The Loop - Nevada (May 2024)

THE LOOP

GreetingsfromWestCareNevada,

The importance of prioritizing mental well-being for ourselves and for those around usoftentimesgetsoverlooked.However,intoday’slandscape,itisimportantthatwe realize how important it is and that it should be something that we consider and assessdaily.ThefactthatMayisMentalHealthAwarenessMonthonlybringsthis issuetoanevengreaterlight,andweatWestCareNevadapledgetocontinuetobe committed advocates for mental health. We will accomplish this pledge by supporting and promoting a culture of understanding and compassion by continuously working to educate ourselves and others by fostering a safe environment and by supporting policies that create greater access to mental health services.

In addition, our pledge is to destigmatize mental health issues by openly discussing them and creating an environment that is without judgment and allows every individual the opportunity to talk about their challenges with mental well-being while also celebrating their ability to overcome the challenges that come with a diagnosis andthesymptomsassociatedwiththatdiagnosis.

My personal commitment to this pledge forces me to share a little bit about my own challengeswithmentalhealth.In2002,Iwasdiagnosedwithadepressivedisorder. At that time, I was unsure about how that diagnosis was going to impact my future. However, I realized how it had impacted my past and how it was potentially one of themajorreasonsassociatedwithmyaddictionhistory.Sincethattime,Ihavecome torealizethatamentalhealthdiagnosisisjustthat,adiagnosisandthatitdoesnot havetodefineme.Now,letmebeclear.Tothisday,Iexperiencethesymptomsof depression.However,thosesymptoms,suchasnotwantingtogetoutofbedinthe morning, cause me to use some of the skills that I have developed. Skills that I can introducetootherswhenitcomestotheirexperienceswithadepressivedisorder.

Let me paint you a picture: If we are standing together with a strong wind blowing in our faces, to remain standing and/or move forward, we would need to “lean in,” otherwise,thewindwouldblowusover.Well,thesamegoesforthethoughtsthat triggerthesymptomsofamentalhealthdiagnosis,suchasdepression,causingus to not want to do things like get out of bed. Making the active decision to “lean in” means that we acknowledge and are aware of what we are experiencing, yet we are willing to do what it takes to overcome that challenge and live life on life’s terms,becomingorremainingacontributingmemberofsociety.

ThisissueoftheLoopcontainsarticlesfromourChiefClinicalOfficer,Dr.Jason Engel, regarding mental health and is accompanied by pledges from some of our Nevada employees as well as an article regarding our mental health services provided to our Veteran population in our Reno Homefront program, written by clinicalsocialworkintern, Ms.EkaterinaDiaz Wealsofeatureour Mother’sDay celebrations, the LS Fest West, the networking event (True Connections) we hosted at our Women and Children’s Campus (WCC), and some personal and professionalaccomplishmentsofsomeofouremployees.

I will end by wishing our mothers a Happy Mother’s Day and remind us all how important it is for us to talk openly about our challenges, struggles, and victories when it comes to mental health and our awareness of it. Remember, when the wind is in your face and trying to blow you over, all you have to do is make the commitmentto“leanin.”

MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS

By Dr. Jason Engel, Chief Clinical Officer

Mental Health Awareness Month, established in 1949, is recognized by WestCare every May to increase awareness about the vital role that mental health plays in our overall health and well-being. This is a time for us to raise awareness of and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues, as well as highlight the ways mental illness and addiction can affect all of us - patients, providers, families, and our society at large.

Our country is facing an unprecedented mental health crisis among people of all ages and backgrounds. According to the latest statistics available from the National Institute of Mental Health Disorders, part of the National Institutes of Health, “An estimated 26% of Americans ages 18 and older - about 1 in 4 adults - suffers from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year.” Additional data from 2021 as documented by The National Institute of Mental Health, found that, “An estimated 5.0 million adolescents aged 12 to 17 in the United States had at least one major depressive episode. This number represented 20.1% of the U.S. population aged 12 to 17.” Tragically, there is one death by suicide every 11 minutes in the United States, according to data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention These troubling statistics demonstrate that mental health matters at any age and are also a vital call to action.

Mental health is an essential part of our overall health and well-being, affecting how we think, feel, act, and interact with others, and yet, it is frequently dismissed or minimized. Unlike physical illnesses, which often have visible symptoms, mental illness can be difficult to detect and diagnose. If you are struggling emotionally or have concerns about your mental health, do not hesitate to reach out to a family member, friend, or healthcare provider. We need to recognize that seeking treatment and support is not a sign of weakness but, rather, a sign of great strength. With increased awareness and understanding, we can break down barriers and ensure that individuals receive the care and support they deserve.

This May, Mental Health Awareness Month serves as a platform to spotlight the significance of mental health and wellness while striving to mitigate the stigma associated with mental health issues. It offers a vital opportunity to educate individuals about the impacts of mental illness, dispel misconceptions, and highlight avenues for advocacy and support. It's a time to foster open conversations about mental health, encouraging individuals to seek assistance when needed and promoting a culture of empathy and understanding.

At WestCare, we are committed to increasing access to mental health services and support nationwide. We understand that many individuals may feel reluctant to reach out for help or seek care; we want you to know that we support you. We believe that with the right care, anyone affected by or at risk for a mental health condition can thrive, achieve well-being, and lead meaningful lives. To learn how to get support, or for treatment services in your community, visit westcare.com Additional resources like the National Suicide and Crisis Hotline (988) provide confidential support 24/7, ensuring that assistance is always within reach.

Remember, you are not alone. If you or someone you care about is facing a mental health crisis, reach out for help. Let's continue to advocate for mental health awareness, acceptance, and support - not just in May but every day of the year. Together, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment where mental health is prioritized and everyone has access to the resources they require.

Mental Health

By Ekaterina Diaz,

Mental Health Services for o

Hello! My name is Ekaterina Diaz, and WestCare Nevada’s Homefront VA Tran

As a mental health professional, I prov services to support Veterans in their jo being. This includes conducting thorough their unique treatment needs, delivering the Veterans that are a part of our Clin well as facilitating group therapy se community. I also work closely with ou Liaison to ensure Veteran progress is be are providing the support our Veterans quality of life. Every day, I strive to enh provide and ensure that our services a mission of honoring, supporting, and Upli nation’s Veterans.

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Pledges fromourstaff

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I provide clinical services at nsitional Housing program. vide a range of specialized ourney toward mental wellh assessments to determine evidence-based therapies to nical Treatment program, as essions to the Homefront r Program Director and VA eing monitored by all and we s need to achieve a higher hance the quality of care we are always aligned with the ifting the Human Spirit of our

Homefront VAGrant and Per Diem (GPD) Housing

316-340 Maine St, Reno, NV 89502

Phone: 775-996-1989

Hours: 24 hours / 7 Days a Week

Services: Male and Female Transitional Housing and Case Management in a 26-bed apartment complex for Veterans who are experiencing homelessness.

Thank you for your service Supporting our nation ' s heroes

By Gardis Canty, Director of Behavioral Health Services

Mother's Day is a special day to recognize the women who have given us so much We celebrate Mother’s Day to honor the accomplishments of the women in our lives Mother’s Day recognizes women for all they do and unsurprisingly, it took some inspiring women to bring this holiday to the world The origins of celebrating motherhood can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome, wherefestivalswereheldinhonoroftheirmothergoddesses Butthehistoryof Mother’s Day as we know it came from humble origins in West Virginia During the American Civil War, Ann Reeves Jarvis, known as “Mother Jarvis” in her local parish, helped start “Mother’s Day Work Clubs” to raise awareness of the poor health conditions in her community The day we now recognize as Mother’s Day came from the efforts of Ann Jarvis’s daughter, Anna, in the 20th century She made it her life mission to get Mother’s Day onto the national calendar In 1908, she sparked the first widely recognized celebration of the holiday while she held a public memorial for her mother in Grafton, W Va Finally, in 1914, Mother's Day celebration became an official holiday President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Mother’s Day a national holiday to be celebrated everyyearonthesecondSundayofMay

We here at WestCare Nevada celebrate and recognize our mothers for their efforts to seek treatment, gain sobriety, and return to the family We celebrate their efforts to improve and gain support to become a more uplifted person and mother for themselves and their loved ones We recognize Mother’s Day as a day to honor the selfless love and support of mothers and to express gratitude fortheirhardwork Picturedabovearesomephotostakenwiththeladiesofour CommunityInvolvementCenter(CIC)onMother’sDaythisyear

WestCare Nevada Clients Assist at the Holley LS Fest West 2024

By Rhonda Davisson, Transitional and VA Programs Coordinator

For the fourth year, our WestCare Nevada clients from the Women and Children’s Campus (WCC) and 4th Street Transitional Living programs were invited to work at the Holley LS Fest West at the Las Vegas Speedway Holley LS Fest is a celebration from race cars to hotrods, drift cars, dirt trucks, muscle cars, and late models The event originally started in Holley's hometown of Bowling Green, Ky. over a decade ago and has since expanded to Las Vegas, Nev and Fort Worth, Texas It includes drag racing, drifting, autocross, burnouts, a HUGEcarshow,off-road,andmore!

FromTuesday,April23toSunday,April28,ourteamofclientsworkedandassistedwithtasks like hanging banners, unpacking and taking inventory of merchandise, assisting with registrationforallthecarenthusiasts,andmore ThankyoutoourLSFestWestfriends,Carrie andherteam,forbringingthisupliftingopportunityforourclientstoworkandenjoytheshow!

CONGRATULATIONS

By Sr. Chaplain Ryan Creelman, Director of Spiritual Care

It was a beautiful day with beautiful people serving our beloved community! WestCare Nevada and the WestCare Spiritual Care Chaplain Program (SCCP) teamed up to host the monthly Health & Human Services True Connections Luncheon at the Women and Children’s Campus (WCC) On this beautiful day, I shared our vision, innovation, and impact of integrated spiritual care and faith-specific tailored client support services in our operations in Nevada. WestCare Nevada Vice President of Operations, Leo Magrdichian, enlightened our guests with the latest and greatest happenings with WestCare, including adding to the excitement of The Village at The WCC project that is in the works to expand the campus to include 84 units of transitional living! Everyone was satisfied with tasty eats from John Mull's Meats & Road Kill Grill (As seen on Guy Fieri's Diners Drive-ins and Dives) Special thanks go to our Director of Residential Services, Irma Magrdichian, WestCare SCCP Volunteer Chaplains who plated and served our community guests, and the WestCare SCCP - Spiritual Aftercare Fellowship for providing the fresh flower table decorations and stage fan palms for a beautiful spring decor atmosphere to network as we build a more synergetic care community for all we serve.

Celebrating Our Two New Licensed Master Social Workers (LMSWs)

By Rhonda Davisson, Transitional and VA Programs Coordinator

In May, our very own Director of Residential Services, Irma Magrdichian and Assistant Director of the Women and Children’s Campus, Andrea Raney, graduated with Honors, receiving their Master of Social Work degrees from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Additionally, they both passed their licensing exam and are now Licensed Social Workers (LSW). To celebrate their achievements, our Women and Children’s Campus (WCC) staff proudly joined together to congratulate these two phenomenal women!

Health & Human Services True Connections Luncheon