denial at its best

The CEO of Magellan, the Regional Behavioral Health Authority for Maricopa County, is drinking the Kool-Aid. His level of denial is unreal. Magellan has been audited in the last few months and the results have been less than stellar. And he has the nerve to say things are moving forward? Really? Has he been reading the news? Did he look at the audit? Has he talked to consumers? or better yet, has he talked to providers? The consensus would be that the system has taken a drastic nose dive since Magellan took over from Value Options. When will we learn that a for-profit agency CAN NOT run a non-for-profit field. Mental health is not a money-making machine. I think I speak for a lot of us in the mental health arena here in Phoenix when I say that the end of this contract with Magellan can not come soon enough.

as it should be

Dale Hausner, the man suspected of being the “Serial Shooter” here in the Phoenix area in2005-06, was found guilty in 80 out of 87 counts. Justice has been served. It doesn’t bring back any of those who he murdered or ease the suffering of surviving victims and families, but it is a salve of sorts. To know that our justice system worked and a serial murderer will be punished. Now we have to wait and see exactly what his sentence will be.

disturbing possibilities

I receive daily news updates from Social Work Today, which is THE publication for social workers. Recently a news article reported on the idea that young adults who develop PTSD after being exposed to a traumatic event may be more likely to attempt suicide than those young adults who do not develop PTSD. As a social worker and crisis counselor, this finding is very disturbing. While there is not direct cause and effect relationship, it certainly makes sense and could explain a lot. In my job, I work with all ages, but it seems more and more, we are being called out to talk to kids. And more and more, suicide is the reason. It is scary to think that so many young adults see suicide as a viable option. It definitely tells me we need to do so much more in our society to help prevent this way of thinking. Now is not the time to cut funding to social service agencies.

Aloha Pro Bowl

Finally after a lot of back and forth, Hawaii has come to a agreement with the NFL to have the Pro Bowl back in Hawaii in 2011. It sounds like there is going to be a new system for the hosting of this tradition, but I am glad to hear that for at least 2 years the game will be back in its traditional home. It seems kind of weird to think of it being anywhere else. But I do get the financial aspects of why Hawaii may not continue to host after 2012.

thank god

I am so very happy that the Patriots DID NOT pick up T.O. If we had, I truly would have been torn and had lots of difficulty watching. I do not want my team to sell itself in order to win another Super Bowl. We got where we are by being a team and not being big names. I hope we can get back to that as much as we can. It was a start in not rushing to pick up the troubled T.O.

And I am not even the least bit bothered that the Bills picked him up instead.

surprise surprise

Just days after slapping the franchise tag on Matt Cassel, the Patriots trade him and Mike Vrabel to the Chiefs. For a second round pick!!! That’s it. Cassel took over this past season when Brady was injured and helped get the team 11 wins. I am kind of stunned at his move- on both accounts. Vrabel has been an important part of out team for years and been involved at crucial times to help our team along. I think both will be big losses but I wish them well.

poor Karney

Former ASU player, Mike Karney, was cut from the Saints. He a great player so I hope he gets picked up soon.

welcome Fred Taylor

I was shocked to hear that the Jaguars had released Taylor. I realize it was for salary cap reasons but still it is a surprise seeing as he has been a work horse for the team. I am glad we picked him up because I think we will benefit from his experience.

congrats to the newlyweds

Congratulations to Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen.

The couple of 3 years recently tied the knot. Glad to see the had a simple, intimate wedding.

I wish them well.