Change in Benefits for Non-Titled Consumers Effective July 1, 2010

On March 18, 2010, Governor Brewer signed into law a budget for fiscal year 2011, which begins on July 1, 2010. The budget eliminates $36 million in state funds (or non-Title 19 funds) for behavioral health services (statewide) for individuals with a serious mental illness who do not meet AHCCCS (Title 19/Medicaid) eligibility requirements. This funding cut is on top of the three previous fiscal years funding reductions; nearly $30 million in cuts for Maricopa County alone. Click here to read more.

CHEEERS is Now Open Extended Hours on the Weekends

CHEEERS is excited to announce that it is now open and offering extended hours of operation on the weekends! CHEEERS is open every Saturday and Sunday from 8am to 2pm for program participants to come and participate in programs and activities. There will also be a continental breakfast and lunch provided each day. Please click here to check the activities calendar for more information.

CHEEERS Participates in All-CSA Kickball Tournament

CHEEERS participants and staff recently joined other CSAs and behavioral health agency staff in a kickball tournament. Click here to watch the video on .

The NEW all-CSA kickball tournament is scheduled for this Friday, April 9th.

CHEEERS Wellness Program

In September 2009, the Arizona Department of Health Services/Division of Behavioral Health Services (ADHS/DBHS) announced the start of its quarterly health initiatives. The first topic is “Obesity” which affects 31% of Americans. Obesity is associated with diabetes, heart disease, cardiovascular accidents, hypertension and some forms of cancer. ADHS/DBHS is hoping that the first initiative will motive individuals to seek consultation with medical and behavioral providers or simply to make changes in their lifestyle.

CHEEERS is pleased to announce that the wellness activities are underway and that members have begun to see great results! To read more, please click here.

Influenza (Flu) in Arizona - The H1N1 Flu

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness spread mostly through coughing and sneezing. Influenza viruses are already circulating in Arizona this year; the most common is the H1N1 which first appeared in the spring. Seasonal flu will most likely appear later in 2009. The symptoms for both are similar and so is the treatment. Sometimes, you need to see a doctor for the flu.

To read more about what you can do to help prevent getting the flu, please click here.

CHEEERS Soundboard Newsletters

On a regular basis, CHEEERS published its Soundboard newsletter. This newsletter is a collaborative effort by members at CHEEERS. To read the most current issue or to read past issues, please click here.

Board of Director Openings

CHEEERS is always looking for well-qualified candidates to become new members on our Board of Directors. Peers are especially welcome and encouraged to apply. For more information about becoming a Board member, please click here.

Resources and Links

CHEEERS has identified numerous useful resources and helpful sites out on the internet. Please click here to check out the recently added links and resources sites.

Smoking Cessation Help

If you need help to quit smoking, you can contact the Arizona Smokers Helpline toll-free at 1-800-55-66-222. Or you can visit their website be clicking here.

ADHS Website

Recently ADHS/DBHS launched a new website to address the many questions regarding the recent budget reductions and their impact on behavioral health services. This site is also a way in which questions, comments and concerns can be addressed to DBHS. The website's Frequently Asked Questions section will be updated every Tuesday with new information, including responses to the questions, concerns and comments received. Click here to view the new DBHS website.