Center of Excellence for Integrated Care

November is National Caregivers Month. Over 50 million Americans are providing crucial care to parents, partners, children, siblings and other loved ones—and this number is rapidly growing. It's a difficult balance that can result in competing priorities, and can take a toll emotionally, physically and financially leading to the caregivers' own decline in health including caregiver depression, anxiety, and stress. It’s important for caregivers to take care of their own mental health, too. Throughout November, and all year long, let's honor, connect, support, and celebrate those that provide vital care for others. 

Welcome to the last regular newsletter for 2024 from Center of Excellence for Integrated Care. Remember to take time for yourself—and use it wisely—as we approach the holiday season and head towards the end of the year. We are grateful for your partnership and ongoing work!

It's Election Day! Make a plan to ensure your voice is heard. Here are a few tips:   🗳️ Double-check the rules for your state in advance.   🗳️ Verify your polling location.   🗳️ Check to see if you need to bring any ID with you.   🗳️ Know ahead of time what's on your ballot.   🗳️ Bring water, snacks, and anything else you may want in case there's a line.     If you lost your photo ID due to Hurricane Helene, you can fill out a Photo ID Exception Form at your voting site. You can also get a free ID from your county board of elections office or an NCDMV office. For more information on voting after Hurricane Helene, visit the NC State Board of Elections website. https://buff.ly/3C9Fclk See you at the polls!

October 10th is World Mental Health Day. This day "provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide." "Mental health is a universal human right. Everyone, whoever and wherever they are, has a right to the highest attainable standard of mental health. This includes the right to be protected from mental health risks, the right to available, accessible, acceptable, and good quality care, and the right to liberty, independence and inclusion in the community." World Health Organization In a world where a lot may seem very heavy right now, it's vital to make mental health a priority. #WMHD2024 #WorldMentalHealthDay #WearGreen

Thursday, October 10th is World Mental Health Day. Get involved by wearing GREEN this Thursday to show your support and raise awareness for mental health. As the need for mental health support is even greater than before in WNC after Hurricane Helene—if you or someone you know is in need of mental health support during this challenging time, resources are available to help. https://lnkd.in/essMdiQF #WMHD2024 #WorldMentalHealthDay

Depression is common after a traumatic event, and our WNC communities are facing overwhelming challenges as they navigate the effects of Hurricane Helene. If you or someone you know is in need of mental health support during this challenging time, resources are available to help. https://lnkd.in/essMdiQF Depression is a common mental health concern that affects persons of all genders, ages and backgrounds. We invite you to reach out, share your story and get educated throughout the month of October, and specifically during World Mental Health Day on October 10th.

Please share: Hurricane Helene county-by-county list of resources providing direct aid on the ground in Western North Carolina

Check out the COE October Newsletter which includes reflection on our three focus groups with newly minted behavioral health clinicians. We had insightful conversations with these therapists to better understand what they need to stay passionate about and continue in their work.

We are so excited about this partnership! Bringing in-school behavioral telehealth services to students and staff for this school year in Bertie County Schools starting in October!

September is #SuicidePreventionMonth