AHA Changes Mission Statement
During the AHA board meeting in November, the board members had a long and robust discussion about whether our mission statement really reflects what we do and who we are. As a result, we decided to change our mission statement just a little. To the old mission statement -- "AHA's mission is to collaboratively improve access to care and create a healthier Aurora" -- we're adding, "with a focus on the most vulnerable and underserved." The change is reflected in the popular graphic (below) that reflects the difference between equality and equity. We agreed that some people need more support to make sure their needs are met (or even heard), and in dealing with our health and our healthcare system, all of us are vulnerable at times. We hope you like the change. 
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Vulnerable Seniors
The AHA Senior Circle is exploring the problem of vulnerable seniors who end up staying much too long--sometimes weeks--in a hospital emergency room when there is no appropriate caregiver to take them home, or due to other legal entanglements that prevent discharge to an appropriate level of care. The Senior Circle has gathered people representing health care facilities, advocacy organizations, legal services, home health care, the police department, and others to better understand the problem and develop potential solutions. If you're interested in helping, or learning more, please sign up for the Senior Circle by contacting Sharon at admin@aurorahealthaccess.org. The January meeting of the Senior Circle (January 25 from 2:00 to 3:30) will focus on oral health needs among Aurora's seniors, and resources available to serve them. If you have suggestions of organizations to involve, please contact Denise Denton at ddenton@aurorahealthaccess.org.
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What's the Difference?
The AHA Coverage Work Group is developing educational materials that explain the difference between urgent care centers and new free-standing emergency rooms. While Aurora is lucky to have several of these community facilities, consumers who don't understand the difference between the two might not receive the best level of care for their needs, and might be surprised by the impact on their wallet. AHA is working with several community partners to develop a consumer-based infographic that will explain the difference, and suggest questions to ask BEFORE there is an emergency. If you have experience in this area and would like to help, please contact Denise Denton at ddenton@aurorahealthaccess.org.
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January Quarterly Community Meeting
The next Quarterly Community Meeting will be hosted by our Colorado School of Public Health colleagues at the Bushnell Auditorium in Building 500 on the Anschutz campus. Please mark your calendars for Wednesday, January 20th, 2:00-4:30 and watch for specific address and parking details.
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 Colorado Gives Day
Colorado Gives Day (Tuesday, December 8, 2015) is an annual statewide movement to celebrate and increase philanthropy in Colorado through online giving. Donors can start scheduling Colorado Gives Day donations now! Many of AHA's partners are listed on the Colorado Gives Day website, along with 1700 nonprofits that benefit from this event. Please take time to schedule your donation now by clicking on this link.
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Consolidating Aurora's Crisis Services
Many of AHA's members refer clients to the Community Crisis Connection facilities. We want to make you aware that Aurora Mental Health Center consolidated all of Community Crisis Connection's Aurora crisis services to 2206 Victor Street on the Anschutz Medical Campus. Consolidating Aurora's crisis services to one location will offer better services to our community due to 2206 Victor Street's close proximity to other community resources including University of Colorado Hospital, Children's Hospital, the new light rail, and our local shelter. Attached you will find updated materials (one in Spanish and one in English) for distribution. For more information, please check out www.communitycrisisconnection.org.
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Celebrate the Year of the Fire Red Monkey!
Asian Pacific Development Center (APDC) Invites you to the 2016 Annual Asian New Year & 35-Year Anniversary Celebration.
- Saturday, February 6, 2016.
- The Cable Center, 2000 Buchtel Blvd., Denver.
- 5:30--Cocktails and Silent Auction.
- 6:30--Dinner, Live Entertainment, and Live Auction.
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Check Out This Interesting Aurora Data Source
Have you ever wondered -
- What is the average household size in Aurora?
- How many McDonalds there are in Aurora?
- What is the most common first name among deceased people?
- The percent of people in Aurora who are Catholic?
- How many murders did Aurora have in 2013?
- Where would I find the Aurora neighborhoods of Palo Duro, Buzzard Bay, and Wiley Heights?
You can find the answers to these questions, and much more at this link:
Note: the City-Data website is owned and operated by a marketing company, Advameg, Inc. Some of the information comes from public records and some is "user generated."
Challenge and Prize!
To encourage you to learn more about Aurora (even if some of the information is a little bizarre!) the first person to contact AHA with the right answer to at least two of the above questions will win a $25 Amazon.com gift certificate! Email your answers to ddenton@aurorahealthaccess.org.
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Aurora Strong Resilience Center
Founded in the aftermath of the Aurora theater shooting, the Aurora Strong Resilience Center's (ASRC) doors have been open for a little more than two years. During that time, ASRC has become a hub of activity, from free programs for and with the community that run six days a week, to meetings of organizations and community groups spanning a wide range of interests and concerns--all with a focus on developing community, family and individual resilience! ASRC seeks to build community resilience (strength) through community-generated learning and practice. This effort takes many forms and requires patience, communication, collaboration, hope, and faith.
It is estimated that at least 14,000 people have come through the doors of ASRC and availed themselves of the good energy and the safe, secure, and healing environment. ASRC is now working toward sustainability so that resilience will continue to be a community-wide focus and priority for the long-term future. All community members are invited to drop in and learn about the ASRC, as well as to brainstorm about what is needed to foster resilience at all levels. Alternatively, please go on the website at www.AuroraStrong.org or check out our Facebook page.
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Copyright © 2015. All Rights Reserved.
AHA's mission is to collectively improve access to care and create a healthier Aurora with a focus on the most vulnerable and underserved. To accomplish this, AHA:
- hosts speakers relevant to the mission of AHA,
- engages in social media as well as traditional media to distribute information and resources,
- uses local facilities for meetings and functions,
- includes professional and community resource materials in the AHA library, and
- provides links to relevant reports and websites.
These inclusions are not intended as endorsements, but as continued and focused efforts to build collaboration throughout Aurora's healthcare community. While AHA is a facilitator of conversation and distributor of information relevant to its mission, it does not verify or endorse all speakers or information associated with its events.
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