the Bert Nash Community N E W S L E T T E R
VOL. 4, ISSUE 2
Spring 2011
MAY
2 0 0 M A I N E S T R E E T | L AW R E N C E , K S 6 6 0 4 4 | ( 7 8 5 ) 8 4 3 - 9 19 2 | w w w. b e r t n a s h . o r g
S i n c e 19 5 0 , t h e B e r t N a s h C o m m u n i t y M e n t a l H e a l t h C e n t e r h a s a d v a n c e d t h e m e n t a l h e a l t h o f t h e D o u g l a s C o u n t y communit y through comprehen sive behavioral health ser vices respon sive to evolving need s and changing environments.
Mental Health Month Bert Nash is proud to participate in a national campaign to raise awareness of mental health issues during the month of May. The tradition of celebrating May Is Mental Health Month, began in 1949. Mental health issues affect all of society in some form or another. Learning about the causes of mental health disorders and the treatments available is one way to celebrate mental health month.
To that end, we are offering online events on a number of topics including depression, anxiety and dealing with stress. Additionally we are highlighting our Mental Health First Aid class, a 12-hour class that addresses some of the misperceptions about mental health issues and provides the facts about this treatable disease (see page 3). To sign up for our Mental Health First Aid course, visit www.bertnash.org.
May Is Mental Health Month - Information, Events & Resources
on Facebook Check in each day, where we will be sharing
on Bertnash.org on WellCommons Videos, links and information from Mental Health America’s
Find resources, local perspectives and join the discussion on
It is estimated that one in four Americans will have a diagnosable and treatable mental disorder at some point in their lives. It is extremely likely you will encounter someone in your family, workplace, school, church, or community who is experiencing mental health challenges and requires support and intervention.
You can help save a life.
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+ HCHC Partnership + SEED Recognition Luncheon
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+ Mental Health First Aid + Nancy Shontz Educational Series
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+ Sandra Shaw Spirit Award + Nash Dash & Bash
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Integrating Mental & Physical Health Partnership with Heartland Community Health Center
Recently, the Bert Nash Center and Heartland Community Health Center (HCHC) have joined together in a pilot program, an exciting partnership to integrate the delivery of primary care and mental health services. This partnership recognizes this important mind-body connection. The goals of the partnership are threefold: to treat illness, prevent illness and promote wellness.
Research in the past 20 years has demonstrated that there is a powerful mind-body connection through which emotional, mental, social, spiritual, and behavioral factors can directly affect our health. When we feel depressed, we are less likely to engage in exercise or other positive health behaviors that affect our physical health. In fact, individuals who suffer from even mild depression use two to three times the health resources of others. And, even more startling, individuals in the U.S. who suffer from serious mental illness have a life expectancy of 25 years less than the average resident, primarily due to health problems. We know that in treating any illness, it is important to treat the whole person, not just the ailment.
Good health care is important for everyone at every age. This partnership will make it easier for individuals to get help for both recovery from illness and prevention of illness. For example, at Bert Nash, individuals will be able to get their blood pressure, height and weight checked. They also will benefit from a health-related questionnaire that will track their treatment plans both physically and emotionally. At HCHC, there will be a mental health professional on staff to provide on-site counseling services. The integration of these services will help the primary care doctor and the mental health provider work in partnership with clients to enhance their overall health. We look forward to sharing more information on this pilot program with you in the future. 1 Riverfront Plaza, Suite 100 Lawrence, KS 66044 (785) 841-7297 www.heartlandhealth.org
Recognition Celebration - Come see how a good thing develops
On Friday, May 6, the Center will celebrate the annual Supported Employment Education Development recognition luncheon at Maceli’s. At this event, we honor the accomplishments of both students and employees who have experienced mental health challenges and are on the road to recovery. At the same time, we honor employers who recognize that people with disabilities provide valuable services and enrich the work environment. By employing individuals with disabilities, these employers have facilitated meaningful change for both the individuals and their companies. We are grateful to Steve Maceli for hosting this event at his facility. Friday, May 6, from 11:45am to 1:00pm at Maceli’s: 1031 New Hampshire To join us for this event, RSVP to Marilyn Sell, 785-830-1795.
Mental Health First Aid – The key to understanding MHFA is a 12-hour training course offered by the Center that is similar to Red Cross training, and it is designed to give individuals the skills they need to help someone who may be experiencing a mental health crisis or developing a mental health problem. Participants learn the facts about mental illness and specific steps to help someone who is in crisis. Research has demonstrated that MHFA has been very helpful in educating individuals and eliminating the stigma associated with mental illness. Classes are offered for $30 per person which covers instruction, a manual, and snacks. Visit bertnash.org for more information and to enroll today. June Session Dates: 6, 13, 20, 27; 4-7pm
September Session Dates: 6, 13, 20, 27; 4-7pm
october Session Dates: 3, 10, 17, 24; 4-7pm
november session Dates: 7, 14, 21, 28; 4-7pm
Leading meditation teacher key speaker for Nancy Shontz Series Since 2005, the Center has hosted the Nancy Shontz Educational Series to promote educational excellence in the area of community mental health for our staff, colleagues and the community at large. Established by Dr. Franklin Shontz, in honor of his wife Nancy, the series has been a significant learning experience for the community. This year, on June 23 and 24, we are pleased to present Sharon Salzberg, one of America’s leading spiritual teachers and authors. She will be teaching mindfulness training that will focus on healthy lifestyle behaviors and self-care for both mental health professionals and clients. In 1976 Sharon established, together with Joseph Goldstein and Jack Kornfield, the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts. The center now ranks as one of the most prominent and active meditation centers in the Western world. Sharon has played a crucial role in bringing Asian meditation practices to the West. The ancient Buddhist practices of vipassana (mindfulness) and metta (loving-kindness) are the foundations of her work. Author of several books and articles, she is a a regular contributor to the Huffington Post and has appeared in Time Magazine, Yoga Journal, msnbc.com, Tricycle, Real Simple, Body & Soul, Good Housekeeping, Self, Buddhadharma, More and Shambhala Sun, as well as on a variety of radio programs. “Each of us has a genuine capacity for love, forgiveness, wisdom and compassion. Meditation awakens these qualities so that we can discover for ourselves the unique happiness that is our birthright.”
presents
The Bert Nash Center Sharon Salzberg {{ Key speaker for the 2011 }}
June 23rd &24th
To register for this special event, contact Marilyn Sell at 785-830-1795. Some seats will be available for the general public.
Toots Shultz recognized with Sandra Shaw Spirit Award
Toots Shultz, a case manager at Bert Nash for 20 years, was awarded the Sandra Shaw Spirit Award at the March staff meeting. The award recognizes a Bert Nash staff member for their outstanding work and dedication. Named after Dr. Shaw, a therapist and CEO of the Center for many years, it is the highest award a staff member can receive. As a member of the Community Support Services Team, Toots has provided case management services for many clients using the Strengths Model, which focuses on the clients’ strengths and capabilities. “I’m still surprised about the award,” Toots commented. “I had no idea, and my family did a good job of keeping it a secret!”
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Toots grew up in the Philippines and moved to the United States to attend the University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh. That is where she met her husband, Jerry. In 1978 the couple decided to move to Kansas to pursue both work and educational goals. “My husband decided to pursue his Ph.D. at the University of Kansas, and I found a position at the Menninger Clinic in Topeka. My first job was with a pilot program in supported employment, a very innovative concept at the time.” In presenting the award, David Johnson, CEO of Bert Nash, stated, “Toots carries out the mission of the Bert Nash Center with passion, energy, and enthusiasm. She is an amazing advocate for our clients with all the agencies in the community. She goes above and beyond for her clients in so many ways, yet does not see this as out of the ordinary in any way.” Toots says the best part of her job is her clients. “My clients truly inspire me to be a better human being every day. They allow me to be part of their lives. My goal is to try and find a little bit of hope for them every day, and help them improve on one thing at a time.”
2011 Bert Nash Dash & Bash - Saturday, October 29th Save the date and join us for another great celebration! Watch bertnashdashbash.org for news and updates.
Governing Board of Directors BERT NASH CENTER 200 Maine Street, Suite A Lawrence, KS 66044 (785) 843-9192 bertnash.org
Barbara Ballard, Reed Dillon, Frank DeSalvo, Steve Glass, Don Grosdidier, Carol Hatton, David Johnson, CEO, O. Maurice Joy, Louise “Bootsie” Lauridsen, Cindy Maude, Ken McGovern, Chair, Elizabeth Sheils, Doug Stephens
Endowment Trustees
David Ambler, Justin Anderson, William Beedles, Jason Edmonds, Rosy Elmore, Chair, Carol Hatton, Kelvin Heck, David Johnson, CEO, Alice Ann Johnston, Ken McGovern, Beth Stella, Mike Treanor
Investment Committee
William Beedles, Chair, O. Maurice Joy, Carolyn Shelton, Chuck Warner, Kelly Welch
NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Permit No. 234 Lawrence, KS 66044
2011 Nash Dash & Bash
Saturday, October 29th Save the date and join us for another great celebration! Watch bertnashdashbash.org for news and updates.
Save the date and join us for another great celebration! Watch bertnashdashbash.org for news and updates.
Newsletter going electronic in 2011 Direct to your inbox. To subscribe, email talktobert@bertnash.org
Toots Shultz - Recognized with Sandra Shaw Spirit Award Toots Shultz, a case manager at Bert Nash for 20 years, was awarded the Sandra Shaw Spirit Award at the March staff meeting. The award recognizes a Bert Nash staff member for their outstanding work and dedication. Named after Dr. Shaw, a therapist and CEO of the Center for many years, it is the highest award a staff member can receive. As a member of the Community Support Services Team, Toots has provided case management services for many clients using the Strengths Model, which focuses on the clients’ strengths and capabilities. “I’m still surprised about the award,” Toots commented. “I had no idea, and my family did a good job of keeping it a secret!” Toots grew up in the Philippines and moved to the United States to attend the University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh. That is where she met her husband, Jerry. In 1978 the couple decided to move to Kansas to pursue both work and educational goals. “My husband decided to pursue his Ph.D. at the University of Kansas, and I found a position at the Menninger Clinic in Topeka. My first job was with a pilot program in supported employment, a very innovative concept at the time.”
In presenting the award, David Johnson, CEO of Bert Nash, stated, “Toots carries out the mission of the Bert Nash Center with passion, energy, and enthusiasm. She is an amazing advocate for our clients with all the agencies in the community. She goes above and beyond for her clients in so many ways, yet does not see this as out of the ordinary in any way.” Toots says the best part of her job is her clients. “My clients truly inspire me to be a better human being every day. They allow me to be part of their lives. My goal is to try and find a little bit of hope for them every day, and help them improve on one thing at a time.”