Business Journal 165 by d-mars.com

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

May 2021

Inspire, Inform & Educate

165TH Edition

Tami Vienn Allen, LPC

“The Relationship Coach”

Providing a SolutionsFocused Counseling Experience Tami Vienn Allen, LPC, owner of the Allen Counseling Group

10-11

INSIDE

Council Member Edward Pollard Mentors Youth With Suits for Success and Belts for Boys

Moore Unique Skin Care: Taking Your Appearance from Bumpy to Better

Mortgage Pre-Approval Is a Must Before an Offer

2 | May 2021

713.597.4499 877.214.5758

theallencg@gmail.com www.allencounselinggroup.com

President, Lead Therapist and Mediator at Allen Counseling Group, PLLC. Licensed Professional Counselor approved by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Licensed Professional Counselors. Texas Certified Mediator - Parenting agreements and relationship dissolution.

“As your relationship coach, I will work with you to identify unhealthy communication patterns, recover from affairs, stop living like roomates, and revitalize your relationship.”

Specializing in Relationship and Self-Improvement counseling for an exclusive clientele of: - professionals - entrepreneurs - celebrities - athletes Desire Full Confidentiality while working through personal challenges. No worries about sitting in an office wondering who may “see you” because we offer Tele-Conferencing from the location of your convenience. speciali in working with couples, While I specialize I also work with individuals who want to improve their self-esteem and achieve their personal goals.

I have appointments available in the evenings and on Saturdays to fit your schedule.

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d-mars.com is proud to continue our partnership with the commu- mental illness, highlighting Tami Vienn Allen, LPC, owner of the nity, publishing positive content and success stories promoting the Allen Counseling Group. The CDC reports our community has a disadvancement of our African American proportionately higher death rate from COVID-19. businesses and civic and community With grieving the death of a loved one and other leaders. challenges of the coronavirus, countless are affected “It’s crucial that we tell stories that May is Mental Health Awareness in the area of mental health. With a proven track Month. Each year millions of Americans record as a mental health expert, Allen continues prove that people can overcome face the reality of living with a mento add to her diverse client roster, serving couples mental illness and lead rich, tal illness. The American Psychiatric and individuals who include professionals and even fulfilling, successful lives. This Association reports that rates of mental celebrities and notables who all desire exclusive and requires a shift in the way we illnesses in African Americans are similar confidential services that insurance does not always portray mental illness in film, TV with those of the general population, provide for. Her coaching and counseling practice shows, and the media as a whole.” but disparities exist in regard to mental was founded on and remains effective through a poshealth care services. According to the itive, professional, and solutions-focused approach —Ruth C. White, PhD MPH MSW Black Mental Health Alliance’s research to mental health and wellness, also providing peace, studies, Black people have indicated that hope, and healing in the midst of the pandemic. mild depression or anxiety would be viewed as “crazy” in their soAs always, thank you for your continued support of d-mars.com, cial circles. Many of those interviewed also believe that discussions progressing our publication’s efforts to highlight the communities about mental illness would not be appropriate even among family. in which we serve, live, and work. Partnering together, we succeed This month’s cover story raises awareness in our community on in making positive things happen.

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BEHIND THE JOURNAL PUBLISHER & CEO Keith J. Davis, Sr. CHIEF OF STAFF & MANAGING EDITOR Kimberly Floyd ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Amber P. Jones ASSISTANT SALES REPRESENTATIVE Tiffany Brown OPERATIONS COORDINATOR Bria Casteel ART DIRECTOR Angel Rosa DIGITAL MEDIA MANAGER Erick Fontejon PHOTOGRAPHY Grady Carter L.C. Poullard DISTRIBUTION Rockie Hayden CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Stacy M. Brown Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. Lauren Victoria Burke Marla Lewis d-mars.com

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CONTENTS 04 BUSINESS 04 How to Make a Hybrid Workforce Successful 04 General Motors Announces 400 Percent Increase in Ad Spending with Black-Owned Media 04 Zillow Announces Plans to Hire More Than 2,000 Employees Nationwide in 2021 06 COMMUNITY 06 The Missed Home Improvement Step Putting You and Your Community at Risk 06 5 Ways to Go Beyond Saying ‘Thank You’ to Military Service Members 08 Council Member Edward Pollard Mentors Youth With Suits for Success and Belts for Boys 12 OP-ED 12 Accountability Does Not Equal Justice 12 EDUCATION & CAREER 12 Two HISD Schools Ranked Among the Most Challenging in the Nation by Challenge Index 22 How Prison Education Programs Transform Lives and Communities 22 Texas Southern University Launches New Partnership to Help Students Pursue Careers in Financial Services

12, 21 COVER STORY 12, 21 Providing Hope and Healing to Relationships in the Midst of the Pandemic 13-20 HEALTH & WELNNESS 14 Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 in America’s Classrooms 15 Spring Cleaning? Don’t Forget Your Medicine Cabinet 16 Taking Your Appearance From Bumpy to Better 18 COVID-19 Testing and Black America 18 Five Steps to Help Manage Recovery From ‘Long COVID’ 24 POLITICS 24 53 Years After MLK’s Assassination, Children Of Civil Rights Icon Fight Voter Suppression 24 U.S. Supreme Court Sounds Ready to Pay Student Athletes 26 FINANCE 26 Do You Believe in These Three Common 401(k) Misconceptions?

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28 REAL ESTATE 28 With Eviction Cliff Extended, Here’s How Millions Can Keep Their Homes 30 Mortgage Pre-Approval Is a Must Before an Offer

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4 | May 2021 BUSINESS

How to Make a Hybrid Workforce Successful By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire

ith metrics for COVID-19 improving, many companies are starting to consider returning to work in person. But most employees and employers agree it won’t look like it did before. Indeed, research shows a large chunk of companies today are sizing their physical offices down, as more people work from home all the time or part of the week. And hybrid offices, arrangements where team members are in two or three days a week and work remotely the rest of the time, seem to be the wave of the future. However, experts say that business owners and managers should not approach hybrid offices the same way they do completely remote set-ups. “While there are very specific benefits to hybrid offices, they come with their own set of challenges,” says Michele Havner, director of marketing at Eturi, the maker of Motiv, a recently-introduced app that small- and mid-sized business owners are using to improve productivity. Motiv is a mobile dashboard that delivers important productivity metrics to CEOs, managers and leaders. The tool’s reporting focuses on providing conference call activity and email summaries and integrates with Google Workspace and Microsoft 365, with many additional integrations and features slated for future release. Havner says that such tools function as a virtual corner office vantage point, helping to smooth out communication, collaboration and workflow issues created

by hybrid arrangements and decentralized workspaces. Equally important to communication is simply being mindful that hybrid offices can cause challenging dynamics among team members. Taking steps to address those issues preemptively can save headaches down the line. This includes making everyone accountable for meeting goals and deadlines. It might also mean offering the same perks to in-office and work-from-home staffers, while giving those who come into a centralized workspace the same level of flexibility remote work affords. Easily adopted by small- and medium-sized businesses, which have been underserved by existing productivity solutions, Motiv is available through the iOS App Store and Google Play Store. To learn more, visit motivapp.com. While hybrid offices can ultimately reduce costs and help keep employees healthy and safe, business owners will need to stay flexible and keep their workforce focused. Leveraging tools that facilitate hybrid work situations will be a key to success for companies as they move forward. Source: StatePoint

BUSINESS

Zillow Announces Plans to Hire More Than 2,000 Employees Nationwide in 2021 By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire

illow Group, Inc., which is transforming the way people buy, sell, rent and finance homes, recently announced its plan to hire more than 2,000 employees nationwide in 2021, increasing its total workforce by approximately 40%. This significant hiring goal was sparked by a year of impressive growth across the business and a historic year in the real estate industry. The majority of the new or coming-soon roles in tech, mortgage and loans, product and software development and more are categorized as remote and hybrid positions — open to applicants across the country. New roles also include a mix of in-office and field roles. Many of these positions are now open and accepting applicants through the Zillow Careers site. Zillow was an early leader in the future of work as one of the first companies to announce an extended work-from-home option for thousands of employees last year. Zillow has since officially launched its Distributed Workforce Model, which offers current and prospective employees roles in an office, field, remote or hybrid format. This model provides employees myriad benefits, including the flexibility to more easily balance personal and professional responsibilities and to work where they are most comfortable and productive — whether that is in one of Zillow’s offices or remotely. “While we boldly reimagine how to buy and sell

BUSINESS

General Motors Announces 400 Percent Increase in Ad Spending with Black-Owned Media By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire

eneral Motors, a longtime corporate partner of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), announced increasing advertising spending in Black-owned media by 400 percent. According to a news release, the company said it would grow spending from 2 percent to 8 percent of its total budget by 2023. By that estimate, General Motors’ advertising spending would jump from about $45 million to approximately $180 million. Several Black-owned media officials recently pressed General Motors CEO Mary Barra for a meeting after determining that the company was not doing enough to promote economic inclusion. Reportedly, a meeting between Barra, and a contingent led by Byron Allen of Allen Media Group, was postponed. General Motors officials said it would be more productive to host a series of meetings involving a more extensive mix of Black-owned media publishers and executives. “To ensure that our conversations are both substantive and constructive, we are going to postpone [the originally scheduled meeting] and reschedule it into a series of smaller conversations that take place over the next few weeks,” GM global Chief Marketing Officer Deborah Wahl told the executives.

“We also intend to expand the dialogue to invite our existing Black-owned media partners currently in the GM portfolio.”

homes for today’s digitally minded customer, Zillow is seizing the opportunity to reimagine how we work,” says Dan Spaulding, chief people officer at Zillow. “Our Distributed Workforce Model is a more inclusive, more personalized, more flexible, more efficient way of working. We are broadening our pipelines to attract more underrepresented talent and are providing career development opportunities that may have not otherwise existed for our employees.” Zillow’s Distributed Workforce Model also incited a transformation of traditional onboarding practices, which resulted in Zillow successfully onboarding close to 1,500 employees remotely since March 2020, roughly 28% of its current workforce. New practices like a “Virtual New Hire Open House” and a New Hire Slack channel are among some of the many initiatives Zillow has put in place to support new employees. Zillow is committed to reimagining traditional recruiting and working norms and being a leader in the future of flexible work to meet its ambitious hiring goal for 2021. This hiring announcement comes on the heels of Zillow’s inclusion in two prestigious workplace indexes, the Bloomberg Gender Equality Index and the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index. Both lists gave Zillow high marks for advancing policies and benefits that ensure equality for employees and their families and fostering a workplace in which all employees thrive.

For years, the company has been a corporate sponsor to the NNPA, the trade association representing 230 African American newspapers and media companies in markets throughout the country. Also, General Motors’ Chevrolet brand and the NNPA have partnered since 2016 to provide deserving HBCU students with the exciting opportunity to “Discover the Unexpected” about themselves and their communities via a journalism fellowship program. The Discover the Unexpected Journalism Fellowship (DTU) provides six HBCU students with scholarships ($10,000 each), stipends ($5,000 each), an eight-week fellowship with the nation’s leading Black news publications, and the “road trip of a lifetime” in an all-new Chevrolet Blazer or other Chevrolet vehicle. Each year, a selection of four NNPA Publishers provides the fellows with the opportunity to gain real-world journalism experience during the eight-week Fellowship Program. “General Motors has been taking steps to deal with systemic racism,” said NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. “It doesn’t happen overnight or in one year.”

Source: NNPA

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6 | May 2021 COMMUNITY

The Missed Home Improvement Step Putting You and Your Community at Risk By d-mars.com News Provider

hat do planting a tree, building a patio, installing a pool and putting up a fence have in common? These popular home improvement projects add value to your home, and they all require an important safety step: getting utility lines marked before digging. With so many people spending more time at home during the pandemic, homeowners are tackling DIY projects at growing levels - 19.5 million Americans plan to dig this year for a home improvement project, according to the Spring 2021 Homeowner Omnibus Research from Common Ground Alliance (CGA). Unfortunately, two in five homeowners will miss the crucial step to call 811 to get utility lines marked before they dig. Tempted to skip this step? You are putting yourself, your family and your entire community at risk. Unintentionally striking one of these lines can result in inconvenient outages for entire neighborhoods, serious harm to yourself or your neighbors, and significant repair costs. CGA research found that a third of American homeowners have been affected by a utility service interruption during the pandemic. This can be particularly frustrating as people spend more time at home, relying on essential utilities to work, study and stay entertained. You don't want your digging activity to be the reason your neighborhood faces an inconvenient outage, or worse. If you think it won't happen, think again. "A utility line is damaged every few minutes in the U.S. because someone decided to dig without making a call to 811 to learn the approximate location of buried utilities in their area," says Sarah Magruder Lyle, President and CEO of CGA. "Calling 811 to get utilities marked before digging

is free and easy, and will protect you, your community and the utilities you rely on."

Followthese thesesafe safedigging digging Follow stepseach eachtime timeyou youdig: dig: steps Step 1: A free phone call to 811 makes it easy for your local one call center to notify appropriate utility companies of your intent to dig. Call a few days prior to digging to ensure enough time for the approximate location of utility lines to be marked with flags or paint. Step 2: Know where you plan to dig and have a basic idea of what you plan to do. When you call 811, a representative from your local one call center will ask for the location and description of your digging project. Step 3: Your local one call center will notify affected utility companies, which will then send professional locators to the proposed dig site to mark the approximate

location of buried utility lines with colored flags and paint. Step 4: Wait the required amount of time for the lines to be marked. Once all lines have been accurately marked, carefully dig around the marked areas. There are nearly 20 million miles of underground utility lines in the United States, which equates to more than a football field's length of utilities for every person in the U.S. Your family depends on this buried infrastructure for your everyday needs, including electric, natural gas, water and sewer, cable TV, high-speed internet and landline telephone. With that much critical infrastructure underground, it's important to know what's below and call 811 before digging. To find out more information about 811 or the one call center in your area, visit www.call811.com. Source: BPT

COMMUNITY

5 Ways to Go Beyond Saying ‘Thank You’ to Military Service Members By d-mars.com News Provider

ow do you thank someone who’s willing to risk their life for yours? When it comes to military service members and their families, advocates say there are many avenues for giving back meaningfully. As part of its “Give More Than Thanks” campaign celebrating 80 years of being the “Force Behind the Forces,” the United Service Organizations (USO) is inviting Americans to take actions that can make a tangible difference in the lives of service members. Here are five ideas to get you started: 1. Offer Skills or Services. Many service members face difficulties translating the skills and experience they acquired in the military to civilian jobs. Others struggle to adjust to the norms of the civilian workforce. Meanwhile, military spouses face professional obstacles throughout their service member’s career due to constant moves and deployments. Consider offering career advice or volunteering to guest lecture via military transition programs, such as the USO Pathfinder

Transition Program, which equips service members and military spouses with tools needed to tackle the civilian job market. If you own a business or are a leader in a company, advocate for hiring qualified veterans. By offering practical support, you’re not only thanking service members, you’re helping build an inclusive community that bridges the civilian-military

divide. 2. Send a Care Package. Care packages filled with treats and reminders of home let troops know that friends, family and the American people are thinking of them, even from thousands of miles away. However, the process of sending military care packages can be complicated. One easy way to do so is through USO Wishbook, where you can select a symbolic gift from a catalog to be sent to service members. 3. Support Military Spouses. Deployments are challenging for both service members and their spouses. Reach out to a military spouse whose service member is deployed and offer to cook their family dinner, or to pick up groceries. Simply reaching out to see how they are doing can also make all the difference. 4. Volunteer. Put your gratitude into action. Many USO locations across the country need volunteers who can facilitate programs and events – virtually or safely in person – that provide the military community with the support needed to carry out their missions. 5. Donate. The USO has been expressing its thanks to service members by supporting the troops since World War II.

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Today, that gratitude is shown in USO locations around the globe; these brickand-mortar centers serve as a home away from home for deployed service members, and a place of respite for the larger military community. USO programming keeps deployed troops connected to loved ones, provides resources for service members and their families and boosts the morale of the entire military community through entertainment and other supportive events. Charitable donations to the USO help make that mission possible. To learn more about the USO’s work and discover additional ways to give more thanks, visit USO.org/morethanthanks and follow the conversation at #MoreThanThanks. “Our service members and their families’ sacrifices require us to rise to the challenge. All Americans, united in spirit and action, can change the lives and communities of our military, and thus, our country, for the better,” says J.D. Crouch II, CEO and president of the USO. Source: StatePoint

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8 | May 2021 COMMUNITY

Council Member Edward Pollard

Mentors Youth With Suits for Success and Belts for Boys By d-mars.com News Provider

dward Pollard is the Houston City Council Member for District J and serves as principal owner of Pollard Legal Group. However, he says his most rewarding professional work is being the co-founder of the nonprofit Suits for Success. In 2014, Edward and two colleagues, Vernon Johnson and Duke Amos, wanted to fill a void in the city as it pertained to a lack of male mentorship programs for high school boys. They noticed that around prom season, many efforts were initiated to assist girls in need with prom dresses but there was never anything mentioned about the boys and their needs, and from there Suits for Success was born. Instead of just focusing on prom season and a single event, Pollard created Life School, which is a semester-long mentorship course that teaches critical topics not taught in a traditional classroom setting, such as public speaking, etiquette training, resume building, interview techniques, personal finance, and how to tie a tie. At the completion of the program, each student earns a free suit, shirt, and tie for high school graduation and other milestones in life. The program’s main campus has been Sharpstown High School in District J, but it has also helped boys in additional schools in HISD, charters, churches, and affiliated nonprofits. In speaking about his favorite experience of the program, Pollard says “I enjoy helping the kids select their suits and taking them to the tailor for the perfect fit. Most of our boys have never owned a suit or been to a tailor. To see their entire demeanor change by taking off their hoodies and putting on a suit is incredible. You see their self-worth and self-confidence rise instantly before your eyes.” Pollard also states that, “We have added a component of our program that allows our boys the opportunity to wear their new suits at an upscale restaurant to teach our etiquette training class. Last year we took all the boys to Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse to give them access and exposure to fine dining.”

a free belt during their first class session. Pollard says, “For too long, I have been disappointed at how we have neglected the necessity to address seeing boys in our communities with their pants hanging low, so I decided to do something about it. Our kids have so much talent and potential, but they just need guidance, nurturing, opportunity, and exposure. With something as simple as a belt, we are going to work on impacting the lives of our young boys.” The Belts for Boys program will consist of character building and assisting in the

Pollard notes that there is no GPA requirement or strict criteria for being eligible for the Suits for Success program at each school. The program is open to all graduating senior males, and their only requirement to be accepted into the program is that they attend an orientation, write a two-page paper over the winter break expressing interest, and showing up on time to each class. The sessions are held during their school day at the lunch period. Instead of going to the cafeteria for lunch, the students convene in a classroom to learn their topic of the day while food is provided. This is to accommodate many students who either ride the bus, have extracurricular activities or jobs after school, and would not be able to attend due to those commitments. Suits for Success was initially started to help teen males in their transition from high school to the real world, but Pollard felt there needed to be another program that also focused on boys transitioning from elementary school to middle school. In an effort to help young boys take pride in their appearance by avoiding sagging pants, he created a spinoff of Suits for Success called Belts for Boys. Belts for Boys engages 5th graders on the importance of having confidence, good behavior, consistency, proper hygiene, and work ethic with a focus on keeping your pants pulled up on your waist and wearing a belt. Belts for Boys is currently partnering with Benavides Elementary School in District J, where each 5th grade boy is given

transition of pre-teen to teenage life and the maturation process that is necessary for success as a young man. The mission of Suits for Success is to motivate, encourage, and mentor young men by instilling fundamental core principles around what will be expected of them in a professional and collegiate world, accompanied by an essential wardrobe. Edward adds “Here at Suits for Success, we believe looking like a success is the first step to becoming a success.” The suits provided to the boys are donated. If you have a gently worn suit, sizes 36-42 in need of a new home, you can schedule a drop off with their nonprofit partner Career Gear Houston by calling (713) 778-9959. For additional information on Suits for Success and how you can be involved or contribute to their program, please visit, suitsforsuccesshouston.org.

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10 | May 2021

Providing Hope and Healing to Relationships in the Midst of the Pandemic By d-mars.com News Provider

he National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) advises that in the immediate wake of a traumatic experience, large numbers of affected people report distress, including new or worsening symptoms of depression, anxiety, and insomnia. A notable fraction of people will develop chronic symptoms severe enough to meet criteria for a mental illness, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or major depressive disorder. What NIMH has learned from past disasters and epidemics is holding true in the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic. The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) reported that mental health issues have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. On average, more than one in three adults in the U.S. has reported symptoms of anxiety and/ or depressive disorder since May 2020. In comparison, from January to June 2019, approximately one in ten adults reported symptoms of anxiety and/or depressive disorder. Average biweekly data for October 2020 found that 40.1% of adults in Texas reported symptoms of anxiety and/or depressive disorder, compared to 37.7% of adults in the U.S. The Hogg Foundation for Mental Health provides insight on the impacts of COVID-19, addressing possible higher suicide rates of Black Texans, given our community’s disproportionately higher death rates from COVID-19. For many in our community, around the country, and world, challenges of the coronavirus have been undeniably overwhelming, affecting countless in the area of mental health. We can conclude from the latest statistics that mental health impacts will outlive the pandemic itself, so it is critical that coping strategies are available, lowering these risks and maximizing an individual’s chance for recovery. Providing a solutions-focused coaching and counseling experience is the Allen Counseling Group. Tami Vienn Allen, LPC, owner of the Allen Counseling Group, has built this practice with a focal point on individual empowerment and helping couples effectively communicate to strengthen their relationship, but it also provides mediation services for marital dissolution, co-parenting agreements, general family disputes, and other mental health services. With a proven track record in this field, Allen continues to add to her diverse client roster, serving couples and individuals who include professionals and even celebrities and notables who all desire exclusive and confidential services that insurance does not always provide for. Her coaching and counseling practice was founded on and remains effective through a positive, professional, and solutions-focused approach to mental health and wellness, also providing peace, hope, and healing in the midst of the pandemic. Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

May 2021 | 11 DMARS: The focus of your practice supports clients in the area of improving their marriage through better communication or overcoming the obstacles of divorce.  How have you seen this pandemic add additional stresses to the family dynamic?  TAMI ALLEN: Prior to the pandemic, most couples worked outside of the home, which left little time for quality connection with each other. For the couples whose relationships were already rocky, the pandemic seems to have magnified the problems and brought them to the surface to be dealt with. At the beginning of the pandemic, I heard it said that the experience was going to bring couples closer, or it will expose problems that could break them apart. I have seen both ends of the spectrum. Believe it or not, one of the major points of contention is the division of labor as it relates to home-schooling the children, cooking, and cleaning. Other stressors are not having enough personal time or space, and most importantly, having very poor communication skills. Couples think that because they are talking, they are communicating. However, there are so many conversations that couples are afraid to have for fear of the response from the other person. That’s where I come in. I help couples have the difficult conversations they fear having by teaching them how to mutually communicate their thoughts and feelings without fearing judgement. This also includes teaching couples how to communicate in each other’s love language.   DMARS: Please talk about all the mental health and wellness services you provide through your counseling. TAMI ALLEN: While relationship coaching and counseling are my passion, I also work with both men and women experiencing depression, anxiety, and low self-confidence. As a coach, I serve as an accountability partner to help my clients accomplish personal and professional goals. I am excited to say that at least onethird of my practice are male clients, which shows that men are reaching out for help in greater numbers.   DMARS: How have you had to pivot your practice, adapting to the pandemic to continue to successfully support your clients? TAMI ALLEN: What I loved most about my work was meeting with my clients face-to-face in my office. It was much easier to connect, communicate, and establish rapport. Right before the stay-at-home order was issued in March 2020, I had a client who requested video counseling in February after she had a baby so I obliged. This opportunity was the initiation of incorporating telehealth services in my practice. Who knew that this was how I would be operating full-time in another month? Once the stay-at-home order was issued, I had an abrupt, but temporary disruption in my business while I had to scramble to transition to full-time telehealth. Working from home, I have been able to successfully support my clients through this transition by offering extended hours in the evening and on Saturdays since neither of us have to commute. DMARS: How have clients received the

Q&A With Tami Allen, LPC:

that a surprisingly significant portion of society is unaware of. One of the primary accesses to receiving mental health services is through private insurance. Some clients prefer self-pay encouraged to seek guidance from the church, changes to your practice due to the to prevent their diagnoses from being entered however, the pastor or the lay ministry are pandemic? into their permanent medical records. Most TAMI ALLEN: One year later, the feedback from not always trained to understand mental major cities have county mental health agencies my clients is that they miss the in-person illness, to an in-depth degree. I believe that that provide mental health and medical services connection but love the convenience of the church can be a primary source to educate to individuals on a sliding fee scale. The largest meeting via Zoom or by phone because they the community about the most common mental mental health agency in Harris County is can meet on their lunch break, on illnesses (anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD. the way home, and most and schizophrenia). I am working hard to Other agencies are Harris Health and Legacy importantly, not have to break the stigma associated with mental Clinic. Individuals can also check with their fight traffic to get to illness and encouraging individuals to company’s human resource department about their appointment seek help when needed. EAP (Employee Assistance Program) benefits.   on time. One insight that I want to provide is that anytime you DMARS: Have “Seeking mental health support use insurance or social service you seen the should be viewed as a strength, not assistance, your diagnoses and pandemic bring a weakness. It takes a lot of strength session notes become a part an increase of and courage for one to admit they of your permanent medical clients to your record. Self-pay client’s records are experiencing mental and emotional practice? are property of the therapist challenges, especially with the stigmas TAMI ALLEN: At the and do not have to be released associated with taking medications. The fear beginning of the to any other entity.  of being judged and/or labeled as “crazy” is the number one pandemic, I was working barrier to seeking help. As a community, we need to adapt full-time as a supervisor DMARS: Is there anything with the county mental and apply the motto, “See something, say something.” It else that you want our health agency and partis so important to say something when you see someone readers to know? time in my practice experiencing emotional distress. The next thing to do would be TAMI ALLEN: I want to convey seeing 3-4 clients in the to get educated about the symptoms of the illness and know the importance of investing evenings and 5-7 clients the warning signs.” in your mental health on Saturdays. Six months as you do your physical after the pandemic —Tami Vienn Allen, LPC, owner of the Allen Counseling Group health and appearance. started, I had a waiting And it’s important for the list and would use my PTO community to understand to see my clients because I was receiving so the difference between talking with family DMARS: What are some of your top many new referrals. By December 2020, my and friends versus a therapist. Family/ client load literally quadrupled from the previous mental health tips for individuals to friends may be biased, judgmental, and love year so I made the decision to leave my agency work through their feelings due to the to give advice about what “they” would do. job and work in my private practice full-time.  additional stresses they may be dealing On the contrary, a therapist is highly trained The mental health profession has grown such with brought on by the pandemic?  to be unbiased, empathetic, and to provide that clients are having a hard time getting TAMI ALLEN: The isolation resulting from the coping skills, education, and resources to appointments with therapists and psychiatrists pandemic has taken its toll on society as a help individuals accomplish their goals. due to the demand for services. To date, my whole. I found that it has been especially practice continues to grow, and I receive at difficult for singles and extroverts to cope As the pandemic has raised awareness of least two to four new referrals per week.  My with loneliness due to the lack of having mental health symptoms and service needs, availability remains open but limited due to immediate or frequent social connections Allen remains proactive in her approach to with others. I would start by advising people the rotation of clients in and out of services. mental health, serving those who are facing to seek counseling as a primary source for loneliness, depression, relationship conflict, discussing feelings. If the challenges are not DMARS: Has this pandemic shined the or burnout. Allen says, “Seeking outside help severe, talk with a trusted friend/confidant light on how more people than we realize is one of the greatest opportunities to invest about your feelings. You may be surprised are living with mental health challenges? in yourself. After all, you are going to take TAMI ALLEN: Being a therapist, it is no surprise to find they are experiencing some of the you wherever you go, so why not be the best to me how many people are struggling with same challenges. Last but not least, prayer, version of yourself that you can possibly be?” mental health challenges. However, I must say meditation, and journaling are very effective Crisis intervention services such as the that I am proud of the number of individuals in connecting with the internal self. (especially Black men) who have been and continue to reach out for help. I think the general public is more surprised when they contact several therapists and find out the therapists are either no longer accepting new clients, no longer accepting insurance, or just do not return their call at all. DMARS: Please talk about how we, as a community need to recognize red flags, so we can effectively support a loved one living with a mental health challenge? TAMI ALLEN: In order to effectively support loved ones who may be suffering with diagnosed or undiagnosed mental illness, we must first become educated and accept that mental illness does not discriminate based on socioeconomic status. It is important to recognize and acknowledge when our loved one appears to be experiencing emotional distress, and ask them about what they are experiencing. You may even go so far as to offer to accompany them to a doctor for an evaluation. In the Black community, we have historically been

DMARS: Do you see that the African American community has more challenges when it comes to addressing mental illness? TAMI ALLEN: I definitely know that the African American community has more challenges with getting help for mental illness due to lack of awareness about or access to social services, the stigma associated with seeking services, and finding therapists who they can relate to who may have a better understanding of their life challenges. In addition, many individuals fear that their employers may find out about their illness, and use it against them. Surprisingly but happily, I am seeing an increasing number of African Americans seeking counseling since the pandemic, especially Black men. DMARS: What do you say to people who want mental health support, but may not be able to afford a session?  TAMI ALLEN: What resources are available for them? There are many avenues to receiving affordable and quality mental health support

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Disaster Distress Helpline (1-800-9855990) and the Crisis Text Line (text HOME to 741741) reported substantial increases in volume early in the pandemic, reflecting anxiety and distress brought on by COVID19’s many uncertainties. And although data indicates the volume of mental health and suicide risk visits to emergency departments initially dropped when states issued stay-athome orders, these visits increased again after stay-at-home restrictions were lifted. For more information on Tami Allen and the Allen Counseling Group or to schedule an appointment, please call (713) 597-4499 or visit www.AllenCounselingGroup.com.

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Sources: • National Institute of Mental Health • The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) • Hogg Foundation for Mental Health • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

12 | May 2021

Accountability OP-ED

Does Not Equal Justice By d-mars.com News Provider

erek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer who killed George Floyd, has been declared guilty. The job of this jury is done. But the job of those who seek justice is not. While I hope that this verdict brings some peace to George Floyd’s family and loved ones, we must remember that this verdict does not bring George Floyd back. It does not bring back Breonna Taylor, Eric Garner, Daunte Wright, Philando Castile, Sandra Bland, and countless others who have lost their lives to police violence. The verdict does not change the fact that innumerable Black a nd Brown lives are being systematically and needlessly destroyed on a daily basis by a broken, oppressive discriminatory criminal legal system. On the same afternoon that t h i s verd ic t was being read, 16 - y e a r- o l d Ma'Khia Bryant was shot and killed by police in Columbus, Ohio. We still live in a country where Black people are three times more likely to be killed by police than white people; in a country where the criminalization of Black a nd Brown com mu nit ie s is prioritized over community-based solutions; in a country where racial disparities are deeply rooted in every fiber of the criminal legal system. Real justice is more than one verdict. Real justice means systemic transformation to create a criminal legal system truly rooted in community health and safety, and free of racial oppression. Real justice means ending the racist and discriminatory system of mass criminalization and incarceration of communities of color. It means ceasing incarcerating people for poverty, mental health, and substance use; and making up for decades of intentional neglect by creating meaningful and effective investments in our communities’ health and safety. This verdict is an opportunity to rededicate ourselves to urgent and meaningful action. We can truly provide justice for George Floyd and honor his memory when we create a system that truly respects communities of

color, makes our communities safer, and serves each individual fairly and equitably. Here in Harris County, we are committed to ending white supremacy and reimagining our criminal legal system to create a world in which Black and Brown people are safe and free. As part of these efforts, we are investing in the following programs: • Holistic Alternative Responder Teams (HART) – Under this program, 911 call takers would send first responders trained to address situations involving mental and behavioral health issues, substance use, and people experiencing homelessness. This would enable law enforcement to prioritize other emergencies and ensure that people in distress get the support they need. • Violence Interrupters – This program helps address gun violence in our communities with a public health approach. Violence interr upters w ill include hospital-based i nt e r v e nt i on progra ms to support survivors of violence and reduce the chance of retaliation. This way we stop the cycle of violence in communities most impacted without having to use the criminal legal system. • Youth Justice C ommu nit y Reinvestment Fund – This fund will invest in community programs that prevent youth involvement in crime and prevent youth incarceration. The fund aims to address racial disparities in juvenile detention and is part of a bold new approach to justice that begins with investing in communities most impacted by incarceration. • Quality legal representation for all people – We are expanding our Public Defender’s Office and investing in holistic services for people caught in the criminal legal system. Last week’s verdict came after weeks of testimony and months of preparation; many poor defendants never get that kind of due process. All people, rich or poor, deserve to have equal protection of their constitutional rights. Safety in our communities means accessible healthcare, affordable housing, quality schools, and walkable neighborhoods. It means ensuring that all parts of a community have an opportunity to thrive, not concentrating resources in some neighborhoods while surveilling others. We will create that world together.

EDUCATION & CAREER

Two HISD Schools Ranked Among the Most Challenging in the Nation by Challenge Index By d-mars.com News Provider

he nation’s only index that ranks high schools’ ability to challenge their students will be published this month, and two Houston Independent School District campuses made the list in more than one category. Carnegie Vanguard High School is ranked number five on the latest Challenge Index list of top 20 high schools, as well as number 2 on the Index’s list of Top 10 Magnet Schools and number 3 on the list of Top 10 Southern Schools. Additionally, Young Women's College Preparatory Academy is ranked number 10 on the list of Top 10 Magnet Schools. The Challenge Index 2020 will be published in the May 2021 edition of Education Next. It is also available at https://www.educationnext.org/challenge-index-2020/. “We are extremely proud of Carnegie Vanguard and YWCPA for being recognized as the most elite schools in America,” said HISD Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan. “It requires hard work of administrators, teachers, and students to obtain such an impressive achievement.” Carnegie Vanguard serves grades 9-12. As a Vanguard Program, all students are gifted and talented, and all students take Advanced Placement core classes as part of the curriculum. The school consistently has been ranked as a top public high school in the United States by several major magazines and journals. Young Women's College Preparatory Academy was named a U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon School in 2020. The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes high student achievement and exemplary progress in closing achievement gaps. YWCPA provides a unique learning environment for female students in grades 6-12. It focuses on college readiness and science, technology, engineering, and math. All core curriculum classes are Pre-Advanced Placement or Advanced Placement.

First published in 1998, the Challenge Index has appeared in Newsweek and The Washington Post. It is the only list that compares private and public schools. It does not rely on test scores. It ranks high schools by a simple ratio: the number of Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or Cambridge tests given at school each year, divided by the number of seniors who graduated that year. Education journalist Jay Matthews compiles the list. He believes participation in college-level AP, IB, and Cambridge tests is a measure of learning depth. For more information, please contact the HISD Press Office at PressOffice@HoustonISD.org.

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Source: HISD

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May 2021 | 13 June 2020 | 13

FREE

® ®

HEALTH & WELLNESS JOURNAL

May 2021

Inspire, Inform & Educate

15th Edition

Taking Your Appearance From BUMPY to BETTER Dr. Milton D. Moore Dermatologist, Pharmacist, and Developer of the Moore Unique Skin Care line

INSIDE

Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 in America’s Classrooms

COVID-19 Testing and Black America Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

Spring Cleaning? Don’t Forget Your Medicine Cabinet

14 | May 2021 HEALTH

Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 in America’s Classrooms By d-mars.com News Provider

hile the rollout of the vaccine has been a relief for the nation’s teachers, many of whom have been working in-person on and off since the start of the pandemic, the reality is that not everyone will get the vaccine. What’s more, being in the school building all day with children who are not yet approved for immunization leaves many educators and school staff vulnerable to COVID-19, no matter how many precautions they take while off the clock. But there’s good news: new scientific breakthroughs are helping make schools safer by protecting surfaces for far longer than routine cleaning, which does so only momentarily.

TheProblem Problem The Human coronaviruses can persist on inanimate surfaces such as plastic, glass, fibers and metals for up to nine days, according to the National Institutes of Health. While routine cleaning and disinfection help, they leave surfaces immediately vulnerable to recontamination, particularly in highly trafficked areas like break rooms, desks, lockers, and especially school and classroom entrances. Traditional disinfectants alone can’t guarantee full coverage, protect for long periods, or even prevent recontamination. On top of that, the burden of constantly reapplying momentary disinfectants throughout the day

has largely fallen on teachers, many of whom are paying for cleaning supplies out of their own paychecks.

AANew New Solution Solution In keeping America’s teachers safe, standard cleaning methods alone can only do so much. A new EPA-approved product, however, when used as directed, offers continuous protection from COVID-19 with a single application, making school safety more reliable and efficient. The product, SurfaceWise2, was developed by

biotechnology company Allied BioScience, which has a mission of reduc i n g t he footprint of global infection caused by the transmission of microorganisms encountered in daily life. “The pandemic has put more responsibilities on schools than ever before, and our teachers are stretched thin,” says Jess Hilton, chief marketing officer, Allied BioScience. “Providing additional safety measures for this sometimes overlooked frontline worker group is critical.”

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As leading infectious disease expert Dr. Charles P. Gerba explains, schools have always been a major germ transfer zone, and the pandemic has only elevated this health and safety risk. “The average child touches their face about 40 to 50 times per hour,” says Dr. Gerba. “Having a reliable way to protect surfaces for long periods of time is essential.” Independent lab studies conducted by Dr. Gerba found SurfaceWise2 to be effective against Human Coronavirus 229E, the EPA-approved surrogate, demonstrating the ability to successfully protect against COVID-19. Coated surfaces were found to reduce the concentration of these viruses by greater than 99.9% within two hours of contact. SurfaceWise2 has undergone rigorous reviews and extensive safety testing, carrying the lowest possible EPA toxicity rating making it safe to use in enclosed spaces, which is critical as teachers must work inside the classroom. The coating is non-toxic, non-irritating, and contains no chemicals that produce harmful vapors or gases. To learn more, visit www. surfacewise.com. “Alongside precautions like mask-wearing and social distancing, effective longterm coatings to protect surfaces can allow schools to better keep their teachers safe, and help make the choice between safety and livelihood a little easier for America’s educators,” says Hilton. Source: StatePoint

May 2021 | 15 HEALTH

Specializes in cosmetic dentistry with porcelain veneers, whitening and coming soon Botox and lip llers. www.sdshouston.com

Spring Cleaning? Don’t Forget Your Medicine Cabinet By Stacy M. Brown

NNPA Newswire Senior

ith your mind on the changing season, you may be purging closets, vacuuming floors and washing windows - but there's one crucial area of the house to keep in mind: your medicine cabinet. Every year, unused prescriptions and expired over-thecounter medicines clutter bathrooms, kitchen cupboards and drawers, posing a danger to everyone in your household. Now is a great time to clear out this safety hazard from your home, and do it in a way that's also environmentally responsible.

Dr. Mikenah Joyy and Dr. Simone Ellis

The Thedangers dangersofofunused unused medications medications Smile Design Studios, Family and Cosmetic Dentistry 9303 Hwy 6, Suite 300 Missouri City TX 77459

281-969-7388

Americans are prescribed billions of medications, but according to Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy, approximately two-thirds of those pills go unused. Leaving unfinished prescriptions in your home poses a danger not only to children, but also to adults or teens who may be tempted to try the medications, or give or sell them to others. Nearly half of adolescents 12 and over who report misusing prescription pain relievers took or received the drugs from a friend or relative. Over-the-counter medications also pose a hazard, especially to children. The CDC reports that approximately 60,000 young children are brought to the emergency room each year because they accessed medicines that were within reach or not disposed of properly. Make sure medications and supplements are safely stored up and away, in child-proof containers. Check all medications, including vitamins and supplements, for expiration dates, as expired medications may not only be ineffective, but potentially unsafe.

Safest Safestdisposal disposalmethods methods There is a lot of misinformation about how to dispose of prescription and overthe-counter medications without causing harm to people or the environment. Some counties sponsor drug take-back days or offer drop boxes, that allow you to bring in medications that you want to discard. Unfortunately, not everyone has access to a drop-off site; that's where at-home disposal is a useful option. If you want to safely and easily discard old medications and render them harmless at the same time, Deterra Drug Deactivation System Pouches are the only at-home medication disposal system that permanently Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

deactivates over-the-counter and prescription medications. It is the safest, most effective choice to destroy and dispose of unused and expired medications. The pouches use activated carbon and tap water to render any medications inactive.

Environmentally Environmentallysound sounddisposal methods disposal methods Concerned about the environment while you clear out your prescriptions? In the past, many thought disposing of medications by flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash was acceptable. However, it is clear that many ingredients in medications can pollute water and soil. Activated carbon is organic, chemical-free and, once used, makes medication safe for disposal in normal household trash. Plus, it prevents harmful medications from contaminating landfills and water systems. Deterra pouches themselves are USDA-certified biobased, made from 50% or more plant-based material and manufactured in a factory using 100% wind generated power. When you're discarding your medications, don't forget the bottles. Check containers for a recycling symbol, and consult your local recycling service for guidelines. Remove or obscure personal information on prescription labels, then rinse and dry containers to remove any residue before recycling.

campaignto toget getrid ridof ofunused AAcampaign unused medications medications - for good for good Since 2020, Deterra has partnered with SAFE Project, a national nonprofit working to end addiction, on the Gone for Good campaign, a pouch giveaway to help prevent medication misuse and increase access to at-home disposal resources. Admiral James and Mary Winnefeld founded SAFE Project after the tragic loss of their 19-year-old son Jonathan to an accidental opioid overdose. "It's so important for families to be aware of this issue, and to do whatever they can to keep family members safe," said Admiral Winnefeld. "Regularly removing substances that could potentially be misused is one way to help protect everyone in your household from this very real danger." The April 2021 Gone for Good campaign will distribute 20,000 free at-home drug disposal pouches to U.S. households. Anyone in the continental United States can request a free pouch be mailed to them at DeterraSystem.com/SAFE. Source: BPT

16 | May 2021 HEALTH

Taking Your Appearance From BUMPY to BETTER By d-mars.com News Provider

ou’re cleansing your skin daily, using sunscreen, trying to eat right and exercise to keep your healthy, youthful appearance. But despite your best efforts, those small and unsightly dark bumps on your forehead, cheeks, chin, neck, or around your eyes are a stubborn nuisance — and you can’t hide them with makeup. Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra, better known as moles, are black or brown bumps that often start showing up during adolescence and tend to grow bigger and increase in number for some people as they grow older. Over time, they can become rough-looking lesions with small flaps that look like skin tags. Moles commonly affect African Americans. From a health and medical standpoint, these growths are harmless. Still, many of my patients have told me that moles affect their self-confidence so much that they can’t stand to look in the mirror. For several years at Moore Unique Dermatology & Spa, I’ve been using a special surgical laser technique that can achieve excellent results in treating moles in as little as 30 minutes. I begin each outpatient procedure by applying numbing cream to the face, so patients feel little to no pain as I apply the laser to each skin growth. Recovery takes about two to three days as the treated moles simply dry up and shed. In about two to three weeks, natural skin color returns to the treated areas for a smooth complexion with no evidence the moles were ever there.

Dr. Milton D. Moore is a dermatologist, pharmacist, and developer of the Moore Unique Skin Care line Are you ready to take your appearance from bumpy to better? If so, schedule an appointment with Dr. Moore today. Call (713) 741-DERM (3376) or visit his Unique Dermatology website at www.uniquedermatology.com. Dr. Milton D. Moore is a dermatologist, pharmacist, and developer of the Moore Unique Skin Care line. Dr. Moore began his career as a dermatologist in Houston in 1985. He started his own private practice, Moore Unique Laser Surgery and Dermatologic Care, which has evolved into Moore Unique Dermatology & Spa. In addition to being a successful business owner, Dr. Moore is also an inventor and developer and holds numerous patents in regards to his skin care line. While his practice generally focuses on the treatment of minorities and the dermatological conditions and diseases that disproportionately affect at-risk populations, Dr. Moore’s products are also designed for the general population. In 1990, he patented and developed the Moore Technique Shaving System and received the only patent for treatment of Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB), commonly known as razor bumps.

Photo Caption: Dr. Moore’s texturizer and lightener smoothens the skin and promotes a healthy-looking even tone and texture. It consists of a highly effective blend of glycolic acid, kojoic acid, natural botanicals, and nutrients that gently exfoliates, reverses pigment discoloration, and reduces the signs of aging.

Are you ready to take your appearance from bumpy to better? If so, schedule an appointment with me today. Call (713) 741-DERM (3376) or visit my Unique Dermatology website at www.uniquedermatology.com. Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

May 2021 | 17

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18 | May 2021 HEALTH

COVID-19 Testing and Black America According to a recent study by the Pew Research Center, a majority of Black Americans (61%) now say they plan to get a COVID-19 vaccine (or that they’ve already received one), compared to only 42% in November, 2020. As trust increases, we need to also increase access to COVID-19 vaccinations and testing in our communities to create better health outcomes. By Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. NNPA Newswire

he COVID-19 pandemic across America and throughout the world is still a serious danger to public health for all communities, but especially for African American and other people of color communities. African Americans are still disproportionately negatively impacted by this deadly virus. This is why more COVID-19 testing for Black America is so important in 2021: African Americans comprise 13% of the U.S. population, but more than half of all COVID-19 cases, and nearly 60% of all COVID-related deaths in the U.S., were in cities with large Black populations. Now that federal-government approved vaccines are available, it does not mean that COVID-19 testing is no longer needed. The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) is very concerned about the current state of health disparities and inequities that are realities for the majority of African Americans. Facts, data, and truth about the pandemic are vital to our future. According to a recent study by the Pew Research Center, a majority of Black Americans (61%) now say they plan to get a COVID-19 vaccine (or that they’ve already received one), compared to only 42% in November, 2020. As trust increases, we need to also increase access to COVID-19 vaccinations and testing in our communities to create better health outcomes. The Black Press and the Black Church are two

fundamental trusted institutions in our communities. We are pleased to learn about a new emerging partnership with Black church leaders which is creating greater access to much-needed COVID-19 testing in our communities. A partnership between Quest Diagnostics, Choose Healthy Life and the United Way of New York City is bringing COVID-19 testing and education to Black communities

and Black people experience risk factors that contribute to heart disease like high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol more often and earlier in life compared to White people. Thus, overall healthcare testing is needed throughout Black America. Getting tested for important health issues - and understanding the results - empowers people to make informed and sometimes critical healthcare decisions. In fact, 70% of medical decisions are based Photo Caption: Getting on results from diagnostic tests. tested for important health Because there aren’t always obviissues - and understanding the results - empowers ous symptoms of a health issue, people to make informed testing is one of the most effective and sometimes critical ways to identify health concerns healthcare decisions. that may need to be addressed. In fact, 70% of medical Quest Diagnostics is commitdecisions are based on results from diagnostic ted to creating partnerships with tests. others to increase access in Black and other underserved communities. It’s time for the entire healthin cities across the U.S., and they are working with trusted care system to step up with similar commitments – with voices in Black churches to increase participation. access to treatment and preventative care – to help Black The pandemic has also made it even clearer that Black communities move past this pandemic on an even ground Americans need access to additional resources to take with White America. Access, testing, and equity are control of their health. In Chicago for example, Black keys to achieving and maintaining good health for all. Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr is President and CEO of the residents make up 30% of the population but account for 70% of COVID-related deaths, and the majority of National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), and Black COVID-19 patients who have died in Chicago also Executive Producer and host of The Chavis Chronicles had underlying health conditions, like respiratory prob- (TCC) on PBS TV stations weekly across the United States. lems, hypertension, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Source: NNPA According to the Centers for Disease Control, heart disease is the leading cause of death for Black Americans, HEALTH

Five Steps to Help Manage Recovery From ‘Long COVID’ By Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. NNPA Newswire

ore than a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s becoming clear that some patients who recover may take longer to feel like themselves than others. A new analysis of Cigna claims data estimates that about seven to 10 percent of its commercial customers diagnosed with COVID-19 could be considered “long-haulers,” or patients experiencing symptoms for longer than 12 weeks after initially getting sick. “Much remains to be learned about the potential long-lasting effects of COVID-19, but the good news is that the health care community is working to support people in their recovery long after they leave the hospital,” says Dr. Steve Miller, executive vice

president and chief clinical officer, Cigna. Dr. Miller, a nationally-recognized advocate for greater access, affordability and excellence in health care, is offering the following tips for those grappling with “Long COVID.” 1. Take care of your mental health: It’s no secret that we’re facing a mental health crisis in America that will remain long after COVID-19 restrictions are eased. Last year alone, Cigna’s pharmacy benefit manager saw a nearly 8 percent increase in people using antidepressants. Recovery from COVID-19 can be physically and mentally draining, especially for people whose symptoms persist for many weeks or months. Cigna research shows at least 5 percent of its patients who recovered from COVID-19 developed a mental

health disorder in the following months. The good news is that the pandemic has rapidly accelerated the availability and adoption of a range of behavioral health options, making it easier to find a mental health counselor who can help. In fact, 60 percent of Cigna behavioral health customers are now using virtual services – 97 percent of which had previously never had a virtual visit before the pandemic. 2. Take advantage of care managers: Many health plans have expanded access to virtual and telehealth services that can help you avoid additional trips to the clinic or emergency room. Equally important, some health plans offer individualized support in your recovery from a “care manager.” Think of them as a personal health advocate. They will check in to see how you’re feeling, help connect you with needed specialists and follow-up treatments, and will even check in on your family. Hospitalized Cigna customers who had a post-discharge visit with a provider, either in-person or virtually, and engaged with a Cigna care manager, saw savings of almost $2,000 in 60-day post-COVID costs. Care managers also helped people recover and return to work a full week

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sooner than average. 3. Get vaccinated when you can. Some preliminary reports show that getting the COVID-19 vaccine has helped improve symptoms for long-haulers. 4. Find a “long-hauler” clinic. Researchers are still learning about COVID-19’s long-term impacts, and there are a number of clinics opening across the country focused solely on treating COVID long-haulers. The National Institutes of Health has also dedicated $1.1 billion to the study of “Long COVID,” and Cigna is coordinating closely with them and these clinics to support its customers. Connection is crucial, so also consider seeking out an online long-hauler support network like Survivor Corps. 5. Keep practicing COVID-19 precautions. Everyone is ready to get back to doing the things they love, but none of us are safe until all of us are safe. America is in a race to reach herd immunity before more contagious variants gain momentum. Continue wearing masks, washing your hands and practicing social distancing and encourage family and friends to do the same. Source: StatePoint

May 2021 | 19

CELEBRATE MAY MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH

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20 | May 2021

NAMIWALKS YOUR WAY: A UNITED DAY OF HOPE

JOIN US SATURDAY MAY 22 @St. JAMES EPISCOPAL CHURCH AND WALK YOUR WAY IN THE GREAT OUTDOOR HEALTH FAIR! ONE LOCATION WHERE YOU WILL FIND OUR NAMI WALK STREET TEAM.

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May 2021 | 21

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22 | May 2021 EDUCATION & CAREER

How Prison Education Programs Transform Lives and Communities By d-mars.com News Provider

n 2014, Benito Castro was sentenced to six years in prison for passing bad checks as a result of a gambling habit he’d developed. Today, he’s the director of operations for a grocery store chain and runs freedomrides.org, a non-profit he started that provides transportation for those recently released from prison. Castro credits his transformation to the education he received through Ashland University while in prison. “I earned my degree while I was still incarcerated, and that made all the difference in the world when I was released. It gave me a sense of purpose and led to a whole new life.” After early release, Castro took a job as a dishwasher at a Huddle House restaurant and met someone from Ideal Market grocery stores, who hired him as a night manager. From there, Castro quickly rose to district manager, director of marketing and then director of operations for the chain. “ I ’m a d i f f e r e nt

person today thanks to the Ashland program. I have financial security. I’m contributing to society. And most of all I have self-respect,” said Castro. Ashland University operates the largest correctional education program in the nation. It has more than 4,000 incarcerated students enrolled at 120 facilities in more than a dozen states and has graduated nearly a thousand students since 2016, when the school began offering distance learning beyond its home state of Ohio. The program features the same academic rigor and learning outcomes as the university’s on-campus curriculum, and is free for students who qualify for Pell Grants or receive Ashland University scholarships or other assistance. There is also no cost to the prison. “Providing access to this underserved community is an integral part of our mission to transform people’s lives through education so they can go on to work, serve and lead in their communities,” said Dr. Carlos Campo,

president of Ashland University. “And in many of the places where we operate, there are no other options available to inmates who want to use their time in prison to further their education and invest in themselves.” Andrea Buttross, Louisiana Department of Corrections education director, says Ashland’s distance-learning program is deployed on an easily managed platform providing those about to re-enter society an opportunity to access education that they may not traditionally have received in the prison setting. “Ashland has decades of experience working within prison systems and they know how to operate in this unique environment,” said Buttross. “They provide all necessary aspects of the program: the technology, all of the curriculum and resources for the classes, direct contact with professors, and even an on-site academic coordinator to help students progress toward their degrees.” There are advantages to distance learning in prisons— especially in the age of COVID. Classes are available to more students in places where in-person options are unavailable. Students can take classes anytime during the day, and their education can continue once they’re released, regardless of where they live. To learn more about Ashland University Correctional Education, visit ashland.edu. “The incarcerated face a lot of obstacles in attaining an education because they often have limited access and fewer choices,” said Dr. Campo. “We want to change that, one successful student at a time.” Source: StatePoint

EDUCATION & CAREER

Texas Southern University Launches New Partnership to Help Students Pursue Careers in Financial Services By d-mars.com News Provider

exas Southern University (TSU) has officially launched its partnership with the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) to offer students the SIFMA Invest! platform throughout their time at TSU. This program and its virtual platform offer students enrolled at Historically Black Colleges and Universities and minority-serving institutions a myriad of educational and career coaching opportunities for those interested in pursuing a career in financial services. The partnership with SIFMA Invest! will provide students with new educational resources, opportunities to prepare for and take the FINRA SIE exam, internship opportunities with SIFMA member firms and resume reviews. “SIFMA has long been committed to diversity, equity and inclusion,” said Kenneth E. Bentsen Jr., SIFMA President & CEO. “We are glad to be able to provide our member firms and participating institutions of higher education with a

Photo Caption: TSU Interim President Kenneth Huewitt and SIFMA President and CEO Kenneth E. Bentsen Jr. pose with Jesse H. Jones School of Business faculty members.

new resource to help take measurable steps to improve the acquisition of diverse student talent and enable a broader group of college students to learn about career opportunities in the financial services industry.” Not only does this platform connect students with industry, but it also links students interested in financial services and encourages them to attend virtual events and webinars together. “This partnership will provide our students with access to valuable and

necessary resources that will help them in their academic and professional careers,” said Interim President Kenneth Huewitt. “These types of partnerships are vitally important to our commitment to prepare students to be well-rounded professionals and add value to the workforce.” Dr. Kendall Harris, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs and Research, notes providing students with the tools needed to be successful both inside and outside of the classroom is the university’s priority.

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“The access to resources and working professionals in the financial services industry is essential to help students navigate their careers and find their passion,” said Harris. Dr. David Yen, dean and professor of the Jesse H. Jones School of Business, reflects on SIFMA as an essential voice in the national security industry and feels honored that the JHJ School has this opportunity to partner with SIFMA. “The SIFMA platform is adding to our arsenal of opportunities to help students to integrate textbook knowledge with real-world cases together,” said Yen. “Consequently, it will help our graduates be strategically competent to meet the dynamic changes in today’s financial market. We are confident this valuable learning opportunity will create student success, which is the No. 1 priority of JHJ School of Business.” For more details and to learn more about SIFMA and its SIFMA Invest! program, visit: https://students.sifma.org/ welcome/. Source: Texas Southern University

May 2021 | 23

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24 | May 2021 POLITICS

POLITICS

U.S. Supreme Court Sounds Ready to Pay Student Athletes By Lauren Victoria Burke News Provider

53 Years After MLK’s Assassination, Children Of Civil Rights Icon Fight Voter Suppression By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire

ifty-three years after the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s death, the slain civil rights icon's legacy is easily seen in how his daughter has continued to fight for many of the same causes. Bernice A. King joined the children of late civil rights champions the Rev. C.T. Vivian, and U.S. Rep. John Lewis, in blasting voter suppression laws that have cropped up since the 2020 election. In a letter, King, Al Vivian, and John-Miles Lewis took issue with corporate leaders who have done little or nothing to back up comments their businesses have made supporting racial equity. The trio said those corporations have "disrespected" their fathers. "Rather than sowing seeds to provide democracy the greatest chance to grow today and prevail tomorrow, legislators are attempting to transport us back to the shameful period of American history when mass voter suppression for communities of color was the law of the land," King, Vivian, and Lewis, wrote. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, a Republican, signed into law legislation that imposes new ID requirements for mail-in voting and limits ballot drop box availability. The law also gives voters less time to request and return a mail-in ballot, and it prohibits anyone from giving food or water to those standing in line to cast their votes. The new law represents the state's response to President Joe Biden's victory in Georgia in November and Democratic Sens. Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff winning run-off elections in January. Coca-Cola, Delta Air Lines, Google, Apple, Microsoft, and others have either condemned the new voting restrictions or have issued social media statements expressing concern.

Reportedly, when Delta Air Lines ended its association with the National Rifle Association, Republican lawmakers removed a tax break from their tax reform bill that would have saved the airline $40 million. But King said that should not frighten businesses from making the right choice. "Corporate leaders have the greatest influence in Washington and on our state legislators," King told Forbes. "They pay lobbyists and invest in campaigns. They need to use their leverage—their lobbying leverage—on Capitol Hill and at the state level." On the evening of April 4, 1968, an assassin's bullet tore through King while he stood on the balcony of his room at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. King, who was 39, arrived in Memphis to support a sanitation workers' strike. The civil rights leader had repeatedly expressed concern about economic inequality and went to Memphis because of how poorly the city treated African American sanitation workers. One night before he was killed, King delivered his final – some say prophetic – speech. "We've got some difficult days ahead," the resolute King preached. "But it really doesn't matter with me now, because I've been to the mountaintop … I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land." The letter, authored, in part, by Bernice King, highlighted the icon's statements about overcoming racism. "Evil cannot permanently organize. It bears within it seeds of its own destruction," the letter states. The children of the three civil rights icons went on to state: "This belief undergirds our abiding faith in America, even as legislators in Georgia and 39 other states attempt to root our nation in the oppressive weeds of yesterday through a new generation of Jim Crow voting laws."

.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Brett Kavanaugh called the NCAA's practices “disturbing.” “The antitrust laws should not be a cover for exploitation of the student-athletes. To pay no salaries to the workers who are making the schools billions of dollars on the theory that consumers want the schools to pay their workers nothing,” he said, seems “entirely circular and even somewhat disturbing,” Kavanaugh said. On March 30 the U.S. Supreme Court heard the case of NCAA v. Alston, which is a class action case, first filed in 2014. The NCAA is an organization with over 1,000 member colleges and universities. As millions are made from the talent in college athletes and colleges pay millions in salaries to coaches, college athletes remain unpaid. Under the NCAA’s rules, paid athletes become ineligible to play sports. The main plaintiff in the case is Shawne Alston, a former West Virginia University running back, who says he and other athletes were exploited. The business of college sports, which includes millions in television contracts and sponsorships, resulting in a world of lucrative payouts for everyone other than the players, may have met its match at the U.S. Supreme Court. Several court members sounded skeptical of the NCAA’s arguments that the current set up is fair. A federal district court in California gave athletes a victory. It ruled that the NCAA could not limit income to athletes. “It just strikes me as odd that the coaches’ salaries have ballooned,” said Associate Justice Clarence Thomas. “They’re in the amateur ranks, as are the players,” Thomas added. "Why does the NCAA get to define what 'pay' is?" asked Justice Amy Coney Barrett. "Antitrust laws should not be a cover for exploitation of the student-athletes, so that is a concern, an overarching concern here," added Associated Justice Kavanaugh. Judge Sam Alito went even further. Alito said athletes, “face training requirements that leave little time or energy for study, constant pressure to put sports above study, pressure to drop out of hard majors and hard classes, really shockingly low graduation rates. Only a tiny percentage ever go on to make any money in professional sports.” “So, the argument is they are recruited, they’re used up, and then they’re cast aside without even a college degree. How can this be defended in the name of amateurism?” Alito added. If the questions and comments from members of the Court were a guide change could be coming soon. The argument over whether “student athletes” should be paid has gone on for decades with the NCAA arguing that pay would mean the end of the “student” athlete. But with the level of revenue that colleges and universities make from athlete performance it is becoming increasingly difficult to argue that arrangement is nothing more than big business that benefits from revenue from a never-ending unpaid workforce. Lauren Victoria Burke is an independent journalist for NNPA and the host of the podcast BURKEFILE. She is also a political strategist as Principal of Win Digital Media LLC. She may be contacted at LBurke007@gmail.com and on twitter at @LVBurke

Source: NNPA

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Source: NNPA

May 2021 | 25

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26 | May 2021 FINANCE

Do You Believe in These Three Common 401(k) Misconceptions? By d-mars.com News Provider

f you contribute a portion of your income to a 401(k), you may think you’re all set for a comfortable retirement. Experts say it’s important to take a closer look at these savings. To help you get started, Lincoln Financial Group is breaking down three common misconceptions about saving for retirement revealed in a recent survey of U.S. employees by Lincoln Financial and CivicScience: • True or False: “Saving enough to meet the employer match is enough to keep me on track for a comfortable retirement.” This one is (most likely) false! An employer match (if offered) is a good place to start, but if you really want to make sure you have enough of a nest egg to retire when and how you want, a good rule of thumb is to save at least 10 to 15 percent of your salary. • True or False: “Paying down my student loan debt as quickly as possible is more important than saving for my retirement.” This can be true…or false, depending on your situation. While you should not delay saving for retirement, it’s a good idea to speak with a financial professional to determine how to strategize paying off debt while also planning for your future. You can also use free tools like the debt calculator found at LincolnFinancial.com to help you make a plan for paying off debt. • True or False: “I’ve thought about moving money

from an old employer’s 401(k) into my current employer’s 401(k), but it seems like it would be too much of a hassle.” This one is false! While it is important to consider all options of your 401(k) platform prior to making a decision, the process for a rollover is typically very easy and brings multiple benefits. Instead of tracking investment selections, performance or statements for multiple accounts, for example, you’ll only have to monitor a single account. “While there are certainly still some misconceptions when it comes to saving for the future, the majority of those surveyed understand the importance of not delaying saving for later in their careers,” said Aaron Moore, senior vice president, Retirement Plan Client Engagement, Lincoln Financial Group. “This is cause for celebration, as delaying saving for retirement can have a significant impact on future savings. This is another

reason why we are focused on working with employers to educate their employees so they can achieve the retirement they envision.” If you’re looking for more ways to help set yourself up for a financially secure future – here are three tips to keep in mind: 1. Check your account. It might sound simple, but logging in regularly (try for at least once a quarter) can help ensure you’re on track with your savings goal. Be sure to use the calculators and projection tools your retirement plan offers. 2. Update (or create) a goal. When you have a goal to work towards, research shows you’ll be more likely to increase your contributions, and therefore, increase your savings. 3. Meet with a professional. If your employer offers retirement consultants, schedule a meeting, or consider speaking with a financial professional, who can help you understand the full picture of your savings and where to focus your efforts. For more resources, tools and calculators, visit LincolnFinancial.com/retirement. A comfortable financial future is achievable with a strategy. To take stock of your retirement savings, start with your 401(k).

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Source: StatePoint

May 2021 | 27

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28 | May 2021 REAL ESTATE

With Eviction Cliff Extended,

Here’s How Millions Can Keep Their Homes By Stacy M. Brown News Provider

ore than 3 million renters said they were at risk of losing their homes with the federal eviction moratorium set to expire on Wednesday, but a new Zillow analysis shows the number of households ultimately evicted could be as low as 130,000, depending on government action, the pace of economic recovery, and how landlords respond. That range highlights the need for federal intervention — both continuing the moratorium, which happened this morning, and additional assistance that will help not only struggling renters but also their landlords, such as the $45 billion in rental assistance in the recently passed federal stimulus bill. “Job disruptions and economic hardships brought by the pandemic have hit renters particularly hard, and the number at risk for eviction is staggering. Although the path forward is uncertain, there are still ways for policymakers to keep the vast majority of renters in their homes,” said Chris Glynn, senior managing economist at Zillow. “We know two things for certain: the eviction moratorium is succeeding at keeping renters in their homes, and millions of renters believed that they will be evicted in coming months if the cliff came this week. How many actually are evicted depends on the economic recovery and individual landlord decisions.”

Forecastingthe thenumber numberofoflikely likelyevictions evictions Forecasting According to Zillow’s analysis of the Census Bureau's Household Pulse Survey, some 3.4 million Americans said they are at risk of eviction with the moratorium set to expire on Wednesday. With that extended three more months, as few as 130,000 renter households ultimately could be evicted, depending on the economic recovery, and individual landlord decision-making. More than 8.3 million U.S. renters reported being behind on rent payments as of March 15, with 16.8% (1.41 million) of those respondents indicating they were ‘very likely’ to be evicted in the next two months. While these numbers are sobering, it is expected that a small fraction of those fearing eviction will actually lose their homes -- not all landlords will choose to evict, and also, not all eviction filings result in actual eviction judgments in courts. However, with no historical precedent for this potential crisis, predicting how small the fraction might be once the moratorium expires is extremely difficult, especially with remaining uncertainty around federal policies and how landlords are able to respond.

Landlords Landlordsare arefacing facingdifficult difficultchoices choices Every tenant-landlord relationship is unique, but evictions based strictly on owed rent aren’t always in the landlord’s best interest. The process of evicting a tenant is time-consuming, and in the end, landlords might find themselves struggling for several months to fill vacant units, which will ultimately cost them even more. “Landlords are willing to work with tenants, and

Photo Caption: “The ongoing challenge for policymakers is to keep renters in their homes without overburdening landlords,” according to Chris Glynn, senior managing economist at Zillow.

when the moratoria ends, we would much rather find a solution than evict," says Kellie Tollifson, owner and vice president of operations of T-Square Real Estate Services. "It's all about maintaining a relationship and open communication to figure out the best path for your unique situation. Landlords can direct tenants where to find assistance or work out payment plans that support both parties. Keeping people housed is the right thing to do, and it’s also good for business, so landlords are highly motivated to work with renters to get through the pandemic together.” One mutually beneficial solution is offering a repayment plan and amortizing the back rent into ongoing rent payments, with landlords effectively serving as private creditors as they recover back rent over time. In this scenario, the benefit to the renter is avoiding an eviction, and the landlord is made financially whole. However, that might not be feasible for landlords who need a steady cash flow to make mortgage payments and remain afloat. Last year, many young adults left their rentals to move back home, and one-third of rental listings were offering concessions this past fall as landlords tried to entice renters with benefits such as free parking or one-month free rent. And now with millions of U.S. renters at risk of eviction this summer coupled with increased rent growth across the U.S., finding new tenants without a record of evictions and with liquid funds to make security deposits may prove extremely challenging.

Aneviction evictioncrisis crisiscould couldbe beavoided avoidedwith withthe the An right federal support right federal support

the policy should be coupled with relief for landlords and rental assistance programs to support both and avoid an eviction crisis on the horizon. The recent federal stimulus bill was an invaluable lifeline in delivering direct economic relief, providing $45 billion in rental assistance to put money in the pockets of the most vulnerable renters, as well as landlords who have struggled to meet mortgage and utility obligations due to missed rent payments. However, the government has struggled to distribute that money fast enough to meet the needs of renters and landlords, as the March 31 moratorium deadline loomed. “The ongoing challenge for policymakers is to keep renters in their homes without overburdening landlords,” according to Glynn. “Further extending the eviction moratorium achieves one goal but also prolongs the financial stress on individual landlords. Eventually the federal moratorium will end, back rents will come due, and landlords will be able to evict. Avoiding an eviction crisis will require that landlords, tenants, financial institutions, and policymakers work together to find constructive and creative ways to keep renters in their homes and make landlords financially whole. The alternative is millions of evictions, and the social and economic costs of that are unimaginable.” The extended moratorium is a temporary bandage that has potentially damaging repercussions in the future, if not paired with other relief programs. Robust economic recovery and expedited distribution of fiscal support to renters and landlords is needed to prevent a potential eviction crisis and keep landlords and renters in their homes.

While today’s extension protects renters from eviction,

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Source: NNPA

May 2021 | 29

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30 | May 2021 REAL ESTATE

Mortgage Pre-Approval Is a Must Before an Offer By Marla Lewis President of the Houston Black Real Estate Association

efore even starting to search for your dream home, get pre-approved or pre-qualified for a mortgage to know your limits and the best type of financing available. With the current limited supply of homes on the market and the multiple offers many properties draw, sellers may not consider an offer without pre-approval or pre-qualification, so be prepared! Prequalification and pre-approval mean different things. To get pre-qualified for a mortgage loan, you provide a lender your approximate income, current debts and any important details from your credit history. The lender will then use these details to determine how much you may be eligible to borrow. You may receive a Conditional Qualification Letter from the lender, which determines your likelihood of getting a home loan. However, it’s important to know that all information submitted during pre-qualification is subject to verification when your actual loan application is submitted. There is no guarantee that you will receive a home loan until your financial situation is actually verified. Being pre-approved for a loan typically means that the lender has gone one step further and verified your financial situation. When you get pre-approved, you will complete a mortgage loan application and may have to pay an application fee. Your lender will commit in writing to fund your loan, but only after

an extensive examination of your financial situation and pending a successful appraisal of the home and a few other conditions. Being pre-approved for a mortgage loan doesn’t mean you are borrowing the money or that you are obligated to. It just means the lender must stand behind his written commitment to fund the

specified amount unless something changes with your situation. Think about how attractive your offer will be to the seller if you submit it with a letter pre-approving you for the loan. Some situations could cause a lender to withdraw from funding a loan even after a pre-approval letter is issued. If your credit situation changes between the time the pre-approval letter is issued and the loan’s funding, then the lender could change the interest rate or even deny the loan application. So, while you’re buying a house, it’s important not to apply for credit cards or other loans that could change your credit situation. The best way to check out what a lender is going to see in your credit history is to get a copy of your credit report. This document lists your financial history, including total debt and whether you pay your bills on time. Regularly checking your credit report is the best way to spot identity theft, credit report errors or other blemishes that could affect your ability to buy a home. By law, you are entitled to one free credit report every year from each of the three credit-reporting bureaus – Experian, Equifax and Transunion. By taking steps to secure your finances, you increase your ability to get pre-approved for a home loan. And this will put you one step closer to being in the home you dream about for you and your family. For more information about buying and selling property in the Houston area or anywhere in Texas, I encourage you to visit HAR.com. For more information on the HAR, please visit www.har.com. And please visit www.hbreahouston.org to find out more about the HBREA.

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May 2021 | 31

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