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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