TRANSPARENCIES
a monthly newsletter from Integral Care
a monthly newsletter from Integral Care
May is Mental Health Month, an opportunity to learn about the importance of good mental health. Our mental health deserves attention every day – in good times and bad. This past year has challenged our mental health on so many levels. It’s essential to our health and well-being that everyone has access to mental health care and the support they need. Integral Care, NAMI Central Texas, and others have put together some helpful resources for the community.
I hope these tools and events support your mental health and help you build resilience as we continue to navigate a new normal. Please remember that Integral Care provides immediate emotional support 24/7. Call us anytime – day or night – at 512-472-HELP (4357). Press option 1, then 1.
David Evans
Chief Executive Officer
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
May is also Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. It is an opportunity to recognize the diversity, contributions, and influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans (AAPI) to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States. When it comes to mental health, studies show that Asian Americans may be more impacted than most when it comes to mental health stigma. Only 8.6% of Asian Americans sought mental health services and resources compared to 18% of the general U.S. population. In addition, AAPI adults are three times less likely than white adults to seek support for unmet mental health needs (SAMHSA). Barriers to access can include experiences of intergenerational trauma, cultural and spiritual factors, the model-minority myth, language access and more.
Integral Care provides person-centered, trauma-informed care in multiple languages including Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Japanese, Vietnamese, Cambodian, Korean, Tagalog, and Thai. To achieve our vision of Healthy Living for Everyone, we believe all people must be able to live with dignity and without fear. Integral Care stands with the Asian American and Pacific Islander American community now and in the future to support their health and well-being.
Travis County Plan for Children’s Mental Health and Substance Misuse Released
Local organizations, collaborating as Kids Living Well, developed the Travis County Plan for Children’s Mental Health and Substance Misuse. This five-year plan sets a direction for our community to improve the health and well-being of children and youth in Travis County. The plan identifies community priorities across four goal areas: Wellness and Resilience, Early & Effective Intervention, Coordinated Crisis Services, System Improvements. As our community emerges from the disruption, stress and pain of the past year, many children and youth are experiencing an increased need for mental health and substance use services. There is no better time for organizations to work together to respond to this need.
David Evans Honored by University of Houston
CEO David Evans won a 2020 Friend of Education Award from the University of Houston for his collaboration on the Taking Texas Tobacco Free program. The partnership between Integral Care and the University of Houston provides research-based trainings and education to help reduce tobacco use and cancer among vulnerable populations. His nomination touted Evans as “an unwavering advocate for individuals with behavioral needs across the state and has contributed significantly to the eradication of tobacco health disparities and the elevation of health and wellness through his partnerships and support” and recognized the efforts of Integral Care’s entire Taking Texas Tobacco Free team.
April 2021: How do we help Austinites experiencing homelessness?
March 2021: Growth and Positive Change
February 2021: How Do We Create a Better Future?
January 2021: Looking Ahead to the Legislative Session
December 2020: Supporting Your Mental Health This Winter
November 2020: How do we rebuild health and well-being during a pandemic?
October 2020: With Collaboration Comes Innovation
September 2020: Success Stories of Recovery and Suicide Prevention
August 2020: A Back to School Season Like Never Before
July 2020: Minority Health Disparities & COVID-19
June 2020: Stronger Together
May 2020: Surviving and Thriving During Uncertain Times
April 2020: Persevering During COVID-19
March 2020: Collaborations and Initiatives to Improve Health for the IDD Population
February 2020:Solutions to Health and Health Care Disparities
January 2020: Sucicide Prevention a Local Effort
December 2019: A Year of Thriving Care & Collaboration
November 2019: Teamwork and Collaboration Impact Homelessness in Travis County
October 2019:Making Strides for World Mental Health
September 2019: Taking Steps to Recovery Support
August 2019: Working Together for Child & Youth Mental Health
July 2019: Legislative Wrap-Up – Some Bipartisan Wins for Healthcare
June 2019: Strengthening Access for Veterans and the Entire Military Family
May 2019: Women and Mental Health
April 2019: Legislative Session Status Report
March 2019: Making Opportunities for Recovery More Accessible
February 2019: Recovery is Possible
January 2019: Stronger Outcomes Through Collaboration
December 2018: Looking ahead to the 86th Texas Legislature
November 2018: How Tech is Changing the Face of Mental Health
October 2018: A Few Questions Could Help Save a Life
September 2018: Anyone Can Save a Life
August 2018: A Milestone Moment
July 2018: Equity in Mental Health Care for All
June 2018: Expanding Services for Veterans
May 2018: Your Mental Health Toolkit
April 2018: Time of Terror Calls for Increased Emotional Support
March 2018: Stopping the cycle of incarceration for individuals with mental illness
February 2018: Equity in mental healthcare for everyone
January 2018 : Improving Mental Health Through Partnership & Collaboration
December 2017: Strength Through Community
November 2017 : Healthy Lifestyles Improve Well-Being
October 2017 : National Child Health Day
September 2017 : Strengthening Families and Communities