The efforts to create a LGBTQI+ Pride march began in the United States on June 28, 1970, during the one-year anniversary of the Stonewall Uprisings External Link. It evolved into what is now a month-long celebration of the successes and numerous contributions of LGBTQI+ Americans to our society. President Bill Clinton became the first U.S. president to declare June as “Gay and Lesbian” Pride Month by issuing Proclamation 7203 External Link on June 11, 1999. Today, celebrations include pride parades, picnics, parties, workshops, symposia, and concerts, and LGBTQI+ Pride Month events attract millions of participants around the world. Memorials are held during this month for those members of the community who have been lost to hate crimes or HIV/AIDS. The purpose of the commemorative month is to recognize the impact that LGBTQI+ individuals have had on history locally, nationally, and internationally.
The USDA 2024 Departmental LGBTQI+ Pride Month theme, “Cultivating Resilience; Harvesting Hope” recognizes the contributions of LGBTQI+ Americans to our community, and more specifically, to agriculture.
Recovery Month celebrates the gains made by those in recovery from substance use and mental health, just as we celebrate improvements made by those who are managing other health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, asthma, and heart disease.
One of the focuses, during Recovery Month, is ensuring that people of color, youth, older adults, LGBTQI+, rural residents, veterans, and people with disabilities have equitable access to recovery resources.
When recovery care and support reflect someone’s unique cultural values, they are more likely to succeed.
· No matter where you are, no matter who you are, no one is alone in recovery.
· Each person’s recovery journey is unique, and it should be based on their individual life goals and values.
· With the right supports, tools, and resources, everyone can recover and lead a meaningful life.
TAAP Student/Workforce Development: Committee Call for Mentors
Do you feel the call to be a mentor to a student or early addiction professional?
The TAAP Student/Workforce Development Committee is seeking experienced professionals to serve as mentors and guides for those navigating their way through the profession.
If you feel the call to serve as a mentor this upcoming year, please take a moment to complete the following application. Fill out this online form below and include your Name, credentials, and professional interest in serving as a mentor.
What is expected? A mentor provides support & guidance to mentees who are navigating a career in addiction counseling. This is different than supervision. A mentor is able to lead the future generation in the addiction profession. Once the committee reviews applications you will be contacted with further instructions.
Past Criminal Convictions and LCDC License Eligibility
In Texas’ 2019 legislative session a comprehensive bill was passed that gave licensing authorities for certain occupations the ability to exercise some discretion when considering an applicant’s criminal history. As a result, HHSC issued a Professional Licensing and Certification Guidance Letter (No. GL 20-5004) on Jan 22, 2021, specific to LCDCs and Counselor Interns. It states that a criminal offense unrelated to the duties of the occupation is no longer grounds for rejecting a license applicant. It also provides that the licensing authority shall consider the circumstances surrounding the crime, compliance with any post-conviction requirements, and states that the licensing authority has some requirements to provide notice to affected applicants to allow them to provide relevant documentation.This may open the door for some individuals who would otherwise have not previously been allowed to apply for LCDC licensure.Any questions about this should be directed to HHSC at lcdc@hhs.state.tx.us.
Required Training on Human Trafficking for LCDCs: Legislation passed in 2019 requires human trafficking prevention training for health care practitioners, which includes LCDCs. Prior to license renewal LCDCs must complete a training course approved by HHSC on identifying and assisting victims of human trafficking. (SWs, LPCs, and LMFTs are included.) Click here to view the HHSC Health Care Practitioner Human Trafficking Training web page – https://hhs.texas.gov/services/safety/texas-human-trafficking-resource-center/health-care-practitioner-human-trafficking-training. There you will find the list of approved training courses. AT THIS TIME, we do not know if this is a one-time or ongoing training requirement. Also, HHSC has not provided information on how many hours are required. We believe it is one hour but will contact HHSC for further information.
Sylvia Hubbard, Vickye Key, Laurie Roe, Councilman Brian Byrd.
Fort Worth TAAP, Texas Association of Addiction Professionals, Board Members with Councilman Byrd at Trinity Park Pavilion as he presented a City Proclamation, signifying Sept. 15, 2018 as Recovery in the Park Day.
It is with a heavy heart, we say goodbye to our dear friend, Robert Miles.
Robert Miles, better known as Mr. TAAP lived a life encouraging others. He was an advocate for those experiencing addiction. The Texas Association of Addiction Professionals has a large empty space in its membership today. The Texas Association of Addiction Professionals lost a champion on November 27, 2017.
Robert Miles helped to establish the local Fort Worth Chapter of TAAP (Texas Association of Addiction Professionals) and was instrumental in developing and organizing the Metamorphosis Conference providing continuing education hours for mental health professionals. Robert sang the Star Spangled Banner during the opening ceremonies each year and always recognized and honored the Veterans in attendance. During his tenure as President of TAAP, he encouraged the membership to sponsor the Aaron Rubin Scholarship after the untimely death of Aaron Rubin. This scholarship was established by Aaron Rubin along with Dolores Sutter for students seeking Chemical Dependency Counselor Licensure and was presented to students enrolled in the Mental Health program at Tarrant County College each year during the Metamorphosis Conference. TAAP continues to sponsor five scholarship recipients each year and has provided approximately 50 scholarships to deserving students. Thanks, Robert.
Robert was a tenderhearted gentleman who invested most of his life toward helping those experiencing addiction, especially attuned to the family members’ pain and loss. Robert was TAAP Counselor of the Year, both State and Local, TAAP Professional of the Year, both State and Local, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame, State level in 2013.
Robert was an avid advocate for change via legislative process. In order to create awareness and education regarding addiction, he organized a group of teens, adults, professionals, and lay persons to attend and present prevention and treatment needs to the Texas Legislative body as well as the Congressional Legislative body in Washington, D.C. When a bill was sponsored that helped the cause, Robert would send a mass e-mail to all asking for support of the bill. Likewise, if it was hurtful to the cause, he would ask for support of rejection of the bill. He titled his message and presentation, “Legislation, Texas Style” and presented this seminar for many local colleges and universities and to the community at large. When asked, he was always focused on recovery at home in his beloved cities of Arlington and Fort Worth. To promote his cause, he helped to create one of the largest Fourth of July Parades in the state of Texas working with current and past mayors and local leaders of Arlington. If you helped Robert with his cause, you would receive a “ticket of prominence” to the parade or perhaps an invitation to ride on his TAAP Float. A friend stated, “Robert floated on his chariot right into Heaven.” As he traveled in that direction, it is quite certain that his chariot was filled with those in need that he met along the way.
May your chariot continue the good work you provided from your position as President of TAAP, Fort Worth Chapter, and State Legislative Chair of TAAP. Rest in Peace, Robert. We will miss you. TAAP Membership and Friends
Written by: Dolores Sutter