Operationalizing Cultural Competence January 16, 2019 | PRA Culture, PRA Work | Kristin Lupfer We all talk about cultural competence. It is part of our professional development and values. But what does it mean and how do we really put cultural competence into practice? One way to operationalize cultural competence is by modifying Evidence-based Practices (EBPs). I am reminded how cultural differences can have an impact across the spectrum… Read More
It Takes a Village December 26, 2018 | PRA Culture, PRA Work | Abigail Kirkman They say it takes a village to raise a child. This is also true of ensuring a successful transition from homelessness and serious mental illness to housing, stability, and recovery. We began working with JT when he was 20 years old. He entered foster care at a young age and was eventually adopted, but due… Read More
Creating the Child Practice Cases December 21, 2018 | PRA Work | Kristin Lupfer Over the course of the past year, we have been developing the SOAR Online Course: Child Curriculum. It has been a challenging and rewarding undertaking. SOAR for Children is going to be an incredible addition to the work of the SAMHSA SOAR TA Center and an important resource for the field. The staff of the… Read More
Homelessness Among Older Adults December 12, 2018 | PRA Work | Pam Heine I have kept this 2016 NY Times article about the rise in homelessness among older adults and a Vox essay written by a 50-year-old woman experiencing homelessness because I had plans for writing a blog on this issue in the future. I am not sure why it has taken me nearly 3 years to write… Read More
10th Year for SOAR November 28, 2018 | PRA Work | Kristin Lupfer As we kick off the 10th year of the SAMHSA SOAR TA Center, I am reminded and encouraged of the incredible impact the SOAR initiative has on individual lives and communities. I get goosebumps when I hear about the ways that SOAR spreads like a good pollinator. Through a wonderful partnership with the Grand Challenges… Read More
Have You Ever Heard of Elmer Ellsworth? November 15, 2018 | PRA Culture, PRA Work | Trevor English The history of the United States is directly linked to the history of the Capital District. Not only is Albany the oldest active city charter still in operation today,[1] innovations such as the telegraph, the electric motor, the steamboat, and the railroad were first established here.[2] Many of us were taught in grade school of… Read More
Writing for Wellness: Quitting Smoking November 7, 2018 | PRA Culture, PRA Work | Lisa Guerin How many times have you heard me say I was going to quit smoking? I know a lot of you have, and honestly, I tried so many times; really, so many times. I am happy and proud to announce that I think I really did it this time! June 1 of this year was the… Read More
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month October 25, 2018 | PRA Work | Jen Elder Organized by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), each October National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) celebrates the contributions of workers with disabilities and provides education about the value of a workforce inclusive of their skills and talents. DOL has a number of helpful resources to organize your own disability employment awareness event. We also… Read More
Writing for Wellness: Occupational and Physical Wellness October 3, 2018 | PRA Culture, PRA Work | Crystal Brandow Since 1949, May has been a national observance month for mental health. During Mental Health Month, awareness is raised about the impact of mental health conditions on individuals, families, and communities. Recognizing the importance of this observance, WellStaff@PRA, Policy Research Associates’ staff wellness committee, organized its first annual Mental Health Awareness Step Challenge in 2017.… Read More
ARDRAW Cohort 2 September 14, 2018 | Margaret Lassiter The Social Security Administration’s Analyzing Relationships between Disability, Rehabilitation and Work (ARDRAW) Small Grant Program has recently funded its second cohort of student researchers. ARDRAW is a one-year $10,000 stipend program awarded to graduate-level students to conduct supervised independent research designed to foster new analysis of work, rehabilitation, and disability issues, which may develop innovative… Read More
Writing for Wellness: Environmental Wellness September 5, 2018 | Holley Davis I am a beach child at heart. I grew up on the shores of Long Island and spent most of my summers making kelp bracelets, searching the sand for pieces of sea glass, and pretending that I was a dolphin, diving in and out of the waves. For me, a good beach is a full… Read More
Invite Us to Your Inbox August 24, 2018 | PRA Work | Holley Davis Looking for new ways to connect with PRA and its projects? Have you checked out our email lists? National Center for Mental Health and Juvenile Justice (NCMHJJ) The NCMHJJ promote systems change and improved outcomes for youth with mental behavioral health, substance use, or co-occurring disorders in contact with the juvenile justice system. Its monthly… Read More
