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“Kicking the Habit!”

Taekwondo improves treatment outcomes

 Once a week a few staff members of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) take women who are participating in treatment to the JSK Taekwondo Do Jang for self-defense and fitness training through the art of Taekwondo. These dedicated students work to improve balance, strength, focus, and self-esteem while also learning to protect themselves should the need for self-defense arise.

Data is being collected by the agency before a client’s first taekwondo class and again after 90 days of participation. Overall, women report increased flexibility and strength, and reduced stress and mental health symptoms. Several women who have had a history of domestic violence report feeling more confident that they could escape in a dangerous situation. Only recently, have researchers started to explore the idea that exercise can increase treatment retention, as well as longer term abstinence from drugs and alcohol. However, improved fitness and health is something that NCADD is taking very seriously.

In addition to taekwondo, the agency offers weekly walking and running groups, yoga, and nutrition support. NCADD would like to continue to provide health and wellness programs for both women in treatment, as well as their children.

NCADD is often in need of funding or items, such as exercise clothes and shoes, taekwondo uniforms and belts, yoga mats, and exercise equipment (machines, weights, jump ropes, pedometers).

Interested parties can contact Beverly Wohlert at 602-264-6214 or drop items off at our main office at 4201 N. 16th Street, Suite 140, Phoenix, AZ 85016.

Valley Hospital’s Freedom Care Program for returning Vets

One of the unique programs that Valley Hospital offers, is the “Freedom Care” program. Freedom Care was developed in response to the present and growing need for high quality and intensive behavioral health services.

Valley Hospital has developed a military program through UHS parent company’s Patriot Support Program, a network of treatment centers, support staff and medical professionals dedicated to treating Active Duty Service Members, Veterans, First Responders and their families. Valley Hospital provides programs developed to meet the unique needs of Active Duty Service Members, Veterans and First Responders. Specialties and programs are designed for those who are experiencing substance use, abuse o
r dependence, depression, military sexual trauma, combat induced PTSD/trauma, military related chronic pain or co-occurring mental health and substance use issues.

Valley Hospital a private psychiatric hospital specializing in mental health and chemical dependency care. They provide a wide range of services and programs that offer evidence-based treatment proven to have positive outcome for our patients.

An assessment and admission staff is available 24 hours/7 days a week. Valley Hospital accepts most commercial, Medicare and Medicaid plans.

Contact Kenny Flack 602-292-6757 for any questions regarding Valley Hospital Freedom Care Program.  http://www.valleyhospital-phoenix.com

Take Back the Night Event Scheduled for April 7th

Survivors of Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking to Share Stories

Every 22 minutes in Arizona, a person becomes a victim of a violent crime. Take Back the Night is a global grassroots movement to speak out against all forms of sexual, domestic violence and human trafficking.

On Friday April 7th, La Frontera Arizona/EMPACT-SPC Trauma Healing Services department will host Take Back the Night at Civic Space Park located at 424 N. Central Avenue in Phoenix.

The event will take place from 5:00 to 9:00pm and will include live music, food trucks, survivor art exhibit, a candlelight vigil and other activities. Survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence and human trafficking will be sharing their stories throughout the evening.

Several agencies will be participating in Take Back the Night by providing education, outreach and support to empower survivors and the community. The event is free and open to the public. Survivors and supporters can also display t-shirts for the clothesline project. The t-shirts give the survivors the chance to tell their story and messages of support.

Join in shattering the silence and speaking out against violence! Your voice matters!

For more information, visit the Take Back the Night website at www.takebackthenightphx.com; join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/tbtnempactspc and on Twitter @tbtnphx.