A Note from our President and CEO, Dr. Kiara Kuenzler
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At Jefferson Center, we are always working to connect more closely with our communities and make access to mental health resources a reality for everyone, by addressing the unique barriers and needs of the diverse communities we serve. This July, we’re continuing to work toward health equity by celebrating Black, Indigenous & People of Color (#BIPOC) Mental Health Month.
For too long, black, brown, indigenous and other people of color have feared that their voices will not be heard, that they will be silenced, or that their lives and the lives of their sons, daughters, brothers and sisters are not protected or even valued. When a person of color risks being vulnerable enough to share their story, to ask for help, to seek resources, they should not fear that their bodies will not be cared for, that their lives are less important, and their mental health needs will go unnoticed, untreated, or be exaggerated or pathologized.
Traditional systems of care in the US often overlook or pathologize the experiences of BIPOC populations, making it difficult to seek mental health care. The Western medical model of care focuses on diagnosis and the management of symptoms presented in the disease. This model has been helpful for a number of reasons, including establishing mental health parity legislation, developing many evidence-based treatments and therapies for mental health conditions, and reducing stigma surrounding mental illness in Western cultures. However, the model’s domination in the mental health field in the U.S. has become a major issue for BIPOC and other marginalized communities. Oftentimes, it isn’t culturally relevant and inclusive, and neglects the unique needs, experiences, perspectives, and cultural and community-based practices of BIPOC communities.
Here are just a few of the challenges:
- Medical model diagnostic procedures are not always culturally competent and therefore cannot provide a complete and accurate diagnosis.
- Language differences between patient and provider, stigma of mental illness among BIPOC, and cultural presentation of symptoms are some of the many barriers to arriving at an accurate and complete diagnosis.
- Even if someone is able to receive a complete and accurate diagnosis, the medical model tends to have a narrow view of what practices are acceptable to treat these diagnoses, which might not work for everyone, especially those in marginalized communities. This can lead to disillusionment or even dropping treatment completely.
- Fear and mistrust of the health care system, based on generations of atrocities committed in the name of science or healthcare, such as forced sterilization and horrific experimentation, often prevents BIPOC and other marginalized identities from seeking care.
- The impact of racism and intergenerational trauma on the mental health of BIPOC is not adequately incorporated and addressed.
We, in the mental health care system, continue to struggle our way out of systemic racism and discrimination practices that have been entrenched throughout history. The way we talk about and experience mental health is uniquely shaped by our racial/ethnic backgrounds and cultural experiences. It’s imperative that we look at these systems and ask how we can break down barriers, co-create systems that promote safety and trust, and better meet the needs of our community. We also need to take action, with our community partners, to advocate for accessibility and equitable health outcomes in other areas of health care as well.
For BIPOC Mental Health Month this year, we’re highlighting the theme of Strength in Communities to showcase mental health supports created by BIPOC, for BIPOC. Specifically, Mental Health America is sharing information and resources about community care, self-directed care, and culturally-based practices, which are all valid and valuable choices people can make for their mental health.
Community Care is an approach of individuals thinking of their well-being as an extension of the community they belong to. It focuses on connections, intentional actions, and efforts to mobilize, and helps individuals find belonging and support in a welcoming environment. Additionally, it responds to inequities in existing systems by creating new structures to bridge gaps.
Culturally-Based Practices are customs, behaviors and values passed down through generations that function as support systems. Many times, they’ve been erased or hidden away to keep people safe and protected. By learning about and embracing culturally-based practices, individuals and communities can begin the process of understanding the impacts of historical trauma, reclaiming the honor and pride of their ancestors, their historical knowledge, and the power that exists in connecting with one’s community through shared values, beliefs, and customs.
Self-Directed Care gives individuals seeking services the power to decide what works best for them and creates space in treatment for culturally relevant services and treating the whole person. It gives people autonomy and choice, helping to empower them through recovery.
The history of BIPOC individuals and communities in America and their contributions and value should be embraced and visible every day and woven meaningfully into how we create safe spaces of belonging that allow people of color to access care, resources and support that should be accessible to all. During this BIPOC mental health month, and every day of the year, we recognize that diversity is beautiful and powerful and the painful path that has gotten us here, paved with racism, oppression, systemic and institutional practices of prejudice, bias and racism we are still fighting to dismantle.
It is our policy and our mission to be inclusive and mindful of the diversity of everyone who comes through our doors and this work continues every day throughout the year. I encourage you to visit Mental Health America to learn more about Strengths in Communities and how you can support the work of building a community where mental health matters and equitable care is accessible to all.
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Jefferson Center CEO, Kiara Kuenzler Named Top Leader by Denver Post Top Workplaces!
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We are thrilled to announce that Jefferson Center’s CEO, Dr. Kiara Kuenzler, has received the Top Leader Award from the The Denver Post! Recipients of the award are chosen based on standout scores from employee surveys and Kiara topped the charts out of 29 large companies. Employees praised Kiara for her authenticity, clear communication, and genuine commitment to staff, clients, and the community.
We are so grateful to have such a compassionate and visionary leader, especially through the unparalleled challenges of the past year. Kiara’s focus on innovation and care delivery prompted the Center to begin offering mental and behavioral health services under a new remote model. With her guidance and determination, we were able to continue providing the community with essential mental health services during a time of global crisis. As we look towards the future of mental health care, we’re grateful to have Kiara at the helm as we adapt to change and redefine what care looks like.
Thank you, Kiara, for all of the hard work you do to make Jefferson Center a Top Workplace year after year, and to help foster hope, healing, and resilience within our organization, and for our clients and our community!
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Join us for our Summer Community Wellness Fair in Evergreen!
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It's been a tough year so now is the perfect time to check in on your mental health! We’re partnering with Representative Lisa Cutter to host a community wellness fair for families and you’re invited! This free event features food, activities, and informative sessions and resources for mental health and wellness. Bring your friends and family, and we’ll see you on July 24 from 11-2 at the Bergen Park Fire Station in Evergreen! Learn more here.
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10 Ways You Can Practice Self-Care Right Now
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Oftentimes, people view self-care as a luxury that takes up a lot of time and money, meaning they let daily stress build up and cause burnout. Everyone has mental health and there are plenty of things you can do to take care of yourself on a daily basis and become more resilient in the face of life’s challenges. Celebrate International Self-Care Day this July 24th and every other day by using some of these ideas to build in self-care to your daily routine!
- Stretch or do some yoga
- Engage in some deep breathing exercises
- Get outside to soak up some sun
- Go for a 15 – 20 minute walk
- Read a book
- Spend some time journaling
- Take a break from technology
- Practice positive self-talk
- Connect with a family member or friend
- Set aside 20 minutes of alone time
The beauty of self-care is that there’s no right way to do it. Self-care is a unique process that is all about making your needs a priority. Take some time to observe what practices make you feel good and see how you can incorporate them into your daily life a little bit more to build resiliency.
Want to build up your self-care toolbox? Check out our free, on-demand webinar series, designed to help you navigate life challenges and be sure to visit our blog for more tips and tricks on managing stress, anxiety, and developing healthy habits.
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Elevate Your Summer Hikes
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Looking to elevate your next hike with mindfulness? The Colorado Spirit team has got you covered! Spending time outdoors and in nature has been proven to lift and reduce stress. It can ease depression, boost our immune system, lower blood pressure, help concentration, and improve sleep quality. Plus, getting outside is a chance to stay physically active, which helps balance our overall wellbeing.
It is important to make the most of the outdoors during this time and be mindful of our relationship with nature. Jefferson Center’s Colorado Spirit team has some tips and suggestions to make your next hike a mindful hike! You can learn more here.
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Jefferson Center Career Profile Model Chosen as Statewide Best Practice
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We are excited to announce that Jefferson Center’s Career Profile model was chosen by the Colorado Office of Employment First to be used throughout the state as the best practice model for other vocational support teams and by September 1, it will be the only Career Profile recognized as Best Practice across Colorado! Our Vocational Services Department offers a variety of programs and services, such as our Career Center and Supported Employment services, designed to help individuals with identifying a career direction, applications, resumes, cover letters, interview skills and mock interviews, or assisting with a current job situation.
Thank you to our Vocational Services team for the continued exceptional work they’ve done to help our local community as well as the great community of Colorado. Because of you, people across the state will be getting the support they need to find employment!
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Soirée at Sunset was a Hit!
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Jefferson Center’s first-ever benefit concert was a success! The event was held Wednesday, July 14 at Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park. Our Colorado weather provided a little bit of everything – clouds, lightning, and rain, followed by a rainbow, clear skies, and a beautiful sunset. Chris Daniels & the Kings put on a wonderful show, our guests dined on a picnic dinner of fried chicken, enjoyed beer, wine and soft drinks, and a few people even got up and showed off their best dance moves! Best of all, we had the opportunity to reconnect with our community partners, donors, and friends, many of whom we have not seen in over a year. The final numbers are still being tabulated, but we estimate our net revenue at nearly $22,000. A huge thank you to our sponsors, our guests and our volunteers who helped make the evening fun and memorable!
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Check Out Our Upcoming Classes
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QPR Online Training
Tuesday, August 3,
11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
If someone you know was considering suicide, would you recognize the warning signs and know how to help? Colorado is consistently ranked as one of the top ten states for suicide rates. Learn what you can do to help when someone is in a suicide crisis, and gain the confidence to take action and save a life. Register here.
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Boost Your Mood with Good News
It's been proven that smiling instantly boosts your mood, lowers stress levels, and releases endorphins. We hope these good news items bring a smile to your face.
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Follow Jefferson Center on social media!
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