EMPOWERING MINDS MESSENGER
August 2021
This month's newsletter shares useful information about local events and resources as well as exciting agency updates.
National Breastfeeding Awareness Month
Each year the USBC requests a Congressional Proclamation to declare August as National Breastfeeding Month in the United States. 

National Immunization Awareness Month
National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) is an annual observance held in August to highlight the importance of vaccination for people of all ages.


National Health Center Week (Aug 9-15)
National Health Center Week is an annual celebration with the goal of raising awareness about the mission and accomplishments of America’s health centers over the past five decades. https://healthcenterweek.org/


Friendship Day (Aug.1)
Friendship Day is celebrated on August 01, 2021. It takes place on the first Sunday in August each year. Friendship is a relationship of mutual affection between two or more people. Friendship is a stronger form of interpersonal bond than an association.


Nationals Women Equality Day (Aug.26)
Women’s Equality Day commemorates the passage of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, granting the right to vote to women. The amendment was first introduced in 1878. In 1971, the U.S. Congress designated August 26 as Women’s Equality Day.

International Overdose Awareness Day (Aug. 31)
International Overdose Awareness Day is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose.

Opioids dull the senses, induce relaxation and euphoria. They depress (slow down) breathing and the heart rate. In high doses, opioids depress the body’s natural urge to breathe. When someone is having an overdose they can stop breathing and may die. Even if a person does not die from overdose, they can sustain brain damage.

Signs of overdose can include:

• No response to stimuli
• Shallow/stopped breathing
• Can’t be woken up
• Unusual snoring/gurgling sounds
• Blue/grey lips or finger tips
• Floppy arms and legs

*If you cannot get a response from someone, do not assume they are asleep. Unusual or deep snoring is a common sign of overdose. Do not let people at risk ‘sleep it off’.

Alcohol depresses the nerves that control involuntary actions such as breathing and the gag reflex (to prevent choking). A fatal dose of alcohol will eventually cause these functions to shut down. Since alcohol is an irritant to the stomach, excessive vomiting is also common. If the person is unconscious, this could lead to death by asphyxiation.

Signs of Overdose:

• Confusion • Loss of co-ordination
• Vomiting
• Seizures
• Irregular breathing (a gap of more than 10 seconds between breaths)
• Slow breathing (less than eight breaths per minute)
• Pale or blue tinged skin
• Low body temperature (hypothermia)
• Unconsciousness or passing out 



Community Resources:

Visit FoundinFaithMD.org/get-help/apply/
to apply to the Fresh Start Furniture Program TODAY!
If you do not have computer access, please call 443-519-2464 ext. 2
ALL FURNITURE REQUESTS ARE SCHEDULED BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
Learn about EMRC New Programs & Services:
Outpatient Mental Health Center (OMHC) and Care Coordination for Children, Youth, and Adults
Empowering Minds Residential Rehabilitation Program (RRP) is open and accepting applications!!!
Currently Accepting Referrals!!!!
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.
NOW ACCEPTING HARFORD COUNTY REFERRALS

Empowering Minds Resource Center has no waitlist for our CARE COORDINATION FOR MINORS and our PSYCHIATRIC REHABILITATION PROGRAM in Harford County
Empowering Minds has partnered with the Salvation Army, location to provide hot meals in Baltimore City to the homeless. We recognize a need to provide support services and meet the needs of our struggling community. As the weather changes we are asking for donations to purchase socks and blankets. We appreciate all donation. https://www.emrcgroup.org/make-a-donation/
In-person Groups are resuming next month!
Groups are being offered via Tele-Health
Call your local EMRC office for more info! (EMRC Clients ONLY)
Baltimore City Groups
Mondays 6-7 PM 
Zoom Meeting ID: 997 2875 8660
Women's Group, Teen's Group

Tuesdays 6-7 PM
Zoom Meeting ID: 950 8169 4893
Men's Group

Wednesdays 6-7
Zoom Meeting ID: 955 1148 2768
Youth Group

Anne Arundel County Groups
COVID-19 Safety tips
COVID-19 Vaccine Information

For more information about the COVID-19 vaccine rollout in Baltimore visit the Baltimore City Health Department's (BCHD) new Vaccine Information webpage

Maryland Department of Health launches new COVID-19 vaccine. www.covidlink.maryland.gov
Be Safe is an app that enables people at risk of overdose to anonymously connect with remote support. This could be a useful tool to help people who use drugs reduce the risk of overdose when they are using alone.
 
The organization, Brave, that developed the app are based in Vancouver. However, supports are available in the United States. To join the Maryland Public Community in the app, use the join code “Maryland”. 
Empowering Minds is proud to recognize Nkwa McCarthy as the Direct Service Coordinator of the month.

Nkwa attention to details, dedication, and meaningful contributions demonstrate she is an asset to the organization providing the highest standard of care to individuals served. Nkwa ability to build trusting relationships with respect and empathy supporting whole health and wellness and connect individuals to their community with resources to enhance their quality of life. Its your dedication that contributes to our success! Empowering Minds Resource Center shines the spotlight on you Nkwa McCarthy!
WE'RE HIRING!

Empowering Minds is looking to add some new members to our wonderful team. Check out the link below for more information!


Licensed Mental Health Therapist- Full time
Empowering Minds Resource Center is seeking a licensed clinician to provide therapeutic services to children and families in the Baltimore, Anne Arundel and Harford County areas. This individual will be responsible for providing clinical assessment/diagnostic and follow-up individual and group therapy. He/she will develop and monitor treatment plans and client progress, document significant interactions, and maintain clinical charts and other reporting data. The candidate should have the ability to work with a diverse client population in a variety of treatment approaches.
Minimum Qualifications: 
Must possess active master level license (LMSW, LGPC, LCSW, LCSW-C, LCPC) in Maryland; and 1 year of comparable experience. Polished communication skills.
***$5000 sign on bonus w/2 year employment commitment***

Licensed Mental Health Therapist
Licensed Mental Health Therapist - Part Time
Baltimore, Glen Burnie and Edgewood locations (Telehealth is available)
Empowering Minds Resource Center is seeking a licensed clinician to provide therapeutic services to children and families in the Baltimore, Anne Arundel and Harford County areas. This individual will be responsible for providing clinical assessment/diagnostic and follow-up individual and group therapy. He/she will develop and monitor treatment plans and client progress, document significant interactions, and maintain clinical charts and other reporting data. The candidate should have the ability to work with a diverse client population in a variety of treatment approaches.
Minimum Qualifications: Must possess active master level license (LMSW, LGPC, LCSW, LCSW-C, LCPC) in Maryland; and 1 year of comparable experience. Polished communication skills.

The Direct Service Coordinator (DSC) assists clients with mental illness in reaching a higher level of independence and integration within their community. The DSC is an advocate who support clients in accessing and coordinating benefits, services and community-based resources.
  • Monitor each client during in-person visits of 30-45 minutes for a minimum of three visits (for children & adolescents) and six visits (for adults) per month and document any changes in the client's emotional, psychological, or physical health
  • Document monthly all client contact, interaction, interventions and goal achievement, including dates, locations, and types of contact 
  • Work cooperatively with family and other involved professionals to coordinate services with other agencies and programs in the best interest of the client
  • Research and provide the client with community-based resources as needed to meet the client's needs and encourage progress toward personal goals
  • Facilitate client participation in weekly EMRC group meetings to encourage peer socialization and development of coping strategies/techniques
And a host of other positions
Visit our website for employment opportunities Employment