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Dear MHA Staff:<br />

As <strong>2018</strong> draws to a close, it’s important to reflect back and<br />

celebrate just a few of the many incredible accomplishments<br />

that we have achieved together as an MHA family. It is truly<br />

remarkable how we have continued to grow and evolve as<br />

the premier provider of behavioral health services in Rockland<br />

County, now positively affecting the lives of more than<br />

5,000 people a year.<br />

We would not have come this far, nor be the agency that we<br />

are today, without all of you. Your passion, dedication, expertise,<br />

and commitment to improving the quality of life for<br />

those we have the privilege of supporting and serving is seen<br />

and deeply appreciated. Please take time this holiday season<br />

to celebrate you, and all the ways in which you have made<br />

MHA successful in our mission driven services.<br />

Below are just a few <strong>2018</strong> noteworthy accomplishments:<br />

MHA won the <strong>2018</strong> Service Provider of the Year Award from<br />

the Rockland Economic Development Corporation<br />

MHA opened the first integrated pharmacy in the Hudson<br />

Valley and the 3 rd in NY State<br />

MHA was chosen to operate a gold star standard program<br />

for children known as Hi Fidelity Wrap Around<br />

MHA was chosen to operate a vocational program for youth<br />

known as Work Readiness Internship Development Experience<br />

(or WRIDE)<br />

MHA, through CBHS, is now participating in a $2.6M Behavioral<br />

Health Care Collaborative grant, one of only two grant<br />

awards in the Hudson Valley region!<br />

From our MHA family to yours: we wish you peace, love, and<br />

prosperity in the coming year. May your days be filled with<br />

joy and contentment. Thank you for all you do and all you<br />

are on our journey as we connect people, educate families<br />

and rebuild lives. Have a happy and safe holiday,<br />

Oct, Nov, & Dec<br />

<strong>2018</strong><br />

Stephanie M.<br />

Newsletters are<br />

distributed outside of<br />

MHA of Rockland.


Look Who is Celebrating an MHA<br />

Anniversary!<br />

November, December, January<br />

#YRS NAME<br />

31 Jonathan E.<br />

25 Donna Y.<br />

24 Anne M.<br />

24 Naja V.<br />

21 Michelle L.<br />

18 John H.<br />

17 Kathy A.<br />

17 Evans L.<br />

17 Marge L.<br />

17 Roberta S.<br />

16 Margo A.<br />

14 Colleen CN.<br />

14 Madlen S.<br />

13 Nicole D.<br />

12 Junior A.<br />

12 Michael S.<br />

11 Peter M.<br />

7 Lisa B.<br />

7 Valentina M.<br />

7 Mohammad S.<br />

6 Alyssa C.<br />

6 Erica M.<br />

6 Lana R.<br />

5 Kristin A.<br />

4 Velvet HR.<br />

3 Pat D.<br />

3 Michael P.<br />

3 Margie R.<br />

3 Christine W.<br />

2 Dawn K.<br />

2 Nathalia M.<br />

2 Sujung S.<br />

2 Amine Z.<br />

1 Brian C.<br />

1 Jenna I.<br />

1 Syed I.<br />

1 Medina K.<br />

1 Sarah K<br />

1 Alison S.<br />

1 Yubin S.<br />

You are welcomed!<br />

Say hello to MHA’s Newest Members!<br />

Nathalie A.<br />

Lisa B.<br />

Joanna C.<br />

Luciana C.<br />

Kevin D.<br />

Adina H.<br />

Nancy H.<br />

Meghan H.<br />

Evelyn I.<br />

Susanne J.<br />

Ernise L.<br />

Claurie L.<br />

Alexa M.<br />

Christian S.<br />

ACT/PROS/Recovery<br />

Finance<br />

Rockland Success Team/Intern<br />

Bernstein<br />

Bernstein<br />

Bernstein<br />

Transportation<br />

Access-VR/Intern<br />

Rockland Success Team/Intern<br />

MOT<br />

ACT/PROS<br />

Cornel<br />

PROS/Intern<br />

Compeer Volunteer


Coping With Holiday Stress<br />

The holiday season can be a time of joy, but it can also be hectic and stressful. Use these<br />

nine tips to calm the pressure.<br />

Most children wait eagerly for the holidays to arrive. Adults often have more mixed feelings.<br />

For them, the holidays mean increased stress: dashing to decorate the house, elbowing<br />

through crowds at the mall, and fretting about the right gift or how to pay for it.<br />

Relax. Don't let stress suck the joy out of your holiday season. These tips can help you<br />

keep stress under control so your holidays can be merry and bright.<br />

1. Create a game plan. Spend a little time up front getting organized. Make a list of<br />

what you need to buy. Try to shop ahead of time, before things are picked over and<br />

you're under pressure. If you'll be cooking, plan your menu. Think whether some<br />

items could be prepared ahead and frozen or refrigerated.<br />

2. Make a budget and stick to it. Money is one of the major stressors during the holidays.<br />

Don't dig yourself into a hole by overspending. A thoughtful gift doesn't have to<br />

be expensive. If money is tight, suggest a family gift exchange with a spending limit.<br />

3. Accept reality. Guests may arrive late. Your mother may get on your nerves. The turkey<br />

may be dry. Real life isn't a holiday special. Don't expect perfect decorations, a<br />

perfect meal, or perfect people. Try to go with the flow and enjoy what you have.<br />

4. Beware of unhealthy stress relievers. Holiday stress causes some people to fall into<br />

bad habits such as smoking, drinking, or eating too much. Think about any unhealthy<br />

habits you're prone to and better ways to handle stress.<br />

5. Create new traditions. Stressed out by the usual festivities? Try something different.<br />

Instead of cooking a huge meal on your own, make it a potluck. Ask adults to bring<br />

gag gifts or have a "white elephant" or used book gift exchange. Attend a local holiday<br />

concert, walk the neighborhood to look at holiday lights, or go sledding.<br />

6. Make time for your health. In the holiday rush, don't let your well-being fall by the<br />

wayside. Try to stay on your normal sleep schedule and get regular exercise. If you<br />

can't find a 30-minute chunk of time for exercise, break it up into three 10-minute sessions<br />

spread through the day.<br />

7. Watch out for caffeine and alcohol. Caffeine can raise your stress and interfere with<br />

sleep. Alcoholic drinks contain lots of calories, and drinking too much may make you<br />

feel depressed. Instead, drink plenty of water or try herb tea or seltzer.<br />

8. Give yourself a break. In the midst of doing things for others, it's easy to forget to<br />

take care of ourselves. If you feel stress building up, get away for a few minutes. Find<br />

a quiet corner and do some deep breathing, listen to calming music, or just sit. Or<br />

throw on a coat and slip outside for a walk.<br />

9. Enjoy! The holidays are supposed to be a time of joy and togetherness. In the flurry<br />

of the holidays, we sometimes forget what we're celebrating. Remember to savor the<br />

time with people you love….


Congratulations to the following employee on her promotion:<br />

Rachel W. Care Manager/ACM<br />

Special Days<br />

November<br />

American Diabetes Month<br />

Lung Cancer Awareness Month<br />

National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month<br />

National American Indian Heritage Month<br />

Thanksgiving ‘s Day 11/22<br />

Black Friday 11/23<br />

December<br />

First Sunday of Advent 12/02<br />

Hanukkah (first day) 12/03<br />

December Solstice 12/21<br />

Christmas Day 12/25<br />

Kwanzaa (first day) 12/26<br />

New Year’s Eve 12/31<br />

January<br />

Home Office Safety and Security Week 01/13-19<br />

National Drug & Alcohol Awareness Week 01/22-27<br />

New Year’s Day 01/01<br />

Three Kings Day 01/06<br />

Dr. Rev. Martin Luther<br />

King’s Birthday 01/21<br />

MISINFORMATION


ROCKLAND SUCCESS TEAM<br />

MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION OF ROCKLAND COUNTY, INC.<br />

Affiliate of the New York State and National Mental Health Association<br />

Member Agency of the United Way of Rockland County,<br />

A Contract Agency of Rockland County<br />

A youth development program funded by Rockland County and RC Youth Bureau<br />

140 Rte. 303 Suite E 845 267 2172 x324 Fax: 845 267 2169 Valley Cottage, NY 10989<br />

Congratulations to our High Fidelity Wraparound staff, Erica M.,<br />

Shelly K. and Rafael G. for being recognized by NYS Systems of Care as a<br />

model program. The team was the first in NYS to meet the maximum number<br />

of clients – ten young folks who are allowed to participate at one time<br />

in this unique program utilizing a Care Manager, Family Peer Advocate and<br />

a Youth Peer Advocate. The staff members have been selected to train<br />

others on implementation of High Fidelity Wraparound services for youth<br />

who are facing intense challenges. The staff will be panelists at the NYS<br />

Coalition for Children’s Behavioral Health / NYS OMH <strong>2018</strong> Staff Development<br />

Training Forum in Saratoga Springs on November 27 th and 28 th .<br />

Children and Family Services is happy to have received two grants<br />

equaling $25,000 in readiness funding to promote Family Peer Advocates<br />

and Youth Peer Advocate services. These services provide some of the<br />

most strategic help at critical times when people need to know they are<br />

not the only ones who have experienced personal or family mental health<br />

challenges. Receiving support from people who have weathered the storm<br />

and are now enjoying life is just the supportive message that people facing<br />

crisis situations need to receive. Each day people providing peer services<br />

give others hope for a successful future and serve as role models<br />

for helping others to find their own individual path to wellness.<br />

Marcella A., Children and Family Services,


Yubin S., Recovery<br />

Services ,received<br />

her LMHC!<br />

Christina P.,<br />

Children’s Care Mgt<br />

-And -<br />

Erica M.,<br />

Hi Fidelity Wraparound<br />

Celia L., Cornell House, is a<br />

new grandma to a<br />

bouncing baby boy,<br />

Lucas Emmanuel L.<br />

September 26, <strong>2018</strong><br />

6lbs 18 in!<br />

born to Randy and<br />

Angelica L.<br />

(Randy is a former MHA’er!)<br />

Wanda R., Recovery Services’<br />

new granddaughter,<br />

Amelia Blake R.<br />

was born on 10/19/18<br />

10:39pm<br />

6 Ibs 6.3oz 19 in.<br />

“We are so PROUD of our<br />

daughter (Saysha) & son in<br />

law (Karl)...<br />

First time parents..”


New Home...<br />

New Adventure...<br />

New Memories...<br />

Congratulations Alex S., HR,<br />

on your new house!<br />

3 Kings Day<br />

January 6th<br />

Spread the Word!<br />

Current Job Openings<br />

Apartment Counselor<br />

Engagement Specialist<br />

Group Worker, Recovery per diem<br />

Peer Advocate<br />

Professional Clinician, Recovery, per diem<br />

Professional Clinician, SOS<br />

PROS Supervisor<br />

Residence Counselor, Bernstein<br />

Residence Counselor, Floater<br />

Residence Counselor, Nanuet<br />

Relief Residence Counselor<br />

Supervisor of Youth Community-Based Services


As U.S. Suicide Rates Rise, Hispanics Show Relative Immunity<br />

Support from family and community appear to<br />

shield Latinos from rising suicide rates, researchers<br />

say.<br />

By Charlotte Huff Kaiser Health News 10/15/18<br />

The young man held the medication in his hand<br />

— and considered using it to end his life. But<br />

then he “put it down and said, ‘No. I need help,’”<br />

before heading to a Laredo, Texas, emergency<br />

room, said Kimberly Gallegos, who at the time<br />

earlier this year was a mobile crisis worker for a<br />

local mental health center.<br />

Gallegos was helping evaluate whether the patient,<br />

a Latino in his early 30s, should be immediately<br />

hospitalized or could go home safely until<br />

seeing an outpatient doctor.<br />

He returned to the home he shares with his<br />

mother and a sibling. The family agreed to lock<br />

up the medication — which belonged to a family<br />

member — and watch out for any problematic<br />

behaviors and other warning signs of suicide,<br />

Gallegos recalled.<br />

The man’s experience illustrates a “suicide paradox,”<br />

experts say. Even though Latinos face economic<br />

disadvantages and other stress in their<br />

lives, their suicide rate is about one-third that of<br />

non-Hispanic whites, both in Texas and nationally.<br />

Experts attribute the relatively low suicide rate<br />

among Latinos to the culture’s strong family and<br />

community support systems, which appear to<br />

provide some degree of protection.<br />

“It definitely did make me feel a lot more comfortable<br />

knowing that now that the family was<br />

aware of what he was going through and experiencing,<br />

that they would be a lot more vigilant<br />

with him,” Gallegos said.<br />

In Texas, the suicide rate among non-Hispanic<br />

whites has been steadily increasing during the<br />

past 16 years, from 13.4 deaths per 100,000<br />

residents in 2000 to 19.2 deaths per 100,000 in<br />

2016.<br />

Meanwhile, the rate has remained largely unchanged<br />

among Hispanics, with 6.7 suicides per<br />

100,000 residents in 2016 — the same as the<br />

national rate.<br />

Nationwide, suicides have increased nearly 30<br />

percent since the turn of the century.<br />

As a group, Latinos face obstacles that can affect<br />

their health and well-being: They earn less than<br />

non-Hispanic whites, and are more likely to lack<br />

health insurance coverage. In 2017, 16.1 percent<br />

of Hispanics were uninsured compared with<br />

6.3 percent of non-Hispanic whites, hampering<br />

access to mental health care and other treatment.<br />

In addition, Latino immigrants contend<br />

with the challenges of moving to a new country,<br />

sometimes after leaving violence and other traumatic<br />

conditions at home.<br />

But the practice of “colectivismo,” the building of<br />

a latticework of relationships through extended<br />

family, work colleagues and friends, is prevalent<br />

in the Latino community and can help provide an<br />

emotional safety net, said Luis Garcia, who has<br />

developed suicide prevention programs for Latino<br />

youth in California. Even activities such as<br />

regular church picnics or salsa dancing can help,<br />

said Garcia, vice president of cultural diversity at<br />

Arcadia, Calif.-based Pacific Clinics.<br />

“Latinos or Hispanics have a preference to work<br />

in groups,” Garcia said. “It’s something that, believe<br />

me, we practice on a daily basis.”<br />

Ties That Bind — And Fray<br />

To be sure, Latinos are a multifaceted population<br />

from numerous countries who shouldn’t be<br />

viewed through a single lens or set of assumptions,<br />

Garcia and other researchers stressed.<br />

And not all family or community relationships<br />

are necessarily healthy.<br />

Still, when immigrant families assimilate and ties<br />

to the Latino culture fray, so do the protective<br />

effects, according to a study published in 2014<br />

in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. Researchers,<br />

who analyzed suicidal thoughts and attempts,<br />

found that those inclinations increased as Latinos<br />

spent more years in the U.S. and started<br />

losing their fluency in Spanish and connections<br />

to Latino social networks and identity.<br />

In addition, Latino youth appear more vulnerable<br />

to suicide attempts than white teens. In 2017,<br />

8.2 percent of Hispanic high school students attempted<br />

suicide in the prior year compared with<br />

6.1 percent of whites and 9.8 percent of blacks,<br />

according to federal data.<br />

Still, the higher rate of teen suicide attempts has<br />

not resulted in a corresponding increase in suicide<br />

deaths among Latinos, for reasons that are<br />

unclear, said Luis Zayas, a professor at the University<br />

of Texas at Austin and author of the book<br />

“Latinas Attempting Suicide: When Cultures,<br />

Families and Daughters Collide.”<br />

One possibility, Pacific Clinics’ Garcia said, is<br />

that the attempt is a teen’s cry for help and


attention, and there may be an extended cultural<br />

support system to fall back on.<br />

Sometimes, though, vulnerable individuals must<br />

be encouraged to lean on that support. Sarai, a<br />

15-year-old Latina in Southern California who<br />

requested that her full name not be used, credits<br />

a mental health counselor at Pacific Clinics with<br />

helping her reach out to friends and family, rather<br />

than bottle up her feelings.<br />

Sarai’s problems manifested when she began<br />

cutting herself. Her family did not notice because<br />

she wore long sleeves to cover the marks on her<br />

forearms.<br />

“I thought every time I did it, that it would let<br />

out some of the frustration and anger and sadness<br />

that I had,” Sarai said.<br />

One day, she found herself sitting on the kitchen<br />

floor, looking at the bleach in the sink cabinet<br />

and contemplating suicide. “I was just looking at<br />

the bottle of bleach and thinking, ‘This is it. I’m<br />

just going to do it.’ But then I heard my mom’s<br />

footsteps, and it totally snapped me out.”<br />

Still, the experience scared Sarai enough that<br />

she told her family that she needed to talk to<br />

someone about her anxiety, and they sought<br />

professional help.<br />

Sarai’s counselor persuaded her to share her<br />

feelings rather than to inflict pain on herself, the<br />

Latina teen said.<br />

Over time, Sarai opened up to her older sister<br />

about her history of cutting, calling her up late<br />

one night when she was tempted to start again.<br />

“We talked ’til probably 3 in the morning,” Sarai<br />

recalled. The inclination to hurt herself<br />

“completely went away,” she said.<br />

Cynthia Rodriguez, who has counseled Sarai for<br />

about a year and a half, said she encouraged the<br />

teen to not hide her emotional struggles and “to<br />

take advantage” of the support of close friends.<br />

Sarai eventually told a few friends that she used<br />

to cut herself. “They became like my little second<br />

family,” she said.<br />

Missing Data?<br />

While family and community support might partially<br />

explain the suicide paradox, it’s likely not<br />

the only factor. It may also be that some Latino<br />

suicides are misclassified, in part due to the stigma<br />

associated with it, said Ian Rockett, a professor<br />

emeritus of epidemiology at West Virginia<br />

University School of Public Health, and a longtime<br />

researcher on suicide.<br />

Federal suicide data, which is based on death<br />

records, relies on information compiled by local<br />

medical examiners or coroners, family and others,<br />

Rockett said. It can be more difficult to sort<br />

out what happened with an opioid overdose or<br />

when a car careens into a tree, he said.<br />

One clue is a note. One of Rockett’s studies, published<br />

earlier this year, found that nearly 33 percent<br />

of non-Hispanic whites committing suicide<br />

left a note compared with 26.5 percent of Hispanics<br />

and 19.6 percent of non-Hispanic blacks.<br />

Back in Laredo, Gallegos learned that the young<br />

man who had contemplated suicide believed suicide<br />

was against his family’s religion and that he<br />

had brought shame upon his family even by harboring<br />

suicidal thoughts.<br />

Once he realized his mother didn’t hold such beliefs,<br />

his tense posture began to ease, said<br />

Gallegos, who now works as a quality management<br />

adviser for the Laredo-based mental health<br />

center.<br />

“He was a lot calmer,” Gallegos said. “He was<br />

grateful that his mom was there.”<br />

Want To Talk?<br />

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline<br />

(1-800-273-8255) is open 24 hours a day,<br />

with an option for Spanish speakers<br />

1-888-628-9454).<br />

Prefer to chat online? Go to the Lifeline’s<br />

homepage — https://<br />

suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ — and click<br />

on the “chat” button in the top right corner.


(Top left to right) Marcella A., CFS, Stephanie F., CASA, Wendy B., Peer Advocacy,<br />

Donna Y., Success Team, Iman, Genoa, Athena M., CFS.<br />

(Bottom, left to right) Evelyn I., Success Team.<br />

P., CFS.<br />

Toni T., Genoa, Kathy A., CFS, Christina<br />

Danielle L., Reach One<br />

(left) Wendy B., Peer Advocacy,<br />

(right) Shelly K, High Fidelity Wraparound<br />

Michael R., Reach One


(Top, left to right,) Athena M., CFS, Christina P., CFS, Janice S., CFS, Donna Y.,<br />

Success Team, Crystal C., CFS.<br />

(Bottom left to right) Felisa R., Finance, Marcella A., CFS, Valentina M., CFS,<br />

Rosa L., CFS.<br />

Alex S., HR, children (left to right)<br />

Hudson, Angeliese, and Camila<br />

Lori G., Board member’s daughter Ava<br />

Velvet R., Admin. daughter’s, Lilly the<br />

Panda and Giselle the Skeleton


I am very thankful for<br />

everyone in CFS, CASA, SOS<br />

and Friendship Club for<br />

their dedication to helping<br />

children and adults reach<br />

for the stars and for the joy<br />

they bring to my life!<br />

-Marcella A., CFS<br />

Donna Y., Success Team,<br />

Is thankful for her great niece<br />

Ayla turning 8 months<br />

I am thankful that God<br />

granted my sister and I<br />

the privilege to be there for<br />

my mother.<br />

It's by far the most difficult<br />

thing I have ever endured, but<br />

I am grateful that we were<br />

able to honor her as she<br />

deserved till the very end.<br />

--Anonymous<br />

Here at Genoa, we are thankful for<br />

the opportunity to be part of your<br />

team and look forward to integrating<br />

with every aspect of MHA to<br />

provide the best care of our clients.<br />

-Iman B., Genoa Pharmacy<br />

Re: Leave Donation from a coworker<br />

Dear Colleen,<br />

I am truly blessed. Words cannot express<br />

how grateful I am for all the love<br />

and support. Please gives my thanks<br />

to that generous person.<br />

Best regards,<br />

Marie S., PROS


"Farewell and good luck<br />

Ramon.<br />

Safe drive to Oklahoma,<br />

and much happiness, and<br />

success in your future."<br />

Thank you,<br />

Michael S., Transportation<br />

& Support Services<br />

If you ever lose<br />

any agency IT<br />

equipment (cell<br />

phone, laptops,<br />

etc.), please<br />

call Brian’s cell<br />

845-642-6515<br />

immediately! There is a<br />

much better chance of<br />

tracking the equipment successfully<br />

the sooner you call<br />

(and you can avoid being<br />

charged if we find the<br />

equipment!)<br />

Thanks!<br />

The IT Team<br />

As part of negotiating a great<br />

benefits package, staff<br />

enrolled in Oxford medical<br />

have access to United<br />

Concierge Medicine<br />

(UCM). This benefit is paid<br />

entirely by MHA at no cost<br />

to participants.<br />

UCM brings the power of<br />

the ER to you at the touch of a button with its<br />

unique treat and triage approach. Participants<br />

have 24/7 access to a physician by phone, email<br />

or video conference for questions, diagnosis and<br />

treatment. In most instances doctors may<br />

diagnosis, treat, triage, write prescriptions, order<br />

labs imaging, make referrals and follow up with<br />

our patients to track recovery.<br />

Simply download the UCMnow app for your iOS<br />

or Android device and one touch gets you access<br />

to a health care provider!<br />

Stay Well,<br />

The HR Team<br />

www.UCMnow.com or call 844-4-VIP-DOC


<strong>2018</strong> REDC Service Provider of the Year Award<br />

SERVICE PROVIDER OF THE YEAR: The Mental Health Association of Rockland has a 67<br />

year history of providing outstanding services to more than 50,000 Rockland residents since its<br />

inception in 1951. It has grown from a grassroots organization to the premier provider of behavioral<br />

health services in the community, engaging more than 5,000 individuals annually.<br />

MHA consistently strives to improve the quality of life for those affected by mental health and/<br />

or substance use issues. MHA offers a vast array of therapeutic services, with most programs<br />

offered in people’s homes, schools, and workplaces. The operational principles include passion,<br />

commitment, innovation, collaboration, and fiscal responsibility. The staff of 200 employees<br />

work tirelessly to connect people, educate families, and rebuild lives each and every day. We<br />

look forward to a bright future, continuing to serve those who need us most and contributing<br />

to Rockland being the best community it can be.<br />

Velvet R., Admin<br />

(Left to right) Robert B., Velvet R., Dr. Mehta, Gerri Z., Diana G.,<br />

Stephanie M., Liz F., Deb R., Peter T., Fay P.,<br />

MHA is the proud recipient of the <strong>2018</strong> Service Provider of<br />

the Year award from the Rockland Economic Development<br />

Corporation (REDC)! The REDC honored companies, organizations<br />

and individuals who have demonstrated a commitment<br />

to Rockland's economic vitality and have substantially<br />

enhanced the local business climate. It is an incredible honor<br />

that acknowledges MHA's contribution to the vitality of the<br />

Rockland community and the lives of the more than 5,000<br />

people we are privileged to positively impact each year.<br />

-Velvet R., Admin.,


Konstantinos V., Recovery Services,<br />

participated in Drug Take Back<br />

Day on 10/27/18.<br />

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day Saturday 10/27/<strong>2018</strong><br />

Rockland County held a National Prescription Drug Take Back Day Saturday, 10/27/<strong>2018</strong><br />

from 10 am to 2 pm. The event was part of the National Drug Take Back day initiated by the<br />

Federal Drug Enforcement Agency. The local event was organized by County Executive Day<br />

and the Rockland County Department of Mental Health under the direction of Commissioner<br />

Michael Leitzes along with local police.<br />

Residents were able to bring medications to the various locations where police were on hand<br />

to take the substances and dispose of them in an environmentally safe way.<br />

https://nyack-ny.gov/national-prescription-drug-take-back-day-saturday-10-27-<strong>2018</strong>/


The Recovery Services Team<br />

Robert S., Support Services, Marie S., Medical Services,<br />

Crystal M., Medical Services, Joseph O, Transportation.<br />

PROS<br />

Syed I., Julian K., Sylvia W.


A Big Thank You to all that showed<br />

support for those affected by<br />

Domestic Violence by wearing purple<br />

on October 18, <strong>2018</strong>. You stood out!<br />

Hi Fidelity Wrap Around<br />

Erica M., Shelly K., Rafael G.<br />

(Left to right) Kevin G., Compliance., Keisha J., Finance, Amine Z., Finance, Amy B., Finance, Lisa B., Finance,<br />

Felisa R., Finance, Samantha C., Finance.<br />

China C., Bernstein House<br />

CFS<br />

Christina P., Marcella A., Valentina M.,


Changes with the HRA<br />

You will still receive $10 back for your office visit co-pays ($15 for those in the High<br />

Plan), it’s just the way you receive that money has changed.<br />

You pay for your doctor’s office visit in full at the time of service. Keep the receipt.<br />

Once you receive the Explanation of Benefits (EOB) form from Oxford, submit<br />

those two items along with the RKFlex HRA Reimbursement Claim form.<br />

You will not receive a new Difference Card.<br />

If you have FSA, you should have received a new Debit Visa card from Rose &<br />

Kiernan (RK).<br />

At the doctor’s office, swipe your FSA card for the $20 or $40 co-pay ($15 or $35<br />

for those in the High Plan) if you want to pay out of your FSA account and pay the<br />

balance of what you owe with cash or a different credit/debit card. Then, follow<br />

the steps above to receive your reimbursement .<br />

You will still be reimbursed for the $10/$15 co-pay like before. Once your paperwork<br />

is received, RK will mail you a check within 7 – 10 business days. You can fax<br />

or email your information to them as indicated on the reimbursement form.<br />

Remember if you have any medical expenses/reimbursements that occurred<br />

before 11/1/18, submit them to the Difference Card.<br />

You have until 1/31/19 to request reimbursement from them.<br />

Difference Card forms are available outside of the HR offices.


Operation Share<br />

MAKE A DIFFERENCE AT HOLIDAY TIME!<br />

Dear Friends and Supporters of MHA,<br />

It's holiday time again and we’ve all heard that it is better to give than to receive.<br />

To know that you are helping to make someone’s life just a little bit easier<br />

or helping to make someone happy is an indescribable feeling. As I’m sure you realize,<br />

while you are busy buying and making gifts for your loved ones this holiday<br />

season, there are so many people in need. While most of us take for granted having<br />

a happy holiday, some among us can only hope and dream about it.<br />

Of the 5,000 Rockland residents we serve annually, many don't have a warm home,<br />

basic necessities or the company of family to celebrate the holiday season. We<br />

have been blessed to know them and their stories and have had the opportunity to<br />

help them along their journey to recovery.<br />

For those of you with children in your lives, you know their joy when they open holiday<br />

gifts. Unfortunately, there are many children and adults in our area who won’t<br />

have a gift to open this year. In fact, they may not even have a meal to eat on<br />

this special day. But there is hope for them, and that hope is you.<br />

At MHA, we pride ourselves on the help we have provided to those in need for so<br />

long. However, we couldn’t do it without your generosity. There are various ways<br />

you can participate in Operation Share to help our clients and families during the<br />

holiday season.<br />

By making a financial donation, purchasing gift cards or dropping<br />

off unwrapped toys, your gift can provide the clients and families we serve with<br />

necessities like warm clothing and food they need for the holidays. Gifts will be distributed<br />

to the children and families we serve by the caring members of our staff.<br />

Please consider putting one more person on your holiday gift list this year. Together,<br />

we can make a difference in someone’s life this holiday season.<br />

Unwrapped toys can be dropped off at MHA, 140 Route 303, Valley Cottage,<br />

NY 10989 by December 14.<br />

Donations can be made on MHA's website at www.mharockland.org.<br />

Thank you and we wish you and your loved ones<br />

a warm and wonderful holiday season!<br />

Stephanie M. and the Board Members and Staff at MHA of Rockland


When: Wednesday, December 12, <strong>2018</strong><br />

Where: Casa Mia Manor House<br />

577 Route 303<br />

Blauvelt, NY 10913<br />

Time: 5:30—8:30pm<br />

RSVP: By 12/6/18 to<br />

sancheza@mharockland.org,<br />

Alex at ext. 439 or Barbara at ext. 433<br />

One additional guest, $35.00.<br />

Please let us know of any dietary restrictions.


MHA Emergency Closings<br />

MHA operates 24 hours a day/7 days a week/365 days per year. You are expected to make all<br />

reasonable attempts to get to and remain at work to carry out your assigned duties.<br />

In rare circumstances such as inclement weather, power failure or other emergencies, MHA may<br />

have to adjust its normal operating schedule or close programs. Before many of us are even<br />

awake, on inclement weather days several staff members are determining the course of action to<br />

be taken for that day. The MHA President and designees will determine if there is a need to adjust<br />

and/or close programs or the agency. If you are not contacted by phone, you may turn on local<br />

radio, log on to www.whud.com or www.mharockland.org, or call 845-267-2172, ext. 411.<br />

Full Agency Closure – All programs are cancelled and all agency sites are closed. Staff and consumers<br />

are not permitted in or on agency property. The agency will compensate all program<br />

employees for their regularly scheduled work day. Employee’s accrued annual leave time will<br />

not be used.<br />

Full Program Closure – One or more programs are closed. Staff and consumers are not permitted<br />

in or on identified program property. The agency will compensate all program employees<br />

for their regularly scheduled work day. Employee’s accrued annual leave time will not be used.<br />

Service Suspension – Services on an agency wide or program specific basis are cancelled. Consumers<br />

will not be transported to programs and those already at programs will be dismissed.<br />

Employees are expected to report to or remain at work. Employees who, with the approval of<br />

their supervisor, decide not to report to work or leave work prior to the end of their work shift<br />

will use accrued annual leave time.<br />

Residential Staff, please speak with your supervisor during weather emergencies.<br />

Car Etiquette<br />

When sharing MHA vehicles:<br />

√ Be courteous, and respectful. Several of<br />

your coworkers drive the vehicle.<br />

√ Remove your garbage before exiting.<br />

√ Do not eat, drink, and smoke within the<br />

vehicle.<br />

√ Fuel up at the half way mark, or prior to.<br />

√ Remove your personal property or it may<br />

be thrown away.<br />

Your coworkers will thank you!<br />

Transportation Services


50 Reasons to Love Winter<br />

When the first winter breeze blows through the trees you can feel the magic in the air.<br />

By Zuzu Perkal<br />

Winter is here. You may not be surrounded by mountains filled with snow, but winter nonetheless has something<br />

whimsical to offer no matter where you are. Cold weather brings people together, we yearn for warmth, love, and connection.<br />

The holidays deliver big family meals, endless gratitude, and it just seems like time moves a little bit slower<br />

than usual.<br />

When the first winter breeze blows through the trees you can feel the magic in the air. People seem to be a bit nicer<br />

and nobody can complain about a little vacation time! This winter season, I challenge you to be open and accepting to<br />

new beginnings, learn to love more, and allow time to slow down so you can appreciate each and every moment.<br />

1) With the change of season<br />

comes new beginnings<br />

2) Cold weather<br />

3) Layering all of your favorite<br />

clothes into one outfit<br />

4) Hot cocoa, hot cider, and peppermint-spiced<br />

lattes<br />

5) Snuggling up to someone you<br />

love<br />

6) Celebrating the holidays<br />

7) Presents!! (And Presence!!)<br />

8) Cooking big meals with family<br />

9) The smell of bonfires<br />

10) Christmas lights<br />

11) S’mores and Irish Coffee<br />

12) Warm socks<br />

13) Days off!!<br />

14) New Year’s is just around the<br />

corner<br />

15) Curling up with a book<br />

16) Ugly Christmas Sweaters<br />

https://wanderlust.com/journal/50-reasons-love-winter/<br />

17) Holiday Parties<br />

18) Giving back<br />

19) Being grateful for what you<br />

have<br />

20) Sweaters, scarves, and mittens<br />

21) Ski and snowboard trips<br />

22) Christmas carols<br />

23) Ice skating<br />

24) Building snowmen and having<br />

snowball fights<br />

25) Catching snowflakes on your<br />

tongue<br />

26) New Year’s resolutions<br />

27) Traveling<br />

28) Visiting family and friends<br />

29) Making phone calls you<br />

should’ve made a long time ago<br />

30) Holding hands with your lover<br />

31) Long hugs to keep warm<br />

32) Heated blankets<br />

33) Mistletoe<br />

Happy Winter!<br />

34) New Year’s kisses<br />

35) Popcorn garland<br />

36) The pace of life slowing down<br />

37) Arts and crafts<br />

38) Stockings, letters to Santa, and<br />

Christmas morning<br />

39) Candy canes<br />

40) Gingerbread houses<br />

41) School being cancelled because<br />

of snow<br />

42) Sweat pants!!<br />

43) Finding a special someone<br />

44) Snow angels<br />

45) Doggies in sweaters<br />

46) The smell of fresh winter air<br />

47) Open windows<br />

48) Comfort food<br />

49) No mosquitoes!!<br />

50) Carbohydrates are back in<br />

season


MHA 2019 Holidays<br />

New Year’s Day 01/01/19<br />

Dr. King’s Birthday 01/21/19<br />

President’s Day 02/18/19<br />

Memorial Day 05/27/19<br />

Independence Day 07/04/19<br />

Labor Day 09/02/19<br />

Columbus Day 10/14/19<br />

Veterans Day 11/11/19<br />

Thanksgiving Day 11/28/19<br />

Day after Thanksgiving 11/29/19<br />

Christmas Day 12/25/19

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