Title: United Self Help 277 Ohua Ave
Author: Bob KERN

United Self Help  277 Ohua Ave. 96815 Ph: 947-5558 unitedselfhelp.org  August 2010         

Hawaii’s Self Help News

INSIDE THIS EDITION: 
Chorus Group to perform THIS FRIDAY (4^th Friday)
New BRIDGES starts Sept 10 on Maui thanks to OHA
Donate to USH at Foodland in September
Discount Drug Cards still available
REACH Workshops program starts Aug 25^th
Volunteers still needed for Clinical Research Trials
Get back to work with HCIL
ACTIVITIES: New Fit Group on Tuesdays 
CALENDAR

4^th Friday THIS WEEK 7-9 pm: Special chorus group; everyone can  participate!

JOIN US this Friday, August 27 for Fourth Friday activities! This week there will be a special interactive chorus performance by The Gleemen Plus of Honolulu. Play bingo to win prizes, enjoy food and conversation with friends, and pick up some free secondhand clothing! A psychiatrist, as well as job and housing counselors, will be available. Come to the Waikiki Health Center auditorium (277 Ohua Ave.) from 7-9 PM.

New BRIDGES classes on Maui & the Big Island thanks to Transformation Grant!
Thanks to a generous grant from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, USH is starting up a new BRIDGES program on September 10 on Maui. Those interested in programs on Maui and the Big Island should call 947-5558 or email director@unitedselfhelp.org to sign up. Ongoing Oahu BRIDGES programs funded by the Transformation Grant: Waianae (started July 21^st) and Queens (started July 6^th). 
Over 350 USH consumers have graduated from the BRIDGES program to become more informed and empowered mental health consumers. The BRIDGES program expands your understanding of mental illness while providing new friends, new opportunities, and even new jobs. Our BRIDGES graduates learn to take an active role in recovering from mental illness through involvement in support groups and the Nationwide Consumer Network. Do yourself and your peers a favor; ATTEND A BRIDGES COURSE!
	
USH needs your help! DONATE at Foodland throughout September!
Since receiving 100% State budget cut, United Self Help has looked to other sources of funding, including private grants, and fundraisers. This September, USH is enrolled in Foodland’s Give Aloha program. To donate any amount up to $249, simply request to donate to United Self Help at checkout! ANY amount will go a long way to help USH continue to thrive as Hawaii’s only consumer-run organization! Visit http://www.foodland.com/our-community/give-aloha for more info.

Free Discount Drug Cards still available!
If you are without medical insurance or on Medicare (even if you have Part D), you qualify to use one of USH’s FREE discount drug cards! There are several different discount cards circulating, but this is the only one that has proven effective, especially for generics. Ask your doctor to prescribe you the generic equivalent of your prescription to maximize the discount. 
Consumers have received up to 85% off their prescriptions using this card! It is accepted at most major pharmacies, so be sure to shop around for the best price! Call 947-5558 or email to have some sent to you, or visit www.UnitedSelfHelpFreeDrugCard.org to print one out! USH gets paid a small amount each time a card is used, so help us raise funds by passing some out to doctors, health clinics, and friends!

Sign up for the REACH Workshops program; starts Aug 25^th!
REACH Workshops is a program designed for mental health consumers to learn to believe in possibilities for life by finding and following dreams and goals.  The basis for the program is planning a productive future and increasing achievement and motivation levels.  
The workshops start on Wednesday the 25^th at 2:30 p.m.  They will continue 5 weeks.  The workshops each follow a specific theme.  They will be held at Queen’s Day Treatment center on Nuuanu and Vineyard. (Bus # 4.  Please don’t park in reserved spots).
Topics include:
Workshop I---Realize  (Self-discovery, finding your passions and dreams)
Workshop II---Educate  (Interesting review of the history of treatment of mental heath problems, etc.)
Workshop III---Act  (Specific means to get started fulfilling dreams, learning to believe in your abilities)
Workshop IV---Create  (A look at creative and mental illness, how they relate to each other)
Workshop V---Help (Stigma problems, getting into the community and being a part of..) 
Please call Chrys @ 457-9541 to reserve a seat.

Volunteers still needed for Clinical Trials of new medications. 
Hawaii Clinical Research Center is conducting clinical trials of investigational medications for various disorders such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, and skin infections. Some studies seek healthy volunteers.
You will be compensated for your time and travel if you qualify for a study. Compensation may be in the several hunder dollar range depending on the study and length of participation. Those interested should call Bud at 561-1837 or Chrys at 457-9541 for more information. 

Ready to get back to work?
Call Benefits Educators at Hawai’i Centers for Independent Living (HCIL) to receive help finding work while maintaining benefits, or transitioning to a new workplace. 
Honolulu area: 
Call Linda Takai 
Mon-Thurs (8am – noon) 
753-6400
Or email lindatakai@gmail.com
In or near Hau’ula?
Call Suzanne
Tues & Thurs (8am – 4pm)
293-4172
Wed & Fri (9am–noon)
293-9775
Or email benefitsed@yahoo.com

ACTIVITIES:

NEW Fit Club! 
Tuesdays 10-1130 
Ala Moana Beach Park 
(meet in front of the McCoy Pavillion, next to the Tennis Courts) 
Wear walking shoes and workout clothes
Enjoy sunshine, friendship, and fitness!

Softball! 
Day after 4^th Friday 2-5 pm
Softball Field next to Nuuanu YMCA
Come for fun, friends, and pizza!

Tennis!
Thursdays 10 am
12^th and Waialae Ave.
Call 561-1837 for reservations! 
Only requirement for lesson is participation in another group

 Golf!
Both driving range and course!
Call Kimo Pestano at 392-6500 for reservations and times. 

Bowling!
Call Jarred Kauffman and Romeo at 778-4439 for reservations and times. 

CALENDAR:

Chief’s Roundtable
Usually 4^th Monday of every month, 1:30-3 pm
Kinau Hale, 1250 Punchbowl
Call Randy at 586-4685

Nationwide Alternatives Conference
Anaheim, California in October
Fundraisers ongoing in some support groups

Dual Diagnosis Anonymous
DDA meetings have resumed as of July 6
Queen’s Outpatient, Nuuanu & Vineyard, 2-3 pm