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Austin Travis County Mental Health Mental Retardation Center (ATCMHMR) hosts a legislative forum open to the public. This is your chance to speak directly to members of the Travis County Delegation to discuss concerns and ideas dealing specifically with behavioral health and developmental disabilities. This free event features a panel discussion by members of the Travis County Delegation, moderated by ATCMHMR Executive Director, David Evans. The forum will cover: Continuation of funding for Mental Health Crisis Services Funding to address service capacity and expansion for children and adult behavioral health and developmental disability services (Currently Travis County has over 800 individuals on the wait list for mental health services and 1,300 individuals on the interest list for developmental disabilities services) Promotion for increase of Medicaid rates and general revenue to allow for competitive wages, utilize technologies, increase medical personnel and other basic services to provide quality care, mental health and developmental disability services Identifying resources for much-needed state hospital facilities and services Finding community based alternatives and treatment for adult and juvenile offenders with brain-based disorders. Contact Erika Canales at (512) 440-4063 for more information.

In this recent article at CNN.com, the leaders of six national organizations talk about aspects of charitable giving, and offer ways you can give back to the community if you are short on cash this year. Consider volunteering as a family. Community service is an effective way to teach children about social issues, to show them a different perspective of the world, to advance the common good and to understand that the world is a better place when we care for one another. While enjoying quality family time, you’re also teaching positive values, creating a new generation of volunteers and increasing your family’s commitment to community. Read the entire article here.

In Travis County 1 in 5 households is caring for elderly residents. By 2015, the number of older adults in Travis County needing assistance is expected to increase by 45%. By the year 2040, those over 65 years of age will account for 27% of the population of Central Texas, compared to 11% in 2000. Who will take care of us? Watch this informative video from Family ElderCare and find out:

There’s an eye-opening article in the NY Times today about being an advocate for older adults diagnosed with H.I.V. and AIDS. There is an alarming rate of infection among older Americans. In 2005, 15 percent of new H.I.V. and AIDS diagnoses were among people over the age of 50, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Yet government recommendations call for routine AIDS screening only up to age 64, omitting the elderly population. “What about people 65 and older?” Mr. Gold asked. “They’re having unprotected sex, they’re using drugs.” He says that is why he continues his advocacy for people with AIDS and for stronger prevention efforts. Click here to read the entire article. Want to get more involved as an Advocate for this issue in our area? Here is a good website to start at: http://www.aaacap.org/

The volunteers from National Instruments did an outstanding job this past Friday at Open Door Central. They used their skills to repair and update play ground equipment that required special knowledge and abilities. Here are a few pictures. Want to participate in an upcoming Child Care Facilities Improvement Project? Click here.

The non-partisan Leadership Academy for Public Service is a three-night program that addresses sensible and specific strategies for assessing, planning, and organizing a political campaign. Mondays, November 10, 17 and 24 from 5:30 – 9:00 pmAustin Bar Association, 816 Congress Ave., 7th FloorRegistration: $285 (includes course materials and light dinners) Click here to learn more…

If you’re not, you should! We started doing videos a while ago and it has just taken off (remember our Blog Action Day/YouTube explosion?!?). One of my Linkedin connections sent this to video produced by See3 Communications. It’s a quick intro in using videos with your nonprofit. So what are you waiting for? Go get that Flip camera and sign up on YouTube! 1. The World We Live In from See3 Communications on Vimeo Don’t forget to check out our YouTube Channel! Mando

Are you or someone you know a member of the east Austin senior community, and need assistance with Medicare Part D Enrollment or a flu shot? Catholic Charities of Central Texas, in partnership with the Texas Department of Insurance, Travis County Health Department, and the Area Agency on Aging is sponsoring a community outreach, Medicare Part D Enrollment, on Friday, November 21st, 2008 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at their main office at 1817 East 6th Street, Austin, TX. 78702. (Caridades Católicas de Tejas Central, en sociedad con el departamento de Tejas de Seguro, el departamento de la salud del condado de Travis, y la agencia del área en el envejecimiento están patrocinando ayuda a la comunidad, con inscripción de la parte D de Seguro de enfermedad Medicare y prescripciones de medicinas, el viernes 21 de noviembre de 2008 del 10:00 de la mañana hasta las 2:00 de la tarde en su oficina principal en 1817 la calle seis del este, Austin, TX. 78702. ) In addition to the Medicare Part D Enrollment, free flu shots will be available on a first come first served basis. The target audience for this event is the east Austin senior community as well as Catholic Charities internal clients. Their mission is to help with the high costs of prescriptions by equipping participants with knowledge and access to the on-line open enrollment, in a safe, friendly environment. Several bilingual staff and volunteers will be available to help seniors access their information. Catholic Charities […]