Buffalo, NY, September 9, 2024 – The Care Management Coalition, represented by Tara N. Burgess of EPIC – Every Person Influences Children (EPIC), Melinda DuBois of Mental Health Advocates of WNY (MHA) and Kimberly Kadziolka of Parent Network of WNY (Parent Network) applaud Dr. Vivek H. Murthy’s recently released Parents Under Pressure: the U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Mental Health & Well-Being of Parents.
The advisory identifies that parental stress is an urgent public health issue. It also points to the bi-directional connection between parental mental health and child outcomes. The mental health of parents has a profound impact on the well-being of children, families and society.
A study done to support the conclusions in this report shows that 41% of parents say that most days they are so stressed they cannot function compared to other adults (20%). The health and wellness of today’s parents are impacted by financial strain and economic stability, time demands, concerns about their children’s health and safety, parental isolation and loneliness, managing technology and social media, and cultural pressures.
“We have recognized for decades that parents and caregivers aren’t meant to go it alone. As a collaborative group of human service agencies, we support families in most of the areas represented in the Surgeon General’s advisory, including parenting, mental health and special needs. We support families by providing programs, services and resources to ease stress and isolation,” said Tara Burgess, Executive Director at EPIC – Every Person Influences Children.
Chronic stress, along with other factors, can increase mental and physical health conditions for individuals. A parent’s mental health can have a significant impact on a child’s development. How a parent or caregiver manages their mental health significantly determines the impact on the child. Resiliency and coping mechanisms of the caregiver can offset the negative impacts on children.
EPIC, MHA, and Parent Network, with over 125 years of combined experience, support families and individuals with programs and services that positively impact parents, caregivers and youth. As anchor members of the Care Management Coalition, a shared space and program initiative located at 1021 Broadway in Buffalo, they work to support families as they overcome many of the challenges they may experience.
Kimberly Kadziolka, Executive Director at Parent Network of WNY notes, “Parent Network supports families with education and resources related to special needs from birth to adulthood. MHA supports individuals and families with mental illness find answers and navigate the healthcare and treatment systems. EPIC provides direct support to families around parenting and family engagement. We are joined by six other non-profits to provide valuable resources to families in our community. Collectively, our work reduces stress and isolation for families across WNY every day.”
The Surgeon General’s report indicates a number of ways that we can support families. In particular, it highlights respecting parents for the job they do raising children, understanding that while parents are primarily responsible for raising children, they should have support so they don’t go it alone, parenting support shouldn’t be stigmatized, and it is important to foster a culture of connection to avoid and overcome isolation.
“The Care Management Coalition is a one-stop shop for families looking for support in raising children. There are nine agencies providing services to thousands of families at 1021 Broadway and across Western New York. We also provide resources and services for professionals who serve families in the education, health care and human service worlds,” said Melinda DuBois, Executive Director of Mental Health Advocates.
The advisory summarizes that addressing parental mental health conditions and the underlying stressors and causes will ensure improved well-being of children and society. The partners at the Care Management Coalition provide an array of services to address the needs of parents and families and the community that supports them.
“We encourage families and professionals to invite us to be a part of their Village,” said Kadziolka, “they will be glad they did.”
Parents, caregivers, and professionals seeking support
are encouraged to call:
For Parenting Support:
Call EPIC – Every Person Influences Children– (716) 332-4100
For Mental Health Support:
Call Mental Health Advocates of WNY – (716)886-1242
For Special Needs Support:
Call Parent Network of WNY – (716) 332-4170
For other questions or if you are interested in joining the collaborative effort to serve families:
Call Care Management Coalition of WNY – (716)800-2120
TheSurgeon General’s Advisory can be accessed here.
About EPIC, MHA, Parent Network, and CMC
The Care Management Coalition of WNY (CMC) is a collaborative project comprised of 9 local human service agencies, each serving specific populations, sharing an accessible workspace in a high-need area in Buffalo’s urban core. Locating offices and satellite services in one key location makes care and referral more accessible to clients who seek out multiple services and who may have transportation challenges. Additionally, agencies partner together on training, outreach, and program delivery, providing for costs savings and comprehensive service offerings. Mission: The CMC is a collaborative network which provides a wide range of human services to individuals and families, while improving access to organizations and systems.
Founded in 1980, EPIC – Every Person Influences Children is a Buffalo-based nonprofit organization that works to ensure that children of all backgrounds are raised and nurtured to become responsible and successful adults. EPIC provides programming in: parenting education, including Ready, Set, Parent! and Just for Teens; family engagement, including Ready, Set, Read! a family literacy program, Assessment and Consultation Services, and Car Seat Safety; youth services, including Strong African American Families and Just for Me; and professional development, including Differentiated Family Engagement and Understanding a Poverty Mindset. EPIC’s mission is strengthening families and building community to raise children to make a positive impact in the world.
For 60 years, Mental Health Advocates of WNY (formerly Mental Health Association of Erie County) has been deeply committed to providing essential non-clinical services that address the needs of individuals, families, and communities living with mental illness. Through awareness, education, prevention, early intervention programs and supportive services, they advocate for and actively promote mental health and wellness for adults, families and children in homes, schools and workplaces across Western New York. Mission: MHA is a team of experienced mental health advocates who provide resources, programs, and hope for our community. They promote mental health and well-being for people of all ages and demographics throughout Western New York. Parent Network of WNY is a not-for-profit agency that provides education and resources for families of individuals with special needs (birth through adulthood) and for professionals. We provide 1-on-1 Support and education through resources, workshops and support groups to assist families of individuals with disabilities to understand their disability and navigate the support service system. Parent Network’s mission is to support families and professionals to empower individuals with disabilities to reach their full potential.
