Do you want to make a real difference in your community?  Are you an effective communicator with compassion?  The Portage Path SUPPORT Hotline is seeking volunteers just like you to provide crisis intervention and suicide prevention to people who are hurting.

Some of the qualities we need on the Hotline include the ability to think logically and demonstrate mature judgment, the ability to put aside personal opinions and biases, and excellent verbal and written communication skills.  If you have these qualities, and you’re at least 21 years of age, CLICK THIS LINK to learn more, or email Hotline Coordinator Barb Medlock at bmedlock@portagepath.org.  Thanks!

Like many non-profits, Portage Path Behavioral Health has been caught in a “perfect storm” over the past few years, crushed between the pressure of cuts to funding for mental health services and increased demand for such services brought on by tough economic times.  We’ve been able to keep the doors open and continue to offer direct care, but that’s about it.

Fortunately, several local foundations have come to our aid, to help us both make capital improvements and create an environment that fosters dignity and healing.

Please join us in thanking the foundations below, and please support them as they make our communities better!

The Akron Community Foundation has awarded us $20,000 as part of a challenge grant to fund a new roof for our Akron Outpatient Clinic.  Also committed to the project is the Kenneth Calhoun Charitable Trust, who has contributed $5,000.  We are awaiting word from several other foundations.

The Mary S. and David C. Corbin Foundation has agreed to support an “exterior makeover” for our Akron Outpatient Clinic, including a client recreation area with tables and benches, a new sign to help people find us, and new shrubs.

The Sisler McFawn Foundation will provide automatic door openers for each of our outpatient clinics, allowing better access to facilities for people with limited mobility.

The Charles E. and Mabel M. Ritchie Memorial Foundation awarded us a grant to fund two wrough iron trash receptacles for our Akron Clinic.  These receptacles will be the same as those which adorn various buildings in the downtown area.

These foundations join the Margaret Clark Morgan Foundation, who supported a makeover for the interior of our Akron Clinic, and Northern Ohio Golf Charities, who provided a new van for Portage Path Psychiatric Emergency Services.

Are you doing any online shopping soon?  If so, consider going through GoodSearch to make your purchases and help out Portage Path Behavioral Health.  Vendors in the GoodSearch database donate a small percentage of the purchase back to us.  

To get started, simply go to www.goodsearch.com and click on the GoodShop link or go to www.goodshop.com. In the “Who do you GoodSearch for” box, choose Portage Path Behavioral Health.

Next, click through to our partner merchants (clicking on the merchant’s link will open a new browser window and redirect you to their site) and start shopping! A percentage of your purchase will go to Portage Path. 

Thanks!

The Ohio Department of Mental Health has developed an informational webpage about services and supports available for military service members and their families. Also included on this page is a list of links to organizations that provide support to service members, youth, and family members. To find out more, visit: http://mentalhealth.ohio.gov/what-we-do/promote/vets.shtml.

In the past year, there have been all kinds of resources that have become available to help Ohioans in need.  Here are some:

HOUSING    If you are having trouble making house your payments, check out this website to see if you qualify for aid   http://makinghomeaffordable.gov/   or call 888-995-4673 to speak with a HUD-approved housing counselor for free.

MEDICAID / HEALTHCARE ISSUES     Ohio’s Medicaid Care Coordination Plans (formerly known as Medicaid Managed Care Plans) announced the launch of a new website to help Ohioans with all kinds of health-related information and links.  Check the site out here: http://www.ohiohealthcarehome.com/  Or, try this site for all kinds of useful information on how to access quality, affordable health care coverage – HealthCare.gov

MONEY, FOOD, HOUSING, HEALTHCARE, EDUCATION       The State of Ohio has launched a new website to help connect you with the resources you need. Just CLICK THIS LINK to be taken to the site, which contains all kinds of useful information, resources, and links.  For information about job postings and jop-seeking resources, check out THIS LINK.

HEALTH INSURANCE FOR PEOPLE WITH PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS     Downloadable application forms and all essential enrollment information will be posted online at www.ohiohighriskpool.com

Mental Health America has just unveiled a new online screening tool which can help you learn if you’re suffering from depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder.  The screening tool, which is private and can be completed in a few minutes, can also be used to monitor how your treatment is going.  To view the screening, just CLICK HERE

We would like to congratulate Erin Armoutliev and Laura Turner-Essel for successfully completing the Psychology Practicum Training Program at Portage Path Behavioral Health.  The Program, which provides real-world training for psychology students, is facilitated by Dr. Phillip Scozzaro and was created in August of 2009.  The Practicum training these students receive at Portage Path has proven to be an excellent adjunct to their formal classwork and clinical work at college counseling centers.

We would also like to welcome Nick Joyce, Karis Fitch, and Adrienne Sampson to the next edition of the program.  They are all master’s level psychology students who are working toward the completion of their doctorate degrees.  Nick and Adrienne attend the University of Akron, while Karis is from Fielding University of California.