From the Desk of Chuck Peterson
Why Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is a Strategic Priority at Southwest Center
Over the years, I have observed how my nonprofit colleagues strive to become more diverse and achieve racial and gender equity within their organizations. Yet many leaders are uncertain about the steps needed to turn dialogue – and intention – into action. I’ve watched many fail at this work, as they try to lead without listening to or empowering their employees. As a result, their desire to increase diversity, equity and inclusion has not translated into the reality of an environment that enables people of differing backgrounds to succeed, and diverse, mission-advancing perspectives to be heard.
One of the first strategic initiatives I started at Southwest Center this year was to prioritize diversity, equity and inclusion. In January, we took the intentional step to strengthen our work in this area by engaging a human resources consulting firm to conduct a diversity and equity audit of our pay, policies, practices and procedures to ensure they support our values and enable our employees to do their best work.
In the few short months since starting this work we have changed the conversations we are having as an organization, paving the way for what I hope will be deeper, more lasting and inclusive changes not only for our employees, but for our patients and clients as well. We now have an active Black Lives Matter Coalition and Gender Expansive Group led by staff. We are also in the process of establishing a Committee for Transparency, Accountability, Anti-Racism, and Visibility.
Moving forward, we will view our progress through an equity lens to ensure that our culture is a reflection of the just world we wish to create. As the late Senator Paul Wellstone said, “we all do better, when we all do better.”
Sincerely,
Chuck Peterson, Executive Director (he/him)
Staff Spotlight
Say hello to Louis Armstrong!
Louis (he/him) is our new PrEP Navigator at the Southwest Center. He brings great passion working in HIV Prevention and Behavioral Science. He was previously the PrEP Coordinator for Bessemer Neighborhood Health Center in Bessmer, Alabama and an HIV Prevention Specialist for Aletheia House in Birmingham, Alabama.
He also enjoys video games, hiking, watching action and horror movies, and napping. Make an appointment to get on PrEP with Louis today at 602.307.5330!
Volunteer Spotlight
Our volunteers make all the difference! This month, the Southwest Center is delighted to feature Austin, whose contributions to the Nice Package program have been invaluable.
Austin braved our strict COVID-19 guidelines to help reach clients, community, and make a strong impact. His work ethic, dedication and patience are the perfect example of what we look for in volunteers. Thanks so much, Austin!
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
At the Southwest Center, we are working to help raise awareness for the importance of taking care of our mental health and to reduce the stigma of seeking support.
Our mental health affects us every day – from how we deal with stress and make decisions, to how we relate with others – and is just as important as physical health for our overall wellness. Yet, many of us are feeling isolated and overwhelmed, now more than ever.
For Mental Health Awareness Month, several of our mental health providers are sharing their own experiences so that you know that you are not alone:
Bianca Chaidez (she/her), Behavioral Health Intern Therapist
Mental Health Awareness Month is a time to reduce the stigma of mental health and raise awareness that mental health matters!
Mental health was not something that was talked about in my traditional Mexican family. I felt like I had no one who understood what anxiety or depression was and how it constantly affected me. My family ignored or made excuses for the constant hypervigilance I was in, the irritability and feelings of sadness, the nightmares and the constant headaches/stomach aches. I was always told to be strong and to never show weakness even if I was experiencing hardships. The lesson I learned was that there is always “someone worse off than you” or if I tried hard enough, I could make myself happy instead of sad or nervous, so I suffered in silence.
When I was older, I finally sought therapy and things began to change for me. I was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). It was like my eyes saw myself for the first time. I finally had a name for all the symptoms I kept quiet about, I had answers for a treatment, and I had power over something I was told wasn’t real. For the first time, I had the power. Therapy was scary and uncomfortable, but ultimately was the best thing for me. Recently, I was retriggered by my pandemic pregnancy and traumatic childbirth. I love my son very much, but I can wholeheartedly say I struggled with what I thought should have been an easy and natural process. Thankfully, I have worked through most of these triggers now, but let me tell you it was exhausting and nerve-wracking! It’s never too late to work on your mental health. If you need help or direction when it comes to mental health, I am always open to talk about mental health awareness and resources.
Fiorella Marquez (she/her), LAC, Mental Health Therapist
Mental Health awareness month is more than a couple of posts on social media - it is the work we put in, our feelings, healing, and part of our identity. Mental Health matters, you matter, and you deserve to heal. One in four individuals have been diagnosed with a mental health disorder. Every 22 minutes someone dies by suicide in the United States. Statistically speaking, we are not alone but mental health stressors will make us feel like we are.
As a mental health therapist living with a diagnosis and a long-term attempt survivor, my message to you is this:
“You are more than what your diagnosis makes you believe you are. Isolating yourself is not the answer. You are not baggage. Ending your life will not solve your problems or end the pain - it will get passed on to your loved ones. There is hope, there is a way to heal. Therapy is not for “crazy” people, it is for anyone and everyone. You are worth so much more than you think. The world would not be the same without you in it… and… Thank you for living.”
Having a mental health disorder does not make you less of a person, it makes you unique, beautiful, and strong. Allow yourself to feel to heal.
Seek professional help, and be patient with yourself.
Healing takes time, it takes work. I know you’re exhausted of trying but giving up is not your only option, be open to trying different healthy things.
You are worthy.
Chel'sea Ryan (she/her), MSW, LCSW, Director of Mental and Social Wellness
One in four individuals are impacted by mental health issues, that is around 450 million people worldwide. These individuals are your family members, your neighbors, your friends.
Mental Health Awareness Month is a timely reminder that our mental wellbeing is essential and those living with mental health issues are deserving of compassion, are deserving of care, hope and healing.
As someone who is diagnosed with a mental health disorder, it is important to remember that ANYONE can be impacted.
The first step is to seek help, the second step is to do the work necessary to heal. Recognizing your mental health issue is not a weakness, yet it's a strength to know you are worth getting better.
Looking for support? Our mental health providers can help. Schedule an appointment today at 602.307.5330. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis and you live in Maricopa County, please contact the Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 1.800.631.1314 or 602.222.9444, or the Warm Line for peer support at 602.347.1100. Outside Maricopa County, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1.800.273.TALK (8255).