January News & Updates

1/19/2017


You Can Help!

To donate directly to Mental Health America of Arizona click  here.

To donate through Fry's click  here.

To donate through Amazon Smile click here
     
   INSIDE THIS MONTH'S ISSUE

Sign up for Request to Speak System
2018 SEEDS Conference
Mental Illness in the Workplace
Innovative Programs Addressing Workplace Wellness
Speak Up, Stand Up, Save a Life Conference
CHIP Families
Tardive Dyskinesia

Upcoming Events and Community Calendar
Support Groups in Maricopa County
2017 MHA of AZ Board of Directors
Contact Us



Sign Up for Request to Speak (RTS)


Legislative session has begun and over 500 bills have been introduced in the House and the Senate, with more to come.  Y ou have the ability  to  weigh in on bills as they are being discussed in committee through the Request  to   Speak  system through the Arizona Legislative website. If you already have an account you can log in, track bills, and  register  your support or opposition for bills now. 
All new accounts must be created at the CapitolFill out this form and Protecting Arizona Family Coalition will do it for you, and send you confirmation once your account is set-up.

Sign up for MHA AZ Action Alerts  here


SAVE THE DATE!!!

Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Glendale Community College, 6000 W. Olive Ave, Glendale, AZ 85302

Mental Health America of Arizona's upcoming Seeds Conference seeks to highlight cutting edge practices and approaches used to address current and emerging issues in behavioral health. Through critical conversations, we will enhance   Awareness, Advocacy, and Achievement   as it pertains to mental health and recovery. Featured keynote speakers will include Paul Gionfriddo, President and CEO of Mental Health America, and author of the critically acclaimed book Losing Tim: How our Health and Education Systems Failed my Son with Schizophrenia.

The Seeds conference will offer 12 breakout sessions that will equip educators, employers, family members and people with a lived experience of mental illness with practical tools to address the mental health needs that impact us all at work, school and home.  


Submit your proposal to be a part of our upcoming Seeds Conference. With over 250 in attendance, this is your opportunity to share your knowledge!  Click here  for conference information and proposal details!



Mental Illness in the Workplace
by Kristina Sabetta, MHA AZ Executive Director


Statistics show that one in four adults has a diagnosable mental illness. More than 50 percent of those with mental illness are not being treated. How does this impact their workplace?
Stress and depression are two of the largest causes of absenteeism in our workplaces. It impacts our bottom line and causes difficulties for our employees. According to research by Harvard University Medical School, untreated mental illness costs the U.S. at least $105 billion in lost productivity each year. Continue reading


Innovative Programs Addressing Workplace Wellness

ICU PROGRAM
The ICU Program is an awareness campaign made especially for the workplace, designed to reduce the stigma associated with mental health and foster a workplace culture that supports emotional health. Developed by DuPont's Employee Assistance Program, the ICU Program was delivered to each of their 70,000 employees worldwide. DuPont has since donated ICU to the Center for Workplace Mental Health, who now makes it available to employers across all sectors, industries, and sizes, cost-free.
The ICU Program points out that just as people with a physical injury or illness may require help through an Intensive Care Unit, people with a psychological/emotional injury or illness may also require help from one another.  Thus, "ICU" becomes "I See You."  Learn More

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RIGHT DIRECTION



Right Direction is a first-of-its-kind initiative that gives employers the tools they need to address depression in the workplace. What makes this initiative unique from other depression awareness campaigns is that it was developed for and by employers for specific application at the workplace. 

We provide turnkey, customizable resources and materials to increase awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage people to seek help. Their goal is to raise awareness about stress and depression in the workplace, demystify the symptoms and treatments, and give professionals the information they need to get help. Learn more



Speak Up, Stand Up, Save a Life Conference

On January 16th, 2018 a student-led conference inspired peers to Speak Up, Stand Up and Save a Life. Over 4000 students, police chiefs, government officials, parents and school personnel gathered to support youth as they joined the movement to  Care Enough to Get in the Way on issues such as bullying, cyber-bullying, drug addiction, depression, and suicide. Mental Health America of Arizona was a proud volunteer organization and Erin Callinan, MHA graduate intern and author of Beautifully Bipolar spoke alongside Sheriff Paul Penzone, Glendale Police Chief Richard St. John, and Sunshine Foundation CEO/Founder, Leanne Hull. 

Learn more about Speak Up, Stand Up, Save a Life here.




CHIP Families Still at Risk Despite Temporary Funding Extension

The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which currently provides comprehensive health coverage to roughly 9 million children and pregnant women across the United States, is still in danger following Congress' inability to pass a long-term funding solution. On Dec. 22nd, Congress passed a continuing resolution (CR) that extended funding for the program through the end of March 2018. The National Council is deeply concerned for the future of this critical program, and urges Congress to act swiftly to extend CHIP for the millions of children and families who rely on it. 




Tardive Dyskinesia: A Serious Side Effect

Tardive dyskinesia is a neurological disorder caused by the long-term use of neuroleptic drugs, or anti-psychotic medications. Neuroleptic drugs are generally prescribed for psychiatric disorders, as well as for some gastrointestinal and neurological disorders. Neuroleptic drugs work by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that helps control the brain's reward and pleasure centers but also plays a major role in motor functioning. As a result, neuroleptic drugs can cause disorders affecting the motor system. Continue reading





Related image
 
Sue Gilbertson Leadership Award Celebration
March 10th, 2018, 6:00 - 10:00pm
Orange Tree Golf Resort, 10601 N. 56th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85254


9th Annual Ability360 Center Health & Wellness Fair
April 27, 2018 (12 p.m. - 5 p.m.) & April 28, 2018 (10 p.m. - 4 p.m.)
Ability360 Center, 5025 E. Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85034 

Mental Health America of Arizona Seeds Conference
Wednesday, May 16th, 2018
Glendale Community College, 6000 W. Olive Ave, Glendale, AZ 85302
More details and registration to come!


Check out more Community Calendars in the Phoenix Area!

Arizona Trauma Institute  Trainings   
ASU Center for Applied Behavioral Health Policy  Events
Health Choice Integrated Care Community  Events
Mercy Maricopa Integrated Care  Events
NAMI Arizona  Calendar

Mental Health America of Arizona 
STAY CONNECTED: