So far this year, Gay & Lesbian Switchboard Houston has logged 522 calls, with callers looking for anything as simple as a referral to GLBT and GLBT-friendly organizations and businesses, to callers with serious concerns about sexuality, HIV, substance abuse, relationship problems, domestic violence, sexual assault and crisis intervention. Sept ember is Suicide Prevention Month, and Switchboard workers know, more than most, the importance of suicide prevention efforts. Community Projects Specialist Sally Huffer, who manages the Switchboard volunteers , says, "One of the most important services the Switchboard provides is to be an ear for the more isolated members of our community. Isolation may lead people to addictive behaviors, depression, and thoughts of suicide. Most callers just want someone to talk to, someone who will listen with an open mind, without prejudice or recrimination."

Experts believe that most suicidal individuals do not want to die. They just want their pain to end. A call to Gay & Lesbian Switchboard Houston at 713.529.3211 may be the first step to getting help. Switchboard volunteers are available for emergency crisis intervention 24 hours a day. They are trained to listen supportively to callers, help them find their own solutions, and make referrals to service agencies if the help that is needed is beyond their scope of peer support.

Click here to read more information about suicide prevention or Gay & Lesbian Switchboard Houston.

Volunteers are needed! If you are interested in becoming a Switchboard volunteer, please apply today by clicking here. Training happens only a few times a year, with the next training coming up this fall. For more information about Switchboard, please visit the newly designed Gay & Lesbian Switchboard website. GLBT-affirming agencies are encouraged to add/update their organization's listing by clicking here.

In addition to the Switchboard, Montrose Counseling Center (MCC) offers year-round suicide prevention through the HATCH youth services, as well as through therapists' work with their clients. According to Lambda GLBT Community Services, "Suicide is the leading cause of death among gay male, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender youth, who are part of two populations at serious risk of suicide: sexual minorities and the young." Researchers believe the increased risk results from isolation, rejection, confusion, and shame due to being repeatedly marginalized by society. HATCH provides a supportive network for its participants, engages the youth in suicide prevention strategies, including the creation of Suicide Prevention Plans for those at risk,  and provides Suicide Prevention information online for GLBT youth everywhere. "Isolation kills people," says Youth Specialist Deb Murphy, "At HATCH, in a very real way, we lessen people's sense of isolation. We open up the world to the youth and show them, 'You can be a healthy, productive, happy, gay adult.'"

Montrose Counseling Center is a member of the Houston Area Suicide Prevention Coalition and promotes suicide prevention on a daily basis. Executive Director Ann J. Robison, PhD, says, "With the focus this month on suicide prevention, we hope members of Houston's GLBT communities know that we're here for them, whether it's through HATCH, the Gay & Lesbian Switchboard, or seeing a therapist in our GLBT-affirming counseling center."

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Predictions about an upcoming novel H1N1 flu, or Swine Flue, pandemic are somewhat conflicting. While the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that within the next two years as many as one third of the world's population could become infected, Ann Moen of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) believes that the swine flu outbreak will not be worse than a severe flu season. Either way, it raises concerns for those with compromised immune systems, such as people living with HIV/AIDS.

Although at the present time the CDC does not have specific information about the risk of Swine Flue in people with HIV/AIDS, the CDC warns, "HIV-infected individuals, particularly those with low CD4 counts, can experience more severe complications of seasonal influenza." WHO also lists those with immunosuppression as a vulnerable group with an increased risk of severe complications. However, According to WHO, people co-infected with H1N1 and HIV are not at risk if they are receiving antiretroviral therapy.

The CDC encourages people, particularly those with HIV/AIDS, to take precautions against infection.

• Wash your hands often. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water aren't available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with your hands.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• Review CDC's interim recommendations for facemask and respirator use.

In addition, it helps to maintain an overall healthy lifestyle by eating right, getting enough sleep, adhering to prescribed medications, following the advice of your health care provider, and reducing stress as much as possible. If you are HIV+ and taking antiretrovirals or antimicrobial prophylaxis , the CDC urges you to adhere to your current prescriptions throughout the flu season.

Symptoms of Swine Flu infection are generally the same as for general influenza and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache, body aches, chills, fatigue, diarrhea, and vomiting. If you think you may have become infected, contact your health care provider and follow his or her instructions. It is also important to avoid contact with others , especially where you may come into contact with people with compromised immune systems. If you are sick and have an appointment at MCC, please call to reschedule your appointment.

There is no vaccine currently available for the Swine Flu. The CDC already recommends that HIV-infected persons get a regular (inactivated) flu shot this time of year and considers this a priority group should there be a vaccine shortage. If you have a severe allergy to hens' eggs or a history of Guillain-Barre syndrome, please let your doctor know because you may have a reaction to the flu shot.

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If it hasn't started happening already, it's just a matter of time before the media bombards us with stories about the first anniversary of Hurricane Ike. It was a very difficult time for our clients, friends, families and supporters. Still, most of us have made it through these last several months. Hurricane Ike impacting everyone in the Houston and Galveston areas. Some sustained major losses -- flooding, wind-related damage to their homes, downed trees and power lines. Many were unable to return to their homes for months, only to find them in such disrepair that alternative living arrangements needed to be made. That is, if they had a home to return to. That's not to mention the toll it took on everyone who went without electricity for weeks and weeks, the lines we had to stand in for food, water and ice, and the traffic delays caused by the stop lights being out of order. People lost income and jobs when businesses couldn't reopen.

For some, this time of year also brings back painful memories of Hurricane Katrina. The survivors tell us that stress comes and goes, even after several years have passed. Some people may be in a state of shock for some period of time. It is not unusual for anxiety to appear several weeks or months after something as devastating as hurricanes Katrina and Ike. Even if others around you seem to be managing well, keep in mind that you may not be seeing them at their worst. Try not to compare your situation with others, and realize that everyone needs time to heal, and there’s no set limit on how much time it takes. When the stories return to the television and in the newspaper, and the images take us back, it should not come as a surprise that the memories may conjure up tension, especially during these tough economic times.

The anniversary of any kind of devastating life-changing event is something you can prepare yourself for. If you suspect the upcoming anniversary will trigger painful memories, try to avoid the media coverage. If you are in recovery, check in with your sponsor, attend a 12-step meeting or other program. One way to manage the stress of feeling like things are out of your control is to take control of things in your life that you can.

And again, if you find yourself in need of professional help, please contact Montrose Counseling Center to speak with a licensed therapist. We have more than 30 years of experience serving the Houston areas’ Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender communities. Call 713.529.0037 to schedule an intake.

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Beginning Friday, September 11, GLBT youth, ages 13-20, and GLBT seniors, ages 60 and older, are invited to make use of the David Bohnett Cyber Center Mondays from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. and Fridays from 2 - 4 p.m., in addition to during HATCH and SPRY meetings. The Cyber Center consists of state-of-the-art computers and a color laser printer. Cyber Center shifts will be staffed by volunteers, who will be available to assist participants on the computers .

Read more about the Cyber Center here.

Voluntee r Paul Allen wanted to get involved with the Cyber Center because he has experience in the computer industry. "I know that it can be difficult using computers, and it can be intimidating for people that are not familiar with them. I also know that once people learn how to use a computer, it can be an invaluable tool that makes many tasks easier," he says.

Volunteer James Huter said, "Not having a computer myself, I know the importance of needing a place to go to use the computer to pay bills, research material, check email, etc. Sometimes spending a half hour on a computer can save hours of driving around , running errands and gathering information. I wanted to be a part of the Cyber Center in order to be a part of something that will help others."

Cyber Center users do not need to be current client s of MCC or participants in SPRY or HATCH. The Cyber Center is located in the HATCH room in the GLBT Cultural Center on the 1st floor of MCC at 401 Branard. For more information about Cyber Center hours and how to enroll, click here.

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September is Healthy Aging Month, which brings to light issues that Seniors Preparing for Rainbow Years (SPRY) strives to improve year-round by keeping GLBT seniors active and healthy. The U.S. Department of Health and Services' Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) supports Healthy Aging Month as a means of promoting the positive aspects of aging and offering ways to avoid declines in physical, mental, and emotional health that sometimes accompany growing older.

Click here to read more about Healthy Aging and MCC's SPRY Program.

According to SAMHSA's National Mental Health Information Center, "Mental and neurological illnesses, such as depression... are more common in older adults." Physical and financial problems may make it difficult for older adults to travel, which may cause feelings of isolation from family and friends. SAMHSA cautions, "This isolation can lead to feelings of despair and depression, which -- when combined with physical inactivity -- can bring about a decline in both physical and mental health."

GLBT seniors' feelings of isolation may be even stronger, as relationships with their families may be strained. Plus, many worry that receiving services at mainstream providers may mean spending the last years of their lives "in the closet." To counter this, SPRY offers support groups, peer counseling, and case management services, all with no out-of-pocket expense to clients.

If you are 60 years or older and are looking for an active, supportive social network, consider getting involved with SPRY. For more information, watch this video, visit the SPRY website, or call 713.529.0037. SPRY offers activities which bring GLBT seniors together. Attend a SPRY Social to see if SPRY is right for you. Activities happen a few times a month and include movie screenings, potlucks, and trips to museums, performances, and casinos. For more information about upcoming events, click here.

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New HIV Support Group Begins September 9
Whether you are newly diagnosed, a long-time survivor, or somewhere in between, this confidential and affirming support group is available for all GLBT individuals who are living with HIV/AIDS. Meetings will be held Wednesdays from 9:30 - 11 a.m., beginning September 9. The group is for clients of MCC. If you're not already a client, please call 713.529.0037 to set up an intake appointment. For more information, please contact Staff Therapist Susan Romanelli, LCSW, at 713.529.0037 x317.

Women's  Sexual Assault Survivors Support Group
This confidential supportive therapy group is for women who have experienced sexual assault, either as children or as adults. Topics of discussion will be determined by the members of the group, and you may share and participate as much or as little as you feel comfortable. Meetings are Wednesdays from 6:30 - 8 p.m. The group is for clients of MCC. If you're not already a client, please call 713.529.0037 to set up an intake appointment. For more information, please contact Staff Therapist Dian Nelson-Turnier, LMSW, at 713.529.0037 x369.

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"We are very pleased to partner with the Austin-based Hogg Foundation for Mental Health," beams Montrose Counseling Center Executive Director, Ann J. Robison, PhD. The Hogg Foundation recently announced grants to eight organizations and government services, including Montrose Counseling Center, to fund mental health services for Houston and Harris County children, youth and their families. "The Hogg Foundation is well-known for its support of behavioral health," Robison adds, "and it is particularly gratifying to know that it recognizes the importance of including Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender persons in its initiative."

The three-year, $392,532 grant will  be used to help improve the mental health, well-being and academic status of GLBT and Questioning teens through a unique collaboration with Houston Independent School District Counseling & Guidance Department and Communities in Schools Houston. GLBTQ youth are a priority population as published in the 2009 report by the Houston and Harris County Joint City/County Commission on Children. It is estimated that as many as two-thirds of GLBTQ students report feeling unsafe in school because of their sexual orientation, which typically also influences adolescents' home life and activities beyond campus. This program already has been successfully piloted in two Houston high schools.

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With the municipal election around the corner on November 3, now is the time to register to vote. If you've recently turned 18, or if you've moved since the last election, you will need to fill out a voter registration application and turn it in by October 5 in order to vote. Voter registration applications are available in the second floor lobby of Montrose Counseling Center, as well as in the HATCH room. The positions up for grab include Mayor of Houston, City Controller, and all City Council seats. If you want to verify your voter registration status or see if you need to fill out a new application, please click here.

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Behind-the-Scenes Tours Available Mondays at 6 p.m.
Have you seen the community space on our 1st floor? The video phone which allows us to communicate with hearing impaired clients? The Gay & Lesbian Switchboard office? The Cyber Center in the HATCH room? Tours are available at 6 p.m. every Monday in September, except Labor Day. Feel free to drop by or Rsvp to 713.800.0872 or email.

Save the Date! The Secret's Out on October 22
Do you believe in MCC's mission to empower GLBT individuals and their families to enjoy healthier, more fulfilling lives? Have you ever wanted more information about our culturally affirming services and how they improve quality of life? Join us at The Secret's Out on Thursday, October 22, at 6 p.m., to find out why we have been called the "best kept secret" in Houston's GLBT communities.  The evening will include a reception, a light dinner, and one-hour informational program. To Rsvp, call 713.800.0872 or email.

GLBT Community Garage Sale on September 26
You are invited to participate in a community-wide garage sale on Saturday, September 26, from 9 a.m. - noon in the parking lot of Montrose Counseling Center at 401 Branard. The shade in our parking garage is a nice breezeway which provides relief from the heat. Have something to sell? Community members are welcome to raise money for a local organization or for themselves. Bring your own table, set up on the ground, or sell from your tailgate. There is no fee to participate. Please take whatever you don't sell with you when you leave. Everyone is invited to come by for some great bargains. Informational tours of MCC will also be available.

ERSICSS Raises Funds for HATCH at Fire & Ice Ball and Weekly Shows
Under the reign of Emperor and Empress XXV Matt and Marcia Mink Anne Gill, the Empire of the Royal Sovereign Imperial Court of the Single Star, Inc. (ERSICSS) raises funds for HATCH as one of Coronation XXVI’s charities. Please help HATCH by supporting them at these upcoming events.

Don't miss their annual Fire & Ice Ball on Saturday, September 19, from 8 p.m. - midnight in the GLBT Cultural Center on the 1st floor of MCC at 401 Branard. With a 1920s - 1930s theme, the night is sure to be full of gangsters and flapper girls. Tickets cost $30 if prepaid, $35 at the door. Buy yours today!

Continuing Education Cultural Sensitivity/Diversity Class on September 19

Montrose Counseling Center's Continuing Education classes will feature Cultural Sensitivity/Diversity on September 19 from 1 - 5 p.m. The class will take place in the GLBT Cultural Center on the 1st floor of MCC and is open to everyone. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are available for LMSWs, LBSWs, LCDCs, and LPCs. The class costs $40 if prepaid. There will be an additional $10 fee if paid at the door.

For more information about upcoming Continuing Education classes and how to register for them, click here. Please call MCC's Education Department at 713.529.0037 for additional information.

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Sponsor a room in your loved ones' names, and they will forever be a part of our community's history. Rooms may be named for yourself, someone you love, or your favorite community group. Opportunities begin at $5,000, and pledges may be satisfied over time. Contact email or 713.800.0872 for more information.

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Looking for a venue for an upcoming commitment ceremony, movie screening, meeting, or event? The GLBT Cultural Center has available, affordable space. Rent-able spaces can accommodate groups of up to 268 people. Lease-able office space is available for nonprofit groups, but spaces are going quickly. For more information, click here, call 713.529.0037 x372, or send us an email.

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The Houston Area Bears have chosen HATCH as their annual charity for the upcoming year. We thank them for their continued support! They have blessed HATCH with their support for the last few years, and their donations provided the new furniture in the HATCH room.

We'd like to take this opportunity to thank the Independent Billiard League of Houston for choosing Montrose Counseling Center's HIV programs as the beneficiary of the Houston Billiard Open. The event raised more than $2,600 for our HIV counseling, case management, and prevention services.

Our appreciation also goes out to Josh Price, of the Montrose Community Meltdown Challenge, for encouraging participants to donate food to our HIV case management clients and HATCH youth in need. Thank you for all of your efforts to get our community healthy!

Thank you, ERSICSS, for your continued support of HATCH through Coronation XXVI's charities. In particular, we extend our sincerest thanks to those who hosted recent shows:

• Lady Jenny Ray Larue at Ladies of Distinction, Southern Style
• Empress XXV Marcia Mink Anne Gill and Queen of Olympus XXXIX Billey Bailey at Fringe Fling
• Board of Directors at Because We Said So
• Bob Skinner and everyone else involved in the Oldie But Still a Goodie Birthday Show
  
• Imperial Prince and Princess Royale Matt Gill and Sheri Anne Bouton for your hard work organizing and hosting the IPR Weekend festivities

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