News

03/24/11

Times are tough, save money with these family friendly FREE events going on in Tucson!!!

 There's lots going on in our community this spring! You're invited to take part in the following engaging and FREE community events. If you like incentives beyond improved health, saving money, clean air, and a sustainable community, free prizes are also available at many of these events.

 

Bike Fest: March Through April 30th

Bike Fest is on! There are over 24 different events designed to get you out of your car and onto a bike. Events include Bike to Work Week, bike rides/tours, swap meet, scavenger hunts, challenges; bike lover art, etc. Click here to see the full list.

 

Cyclovia: Sunday, March 27

Cyclovia Tucson is an annual car-free event that opens selected streets to people so that they can walk, skate, run, bicycle, and socialize with their neighbors. It's a free event, open to the public and fun for people of all ages. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy a 5-mile loop downtown to South Tucson on streets free of cars. Join Solar Rock and the Water Festival at Armory Park for even more fun. Start and stop anywhere along the route. For more information visit www.cycloviatucson.org.

 

Green Commutes Open House: Tuesday, March 29

Pima County Department of Environmental Quality (PDEQ) is hosting an open house event for commuters along the Ajo Way corridor from 10:00am to 2:00pm at the Abrams Public Health Center, first floor meeting rooms. (3950 South Country Club Road. Overflow parking at Kino Stadium west of Forgeus - you'll need to walk along Ajo in front of UPH.) Free refreshments will be provided courtesy of Blimpie and Java Edge while supplies last. Representatives from PDEQ, Pima Association of Governments (PAG) Sun Rideshare Program, Pima County Department of Transportation (PCDOT) Bicycle & Pedestrian Program, Sun Tran, VPSI Inc., and University Physicians Hospital will be available to share information and answer questions to help you plan your green commutes.

 

Bicycle Commuter Challenge: April 1 - 30

Who's ready for a little commuter bike competition? Everyone can play. All it takes is 20 one-way commute trips to qualify for the grand prize, a new bicycle and loads of other great prizes. Log in your daily commutes on the Sun Rideshare website at www.884ride.org/ridepro.

 

Employee Health Fair: Thursday, April 7

Sponsored by the Pima County Employee Wellness and the City of Tucson Live Well Be Well Program, the Fair will be held at downtown's El Presidio Park from 11:00am to 1:30pm. Over 80 wellness exhibitors will be on-site to provide a wealth of information about health opportunities and services in the community. This year's event will also feature a special, live Demonstration area. Free Blood Pressure Screenings will be provided by Northwest Medical Center, along with a variety of additional screenings and services offered by multiple organizations. PDEQ, PCDOT, PAG Sun Rideshare, VPSI Inc., and Sun Tran will be staffing tables to provide information about travel reduction and alternate modes of transportation.

 

Tucson Earth Day Festival and Parade: Saturday, April 16

The Festival begins at 9:00 a.m. and ends at 2:00. Parade at 10:00. The event features environmentally themed exhibits, music, performances, and food vendors.  Admission is free, and all exhibits include hands-on environmental activities for young and old alike. Continuing with our focus on All Species, the theme this year is "Conserve Today - Preserve Tomorrow." New this year: Free Shred-a-thon, for safe destruction and recycling. For more information, click on http://tucsonearthday.org/.

 

Freecycle Swap: Saturday, April 16

Bear Canyon Library will host this spring event from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Just in time for spring cleaning and Earth Day this swap will give you the chance to gift useable items to others. For information call 791-4010.

 

National Air Quality Awareness Week, May 2 - 6

Teach, learn, act to discover more about air quality in general and in Pima County. About 60% of Tucson's air pollution comes from driving motor vehicles. So, do what you can to drive less this week. Check out www.AirInfoNow.org to find out how our air quality is doing in several locations throughout metropolitan Tucson. Check out the national site at http://www.epa.gov/airnow/airaware/local.html to plan your own event.

 

Fiesta Grande Street Fair, Saturday, May 7 and Sunday May 8

Enjoy hours of dancing and celebration throughout the weekend. Admission to the fair is FREE to the public. Located on Grande Avenue between Speedway and St. Mary's Road. Visit the Pima County Public Works booth on Saturday from noon to dusk.

 

03/22/11

Joint Chiefs Chairman Mullen advocates community support for returning troops

Posted on the Phoenix Business Journal on  Mar 11, 2011, 10:58 am

By: Ilana Lowery

Education, health and employment are areas where communities can and should be willing to assist the men and women who serve in today's military after they leave active duty, the nation's top military officer said yesterday.

Navy Adm. Michael Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, addressed an intimate group of businesspeople at US Airways Center on Thursday night as part of an effort to increase awareness across the country about the need to assist U.S. troops as they return from combat.

"These 20-somethings have enormous potential," he said. "We need to figure out how to embrace that potential."

Mullen told the group of business leaders that the benefits of hiring veterans far outweighs any challenges that might be faced. He characterized those fighting in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq as "a generation wired to serve."

"They have a lifetime of experience," he said. "They just need a little boost ... their lives may have changed because of their wounds, but their dreams haven't."

US Airways Group's 36,000 employees include hundreds of veterans who display maturity, discipline and leadership, according to C.A. Howlett, senior vice president of public affairs for the airline.

"There is a professionalism (in) the military servicemen and women who work for US Airways," said Howlett.

Mullen was coming off a week visiting U.S. troops and military and government leaders in seven Persian Gulf nations. Mullen and his wife, Deborah, were hosted by TriWest Healthcare Alliance and the Phoenix Suns. He has been visiting communities across the country connecting with local leaders to discuss issues affecting combat veterans returning home from abroad.

David McIntyre, CEO of TriWest, and Robert Sarver, Suns owner and Alliance Bancorp CEO, attended the mini town hall, along with Howlett; Glenn Hamer, CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry; and Rich Boals, president and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona.

Earlier in the day, Mullen spoke to a larger group of servicemen and women from all branches of the armed forces, in addition to students, faculty and citizens, at Arizona State University's downtown Phoenix campus.

"This is a tough time to come out and make that transition," Mullen said of the military troops who will reintegrate following combat, adding that the U.S. "doesn't have a very good transition program."

He talked about the decades-old transition process of troops going from the U.S. Defense Department to the Veteran Affairs Department and back to their communities with little or no support. Mullen said it's crucial to create a bridge as troops transition from their military experience to the experience back home.

Mullen, the oldest of five children, joined the U.S. military at age 17 with no intention of staying more than two years. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1968 and will retire in September at the end of this two-year term with the Joint Chiefs, after having served in the military for 43 years.

But Mullen's role as the highest-ranking officer in the U.S. Armed Forces and the president's principal military adviser has been by far the most challenging job he's ever had.

"It's grueling and relentless, and I have an awful lot of meetings at the White House," he said.

 

03/16/11

STAFF TIPS

Body language during the application process & interview

Advertisers and psychologists claim that 93% of communication is non-verbal. The actual percentage is still being disputed and the specific number is actually irrelevant, what is important is the fact that you actually say more without talking than by actually using words and sounds. This is why it is important that you (as an employment candidate) are aware of what kind of communication you are conveying with your body and mannerisms. It could mean the difference between being hired on the spot and waiting to get "a call back".  Most of us are unaware of our posture and mannerisms because they are usually an automatic, subconscious behavior. Unfortunately, under stress these aspects of ourselves become amplified, whats more, in a situation where you are being scrutinized as a potential employee these amplified behaviors are also magnified, which ends up being a double whammy.

So how do you fight these potential barriers to employment? First, start from the beginning, which is NOT at the interview. Surprised? Don't be most people aren't aware that the employment process begins BEFORE you ask for an application.  Before you leave the house check for the following:

• *         What is your mental state? Are you happy and relaxed? If not, get there.  This is extremely important because everyone can see an unhappy person approaching. Also, being relaxed will help you diminish your negative non verbal behaviors.
• *         Eat breakfast. It's the most important meal of the day for a reason. It puts you in a good mood, makes you mentally focused, and supplies your body with the energy needed to physically deal with day to day situations such as applying and interviewing for a job.
• *         Shower, brush your teeth, comb your hair and wear some deodorant. It's one thing if employers can see your stress you don't need them smelling it too. That being said, do not go overboard with the cologne and perfume. You're going to a place of employment not a nightclub. A helpful hint is if YOU can smell your own perfume or cologne, then you are wearing too much.
• *         Dress appropriately even if you are asking for an application. Do not wear sneakers.

                -Try to stay away from denim of any kind whether it's jeans, jackets or skirts. If you must wear jeans make sure they are clean, not faded and preferably a dark color.

- If you are a woman and choose to wear a skirt, make sure it is below your knees and preferably a solid color. 

-Socks should be the same color of your pants. Never wear white socks, and if you don't have socks that match your pants, wear black socks.

-Shoes should be dark, cleaned and shined with the laces tied.

-Shirts should be dress shirts with collars, solid colors preferably and tucked in, buttoned all the way. No more than the two top buttons should be unbuttoned. Also wear an undershirt without any logos or designs that can show through your shirt.

-Belts should always be worn. They should match your shoes in color, for example dark brown shoes, dark brown belt.

-Face should be clean and shaven if you are a man. If you are a woman, your face should be clean as well and if you choose to wear makeup keep it to a minimum. Never wear sunglasses when talking to potential employers.

-Hair should be clean, well groomed and kept out of your face.

-ALL clothing should be ironed, clean and fitting well.

-Jewelry must be kept to a minimum; employers are not interested in your "bling" or piercings.

• *         Check your posture in the mirror and make a mental note. If you slouch, straighten up. If you put your hands in your pocket take them out and put them at your sides. Make sure to smile, so that you feel in a better mood and in order to make sure you don't have anything in your teeth.
• *         When approaching an employer and asking for an application, make eye contact first. As soon as you make eye contact smile and introduce yourself. Never just walk up to an employer and say "Hey, you hiring?" You will only come off as demanding and rude. Instead, approach it as a friendly conversation, once you are done with you introduction state your purpose and POLITELY ask for an application, manners go a long way. Try saying "I was wondering if you are hiring and if so, may I please have an application?" this will yield you better results than "hey, you hiring?"
•          Make sure you maintain eye contact and a smile throughout the process. Stand up straight and be confident you are asking for a job, its nothing to be ashamed of.
• *         Be prepared to talk about yourself in a positive way. If you can convince the person giving you an application you will most likely get an interview. The key here is enthusiasm. Make sure that when you talk about yourself you show enthusiasm, there is no room for doubt.  Enthusiasm will show not only in your body language, but also in your tone of voice and even in your application. It will even carry over to your interview.

*         Remain calm. Do not talk at a hundred miles an hour, use slang or curse words. Do not slouch, use excessive hand gestures or fidget.

*         Upon finishing with your contact keep a positive attitude, show gratitude and politely excuse yourself from the presence of the employer. Do not hug. Shaking hands is appropriate. If you do not get a positive response, do not get angry or take it personal, shake hands and thank them anyways. Do not resort to passive aggressive tactics or negative body language, for example saying "whatever" and walking away. That sort of behavior will only guarantee you NEVER get hired there.

I hope this helps a bit. There is no sure fire way to land a job, but there are ways to improve the odds and you want to be as prepared as you can so that the odds are on your side. For more news and tips check in regularly with our website as we will continue to provide you with the latest in information regarding employment and mental health issues.

 

03/14/11

Despite rising need, mental health takes back seat

State spending cuts worsen with end of stimulus

 

Posted on the Tucson Sentinal on  Mar 14, 2011, 8:39 am

Amy Biegelsen Center for Public Integrity

It's been two months now since Jared Lee Loughner opened fire outside a Tucson shopping center, killing six people and wounding 13 more, and what's come to light since leaves more than a few troubling questions.

Following the shooting, it was revealed that authorities had barred Loughner from Pima Community College, where he attended classes, until he was certified as fit by a mental health professional. Loughner apparently never sought professional help, and the questions the community college had about Loughner's state of mind still resonate - what was going on with this young man, and is there anything the local mental health infrastructure could have done to change the horrible outcome?

The nation's mental health infrastructure is not offering easy answers these days. Advocates say that in extreme cases like Loughner's, it's possible the public system may not have been able to do much to stop him. But mental health leaders are worried that soon, they may not be able to do much of anything at all.

Desperate to close historically cavernous budget gaps, states have cut $2.1 billion from their mental health budgets over the last three fiscal years according to a study from the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors' Research Institute. More slashing is expected in the coming weeks as states finalize their 2012 spending plans.

Meanwhile a new study from the National Alliance on Mental Illness finds that between fiscal years 2009 and 2011, more than a dozen states and the District of Columbia cut their mental health budgets by more than 10 percent.

But the fiscal reality may even be worse than those numbers make it appear. That's because up to now, federal stimulus money has cushioned the blow by pumping $103 billion into the states through Medicaid since early 2009. The money has been keeping state-run health insurance programs afloat for the last two years, but it will end this summer.

Meanwhile, growing demands for help show few signs of abating, say mental health authorities.

The same economic crunch that has put states in the red has forced struggling Americans out of jobs, homes and insurance plans, creating more demand for the shrinking pool of public services.

"The safety net," says Marylou Sudders, former Massachusetts commissioner for mental health, "is shredded."

TO READ THE REST OF THIS STORY PLEASE GO TO THE TUCSON SENTINEL           

Reporting for this story was contributed by the Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting, InvestigateWest, the Iowa Center for Public Affairs Journalism, the Florida Center for Investigative Reporting, St. Louis Beacon, California Watch, the New England Center for Investigative Reporting, Texas Watchdog, WyoFile and the Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism.

 

 

 

 

New reports show Arizona is at the top of the country among small business growth. According to Phoenix Business Journal, the Intuit Small Business Employment Index found that, in February, small businesses in Arizona grew at 0.7 percent. The national average was 0.3 percent, or about 50,000 jobs. These figures are based on small businesses that use Intuit Online Payroll.

The report also found that employees nationwide worked about a 24.8 hours a week, a 0.1 percent increase from January.

However, the pay results showed a 0.1 percent drop compared to January. On average, wages are about $31,300 a year for part time small business workers.

"This month's report is a lot like last month's," said Susan Woodward, the economist who worked with Intuit to create the index. "Small businesses are hiring and their people are working more hours, but measures of compensation are pretty flat, showing that the labor market is still soft."

03/10/11

Lesson learned: Reaching out to mentally ill is a must

By Reginald Ballantyne - Feb. 12, 2011 12:00 AM
Special for the Arizona Republic

The lessons are both humbling and hopeful.  While we can send astronauts to a space station hundreds of miles from Earth, we don't fully understand the workings of the brain, an organ whose apparent dysfunction in one individual can cause so much suffering.

Yet it is the same organ that is demonstrating incredible resilience in U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords.

Helping her pull through to complete recovery - it is hoped - are the complex knowledge and skills of medical professionals.

However, experts emphasize that a very simple first step is required to help a person who seems disturbed, although it's a difficult step for many of us. It's reaching out and saying, "I'm concerned about you. I noticed you haven't been yourself lately."

But a major obstacle prevents many from seeking care: the stigma attached to mental illness. A family might not want to admit something seems to be wrong with their teenager. The teenager does not want to be labeled a nutcase, a psycho - someone who needs a shrink.

For weeks on end now, newscasts have bombarded us with that photo of the young man with the crazed grin, demonizing the category "mentally ill." Who would want to be lumped into that category by admitting one needs help?

Those who work in the public and private sectors have been grappling for years with ways to improve mental-health care in the United States. But improved services are of limited use if people are reluctant to seek them.

Admittedly, cuts in Medicaid eligibility in Arizona and around the country have left thousands who need mental-health care without the full range of services that would benefit them. We must work to achieve a fiscal conscience that will restore eligibility to more of our citizens in need.

Meanwhile, we should keep in mind that despite the cuts in Medicaid eligibility, "there have been no cuts in behavioral health care in Arizona Medicaid," explains Dr. Laura Nelson, a psychiatrist and deputy director of the Division of Behavioral Health Service at the Arizona Department of Health Services.

In fact, Arizona is considered a progressive state because of the robust public mental-health services provided through cost-effective outpatient programs, based on best practices.

In addition to clinicians, those services include a case manager, support in maintaining employment and peer-support organizations. In 15 peer agencies across the state, hundreds of recipients of mental-health services who have made progress in managing their illness are able to relate with those in need in ways professionals cannot.

Magellan Health Services, serving predominantly Maricopa County, funds a crisis line (800-631-1314) as do health authorities in our other regions. Anyone can all 24/7 and talk to a behavioral-health professional, who can either dispatch a mobile crisis team or help someone get connected to sources of care.

In addition, employees of most businesses have access to an employee-assistance program that provides counseling and referrals to providers. Employers must provide mental-health services comparable with traditional medical coverage.

But, again, people who need help must be encouraged to walk through those doors.

Nelson says, "What we've learned through the tragedy in Tucson is we need to reach out and educate the general public about how they can recognize early who needs help. Here's a real role for our teachers, family members, friends - people who have a relationship with the person.

"How do we help individuals feel comfortable reaching out and having that conversation and teach them what resources are available?"

First, look in the mirror. Are we open to connecting with the "other" whom we do not understand and may have learned to fear?

Reginald M. Ballantyne III is senior corporate officer of Vanguard Health Systems and past chairman of the American Hospital Association.

Read more: http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/opinions/articles/2011/02/12/20110212ballantyne12.html#ixzz1GdkANubF 03/09/11

Want to know what the latest statistics as far as unemployment rates are? Google can help check out the latest statistics by following this link. The good news is that the unemployment rate is in a steady decline since July 2010.