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Welcome to "What's Happening," the blog of Northwest Mental Health Management Services!
This is your go-to source for staying updated on the latest developments and trends in the mental health industry. Whether you're looking for insights into current issues, fun and engaging content, or the latest job postings, you'll find it all here.
Our blog will cover a variety of topics, including:
We’re excited to share our knowledge and passion for caregiving with you. Be sure to check back regularly for new posts and updates. Thank you for joining us on this journey of supporting individuals to lead full and rewarding lives.
February Is Heart Health Month
Caring for the Hearts of the I/DD Community—and the Caregivers Who Support Them February is Heart Health Month , a time to raise awareness about heart disease and promote healthy habits for people of all ages and abilities. For those of us in the I/DD community , heart health awareness carries a dual responsibility: supporting the individuals we serve while also protecting the well-being of caregivers and Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) . At Northwest Mental Health Manag
February Is Heart Awareness Month
Supporting the Hearts of the People Who Care for Others February is Heart Awareness Month , a time to focus on cardiovascular health and raise awareness about heart disease—the leading cause of death for women in the United States. At Northwest Mental Health Management Services , this month is also an opportunity to pause and recognize the heart health of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and caregivers who spend their days supporting others. Caregiving is meaningful work,
January Self-Care: You Are Already Enough
January often arrives with pressure—new goals, big resolutions, and expectations to change. For caregivers, Direct Support Professionals, and individuals within the I/DD community, that pressure can feel especially heavy. This January, we want to offer a different message: You do not need a resolution to be valued. You are already enough. Self-care does not have to be dramatic or life-changing. It does not have to look like a “new year, new you” moment. Sometimes, the most me
Honoring Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Inclusion, Hope, and Community in Action
Each January, communities across Oregon pause to honor the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. . His birthday and the national day of service that follows are more than a moment of remembrance—they are a call to action grounded in dignity, inclusion, and hope for a more just world. At Northwest Mental Health Management Services, these values are central to the work we do every day in partnership with individuals, families, caregivers, and Direct Support Professionals ac
Human Rights Day, Dec 10th, Our Everyday Essentials
December 10 marks Human Rights Day , the annual observance of the date in 1948 when the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was adopted by the United Nations. It is a time to reaffirm that every person—regardless of background, ability, identity or geography—deserves the full spectrum of rights: freedom, equality, justice and dignity. For those of us working in the I/DD ( intellectual/developmental disabilities ) space—especially here in the Pacific Northwest—Human
🌍 International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2025: Empowering Inclusion and Possibility
December 3, 2025 Each year on December 3 , the world comes together to recognize the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) — a day dedicated to promoting understanding, dignity, and equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities. At Northwest Mental Health Management Services (NWMH) , this day holds deep meaning. Our mission centers on supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to live full, independent, and connecte
The Hidden Connection Between Daily Care and Diabetes Prevention
Every November, communities across the U.S. observe National Diabetes Awareness Month . For NWMH, this month is especially relevant because: Diabetes (and pre-diabetes) is common and can affect both our clients and our DSP workforce. Early awareness and intervention matter. Good mental-health support overlaps with physical-health support: managing a condition like diabetes involves routine, habits, self-care, stress-management—all things DSPs help promote. DSPs who are knowl
Celebrate Kindness on November 13 with Us
Every year on November 13, the world pauses to celebrate World Kindness Day — a day born from the World Kindness Movement in 1998 to spotlight simple acts of goodwill and the deeply human power of compassion. At Northwest Mental Health Management Services , our mission is rooted in connection, understanding, and care — and kindness is at the heart of what we do. On this special day, we invite our community of clients, staff, family members and friends to reflect on how an ac
Celebrating Value & Talent: How We Support People with I/DD in the Workforce
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), and at NWMH we believe in highlighting the contributions, ambitions, and potential of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Introduction Every October, the U.S. Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) and the U.S. Department of Labor mark National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) to shine a spotlight on the value and talent that people with disabilities bring to t
Direct Support Professional's (DSP ) Resource Guide
Find agencies, advocates, and condition-specific support Published by: Northwest Mental Health Management Services Updated: October 2025 Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are the backbone of the I/DD (Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities) community—providing critical, person-centered care to help individuals live meaningful, connected lives. Whether you’re new to caregiving or a seasoned DSP, finding the right resources, advocacy groups, and community organizatio
Neighbors Turn Crisis into Community: A Heartfelt Thank You from NWMH
Neighbors, staff, and community members came together to celebrate resilience and gratitude. What began as a frightening event turned...
October Is Down Syndrome Awareness Month
“It’s not about celebrating disabilities, it’s about celebrating abilities.” — Chris Burke, NDSS Goodwill Ambassador October is Down...
Hispanic Heritage Month: Local events and a bit of history.
Each year from September 15 to October 15, the United States observes Hispanic Heritage Month . It’s a time to honor the history,...
Celebrate DSP Recognition Week September 7–13, 2025
Every year, the second week of September shines a spotlight on the dedicated individuals who serve at the frontline of compassionate...
Celebrating Disability Justice: The 2025 Stacey Park Milbern Quarter from an IDD Lens
At Northwest Mental Health Management Services , we’re committed to embracing and elevating disability justice in all we do. That’s why...
August is National Wellness Month – Let’s Celebrate Whole-Person Wellbeing Together
At Northwest Mental Health, wellness isn’t just a buzzword —it’s the heartbeat of what we do. Throughout the month of August, we join a...
Join free webinars in celebration of Americans with Disabilities Act’s 35th anniversary
Join free webinars in celebration of Americans with Disabilities Act’s 35th anniversary
Celebrating Disability Pride Month: July Events & Community Connections in Oregon
Posted by Northwest Mental Health Management Services July is Disability Pride Month — a time to celebrate the strength, resilience, and...
How You Can Support Brain Health in Portland This June
June is Brain Health Awareness Month: Let’s Talk Mental Fitness, Connection, and Outdoor Living At Northwest Mental Health Management...
May is Mobility Awareness Month
Let’s Celebrate Movement, Access, and Independence At Northwest Mental Health Management Services , we’re proud to support individuals...
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