NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
TUCSON, AZ PERMIT 462
1650 E. Ft. Lowell Rd., Suite 202 | Tucson, AZ 85719
PROGRAMS AND SERVICES 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 12 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:
• Methadone and Suboxone treatment for recover-ing opiate users • Integrated mental health care and primary care • After-hours crisis care • A Young Adult Team to provide intensive services
• Violence and bullying prevention • Preventing drug and alcohol use through effective communication between parents/ caregivers and their children • Neighborhood coalition development
for members ages 18 to 25 with mental health
• Suicide prevention
and substance use disorders
• Comprehensive sexuality education
• An intensive outpatient program for members with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders • Supported housing programs for individuals with Serious Mental Illness
• 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 MEMBERS David Braun Oscar Diaz Dorothy Inglee Gallagher Tere LeBarron Lourdes Machado Abe Marques LilliAnne Purdie Jean Tkachyk Michele Way Dennis Regnier, MA President and Chief Executive Officer The members of the CODAC Board of Directors graciously volunteer their time and talents. ALBUM EDITOR Kristine Welter, Director of Development & Marketing
twitter.com/CODACTucson facebook.com/CODACTucson
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ALBU M | c ommun ity n ewsl et ter
WINTER 2011
vision
CODAC envisions a society where everyone lives healthy, productive, caring lives — positively contributing to
Treatment for Addiction to Prescription Pain Medication National study shows Suboxone Therapy is effective in reducing opioid use
their communities.
mission
A national study released by the Archives of General Psychology and National Institute on Drug Abuse CODAC provides tools,
(NIDA) indicates that “people addicted to prescription painkillers reduce their opioid abuse when given
support and services to
sustained treatment with the medication buprenorphine plus naloxone (Suboxone).”
individuals, families and communities so they may live with dignity, free from the harmful effects of mental illness, substance
values
use disorders and trauma.
• • • • • • •
Recovery Diversity Acceptance Respect Integrity Creativity Commitment
Concerned about the growing rate of abuse of painkillers in Pima County, CODAC offers free or low-cost Suboxone Therapy among its host of drug and alcohol treatment programs. “Suboxone is a prescription opiate-replacement medication that helps reduce opioid cravings,” says Michael Kuntzelman, MD, a CODAC psychiatrist specifically trained to prescribe Suboxone. “Unlike other opioid replacement therapies such as Methadone, Suboxone Therapy is intended to be a short-term -- less than one year -- treatment.” “Suboxone fills a very valuable niche in addiction treatment and I have seen a lot of people have success with it. For the population of people who have become addicted to prescription medications, it is really a God-send,” Kuntzelman continues. Learn more about Suboxone Therapy on page 4
HIGHLIGHTS • Treatment for Addiction to Pain Killers: Suboxone Therapy
• Meet Dennis Regnier, CODAC’s New President/CEO
• How You Can Make a Difference: Arizona Charitable Tax Credit & donations of common household items
• Healthy Families Success Story • Vital programs for Women with Substance Use Disorders
• Learn Mental Health First Aid • CODAC Accepts Private Insurance • Why CARF Accreditation is Key
Welcome CODAC’s New President & CEO, Dennis Regnier, MA
Message from the President & CEO
On October 24, 2011, CODAC welcomed
I arrived full time at CODAC a little over six weeks ago (by the time you read this) and really hit
its new President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dennis Regnier, MA. Dennis is from outside Chicago, Illinois where, since 2000, he was President and CEO of Grand Prairie Services, a nonprofit behavioral health organization with a $14 million annual budget and 14 locations.
Hello and Happy Holidays!
the ground running. I have truly appreciated the warm welcome from staff and from the contacts I have made with other providers and outside community members. During my first week, CODAC was surveyed by CARF International (which you can read more about on page 7 of this newsletter). After observing much of CARF’s full three-day review of CODAC’s operations, I learned so much about how this great organization changes lives each day. At the end of my first week, CARF’s external, objective survey results confirmed a beautiful thing
Dennis’s 37-year career in behavioral health services began with the Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities in 1974 where he held both clinical and administrative positions. He also has extensive experience in the for-profit health care industry, including senior leadership positions at Forest Health Systems, Century Health Care and Hartgrove Hospital.
for me: I made the right decision in joining CODAC!
He has a Master of Arts degree in Public Administration from Governors State University and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from Illinois State University.
dreamed up solutions that we may be able to make a reality.
“I learned very early on that CODAC is a strong organization that has demonstrated great innovation in its services,” Dennis says. “When you look at CODAC’s array of services, you see programs that are at the forefront of where our field is going ... and that’s exciting!”
On behalf of CODAC’s Board of Directors, staff and leadership, we wish you a wonderful holiday
Dennis and his wife, Dana, have one son who is in Medical School at University of Chicago. Falling in love with Tucson while visiting friends, they have owned a vacation home here since 2007.
Dennis Regnier
Please join us in giving the Regnier family a warm Tucson welcome.
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Over the next several months, I will be meeting closely with CODAC’s executive management team and Board of Directors regarding our strategic direction and vision. But because behavioral health concerns touch all facets of our community, I would like to hear from you, too. We value your community perspective and want to know what you see as southern Arizona’s greatest needs from us. Friends of CODAC – like you – are an extension of what we do every day. You see problems and opportunities in our community that maybe we haven’t seen or heard about yet. You have
If you have something to share – big or small – please call me directly at (520) 202-1750. I truly look forward to hearing from you so we can incorporate your broader community prospective into our community solutions.
season and joyous 2012! Sincerely,
President & CEO
diversity
Save Up to $400 on Your AZ Taxes and Help Others While you’re At It! Donate to CODAC to be eligible for a dollar-for-dollar tax credit Arizona offers a dollar-for-dollar tax credit for donations to CODAC, an organization that helps the working poor.
Common Household Items Mean a Lot to Someone in Need A roll of toilet paper. Dish soap. Detergent. For someone on a fixed income and with many health care expenses - like many CODAC members - it can be challenging to afford these common household items that need constant replenishing. As you are cleaning out your closets and shopping the sale racks this December, please consider donating new or gently used items to CODAC. Here are a few of the items our members need most: •
Toilet paper
•
Alarm clocks
•
Paper towels
•
Laundry detergent
•
Dish soap
•
Towels
•
Sheet sets (all sizes)
•
Hygiene products
•
Diapers
•
Digital converter boxes
•
Cleaning products (for kitchen and bath)
•
Nonperishable food items
Similar to the Arizona school tax credit, your cash donation to CODAC may qualify you for a tax credit of up to $200 for individuals and up to $400 for married couples filing a joint return.* Your donation will help low-income individuals with limited health insurance receive vital medical treatment, therapy and other support for mental illnesses like severe depression, anxiety, trauma, mood disorders, schizophrenia and more. $200 ... gives an individual with mental illness an opportunity to learn necessary skills to get - and keep - a job. ... helps a mother attend one of many life-changing weeks of treatment, learning how to live without drugs and be a great parent. ... helps a new client take the first steps toward getting the care and support they need for their mental illness: a psychiatric exam and evaluation. $400 ... Gives a client an opportunity to work through challenging issues with a professional and their peers during 10 individual therapy sessions or 20 group therapy sessions. ... Helps a CODAC client have a safe place to live independently for one month. After your tax credit, it won’t have cost you a dime ... but you will have joined us in helping minds, mending relationships, fostering independence and creating a healthier Tucson. Donate online at www.CODAC.org/donate or using the enclosed remittance envelope. *CODAC is not a tax advisor. Always contact a qualified tax professional for expert advice on your specific tax situation. For more information on this tax credit (ARS 43-1088), contact the Arizona Department of Revenue.
Thanks to the support and services Ida L. receives at
Your tax-deductible donation of the above
CODAC, she is now living
items will really brighten their holiday season.
independently in recovery
All donations can be delivered to 1650 E. Ft.
from severe Post Traumatic
Lowell Rd, Suite 202 (85719). To arrange for
Stress Disorder (PTSD) that
pick-up, call (520) 202-1746.
kept her hospitalized for many months. Ida L. outside her apartment home.
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Suboxone Therapy continued from cover
“Results showed that approximately 49 percent of participants reduced prescription painkiller abuse during extended (at least 12-week) Suboxone treatment,” the NIDA release states. “1.9 million people in the United States meet abuse or dependence criteria for prescription pain relievers. “In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that annually more people die from prescription painkiller overdoses than from heroin and cocaine combined,” the NIDA release says.
James, Monique and their daughter Nariyah two years after joining the Healthy Families program.
CODAC’s Suboxone Therapy program consists not only of the prescription medication but also includes required individual and group counseling.
“As a young mother at the age of 21, my
“The counseling aspect promotes longterm relapse prevention,” says Kuntzelman. “In counseling, participants build coping, relationship, pain management and other skills that decrease their likelihood of returning to abusing drugs.” Individuals seeking treatment for addiction to painkillers and other opiates (such as heroin, morphine, codeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, etc.) should call CODAC’s Membership Department at (520) 2021840. More information is also available at www.CODAC.org/suboxone.
Healthy Families Program Provides Support, Produces Meaningful Results bonding and attachment with their baby.
boyfriend and I had no experience raising a child. I was a stay-at-home mom with no
They have learned many parenting skills,
family support here in Tucson to help with my
including appropriate - and effective - disci-
daughter,” says Monique R., a participant in
pline. And, whenever they have a question,
CODAC’s Healthy Families program.
they can always ask Jennifer for advice.
Monique struggled with Postpartum Depres-
Holding her daughter, Monique beams when
sion and anxiety a few months after her baby
she talks about their progress. “We’re so
girl, Nariyah, was born.
thankful for Jennifer and the Healthy Families program.”
“I was referred to the Healthy Families program and our Family Support Specialist,
Healthy Families is a national Best Practice
Jennifer Placencia, has helped our family
program that offers parents-to-be and new
emotionally. She brings us information about
parents vital support to promote healthy child
activities to do with our baby and even about
development and prevent abuse and neglect.
my depressions,” Monique continues.
Family Support Specialists provide free in-home support to parents until their youngest child is
“Having no experience with child develop-
five years old.
ment or depression, the Healthy Families program helped increase my parenting skills
CODAC is one of the original partner agencies
and made me more confident.”
that brought Healthy Families to Arizona in 1991. We are currently a sub-contractor of Child
“Our family has grown and learned so much.
& Family Resources and serve on Advisory Board
And our two-year old has never been more
of Pima County Healthy Families.
happy, healthy and extremely intelligent.”
commi If you know of a family who may benefit from
Monique and James now feel more comfortable caring for Nariyah’s basic needs and have learned the importance of communication,
the Healthy Families program, contact Lupe Ricardez at Child and Family Resources to
schedule a family screening. Phone: (520) 321-3754.
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For Women Struggling with Substance Abuse, CODAC Programs are First and Last Chance “MCAS was my last chance to get my act together and my first chance to be the kind of mom I wanted to be,” says Allegra L., former participant in the Mothers Caring About Self (MCAS) program. When she joined MCAS, Allegra was pregnant with her youngest child, but had struggled with addiction to rock cocaine and methamphetamine for the better part of 15 years.
promote long-term stability and health.
Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for Women
The MCAS program is specifically for women who are:
CODAC Las Amigas
Mothers Caring About Self (MCAS) is an intensive outpatient program for pregnant and postpartum women with substance use disorders. Through at least nine hours of participation each week, MCAS participants have access to a variety of therapy, support and case management resources that
•
Age 18 and older
•
Pregnant or postpartum with at least one
Las Amigas is a supportive residential community for women in need of substance abuse treatment. Las Amigas uses a comprehensive
child under the age of six (children do not
treatment approach to meet the social, psy-
need to be in their mother’s custody), and •
chological and physical needs of the clients in a
Experiencing a substance use disorder
safe and supportive environment.
Benefits of MCAS to women seeking recovery from alcohol or other drug abuse, include: •
Gender-specific group therapy
•
Peer support
•
Individual therapy
•
Support with Child Protective Services
•
Parenting courses
•
Free laundry and diapers
•
Case management
•
Use of kitchen and access to free food
•
Free nursery so mothers can bring their kids
•
Incentives for attending therapy groups
Cost: There is no cost for treatment at MCAS. Regardless of insurance coverage - or lack of insurance coverage - women struggling with drug abuse can receive treatment at MCAS through financial support provided by the Community Partnership of Southern Arizona. Still have questions about
Las Amigas is for women age 18+ with priority given to those who are pregnant, recently gave birth or are parenting children while actively abusing alcohol or drugs. Special consideration is also given to women who are homeless, have histories of sexual or physical abuse or are in the criminal justice system. Clients receive an individual assessment and
cost, simply call CODAC.
treatment plan which may include the follow-
Ready to Get Clean and Sober? It’s easy to make an appointment with our caring and professional
•
Individual, group and family therapy
•
Life skills training
•
Parenting classes
•
Smoking cessation classes
•
Relapse prevention education
•
Coordination with medical services
•
Connection with community resources to
ing elements
staff. Call CODAC’s Membership Department at (520) 202-1840. Not sure if MCAS is right for you or a loved one? Call to speak with the Program Coordinator at (520) 202-1716.
“For me, MCAS was my last chance to get my act together and my first chance to become the kind of mom I wanted to be. “
itment
Allegra L. Former MCAS Member, current Volunteer 3.5 years clean and sober
promote continued sobriety after completing the program. ... and more For more information, call Las Amigas at (520) 327-4505.
Allegra L., a former MCAS participant, now helps other mothers in recovery.
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Did You Know? Myth: Mental illness is something
Mental Health First Aid: The Best First Aid is You
that only affects others and not us, our family or our friends.
You may know CPR and the Heimlich Maneu-
Fact: An estimated 1 in 4 Americans
First Aid in a mental health crisis?
have a diagnosable mental illness. Mental health crises occur frequently in your workplace, church, family, school and community.
Myth: Mental illness has no real impact on society.
Fact: Mental illness accounts for 15% of the total economic burden of all disease in the U.S. Untreated mental disorders cost $79 billion in lost productivity every year.
Myth: Mental illness is not that serious.
Fact: Medical experts rate mental disorders among the most impactful illnesses because they interfere with a person’s ability to go to school, work, care for himself or herself and form relationships.
•
ver. You can call 911. But can you administer
It’s easy to tell when someone might be suffering from a heart attack, choking or is unable to breathe. But what does depression look like? Or anxiety? Have you met people experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviors?
• •
How would you know? And how would you help?
The potential warning signs and risk factors for depression, anxiety disorders, trauma, psychotic disorders, eating disorders and substance use disorders. A 5-step action plan to help an individual in crisis connect to professional care. Resources available to help someone with a mental health problem.
Who Can Be a Mental Health First Aider? Answer: Mental Health First Aid. Certified trainers at CODAC are now offering Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training. Similar to the CPR or First Aid model, Mental Health First Aid is the initial help given to someone showing symptoms of mental illness or in a mental health crisis until appropriate professional help - including peer and family support - can be engaged. MHFA is a 12-hour course that prepares members of the public to provide MHFA to those in need. At MHFA training, you will learn: • The prevalence of mental illness in the US and it emotional and economic cost.
•
Educators/School Administrators
•
College/University Leaders
•
Human Resources Professionals
•
Members of Faith Communities
•
Policy Makers
•
Homeless Shelter Staff & Volunteers
•
Substance Abuse Professionals
•
Social Workers
•
Consumers and Family Members
•
Caring Citizens
Someone you know could be experiencing a mental illness or crisis. You can help them. Contact CODAC’s Training Department to find out how you can register for MHFA training. Call (520) 202-1818 or email mmckenna@ codac.org.
The Mental Health First Aid Action Plan
Did you know?
A ssess for risk of suicide or harm
You are more likely to encounter a
L isten nonjudgmentally
person in an emotional or mental
G ive reassurance and information
crisis than someone having a heart
E ncourage appropriate professional help
attack. Mental disorders are more
E ncourage self-help & other support strategies
common than heart disease and
For more information, please visit www.MentalHealthFirstAid.org.
cancer combined.
Source: National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare. www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org
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United Way Days of Caring ... for CODAC & our Community On September 28, 2011 a team of staff from IBM provided a little elbow grease and a beautiful fresh coat of paint for our North site. Led by Team Captain, Tom Anderson, this United Way Days of Caring project really brightened the walls and spirits! The following Saturday, October 1, CODAC staff returned the spirit by volunteering to paint the exterior of the Arizona’s Children Association
IBM staff are happy with their contribution to CODAC’s North site.
behavioral health care building.
CODAC Accepts Private Insurance & Fee-for-Service
Accreditation is Important When Choosing a Provider
Looking for low-cost, high-quality behavioral
In Pima County, we have many options when
health care?
it comes to health care providers and human services programs.
CODAC participates with most insurance carriers for many services. Here are just a few of the
When individuals and families
insurance companies we contract with.
choose CODAC, they look to our accreditation by CARF
Aetna
Medicare (& Medicare
AHCCCS
International as a reflection
relacement plans)
APIPA
of our outstanding quality of
Mercy Care
care in the areas of substance abuse treatment,
BlueCross BlueShield
Mercy Care Advantage
recovery from mental health disorders, and
Cigna
PacifiCare
prevention programs.
Commerical Plans
Tricare
Evercare Select
United Healthcare
CARF International is an independent, nonprofit
Health Choice
United Behavioral
organization that provides accreditation
Health Net
Humana
Health
services worldwide.
University Family Care
Indian Health Services
... and more
CODAC follows CARF’s standards for quality in everything we do, which has earned
Contact your insurance provider and ask about
accreditation of many of our programs for more
your behavioral health benefits for evaluation/
than 10 years.
assessment, counseling, case management and medication management.
CODAC recently invited CARF to survey our programs and services to evaluate how well
Top: Cindy Grossman, IBM Vice President of Business Analytics & Optimization, paints those hard-to-reach spaces; Middle: CODAC staff and volunteers paint a first coat with a little CODAC spirit; Bottom: CODAC staff in action at AZCA.
Or, call CODAC at (520) 202-1840 to learn more
we meet their international standards for
about our reasonable fee-for-service rates.
quality. We received excellent comments and anticipate another three year accrediation to be announced in the coming weeks.
integrity
CARF is headquartered in Tucson, Arizona. To learn more about CARF International and the value of accreditation, visit www.carf.org.
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