamed the holiday to Veterans Day to pay homage to veterans of all wars, and it is still observed today. Veteran’s Day is observed on Nov. 11.
We use Veterans Day as a day to remember and reflect on the sacrifices made by our military veterans, as well as thanking them for their service in protecting our country and the freedoms we have. However, it’s important to also recognize that many of our veterans battle with mental health challenges following their service. Because of the environments they are faced with, veterans may have triggers which could cause such things as anxiety, depression or PTSD.
Because of this, we must be vigilant and raise awareness for those mental health issues and do all we can to encourage those who serve to get the help they need. While you are out and taking part in the Veterans’ Day holiday, be sure to pay your respects to veterans and let them know we are grateful for all they have done to defend our freedoms.
We at SCCMHA would like to thank our persons served, the members of our staff, and their family members that are veterans for their service.
International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day
Reach out. Help is available.
The 11th leading cause of death in the United States is suicide, and unfortunately can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or background. With every loss from suicide, family and friends have to work through the grief and make sense of the loss.
Saturday, Nov. 23 is recognized as International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day, or Survivor Day. In 1999, then-Senator Harry Reid lost his own father to suicide and introduced a resolution to the US Senate to create Survivor Day.
On this day, survivors of suicide loss come together to connect, find support and hope in each other through their shared experience. It also works to encourage others to reach out and ask for help if they are dealing with thoughts of suicide themselves.
It’s important to reach out to your loved ones and help to reduce the stigma around mental health help. If you know someone dealing with serious mental health conditions or suicidal thoughts, be their lifeline and encourage them to call the SCCMHA 24-hour crisis number (989) 792-9732 or 800-233-0022.
They can also call or text 988 or visit Lifeline Chat to connect with a trained crisis counselor. Reach out to those who have been affected by a friend or family member who they’ve lost from suicide if they need support.
For additional info go to: https://afsp.org | https://save.org | https://988lifeline.org/