Featured
A Look Back on the Active Minds ‘Here to Stay.’ National Conference
Once again, JKBF was pleased to support the good work happening at the 3-day Active Minds National Conference, which took place in virtual form in February and was especially important in this time of the disruptions of the pandemic. This conference covered a wide of range of mental health topics and resources to #changetheconversation about […]
A Reflection from Jamie’s Brothers
On the 11th anniversary of his death, Jamie Bernard’s family gathered to remember him and celebrate his spirit. This year JKBF is fortunate to be able to share these reflections from his triplet brothers, Fred and Bill. Fred’s reflections as a suicide loss survivor offer insight From the Lived Experience. Thoughts on Jamie by Fred […]
More on Sleep Disturbance and Suicide
As we have previously presented, sleep disturbance is correlated with suicidal behaviors and risk factors. Important work on understanding these connections is coming out of Dr. Grandner’s lab, including wakefulness at night as a specific concern out lined in this From the Scientist summary of a recent paper. Evidence is building that increased awareness and […]
JKBF Board Expands with a Seasoned, Purpose-Driven Executive
JKBF is pleased to announce the addition of Brad Stevenson, CEO of Aligned Insight, Inc., a Colorado Public Benefit Corporation, to our board of directors. Aligned Insight offers purpose-driven advisory and business development consulting. In addition to his hands on experience as an organizational leader, Brad has supported clients from Fortune 20 multi-nationals to local non-profits […]
My Meds Story
Medication can be extremely helpful in managing symptoms of both physical and mental illnesses, but care needs to be taken in prescribing and following patients. Doctor and patient awareness and advocacy are essential to managing and addressing side effects and unexpected outcomes, as outlined in our post here. In her story of a journey with […]
Sleepless in Pennsylvania
The ebbs and flows of days, seasons, and life cycles all play into the functioning of our bodies and our minds. This From the Lived Experience story from Elise shares her journey with bipolar disorder, and reminds that issues of sleep and hormones can factor into our mental health. Seeking help and understanding all of […]
A Case Study in the Importance of Integrative Care to Mental and Physical Health and Wellbeing
By Susan Parmelee, LCSW As social workers we have a guiding tenet: “Start where the client is.” In practical terms, this means that if my client is not housed, does not have access to food, or is physically ailing, there is no chance of working on higher level needs through mental health therapy. Addressing the […]
Pencils, Pens, and Birthdays
Today marks what would have been Jamie Bernard’s 33rd birthday. It has been 10 years since he left us. Recently we came across this article about the allure of pencils highlighting a book titled Pencils You Should Know, and it sparked thoughts about Jamie. Colored pencils were one of Jamie’s preferred mediums, as depicted on this […]
A Day In the Life of My Pen
by Jamie Bernard, April 2005 Life sucks, for I am a pen. I cannot sing, and I have no arms or legs. I cannot do anything except be turned about on my head to spurt ink about a piece of paper. I suppose I have it better than some. Not being a pencil, I do […]
A Co-Response Model That Works: An Interview with Michelle Muething, Executive Director of the Hope Center, on Clinicians and Law Enforcement Responding to Mental Health Crises – Part II
By Fred Bernard, MA In Co-Response, Part I Michelle Muething of the Hope Center discussed the center’s approach to providing crisis services alongside a local police response. In Part II, JKBF talks with Michelle about the opportunities of this approach for other communities, and why she believes pairing, not replacing, is important. JKBF: Are there any high-profile […]