May 2021 Newsletter
This past year presented so many different challenges and obstacles that tested our strength and resiliency. The global pandemic forced us to cope with situations we never even imagined, and a lot of us struggled with our mental health as a result. The good news is that there are tools and resources available that can support the well-being of individuals and communities.

Now, more than ever, we need to combat the stigma surrounding mental health concerns. That’s why this Mental Health Month Good Samaritan is highlighting what individuals can do throughout their daily lives to prioritize mental health, build resiliency, and continue to cope with the obstacles of COVID-19, by reminding you that Mental health is health!

Throughout the pandemic, many people who had never experienced mental health challenges found themselves struggling for the first time. During the month of May, we are focusing on different topics that can help process the events of the past year and the feelings that surround them, while also building up skills and supports that extend beyond COVID-19.

We know that the past year forced many to accept tough situations that they had little to no control over. If you found that it impacted your mental health, you aren’t alone. In fact, of the almost half a million individuals that took the anxiety screening at MHAscreening.org, 79% showed symptoms of moderate to severe anxiety. However, there are practical tools that can help improve your mental health.

We are focused on managing anger and frustration, recognizing when trauma may be affecting your mental health, challenging negative thinking patterns, and making time to take care of yourself. It’s important to remember that working on your mental health and finding tools that help you thrive takes time. Change won’t happen overnight. Instead, by focusing on small changes, you can move through the stressors of the past year and develop long-term strategies to support yourself on an ongoing basis.

Ultimately, during this month of May, Good Samaritan wants to remind everyone that mental health is just as important as physical health. By developing your own tools to thrive it is possible to find a balance between life’s ups and downs and continue to cope with the challenges brought on by the pandemic. If you would like to schedule an appointment with one of our Licensed Clinical Social Workers please call 706-253-4673.
Enjoy this heart-healthy, diabetic-friendly recipe from Louise Brown, Good Samaritan's diabetic nutritionist.
Baked Parmesan Chicken
The crisp coating on this chicken is livened up with Parmesan, parsley, and oregano before it's baked to golden perfection. You can bake the chicken in an oven or an air fryer. Whole-gran pasta topped with Italian Salsa Salad would complete the meal deliciously and nutritiously.
Ingredients
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 4 (4 oz.) portions and flattened to 1/4-inch thickness)
  • 1 tbsp water
  • 1/3 cup whole-wheat panko bread crumbs
  • 2 tbsp minced fresh parsley
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
Directions
  1. Preheat the oven to 400° F. Lightly spray a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  2. In a shallow dish, whisk together the egg, water, and oil. In a separate shallow dish or pie pan, stir together the remaining ingredients except for the chicken. Set the dishes and baking dish in a row, assembly-line fashion. Dip the chicken in the egg mixture, then in the crumb mixture, turning to coat at each step and gently shaking off any excess. Using your fingertips, gently press the coating mixture so it adheres to the chicken. Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the baking dish. Lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray.
  3. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink in the center and the top coating is golden brown.
  4. Air Fryer Variation: Prepare the chicken as directed, through step 2. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray for 2 seconds. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket. Set the temperature to 375° F. and air fry for 7 minutes. Turn the chicken pieces. Spray for 1 second with cooking spray. Air fry for an additional 7-10 minutes or until the chicken is done and a meat thermometer inserted in the center registers 165° F. Do not crowd the chicken. If your air fryer basket is smaller it is better to cook half of the chicken, then repeat with the remaining chicken.
*Recipe can be found at www.diabetesfoodhub.org
We would like to thank everyone that participated in our 2021 Good Samaritan/ Ed Delaney Golf Tournament. The rain stopped just in time and we had a great day of golf, even if it was a bit chilly! Because of your support we raised over $20,000 in order to provide medical, dental, and behavioral health services to the uninsured in our community!

Thank you to the Golf Committee and volunteers for all of their work to make this year's tournament a success!
Gross Score Tournament Winners from the Pepsi Team: Dwight Childers, Justin Ellis, Nathan Rau, and Chris Gordon.
We would like to give a special thank you to our sponsors!

Diamond
Community Bank of Pickens County, State Farm- Fran Faries, Dick & Sue Hammill, Brad & Beth Herren, Pete & Kay Smith, State Farm- Parish Lowrie, Pepsi, Piedmont Mountainside, Foothills IGA Market
Platinum
Cooper & Co., 4 Basses, ETC, Imerys, G. Ben Turnipseed Engineers
Gold
Riverstone Chick-fil-a, Tim & Sally Long, Days Chevrolet
You can enroll in Marketplace health coverage through August 15 due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emergency. More people than ever before qualify for help paying for health coverage, even those who weren’t eligible in the past. Learn more about new, lower costs. To find out if you qualify visit https://www.healthcare.gov/! Good Samaritan can even help you apply!
Upcoming Events


Wednesdays at 5:00 PM and Thursdays at 12:00 PM - Addiction Support Group Meetings