Mental Health America’s theme for National Mental Health Month is Tools 2 Thrive which places an emphasis on providing practical tools so anyone can improve their mental health no matter their situation.

Though there has been great work in past years to lessen the stigma of seeking help or treatment for mental health, the stigma still prevents people from getting the help they need. There are additional reservations that are a result of poor past experiences with mental health professionals or agencies.

We can’t help people with their mental health unless they first feel safe seeking help or can be connected to resources. This is what our Victor Community Support Center (VCSS) in Redding has been working on for the past two years across Tehama County.

Reports show that veterans are twice as likely to die by suicide as civilians according to the Department of Veterans Affairs. This alarming statistic sadly translates to about 18 veterans dying by suicide every single day.

Victor Community Support Services has been an engaged county partner in suicide prevention training and events for years. In collaboration with other support services in our communities, we do our best to support veterans in need of help. Our latest organizational report shows we were able to help over 300 military families with PTSD. Too often however, we don't get to meet them until they've reached a point of crisis. 

In a recent collaboration with Children's Network in San Bernardino County, Victor participated in a Nurturing Fathers training. It was a great success and serves as an example of the power of teamwork, one of our core values. Networking and coordinating with other agencies helps us improve our services and further our mission to be a catalyst for sustained improvement in the lives of those we touch.

Juan Solis, the engagement coordinator for Children's Network, and chair of the Inland Empire Father Involvement Coalition (IEFIC) played a key role in making this happen. The stated mission of the IEFIC is "To encourage healthy child development by promoting the involvement, necessity and value of the role of fathers in the family and community." This mission aligns so well with what we do at Victor, we were excited to get involved. Mr. Solis took a moment to sit down for an interview with our own Samantha Tito, who is a SART (Screening, Assessment, Referral and Treatment) Clinical Supervisor in San Bernardino. As many of you may already know, the SART program focuses specifically on clients from birth to age 5, a critical stage in development where having a father figure present and engaged is extremely important.

Victor Walks to Support Suicide Prevention

September was Suicide Prevention Month and Victor Community Support Services (VCSS) Stockton got involved! The Cultural Awareness and Community Outreach Workgroup organized a team of volunteers to walk in the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Walk Out of Darkness on September 29th at the State Capital, a community walk. The walk occurred throughout the country during different days in the month of September to bring awareness to the epidemic of suicide and raise donations to fund programs and research for suicide prevention in a variety of different populations.