 Please consider completing this Sierra Sun Poll - read more about our local efforts to end homelessness - click here
 Tahoe Truckee Unified School District’s Hope Squad Programs will be celebrating "Hope Week," during regular school hours during the week of March 10-14, in an effort to raise awareness of suicide prevention and mental wellness.
Hope Squad students have organized "Hope Week” projects across the district to allow for their peers to take part in activities that promote hope; including hope grams, friendship bracelets, give/get hope post it banner, kindness letters, education on coping mechanisms, 988 and resource outreach, hall decorations, music in the schools, and more! This year, students at Alder Creek Middle School, Truckee High School, North Tahoe Middle, and North Tahoe High Schools are very excited to get a visit from Drew Petersen with age appropriate presentations and assemblies related to “Feel It All.” Outside of our school sites, this week-long, community-wide effort will bring together local businesses, mental health agencies, and local non-profits with the goal of destigmatizing mental health issues and empowering community members to ask for help when they are in an emotional crisis. Join us at a community film screening in Truckee or Tahoe City.  Film screening & Conversation on mental health in the mountainsJoin us for the Truckee/ North Lake Tahoe premieres of Feel It All and a conversation on mental health in the mountains with professional skier, film director, and public speaker Drew Petersen. This week will feature two events of the same format that are open to the community with the mission of spreading mental health awareness and suicide prevention.
Feel It All chronicles professional skier Drew Petersen’s journey from the depths of suicidal depression to the resilience and strength found in running—and skiing the peaks surrounding the Leadville Trail 100 ultramarathon. Film screening to be followed by a keynote talk from Drew titled “My Story is The Story of Our Community: How my lessons from skiing remote peaks and running ultramarathons can shift the culture of the mental health crisis of the Mountain West.” In addition to these two public events, Drew Petersen, together with the Tahoe Truckee Suicide Prevention Coalition, will be hosting similar events in our local schools throughout Hope Week - March 10-14. The film, Drew’s presentation, and the mission will also be brought to Alder Creek Middle School, Truckee High School, North Tahoe High School, and North Tahoe Middle School. In order for us to change the culture of mental health in our community, it takes the entire community. These events are presented by the Tahoe Forest Health System in partnership with Tahoe Truckee Suicide Prevention Coalition, a program of The Speedy Foundation. Funding was also provided by the Truckee Core Values Fund Grant through the Town of Truckee, Truckee Chamber of Commerce, and Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation. Film supported by UCHealth with additional support from Mountain Gazette and Best Day Brewing.
We're sad to say that we've heard reports from local providers of an increase in suspected overdoses in the Truckee/Tahoe area related to cocaine laced with fentanyl. Thankfully, naloxone has been available in these instances and lives have been saved. Last year on this very same weekend, we lost four community members in South Lake Tahoe to cocaine laced with fentanyl. We want to make sure to avoid any similar tragedies this year. The best way to prevent overdose deaths is to remember prevention best practices and harm reduction tools, including having naloxone easily accessible if people are using drugs. The recent reports are of cocaine laced with fentanyl, so having naloxone nearby is essential even if the drugs people plan to use are not opioids. To request FREE naloxone, fentanyl test strips, or other harm reduction supplies, check out:
REMEMBER...Counterfeit pills or other street drugs (i.e.- cocaine, and others) may include lethal doses of fentanyl. Naloxone is easy to use and carry. Naloxone can be used without medical training or authorization and can be used on anyone at risk, as there are no negative effects on someone without opioids in their system. CARRY NALOXONE & GET TRAINED ON HOW TO USE IT USE FENTANYL TESTING STRIPS WHEN USING DRUGS TRY NOT TO USE ALONE WHEN POSSIBLE (www.neverusealone.com / 877-696-1996) GET YOUR STAFF TRAINED ON NALOXONE ADMINISTRATION & CARRY IT IN YOUR WORKPLACE
Lamentamos decir que hemos escuchado informes de proveedores locales sobre un aumento de sospechas de sobredosis en el área de Truckee/Tahoe relacionadas con cocaína mezclada con fentanilo. Afortunadamente, naloxone ha estado disponible en estos casos y se han salvado vidas.
El año pasado, en este mismo fin de semana, perdimos a cuatro miembros de la comunidad en South Lake Tahoe por culpa de la cocaína mezclada con fentanilo. Queremos asegurarnos de evitar tragedias similares este año. La mejor manera de prevenir muertes por sobredosis es recordar las mejores prácticas de prevención y las herramientas de reducción de daños, incluido tener naloxone fácilmente accesible si las personas consumen drogas. Los informes recientes hablan de cocaína mezclada con fentanilo, por lo que tener naloxone cerca es esencial incluso si las drogas que la gente planea usar no son opioides. Para solicitar naloxone, tiras reactivas de fentanilo u otros suministros de reducción de daños GRATIS, consulte:
RECUERDE... Las píldoras falsificadas u otras drogas ilegales (es decir, cocaína y otras) pueden incluir dosis letales de fentanilo. La naloxona es fácil de usar y transportar. La naloxona se puede usar sin capacitación o autorización médica y se puede usar en cualquier persona en riesgo, ya que no tiene efectos negativos en alguien sin opioides en su sistema. LLEVA NALOXONA Y ENTRENATE SOBRE CÓMO USARLA UTILICE TIRAS PRUEBAS DE FENTANILO CUANDO UTILICE DROGAS INTENTE NO USAR SOLO CUANDO ES POSIBLE (www.neverusealone.com / 877-696-1996) CAPACITE A SU PERSONAL EN LA ADMINISTRACIÓN DE NALOXONA Y LLEVARLA A SU LUGAR DE TRABAJO  February 18, 2025 - 1-3 pm PST
This 2-hour training gives participants the skills and tools to appreciate the critical need for suicide prevention while creating a forum for dialogue and critical thinking about workplace mental health challenges, and by promoting help-seeking and help-giving. Cost: FREE Register Here  February 11, 2025 - 1-3 pm PST The Be Sensitive, Be Brave infuses culture and diversity throughout this foundational workshop on Suicide Prevention - teaching community members to act as eyes and ears for suicidal distress and how to connect individuals to help. Cost: FREE Register Here  February 24, 2025 - 9-11 am PST
The Be Sensitive, Be Brave infuses culture and diversity throughout this foundational workshop on Mental Health - teaching community members to help friends and loved ones during times of distress. Learn how to recognize mental health conditions, what to do when someone needs support, and tools for maintaining good mental health. Cost: FREE Register Here  The National Council Medical Director Institute is excited to introduce an update to the groundbreaking paper Mass Violence in the United States: Definition, Prevalence, Causes, Impacts and Solutions.
This report challenges common misconceptions about the relationship between mental illness and mass violence, offering evidence-based insights into this complex issue. Key takeaways include:Mass violence is a serious and growing public health concern in the U.S.
The paper is an essential resource for mental health professionals and other stakeholders seeking to understand and address mass violence, reduce discrimination against those with mental health conditions and effectively support people who are struggling. Download the paper now to access the full findings and recommendations, including effective strategies for addressing mass violence, future research needs, and tips for working with the media, courts and law enforcement.  As the holiday season approaches, many of us find ourselves caught up in the hustle and bustle of festivities, shopping, and social gatherings. While this time of year can be joyous, it can also bring stress and overwhelm. That's why it’s essential to prioritize self-care during this busy season. Here are some tips to help you take care of yourself while still enjoying the holidays.
Set Boundaries It’s tempting to say “yes” to every invitation and event, but it’s important to know your limits. Don’t hesitate to decline invitations that feel overwhelming. Focus on spending time with loved ones and activities that bring you joy. Schedule Downtime Amid the holiday chaos, make sure to carve out time for yourself. Whether it’s reading a book, taking a relaxing bath, or going for a walk, prioritize moments that allow you to recharge. Practice Mindfulness The holiday rush can make it hard to stay present. Incorporate mindfulness practices like meditation or deep-breathing exercises into your routine to help maintain a sense of calm. Maintain Healthy Habits While it’s easy to indulge in holiday treats, remember to balance them with nutritious meals and regular exercise. Staying active can help reduce stress and boost your mood. Connect with Others Reach out to friends or family members for support. Sharing your thoughts and feelings can help alleviate stress and strengthen your connections during this season. Embrace Imperfection The holidays don’t have to be perfect. Embrace the chaos, and remember that it’s okay to have a less-than-perfect holiday experience. Focus on creating memories rather than achieving unattainable ideals. This holiday season, make self-care a priority. By taking care of yourself, you’ll be better equipped to enjoy the festivities and connect with loved ones. Remember, it’s okay to slow down and nurture your own well-being amidst the holiday cheer. Happy holidays! More Resources Here  Friday, March 14, 2025 from 8:00 AM 4:00 PM
Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) Certification workshop teaches you how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among children and adolescents ages 6-18. WHAT IT COVERS
Format: 8-hour in-person workshop FREE Registration: Register Here Value: Approximately $247 per person, but provided at no cost to participants who live or work in Placer or Nevada counties Questions? Shannon Decker, [email protected], 208.471.8904  Friday, February 21, 2025 from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Certification Workshop teaches you how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among adults. WHAT IT COVERS
Format: 8-hour in-person interactive workshop FREE Registration: Register Here Value: Approximately $247 per person, but provided at no cost to participants who work or reside in Placer or Nevada counties Questions? Shannon Decker, [email protected], 208.471.8904  Time is running out to catch "The Impactful Film Trilogy" by indieFLIX.
Our FREE access to these three films ends on December 31st. These films are powerful, thought-provoking, and provide a means to thoughtful self-reflection and engaging discussions. Funding for this project has been provided by the Boise School District, Children’s Home Society of Idaho and The Speedy Foundation. It's our hope that these films, and the conversations they inspire, advance feelings of hope, resilience, and agency, while creating safe spaces for our youth to learn about mental health. Please share this resource far and wide - Click Here  Monday, February 3, 2025
We look forward to providing opioid overdose prevention training with the Tahoe Expeditionary Academy. Participants will learn more about overdose prevention tactics, including how to use Naloxone. Free training is available to organizations across Nevada County. Click Here to learn more.  Left: Monse Torres, 2024 Public Service Award of Excellence, Center: Shannon Decker, 2024 Partner of the Year Award, Right: Barbara Kane, 2024 Chris Ballin Award We are thrilled to share some exciting news about The Speedy Foundation's Co-Founder and Executive Director, Shannon Decker, who was recently honored at the Community Collaborative of Tahoe Truckee Bulletin Holiday Party as the CCTT Partner of the Year! This recognition highlights her exceptional commitment and leadership in the field of suicide prevention.
Shannon has dedicated her work to creating a safer and more supportive community. Her tireless efforts include serving on the Police Chief’s committee, where she plays a crucial role in coordinating community responses to mental health crises. Her passion for this cause not only drives her professional work but also inspires those around her. One of Shannon's most significant contributions has been her ability to amplify personal stories, bringing awareness and understanding to the critical topic of mental health. By sharing these narratives, she fosters collaboration and helps dismantle the stigma surrounding suicide and mental health challenges. Her work encourages open dialogue and builds a network of support for individuals in our community. We are incredibly proud of Shannon and the impact she continues to make through her leadership at The Speedy Foundation, TTSPC, and beyond. Her dedication to fostering a culture of awareness and support around mental health is an invaluable asset to our community. Please join us in congratulating Shannon Decker on this well-deserved honor! Together, we look forward to continuing our mission to prevent suicide and provide support for those in need. Thank you, Shannon, for all that you do!  Friday, December 13, 2024 from 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) Certification workshop teaches you how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among children and adolescents ages 6-18. WHAT IT COVERS
Format: 8-hour in-person workshop FREE Registration: Register Here Value: Approximately $247 per person, but provided at no cost to participants who live or work in Placer or Nevada counties Questions? Shannon Decker, [email protected], 208.471.8904 The Tahoe Truckee Suicide Prevention Coalition and Know Overdose Nevada County will be offering harm reduction resources. To register, click here: www.tfhd.com/WIIS2024  As the holiday season approaches, it’s the perfect time to reflect on giving back and supporting the causes we care about. We’re thrilled to announce that The Speedy Foundation and TTSPC is participating in Tahoe Gives and Giving Tuesday, a campaign dedicated to fundraising for local nonprofits and community projects that make a significant impact in our area.
Important Dates to Remember From December 3rd to December 31st, we invite you to join us in supporting the incredible work we do. Your contributions, no matter how big or small, can make a real difference in the lives of those in need. This year, let’s come together as a community to uplift and empower each other. Why Your Contribution Matters Every dollar counts! Even a small donation can have a meaningful impact, helping us to continue our mission and expand our reach. Whether it’s providing essential resources, supporting local initiatives, or facilitating outreach programs, your generosity fuels our efforts. Get Involved To learn more about how your contributions will be used and to make a donation, please visit our website at www.givebacktahoe.org. This is an opportunity to give back to our community and show your support for the work we are passionate about. Let’s leverage the spirit of Giving Tuesday and the Tahoe Gives campaign to make a lasting impact together. Remember to share your support using the hashtags #givingtuesday and #givebacktahoe! Thank you for considering a donation to The Speedy Foundation and TTSPC. Together, we can create positive change in our community this holiday season and beyond! Visit our Campaign Website HERE  During Pride this past summer The Aspen Collective, a teen-led nonprofit that promotes inclusive sober art and music events in the Tahoe area, raised $2,500 to send a local queer teen (ages 14-17) to Brave Trails Leadership Summer Camp for the summer of 2025. The application for this scholarship is now open. Please feel free to share this opportunity with any pride clubs or wellness centers, or anywhere else that seems fit to spread the word and garner applications. Feel free to email [email protected] with any further questions, we are happy to chat anytime! And you are all welcome to share this with any other community orgs that would be interested-
Mountain in My Mind 3, the third ski film about mental health in the mountains, is coming to Incline Village at UNR Lake Tahoe! Raffle give aways include a 2023 Skidoo 850 sled, skis, poles, goggles, outerwear, and more. All proceeds go back to mental health initiatives, with The Speedy Foundation as this year’s beneficiary. The film features athletes talking about different elements of their mental health challenges and features world class sled-assisted skiing. Join us on Saturday, October 12 from 6 – 9 pm at UNR Lake Tahoe. Get your tickets today!   Volunteer with us for suicide prevention & mental health action!
Do you want to learn new skills, challenge yourself and contribute positively to your community? Do you want to help others while you gain invaluable life experience? Do you want to be an example to follow? If you feel yourself nodding yes to everything you’ve just read, then volunteering in mental health and suicide prevention could be for you. Our mission and core purpose is to empower others to look out for their peers and provide support to those facing mental health struggles. We know how important members of our community are to advancing our mission. The work we do would not be possible without our amazing volunteers. If you're interested in joining our team to advance our mission of preventing suicide and elevating mental health, you've come to the right place. Giving back to your community is simple. Just choose an event linked below, sign up, and join the movement today! Attention Residents of the Following Counties:
Upcoming Cohort Dates:
The NAMI CA Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification Training Webinar, approved by CALMHSA, is designed for individuals who identify as having personal experience with recovery from mental illness or substance use disorder. Whether you are a consumer of these services or a parent, caregiver, or family member of someone with a mental health condition, this training can help you pursue employment or volunteer opportunities within the public mental health system. After completing the course, participants are eligible to take the Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification exam. The 80-hour training covers behavioral health skills and the 17 Peer Specialist core competencies as outlined by the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS). Topics include the recovery model, communication skills, trauma-informed care, cultural competency, and the Medi-Cal code of ethics. Upon completing the training, participants will receive a certificate of completion, which is required to sit for the certification exam. Through the HCAI Peer Training and Placement Program, participants will also receive career counseling and job placement support, helping you find either volunteer or paid positions within your local Public Mental Health System. If you're interested in the HCAI Peer Training and Placement Program, please contact [email protected] or [email protected]. |
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