Empowering Minds Messenger 
The leaves are starting to change colors and there's a chill in the air. It's officially autumn! As we enter into the new season, f all into good mental health by taking advantage of the many supportive services provided by the Empowering Minds Resource Center Group.



Read about where you can find us in the community, important breast cancer awareness reminders and trick or treat safety tips in this month's newsletter.


INTEGRATED MENTAL HEALTH CENTER


Empowering Minds is able to meet all the mental health needs of our clients. We offer the convenience of providing initial assessments, therapy, medication management and supportive services. This ensures continued quality service and expedites the referral process for our valued clients.
One way we strive to ensure Marylanders are aware and have access to our program is by being present in the community through outreach events.  On Friday, October 21, Empowering Minds will participate in the Fall Back to Good Health Fair sponsored by University of Maryland Medical System at Mondawmin Mall. The fair will feature programs, agencies and services from around Baltimore city to assist residents in getting resources and information needed to achieve complete wellness. The free event is from 10:00 am- 3:00 pm. Be sure to stop by our table and say hello! 
 

WE ARE ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS!!!

Empowering Minds Resource Center is proud to announce there is currently  NO WAIT LIST at the agency. We work hard everyday to ensure referrals are quickly processed and clients are engaged by our staff and partnered therapists immediately.  We are ready, willing and able to accept new clients TODAY.


OCTOBER IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

At Empowering Minds, we believe in striving for complete wellness: body, mind and soul!
Except for skin cancer, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American women. The American Cancer Society recommends that women ages 45-54 get mammograms annually. All adult women are encouraged to do self exams monthly.  For more information and a how-to guide for self breast examination, click here.
HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS

Before the children venture out  in their costumes to collect all their goodies,we want to provide parents and drivers with some tips to keep everyone safe this Halloween. 

ALL DRESSED UP:

  • Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame.
  • Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility.
  • Because masks can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives. Hats should fit properly to prevent them from sliding over eyes.
  • When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories look for and purchase those with a label clearly indicating they are flame resistant.
  • If a sword, cane, or stick is a part of your child's costume, make sure it is not sharp or too long. A child may be easily hurt by these accessories if he stumbles or trips.
  • Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts.
  • Review with children how to call 9-1-1 (or their local emergency number) if they ever have an emergency or become lost.
 CARVING A NICHE: 
  • Small children should never carve pumpkins. Children can draw a face with markers. Then parents can do the cutting.
  • Consider using a flashlight or glow stick instead of a candle to light your pumpkin. If you do use a candle, a votive candle is safest.
  • Candlelit pumpkins should be placed on a sturdy table, away from curtains and other flammable objects, and should never be left unattended. 
DRIVERS BEWARE:
  • Be especially careful between 4 and 8 p.m., when most severe vehicle/young pedestrian collisions happen.
  • Drive slowly, and don't pass stopped vehicles. The driver might be dropping off children.
  • Park your mobile phone. Avoid distractions by waiting until you've stopped to call, text, or surf. Get more mobile phone safety tips.
  • Watch for children darting into the street. Kids can cross the street anywhere, and most young pedestrian deaths happen at spots other than intersections.
  • Yield to young pedestrians. Children might not stop, either because they don't see your vehicle approaching or don't know how to safely cross the street.
ON THE TRICK-OR-TREAT TRAIL:
  • A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.
  • If your older children are going alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time when they should return home.
  • Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or car for a treat.
  • Because pedestrian injuries are the most common injuries to children on Halloween, remind Trick-or-Treaters:

    • Stay in a group and communicate where they will be going. 
    • Remember reflective tape for costumes and trick-or-treat bags.
    • Carry a cellphone for quick communication.
    • Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.
    • If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the roadway facing traffic.
    • Never cut across yards or use alleys.
    • Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks (as recognized by local custom). Never cross between parked cars or out driveways.
    • Don't assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing Trick-or-Treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn't mean others will!
 
Empowering Minds recognizes is DAVON ROZZELL as the agency's Direct Service Coordinator of the month. She was recognized this month by our rehab staff for submitting thorough and detailed notes. Her timely submission of notes and updates assists staff with the development of accurate and individualized treatment plans.

Thank you for your hard work and dedication, Davon!

                                        
                  CLICK HERE TO MAKE A REFERRAL
| Empowering Minds Resource Center | 410.625.5088 | Fax: 410.625.4980 |  Website