A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FOR THE EMPLOYEES OF MCFI AND ITS AFFILIATES
July 2013
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IN THIS ISSUE Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . Communicating with the deaf . . Bay View Campus complete . . . Health Center opens . . . . . . . . New housing option available . . Anniversaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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THERAPY
“M
usic is the universal language of mankind,” said Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, and research agrees.
That’s why music therapy is incorporated into so many MCFI programs — like our long-term care and children’s programs. Music can reach people when other forms of intervention fail. MCFI has three music therapists: Andrew Neary and Loren Veazy, who work with adults in our L.I.F.E. programs, and John Hartman, who works with MCFI children. All three use music to accomplish therapeutic goals. Music and rhythm are used to: Encourage self-expression and communication, which helps in teaching daily living skills
Facilitate long- and short-term memory, problem-solving, organization and other cognitive skills Provide consistency and structure to help integrate experiences and allow music to heal and motivate
Neary and his colleagues have witnessed much success through music therapy. In fact, one client Neary’s worked with — who was once nonverbal — has begun to make what he calls “purposeful sound,” vocalizations that have meaning. He’s not giving up there, either. “I’m hoping we can master a couple of functional phrases,” he said.
July 2013
2 — A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FOR THE EMPLOYEES OF MCFI AND ITS AFFILIATES
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Calendar of Events JULY 12
Communicating with the deaf or hard of hearing
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eople who are deaf, deafblind or hard of hearing have the right to access the same information as people who hear so they can be active participants in their life. That access goes beyond language; it includes environmental accessibility — such as a visual fire alarm. To effectively communicate with a person who is hearing impaired, consider:
Getting his or her attention, making eye contact and making sure your face and body are visible
Using your normal tone, volume and speed; do not yell or overenunciate
Using check-back strategies to make sure everything is going smoothly or if adjustments need to be made
Being aware of your environment. Is there adequate lighting? Background noise?
Being sure your mouth is free of obstructions such as a cigarette or food
Remembering that facial expressions and body language influence understanding
Be patient and flexible
TEAM Bravo Cookout WHEN: 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. WHERE: MCFI Main Campus
JULY 19 Understanding Disabilities/ Interactive Exercises WHEN: Noon to 1:30 p.m. WHERE: MCFI Main Campus Conference Center
JULY 25 OUTLines: An LGBT Learning Opportunity WHEN: Noon to 1:30 p.m. WHERE: TLS Behavioral Health, West Allis
July 2013
3 — A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FOR THE EMPLOYEES OF MCFI AND ITS AFFILIATES
Nexday’s interdisciplinary team
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hile Dr. Raymond Zastrow will serve as Nexday’s Medical Director, he will be joined by a team that includes: A Nurse Practitioner Registered Nurses A Neuropsychologist The sign to the entrance of the renovated Bay View Campus is installed. Photo by Dennis Cherne
Bay View Campus renovations complete
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enovation work at our Bay View Campus is now complete. One of the most exciting aspects of the renovated campus is that it will house Nexday, our brain injury recovery program. The number of people needing care for a brain injury or stroke is expected to rise, and MCFI’s interdisciplinary team — led by Dr. Raymond Zastrow (see story on Page 5) — will provide the personalized services to meet clients’ cognitive, functional and behavioral needs. The team will also help people wanting to return to work reach their goals. Nexday clients will also have access to the campus’ many
Licensed Physical Therapists Licensed Occupational Therapists Licensed Social Workers
rehabilitative therapies — art, music, speech/language, physical and occupational. And because of the campus’ garden area and additional green space, horticultural therapy will be incorporated into programming. Horticultural therapy is a client-centered, goal-driven and plant-based program used to engage the senses, nurture well-being and build independence. Aquatic therapy will take place in the campus’ new aquatic therapy unit and will help clients who have arthritis, musculoskeletal disorders, chronic back pain, spinal cord injuries, stroke and brain injury. A grand-opening celebration will take place Sept. 26.
A Certified Brain Injury Specialist A Certified Vocational Evaluator Certified Rehabilitation Counselors Certified Integrated Employment Specialists (also trained in systematic instruction) Trained Customized Employment staff A Certified Benefits Specialist A Certified Recreation Therapist Degreed and Seasoned Job Coaches CNAs and personal Caregivers
4 — A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FOR THE EMPLOYEES OF MCFI AND ITS AFFILIATES
July 2013
MCFI Health Center: Fast Facts
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o you have questions about the MCFI Health Center? Please email your questions to clinicfaq@mcfi.net. Questions and answers will be updated daily at MCFI Health Center FAQ under “Resource Workspaces” on SharePoint. Q: What hours will the MCFI Health Center be open? A: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays. Q: How can I make an appointment? A: Simply call 414-937-3971 to make an appointment. Q: Can I get advanced services, such as blood work and X-rays at the MCFI Health Center? A: Some advanced services are available, with more to be added in the near future. Q: What types of services are provided? A: Preventive services, such as blood pressure screenings, physical exams and sports exams; acute illness services such as treatment for allergies, sore throat, low back pain, depression and ear infections; management of chronic conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and thyroid disease; and workplace services such as TB testing.
Q: Will I have the same confidentiality and privacy at the MCFI Health Center as I receive at my current doctor's office? A: Yes. The Health Center is an organization separate from MCFI, with its own separate, dedicated staff. Your personal health information will be kept on an electronic health record and not shared with anyone at the agency – to do so would be a violation of federal privacy laws. Q: Do I need a referral to visit the MCFI Health Center? A: No. Q: Can I refer my friends to the MCFI Health Center? A: MCFI Health Center services are currently available only to agency staff members and their dependents. Q: Will the prices of services be comparable to urgent care clinics and other providers? A: Yes, and better! Q: Can I get prescriptions filled? A: A limited medication list to treat common conditions will be available.
5— A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FOR THE EMPLOYEES OF MCFI AND ITS AFFILIATES
July 2013
Survey says…
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hank you to all staff members who took time to complete the recent MCFI Health Center survey. Here are some highlights of the results: Nearly 70% of respondents (68.78%) said they would be either “very likely” or “somewhat likely” to use the MCFI Health Center. More than 80% of respondents (82.35%) said the Health Center, 2020 W. Wells St., will be convenient for them to visit from work. About 75% of respondents (75.14%) said they would find it convenient to have medication dispensed at the MCFI Health Center. Staff members said they want to make sure their health information will be held in strict confidence. The MCFI Health Center is following health care industry best practices for scheduling, governance (oversight), and electronic medical records applications to ensure confidentiality. Respondents said they would like to see more services provided at the MCFI Health Center, compared to a typical urgent care clinic. The top 10 services respondents would like to see were: Fitness classes (64.34%) Massage therapy (60.84%) Wellness services (58.74%) Nutritional counseling (52.45%) Weight loss counseling (51.75%) Chiropractic services (41.26%) Blood pressure services (35.66%) Physical/occupational therapy (34.97%) Mental health services, such as support groups (34.27%)
Dr. Raymond Zastrow, Medical Advisor of the MCFI Health Center, said the results of the survey are one important factor in determining the services that are now available at the center, as well as those that are planned for the near future.
Meet Dr. Zastrow
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aymond Zastrow, MD, Medical Advisor of the MCFI Health Center, is a family physician and a Milwaukee native. He will also serve as Medical Director of Nexday, our new brain injury recovery program at our Bay View Campus. Dr. Zastrow received his medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin in 1983 and completed his family practice residency at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine in 1986. He returned to Milwaukee, working in private practice with various divisions of Advanced Healthcare until 2006, when he joined QuadMed, the on-site primary care health and wellness center at Quad/Graphics and several other large employers. Dr. Zastrow also provides ad hoc medical direction to the insurance industry and serves on several medical advisory boards. He is focused on patient-centered primary care and is a pioneer in the adoption of electronic health records. Dr. Zastrow teaches Healthcare Decision Support at the Milwaukee School of Engineering in the Master of Science in Medical Informatics graduate degree program. In his spare time, Dr. Zastrow enjoys hunting for vinyl LP records and has an extensive collection.
6 — A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FOR THE EMPLOYEES OF MCFI AND ITS AFFILIATES
July 2013
Kudos to payroll staff!
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t this year’s American Payroll Association’s 31st Annual Congress, the Greater Milwaukee Chapter won three awards: the Facilitator Gavel Award, the Chapter Website Award (second place) and the Chapter Pictorial Award (third place). Congratulations to MCFI Assistant Payroll Manager Cindy Cichosz, who is on the chapter’s board and a vice president of the APA, and MCFI Manager of Payroll Services Ellisa Elliott, a chapter board member.
Clockwise from left are Dan Maddux, APA executive director; Trina Adams, chapter board member; Cindy; and Ellisa.
Enter our WORKS OF HEART juried art show Original work sought for Campaign for Kids benefit
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mployee artists are invited to enter original artwork for our Campaign for Kids silent auction. The theme for this year’s benefit is Works of Heart, and it will be held at MCFI’s Main Campus on Oct. 10. No entry fee is required. However, all artwork submitted to MCFI will be considered a donation to the Works of Heart campaign. Entry forms are available from Karen Chesser, 414-937-2043, and the deadline to submit them is 4 p.m. July 15. Artwork must be delivered by 4 p.m. Sept. 27 to Karen Cohen. Proceeds from Works of Heart will benefit our Children’s Programs. .
July 2013
7 — A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FOR THE EMPLOYEES OF MCFI AND ITS AFFILIATES
Meet our new Director of Youth Programs
R New housing option to open soon Pathways to Permanent Housing to be operated by MCFI
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n just a few weeks, 27 people in need of safe, clean supportive housing will have a new place to stay, thanks to the Pathways to Permanent Housing program, an initiative funded by Milwaukee County and staffed and operated by MCFI. The program will be located on the second floor of the former Hillview Nursing Home, 1615 S. 22nd St., which is being substantially renovated and, when completed, will offer 27 studio apartments and services to residents, said Jim Hill, MCFI Vice President of Housing & Government Relations. The apartment units, and the supportive services provided by Pathways’ staff, are intended as a bridge between homelessness or inadequate housing and permanent housing. The first and third floors are occupied by staff of the Council for the Spanish-Speaking, a nonprofit social service organization that owns the building. “This building has become a real center of community activity,” said Milwaukee Alderman Jose Perez at a recent neighborhood meeting. Supportive services help prepare residents to transition successfully to permanent housing elsewhere in the community. Services include assistance with activities of daily living, support groups and connections to community resources, such as medical and dental care. The program is staffed by Doug Kay and Melynda Treu as well as peer specialists. Staff will be on site 24/7. An open house is planned for Thursday, July 25.
ichard Monroe is the new Director of Youth Programs, an Employment Services program. He comes to MCFI from the Nicolet Unified High School District, where he was superintendent. Before that, he was a high school principal, assistant principal, guidance counselor and, at the beginning of his career, a special education teacher. He received his doctor of education from Cardinal Stritch University, his master’s degree in guidance counseling from the University of WisconsinMilwaukee, and his bachelor’s in behavioral disabilities from UW-Madison. He will further MCFI’s plans to serve youth ages 18 to 29 with special needs by developing an assessment, training and placement model for this group. He will also help develop a career academy for MCFI.
July 2013
8 — A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FOR THE EMPLOYEES OF MCFI AND ITS AFFILIATES
July Anniversaries
Welcome New Employees Sherry Bendlin
Dorothy Jenkins
Community Resource Specialist Operations Clerk, NHS
Renee Chuprinskas
(William) James Lizzitta
SharePoint/Systems Engineer
Resident Assistant, Pathways
Latoya Eiland
Jeff Mislang
Community Resource Specialist Pool RN, NHS
Jennifer Ellringer
Leann Mitton
Community Resource Specialist II
Peer Recovery Specialist
Devin Fischer
Occupational Therapist
Employment Services
Roshell Robinson
Lindsey Goltz
Community Resource Specialist
Community Employment Case Manager
Amy Rieck
Kirsten Schohl
Edna Ivory
Education Coordinator
Community Resource Specialist
Melvette Scott
Tiffany Jackson
Peer Recovery Specialist
Community Resource Specialist II
Maria Roman, 20 years Jane Barrett, 20 years Gina Wheeler, 17 years Karen Elias, 10 years Maria Lemieux, 7 years Lisa Dehn, 7 years Margaret Imig, 7 years Erin Barnes, 6 years Nora Boyd, 6 years Patricia Powers, 6 years Linda Holder-Wiltzius, 6 years Gloria Salinas, 6 years Catherine Wolber, 6 years Julia Mallett, 5 years Laura Conti, 5 years Scott Cerwinka, 4 years Ryan Wiklin, 4 years Shaunton Harris, 4 years Elise Gruna, 4 years Monika Brunow, 4 years James Anthony Hilbrand, 4 years Cynthia Jefferson, 4 years Jodi Johnson, 4 years Ryan Prom, 4 years Carrie Turnbull, 3 years Jennifer Faust, 3 years Courtney McElmeel, 3 years
Angela Martin, 3 years Deon Schmalholz, 3 years Janel Weller, 3 years Casey Wheeler, 3 years Shareca Thompson, 3 years Michelle Black, 3 years Ann Vogl, 2 years Joseph Boinski, 2 years Kelly Wescott, 2 years Nicholas Mueller, 2 years Natalie Buss, 2 years Aaron Kolterjahn, 2 years James McFadden Jr., 2 years Jerry Baake, 2 years Jayne Ziehm, 2 years Gina Smith, 1 year Kimberly Brown, 1 year Phillip Kritz, 1 year David Schwabauer, 1 year Kelsey Kerslake, 1 year Yvette Rendon, 1 year Nicole Graham, 1 year Kasey Chard, 1 year Scott Lehmann, 1 year She'a Brooks, 1 year Samantha Creuzer, 1 year Richard Melcher, 1 year
News and Notes Reasons to Evolv! Electronic health records are in our future and their benefits include:
Reducing the risk of errors in treatment, medication administration and entry and billing services
Strengthening compliance with HIPAA, as the service will be hosted in the most secure environment available and access will be limited on a need-to-know basis
Send us your news Please send story ideas for future issues of The Connection to
candace.romano@mcfi.net. Thank you!
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