The Tri-County Connector
Featuring Tri-County Community Action Agency news, program, and community updates to help keep you connected.
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May is Mental Health Awareness Month! |
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Mental Health Awareness Month is a time to raise awareness and reduce stigma around mental health. It's important to prioritize mental health in our daily lives, especially during these challenging times.
Throughout the month of May, the Tri-County Behavioral Health and Integrated Behavioral Health programs will be sharing information about mental health resources available in Rhode Island, as well as some some tips and information for good mental health. Visit us on Facebook, at TriCountyRI for more information.
Some tips for protecting your mental health:
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Practice self-care: Make time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation, such as taking a warm bath, reading a book, or practicing yoga.
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Stay active: Regular exercise can improve your mood and reduce stress. Find an activity you enjoy, such as walking, running, or dancing, and make it a part of your routine.
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Connect with others: Social support is crucial for good mental health. Stay connected with friends and family, join a support group, or volunteer in your community.
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Get enough sleep: Lack of sleep can contribute to depression and anxiety. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night and establish a bedtime routine to help you relax.
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Seek help if needed: If you're struggling with your mental health, don't hesitate to seek professional help. Talk to your doctor or a mental health professional about treatment options. Tri-County is accepting new patients for mental health counseling and treatment. Contact us at (401)519-1940 to schedule an appointment.
Remember, mental health is just as important as physical health. By prioritizing your mental health, you can improve your overall well-being and live a happier, healthier life.
Let's continue to raise awareness and reduce stigma around mental health.
"Rest and self-care are so important. When you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve others from the overflow. You cannot serve from an empty vessel." - Eleanor Brown
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Mental Health Facts and Figures
- One in 5 adults in the US experienced mental illness in 2021
- 46.3 million people aged 12 or over had a substance use disorder in 2021
- 47.2% of US adults with a mental illness received treatment in 2021
- Suicide is the second leading cause of dealth among people ages 10-14 and the third leading cause of death among those age 15-24 in the US
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Mental Health Facts and Figures
- The average delay between symptom onset and treatment for mental illness is 11 years
- 33.5% of US adults with mental illness also experienced a substance use disorder in 2021
- At least 4 million people in the US provide care to an adult with a mental or emotional health issue
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Mental Health First Aid Training |
The Tri-County Southern Providence County Prevention Coalition is offering adult Mental Health First Aid Training on Friday, June 2nd for individuals living and/or working in the SPC regions of Cranston, Johnston, North Providence, Scituate and Smithfield. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) teaches you how to identify and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among adults. The MHFA training is especially useful for employers, police officers, hospital staff, first responders, and caring individuals. For more information about MHFA training, click here.
To register for the MHFA training, contact Patricia Sweet, at (401)519-1903.
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Promoting Acceptance and Compassion - Language Matters
It can be hard to talk about mental health. Get tips on starting the conversation with your friends, loved ones and your community by visiting samhsa.gov/mental-health/how-to-talk.
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Improving Mental Healthcare Access for All
Support the national dialogue around mental health and learn ways to take action to improve mental health in your schools, communities, and families. Visit samhsa.gov/mental-health/how-to-talk/community-and-faith-leaders to see how you can get involved.
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Coping Strategies for Perinatal, Postpartum, and Parenting Families |
The Tri-County Health Equity Zone will be offering free workshops on perinatal, postpartum and parenting mental health. Session 1 focuses on perinatal and postpartum support and will take place on May 20, 2023 from 10:30 to 12:00. Session 2 focuses on parenting and mental health and is scheduled for June 3, 2023 from 10:30 to 12:00. Register for sessions at [email protected]. Both sessions will take place at the Tri-County HEZ Community Center, located at 104 Greenville Ave., Johnston. |
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Making the Mediciad Renewal Easy! |
This April kicked-off the Medicaid Redetermination initiative. Medicaid Redetermination means that every Rhode Islander who is on Medicaid will have their status reviewed at some point during the next 14 months.
What can you do to prepare for this review? We have a few easy ideas to help you get ready.
First, contact a Health Insurance Navigator to make sure all the information in your HealthSource RI account is correct. With your permission, a Navigator can access the account online and you can review the information together.
Your account should also show the month your Medicaid benefits will be reviewed (if you have children on Medicaid, your account probably won’t be looked at before January 2024).
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How Can I Contact a Navigator?
Tri-County has Health Insurance Navigators on staff and ready to help you through the process. Contact a Navigator at (401) 519-1959, or (401) 330-5575. We can work with all RI residents, and it’s absolutely free. Just say “I want to review my Medicaid account”. You must be the primary person on the account or an authorized person to review or make changes.
Medicaid eligibility is based on age, income and family size. Income is often the reason you may be asked to provide additional information when your eligibility is being renewed.
Are you working? What are your household income sources? Do you continue to qualify for Medicaid? These are a few of the questions you can sort out with a Navigator. Also, Navigators can usually access Health Source RI or the Department of Human Services quicker than most individuals. If you need to contact either one of these organizations (especially DHS), calling with a Navigator can save you considerable time.
You should receive a yellow renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your review due date. You can note changes on this notice and send it back to DHS. If you prefer, a Navigator can upload it to your online account. Please don’t ignore any letters you get regarding your Medicaid. Failure to respond to a renewal letter may result in your benefits ending.
Help is here and available at Tri-County CAA for you and your family. We are just a quick phone call away!
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Tri-County Community Action Agency |TriCountyRI.org
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