May 2020
Why Mental Health Matters Now - a Message From Our Interim CEO and Chief Operating Officer, Lenya Robinson
The past two months have demonstrated our ability to adapt as a society as well as our incredible strength and resilience in the face of immense difficulty. In the midst of hardship, it is comforting to know that some natural cycles are unchanged, like the transition from winter into spring and the arrival of new life. 
 
In April, our CEO, Dr. Kiara Kuenzler, welcomed a new addition to her family. As she takes parental leave to spend time with her new little one, in her absence, I will be acting as interim CEO at Jefferson Center. I am excited to be taking on these responsibilities as we transition into Mental Health Month. 
 
Research shows that 1 in 5 people will experience a mental health or substance use disorder in a given year. Untreated, these disorders can affect a person's ability to hold a job, care for a family, or have hope that things will get better. With the introduction of COVID-19 and the extreme social distancing measures implemented to protect public health, these numbers are only expected to increase. 
 
The reality is that we are in the midst of a historical, unprecedented era of mass trauma. As we move through the stages of this virus and transition to a “new normal,” mental health services will be more important and more necessary than ever before. But there is also hope. There are practical tools that everyone can use to improve their mental health and increase resiliency regardless of the situations they are dealing with, and it is a treatable illness that many people recover from.

Know that Jefferson Center is here for you, this month and every month. On May 11, as we begin the transition from the “Stay at Home” order to being “Safer at Home,” we are proceeding in the most thoughtful way possible as we consider which staff and services move back on site vs staying remote. We will continue to provide the majority of care by phone and video. Limiting the number of people in our offices allows essential staff the ability to manage appropriate space and safety protocols, reducing the risk to staff and clients of exposure to the virus. More information about our services can be found below, and as things continue to change, we will provide updates on our website . 

Become an ally to the mental health community by showing your support the entire month of May and beyond. This year, we’re kicking off the theme, “Tools 2 Thrive,” by inviting you to check out our new webinar series read our weekly blog posts, or to try out our Mystrength app and our COVID Companion app which will provide you with practical tools to improve your mental health and increase resiliency in any situation.
May Is Mental Health Month
Did you know that fewer than half of people with a diagnosable mental illness will seek treatment, either because of the stigma associated with mental illness or because they don't know where to turn?

That is why your support of Mental Health Month is so important. Together, we will  increase awareness and reduce the stigma often associated with mental health  and substance use disorders. 
 
Check out some ways to get involved during May below, and  visit our website for additional ways to show your support!
Be A Mental Health Advocate on Social Media

Spread the word and promote access to mental health in the community by following us on Facebook , Twitter , and LinkedIn and share our posts to your networks throughout the month.
Educate Yourself

Learn more about mental health topics and get valuable tips and resources to help yourself and others in your life. Attend a webinar or QPR training, and keep an eye out for our virtual Mental Health First Aid trainings coming soon! Click here for our classes and events list.
Indulge Your Sweet Tooth and Support the Cause!
Cupcake Therapy is back! We're so excited to partner with Rheinlander Bakery in Olde Town Arvada for the fifth year in a row to spread awareness, all while raising money to support the critical programs and services offered at Jefferson Center.

For every specialty cupcake sold (traditional or gluten-free), Rheinlander Bakery will donate $1 to Jefferson Center. Visit their website or call 303-467-1810 to order yours for takeout or curbside pickup. Show your support for mental health and a great local business!

Walk (Virtually) to Beat Stigma on May 30!
Join us on May 30 for NAMIWalks Colorado! Now in its 18th year, NAMIWalks is the nation's largest mental health awareness and fundraising event. This year, the event will look a little different, with virtual activites and an even greater reach.

Jefferson Center is proud to sponsor the NAMIWalks Colorado event, raising funds for advocacy, support and education on mental health. There are many ways you can get involved with NAMIWalks. Click here for more information on how you can get involved or start your own team.
What's next for Jefferson Center Under "Safer At Home"
Most services to continue via telehealth, Mobile MAT and expanded psychiatric services added
With the expected transition to “Safer at Home” in the upcoming weeks, Jefferson Center will be moving our staff and clients back to our offices in a gradual and thoughtful manner. Ensuring the safety of everyone who comes through our doors and aligning with local public health ordinances will be guiding our return.

Here’s how our community can access mental health and substance use treatment:
  • Beginning on May 11, in our first phase, psychiatric services at our Independence location will increase.
  • Also on May 11, Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) services will be available at our Evergreen Office. Call us for the weekly schedule.
  • All outpatient therapy is being conducted via phone and video. Please call 303-425-0300 to schedule an appointment. New clients are welcome!
  • The Walk-In Crisis Center and Withdrawal Management program remains open 24/7 at 4643 Wadsworth Blvd, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033
  • Blue Spruce Pharmacies are open from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • Blue Spruce at Independence – 4851 Independence Street, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033
  • Blue Spruce at West Colfax – 9485 West Colfax Ave, Lakewood, CO, 80216
  • Clients who participate in the PAP program can receive medicines at our Independence or West Colfax office by appointment.
  • Our residential programs remain open with limitations to visitors.
 
We so appreciate the outpouring of support and encouragement we have received from our community. It is because of all of you that Jefferson Center is able to strengthen our community during this time, and make sure that mental health matters and care is accessible to all.
 
If you have questions about any of our services, how to access these services, or how things have changed, call our main number at 303-425-0300.
How to Create Work-Life Balance When You're Working Remotely

Physical distancing mandates and stay-at-home orders have forced many people to begin working remotely. If you're feeling burnt out, overworked, and stressed, here are some ways you can manage your work-from-home environment.

CREATE A DEDICATED WORKSPACE.  Make a clear divide between your professional life and your home life by creating a specific working space that you can “leave” at the end of the day. 

TAKE REGULAR BREAKS. Just like you would if you were working on-site, be sure to take regular breaks throughout the day to stretch, move around, and reset your mind. 

ESTABLISH A ROUTINE. Create a routine and stick to it when possible to help give your days structure. This will also help you know when the workday is over. 

MAKE TRANSITION TIMES. Give your brain cues for when it’s time to work and when it’s time to relax by going for a walk or powering down all of your work devices. 

COMMUNICATE YOUR NEEDS. Be upfront with family members and coworkers when it comes to creating boundaries between your home hours and your work hours. 

For more tips and tricks to finding the right work-life balance, read the rest of the blog post here . 
Feeling Anxious? Looking for Balance? Dealing with Extra Stress As An Essential Worker?
Get expert advice through our new webinar series
The current circumstances surrounding coronavirus are difficult, and we’re all navigating new territory. As your mental health and wellness experts, we have created a free webinar series with you in mind--tackling the mental health topics you need right now.

Please virtually join us as our experts share their knowledge and other resources on topics including finding balance and managing expectations, healthy relationships, preventing loneliness and isolation, parenting in the digital world, stress management and more. 
Upcoming Webinars:
Wednesday, May 13, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Handling Grief And Loss During COVID-19

On-Demand Webinars

Is there a topic you’d like Jefferson Center clinician to explore via webinar? Let us know by emailing us at webmaster@jcmh.org .
Give Where You Live and Support Mental Health
Over the past month and a half, Jefferson Center has transitioned to offering telehealth appointments via remote work tools and ensured that vital services such as our pharmacies and walk-in crisis centers remained open and available to the public. We are determined to do whatever it takes to sustain our operations with as little disruption as possible so that we can promote the health of our community. 
Help us continue providing essential mental health and substance use services by supporting Jefferson Center in whatever way you can. Consider making a donation to the COVID-19 Support Fund on our Colorado Gives page, become a monthly donor , or select Jefferson Center as your charity of choice for Giving Tuesday . 
Good News This Month
Fun and uplifting stories to brighten your day
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