PROSUMER NEWS PROSUMER — A PERSON WHO IS PROA CTIVE IN HIS O R H E R OWN LIFE AND GIVES BACK TO THE COMMUNITY ! A Prosumer is not who you are, it is what you do! www.ProsumersInternational.org, Facebook—Prosumers, Twitter—ProsumersInt Phone 1-800-577-3795 We are the ones We have been Prosumers- Waiting for!! A consumer led, consumer developed program having you focus on wellness and discovery. June 2021 Janet Paleo—Editor Volume 20: Issue 6 My Shot, My Freedom What are you waiting for? By Janet Paleo By Janet Paleo This has been one heck of a year. The moment people I had an interesting conversation with someone last realized the seriousness of COVID, I got multiple calls asking month in which I asked them what they wanted to do with me to stay indoors. People who loved me wanted me to protect the rest of their life. The response was not unexpected but myself against a virus that is deadly. I wanted to protect me. I the thought I had around it was. Like many people who find have all the underlying conditions that the experts warned themselves in the mental health system, the thought of against. So, I stayed indoors. accomplishing something in the world, fulfilling on who you It wasn’t too bad for me. I had experienced agoraphobia are for the world or even doing something you find important before, so this was not really new. The mask wearing was new, has not yet risen to a place of importance in life. I remember but I was willing to wear them. I bought lots of masks and lots being there. I would have answered the same. My answer: of hand sanitizer. And I kept busy. I took advantage of the “That’s not me. I can barely get out of bed. What are you internet and started groups on all kinds of things. I wrote, I talking about? That is for normal people, not me.” Sound worked and I got a dog, Charlie. Charlie brings me smiles and familiar? laughter every day. I have too much I want to do in my life to let This is a common response for many of us, even many a virus get the best of me. who have started that recovery journey.” I am just working And as busy and distracted as I was, I missed going out to on making it one day at a time. I am not ready for that yet.” eat. I missed hugging people. I actually just missed the energy So the answer was not unexpected but my thought was. So, from being around people. I was busy, maybe too busy, but it what are you waiting for? kept me distracted from the world events. I heard my response coming out of my mouth and I Then vaccines started to come out. I was excited and surprised myself. And it is so true. What are we waiting for? skeptical. I worried because of my compromised immune Will there ever be a perfect time? Will a time come where system. I didn’t think they had tested on people like me. People everything is aligned and we can declare, I will decide my who did not have all the health problems I have. I didn’t want to future now? That just won’t happen. I am sorry if you are be their guinea pig. Yet as more and more people were hearing this for the first time, but life doesn’t work that way. vaccinated, I began to feel hope. Then when the one shot Life works in the opposite way. When we choose a path for came out, I was ecstatic. I don’t like shots and was worried ourselves, our world begins to align us to the future. If we about getting a second shot and being able to go a second don’t think about a future, there is nothing to align to. time. I decided, I am willing to take the shot. One of the best analogies I have heard about this is that My friends were in various stages of getting the shot. I of a steam engine. Many people probably would not think of started asking for help. As I tried to get a shot, none were water when thinking of liquids to power something. Yet, available. I spent 2 hours one morning trying to get signed up. I there are these huge hunks of iron and steel which make up tried the tricks my friends had used and was not successful. I a train and it is very heavy, and yet they are powered by began being willing to get the two shots if I could just get in. I water. Now it is not any water. This is a certain kind of was not successful. water. It is water that is heated (The water gets excited). Then one of my co-workers was working to sign her parents And as it heats up, the water transforms into steam. These up and offered to help me. I took it. She signed me up for the

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Our Mission: Our Vision: To empower all people to transcend adverse life experiences and to All people living their life fully, with all the respect due to inspire resiliency for all people to thrive while fulfilling their dreams. every human and all the passion to live the life they choose. Prosumer Meetings Currently Located in: * Denton * Houston * Plano * McKinney * San Antonio * Rio Grande Valley

Editor in Chief—Janet Paleo Prosumers International P.O. Box 120394 San Antonio, TX 78212 Phone: 1-800-577-3795 Email: [email protected] www.ProsumersInternational.org

Thanks to the Prosumers for sponsoring Prosumers. Page 1 The views expressed in this newsletter do not necessarily reflect the views of the editor or any of its sponsors. What are you waiting for? Cont from page 1 My Freedom continued from page 1 one shot and I was elated. And best of all, it was a drive through vaccination sight excited particles are still not able to move and I didn’t even have to get out of the car. We drove and got in line, they checked that train until something special happens. our paperwork and I rolled down the window, I was given the shot, my record of my All that excitement and steam must be shot and some information on the shot. I waited 15 minutes and drove home. I was contained and focused through a narrow done. I had to wait for 2 weeks for the shot to protect me completely, but I was now opening. Once that happens, the power is on the path to freedom. concentrated, and the steam moves the Two weeks later, Anna and I ventured out to a restaurant. We are still wearing pistons which moves that heavy train. The masks and safe distancing. As we sat in the restaurant, there was such a feeling of water must get excited and be focused to joy. The food tasted so good. Better than I had remembered. have the power to move a huge, heavy Slowly we started going more places. Still wearing masks and safe distancing. object. Within the last couple of weeks, I have begun hugging people who are vaccinated. I Consider if we did not see ourselves still wear the mask and am cautious of large crowds. I think that is ok. I am still with a future or really having any meaning working to keep myself safe and healthy. Even before the pandemic hit, I wore in life, we might get excited but without that masks on planes to prevent me from getting colds and flus. I do not see this as any focus, we would be unable or would be different. extremely hard to make any difference in I also remember that the vaccine does not mean you can’t get sick. It only our lives. So when someone says, “I am means you that you could get a mild case or be asymptomatic, unless of course waiting for fill in the blank, to think about there is a new variant. While it is better, this isn’t a cure. It is important to remember my future,” we are saying we are okay not this fact. moving. When you are waiting, there is no For me, I will most likely have masks be a part of my clothing. Perhaps in the excitement. When you are waiting, there is future when more people are vaccinated, when COVID 19 becomes weaker and no focus. When you are waiting, there is no less prevalent in our world, I may go without a mask. A mask isn’t nearly as movement. Consider, even if you don’t uncomfortable as other clothing articles. It if protects me, or even protects someone think you are ready; even if you don’t think else, I am fine wearing it. A shot and a mask, two very important things and worth it is possible; even if you don’t think it will the price of freedom. make a difference; you can build up focused steam when you dare to dream. If you begin to think of what you want your future to be and then begin to get excited Guard your COVUD-10 Vaccination Card about it and take the time to focus on what you want, you can move you and your After you get your COVID-19 vaccine, keep your vaccination card safe — future forward. So, what are you waiting scammers are using the COVID-19 pandemic to try to steal your personal for? information. Take a moment and look at your life. Do you like what you see? Do you like what Don't share a photo of your COVID-19 vaccination card online or on social you are doing? Do you ever wish life could media. Scammers can use content you post, like your date of birth, health care just be different? How badly do you wish it details, or other personal information to steal your identity. could be different? Do you want it enough that you are willing to do something You should get a COVID-19 vaccination card at your first vaccine appointment. If different? If you are willing to do something you didn't, contact the provider site where you got vaccinated or your state health different, consider looking at where you department to find out how to get a card. want your future to be. If you can find what it looks like, then I would ask you to get If someone contacts you to buy or sell a vaccination card, it's a scam. excited? What will get you moving? Only If you suspect COVID-19 health care fraud, report it online or call 800-HHS-TIPS you can make that decision. If it helps, I (800-447-8477). TTY users can call 1-800-377-4950. know it is possible. Take it from someone who gave up on life for over 12 years. Not Alternatives 2021 Will Include Exciting Action Groups & only had I given up on life, but many people in the mental health system had given up Inspiring Workshops! Register Now! on me. That is why I spent so much time in the hospital. That was the answer from the professionals, put her in a hospital and they The National Coalition for Mental Health Recovery is proud to host the (free!) can keep her alive. No one ever thought I 2021 (Virtual) Alternatives Conference, now in its 35th year! This year, in addition could or would get better. They basically to a full schedule of workshops guaranteed to engage, educate, and inspire sentenced me to a life in a hospital. participants, the conference will invite attendees to join Action Groups, during Getting out of the hospital and having a which group members will develop important strategic plans to take back to their life which included my daughter became communities and work on in the days, weeks, and months ahead. The three my focus and I achieved that. I stopped existing Action Groups are National and Statewide Advocacy, Crisis Prevention there for a while until I dared see a greater and Alternatives to Institutionalization, and Promoting Racial and Social Justice future for myself and got excited about it. I and Community Integration. (Additional groups may be added.) The conference— began creating the life I wanted. Today, my whose theme is “Connecting, Organizing, Activating!”—will take place on July 8, life is more than I could have even 10, 15, and 17. To register (for free—although donations are welcome!), https:// imagined. And I know, with out a doubt, I www.alternatives-conference.org/our-mission would not be here if I hadn’t taken time to For the Alternatives conference website, https://www.alternatives-conference.org/ see a different future for myself. So what For questions: [email protected] are you waiting for?

Page 2 Virtual Meetings — June 2021

SUN MON TUE WED THUR FRI SAT

MAY 30 MAY 31 JUN 1 JUN 2 JUN 3 JUN 4 JUN 5

WOOP 1p N Prosumers Let’s Talk 10 am Getting & Keeping a Job Laughing Yoga 11 am Wellness in Motion10a

Mtg 12:30p-3p Mindfulness 1 pm 12p Book Club 12 – 2 Social Night 7 pm Focus 4 Life 2:30 p Walking Grp 5 pm Disability Rights TX 4 p Eating 4 Wellness 4p Men’s Group 7-8p

JUN 6 JUN 7 JUN 8 JUN 9 JUN 10 JUN 11 JUN 12 WOOP 1p Let’s Talk 10 am Getting & Keeping a Job Rio Grande Valley Wellness in Motion10a Personal Medicine 2p Walking Mindfulness 1 pm 12p Prosumer Mtg 9:30a Houston Prosumer Focus 4 Life 2:30 p Eating 4 Wellness 4p Grp 1:30 Walking Grp 5 pm Disability Rights TX 4 p Book Club 12 – 2 pm Mtg 12:30p-3p

Denman DBSA 7 pm DBSA 7 pm Men’s Group 7-8p Social Night 7 pm Park

JUN 13 JUN 14 JUN 15 JUN 16 JUN 17 JUN 18 JUN 19

Walking WOOP 1p Personal Medicine 2p Let’s Talk 10 am Getting & Keeping a Job Laughing Yoga 11 am Wellness in Motion10a

Grp 1:30 Mindfulness 1 pm 12p SATX Prosumer Mtg Eating 4 Wellness 4p Social Night 7 pm Denman DBSA 7 pm Walking Grp 5 pm Disability Rights TX 4 p 12:30 p

Park DBSA 7 pm Men’s Group 7-8p

JUN 20 JUN 21 JUN 22 JUN 23 JUN 24 JUN 25 JUN 26

Walking WOOP 1p Personal Medicine 2p Let’s Talk 10 am Getting & Keeping a Job Laughing Yoga 11 am Wellness in Motion10a

Grp 1:30 Mindfulness 1 pm 12p Book Club 12 – 2 Focus 4 Life 2:30 p Eating 4 Wellness 4p Denman Walking Grp 5 pm Disability Rights TX 4 p Men’s Group 7-8p Social Night 7 pm Park DBSA 7 pm DBSA 7 pm JUN 27 JUN 28 JUN 29 JUN 30 JUL 1 JUL 2 JUL 3

Walking WOOP 1p Personal Medicine 2p Let’s Talk 10 am Getting & Keeping a Job Laughing Yoga 11 am Wellness in Motion10a

Grp 1:30 Mindfulness 1 pm 12p Book Club 12 – 2 Social Night 7 pm Focus 4 Life 2:30 p Denman Eating 4 Wellness 4p Disability Rights TX 4 p Walking Grp 5 pm Men’s Group 7-8p Park DBSA 7 pm DBSA 7 pm Calendar Times are listed in Central Time To access the virtual meetings for Prosumers go to the Prosumer website at www.theProsumers.org. If you don’t have a way of getting to a computer or smart phone, call our office for help.

Prosumer Meetings Call Numbers If in Crisis Call 9-1-1 or your LMHA Crisis Line North TX (Collin County/Denton) Prosumer Meeting June 1 • Texas Department of State Health Services RVG Prosumer Meeting June 11 Consumer Services and Rights Protection 1 -800-252-8154 Houston Prosumer Meeting June 12 • Texas Department of Public Safety for San Antonio Meeting June 18 Abuse and Neglect 1-800-252-5400 • Trans Lifeline 1-877-565-8860 Groups—Subject to Change If you are not in crisis but really need a peer to Book Club Meeting - The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can talk to, call the warm lines located on Page 8. Prosper Together by Heather McGhee—Current Book Depression Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) San Antonio - General Meeting Disability Rights Texas— The agency set up to protect the rights of people with disabilities is listening to what you have to say and seeing if they can assist you with any challenges you may be facing. Eating for Wellness—Using Personal Medicine and Mindful eating techniques, we will explore our eating habits Focus 4 Life — We will be discussing the different parts of the Focus 4 Life training. Getting and Keeping a Job—We will explore all things job related from beefing up a resume to the fear of getting or keeping that job. Come join us as we learn together. Laughing Yoga— Utilizing yoga, learn the skill of laughing to bring healing to your body Let’s Talk— A General Support Group Men’s Group—A time for the guys get together and talk. Mindfulness—This group practices the art of Mindfulness in many ways Personal Medicine Coaching—Personal Medicine is what you do, not what you take. Come explore what things you can do to work with challenging feelings. Social Night Out—Join us for a night out of fun and games and ??? Come find out.

Walking Group—Join us at Denman Estate Park. 7735 Mockingbird Ln, San Antonio, TX 78229 Wellness in Motion—Time to get moving with a Certified Trainer. From beginners to advanced WOOP— A technique for getting what you want with lasting results. Stands for Wish/Outcomes/ Page 3 Obstacles/Plan and is highly effective. Useful Websites and Links PROSUMER MEETINGS

Bexar County Elections Department www.bexar.org/1568/Elections-

Department Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) June Meetings www.dbsalliance.org Focus for Life www.myFocus4Life.com Personal Responsibility Free Online Computer Classes www.gcfglobal.org Recovery begins when you take on your personal Harris Center for MH&IDD www.theharriscenter.org responsibility. I thought I already had. So, what is Hearing Voices Network www.hearingvoicesUSA.org personal responsibility and how is it different from Information on national programs and services www.usa.gov/ other responsibilities? How can I deepen my recovery disability-services process by deepening my personal responsibility? Don’t miss this one! Medications, Assistance, Discount programs www.needymeds.org Mental Health Self Help Clearinghouse mhselfhelp.org/ Tuesday JUN 1 — North Texas 12:30p—3p National Consumer/Survivor Coalition www.ncmhr.org National Empowerment Center: www.Power2u.org Friday, JUN 11 — Rio Grande Valley 9:30 Patient Assistance with Medications www.phrma.org/ am—noon

Prosumers website www.TheProsumers.org Saturday, JUN 12 — Houston 12:30p—3p Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration www.SAMHSA.gov Friday, JUN 18 — San Antonio 12:30p—3p Texas Administrative Code: www.sos.state.tx.us/tac/ Texas Empowerment Initiative www.texasnetwork.org To attend, please go to: Online www.capitol.state.tx.us www.theprosumers.org/ The Center for Health Care Services www.CHCSBC.org The Texas Election Division www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/ TX Department of Housing and Community Affairs July Meeting www.tdhca.state.tx.us TX government departments www.texas.gov Discovering Your Talents Via Hope, www.viahope.org Many people will say, they are not talented. However, this is not true. Everyone has talents (yes with an “s”!) Universal Important Numbers How do you reveal your talents and have them work better for you and your life? This is going to be a fun meeting!! Prosumers International – 1-800-577-3795 extension 800 www.theprosumers.org, 6800 Park Ten Blvd, Suite 220-N, San Antonio, TX 78213 Tuesday, JUL 6 — North Texas 12:30p—3p

Disability Rights TX 800-252-9108, DisabilityRightsTX.org Friday, JUL 9— Rio Grande Valley 9:30 am— Narcotics Anonymous – (888) 629-6757 noon National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 Saturday, JUL 10 —Houston 12:30p—3p Texas Health and Human Svc - (877) 787-8999 Texas Youth Hotline 1-800-989-6884 Friday, JUL 16 —San Antonio 12:30p—3p TX Workforce Commission Assist with employment 1- 800-628-5115 www.twc.texas.gov/ To attend, please go to: Veterans Crisis Line 1-800-273-8255 www.theprosumers.org/

Texas Department of State Health Services Consumer Services and Rights Protection Special Thanks to: 1-800-252-8154

Texas Department of Public Safety for Abuse and Neglect 1-800-252-5400

Trans Lifeline 1-877-565-8860

Page 4 Elected Officials

Collin County Elected Officials Houston Elected Officials

Senator Angela Paxton - Senate District 8, (972) 908-3424 SENATOR BRANDON CREIGHTON, SENATE DIST 4 Senator Pat Fallon - Senate District 30 (512) 463-0130 409-838-9861 Representative Justin Holland - House District 33 SENATOR CAROL ALVARADO, SENATE DIST 6 713-453-5100 (972) 722-7521 SENATOR PAUL BETTENCOURT, SENATE DIST 7 713-464-0282 Representative - House District 70 (972) 548- 7500 SENATOR LARRY TAYLOR, SENATE DIST 11 Representative Matt Shaheen - House District 66 (469) 642-8708 SENATOR BORRIS MILES, SENATE DIST 13 281-261-2360 Representative - House District 67 (972) 908-3358 SENATOR JOHN WHITMIRE, SENATE DIST 15 713-864-8701 Representative - House District 89 (972)423-6542 SENATOR JOAN HUFFMAN, SENATE DIST 17 281-980-3500 SENATOR LOIS KOLKHORST. SENATE DIST 18 512-463-0118 Denton County Elected Officials REPRESENTATIVE , HOUSE DIST 126 281-251-0194 Senator Jane Nelson - Senate District 12 (512) 463-0112 REPRESENTATIVE , HOUSE DIST 127 Senator Pat Fallon - Senate District 30 (512) 463-0130 512-463-0520 Representative Justin Holland - House District 33 Representative Tara Parker - House District 63 (972) 724-8477 REPRESENTATIVE , HOUSE DIST 128 Representative - House District 64 (940) 243-0230 281-420-1588 Representative - House District 106 REPRESENTATIVE , HOUSE DIST 129 (512) 463-0694 281-488-8900 REPRESENTATIVE , HOUSE DIST 130 281-955-5152 San Antonio Elected Officials REPRESENTATIVE , HOUSE DISTRICT 131 713-776-0505 SENATOR Roland Gutierrez, SENATE DIST 19 REPRESENTATIVE Mike Schofield, HOUSE DIST 132 SENATOR JUDITH ZAFFIRINI, SENATE DIST 21 (956) 722-2293 REPRESENTATIVE JIM MURPHY, HOUSE DIST 133 512-463-0514 SENATOR DONNA CAMPBELL, SENATE DIST 25 (512) 463-0125 REPRESENTATIVE Anna Johnson HOUSE DIST 134 SENATOR JOSE MENENDEZ, SENATE DIST 26 (210) 733-6604 REPRESENTATIVE ANDREW S. MURR, HOUSE DIST 53 REPRESENTATIVE , HOUSE DIST 135 (830) 257-0432 281-807-3428 REPRESENTATIVE , HOUSE DIST 73 REPRESENTATIVE JOHN BUCY III, HOUSE DIST 136 (512) 463-0325 512-463-0696 REPRESENTATIVE TREY MARTINEZ-FISCHER HOUSE DIST 116 REPRESENTATIVE , HOUSE DIST 137 713-271-3900 (512) 463-0616, 210-733-8391 REPRESENTATIVE , House DIST 138 REPRESENTATIVE , HOUSE DIST 117 REPRESENTATIVE , HOUSE DIST 139 (210) 923-3638 713-699-3043 REPRESENTATIVE HOUSE DIST 118 (512) 463-0714 REPRESENTATIVE , HOUSE DIST 140 REPRESENTATIVE Elizabeth Campos, HOUSE DIST 119 713-694-8620 REPRESENTATIVE BARBARA GERVIN-HAWKINS, HOUSE DIST 120 REPRESENTATIVE , HOUSE DIST 141 (512) 463-0708, 210-822-2534 713-633-3390 REPRESENTATIVE HOUSE DIST 121 REPRESENTATIVE HAROLD DUTTON, HOUSE DIST 142 (512) 463-0686 713-692-9193 REPRESENTATIVE , HOUSE DISTRICT 122 REPRESENTATIVE , HOUSE DIST 143 (210) 402-5402 REPRESENTATIVE , HOUSE DIST123 (210) 308-9700 713-675-8596 REPRESENTATIVE HOUSE DIST 124 (512) 463-0634 REPRESENTATIVE MARY PEREZ, HOUSE DIST 144 REPRESENTATIVE HOUSE DIST 125 (512) 463-0669 713-740-8153 REPRESENTATIVE , HOUSE DIST 145 512-463-0732 Rio Grande Valley Elected Officials REPRESENTATIVE , HOUSE DIST 146

713-667-4146 Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa Senate District 20 REPRESENTATIVE , HOUSE DIST 147 (512) 463-0120 Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr. Senate District 27 (956) 548-0227 713-520-5355 Representative House District 35 REPRESENTATIVE HOUSE DIST 149 281-988-0212 (956) 580-6944 REPRESENTATIVE , HOUSE DIST 150 Representative Sergio Munoz House District 36 (956) 584- 281-251-4222 8999 Representative House District 40 (956) 383- 0860 Representative “Bobby” Guerra House District 41 To find out who represents you go to: (956) 292-0407 www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us Page 5 Local Numbers

San Antonio Houston

CHCS Crisis Hotline 1-800-316-9241 18th Street Clinic 713-970-6090 2150 W.18th Street HOU 24/7 Crisis Clinic 601 N Frio 210-225-5481 Disability Rights Texas East region office: 1500 McGowen, Suite CHCS Center for Health Care Services 6800 Park Ten Blvd, 100 HOU. Learn more at www.disabilityrightstx.org 713-974-7691 Suite 200-S (Central Office) 210-261-1000 Harris Center ACT Team 713-970-8526 CHCS Adult Mental Health Intake 210-261-1250 Harris Center Helpline 713- 970-7000 24 hrs. (For Crisis Helpline CHCS Children’s Clinic —227 West Drexel 210-261-3500 press 1) 9401 SW Freeway, HOU CHCS Children’s Clinic for Eligibility/Enrollment 6812 Heights Public Library 832-393-1810 Bandera Road Suite 102 210-261-3350 NAMI Greater Houston– National Alliance on Mentally Illness of CHCS Northwest Clinic 5372 Fredericksburg Rd Bldg. F 210 greater Houston 713-970-4419 www.namigreaterhouston.org -261-1600 NAMI Family to Family Support Group Contact Phil or Lesley CHCS Palo Alto Clinic 711 Palo Alto Road 210-261-3200 Blackburn 832-367-4943 CHCS P. Elizondo Clinic 928 W. Commerce Neuropsychiatric Center (NPC) 713-970-7070 1502 Taub Loop DBSA-Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, 6851 New Start 713-970-8625 6032 Airline, HOU 77076 Citizens Parkway 210-945-0689 Northeast Clinic 713-970-87007200 North Loop East, HOU Fair Housing Council of Greater San Antonio 4414 Northwest Clinic 713-970-8400 3737 Dacoma Rd, HOU Centerview Drive, Suite # 229; 210-733-3247 PE.E.R. House Crisis Peer Respite 713-970-6012 5518 Jackson Hearing Voices—(InsideOutGroup), 2nd/4th Sat 10am 6851 Street HOU Citizens Pkwy [email protected] re:MIND Houston Administration offices: Depressive Bipolar Support NAMI Office 210-734-3349 Alliance 713-600-1131 remindsupport.org Recovery Inc. recoveryinternational.org, Southeast Clinic 713-970-4300 5901 Long Drive, HOU Tues 10 am -12 pm, & Wed, 7:00 PM 210-317-7083 Southwest Clinic 713-970-3800 9401 Southwest Freeway, HOU SAILS – San Antonio Independent Living Services The Bristow Center – PATH 713-970-7413 2627 Caroline St, HOU 1028 S. Alamo Drive 210-281-1878 University of TX Harris County Psychiatric Center 713-714-6020 San Antonio Clubhouse 6851 Citizens Parkway, Suite 100 2800 South MacGregor Way, HOU 210-798-1619 San Antonio Gender Association at Metropolitan Community Church, 611 E Myrtle 210-472-3597 Rio Grande Valley www.sagender.net 1st & 3rd Thursdays 6:30p—9 pm VIA Metro Center 1021 San Pedro 210-362-2020 Abundant Grace Counseling Center: 956-381-0622 American Red Cross: 956-423-0523 Catholic Charities Rio Grande Valley: 956-702-4088 Collin County Cash Medical Clinic: 956-668-8813 Children’s Advocacy Center: 956-287-9754 Adapt Mobil Crisis Line LifePath McKinney Out- Crisis/Suicide Hotline: (877) 422-5939 866-260-8000 patient Clinic 972-562-9647 Crisis Text line Text hello to 741741 Al-Anon 214-363-0461 LifePath Plano Outpatient Alcoholics Anonymous Family Crisis Center: 1-866-423-9304 Clinic 972-422-5939 Hidalgo County District Attorney office: 956-292-7600 972-867-1115 LifePath complaints/ Allen Community Outreach concerns 972-372-0321 Hope Family Health Center (Medical and Counseling 972-727-9131 McKinney Housing Services: 956-994-3319 Assistance Center of Collin 972-542-5641 Hope Peer Support Warmline: 844-755-HOPE County 972-422-1850 Medicaid Transportation TX A&M Dentistry Mujeres Unidas: 956-630-4878 877-633-8747 Palmer Drug Abuse Program: 956-687-7714 214-828-8100 N. Central TX Workforce Children’s Advocacy Center Solutions 888-548-WORK Rio Grande Food Bank: 956-682-8101 972-633-6600 NEXUS 214-321-0156 Salvation Army: 956-682-1468 Collin County Indigent Health North Tx Behavioral Health South Texas Civil Rights Projects: 956-787-8171 Office 972-548-4702 Authority 214-366-9407 Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid: 956-393-6200 Collin County Veteran Services North TX Food Bank TX Tropical Behavioral Health Hotline: 1-877-289-7199 972-881-3060 214-269-0907 Dallas Housing 214-951-8300 Plano Housing 972-423-4928 DART 241-979-1111 Plano Workforce Center Food Stamps SNAP 211 469-229-0099 Green Oaks Hospital Salvation Army McKinney 972-770-0818 972-542-6694 Denton Homeward Bound 214-941-3500 Salvation Army Plano Hope’s Door Plano Crisis Line 972-423-8254 Denton Outpatient Clinic 940-381-5000 972-276-0057 Samaritan Inn 972-542-5302 Flower Mound Outpatient Center 214-488-0121 Jewish Family Services Social Security Office McKinney Outpatient Clinic 940-891-0970 972-437-9950 McKinney 866-931-2731 Morse Street Clinic 940-381-5000 Julia’s Center for Healthcare TAPS (Collin County) Psychiatric Triage Clinic 940-381-9965 972-535-5099 844-603-6048 The Center for Integrated Health 972-556-5836 Legal Aid of Northwest Texas Turtle Creek 214-871-2483 Denton County Crisis Residential Center 940-381-5000 800-906-3045 Watermark Urgent Care Lifepath Crisis/Suicide Hotline 972-972-8930 877-422-5939 Page 6 Living with Purpose: Learning From Regrets of the Dying by Jeff Anderson

Despite the fact our intellect acknowledges our mortality at a certain level, it’s not always something that’s easy to accept in be argued that they are being pushed too hard. our heart. People, especially younger people, tend to live life as Whatever the case, this regret should be another reminder though they will be around forever, and as though their loved to put family first. Work hard, but don’t wear yourself out, and ones will always be here too. While most of us block out thoughts don’t work to the extent that you are neglecting your family. of our own mortality, people with terminal illness must face the reality that life is fragile, fleeting and short. Terminally ill patients 3. “I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings.” often have an ability to cut through the meaningless, superficial Many people have regrets about affection they felt toward and inauthentic and see what really matters in life. another but did not share. We may have strong romantic feelings for someone, but be too afraid to share them. Those Five Recurring Regrets of the Dying who are dying would tell us, “You’ve got nothing to lose. Tell Hospice nurse Bonnie Ware spent much of her career her/[him/they] how you really feel.” compassionately caring for people in the end stages of their lives. This does not only extend to the romantic world. It’s a good A lot of hospice work involves providing medicine and comfort reminder to tell friends and family that we love them. For care to dying patients, but arguably the most important part of the example, many people who have lost a parent regret not job involves spending time with patients and listening, letting the telling their parent “I love you” more before they passed away. person she’s caring for find peace before they pass away. Ware 4. “I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.” found that our final days are often periods of immense spiritual Never take friends for granted. Close friendships that we growth, “People grow a lot when they are faced with their own make as younger adults may have a way of fading away as we mortality.” marry, change jobs, have kids, move out of state and so on. This newfound outlook of terminally ill patients allows them to Make an effort to keep these friendships going, even if it is just make the best of their remaining days. They let go of old with an occasional phone call or email. There often comes a grudges, tell their closest friends and family how much they are time in our life when we could benefit from reuniting with our loved, and they take pleasure in the small things, recognizing that friends of years past, so don’t burn your bridges with close all any of us have is the present moment. friends or neglect to stay in touch with them. Naturally, the epiphanies that come with facing mortality can 5. “I wish that I had let myself be happier.” prompt regrets about the past – mistakes, missed opportunities People who are terminally ill often recognize the habits and and so on. Fortunately, Bonnie Ware says most dying patients ways of thinking that prevented them from being as happy as are able to let go of these regrets before they pass and die in they could have been during their life. They may have been peace. living their lives always hoping for the next big opportunity Ware thinks that we can learn from studying the regrets that without living in the present moment. This regret is a reminder people express in their final days. She identified five common to find happiness in the here and now. Don’t count on good regrets of hospice patients in her book Top 5 Regrets of the times tomorrow, this weekend, next month, or next year. Savor Dying. the moment and find your happiness in it, because it’s all we really have. Inspiration to Live a Life Without Regrets And don’t be afraid to pursue your dreams and goals. In an A common theme in the lessons learned from the regrets of interview with the Atlantic Magazine, 101 year-old Marian the dying is that we only live once, and we must make the most Cannon Schlesinger talked about the importance of seeking of the life we have. Learning from this wisdom may help us age your bliss: “Early on I decided being a painter was what I without these disappointments. Here are the five main regrets wanted to be but I wanted to be a lot of other things too. I based on Bonnie Ware’s writings: wanted to write. I wanted to play tennis. I wanted to have a lot of friends. I wanted to have a lot of beaus. I think I’ve been 1. “I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not very lucky. But I think that I’ve made some of it for myself. I the life others expected of me.” never gave up. I wanted it all, in other words, and I think I From birth, people are pressured to adhere to prescribed really almost got it all too.” roles. Our society and culture (largely through the media), along with our own families create models for the way we are expected “The New National Mental Health Crisis Line to live and behave, and even what to buy. What’s more, we may sacrifice our authentic selves by attempting to win the affection of Wants to Track Your Location” friends who expect us to act in a certain way. It’s liberating to be yourself rather than pretend to be something you’re not in order to conform to your conception of In July 2022, 988 is scheduled to replace 1.800.273.TALK, the what culture, your friends or family expect from you. There is no current federally funded National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. But shame in being different. The great American writer Henry David some mental health advocates say that the new number—which Thoreau wrote famously, “If a man does not keep pace with his will include geolocation technology, as 911 does—has the companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. potential for police showing up at the caller’s door. “Autonomy and Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or choice outweigh any benefits of geolocation services,” said far away.” disability rights activist Jess Stohlmann-Rainey of Rocky Mountain Crisis Partners in Denver. “We marginalize and put communities 2. “I wish I hadn’t worked so hard.” who need us at risk by doing any kind of coercion.” Stohlmann- America has always been an industrious country, but this Rainey is quoted in “The New National Mental Health Crisis Line regret may be another indication that the work-life balance has Wants to Track Your Location,” which notes that calling 911 has gotten out of whack in America. For example, according to UN been dangerous—even fatal—especially for people of color. For data, in Germany, the largest European economy and one that’s the article, on the Disability Visibility Project website, https:// growing at a steady pace, the average worker works 1,397 hours disabilityvisibilityproject.com/ per year. In the U.S., the average worker works 1,790 hours per And for “Suicide Hotlines Bill Themselves as Confidential— year. Americans, therefore, have 28% less leisure time than Even as Some Trace Your Call,” https:// Germans, despite the fact the German economy is just as robust www.madinamerica.com/2020/11/suicide-hotlines-trace-your-call/. as America’s. American workers may be simply pushing Also, Mad In America is collecting information about suicide themselves too hard at the expense of their family life, or it could hotlines in order to provide a list of numbers that do not trace or send help without consent under any circumstances. To participate, https://form.jotform.com/210945953137157 Page 7 Hearing Voices Network Is Now Hosting Online Groups

“There are now ONLINE opportunities to connect, share experiences, and find mutual support,” the Igniting the Spark of Hope: Resilience, Recovery, Hearing Voices Network (HVN) writes. “These groups are accessible via web-based platforms and by Renewal Region 6 Peer Conference With Pat phone…Online groups are specifically for those with Deegan and Tonier Cain!! personal lived experience with hearing voices, seeing visions, and/or negotiating alternative realities. They are voice-hearer facilitated. With further questions Who: Mental Health Peers/Family Partners/Interested Persons and for details on how to access the group[s], please email [email protected].” When: June 22 – June 24 Where: Virtual The Free Library

Cost: Free Since 2003, The Free Library has offered free, full- Register: https://sites.utexas.edu/ignitingthesparkofhope/ text versions of classic literary works from hundreds of celebrated authors, whose biographies, images, and famous quotations can also be found on the Join the virtual three-day peer professional conference for continuing site. Recently, The Free Library has been expanded to include a massive collection of periodicals from education and networking with peer professionals across the five states hundreds of leading publications covering Business recognized by SAMHSA as Region 6! and Industry, Communications, Entertainment, Health, Humanities, Law, Government, Politics, Recreation and Leisure, Science and Technology, The agenda includes nationally recognized speakers (Pat Deegan and and Social Sciences. This collection includes Tonier Cain), interactive panel discussions and opportunities to network millions of articles dating back to 1984 as well as with peer support professionals from across the region. newly-published articles that are added to the site daily. https://www.thefreelibrary.com/

South TX Hope Center Bilingual Mental Health Conferences 2021 Warm Line! 07/8&10 Alternatives 35th Anniversary Connecting, Organizing & Activating &15&17 https://ymlp.com/zzrcjZ Need someone to talk to about what is going on? /2021 Someone to hear your thoughts? The warm line is a place where you can do just that. 09/01- 12th World Hearing Voices Conference—Cork, Ireland 03/2021 http://hearingvoicesnetworkireland.ie/intervoice-congress-2021/ Available 12-10 pm Monday-Friday 11/02– World Congress on Mental Health, London, England Available 9 am– 2 pm on Saturday 05/2022 wfmh.global/world-mental-health-congress-london-2021/ 844-755-4673 *NOTE: To get more information about a conference, you will need to access this form on the internet to click on the link. You can find it at www.TheProsumers.org under Newsletters. Mental Health and Addiction Helpline — Grant Tarrant County Warm Line! Halliburton Foundation Developed by Grant Halliburton Foundation, The Here For Texas Mental Need someone to talk about what is going on? Someone to hear your Health Navigation Line is a free helpline offering guidance, information, thoughts? The warm line is a place where you can do just that. resources, and support for mental health and addiction. Call us to get Available 8 am- 5pm Monday- Friday resources for anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, addiction, and other mental health issues. English- 817-546-7826 If you need help, give us a call at 972-525-8181 Monday–Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Spanish- 817-546-7827 TOP Listening Prosumer emPOWERment Radio (PPR) Now on Feel the Power Countries for Alexa!! To listen to the Prosumer station go to: April 2021 www.ProsumersInternational.org and click on Say “Enable My Tuner United States Radio” on your Alexa Prosumer emPOWERment Radio. Canada Device/ Then say Play Brazil Prosumer emPOWERment Radio (PPR) Stats: United Kingdom Prosumer 4/01/2021 – 4/30/2021 emPOWERment Radio, Russian Federation Month # Streamed Hours # Access # Distinct Ips the PPR Aprl 2,562 298 204

Page 8 I live the life I love!!