Blog Archives

With more than 5 million people in nursing homes in our country and over 10 million people caring for them, wouldn’t it be next to a miracle if those with dementia and Alzheimer’s were given a way to enjoy life again? Actually, there is. It’s a simple and proven concept: when listless, uncommunicative and depressed people are given digital music devices (similar to an Ipod) to listen to music that they have loved in their life, they literally come alive. They become animated. Their eyes sparkle. They smile, sing and dance. They are able to remember things.

This is what Music & Memory is all about. This incredible organization is single-handedly changing the world. What started with founder and executive director Dan Cohen working with residents in nursing homes has crescendoed into a movement worldwide.

Dan and his team brought the emotional and moving Sundance Film Festival hit movie Alive Inside: A Story of Music & Memory to a screening at Denver’s Sie Film Center on Monday. Guests got to watch the transformation of patients who could literally do nothing but stare at the floor into smiling, singing, happy people who remember even things from their childhood, and certainly the happy times in their lives. All by putting a pair of earphones on and playing a list of songs they have loved in their life.

Dan and his team have tirelessly pounded the pavement all over the country to convince nursing homes and home care administrators to give this gift of life to their residents. It’s not easy. Doctors in the film say that they can prescribe thousands of dollars for bandaid medications, but medical plans do not cover, nor do they recognize, music as a catalyst for happiness. Film clips of transformations of elderly people have gone viral and this has helped awareness and advocacy.

You can learn more about this miracle. Log on to www.musicandmemory.org for tons of information about the program and research about how music literally lights up the brain. Oh, and it’s a good idea to create your own playlist. You never know when you’ll need it.

Would would it be like if you could say whatever you wanted to people, without repercussions?

Shari Harley, founder and president of Candid Culture and author of How to Say Anything to Anyone, imparted some wisdom about that thought on Friday at the Smart-Girl annual luncheon at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel.

Shari told the crowd that you can say what you want, but there needs to be some scene setting first. The message resonated with the Smart-Girl attendees, who learn about self-confidence and strengths. It’s all about perception, and sometimes it can take a lifetime to learn not to let what other people think of you interfere with who you are.

AllHealth Network, formerly Arapahoe/Douglas Mental Health Network, hosted the Smart-Girl annual luncheon as a highlight to one of their critical programs.

The mission of Smart-Girl is to empower adolescent girls to make smart choices and become confident, capable, self-reliant young women. The Smart-Guy program prepares adolescent boys to make smart choices and grow into resilient, confident and upstanding young men.

By promoting these values, the chance of bullying and harmful resulting effects is greatly reduced:

• Reduce vulnerability to self-destructive behaviors
• Develop leadership, group and social skills
• Learn and practice critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Increase self-awareness and values that lead to success in life

Find out more at www.smart-girl.org and www.allhealthnetwork.org.

Mariel Hemingway quickly made about 700 friends at the Arapahoe Douglas Mental Health Network’s 60th anniversary shindig Wednesday night. The crowd instantly loved her honest and forthright manner in describing her life of suicidal relatives (the most famous being her grandfather, Ernest Hemingway and her sister, Margot), tumultuous family fights and the roller coaster of mental illness.

Ms Hemingway took guests through a tour “in her mind” of her life, including “hangin'” with the Dalai Lama, being part of the Hollywood movie scene, and discovering that “being around thrown glass and trying to fix my relatives wasn’t really normal for everyone like I thought.”

Her speech was very much on point, as discussions in this country are beginning to be more and more centered around mental illness and treating it just like any other physical ailment, without the embarrassment and attempts to keep it in the shadows. Or we can only hope so.

ADMHN CEO Joan DiMaria was seen everywhere greeting guests and thanking supporters. The Visionary Leadership Award was given to George DelGrosso (just retired as CEO of the Colorado Behavioral Healthcare Council) and the Visionary Partner Award was presented to Centura/Colorado Health Neighborhoods. 

Kim Christiansen, as always, did a stellar job as emcee, and Event Chairs Cindi Burge and Kay Burke took the stage to kick off the program.

Since 1955, Arapahoe/Douglas Mental Health Network has provided mental health and substance abuse services in the south metro area. The 60th anniversary gala, Shine On, celebrated past accomplishments and future goals of the organization, its partners and all of the clients and families served. Proceeds from the event support suicide prevention services and mental health crisis care.

To find out how you can help, log on to www.admhn.org

More than 1 in 4 people in Colorado–over a million people–are affected by mental illness. It affects everyone in some way, every day. How much more prevalent does it have to be before mental illness is treated as real and as serious as any physical ailment?

To answer these questions and continue the quest toward advocacy, Mental Health America of Colorado’s annual Tribute dinner drew a packed house at the Sheraton Denver Downtown hotel Saturday night.

This year’s gala paid tribute to an enterprising team of young mountaineers: the Climb Out of the Darkness Expedition. The team scaled all 54 of Colorado’s 14,000-foot peaks this summer in order to raise awareness – and reduce the stigma – of mental illness. Participants wanted to raise awareness and illustrate parallels between the challenges they faced every day–it was difficult to get up and keep at it day after day, just as it is for many people with mental illness.

MHAC is Colorado’s leading advocate for the prevention, early intervention and effective treatment of mental illness. Their annual Tribute brings together 700 supporters in an evening of celebration.Tribute is MHAC’s premier fundraiser. Proceeds from the event support their organization’s life-changing work: promoting the screening, diagnosis and treatment of mental health and substance use disorders; preventing discrimination; and providing nationally recognized leadership in shaping public policy.

It’s not a secret anymore that mental health concerns affect virtually every family in one way or another. It’s time to stop hiding behind the stigma and take action. Colorado is one of the nation’s leaders in suicides and unfortunately was the site of one of the worst mass shootings in history. Schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression…these are all sicknesses that need to be brought out from behind the shadows and treated, like any other illness. But since they are not physically based, they are sometimes difficult to define.

In order to call attention to this ever-pressing problem, Mental Health of America of Colorado is hosting their annual Tribute gala on October 3, 2015. Honorees will be the dedicated group of climbers who are in the process of scaling all 54 “fourteeners” in Colorado in 10 weeks to put a spotlight on mental illness. This project, which already has gained media attention, is called “Climb Out of the Darkness.”

A kickoff reception for Tribute was held on Thursday at the Cherry Hills Country Club. New MHAC President and CEO Andrew Romanoff gave an impassioned speech calling supporters to action. Board Chairman Chuck Reyman also thanked sponsors, volunteers, staff and committee members. Kay Greene added sentiments about why she has joined the fight against mental illness and one of the Tribute chairs, Monika Dewitt, talked about why she was recruited for the effort.

To find out more information about Tribute or to find out about mental health programs in Colorado, log on to www.mhacolorado.org.

Paul Gionfriddo, President and CEO of Mental Health America took the stage at the MHAC Tribute event Saturday night to talk about his book, “Losing Tim.” Mr. Gionfriddo’s 29-year-old son is one of the 6% of Americans with a serious mental illness and is walking the streets of San Francisco, homeless. What does that tell you, when the president of one of the largest mental health organizations in the country and his family are still impacted by the stigma and devastation of mental illness….it can strike anywhere, anytime, and it’s a good bet that all of us are affected in some way.

Mental Health America Colorado (MHAC) is taking a proactive role in addressing mental health conditions. The strategic plan encompasses three major goals: broker change, reduce stigma and improve lives. They seek to improve and address the dismal ranking of 48th place in the nation in per capita funding for behavioral health services.

A jovial but humble crowd gathered at the Sheraton Downtown to continue this mission. Proceeds from Tribute support MHAC’s efforts in outreach, education, prevention and advocacy to lift stigma and improve the lives of all Coloradoans.

Two honorees were recognized for their incredible, forward-seeking work in these areas:

• Marguerite Salazar, Colorado’s Insurance Commissioner, who has worked tirelessly to address the parity between mental and physical conditions and corresponding funding and advocacy;
• Colorado College, who supports and nurtures mental health programs and students who reach out for help.

MHAC President and CEO Don Mares gave a heartfelt thank you to attendees and supporters, and Board Chair Marty Waters told a surprising story of how his mental outlook was affected after he was caught in an avalanche several years ago and used up at least one of his nine lives.

After the order of business was taken care of, the crowd cut loose and danced the night away to the upbeat tunes of Jakarta. Kudos to MHAC staff, volunteers and supporters who keep the mission going consistently.

For more information about how you can help, log on to www.mhacolorado.org

Friends and supporters gathered at a local country club on Wednesday to endorse the upcoming annual “Tribute” dinner and support programs of Mental Health America of Colorado.

“Tribute to the Power of Hope” is slated for November 22, and will honor Marguerite Salazar, Colorado Insurance Commissioner (and former Regional Director for the Department of Health and Human Services appointed by President Barack Obama), and Colorado College.  Both honorees are being recognized for their significant leadership in the mental health field. 

Chairs of the Tribute event are Kay Greene, Stuart Kassan MD, Gail Kassan, Larry Spivack MD and Lisa Williams.

MHAC serves the people of Colorado by collaborating with strategic partners to promote mental health, expand access to services and transform systems of healthcare. 

Improving Lives, Transforming Minds.

On Thursday June 12, 2014 at RedLine gallery in Denver, Colorado donors gathered to celebrate MHAC’s Education, Prevention, & Outreach Programs. Ticket sales went to fund MHAC’s programs Check Your Head, Pro Bono Counseling & Referral Program, Speaker’s Bureau, and mental health “first aid” training which help meet the mental health needs of people throughout Colorado. This special cocktail reception featured art & poetry from Check Your Head students, stories of impact from MHAC program recipients, and a presentation of the Sandra Rhodes Community Leader Award.

Sandra Rhodes has served as a mental health professional for The Gathering Place, Colorado Youth at Risk and received the Mental Health America National Award for volunteer service in 2010. She has also sat on the board of Denver Children’s Home, Colorado Psychological Association, Mental Health America of Colorado, Colorado Youth at Risk and MHAC Honorary Board of Directors.

“Living Life to the Fullest” was this year’s theme for the Aurora Mental Health Center’s 10th Annual Luncheon attended by more than 300 guests, Friday May 2 at Aurora’s Red Lion Hotel. The event is held every May in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month. The Aurora Mental Health Center, a nonprofit community mental health center, helps people cope with mental health issues – from depression, anxiety, and stress management to more severe illnesses. Funds from this year’s event benefit the Aurora Strong Resilience Center established by a consortium of concerned citizens and AuMHC as a refuge for those affected by trauma. Event Chair and AuMHC board member Rachel Nuñez with AuMHC staffers Cindy Bohl and Heather Dolan Jackson and Richard Hanson ensured a seamless signature event. Nuñez welcomed guests and introduced emcee Ed Greene of CBS4 who recognized the board of directors and generous donors before introducing AuMHC CEO/President Randy Stith, Phd. “Our mission was the vision of a tireless group of concerned citizens spearheaded by Ellin Mrachek in the late 60’s,” said Stith, “and was the cornerstone of Aurora Mental Health Center’s creation in 1975 and its commitment to serve our community.” After lunch guests were entertained by the Chicago’s traveling 6-member Second City Comedy troupe who performed their show “Happily Ever Laughter,” a mix of sketches and routines poking fun at current events, politics, and relationships. Among those attending were elected officials and honored guests including Colorado State Senator Suzanne Williams; Aurora City Council members Barbara Cleland, Molly Markert, and Brad Pierce; Aurora Fire Chief Mike Garcia; Aurora Public Schools Superintendent Rico Munn; Cherry Creek School Board of Education Member Dave Willman; Cherry Creek Schools Associate Superintendent Scott Siegfried; Arapahoe County Sheriff Dave Walcher; Don Mares, President and CEO of Mental Health America Colorado; Community College of Aurora Foundation Board Member Ruth Fountain; table sponsors Tim and Dawn Huffman and Howard and Sara Jarrett, and many other supporters. Special thanks went to presenting sponsor CityWide Banks which matched all donations this year. Gold sponsors include Suss Buick GMC and EON Office; Silver Sponsor, WAVE Audio Visual; and Bronze Sponsors: Arapahoe House, Arapahoe Douglas Mental Health Network, Asian Pacific Development Center, Aurora Mental Health Center’s Executive Team, Behavioral Health Care, Incorporated, Cherry Creek Schools, Highlands Behavioral Health System, IMA of Colorado, The Medical Center of Aurora – Behavioral Health Services, Metro Community Provider Network, Nelnet, Titan CM Solutions, Tolin Mechanical. Aurora Mental Health Center provides services in 17 specialty clinics located in eight counseling centers, six residential facilities, public schools, two county departments of human services, in homes and foster homes, and other Aurora locations. Since its founding in 1975 Aurora Mental Health Center has won many awards including three consecutive years as winner of the Alfred P. Sloan Award which recognizes employers that are successfully using workplace flexibility to meet both employer and employee goals. Today AuMHC provides outpatient, day treatment, and acute treatment via individual, family, and group counseling, education, wellness classes, specialized programs, and residential programs. For more information visit: www.aumhc.org

You can plan a football game-watching party and provide great food at a fun venue, but naturally you want the home team to win. On Sunday, Dec. 1, the Denver Broncos delivered for Arapahoe/Douglas Mental Health Network’s Tackling Stigma: Denver Broncos Away Game Party with a thrilling come-from-behind 35-28 victory over division rivals Kansas City. ADMHN traditionally holds a fall fundraiser, but this was the group’s first time with an event of this kind, and they scored a big win. Meanwhile, the Broncos took clear charge of the AFC West as well as the division’s tiebreaker with its second win over the Chiefs this season.

With her Denver Broncos hat on and sippy cup in hand, Isabel is ready to cheer on the Broncos.

In a private room at Fox and Hound Lone Tree, guests had the opportunity to bid on an array of silent-auction items that featured—what else?—some great Bronco memorabilia. The handful of Kansas City fans cheered their team’s first-half lead, but eventually gave in as the Broncos came alive in the second half with 28 unanswered points. Before and during the game, Fox and Hound staff dished up a buffet of tasty tailgate food, and guests had a chance to chow, chat and even shoot a game of pool while catching every play on TV.

Bronco alumni Bucky Dilts (punter 1977-78) and Larry Brunson (wide receiver 1980), who also played for the Chiefs, but has seen the light and is active with Bronco alumni

During halftime, CEO/executive director Joan DiMaria discussed the stigma of getting treatment for mental health issues, and told the crowd that funds raised go toward helping uninsured and under-insured with support services that address recovery and suicide prevention. Former Bronco Bucky Dilts, who brought fellow alum Larry Brunson to the party, talked about former NFL players who publicly have come forward to share their struggles with depression. He vowed get more Broncos involved to support ADMHN events and programs.

Arapahoe/Douglas Mental Health Network is a local nonprofit helping local residents. “Stigma is a major barrier that keeps people from seeking help for mental health and substance abuse conditions. However, with appropriate diagnosis and treatment, behavioral health issues are very treatable.

“Some of the people who come through our doors not only have the misfortune of ailing behavioral health, they have very low incomes, no healthcare coverage and may be homeless, jobless and perhaps hopeless. These clients are our most vulnerable community members, yet we believe that with the right supports and resources, they can begin to reclaim the life they wish for. We strive to meet people where they are, across the continuum of mental health care, and work together to achieve balance and wellness. Your support of Arapahoe/Douglas Mental Health Network’s Tackling Stigma: Denver Broncos Away Game Party helps ADMHN provide more resources, education, treatment and recovery.” For more information, please visit: www.admhn.org.

Celebrating 60 years of advances in mental health leadership in Colorado, Mental Health America of Colorado held a gala at the Denver Marriott City Center on Saturday, October 26, 2013.  Guests enjoyed a cocktail reception during which they browsed a large selection of silent auction items, followed by the dinner program in the ballroom.

Following dinner, guests heard an inspiring talk from Donald Mares, President and CEO, about the changes which have occurred over the past 60 years in the care of mental health.  Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper then greeted guests and discussed recent legislation passed in the Colorado legislature to provide additional support for mental health services.  Dyana Furmansky, chair of the MHAC board of directors, acknowledged the sponsors and supporters of the organization, and a video commemorating the last 60 years of MHAC was shown.

Following dinner, guests were treated to a live auction with two of the top local auctioneers, Paul C Behr of Centennial Colorado and Sammy Hamblen, of Pierce Colorado.  A surprise performance by Donald Mares, President and CEO of MHAC and his band ‘Nearly There’ was a big hit, and the auction of a performance by the band and a dinner for eight prepared by chef Corey Cain raised $14,000 for the organization!  The night was capped off by dancing to the Mary Louise Lee Band.

There was a lot of fun and excitement at Aurora Mental Health Center’s 7th annual Student Art Contest and Show this year, where a record breaking 553 pieces of art submitted from 32 different schools and educational organizations were featured. Students from kindergarten through 12th grade created artworks based on the theme of “Living Life to the Fullest.” Held at the Red Lion Hotel in Aurora, students, parents, grandparents and teachers came out to celebrate the students’ artistic achievements and view the diverse pieces of art that were created for this year’s show. First and second place winners in each of the 4 grade categories, as well as four  Director’s Choice Award recipients, received a special recognition and gift certificates provided by sponsor Citywide Banks.

Aurora Mental Health Center staff were also recognized during the celebration. Nick Mancini was honored as Intern of the Year, Jennifer McNeill received the award for Administrative Staff of the Year, Michael George was named Adult Family Services Clinician of the Year, Maki Sonoda was honored as Family Services Clinician of the Year and Sheila Pomeranz was named Manager of the Year. Retiring board members Jane Barber, Tim Hand and Nancy O’Shields were also honored, and a special award was given to retiring Board President Larry Davila for 21 years of service.

With more than 400 employees, 50 interns and 40 volunteers, the Aurora Mental Health Center is a full service community mental health center committed to creating healthy and secure communities by providing the least restrictive service that ensures quality, appropriate, and efficient care. Learn more by visiting aumhc.org.