Celebrate Healthy Aging!

The Administration on Aging (AoA) has published information about some national programs that are devoted to the promotion of positive and healthy aging. These are evidenced-based programs located in specific states. For more information, please visit the AoA website.

Walking for a Cause

We've all been told that walking helps both our physical and emotional health. You can make your walking count even more by walking (or biking) for a cause! Here are some public walks & events across Ohio that you can participate in, and raise money for a good cause of your choosing.

Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk -- Lima
Saturday, September 13th
Faurot Park, Lima
http://www.outofthedarkness.org/

2008 North to South Ohio AIDS Charity Ride
Friday & Saturday, September 19-20
http://www.firstgiving.com/north2southaidscharityride

Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk -- Toledo
Saturday, September 27th
Olander Park, Sylvania
http://www.outofthedarkness.org/

NAMI Walk-- Akron
Saturday, October 4th
Munroe Falls Metro Park
http://www.nami.org/walkTemplate.cfm?section=NAMIWALKS

Walk From Obesity - Columbus
Sunday, October 5th, 10 a.m.
Groveport Recreational Center in Columbus.
http://www.walkfromobesity.com/

Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk -- Bowling Green
Sunday, October 5th
Downtown Bowling Green
http://www.outofthedarkness.org/

NAMI Walk - Butler County
Saturday, October 11th
The Fitton Center, 101 S Monument Ave.
http://www.nami.org/walkTemplate.cfm?section=NAMIWALKS

Walk Now for Autism -Columbus
Sunday, October 12th
Schottenstein Center
http://www.walknowforautism.org/site/c.ddKFIMNrEqG/b.4045185/
(Nationwide Children's Hospital is sponsoring a large team including some OPA psychologists)

Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk -- Cleveland
Sunday, October 12th
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
http://www.outofthedarkness.org/

Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk -- Clermont County Walk
Sunday, October 19th
Union Township Veterans Memorial Park
http://www.outofthedarkness.org/

Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk -- Columbus
Sunday, October 26th
Fred Beekman Park
http://www.outofthedarkness.org/
(OPA/COPA Team Link: http://afsp.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.team&eventID=508&teamID=7248)

Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk -- Cincinnati
Sunday, October 26th
University of Cincinnati
http://www.outofthedarkness.org/

APA Articles for Weather-Related Disaster Relief

In light of the recent weather conditions, APA has developed two new articles that have been posted on the homepage of the APA Help Center and are available to download in PDF form and distribute to your community.

Below you will find links to informationon the Red Cross and the CDC's efforts in dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Gustav.

Websites Red Cross Update on Hurricane Gustav
CDC Update on Hurricane Gustav
CDC's Coping with a Disaster after a Traumatic Event

Kurt Jensen
OPA Disaster Response Co-Coordinator

Stand Up 2 Cancer

Did you know that cancer is the cause of death for almost 25,000 Ohioans per year (www.cancer.gov)? That cancer continues to be the #2 reason for death in the United States?

Research has indicated that depression and other mental health issues are also frequently found in individuals with cancer (Passik et al., 1997), and psychologists can be effective at helping individuals with cancer, as well as their families and caregivers.

On September 5th, a national campaign designed to raise money for cancer research was aired on all three major networks. Although the network campaign is over, you still have a chance to Stand Up 2 Cancer, by visiting the national website. This website provides opportunities to get involved, as well as information about the cause.

Heroes In The Fight

Here are the 2008 Heroes in the Fight Winners for Franklin County

Individual Allied Healthcare Professionals
Karen Berry - Mental Health America of Franklin County
Joanne Mieding - NAMI - Miami County

Individual Community Supporters
Tom & Margaret Quinn
Ryan Kidwell - Hancock County Sherrif's Dept.

Individual Media Professional
Ted Smith - WBNS 10TV

Individual Psychiatrist
Dr. John Campo - Nationwide Children's Hospital

Treatment Team
In Place Steering Committee - Cambridge, Ohio

For more information about Heroes in the Fight, please visit their website.