In our daily efforts, we never take for granted how critical the collective voice is to galvanize needed change. It was just a few months ago that Congress decided to ease the burden of federal spending cuts on travelers who were inconvenienced and angry over airport delays. How reassuring it would be to use our collective voice to show that this quiet storm of sequestration and Medicaid cuts will result in conditions that eclipse those caused by travel delays. These cuts will potentially reduce already limited support services to the most vulnerable. They have already led to the loss of new vouchers that were intended to support individuals in the homes recently acquired by non-profits and private landlords. These acquisitions were a combined effort to provide affordable and sustainable housing in our community.   

 

Many of the individuals and families impacted by these cuts were in the process of finding a place to live after spending months or years on a waiting list. The loss of vouchers resulted in a distressing return to the waiting list. As I hear these individuals and see the look of frustration and the loss of hope on their faces, I feel we must battle for their futures. Sequestration is having a disproportionate impact on the most vulnerable in our community, and our "collective voice" can create change.   

 

With continued community advocacy directed towards local, state, and federal elected officials, I believe our voice can be as influential and successful as our "frequent flyers" in averting a most devastating impact to our community. In the midst of this uncertainty, I have been heartened to see the willingness of our local officials to listen, seek solutions, and show a willingness to represent this issue in Richmond and on Capitol Hill. Many local delegates have opened the door to me and other community leaders over the past few months, and I feel our efforts have not gone unnoticed. I encourage you to contact your local representatives and educate them on the impact of ongoing budget cuts on the most vulnerable in our community and the wide-ranging impact on our community as a whole. 

        

A Closer Look at Mental Health in Hot Weather

Photo courtesy StuffNThings via Flickr

 

By: Eleanor Vincent, EdD, CSAC

 

Individuals with mental illness, especially those on certain types of medications, should take even greater precautions because they are at greater risk of experiencing adverse reactions related to sun exposure. Learn more about who's at risk and how to stay safe in hot weather.   

  

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Photo Courtesy  Randy Son of Robert via Flickr

Beat the Heat with Green Pathways

In October 2012, Ron Wilensky stepped down from the Pathway Homes Board of Directors in order to focus his attention on meeting the critical housing and support service needs of individuals living with serious mental illness in his home state of Florida.