Reclaiming lives Issue 4

eclaiming ives R L A PUBLI C A TION OF C ENTERSTONE

Combating teen issues What is depression? health and wellness How to talk with children about the economy

ISSUE FOUR

A fresh start

Meet TYREE

Reclaiming Lives

A PUBLICATION OF CENTERSTONE ISSUE FOUR

www.centerstone.org

volume one

IN THIS ISSUE

1 3 4 5 6 8 9 10 11

Meet Tyree – Cover Story Combating . . . Teen Issues Physician Spotlight Health and Wellness

What is Depression?

Watch and Learn to kNOw Depression?

Spotlight on . . . Intensive In-Home Treatment News and Notes

Reclaiming Lives is winner of the 2009 Gold Hermes Creative Award.

Reclaiming Lives is winner of the 2008 APEX Award for Publication Excellence.

Managing Editor Mindy Tobin Associate Editor Melinda Collins

Contributing Editors

Laura Allen April Bragg, PhD Mary Moran Karen H. Rhea, MD Ken Saefkow Robert N. Vero, Ed.D Gwen Watts

Contributing Writers

Melinda Collins Nikki Barnes Beth Hail Mindy Tobin

Philanthropy in Action

Editor in Chief Ramona Rhodes

Graphic Design Michael Rivera Centerstone Tennessee Board of Directors Joan C. Sivley, Chair Lee Ann Ingram, Chair-Elect Albert L. Menefee III, Secretary Janet Ayers Dr. Richard Baxter Dr. Jessie Campbell Diana Day-Cartee R. Parker Griffith Christa N. Holleman Dr. Carmen Reagan Steve Saliba Patti Smallwood Sperry Stadler Jim Sweeten Commissioner Deborah Taylor Tate Dr. Robert N. Vero

Centerstone (www.centerstone.org), a not-forprofit organization, is the nation’s largest provider of community-based behavioral healthcare. With a history that spans over fifty years, Centerstone provides a full range of behavioral health and related educational services to more than 69,000 individuals of all ages and their families annually.

Children, adolescents, adults, seniors and families all receive help from a multitude of different programs in more than 120 facilities and 150 partnership locations in Indiana and Tennessee.

Centerstone is accredited by The Joint Commission in Indiana and the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) in Tennessee.

For more information about Centerstone, please call toll free at 888-291-4357. www.centerstone.org

Meet Tyree

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yree always struggled in school. He couldn’t concentrate in class, and his grades suffered. In middle school he began having social problems too. He didn’t get along with teachers and fought with other students. Tyree was expelled for his behavior and spent his first year of high school at an alternative learning center. Tyree’s life was off course and quickly spinning out of control. His parents, Kevin and Denise, turned to Centerstone for help.

with ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) and depression. He began taking medication and continued therapy to help him deal with anger and depression. Steadily, Tyree’s parents began to see positive changes in their son.

“He always had trouble focusing at school,” Denise said. “We just never knew why.”

“He has also opened up to us,” Kevin said. “Now he talks to us about his life and even asks for advice. We always tell him that he can talk to us about anything.”

“As far as behavior was concerned, Tyree was being a real menace,” Kevin explained. “Sometimes he was picked on at school, but he didn’t know how to handle the problem. So he reacted by fighting. We didn’t know what he was thinking.”

In November 2006, the family met with a Centerstone therapist for the first time. Eventually, Tyree was diagnosed

“Tyree has calmed down a lot. His medication helps him focus on school, and therapy helps him talk about things.

He is learning to handle his problems,” Denise said.

With improved grades and behavior, Tyree returned to the traditional public school system, enrolling at Hunters Lane Comprehensive High School. He met a lot of new friends and joined the high school football team. He even got his first job when he started his own neighborhood lawn care business. For the first time in years, Tyree’s life is on track. continues on page 2 RECLAIMING LIVES • ISSUE FOUR

1

Meet Tyree continued from page 1

“Thanks to

Centerstone, our son got a fresh start in his life . . . ” “After being in a lot of trouble, he worked really hard to earn our trust,” Denise said. “Now he is focused on grades, sports, his job and his family. And most of all, Tyree is focused on achieving his goals.”

As the oldest of four brothers, Tyree now enjoys helping his siblings with homework and teaching them to play football. As a student-athlete, he successfully balances school and sports, excelling at both.

“Tyree’s grades have improved tremendously,” Kevin said.

“Before we came to Centerstone, he was failing every subject. Now he not only has better grades, but he is actually beginning to enjoy school. He is already talking about going to college.”

As a business savvy 16-year-old, Tyree spends most spring and summer afternoons mowing lawns in his Madison, Tenn. neighborhood. Earning $30 per lawn, he hopes his business will be booming this year.

“There was a time when Tyree stole money to get what he wanted. Now he earns his own money. He has really matured,” Kevin said. “I am just so proud of him. This year I am planning to buy him a brand new lawn mower.”

Kevin and Denise believe Centerstone helped Tyree realize his own potential while helping them become better parents.

“There were times when I felt like I was a bad parent because of his behavior and the things he was going through,” Denise said. “Centerstone helped me realize that I am a normal parent of a child with ADHD.” Tyree still comes to Centerstone every two weeks for therapy. He also has a Centerstone case manager who visits him at home several times each month.

“We have all accomplished a lot over the past couple of years,” Kevin said. “Thanks to Centerstone, our son got a fresh start in his life, and our entire family is happier and healthier.” n

Centerstone’s is a free program for teens who want to discover a healthier balance in their lives, gain confidence, prioritize goals and improve relationships.

Log on to www.coaching4teens.org to learn more.

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RECLAIMING LIVES • ISSUE FOUR

Centerstone’s

Combating . . . Teen Issues

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een years can be difficult for both parents and children. Teens are under pressure to fit in, succeed in school, get along with family and make important life decisions. Most of these stresses are unavoidable and worrying about them is natural. But when teens feel extremely sad, hopeless or worthless, they may be experiencing symptoms of a mental health or substance abuse problem.

Mental health disorders in children and adolescents are typically caused by biological and environmental factors. Biological causes include genetics, chemical imbalances in the body or damage to the central nervous system. Environmental risks include exposure to violence, serious hardships or the loss of important relationships through death or divorce.

If untreated, mental illness in teens can be severe, leading to failure in school, loss of friends, family conflict, alcohol and drug abuse, violence or even suicide. Early intervention and treatment is vital.

Centerstone recognizes the unique behavioral healthcare needs of teens. Diagnosis and treatment for stress, depression or drug and alcohol abuse in teens is different than in adults.

Centerstone offers services and programs specifically devoted to the mental healthcare of children and teens.

In Davidson County our Child and Adolescent Clinic at 230 Venture Circle is now completely devoted to the behavioral healthcare and recovery needs of children and adolescents. Services include: psychiatric evaluation, medication evaluation and management, individual and family counseling, substance abuse treatment and case management services. Specialized services, such as ADHD treatment, trauma treatment, intensive in-home treatment and age-specific group therapy are also available.

“If untreated, mental illness in teens can be severe, leading to failure in school, loss of friends, family conflict, alcohol and drug abuse, violence or even suicide.”

In addition to our Child and Adolescent Clinic, Centerstone offers children and adolescents a wide range of services and programs available in clinics throughout middle Tennessee.

•

Alcohol and Drug Treatment

•

Case Management

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Intensive In-Home Treatment

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Sexual Abuse Treatment

•

Prevention Programs

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Residential Treatment

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School-Based Counseling

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Responsible Parenting Project

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Foster Care and Adoption Services

For more information about these programs or other programs created specifically for young people, contact Centerstone at (888) 291-4357. n RECLAIMING LIVES • ISSUE FOUR

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physician spotlight

Bert Hartman, MD

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r. Bert Hartman is a board certified psychiatrist and the Regional Medical Authority for Centerstone’s Northern Region. Dr. Hartman’s office is located at Centerstone’s Gallatin clinic.

Dr. Hartman grew up on a farm in LaGrange County, Indiana. In 1990, he graduated from Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia and worked as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) for four years before attending medical school. In 1998, he graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Medicine. He completed his residency in Psychiatry at the University of Iowa in 2002 where he also served as Chief Resident. Upon completion of his residency, Dr. Hartman continued working at the University of Iowa as clinical faculty for a year while his wife finished her residency. Dr. Hartman joined Centerstone in 2003.

Why do you choose to work at Centerstone? n

I always intended to work with an underserved population, and Centerstone provides that fit. At Centerstone, we truly believe that everyone matters. We are dedicated to providing the best possible care for all those who need our help, regardless of age, income or method of payment. For me, Centerstone offers an inspiring work environment, and I am very proud to be part of the team.

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RECLAIMING LIVES • ISSUE FOUR

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What are your day-to-day duties and responsibilities?

What future advances in the delivery of care excite you most?

I provide psychiatric evaluations along with medication management.

I also provide clinical supervision to nurse practitioners as well as administrative and clinical oversight for the region’s medical providers.

The expansion of the Electronic Health Record (EHR) is very exciting. The ability to record and share medical information seamlessly will allow for overall better care for the individuals we serve. EHR streamlines our processes and helps prevent error like unnecessary repetition of labs and tests. EHR offers consistency of care for our patients while also reducing overall healthcare costs.

What is the most significant advancement you’ve witnessed in mental health since you began practicing? n

I’m hopeful for true mental health parity. There are more than 84 million Americans affected by mental health or addiction disorders, and I believe it is absolutely essential for all public and private insurance plans to cover mental health treatment.

“Seeing patients recover from mental illness and addiction is a remarkable privilege.”

Government leaders made significant strides last fall when Congress passed mental health parity legislation to broadly outlaw insurance discrimination against those with mental health and substance abuse disorders in employer-sponsored health plans. The legislation recognized the importance of mental health in relation to overall health and helped millions of Americans receive the care they need, but there is still much work to be done for our country’s healthcare system to reach true mental health parity.

n

What do you find to be the most satisfying aspect of your position at Centerstone? n

I enjoy witnessing how effective psychiatric care can really improve our patients’ lives and functioning.

Seeing patients recover from mental illness and addiction is a remarkable privilege. There is no greater accomplishment than helping others succeed. n

Tell me about your family.

My wife, Alicia Batson, is also a psychiatrist at Centerstone. We have been happily married for 18 years. n What do you do in your spare time?

My wife and I live on a farm in north Davidson County. We enjoy growing organic vegetables and raising pastured poultry and meat goats. In years past we have sold our products to local restaurants, farmer’s markets and community supported agriculture shares. n

health and wellness

A column devoted to healthy mind, body, spirit and relationships by Beth Hail, LCSW

How to Talk with Children about the Economy

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risis. Meltdown. Disaster. These are some of the words lawmakers and journalists use to explain the current state of our economy. The descriptions are scary for all of us, but for children these words can be especially terrifying.

Though you may want to avoid talking with your kids about painful subjects like dwindling family resources, job loss and debt, you should discuss these issues with them. The key is to communicate with them in ways they can understand. If you don’t communicate with your children, they will likely turn elsewhere for solutions, draw their own conclusions, or rely on other children or media reports for answers, which can exacerbate fear and anxiety.

Here are a few tips on how to effectively communicate with your children about the economy: •

Communicate with young children in ways they can understand. Talk with young children about what they see and hear at home, at school and on TV. Toddlers and preschoolers will need simple explanations. You can reassure them by letting them know everything is going to be OK. Give them lots of affection and encourage them to give you hugs and express their feelings.

•

Talk to older children and teenagers with more in-depth answers to their questions.

Older children may be prepared to hear more details about financial situations. Be positive yet realistic, and offer comments such as, “I know you’ve seen the news lately about the economy’s troubles, which are affecting my business. I’m working hard to help us get through this.”

•

Discuss ways your family can adjust its budget and how the children can help.

Talk about creative ways to save money together as a family. Look for free family activities, coupons and grocery specials, and then cook family dinners together.

Turn off the TV. Listen to your kid’s suggestions. Remind them that the happiest families aren’t always the ones with the most money. Reassure them that your family loves each other, and things will be fine.

•

Look for warning signs of stress in your children. Warning signs of stress, such as changes in sleeping and eating patterns or mood should be taken seriously. If your child experiences these symptoms, seek help from a mental health professional.

Centerstone staff members are available anytime at 1-888-291-4357 to talk with parents and families and help them connect to resources they might need.

By communicating effectively with your children about your family’s economic situation, you can let them know that today’s problems are not permanent.

Together your family can survive the current crisis by establishing strong lines of communications that will help you weather any future storms. n

WHO DO I WANT TO BE

AM I NORMAL

?

? ? ? ?

WHAT’S STOPPING ME

WHERE DO I GO FOR HELP

WHERE AM I HEADED

A SERVICE OF

Beth Hail is a licensed clinical social worker and Centerstone’s Director of School-Based Services.

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philanthropy in action Veronica Centerstone’s Dual Season Giving Card – Twice the Value!

Twice the Impact!

This year, Centerstone is offering two seasons of discount shopping at the finest retailers in Middle Tennessee, doubling the value and buying power of the Giving Card!

The $50 Giving Card allows shoppers to save 20 percent at more than 100 retailers and restaurants in Nashville, Brentwood, Cool Springs and Franklin. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the sale of the Giving Card are used to support Centerstone’s counseling and therapeutic services for children and their families.

For the fifth year, Centerstone will kick off the holiday shopping season by offering the fall Giving Card. Fall shopping days will be Oct. 23, 2009 – Oct. 31, 2009. In 2010, Centerstone will offer the first ever spring shopping week March 3, 2010 – March 14, 2010. The purchase of one $50 giving card is valid for both fall and spring shopping!

The 2009/2010 Giving Card is on sale now, and for a limited time Centerstone will offer the Giving Card for 20 percent off the regular $50 price! During the limited offer you can purchase two giving cards for $80!

Giving Card Pre-Sale In the face of trying economic times, with all the advice and suggestions on what actions should be taken, leave it to Veronica Centerstone to boldly step up and offer a plan to double boost our economy.

Purchase early and save!

Order Two Giving Cards ($100 regular price) for only $80. That’s a 20% savings!

Or become a patron for $100 and you receive three cards. Exclusive invitations to pre-season events and a shopping tote, invitation to a Private Patron Party, recognition in Veronica’s Shopping Guidebook and opportunities for private viewing parties at participating stores and restaurants.

Call (615) 463-6645 or log on to Centerstone.org/givingcard to purchase online.

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RECLAIMING LIVES • ISSUE FOUR

West End Home Foundation and AmerisourceBergen Help Older Adults Statistically, older adults are more likely to experience mental and physical health problems, more likely to combine alcohol and medications and more likely to become homebound, isolated and withdrawn. These circumstances can result in a decreased quality of life and even untimely death.

Since 2006, Centerstone’s Older Adult Services Outreach Program (OASOP) has provided outreach services for older adults whose health and well-being often explicitly depend on access and adherence to health services.

Generously funded by the West End Home Foundation and AmerisourceBergen, the Davidson County program increases access to care for many frail and neglected older adults who would otherwise suffer unnecessarily.

OASOP nurse Abby Bryan travels to the homes of older adults, providing wellness checks, medication education, evaluations and various other services. She also provides outreach in the community. Centerstone provides wellness check services for over 900 older adults, tripling the 300 individuals projected to be served by the project.

Many thanks to our special events sponsors

Ambassadors Circle Established in 2005, Centerstone’s Ambassadors Circle works to advance Centerstone’s mission by serving as representatives to the community, advancing the organization’s mission and creating awareness of behavioral health issues. Whether they were at Ingram Industries, listening to Dr. Herb Meltzer’s gripping lecture on schizophrenia; at Metro Nashville’s Johnson School, celebrating the festivities of Mardi Gras with teens who were helped through Centerstone programs; at Centerstone’s Thompson Lane clinic, learning more about services for older adults and Crisis Management Services; or at Centerstone’s Therapeutic Preschool, sharing ice cream sundaes with youngsters, the Ambassadors Circle enjoyed an educational and fun year.

at this unique treatment facility and school. While there, each Ambassador paired with a preschooler to participate in skill-building activities, creating colorful paper flowers and working with flash cards to help their young partners with number, letter and word recognition. The afternoon concluded on the playground where attendees enjoyed an ice cream sundae picnic.

Most recently, the Ambassadors Circle visited Centerstone’s Therapeutic Preschool to learn about the specialized behavioral health services offered to children

For more information about Centerstone’s Ambassadors Circle or other volunteer opportunities, call Centerstone’s Development Department at (615) 463-6645. n

Lisa Campbell, u Milbry Andrews and Sperry Stadler attended the March Ambassadors Circle meeting at Centerstone’s Older Adult Clinic on Thompson Lane in Nashville. The event featured a series of discussions on the specialized needs of older adults and Centerstone’s 24/7 community-based crisis services.

Larry Lipman, Scott Thompson and Margo Hall, enjoyed the February Mardi Gras themed Ambassadors Circle meeting. Held at Metro Nashville’s Johnson School, Ambassadors participated in an evening of education, featuring a series of talks about Centerstone’s school-based and youth services, including its innovative Coaching4Teens program.

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u

Bethany and Ryan Cernoch and Jack Wallace attended the December Ambassadors Circle meeting at Ingram Industries.

During the event, Dr. Herb Meltzer of Vanderbilt University Medical Center led a discussion about current research and progress on treating and ultimately curing schizophrenia, a chronic brain disorder that affects about one percent of Americans.

This fall, many children will graduate from Therapeutic Preschool and enter kindergarten, an accomplishment that would not be possible without the amazing work of the dedicated Centerstone staff. To prepare the graduates for success, the Ambassadors participated in Centerstone’s backpack program, donating backpacks filled with school supplies for the young graduates.

t Lee Ann Ingram spent

time with a Centerstone Therapeutic Preschooler during an Ambassadors Circle meeting in May. During the event Ambassadors learned about Centerstone’s services and programs for children.

RECLAIMING LIVES • ISSUE FOUR

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what is depression?

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veryone feels down from time to time. It’s a natural response to life events, stress and tension. But for the millions of people with clinical depression, periods of sadness are severe and can last days, weeks or even months.

Many factors lead to depression, and it can affect anyone at any age. Adults, teenagers and children are all vulnerable.

Often depression is caused by unbalances of certain chemicals in the brain. Many people have a family history of the disorder. Major life changes can also cause depression. Illnesses such as cancer, heart attack or stroke can prompt depressive symptoms, and certain medications can cause depressive side effects. Behavioral factors like alcohol and drug use can also trigger depression.

Sometimes depression occurs for no apparent reason, that’s why early recognition of symptoms is critical.

The most common symptoms of depression are sadness, irritability and loss of interest in things once enjoyed. People who are depressed may also experience changes in feelings, behaviors or attitudes. They may experience physical symptoms like sleep disturbances, lack of energy, loss of appetite and unexplained headaches.

People with depression may not recognize their symptoms, or they may be too afraid or embarrassed to ask for help. They could even be too depressed to take action.

Depressive symptoms should never be ignored, particularly suicidal thoughts or actions. Get help immediately if you or someone you know has thoughts of suicide.

Like the many symptoms of depression, there are many types of depression. Some people experience major depression after a loss, crisis or major life change. Others live with mild depressive symptoms for years, while some see depressive symptoms emerge seasonally, in the fall or winter months. Some people live with the ups and downs of bipolar disorder, experiencing both extreme elation and severe depression.

Professional treatment is necessary for all types of depression.

The most common forms of depression treatment are through antidepressant medication, psychotherapy or a combination of both. Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) may be used for severe treatment, while light therapy may be used for people with seasonal affective disorder. n 8

RECLAIMING LIVES • ISSUE FOUR

Watch and Learn to kNOw Depression Depression in teens can be hard to recognize so it’s not always easy to know when to get help. Clinical depression is more than moodiness or sadness, however. It’s a mental illness, and professional treatment is necessary.

Through a gift from the Frederick and Margaret L. Weyerhaeuser Foundation, Centerstone has created a multi-chapter educational DVD series about teen depression called kNOw Depression. kNOw Depression tells the stories of Tiana, Matt and Erica, three teens who are experiencing depression, but their symptoms and life events are very different.

As viewers watch their video blogs, they can follow along and try to spot their danger signs. The DVD also includes the same three scenarios from the parents’ perspectives, showing their reactions to the behaviors and how they sought help.

These educational videos have been distributed to 157 schools throughout Middle Tennessee, reaching more than 30,000 youth.

Tiana’s Rant 2/15 Part 1

In the aftermath of her grandmother’s death, Tiana felt numb. She no longer cared about dance class, an activity she once treasured. She didn’t eat much and had little interest in talking on the phone or spending time with friends. She was thinking about death a lot, wondering what happened after someone dies.

Matt’s Rant 4/16 Part 1

Matt was a teen trying to keep up, but was overwhelmed by the pressure to excel in school and sports. His grades were slipping and he became angry when his parents asked about his report card. He stayed awake most of the night and couldn’t seem to focus during the day. He never played his guitar anymore and didn’t care about spending time with friends.

Erica’s Rant 3/15 Part 1

Erica had little interest in anything. She spent most of her time sleeping.

She didn’t care about friends, family or school and abruptly ended her relationship with her boyfriend. She resorted to stealing and using alcohol and drugs to feel better for a while and avoided dealing with her problems.

To watch kNOw Depression, visit www.WhoYouWant2Be.org. To request DVD copies, contact Mindy Tobin, Marketing and Public Relations Manager, at (615) 463-6649 or mindy.tobin@centerstone.org. n

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spotlight on Intensive In-Home Treatment

When a child or adolescent has serious emotional and behavioral problems, it may be difficult for the family to keep them safely in their home. The child may even need to be hospitalized, treated in a residential facility or placed in state custody, particularly if they do not respond to less intensive treatment, such as case management or outpatient therapy.

Parents of children with a major mental health diagnosis may feel out of control and not know where to turn. Centerstone can help.

Centerstone’s Intensive In-Home Treatment services work to keep children and their families together by providing individual and family counseling in the home to help stabilize and decrease the youth’s disruptive behaviors. This enables parents to take back control of their home and regain their child’s respect and cooperation.

Intensive In-Home Treatment is a service for children and adolescents, ages 3-17.

Each family receives an individualized treatment plan, designed to meet their needs and challenges.

Centerstone’s trained clinicians provide: • 24/7

availability for crisis intervention

• Family-based • Therapy

treatment

sessions in the home at times that are convenient for the family

• Anger

management, communication, decision making and social skills training for the child

• Guidance

behavior

for parents on managing suicide risk, physical aggression and runaway

• Collaboration

with other resources and agencies during treatment such as medical or clinical providers, schools and juvenile court

Centerstone’s Intensive In-Home Treatment services received the highest level of accreditation given by the Commission on Accreditation for Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).

For more information about Intensive In-Home Treatment, contact Centerstone at (888) 291-4357. n 10

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news & notes Dr. Lynna Hollis Chosen for 2009 Psychiatric Leadership Development Program Dr. Lynna Hollis was chosen by the Lynna Hollis, MD National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare (National Council) to participate in the 2009 Psychiatric Leadership Development Program. The Psychiatric Leadership Development Program is an executive development and mentoring program designed for medical directors in community behavioral health organizations. Hollis is one of only 10 psychiatrists selected nationwide to participate in the year-long program.

Jan Williams Oakes Recognized for Dedication to Integrated Care The Rural Health Association of Tennessee recognized Jan Jan Williams Oakes Williams Oakes for her dedication to Centerstone’s integrated care partnership with Columbia Pediatric Clinic. Oakes received an Award of Merit for her outstanding commitment to the Maury County program. Jan has been a Centerstone employee for 23 years. She is the Project Coordinator for children’s integrated care projects as well as a Clinical Supervisor.

Two Centerstone Staff Members Named Teacher/Counselor of the Year Sheila Taylor and Susan Langenus were each named Teacher/ Counselor of the Year by the American ReEducation Association (AREA). Taylor and Langenus were recognized for

their outstanding work at the AREA Biennial Conference, which was sponsored by the Positive Education Program and held in Cleveland, Ohio.

E. Ann Ingram Receives Dorothea Dix Professional Service Award E. Ann Ingram, Muletown Family Network E. Ann Ingram Project Director, was named the recipient of the Dorothea Dix Professional Service Award. Presented on December 12, 2008, by the Tennessee Association of Mental Health Organizations (TAMHO), the award honors Ingram’s outstanding professionalism and significant contributions to the advancement of behavioral healthcare in Tennessee.

Methamphetamine Awareness and Prevention Campaign Wins Two Advertising Awards Centerstone’s Methamphetamine Awareness and Prevention campaign won Bronze at this year’s Telly Awards and Gold at this year’s ADDY Awards. Centerstone’s Prevention Services and Marketing and Public Relations teams worked in collaboration with Brentwood, Tenn.-based cabedge.com to create two 30-second public service announcements and two 3-D posters to show the devastating effects of methamphetamine use on the body. The ads ran in a fall television campaign and the posters hang in schools and community locations throughout Middle

Tennessee. The award-winning television commercials along with an expanded section on the downfalls of meth use are featured on www.

WhoYouWant2Be.org, a service of Centerstone. The campaign was funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Dr. Karen Rhea Elected Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association Dr. Karen Rhea has been elected a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association (APA). Fellow is an honorary designation that was created to recognize APA members who have demonstrated allegiance to their profession and commitment to the ongoing work of the APA. Dr. Karen Rhea Named One of “Ten Women to Watch” Each year Nashville Medical News profiles 10 women in Karen Rhea, MD Middle Tennessee who are making a difference in the healthcare landscape of our community, state or nation.

Centerstone’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Karen Rhea, was chosen as one of Ten Women to Watch in 2009. Dr. Rhea was recognized at an awards breakfast and was also featured in the May 2009 issue of Nashville Medical News.

This is not the first time a Centerstone employee has been honored as a Nashville Medical News Woman to Watch. Advantage Behavioral Health CEO, Debbie Cagle, was a 2008 recipient. continues on page 12

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news & notes

continued from previous page

Centerstone Website Gets a New Look

www.centerstone.org

Centerstone’s website recently got a new look! As the organization continues to grow, the new website offers increased usability and reflects Centerstone’s affiliation with Center for Behavioral Health (CBH) and Quinco Behavioral Health Systems in Indiana. To see the new Centerstone website log on to www.centerstone.org.

Lee Ann Ingram Wins Volunteer Innovator Award Lee Ann Ingram, Chair-Elect for the Centerstone of Tennessee Board of Directors Lee Ann Ingram and visionary force behind Centerstone’s successful Coaching4Teens program, won the distinguished Volunteer Innovator Award at the 23rd annual Mary Catherine Strobel Volunteer Awards.

The Volunteer Innovator Award acknowledges volunteers who have designed creative programs, practices or responses to address unmet needs in the community. Ingram was among 11 individual finalists and three group finalists recognized for significant community service achievements in Middle Tennessee.

Centerstone Partners with Stewart County School System to Create New Student Counseling Program

$1.2 Million Grant Expands Mental Health Services in Cheatham County Schools

Centerstone is now partnering with the Stewart County School System to create a new Student Counseling Program. Funded by a $1.2 million grant, which Centerstone Research Institute (CRI) helped secure from the U.S. Department of Education, the program provides culturally sensitive, school-based therapy and case management services for students from kindergarten through 12th grade. CRI researchers will evaluate the program, examining whether services enhance students’ personal growth, progress at school and emotional well-being by decreasing office referrals, decreasing problem severity and improving behavioral functioning.

Centerstone is now partnering with the Cheatham County School District to provide school-based counseling services in six Cheatham County elementary schools. The student counseling program is funded through a three-year, $1.2 million grant provided by the U.S. Department of Education to the Cheatham County School District.

Centerstone’s School-Based Program serves eight counties: Bedford, Cheatham, Davidson Marshall, Maury, Montgomery, Stewart and Sumner counties.

Centerstone Board Member Receives World Telecommunications and Information Society Award Commissioner Deborah Taylor Tate, member of the Centerstone of Tennessee Board of Directors, has earned the Deborah Taylor Tate distinguished World Telecommunications and Information Society Award from the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). The award acknowledges individuals who have devoted themselves to bringing the benefits of internet connectivity to every corner of the planet while protecting the interests of users, especially children.

Quincy Acklin Receives Award of Appreciation from the Davidson County Mental Health Court Program Quincy Acklin, Mental Health Court Liaison, received an award of appreciation from the Davidson County Mental Health Court Program. Presented on January 20, 2009 by Judge Daniel B. Eisenstein, the award recognizes Acklin as a valued partner of the Mental Health Court and acknowledges his continuous support of the program.

l to r, Quincy Acklin, Judge Daniel B. Eisenstein 12

RECLAIMING LIVES • ISSUE FOUR

Laura Allen Honored with Sustainer Service Award from Junior League of Nashville

l to r, Margo Fort Hall, Giving Card Chair with Laura Allen

Laura Allen, Vice President for Development, was named the recipient of the 2008-2009 Sustainer Service Award by the Junior League of Nashville. The award honors Allen’s outstanding volunteerism and commitment to volunteer education and training, as well as her community involvement and support of the ongoing activities of the Junior League. $1.7 Million Federal Grant Creates Project REAL Centerstone recently implemented Project REAL, a comprehensive, culturally sensitive, evidence-based program to prevent or reduce the onset of substance abuse and transmission of HIV/AIDS among adolescents. Centerstone Research Institute secured a $1.7 million

It’s time for teens to GET REAL about •

•

Substance Abuse Prevention HIV/AIDS Education

grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) to create the new program.

Centerstone staff members lead extensive outreach and education, offer substance abuse/HIV training and provide rapid HIV testing, counseling and referral for all participants. CRI researchers study the efficacy of the project’s outreach and prevention services.

Project REAL is available in Cannon, Cheatham, Davidson, Dickson, Hickman, Macon, Robertson, Rutherford, Smith, Sumner, Trousdale, Williamson and Wilson counties. $1.2 Million Federal Grant Creates Project for Recovery, Encouragement and Empowerment Centerstone recently implemented a new program designed to reduce crime, recidivism and illegal substance use in seven Middle Tennessee counties.

Centerstone’s Project for Recovery, Encouragement and Empowerment serves adults with substance abuse or co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorders who are involved in community criminal justice systems. Funded by a three-year, $1.2 million grant secured by Centerstone Research Institute (CRI) from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the program is available for 220 offenders in Bedford, Coffee, Franklin, Grundy, Lincoln, Moore and Warren Counties. Throughout the three-year term of the grant, CRI will examine the mental, emotional and physical well-being of

participants at admission, discharge and six months following discharge to evaluate effectiveness of the program.

Centerstone Staff Members Volunteer for Airport Disaster Drill In April 2009, 50 Centerstone staff members volunteered for a full-scale disaster drill conducted at Nashville International Airport. During the drill, several mutual-aid agencies responded to a mock plane crash on an airport runway. Each volunteer was assigned a role for the drill. Some volunteers acted as crash victims with simulated injuries ranging from minor to very serious. Those assigned with serious injuries were transported to local hospitals by ambulances and helicopters. Those assigned with minor injuries were treated for their injuries on-site and then transported to airport terminals where counselors were available to help them deal with the mental and emotional trauma of the crash while airport personnel worked to locate their (mock) family members. Approximately 40 Centerstone employees acted as crash victims for the drill, while additional Centerstone volunteers were onsite providing counseling for crash victims and their families. n

This volunteer received mock treatment for cuts on her arm and face.

RECLAIMING LIVES • ISSUE FOUR

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Centerstone to Offer EMDR Therapy for Veterans Centerstone was recently chosen as one of only three mental health centers nationwide to participate in the Healing Combat Trauma Project. Funded by a grant from the McCormick Foundation and implemented

by EMDR Humanitarian Assistance Programs (HAP), this pilot project will provide treatment for combat veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Seventeen Centerstone clinicians were selected to participate in the project and receive training. Using the evidence-based psychotherapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Centerstone clinicians will offer trauma therapy for veterans with PTSD. The project is part of Centerstone’s enterprise-wide initiative, titled Project Safe Return. Look for more information about Centerstone’s venture to help veterans returning from service in the next issue of Reclaiming Lives.

Ben Middleton, Senior Vice President for Core Services with EMDR trainers E. C. Hurley, DMin, PhD and Susan Carson, MSW.