AHA UPDATE
AHA's 2016 Aurora Senior Forum:  SUCCESS!


More than 120 people participated in the 2016 Aurora Senior Forum and, based on the evaluations, they all enjoyed the edifying exhibitors, scintillating speakers, fabulous format, and the potato salad!  Mayor Hogan kicked off the event, which was held at the Summit Conference and Event Center in Aurora.  The sponsors included Citywide Banks, Central Colorado Area Health Education Center, NextCare Urgent Care, Community Campus Partnership, and Shalom Cares.  InnovAge was our major sponsor, providing the wonderful lunch and the venue. If you missed the event, but want to see the speakers' slides, you can find them on our webpage under the Work Groups and Task Forces tab.  Once on the correct page, scroll to the Senior Circle section at the very bottom of the page.  You'll find the materials in the Senior Circle Library.














AHA July Quarterly Community Meeting


Children's Hospital is hosting our summer Quarterly Community Meeting in the Mt. Yale Room (2nd Floor) on Wednesday July 20, 2016, from 2:00 to 4:30.  The "Did You Know?" panel will feature the American Cancer Society, National Alliance of Mental Illness, Health First (formerly known as Medicaid), and the Provider Resource Clearinghouse.  Don't forget to register in advance. It's quick and easy and helps us plan for seating and food. 


AHA Affiliates:  
Building Constellations


The start-up grant from The Colorado Health Foundation, which helped AHA grow into its current capacity, will end next summer. AHA Board members created a sustainability plan that includes a variety of strategies to support AHA including low fixed and operating costs, fee-for-service activities, events, and grants.The plan also includes recruiting Affiliate Members and Sponsors to support AHA's ongoing community outreach and engagement activities.  The theme of our Affiliate recruitment is "building constellations."  The idea came from a past board member, Amara Frumkin (formerly of Rocky Mountain  Youth Clinic). "AHA recognizes the many superb healthcare agencies serving Aurora, and strongly believes a healthy Aurora is contingent on collaboration between these entities.  AHA creates a space in which collaboration is possible and encouraged so that Aurora may become not only a city of healthcare stars, but one of healthcare constellations."


The AHA Board wants to thank partners who have already signed on to become our first Affiliates: 
  • Arapahoe County Human Services 
  • Aurora Mental Health Center
  • Children's Hospital Colorado 
  • City of Aurora
  • Colorado Access
  • Community Campus Partnership
  • Falck Rocky Mountain (EMS)
  • InnovAge/PACE
  • Metro Community Provider Network
  • PASCO Home Health
  • University of Colorado Health
You'll be hearing more about our partners as we highlight them in our newsletter and Facebook page, and create an Affiliate page on our website.  


If you work with these "stellar" organizations, please thank them for their support of AHA. If you'd like to learn more, please contact Denise, or one of AHA's board members. 
 
Community News
PASCO Home Health: "2016 Outstanding Community Partner"


We want to call your attention to the "2016 Outstanding Community Partner of the Year" award that PASCO (one of our new AHA Affiliates) received.  


"SAGE of the Rockies is honored to recognize PASCO (Personal Assistance Services of Colorado) as this year's recipient of the Outstanding Community Partner Award. PASCO has received this award for its dedication to being inclusive in its policies, services and advocacy efforts to accommodate the needs and wants of those being served.


We especially want to thank PASCO for your outstanding dedication and exceptional commitment to the LGBT elder community. Through our collaborative efforts we are able to empower LGBT elders to take an active role in their own health and well-being so they can successfully age in place."



In response to the honor, PASCO had this to say: "The award has reinforced PASCO's commitment to inclusivity and always doing the right thing. We appreciate the partnership and look forward to working together in the future." #everybodyin


Immigrant Health Convenings


AHA is participating in a series of convenings regarding health coverage and care for immigrants in Colorado, hosted by the Colorado Coalition for the Medically Underserved (CCMU). They are starting with some learning meetings about the current landscape of policies and projects in the state, related policies other states have implemented, and potential areas for Colorado to explore in making change for this population. The monthly convenings are starting initially broad in terms of the target populations and the policy scope (statewide or local, coverage or care, etc.).


 Anyone is welcome to participate.  The next convening is July 21 from 9-11am in Denver. If you wish to join the email list and receive information about meetings, please email Aubrey Hill at aubrey.hill@ccmu.org.



AHA Sponsors Burmese Village:  Benefit Dinners and Cultural Celebration
 
Burmese Village dinners are a doorway into the rich food and culture of the Denver/Aurora refugee community. The dinners are prepared by Zin Zin, a Burmese refugee and exceptionally talented chef.  
 
Fooition is a nonprofit that uses a social enterprise model to host the Burmese Village dinners to provide entrepreneurial experience for talented and motivated refugees who want to work in the food service industry. Proceeds support culturally relevant nutrition and cooking classes.
 
Dinners and classes are held at the Mango House, 1532 Galena St., Aurora. The first Burmese Village dinner will be hosted on July 23, 2016 from 5-9 pm, and will continue to be held on the third Saturday of each month. Tickets sell for $80 before July 15th, and $90 thereafter. Local businesses can sponsor the event by reserving a company table or donating needed supplies. AHA is proud to be a sponsor of the upcoming dinner.
 
Contact Marin Toscano at marin@fooition.com or 720-210-4538  for tickets.


You're Not Alone!  Caregiver Support!


Are you a caring for a loved one? Are you stressed, overwhelmed, or worried you're not taking care of yourself? You are not alone!


Caregiving is a stressful and challenging role.   We are starting an ongoing support group for those that need support and information.   Co-facilitated by Jeff Zinn and Mickey Axtell Mauck.  Join us to learn about resources to manage the challenges of providing care, meet other families and share your experience. 


Beginning June 20th, 6-7:30 PM, Aurora Mental Health Center, 11059 E. Bethany Dr., Aurora, CO 80014. Childcare provided. To sign up, please call 303.627.2041 and leave your phone number.  Someone will get back to you.


Beach Party in Aurora!


Join the FREE swim fun at the Aurora Beach Party at Del Mar Pool, 30 Del Mar Circle, Aurora, CO 80010 on Wednesday, July 27 from 11:00-3:00 pm.  


What's the deal?  A legal guardian and up to three kids get a FREE day-swim pass.  Just stop at the entrance and say, "I'd like free information on Health Care!"  


Sponsored by Aurora Coverage Assistance Network (certified by Connect for Health Colorado), along with Aurora Health Access, Aurora Community Connections, Aurora Mental Health Center, Servicios de la Raza, and Enroll Amercia!


Share this COOL way to learn more about health care insurance coverage.
Save the Date! 


Global Fest 2016, a showcase of cultures and traditions, global flavors, music, dance,  and international fashion show, 
is coming up August 20, 2016, 1-7 p.m. 
at Aurora Municipal Center, Great Lawn, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway.   




Last Chance!  FREE Mental Health "First Aid" Classes for Youth  


Mental Health First Aid is a unique program designed to provide young people with the tools necessary to recognize common mental health problems, and provide a course of action to do something about it.


Mental Health First Aid teaches:
  • How to provide help to someone showing signs of mental illness or mental health crisis.
  • A 5-step action plan to help an individual in crisis connect to professional care.
  • The potential warning signs and risk factors for depression, anxiety disorders, trauma, psychotic disorders, suicide, and substance abuse.








July 14, 2016, 8am-5pm (for YOUTH)
Kucera Auditorium
791 Chambers St.
Aurora, CO 80011


Classes are FREE (thanks to the Knights of Columbus, St. Thomas More Council 10205 for their sponsorship).  Snacks are provided, bring your own lunch!


Space is limited.  To register, go to www.mhfaco.org or call Monica Pressley at 303-739-1580.
AHA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Aurora Mental Healh Center (AuMHC)


AHA would like to welcome one of its first Affiliate Members - the Aurora Mental Health Center. 


About the Center
By Heather Dolan
 
Aurora Mental Health Center is a private, nonprofit organization that has been serving our community with a wide range of mental health services since 1975. We not only utilize proven programs and methods for helping people cope with mental illness and attain good mental health, we help educate and coach people to remain emotionally healthy no matter what type of circumstances may arise.
 
Our highly qualified therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, nurses, and social workers provide individual, group, and family counseling, as well as consultation and educational services that focus on prevention and wellness.
 
We offer 29 specialty programs located in 12 counseling and specialized services centers in Aurora, and provide services in public schools, county departments of human services, jails and courts, medical offices, and in homes and other community locations. We strive to help as many children, adults and families as possible live life to the fullest.
 






AHA envisions a community where all residents
 have an opportunity for health. 


AHA works collaboratively to improve access 
to care and create a healthier Aurora 
with a focus on the most vulnerable and underserved.


Like us on Facebook



Aurora Health Access | PO Box 848 | Aurora | CO | 80040