February 2025: E-Newsletter
To get this newsletter sent to your email, join our mailing list here.Introduction
Beginning in February, MHA started developing new programs in an effort to better meet the needs and gaps identified within our community. We began by researching topics that we received calls about. We want to continue hearing from the community regarding topics that are impactful to you and your geographical location in the county. We understand that needs can vary and we want to ensure we are providing resources, referrals, and services to include all areas of interest for individuals in Cleveland County.
One way we are working on this is through our community survey. In February, we shared a link to our survey on our website, social media, and via email. We hope the responses to this survey will help us develop better resources and programs for the future.
If you live or work in Cleveland County, we are interested in hearing from you! You can take our survey by clicking here or scanning the QR code (above, left). The survey should take less than five minutes to complete and is important to helping us shape the future of our organization. If you have taken it or do not live or work in Cleveland County, please consider sharing it with others so their voices can be heard, too.
To connect with us on the phone, call 704-481-8637.
Brain Injury Awareness Month
This March, we wanted to bring awareness to something that that impacts millions of Americans each year. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or check our blog, as we share information about how Brain Injuries can impact mental health.
We will be posting resources for both individuals impacted and also caregivers for individuals with Brain Injuries. Additionally, we have found information about services that are currently available locally. However, this list is not exhaustive. If you know of other services being offered in the community, please let us know and we will be happy to share on our social media during March. Send additional resources our way by emailing egrimsley@clevelandcountymha.org.
In the meantime, here are some resources and useful information we've found to share regarding brain injuries.
Signs & Symptoms
Brain injury symptoms can vary widely based on type, severity, and where the brain was injured. Sometimes the injury will impact other areas and symptoms may not arise for days to weeks after the initial injury and can change over time. Losing consciousness may or may not occur at the time of injury and does not indicate alone that a brain injury has occurred.
It is advised to see a doctor if you or a loved one has sustained a blow to the head or body that concerns you or causes behavioral changes. A list of symptoms can be found in the infographic below.
Resources
Partners | partnersbhm.org/traumatic-brain-injury/
Partners Health Management is allocated state funding to provide TBI-specific services and supports to individuals with a TBI living in its 15 counties. For information on available services, call 1-888-235-HOPE (4673).
Monarch | MonarchNC.org
Offers wide range of support across NC
Contact: monarchnc.org/contact-us/
USA Cares | usacares.org
Combat Injury program pays the basic expenses for post 9/11 veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), and military sexual trauma (MST)
To apply: visit website > select apply now or call 800-773-0387
Brain Injury Association, NC | biaNC.net
NC-based resources
Resource facilitator:
ebennett@bianc.net (919) 833 9634 ext 8
For other services and support groups:
1-800-377-1464
bianc@bianc.net
Covenant Case Management | covenanttoserve.com
Many programs and services for individuals with TBIs and I/DD
Contact through their website to get started
Brain Injury Association (national) | biausa.org
Support Groups
Hickory Brain Injury Support Group | facebook.com/HickoryBISG
Last Tuesday of the month, 6-7:30 PM
First United Methodist Church, 311 3rd Ave NE, Hickory, NC
Contact: travis@crossroadscounseling.org, 828-781-0778
Gaston, Lincoln, and Cleveland Support Group
Third Tuesday of each month, 6-7 pm
ComServe, 1541 Delta Drive, Gastonia, NC 28052;
Contact: Patricia Haithcox at phaithcox@comserve.org, 704-736-5307 or Shanda Daniels at 704-772-4291
Upcoming Events Hosted by MHA
This list contains all events that are led by or in collaboration with the Mental Health Association of Cleveland County. You can also find these listed on our calendar.
Happening Locally
Here are some things you can do locally to help get you connected to activities that can support your mental health. All activities are free (F) or low-cost (LC). If you know of any things to do in Cleveland County and think we should include it in our monthly newsletter, send an to egrimsley@clevelandcountymha.org
Events in Shelby
Broad River Market - Jefferson Park (801 Jefferson St.)
Every Monday, 4:30 pm - until out of food
100% FREE food - fresh produce and groceries
Cleveland County Mutual Aid Pop Ups
100% FREE items - toiletries, books, clothes, OTC medications, etc.
Facebook group open to helping people connect with resources and help
Cleveland County Libraries (various locations) (F)
Line Dancing (Eugenia H. Young Memorial Library)
Monday, March 17, 5:30 - 6:30 pm
Manga Club (Eugenia H. Young Memorial Library)
Tuesday, March 18, 5:30 - 6:30 pm
Brick Builders | Middle School & High School Age (Eugenia H. Young)
Thursday, March 20, 4:30 - 5:30 pm
Chess Club (Eugenia H. Young Memorial Library)
Monday, Feb. 24, 5:30 - 6:30 pm
Yoga (Eugenia H. Young Memorial Library)
Monday, March 3, 5:30 - 6:30 pm
Makers Meetup - Buttons (Eugenia H. Young Memorial Library)
Thursday, March 6, 5:30 - 6:30 pm
Monday Night Book Club (Eugenia H. Young Memorial Library)
Monday, March 10, 5:30 - 6:00 pm
Teen Tuesday (Eugenia H. Young Memorial Library)
Tuesday, March 11, 5:30 - 6:30 pm
Tuesday, March 25, 5:30 - 6:30 pm
There are many more activities to do for all ages at the Cleveland County Libraries. To see more, check their website here.
Neal Senior Center (100 TR Harris Dr. Shelby, NC).
The Neal Senior Center releases a calendar of activities each month. Visit their website for the most up to date events.
Farmers Markets
The Foothills Farmers Market (multiple locations).
The Foothills Farmers Market has multiple locations (in Shelby & Kings Mountain) and other programs. There is no cost to get into the market, however, the items at the market are sold by individual vendors.
Expanding Your Toolkit: Support Groups and Trainings
Trainings by Partners
At the time of writing this newsletter, Partners has not updated their training calendar for March. To check back later, click here.
Support Groups
MHA’s Depression and Anxiety Support Group
Every Thursday, 6:30 - 7:30 PM
205 S Washington St. (Upstairs Conference Room), Shelby, NC - please note: building does not have an elevator.
Gaston, Lincoln, and Cleveland Brain Injury Support Group
Third Tuesday of each month, 6-7 pm
ComServe, 1541 Delta Drive, Gastonia, NC 28052;
Contact: Patricia Haithcox at phaithcox@comserve.org, 704-736-5307 or Shanda Daniels at 704-772-4291
Online: Reoccurring biweekly, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM.
Access here.
Hickory Brain Injury Support Group
Last Tuesday of the month, 6-7:30 PM
First United Methodist Church, 311 3rd Ave NE, Hickory, NC
Contact: travis@crossroadscounseling.org, 828-781-0778
12-step style program for emotional health struggles
Visit site to find virtual meetings
