Wheel World News

December 2022 Newsletter

Welcome to Wheel World News! Our monthly newsletter highlights current events, the different programs offered around the community, and much more. Enjoy!

Current Events

For the month of December, we do not have any current events. Stay tuned for more information on the events taking place in early 2023! We hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday season. We'll see you in 2023!

To stay up-to-date on all AZSCIA events (and other events going on within the community), follow our Community Events/News Facebook page!
AZSCIA Community Events/News Facebook

Why Donations Are So Important to Our Community


One of our community members, Antonio, came into our office in need of a new wheelchair. His wheelchair, unfortunately, broke down so he desperately needed a new chair so he could continue his daily activities & routine. His insurance was not able to help him get a new chair so he came to us hoping we had a wheelchair that could fit his needs in our donation closet. Luckily, we had just received a donation of a power wheelchair that happened to be brand new and Antonio's exact size. Antonio's situation is a perfect example of why donations are so important in the disability community. Our team was so happy we were able to help Antonio out when he was in need, the smile on his face says it all! Enjoy your new chair, Antonio!


Do you have an item of durable medical equipment to donate? The AZSCIA is a go-to resource for newly injured individuals with SCI. We keep various pieces of durable medical equipment to help satisfy a true need in our community. Everything from wheelchairs and catheters to hospital beds and hoyer lifts, the AZSCIA will help you donate it to someone in need. Call our office and we can set up a pickup time or if the item is small enough feel free to drop it by our office. 


Contact us today!

Our 'Meditation & Movement Class' is returning in January 2023! The intent of the class is to exercise and develop greater self-awareness and inner mastery. With the utilization of mindful and meditation exercises, people have the opportunity to experience greater self-knowledge, resiliency, and positive habit-forming exercises.


Here are the dates for Winter/Spring 2023:

Jan 4th @ 11am - In Person

Jan 18th @ 11am - Virtual

Feb 1st @ 11am - In Person

Feb 15th @ 11am - Virtual

Mar 1st @ 11am - In Person

Mar 15th @ 11am - Virtual

Apr 5th @ 11am - In Person

Apr 19th @ 11am - Virtual

May 3th @ 11am - In Person

May 17th @ 11am - Virtual


We hope you'll join us! Please contact us if you have any questions -

(602) 507-4209


Opioid Use Disorder in the Disability Community

Individuals with spinal cord injuries are disproportionately affected with OUD (Opioid Use Disorder). A spinal cord injury typically requires the use of various pain-killing medications in an effort to manage pain effectively. However, data shows that after 5 days of use of an opioid, the risk of long-term abuse is drastically higher. The AZSCIA is committed to providing services around prevention, treatment, and recovery.

Our core belief is that opioids are not a sustainable method of treatment for this population. Pain management is a complex issue with a wide range of applicable strategies that can be effective. The goal is to manage pain while simultaneously limiting the chance of opioid use disorder (OUD). For individuals suffering from OUD; MAT therapy has proven to be an extremely effective treatment, one which the AZSCIA supports for any individual who makes that choice. Visit our website here for more resources and information. Pain Doesn't Have to Kill.

AZSCIA Opioid Overdose Prevention Toolkit

Our 'Opioid Overdose Prevention Toolkit' is a great resource for individuals who may be struggling with opioid use disorder (OUD), for people who want to learn more about opioids, and for caregivers/family members. This can be your go-to packet on all things OUD, from understanding OUD, first responder education, education or family members/caregivers, recovery support after overdose, and curated SCI community resources. If you ever have further questions or concerns, or just need someone to talk to, please call us at 602-507-4209 or email eric@azspinal.org. 
View Toolkit
Opioid Reduction Program with Ability360 Sports & Fitness Center
More on Opioid Reduction Program
Share Your OUD Story
WE WANT YOU! The Arizona Spinal Cord Injury Association is working to combat the Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) epidemic in Arizona. We are dedicated to building a healthy community for individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers.

AZSCIA is working on creating videos to bring awareness to opioid use in the disability community. We are looking for individuals who are willing to share their experience with opioids. If you would like to participate and share your story, please call us at (602) 507-4209 OR email at eric@azspinal.org/allison@azspinal.org.

Your stories will help other individuals in the community. Click the button below if you are interested in sharing your experience. We thank you in advance!

Share Your Story
AZSCIA's Opioid Project Surveys
The AZSCIA is dedicated to building a healthy community for individuals with spinal cord injuries and their families. We are conducting data collection to understand the use of opioids within the disability community. The goal is to understand the role opioids play in response to chronic pain. Your feedback is valuable in creating new opportunities to educate and identify resources to increase awareness around the opioid epidemic in Arizona. Your responses are confidential and will not be shared with any third parties. We appreciate your time and thank you in advance for your participation
Individual Survey (answering for yourself)
Professional Survey
Family Member/Caregiver Survey

Support Groups

Support groups are a wonderful way to become active in the community, socialize, and meet new friends. You won't want to miss out on these amazing support groups going on throughout Arizona! 
Men’s Disability Discussion Group
If you're looking to meet new people or just have a great time, we invite you to join our Men's Support Group run by Don Price and Richard Klein.
Men's Group Zoom Meeting
Time: Every week on Thursdays,
4-5:30pm
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83127569653
Meeting ID: 831 2756 9653
That's How We Roll - SCI Support Group
This support group is based in Sedona, AZ. They meet on the 2nd Tuesday of every month from 2pm-3:30pm. This group currently not meeting in person due to the pandemic. Please call Kelly & Corina for information on virtual support group meetings. If interested, please call 928-301-1591 or email supportgroup@kctproject.com
Ladies Support Group
Join the AZSCIA for our virtual Ladies Support Group! All ladies are welcome to participate. Our conversations include talking about living with SCI and the challenges we face. It’s all about the good, the bad and the better we can be.
When: 2nd Tuesday of Each Month
@ 2PMm (Once a month)
(This link will lead you directly to the call)
Meeting ID: 845 5161 4366
Password: 521326
Explore More Support Groups
Contact us: (602) 507-4209
www.azspinal.org

AZSCIA Peer Mentor Program - Meet Our Mentors!

Did you know we have a great Peer Mentor Program here at the Arizona Spinal Cord Injury Association? In this video, we wanted to highlight some of our amazing volunteers/mentors who dedicate their time to support the community. If you want to get connected with one of our peer mentors, please reach out to us today!

ReWalk Exoskeleton and Myolyn Myocycle

Click Here to Learn More

BIRDIES MEAN BIG BUCKS FOR CHARITY

Support your favorite charity by making a pledge in the 2023 WM Phoenix Open Birdies For Charity program! Participating charities will receive every single penny of collected pledges.

 

Birdies For Charity is a fundraising program designed to give participating charities the opportunity to generate contributions for their organization based on the number of birdies made by PGA TOUR players during the WM Phoenix Open. Donors may also give a one-time donation to the charity of their choice.

 

An eligible charity will also receive a 10% BONUS* on the total amount of pledges collected on their behalf during the program. 

*A charity must have a minimum of $500 in paid pledges by the payment deadline and the bonus will not exceed $12,500.

(Use the flyer below to complete. Once completed, please send it to

Karen Halgren - karen@azspinal.org)

For more information or to make a pledge online, go to:  www.birdiesforcharityaz.com


Newtown's DPA Fund - Receive up to $35,000 Towards the Purchase of a Home

Podriplegics Podcast/AZSCIA YouTube Channel

Podriplegics Podcast
Have you checked out the 'Podriplegics' Podcast yet? If not, you'll want to! This is a podcast where three guys talk about living with a disability and providing insight, current events, and humor about their lives. They host guest speakers regularly. New podcasts come out monthly. Click image below to listen to previous podcasts. Click here to listen!
***Disclaimer***
The show has mature subject matter and mature language.
AZSCIA YouTube Channel
Be sure to check out the AZSCIA YouTube channel! We will be releasing videos on some of the virtual educational classes we recorded last year. If you subscribe to our YouTube channel, you can click the bell to get notified when we publish new videos!

Click here to subscribe today!

Support AZSCIA

Do you shop on Amazon? Why not support AzSCIA while getting a great deal!
Amazon Smile is a simple and automatic way for you to support your favorite charitable organization every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you'll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to your favorite charitable organization. Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible Amazon Smile purchases to AZSCIA.
To shop Amazon Smile for AzSCIA follow this link and log into your Amazon account- AzSCIA AmazonSmile. Thank you for your continued support!

Save money and help a good cause every time you shop! We have partnered with Goodshop so that now you can feel great about your online shopping! Goodshop gives you the best coupons for thousands of stores like Target, Apple, Amazon, Petco and more AND a percentage of what you spend on virtually every purchase is donated to the Arizona Spinal Cord Injury Association! Plus, with the Goodshop app for iPhone and iPad, you can shop, save, and give on the go. While there also use Good Search when searching the internet. They pay us one cent for each search! Adds up quickly. Thank you!
Free to sign up here: http://www.goodsearch.com/goodshop

Did you know you can support nonprofit organizations in your community just by shopping at Fry's? It's easy when you enroll in Fry's Community Rewards! To get started, sign up with your V.I.P Card, then select the AZSCIA as your charity. Once you're enrolled, we'll earn rewards every time you shop and use your V.I.P Card! If you are already enrolled, all participants must re-enroll each year to continue earning rewards for their chosen organization. The Banner Wheelchairs Suns has retired, so you will have to change your charity. We hope you choose the AZ Spinal Cord Injury Association! Thank you to everyone for your continued support. Our # is 44739.
Click the link below to enroll today!

Accessible Van Rentals Provided by the
Arizona Spinal Cord Injury Association
Have an upcoming trip or need a van for a big group event? Consider renting out one of our accessible vans for your event or trip! They have a manual ramp, fits two chairs, and three able-bodied individuals. The ramp swings out for easy access and has a lowered floor.

If you need more information on renting a van, please contact Guillermo Zeledon at 602-507-4209, extension # 1
More About Transportation

Have a Donation?

The AZSCIA is always looking to give back to our community. We will work with you to arrange pick-ups of larger items such as beds, exercise equipment, or other durable medical equipment. If it is something smaller, please feel free to stop by anytime and drop them off. We are open 9 AM to 5 PM, M- F. We love seeing the support and you can be sure that what you give is put back into the hands of those who need it.

Our donation specialist Guillermo Zeledon is available at 602-507-4209 ext#1. He will be happy to assist you with any questions or pick-up concerns you may have!
*Accessible Van donated from community member and given to this family in need*

Crisis & Warm Lines Available to You

NATIONAL CRISIS HOTLINES

 

National 24-Hour Crisis Hotlines

 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:

·     1-800-273-TALK (8255)

 

National Substance Use and Disorder Issues Referral and Treatment Hotline:

·     1-800-662-HELP (4357)



Text the word "HOME" to 741741

 

ARIZONA CRISIS HOTLINES

 

Suicide and Crisis Hotlines by County

 

Maricopa County served by Mercy Care:

·     1-800-631-1314 or 602-222-9444

 

Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, La Paz, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz and Yuma Counties served by Arizona Complete Health - Complete Care Plan:

·     1-866-495-6735

 

Apache, Coconino, Gila, Mohave, Navajo and Yavapai Counties served by Health Choice Arizona:

·     1-877-756-4090

 

Gila River and Ak-Chin Indian Communities:

·     1-800-259-3449

 

Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community:

·     1-855-331-6432

 

Tohono O'odham Nation:

·     1-844-423-875

 

ARIZONA WARM LINES FOR PEERS

 

Warm Lines are free and confidential telephone services staffed by peers who have, themselves, dealt with behavioral health challenges. Peer support specialists can relate to behavioral health situations because many have been through similar experiences. Peers offer peer support and compassion for callers who just need someone to talk with.

 

Central Arizona

Crisis Response Network Warm Line (peer to peer):  602-347-1100

·     10 a.m. - 10 p.m., 7 days a week

(some hold time when at high volume)

 

Northern Arizona

NAZCARE Warm Line (peer to peer):  1-888-404-5530

·     4 p.m. - 10:30 p.m., Monday - Thursday

·     3 p.m. - 10:30 p.m., Friday - Sunday

(recorded message asks for name and number and staff will return call)

 

Southern Arizona

HOPE, Inc Warm Line (peer to peer) for Pima County:  520-770-9909

All other Southern AZ Counties:  844-733-9912

·     8 a.m. - 10 p.m., 7 days a week 

(recorded message: can hold or leave a Voice Message requesting call back

 

ARIZONA WARM LINES FOR FAMILIES

 

Warm Lines are free and confidential telephone services staffed by family support partners who support family members that deal with behavioral health challenges.The support service provides free guidance and connects people to resources for helping deal with job loss, insurance, heightened anxiety and much more. FIC is urging any who feels overwhelmed due to life’s current challenges to call:

 

Statewide in Arizona

·     Family Involvement Center (FIC) Warm Line:  877-568-8468

·     8 a.m. – 6 p.m. M - F (weekdays)

·     8 a.m. – Noon S - S (weekends)

We are now on Instagram! Follow us @azscia. There, we will post about current events, community stories, and more!
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[602.507.4209]  [allison@azspinal.org]  [azspinal.org]