Latest News & Events
Ghouls, Ghosts & Dinosaurs Rocking Out on Halloween
Payson Roundup Article; Payson, AZ
Hundreds of people turned out for Payson's Trunk or Treat celebration of Halloween on Monday, October 31st at Rumsey Park, including a couple of dancing dinosaurs. The event drew cops, mental health providers, the Humane Society and all manner of ghouls and goblins mingling with superheroes, cartoon characters, wizards and fairy princesses.
CUSD Takes New Steps on Student Mental Health
East Valley Tribune Article; Mesa, AZ
After months of student-led criticism for how it’s handling mental health issues, the Chandler Unified Governing Board took steps to address the issue. The board approved contracts with three firms to provide mental health services for students. They will also provide support for the district’s mental health professionals and parents.The firms are The Hope Institute of America, LLC; Lighthouse Wellhealth; and Southwest Behavioral & Health Services.
Southwest Autism Center of Excellence: 5-Year Anniversary & Fall Festival
KDUS Radio Segment; Phoenix, AZ
Since October 2017, Southwest Autism Center of Excellence (SACE) has been supporting individuals with autism and their families. The organization's mission is to provide families faced with Autism Spectrum Disorder with whole-health care. SACE is a hub that provides advanced coordination of care, specialized services that drive holistic outcomes, family and member advocacy, and community. This year marks the 5-year anniversary. Kellie Bynum, SACE Program Director, joined Kayla Mortellaro on Valley Focus to provide information about SACE, the anniversary, and its recently held 1st Annual Fall Festival (interview at 18:40 - 29:00).
Opinion: When Parents Should Worry About Social Media
Ahwatukee Foothills News Article; Ahwatukee, AZ
Southwest Behavioral & Health Services partners with school districts to place behavioral health professionals and clinicians directly on school campuses, increasing access to care. These professionals are trained in providing counseling services to children and helping parents understand the warning signs of problematic social media use and suicide. If your children are active on social media, keep an eye out for the adverse effects so you can detect a mental health concern and prevent harm before it’s too late.
InSHAPE Program Earns HAWP Platinum Award For Southwest Behavioral & Health Services
Arizona Health and Living Article; Phoenix, AZ
Southwest Behavioral & Health Services (SB&H), a leader in integrated health, today announced that its InSHAPE program has received the Healthy Arizona Worksites Program (HAWP) Platinum Award. InSHAPE, a comprehensive health program, addresses the complex issues involved in increasing the lifespan and improving the health and quality of life for people experiencing mental illness. The Platinum Award recognizes Arizona businesses making efforts to positively affect the health and well-being of its employees, their families, and their community.
Autism Facts
Up the Hill Article; Goodyear, AZ
This year marks the 5-year anniversary of Southwest Behavioral & Health Services' Southwest Autism Center of Excellence (SACE). To celebrate this milestone, we're spreading the word and sharing 10 surprising facts about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Autism Awareness
The Front Porch Article; Surprise, AZ
We have all witnessed what appears to be an individual having a meltdown. The individual is stressed, and the caregiver or person providing support feels overwhelmed. As a bystander and well-meaning person, you may want to offer a helping hand. but there may be more to the situation than meets the eye. For an individual with autism, things like sensory overload, audience or the environment may further impact their behavior. Knowing these few tips can mean the difference between helping or making an already stressful situation worse.
Southwest Autism Center Of Excellence Seeks Donations For 5-Year Anniversary Celebration
Arizona Health and Living Article; Phoenix, AZ
Southwest Autism Center of Excellence (SACE) is celebrating its 5-year anniversary with a Fall Festival. SACE is a program of Southwest Behavioral & Health Services (SB&H), a non-profit organization. SACE is asking the community for monetary donations, prizes and silent auction items where proceeds will benefit SACE programming and services. Donations can be dropped off by Oct. 15 at the SACE Osborn location at 3329 E. Osborn Phoenix, AZ 85013.
Hometown Heroes: Payson Homeless and Veterans Homeless Initiative
Payson Roundup Article; Payson, AZ
Every night from 4 to 6:30 p.m. the Payson Homeless and Veterans Homeless Initiative offers a hot dinner, clothing, and a shower. In cold weather or during a natural disaster, the center has sleeping accommodations too. Imagine living on the street and in the forest in the snow and cold. The Warming Center exists to help anyone in crisis. Christine Krauss, who is part of the crisis team out of SB&H, was one of the partners involved in the initial planning and creation of the center.
Career Day: Christine Hayes Uses Laughter Therapy to Help People Lead Better Lives
Epic Kids Magazine Article; Phoenix, AZ
Prescott Valley Program Director Christine Hayes appeared in an Epic Kids Magazine Career Day profile, sharing facts about her job and advice to youth who want to pursue a similar career.
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