Album Community Newsletter | Fall 2013

NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

TUCSON, AZ PERMIT 462

AL BUM | co mmu nity newslet ter

1650 E. Ft. Lowell Rd., Suite 202 | Tucson, AZ 85719

FA L L 2013

vision

CODAC envisions a society where everyone lives healthy, productive, caring lives — positively contributing to their communities.

CODAC provides tools,

mission

support and services to individuals, families and communities so they may live with dignity, free from the harmful effects of mental illness, substance use disorders and trauma.

Services for Adults: CODAC provides a continuum

Services for Youth: CODAC offers intensive

of care for members ages 18 and older through

outpatient treatment and assessment for

coordination of all levels of clinical services.

adolescents ages 6 to 21 facing both substance

General mental health and substance use disorder

use and mental health disorders through the

treatment as well as services for persons with

Step Forward program. HIV/AIDS testing and

serious mental illness are offered at service sites

counseling are also available.

conveniently located across Tucson.

Prevention Services: CODAC provides best-

CODAC also offers specialized programs for

practice workshops and programs in local

adults, including:

communities to promote healthy behavior

• Residential treatment and intensive outpatient

and engaged youth. Programs are available

programs for pregnant and parenting women

to individuals, families, neighborhood groups

and their children

and schools for:

• Transitional housing support for homeless veterans.

• Methadone and Suboxone treatment for recovering opiate users

• Violence and bullying prevention • Preventing drug and alcohol use through effective communication between parents/ caregivers and their children

• Integrated mental health care and primary care

• Neighborhood coalition development

• After-hours crisis care

• Suicide prevention

• A Young Adult Team to provide intensive services

• Comprehensive sexuality education

for members ages 18 to 21 with mental health and substance use disorders • An intensive outpatient program for members with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders • Supported housing programs for individuals with Serious Mental Illness

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• Preventing child abuse and neglect by building on family strengths, promoting health and optimizing child development • Family management and communication skills

CODAC Behavioral Health Services, Inc. 1650 E. Ft. Lowell Rd., Suite 202 | Tucson, AZ 85719 Phone: (520) 327-4505 | Fax: (520) 202-1889 www.CODAC.org BOARD OF DIRECTORS K. Brent Fausett, Chair Robert Barrasso, Vice Chair Kristy Kelley, Treasurer Paul Hooker, Secretary

values

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

• • • • • • •

Recovery Diversity Acceptance Respect Integrity Creativity Commitment

CODAC Celebrates Expansion of Programs and Services Thousands to benefit from expansion of treatment options CODAC recently celebrated the grand openings of two new facilities that provide comprehensive speciality behavioral and integrated health services to the Tucson community.

“These new facilities represent months of planning, development, and hard work. We are so pleased to be able to provide comprehensive care to improve the overall health outcomes of people in our community living with mental illness,” said Dennis Regnier, CODAC President and CEO. CODAC at Alvernon, the newest addition to the CODAC family, celebrated its grand opening on Monday, May 20, 2013. This new facility boasts 16,000 square feet of newly renovated space for individuals and families to receive care for depression, anxiety, trauma, drug and alcohol addiction as well as other mental health concerns.

Adult members receive a full continuum of professional and individualized care including case management, individual and group counseling, medication management, psychiatric care, and much more.

Additionally, a partnership with El Rio Community Health Center allows clients to receive primary care medicine on-site. The new center has a full pharmacy offered by QoL Meds for the exclusive use of CODAC staff and clients. The new treatment center houses 60 staff and provides care to more than 2,800 adults each year.

MEMBERS David Braun Alicia Corti Oscar Diaz Dorothy Inglee Gallagher Tere LeBarron Abe Marques LilliAnne Purdie Jean Tkachyk Michele Way

HIGHLIGHTS • CODAC Celebrates Expansion of Services

• • • • •

Dennis Regnier, MA President and Chief Executive Officer The members of the CODAC Board of Directors graciously volunteer their time and talents.

ALBUM EDITOR Ashley James, Multimedia Communications

Coordinator twitter.com/CODACTucson facebook.com/CODACTucson

(Continued on page 3)

The Tucson Metro Chamber of Commerce hosted a formal ribbon cutting ceremony at the grand opening of CODAC at Alvernon on Monday, May 20, 2013.

Meet Our Professionals Spotlight on Youth Spotlight on Women’s Services Spotlight on Veterans Thank You, Donors!

Movin’ Up

CODAC Professionals Achieve New Heights Dawn Crawford-Rogers, LCSW

Message from the President & CEO

Expansion of Facilities and Programs Improves Community Health

Greetings!

“We’d like to say thank you for your efforts for being pioneers in the field of integrated healthcare in our community,” said Vanessa Seaney, Chief Operating Officer for Community Partnership of Southern Arizona at CODAC at Alvernon’s Grand Opening.

Program Coordinator, Methadone Services Dawn became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Her areas of special focus include co-occuring disorders, substance abuse, and addiction. She received her Master’s of Social Work from Adelphi University. Dawn has over fifteen years of experience in behavioral health.

Eddie Ornelas, Ph.D., LISAC

Senior Therapist and Developmental Disability Team Supervisor Dr. Ornelas received his Doctorate of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology. He has over 20 years of experience in the behavioral health field. Ornelas received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Arizona and obtained his Doctorate from Colorado State University. Dr. Ornelas created and supervises CODAC’s Developmental Disability Team.

As you likely know, Governor Brewer signed Medicaid Restoration/Expansion into legislation in June, which will extend health care coverage to an additional 300,000+ low-income Arizonans. With one-in-ten people needing mental health services each year, there could be roughly 10,000 new individuals seeking behavioral health services in Pima County alone (given our population compared to the rest of the state). This is good news for individuals needing help and organizations like CODAC whose mission it is to provide this care.

With this increase in clientele also comes need for more clinical space, clinical staff and programs to meet individual needs. Throughout this newsletter, you’ll read of some of the first steps CODAC has taken to improve facilities and services for our current clients and to prepare for new clients as well.

•

Melissa Mathis, LMSW

•

Melissa recently became a Licensed Master of Social Work. She specializes in youth and adolescent treatment. She earned her Master’s degree from Arizona State University and is experienced in working with LGBTQ and gender identity issues.

•

Therapist, Step Forward

Laura Schenk,DNP, PMHNP

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Alvernon Dr. Schenk received her Doctorate of Nursing Practice. She is an advocate for mental illness education and support and is a member of the North American Alliance on Mental Illness Southern Arizona. Dr. Schenk obtained her Doctor of Nursing Practice and Master’s in Nursing Science from Arizona State University.

We opened a new large and beautifully remodeled treatment center – CODAC at Alvernon – for adults experiencing trauma, mental health concerns or addiction disorders to receive therapy, psychiatric care, primary care, case management, peer support, and life skills.

We brought all of our specialty women’s services into one location. At the new Serafina Women’s Services, women with anxiety, depression, trauma, perinatal and postpartum depression and anxiety, and addiction disorders can receive individualized outpatient or residential care specifically designed for women and their families.

Comin’ Home transitional housing for homeless veterans officially merged into CODAC, creating more opportunities for our Nation’s heroes to receive the support and services they need to resume healthy lives post-service.

(Continued from cover)

Serafina Women’s Services by CODAC also opened its doors in May to provide comprehensive wellness and recovery services for women with depression, anxiety, postpartum and perinatal mood disorders, trauma and addiction.

This new division of comprehensive mental health and addiction disorder treatment for women, houses outpatient counseling services, Mothers Caring About Self (MCAS) intensive outpatient program, and the Las Amigas Residential Treatment Program.

“These programs help women restore families, build positive relationships and most of all lead healthy, joy-filled lives so they can fulfill their purpose in the world, “ said Dona Rivera Gulko, CODAC Vice President for Adult Services.

The three formally separate programs are now together on one campus where individualized treatment options are available for women.

To learn more about either of these new locations, contact Kristine Welter Hall at (520) 202-1746.

Nefertari became a Master of Social Work.

She specializes in providing therapy services relating to anxiety, co-occurring disorders, mood disorders, and addiction. She received her Master’s degree from the University of Illinois.

We’re energized by these new developments and still have much on the horizon. Between enhancing our contracts with commercial insurance companies (like United and Blue Cross Blue Shield) to serve our community’s increasing desire for counseling and psychiatric care, to improving our treatment centers, to preparing community workshops for parents to learn important skills, we’re paying attention to what Southern Arizona wants… and working to make it possible for you.

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Sincerely,

diversity

Raise awareness about suicide at the annual Out of the Darkness Walk hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). There will also be a Recovery Expo featuring memorial activities, community resources, free food, wellness activities, and more!

More information at afsp.donordrive.com & www.recoveryexpo.com 14th Annual Community Mental Health Arts Show October 8-10, 2013 Community Partnership of Southern Arizona 2502 N. Dodge Blvd.

Public Reception: Tuesday, October 8 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

36th Annual Tucson Pride Festival Pride in the Desert Saturday, October 12, 2013 UAMC-South Campus 2800 E. Ajo Way

Thank you for your support in these endeavors to be Southern Arizona’s provider of choice for family development services and specialty care for mental illness, addiction and trauma.

Dennis L. Regnier, MA President & CEO

Out of the Darkness Walk & Recovery Expo Sunday, October 6, 2013 Reid Park, Ramadas 14 & 15 900 S. Randolph Way 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Celebrate the artwork of those in recovery from mental illness and people employed in the behavioral health field! For those interested in submitting artwork, you may print out the entry form from cpsaarizona.org.

The deadline to submit artwork is October 3, 2013 at 4:00 p.m.

Nefertari White, LMSW Therapist, First Avenue

Save The Dates!

Upcoming Events

(Top) Dona Rivera Gulko welcomes visitors to the Grand Opening of Serafina Women’s Services on May 14, 2013. (Bottom) Carole Sheehan (third from left), President of Tucson Postpartum Depression Coalition, speaks with guests about perinatal mood disorders.

Celebrate and promote pride and diversity of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) community. There will be a parade, resource fair, performances, food, and fun. Visit CODAC’s booth to say hello.

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SPOTLIGHT ON WOMEN’S SERVICES Serafina Women’s Services - Saving the Lives of Local Mothers

The Importance of Early Intervention

Sandie tasted her first sip of alcohol at the age of nine. The alcohol was provided by an adult family friend. Not long after, she was given marijuana by her stepfather; she was barely in the sixth grade. Perhaps they didn’t realize the potential impact of their seemingly small gesture.

These were among the first encounters of what was to become Sandie’s twenty-five year-long struggle with drug addiction.

Mental health disorders don’t discriminate by race, gender, income, and especially age.

Children go through many different transitions in life: toddler to child, child to adolescent, and adolescent to adult. With each new phase of life, come different sets of challenges and exciting opportunities.

Many mental health disorders present symptoms at young ages and, when dismissed, can lead to more serious consequences. Below are some mental health statistics regarding youth, which reinforce why prevention, early intervention, and treatment are necessary.

• Children and adolescents who have experienced a two-week period of depression are at a greater risk for suicide and are more likely to use drugs and alcohol.

• Suicide is the third leading cause of death amongst youth ages 15-24.

• Approximately 50 percent of students ages 14 and older who are living with a mental illness drop out of high school.

• About ten percent of 12 year olds have tried alcohol. This number increases to 50 percent by age 15. It is important that children know the risks associated with underage drinking and alcohol use.

Step Forward can address these issues and provide encouragement for healthy lives and bright futures.

Call (520) 318-3266 for more information.

Sources: National Institute on Drug Abuse National Alliance on Mental Illness

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SPOTLIGHT ON YOUTH Step Forward: Helping Children, Youth, & Families Take Steps Towards Healthy Futures Step Forward, CODAC’s youth and adolescent program provides behavioral health services and preventative support to children, adolescents and families in the Southern Arizona community.

Youth receive counseling from Master’s level therapists experienced in child and adolescent development and family dynamics in a facility housed separately from CODAC’s adult members.

These services are geared specifically towards a young population and their families. Step Forward provides relatable prevention services and treatment in a fun, safe, and confidential team setting.

Program options include: • Health Education for Youth • Substance Use Treatment • Co-Occurring Disorders Treatment • SMART Recovery Peer Support Groups • Individual and Family Therapy • HIV Testing & Counseling • Family Strengthening Classes • Comprehensive Assessments

During transitional periods, youth are tasked with making decisions about how they will address substance use or alcohol, relationship troubles, depression, gender identity, sexuality and much more. Experienced and licensed CODAC professionals can help youth and families identify and articulate their own values, build skills, healthy communication, and strengthen family relations that support youth’s growth and development.

“CODAC has taught me how to stay on the right track and that, to have a good future, I need to have a good past.”

Step Forward accepts many commercial insurance plans and provides fee-forservice options at affordable prices.

To contact Step Forward, call (520) 318-3266 or visit www.CODAC.org.

Sandie’s drug use only intensified. By the time she was in high school, she had tried LSD, cocaine, mushrooms, and more. It was by chance that she discovered the drug that truly trapped her. “I was looking for cocaine with some guys I was hanging out with,” said Sandie recalling a night in her early twenties. “Instead of cocaine they gave me crystal meth.”

Addiction and Mental Illness Among Women Women’s needs differ when it comes to treatment for addiction and mental illnesses. Our staff at Serafina Women’s Services are experienced with women’s issues and give mothers the tools to

“MCAS made it

live healthy and productive lives for

feel very safe for

themselves and their families.

me to be honest”

After trying the drug just once, she was hooked. “Meth was what I had been looking for. It took the pain away,” said Sandie looking to cope with years of trauma and abuse from previous relationships.

Choosing to come to the Mothers Caring About Self program (MCAS) at Serafina Women’s Services was one of the most intimidating moments of her life, but she has now been a member at MCAS for nearly a year where she participates in group therapy, peer support, and parenting courses.

“Learning how to be honest and trust the treatment process was the hardest part,” she explained. “For me, lying goes hand in hand with drug use, but MCAS made it feel very safe for me to be honest.”

Sandie revealed that her greatest support comes from Sandie holds her youngest daughter, Casey, the team at Serafina Women’s Services, not only from who was her motivation in seeking treatment. Sandie commenced from the MCAS the staff, but the women there as well. She has program in April of 2013. formed deep friendships with others in recovery who have endured similar life experiences. She has many goals for herself and her recovery and she is willing to put forth the hard work to accomplish them.

“I want to get my children back in my life,” she said. “But, I don’t want them back in my life if I am not an honest and sober parent. I have to change, not just for them, but for me, in my heart.”

Since commencing from her intensive outpatient program with MCAS in April, Sandie has achieved her goals of maintaining sobriety and getting custody of her children. Staff at Serafina Women’s Services say that Sandie is a role model and inspiration to other mothers in recovery.

commitment

Did you know?

• Postpartum and perinatal mood disorders are the #1 complication of childbirth. These include disorders such as depression, anxiety, and even obsessive compulsive disorders following the birth of a baby.

• Women are twice as likely to have a mood disorder during their childbearing years.

• Pregnant women who are using substances are seven times less likely to get prenatal care.

• Often times, the reason a woman may not seek treatment is a result of not knowing where to go and fear of judgement.

• Studies show that women are more likely to use substances to selfmedicate for stress and anxiety issues.

Serafina Women’s Services can help prevent and treat these life threatening illnesses. Call (520) 202-1716 for more information.

Sources: National Institute on Drug Abuse www.health.harvard.edu

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SPOTLIGHT ON VETERANS Veterans and Homelessness by the Numbers

83 percent of homeless veterans have at least one chronic medical condition.

55 percent of

homeless veterans have a substance use disorder.

Homeless Veteran’s Benefit from Supportive Services Provided by CODAC On any given night, there are approximately 63,000 homeless veterans on the streets in the United States. This is often due to a variety of factors including substance abuse, lack of support, unemployment, and many times, mental illness.

The increasing need for secure, safe, and supported housing for veterans is why Comin’ Home, a long-standing non-profit organization that provides transitional housing support for homeless veterans merged with CODAC in February of 2013.

Now as a CODAC program, homeless veterans can also seek prevention and treatment services for mental health, addiction, and trauma while living in a safe and stable environment.

1/3 of the entire homeless population are veterans.

unemployment

The rate for veterans is three percent higher than the rest of the population.

9 million

More than veterans are over the age of 65.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is the leading cause of homelessness and unemployment for veterans.

Comin’ Home helps to improve these statistics every day.

Contact Comin’ Home at (520) 322-6980.

To learn more about Martin’s story, visit www.CODAC.org/Recovery

Comin’ Home has housing units available for up to 52 individuals and provides up to 24 months of housing assistance. Additionally, it connects veterans with resources, health services, job training, and community support to live healthy and independent lives.

Martin M., a 60-year-old veteran and resident at Comin’ Home, appreciates the resources he found during a time of need. After being layed off from a job as an ultrasound technician at a local hospital, Martin ran out of money and was on the verge of homelessness.

Martin was able to move into Comin’ Home where he now utilizes the supportive services offered in his effort to find work and a permanent place to live.

Fortunately, in Martin’s case, he didn’t have to experience homelessness on the streets.

However, many veterans spend months, if not longer, without roofs over their heads.

This is typically in conjunction with substance abuse, poverty, and — for some— criminal backgrounds.

Comin’ Home provides the support, behavioral health services, job training, and housing that is much needed during these difficult times. It is a way for veterans to get back on track to living productive, independent, and healthy lives.

“This is a place where if you make the effort and seek out the resources that are available, that you can find a way to get back on your feet and move forward in a positive way,” said Martin.

To learn more about Comin’ Home, call (520) 322-6980.

Source: National Coalition for Homeless Veterans

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CODAC Donors: Investing in CODAC, Investing in our Community Our sincere appreciation goes out to the many individuals, businesses and organizations who have supported CODAC with donations since January 2012. Each gift is a significant investment in the lives of the individuals and families we serve.

Up to $249 Mona Allan Morton & Ruth Aronoff Cherryl Barbour Robert & Ann Broomfield Carl & Susie Babby Campbell Manuel Castaneda Eileen Collins William & Catherine Davis Mary Rose Duffield Celia Elias Karl W. Flessa Curt P. Fluegel Marc & Terry Cahill Frost Myrna Garcia Jordan Geiser Greg & DeeAnne Gibbons Betsy Green Melissa Griebel Agnes M. Griffen & John H. P. Hall Lewis & Cindy Grossman Maxine Goodman Jill Gowan Jan Harrell Shari B. Healy Yvonne Hendrix Daryls Heydon Paul Hooker Michael Hoyle Stephanie Jordan Nanette Knight Cassandra Lain John & Cecilia Leonard Nancy Loebig Frank & Janet Marcus Carolyn Mosman Arnold Nelson Rachel Netherton Connie Nine Hope Peterson Mrs. Louis Pozez Brenda Ramirez Gayle Rivera H. Arlene Ross

David Roun Angelica Sanchez Dawn Serna Marilyn Semenchuk Susan Shetter Ioana Squires Pamela Sullivan Stokes Tolbert Jean Vickers Stephen Villareal Theodore & Norma Watson. Jr. Doris Whaley Aileen Yslas $250 to $499 Rafael & Susy Arechaga Nicholas & Nina Aquilano In Balance Ranch Academy, Inc. Robert & Ketenna Barrasso Maria Campoy Chip & Gale Coleman Sarah Davis Terry DeWald K. Brent & Suzanne Fausett Cornelius & Joanna Jongsma Tere LeBarron Linda Marshall Steve Marshall Vern Massey Rachel Molyneux Michael Morgan Larry & Margo Newhouse Walter & Kimberly Otero Raytheon Charitable Giving Hugh & Jane Smith Patricia Stanton Jamie Torgersen Jennifer M. Valenzuela Linda Zalnerowitz $500 to $999 Jerry & Adele Bromiel City of Tucson ECAP Oscar & Ernestina Diaz

Echo Construction, Inc. Arlan Gulko & Dona Rivera Gulko Kevin & Kristine Hall Lisa Johnson Jorgensen Healthcare Associates, Inc. Lovitt & Touche Matthew Messina Beth Newhouse Shannon Padilla Mary Vincenz $1,000 to $2,499 Arizona Combined Federal Campaign Pima County ECAP Dennis & Dana Regnier $2,500 to $4,999 GAMMA RHO Fraternity $5,000 to $9,999 United Way of Tucson & Southern Arizona $10,000 to $14,999 The Shamrock Foundation In-Kind Donors Jon & Georgina Anderson Bob & Ann Alvir Merv Cannon Ronald Clayton Terry DeWald Desert Drums Rosa’s Fashions Scott Goodrich Nancy Mahan Robert Miller Martin Moran Ron Osburn Spectrum Printing Company Richard Willfong

It’s easy to donate online!

Simply go to www.CODAC.org/donate to make your gift today!

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