Mycah On Mic Inspiration

I am Mycah Lee Arellano, a community leader, clinician in behavioral health and substance abuse, and an advocate in healthcare and education, as well as an HIV survivor/thriver. I continue to build awareness and expand resources for individuals living with HIV/Mental Health.

Here is my analytical overview on HIV prevention:

When we educate and discuss HIV prevention through biomedical approaches during summits, conferences, and training sessions, many leaders are not addressing mental health—specifically cognitive behavioral support—as a preventive measure in harm reduction.

We can discuss medication extensively that helps prevent the transmission of HIV and STD's/STI's, but we are often missing a key component: mental health and its role in critical thinking and decision-making.

Cultural trauma and identity are major factors that can hinder the processing of life experiences such as trauma, depression, loneliness, isolation, anxiety, and emotional distress. These emotional and psychological factors significantly impact behavior and health outcomes.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a key component of harm reduction for individuals facing addiction and those living with or at risk for HIV, because it helps change harmful thought patterns and behaviors. It supports mental health by teaching practical skills to manage triggers, reduce cravings, and prevent relapse.

When combined with harm-reduction strategies—such as safer sexual health practices—CBT helps lower the risk of HIV transmission.

We often focus heavily on medication or emotional stabilization alone, but true wellness requires a more integrated approach. This self-care, holistic model not only improves mental health but also empowers individuals to take control of their wellbeing and reduce risks in a realistic and compassionate way.

Proud to serve as a 2026–2028 Community Advisory Board Member with UT Health San Antonio. Honored to continue advocating for our community, advancing health equity, and making a meaningful impact together.

VALLEY AIDS COUNCIL
Project ECHO: Linkage to Care & Case Management

PRESENTS

Adolescent Substance Use & Positive Redirection

Facilitated by:
Mycah Lee Arellano
Behavioral Health – Chemical Dependence Counselor
Nonprofit Development Consultant

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📌 Reserve Your Online Space:
https://lnkd.in/g6nuMFRJ

I will be featured on the Valley AIDS Council “ECHO” Program on April 9, 2026, discussing adolescent substance use, early intervention, and the role of expressive arts in youth recovery.

Objectives:
✓ Explore expressive arts + CBT support for substance use, anxiety, and trauma.
✓ Highlight somatic tools (journaling, art, bilateral stimulation) for emotional regulation and coping.
✓ Review outcomes like improved self-esteem, academic engagement, and reduced substance use.

Stay tuned—registration details coming soon!

My career path in community leadership!

My leadership journey began in the 1990s with my first community mentor, leader, and friend, Sister Marian Strohmeyer, founder of Comfort House Services, a home-like hospice care model. Over 30 years ago, in my 20s, I had the privilege of serving as an administrator for public health, community relations, and funding development alongside Sister Marian Strohmeyer at Comfort House Services in McAllen, Texas.

Meet Jake Sanchez
Empowering communities through mental health advocacy and expressive arts. Thank you Jacob Sanchez !💐

entrepreneurs, business owners, and corporations to create strategic partnerships and drive sustainable funding for nonprofits. Thank you Clifford Jokinen !

Calling Artists!

Project Insight® is hosting our 2026 Annual Top Golf Fundraiser on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 3–6 PM at 5539 N Loop 1604 W, San Antonio, TX 78249.

We’re excited to invite artists to display and sell their work at no cost! Setup begins at 2 PM, and artists are asked to bring their own tables.

As a token of appreciation for your creativity and leadership in the community—and for all you do to inspire healing and humanity—we’d be honored to have you join us.

Artists may also choose to donate a piece to Project Insight® and sell their artwork directly, with all proceeds going to them(artists). Please note: Artists are responsible for managing their own sales and payment transactions.

Let us know if you’d like to participate—we can’t wait to feature your art!
For more information about fundraiser and art exhibit, email: [email protected] or call 210-998-1868x1, M-F 9 AM- 5 PM.

The power of nonprofit founders and leaders in community relations lies in building partnerships with business owners and funders—by clearly sharing their mission through strategic networking, they turn connections into meaningful, impact-driven collaboration.

Texas leaders and faith-based advocates are meeting with congressional representatives, including the office of John Cornyn, in Washington, D.C., standing united to protect healthcare.

We are calling on lawmakers to not cut Medicaid and Medicare—lifelines for millions living with HIV, mental health conditions, and other chronic illnesses.

This is bigger than policy.
This is about community, dignity, and access to care for all.

Healthcare is not a privilege—it is a human necessity.

As a community leader and executive-level nonprofit development professional with more than 30 years of experience, my goal is to guide nonprofit organizations in clarifying their mission, strengthening their impact, and building long-lasting relationships with potential funders. These relationships are essential for sustainable growth, regardless of whether funding is secured during a particular grant cycle.

Join us today on Tik Tok!