TRANSPARENCIES
a monthly newsletter from Integral Care [printfriendly]
a monthly newsletter from Integral Care [printfriendly]
2020 has been a year like no other. Many of us have experienced depression, anxiety and grief as a result of the pandemic. This winter brings additional challenges – we’re entering an unprecedented holiday season away from loved ones and some of us experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) this time of year. But, there is good news. Evidence-based strategies and tools exist to bolster our mental health this season.
We know human connection is crucial for mental resilience. A recent study published in The American Journal of Psychiatry concludes that connection is the single most powerful protective factor against depression. Genomics research reveals that connection also enhances physical health, protecting the coding of genes’ immune functioning.
We can still stay connected, despite the pandemic.
It is not uncommon for people to experience stress and depression during the holiday season. This year, more people may experience an impact on their mental health. Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Chinese New Year, Winter Solstice or just enjoy the holiday season, our recent Statesman OpEd with Austin Public Health includes suggestions for lower risk activities to approach the season and support our whole health — physical and mental. Given that there is no precedent for this year’s festivities, you may just ignite new traditions with your loved ones.
Integral Care’s Winter Well-being Toolkit offers additional ideas to stay connected, celebrate the season, and support your mental health – including tips for fighting Seasonal Affective Disorder, such as getting more Vitamin D in your diet.
Our mental health depends on maintaining connection. Our physical health depends on staying home as much as possible and protecting bodies. It’s possible to do both! Be well and stay safe.
David Evans
Chief Executive Officer
Generous individuals from across our community help Integral Care deliver innovative, person-centered care that is responsive to rapidly evolving needs across our community.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created new challenges for people across Travis County, many of whom already live with significant barriers to wellness. Lack of transportation, limited access to technology, lack of income and inability to secure basic needs are just some of the new or compounded challenges facing the people we support.
Integral Care Foundation recently held its first virtual Bridging the Gap (BTG) campaign, raising over $57,000 to help ensure that people seeking Integral Care’s services can reach their full potential and thrive. By investing in Integral Care’s work, a donor becomes one of the building blocks creating a foundation of health for people across our community. We are grateful to all of our BTG donors and extend a very special thank you to our 2020 Sponsors:
It is more important than ever to unite in support of healthy living for everyone. Please consider supporting Integral Care’s work with a tax-deductible, year-end contribution to the Integral Care Foundation. Your donation will help people in our community reach their full potential.
While the pandemic has closed many businesses and led to widespread unemployment across our community, Integral Care’s Supported Employment team helped 97 individuals secure employment since March. With 119 job placements through October 2020, Supported Employment is on track to surpass its 2019 total.
Funded by the Healthy Community Collaborative and Texas Health and Human Services, the Supported Employment team is comprised of 6 staff members who provide help with resumes, applications and interviewing, and building relationships with employers. Supported Employment works with a wide array of employers, including Goodwill, Census 2020, Spectrum, Randall’s, Austin 311, UPS, Walmart, IRS, TWC and Lifetime Fitness.
The team uses the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) approach to employment services, which helps anyone with mental health issues get and keep a competitive job. The team believes employment that meets a person’s interests and goals can improve self-esteem, mental health and well-being.
Integral Care is proud to be meeting clients where they are, zero exclusion. That means no one is excluded on the basis of readiness, diagnoses, symptoms, substance use history, psychiatric hospitalizations, homelessness, level of disability or legal system involvement. If someone wants to work, our team is there to support them on the journey.
November 2020: How do we rebuild health and well-being during a pandemic?
October 2020: With Collaboration Comes Innovation
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