DMH Office of Communications and Community Engagement
Anna Chinappi, Director
Questions or suggestions? Contact Anna at
617-626-8124 |
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Deadlines for upcoming issues:
April 16 for the May 3 newsletter
May 21 for the June 7 newsletter
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| Department of Public Health Blog |
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Click here to view the DPH blog which features expert tips on nutrition and physical activity as well as a roundup of health and wellness events. |
SAMHSA 10x10 Wellness Campaign Launches New Website | Sign the Pledge!
People with mental health problems deserve to live as long and as healthy as other Americans. The SAMHSA 10x10 Wellness Campaign, designed to promote health and well being and prevent early mortality for people with mental health problems, is pleased to announce the availability of Campaign-related information online at http://www.10x10.samhsa.gov.
In addition to background, resources and a roster of the Campaign's steering committee, the site now houses the Pledge for Wellness. The Pledge calls for a reduction in early and preventable death by 10 years over the next 10 years. More than 2,000 organizations and individuals have already signed on, expressing their commitment to promoting wellness and reducing the disproportionate impact of preventable morbidity and mortality on people with mental health problems. |
A Day in the Life
Every month, DMH Connections talks to one of the many DMH employees who every day makes a difference in the lives of people we serve. This month, it's a day in the life of Janice DeCicco, a clerk at the DMH Taunton/Attleboro Site.
What are your main job responsibilities?
As of February this year, I was reassigned to another office due to the retirement of our administrative secretary. I have become more involved in directing services to the appropriate provider and/or case managers. I now recommend with suggestions, feedback and information about existing services, needs and barriers from individuals receiving services and their families and friends when indicated. I assist the Site's Acting Director with necessary correspondence, monitoring the payment vouchers, payroll, supplies, etc. being ears and eyes for the office. I guess you can say I am now serving as a link between the Southeastern Area (SEA) community and our Taunton/Attleboro case management services.
I also will continue in my role as support services for risk management, investigations and human rights. I also am responsible for mail, schedules, attending and transcribing minutes for meetings, case management, human rights and for risk management.
What is a "typical" day like?
Basically there are some things that are routine to help keep the flow going but some days can be so busy that a priority list is needed.
What are some of your challenges?
Every day is facing the unexpected. I realize that the new responsibility, temporary or permanent as it may be, can make you respect the needs and abilities of the individuals served as well as the staff or providers connection with clients as they too are asked to make changes in the way they do their jobs.
What are your greatest rewards?
First, making a consumer feel they're not alone. And second, the cooperation of everyone that works at this site. It's remarkable how everyone has pitched in without complaint at a time that is so uncertain.
Who do you interact with the most in the daily course of your work?
It changes, depending on the day. Now that I do have a more challenging job, I interact with everyone.
What are your experience, background, and training? How did you come to be in this profession?
I had worked in a dental office for many years from dental assistant to office manager. Then I took a bookkeeping job for a retail store with three locations. I applied to DMH over 19 years ago. I started as a clerk at Taunton State Hospital, then was reassigned to Taunton/Attleboro site and here I am. Most of my experience has been on the job, being a secretary/ bookkeeper definitely helped. I worked in Staff Development, Risk Management, Investigations, Billing, Psychology, Medical Clinic, Human Rights, Volunteer Services, etc. I even passed out payroll checks back in the day. So you can see I've worked and trained for many departments. I also at one time worked for an on-grounds program at Taunton State Hospital collecting rent from clients and in accounts receivable/payable.
What advice would you give someone considering your profession?
My advice is to be flexible. The more you learn, the more valuable and versatile you can be in case you have to "switch gears" at a moment's notice.
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DMH Online: Check Out What's New
As the Department continues to change so does the need for constant updates on the DMH Internet and Staff Intranet sites. We will regularly provide our staff and stakeholders with changes and additions to our websites so that you can stay connected and supported in your work. As always, we strive to stay on top of website and intranet updates. If you have any site or contact changes at your facility or in your department, please send them to Anna Chinappi as they arise.
Below are a list and links of the most recent changes and updates:
On the Contact Us page Frequently Asked Questions were added help answer some of the most common questions that have been asked by visitors to our site.
Under "What We Do"
DMH Resource Guides - The DMH Resource Guide was updated. A new Consumer and Family Resource Guide and Emergency Services Program Resource Guide were added.
A Forensic Services page was added.
On the Accessing Mental Health Services page, the term "Eligibility" has been changed to "Applying for Mental Health Services." The existing Eligibility Pages were replaced by an Applying for Mental Health Services page.
On the Research Page the "Research Priorities Focus Group Report" was added.
Under "Initiatives" the following updates have been made:
On the Community First page, "Westborough State Hospital Clinical and Programmatic Innovations" was added. This document is also referred to in this month's "Westborough State Hospital: 1848 - 2010" article.
On the CBFS page, Alerts and Community notes have been updated.
On the Healthy Changes page, a Metabolic Syndrome Worksheet was added. This tool was designed by the Northeast Area as a tool for staff and clients to take to their doctor to find out their numbers and risk of Metabolic Syndrome.
On the Restraint/Seclusion Reduction Initiative (RSRI) page, the Interagency Restraint and Seclusion Prevention Initiative charter was added. The Initiative brings together leaders from the state Departments of Children and Families (DCF), Mental Health (DMH), Youth Services (DYS), Early Education and Care (EEC), Elementary and Secondary Education (ESE) to work in partnership with the Office of the Child Advocate and parents, youth, providers, schools and community advocates to focus on preventing and reducing the use of behavior restrictions that can be re-traumatizing.
On the Staff Intranet Site
In the "Commissioner's Message" block, a new Anonymous email feature has been added. This is a link for staff who have suggestions or comments and want to remain anonymous.
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Conferences and Events
April 8, 2010
BODY PARTS UNCOVERED: HEALTH CARE ABOVE THE NECK
Connecting oral, vision, and behavioral health with systemic illness
8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Westin-Waltham Hotel
70 Third Avenue, Waltham, MA
Nursing, Social Work, Dental Hygiene, and Mental Health Counselor CEU's being offered
For program information and registration visit
www.mahealthcouncil.org
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April 10, 2010
NARSAD event, Healthy Minds Across America - Discovering Hope Through Science
12:30 to 4:30 p.m.
University of Massachusetts Medical School
Faculty Conference Room,
#S1-342, 55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester
The forum will be moderated by Dr. Douglas M. Ziedonis, professor and chair of the Psychiatry Department
For questions, call 508-856-3066.
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April 16, 2010
Partnering for Hope and Recovery:
A Workshop for Service Providers and People In Recovery
9 a.m. to Noon
Events Room - Saunders Building
Tewksbury Hospital
365 East Street, Tewksbury
Presented by Lori Ashcraft, Ph.D.
Learn about what to
expect in the role of a person in recovery and about the meaningful roles of service providers in encouraging
and supporting recovery.
Participation is encouraged by all those with lived experience and all service providers.
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Women's Research Forum
CULTIVATING DIVERSITY:
Women of Color as Research Scholars
2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Chancellor's Conference Room,
Quinn Bldg., 3rd fl., UMass Boston
The UMass Center for Women in Politics & Public Policy Spring Women's Research Forum will explore opportunities and challenges facing researchers when addressing social issues. Refreshments will be served and all are welcome.
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April 27, 2010
Combat to Campus
A symposium for college and university counseling, student support services and veterans services. staff and faculty.
Supporting the diverse psycho-social needs of veterans in higher education settings.
8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. UMass Boston Campus, Ryan Lounge, McCormack Building, 3rd floor,Room 721
Sponsored by Riverside Community Care and UMass Health Services.
June 3 and 4, 2010
Beyond the Basics: DBT Individual Therapy in Action
Hotel Northampton, 36 King St.
Northampton
Presented by Charles Swenson, M.D., this two-day training is for psychotherapists who are already familiar with Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
The training assumes that therapists have a basic knowledge of the treatment but want to hone individual psychotherapy skills. There will not be an overview of the therapy. For more information, including CE/CME information as well as a listing of their complete training schedule,visit their website at www.behavioraltech.org or call 206-675-8588 x121
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June 26-27
Out of the Darkness Overnight
Walk to Prevent Suicide
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention will sponsor The Out of the Darkness Overnight is an 18-mile fundraising walk designed to raise funds and bring the issues of suicide and mental illness out of the darkness and into the light.
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Monday Mornings
through May 3, 2010
Mind/Body Stress Management Program for Parents of Behaviorally Challenging Children
This six-week program brings the Benson-Henry Institute's successful mind/body/spirit approach to parents of children with behavioral challenges.
The program can help create a sense of balance for you and your family using practical strategies for stress management, easily applied relaxation methods and positive thinking techniques.
This program will be led by Laura Malloy, LICSW, who has dedicated over a decade to working with families of children with special needs.
Classes will meet Monday mornings, from 10:30 a.m.
to Noon.
Classes will meet April 5, 12 and 26; and May 3. (No class on April 19 due to school vacation.)
The fee for this six-week program is $240 ($40 per session), payable in advance.
Pre-registration is required as the program will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. If the program is full, we will inform you and place your name on a wait list.
Visit their website for more information and a downloadable registration form or call
Marilyn Wilcher at 617-643-6035 or Laura Malloy at 617-643-6061
Upcoming Trainings offered by The Bridge Training Institute
Critical Risk Management Issues in Clinical Practice
A Series of Day-Long Trainings
All trainings run from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and will be held at
the Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel, 181 Boston Post Road West, Marlborough
CEUs for social workers and mental neath counselors will be provided.
For more information, contact Stephen Murphy 508-755-0333 stevem@thebridgecm.org or visit
www.thebridgetraininginstitute.org
April 15
Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Proven Interventions for Anxiety and Depression
Peter Moran, Ph.D.
May 20
Mindfulness Strategies for Mental Health Professionals & their Emotionally Dysregulated Clients
Barent Walsh, Ph.D., & Jennifer Eaton, M.S.
June 3
Emerging Legal and Ethical Risks in Clinical Practice: Identifying and Managing Your Professional Risks When Working on Challenging Cases
Robert Kinscherff, Ph.D., J.D.
Upcoming Trainings offered by the Mass General Hospital Department of Psychiatry
May 1, 2010
Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment of High-functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders
Media Type: Live Symposia
May 8, 2010
Optimal Care of Depression: Detection to Recovery
Media Type: Live Symposia
July 16 - July 17, 2010
Complexities and Challenges of PTSD and TBI
Media Type: Live Symposia
October 15 - October 17, 2010
Psychopharmacology 2010
Date: 2010
Media Type: Tuition Course
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Massachusetts Coalition for Suicide Prevention
www.masspreventssuicide.org
The Massachusetts Coalition for Suicide Prevention's mission is to support and develop effective suicide prevention initiatives by providing leadership and advocacy, promoting collaborations among organizations, developing and recommending policy and promoting research and development.
General Membership Meetings
June 14, 2010 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
September 13, 2010
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
November 8, 2010
3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Special Events
State Conference May 18 & 19, 2010
Annual Kickoff Luncheon
September 13, 2010 | |
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Westborough State Hospital
1848 - 2010
 By Joel Skolnick
and
Mary Ellen Foti, M.D.
Westborough State Hospital is slated to close this month, heralding the beginning of a new era for mental health treatment in Massachusetts. We extend deepest gratitude to the generations of staff who dedicated themselves to the care and treatment of individuals with serious mental illness since 1848 when Westborough State Hospital was built. Westborough State Hospital played a significant role in the history of public psychiatric facilities as the second homeopathic psychiatric hospital in the country.
While the dynamics of our service delivery system undergo deep change in how we accomplish our most basic mission, our treatment approach remains consistent with the values and vision of recovery and consumer empowerment. As Westborough State Hospital is closing, the staff have expressed pride in their accomplishments by infusing this vision into everyday programming. We hope to ensure that these practices are not lost as patients and staff transition to other hospitals and to community placements.
Westborough and Worcester state hospitals will consolidate into the new DMH hospital now under construction on the Worcester campus. The new hospital, scheduled to open in the spring of 2012, will have 260 adult beds and 60 beds for adolescents, a total of 320 beds. The new DMH hospital is a keystone of DMH's Community First initiative and efforts to reduce our total inpatient capacity by providing state-of-the-art services in a dignified and respectful environment. It is designed to promote recovery, return individuals to the community and enhance community services where individuals with mental illness can achieve recovery and become full participants in our communities.Over the years, Ted Kirousis, Area Director for the Metro Suburban Area, laid out a clear course for recovery-oriented programming throughout the Area, emphasizing a blend of evidence-based programming, consumer empowerment and successful community reintegration. These principles established the core of the hospital's direction in program development and in appreciating that the hospital is an integral part of the continuum of care. The innovative practices that are outlined in the Westboro State Hospital Clinical and Programmatic Innovations document can be found on the DMH Internet by clicking on "Community First." While not a comprehensive description of everything that happens in the hospital's treatment program, it represents the values of recovery, empowerment and successful community reintegration. Many of these programs will continue in other facilities and in the community.
We hope that you enjoy this collection of innovative programming. Within the context of our mission, we need to take the time to appreciate that the core of this work is not in the bricks and mortar of our institutions but rather in the creativity, dedication and professionalism of the individuals who make up our workforce and the resilience and strength of our patients. |
Mass. and DMH Big Winners in SAMHSA Restraint-Seclusion Awards
Massachusetts swept the first-ever awards given by the U.S. Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), recognizing sustained restraint and seclusion reduction and prevention work. Five of the ten awards were given to Massachusetts' facilities, including Taunton State Hospital and the nine child/adolescent statewide programs operated by the DMH.
Massachusetts has led the nation in the reduction and elimination of restraint and seclusion since DMH launched its Restraint and Seclusion Elimination Initiative in 2001. In that time, the use of seclusion and restraint has decreased more than 63 percent statewide with more robust reductions in several facilities like Taunton State Hospital which has reduced its use 88 percent and the DMH child/adolescent statewide programs which have reduced total episodes of restraint and seclusion by 93 percent. The DMH statewide programs were the only youth-serving programs in the country to be recognized by SAMHSA.
"I could not be more proud of the work we have done and will continue to do in Massachusetts," said Commissioner Barbara A. Leadholm. "Congratulations to all of our award winners--they are a shining example of the positive outcomes we strive for as our system continually transforms and promotes recovery-based practices."
In addition to Taunton State Hospital and the nine DMH child/adolescent programs, SAMHSA's "Alternatives to Seclusion and Restraint Recognition Program" also recognized
- Kindred Hospital Northeast Stoughton, Neurorehabilitation Units, Stoughton, MA
- Kindred Hospital Park View-Springfield, Psychiatric Rehabilitation Unit; Springfield, MA
- Noble Hospital, Fowler Unit; Westfield, MA
- Salem Hospital, Psychiatric Medicine Center; Salem, OR
- Andrew McFarland Mental Health Center; Springfield, IL
- Elgin Mental Health Center; Elgin, IL
- Cherokee Mental Health Institute; Cherokee, IA
- Northern Nevada Adult Mental Health Services; Sparks, NV
SAMHSA hosted a recognition ceremony at its headquarters in Rockville, MD, recently to honor the efforts of these national leaders among behavioral health facilities that have made remarkable strides towards preventing the use of seclusion and restraint practices.
As part of SAMHSA's mission to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America's communities, the agency has set forth a vision to reduce and ultimately eliminate the use of seclusion and restraint practices in behavioral health care settings. The "Alternatives to Seclusion and Restraint Recognition Program" acknowledges the excellent work being done across the country and creates the opportunity for leaders to share experiences with other programs throughout the U.S.facilities and I am fully committed to advancing our restraint and seclusion prevention work even further.
The C/A Statewide Program Directors (from left to right):
Doug Smith, Rob Terreden, J.T. Tormey, Maria Tebeau, Bryan Lary, Leighton Kennedy, Laura Curtis with Flynn, a canine therapist and Candy Ingalls (not in photo).
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The DMH Child & Adolescent Restraint/Seclusion Prevention Initiative turns 10 in 2010
The Department's Child & Adolescent Restraint/Seclusion Prevention Initiative is a joint effort of the Department's Child/Adolescent Services and Licensing divisions with the goal of reducing and ultimately eliminating the use of restraint and seclusion in all child and adolescent inpatient and intensive residential treatment facilities in the state. Since the initiative was launched in 2000, the use of mechanical restraints has decreased by a remarkable 91 percent; seclusion and restraint hours have decreased by 60 percent; and medication restraints have been reduced by 80 percent.
It all began in 1999 when then DMH Deputy Commissioner Paul Barreira, M.D.; Janice LeBel, Ph.D.; Nan Stromberg, MSN, APRN, BC; and former DMH Licensing Director Michael Weeks began a review of restraint and seclusion data from acute and continuing care providers and noticed the high use of these coercive practices in child and adolescent facilities. Their work led to literature reviews, exploration of better practice programs across the country for reducing and preventing restraint and seclusion use and the development of ongoing trainings and support.
Since the Restraint and Seclusion Initiative was implemented, an annual Provider Forum on Child/Adolescent Restraint and Seclusion Prevention is held every May for acute and continuing care providers as well as interagency colleagues. The much anticipated forum features a national or local keynote speaker who is well-versed in the prevention of restraint/seclusion and in trauma-informed care. Past speakers have included nursing experts Wanda Mohr, Ph.D. and Kevin Ann Huckshorn, RN, MSN; consumer advocates Laura Prescott and Joel Slack; and most importantly, Massachusetts youth and family advocates. In addition, the forum highlights the achievements and successes of providers and their efforts in providing trauma-sensitive and healing environments.
This year's forum will be held on May 6, National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day, in Shrewsbury and will take a historical look at the national initiative and feature a presentation by David Altimari, one of the journalists of The Hartford Courant investigative team. The Hartford Courant's series of articles on restraint and seclusion deaths resulted in a federal investigation through the U.S. General Accounting Office, Congressional hearings and ultimately the national initiative on restraint/seclusion prevention. The forum will also include provider presentations on their unique strategies and alternatives towards the goal of restraint and seclusion elimination.
If you are interested in attending the provider forum, please contact Annabelle Lim at annabelle.lim@massmail.state.ma.us. |
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Community First Continues to Come Alive at DMH Legislative Breakfasts
The 2010 DMH Area Legislative Citizens Breakfasts continued in March as the North East and Metro Boston Area breakfasts at the State House and the Central Mass Area event at Worcester Technical High School drew hundreds from the mental health community.
"Community First" is this year's theme and members of the Legislature joined with Commissioner Leadholm, Area staff, consumers and family members, providers and advocates to experience the heartfelt personal stories of consumers and people with lived experience.
Commissioner Leadholm said, "We must remember that despite the extraordinary fiscal challenges, we are still doing extraordinary things. We are saving lives, we are changing lives. We are creating a public mental health system that is grounded in recovery, resiliency, partnership and consumer choice."
At the North East Area breakfast, Area Director Sue Wing and legislative co-sponsors Senator Frederick E. Berry and Representative Katherine M. Clark delivered remarks and accepted leadership awards from Commissioner Leadholm in recognition for their continued support of DMH and citizens with serious mental illness. Representative Mary Grant was also given a special award for her work with the Department over the years.  Speakers Pedro Ayala and Ryan Murray, pictured left, were a dynamic testament to the power of Peer Support Specialists. Ryan, 22, is a Certified Peer Specialist who spoke of how he has faced and overcome many triumphs and challenges growing up as a child with mental illness. He now works as a Peer Support Coordinator for Vinfen. Pedro, who is mentored by Ryan, has been a member of Point After Club in Lawrence for four years and has been inspired through working with Ryan to further his career in computer software development.  Heather Durgin, mother of three children, moved the audience with her story of how her family's experiences with DMH have supported them to heal and maintain a sense of hope. The North East Area showed its creativity with a symbolic tree pictured at right. Attendees were asked to take a leaf and a marker and write what community meant for them for recovery on the leaf and hang it on the tree. One leaf read "community means caring for, and being with those around you."
Central Mass. Area Director Ann Scott welcomed everyone to the Worcester Technical High School for the Area's breakfast, co-sponsored by Senator Michael O. Moore and Representative James O'Day. Also joining the speaking program was Representative Vincent Pedone. All three legislators received leadership awards from Commissioner Leadholm for their continued support of the Department.  Consumer and family member speakers included Donna Conlin-Stolberg whose son is a DMH consumer. Donna said, "We love our children and we want to give them the best life possible. DMH is a piece, a very big piece, of the picture which helps our family stay hopeful and strong." Other consumers who shared their stories were Tom Youmkin who now runs his own successful jewelry business and young adults Kennedy Anderson and David Gendler.
 The Metro Boston Area Breakfast program opened with a beautiful trumpet fanfare by Keiichi Hashimoto pictured at left. Mr. Hashimoto chose to tell his story of recovery through music rather than words, and the struggles and triumphs of his journey came through with every note. The moment set the tone for the morning's program, sponsored by Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz and Representative Marie St. Fleur. The legislators each spoke about the community they serve and their unflagging commitment to supporting not only DMH consumers, but also the providers and staff who serve them. They also received awards from Commissioner Leadholm. A special award of recognition was presented to Representative Alice Wolf, who has supported DMH through her continuous advocacy for the constituents of her district. Moving personal accounts were given by Lena Kleeman, Toni Snow and Mark Delano, each courageous and inspirational. The program closed with an inspirational address by Representative Gloria Fox, who spoke from the heart with humor and compassion about her own family and community experiences with DMH.
The final DMH Legislative Citizens Breakfast will be held in the Western Mass. Area on Friday, April 9, at Springfield Technical Community College, 1 Armory Sq., Springfield. The event begins with registration and refreshments at 9:30 a.m.
Pictured left to right: Representative Vince Pedone; Senator Harriette Chandler; Ann Scott, Central Mass. Area Director; Commissioner Leadholm; and Senator Michael Moore at the Central Mass. Area Citizens' Legislative Breakfast.
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Western Mass. RLC Launches Alternatives to Suicide Support Groups
The Western Massachusetts Recovery Learning Community (WM RLC), in partnership with Tapestry Health, has announced the start of two "Alternatives to Suicide" Support Groups in the coming weeks. One group will be led in Spanish and the other in English.
Brief History
 When the Pioneer Valley Suicide Prevention Coalition (PVSPC) first formed over a year ago, representatives from the WM RLC, including Oryx Cohen, Co-Director, and Amanda, Peer Community Coordinator, pictured left, joined the effort not quite knowing what to expect. The coalition is comprised of a broad range of representatives from Tapestry Health, DMH, the Department of Public Health, family members, local colleges and other organizations and individuals.
The WM RLC was happy to find that the PVSPC was interested in pursuing a healthy communities model and really embraced the wisdom of people with lived experience with suicide attempts. In fact, members of the WM RLC were instrumental in developing the PVSPC's mission statement and core values, which both include lived experience language.
More important than words on paper, a solid partnership has now developed between two PVSPC members: the WM RLC and Tapestry Health. Tapestry Health has played a key role in delivering reproductive health care, HIV counseling and testing, and other health-related services to Western Massachusetts for almost 40 years. Tapestry Health is also the lead agency for the PVSPC.
Tapestry Health has agreed to work with the WM RLC to fund two new "Alternatives to Suicide" Support Groups, scheduled to start very soon. These groups, one in English and the other in Spanish, will be peer run. That is, the facilitators of these groups also have experience with suicide attempts and will use their lived experience to help inform and guide the group process.
To date, we have already held two successful Alternatives to Suicide events. The first was a training for our new facilitators and our resource clinician (only used on an on-call basis) held in February. The second was a community forum also held in February to discuss the new groups and the topic of suicide prevention in general. A total of 26 people attended these events. The dialogue, energy and wisdom around this topic were amazing. Based on these events, the need for Alternatives to Suicide became even more apparent.
Alternatives to Suicide Support Groups
Because suicide is such a taboo and controversial subject, most groups related to suicide are run by professionals. In fact, we are only aware of one other peer-run group related to suicide in the country: a group in Tennessee based on the 12 Step model. Thus, the groups starting in Massachusetts may be the first non-12 Step peer-run suicide prevention group in the United States.
Alternatives to Suicide Support Groups have been developed because we believe that empathic talking with peers about suicide decreases suicide. These groups will be spaces where people who feel suicidal can talk about their experience without being judged. People in the group will share their experiences, provide peer support for one another and strategize about alternatives to help each other best cope with difficult life circumstances.
Initially, these will be closed 10-week groups. Please call 413-539-5941 x200 for more information and to register or be put on a waiting list for these groups.
The group in English will be facilitated by Mike and Kelly and will take place on Thursdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in Northampton, exact location TBD.
The group in Spanish will be facilitated by Hilda and Jackie and will take place Thursdays from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Holyoke RCC, 187 High St., Suite 303.
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DMH Projects Moving Ahead
A number of projects throughout the Department are ongoing and moving forward as staff and teams prepare for re-procurements, grant awards and trainings. We hope to bring you this important news and information on a regular basis.
Grant Award to conduct Person Centered Planning (PCP) statewide and implement two shared decision-making pilots. In January, DMH received a U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Transformation Transfer Initiative grant to fund two important projects to support the Department's goal that PCP is the standard practice within all DMH services. The first project is the rollout of a statewide PCP training curriculum. A series of day-long trainings on PCP philosophy and practice will be conducted in each DMH Area through the spring followed by train-the-trainer sessions later in the summer. These trainings will be offered to DMH inpatient staff, DMH case managers and staff from provider agencies. The second grant project is a pilot of shared decision making in several outpatient mental health clinics. The participating clinics will form teams to work with people who wish to consider reducing or eliminating their use of medications for major mental illness. You will hear soon about the training schedules for the areas. Please contact Lucille Traina, grant coordinator, for more information at lucille.traina@dmh.state.ma.us Community First - DMH Facility Discharge Information. The Department's Community First mission is to design and implement DMH services that helps consumers live wherever they prefer. Since July 2009, 406 individuals have been discharged from DMH facilities into community placements (as of March 1st). The vast majority (347) of consumers have transitioned into Community Based Flexible Supports (CBFS). More information on community placement can be found in the Community First section of the DMH homepage at www.mass.gov/dmh.
DMH Procurements The DMH Procurement Management Team (PMT) released a Request for Information (RFI) in March related to clubhouse services. Through this RFI DMH is seeking input from stakeholders regarding how best to utilize clubhouses to meet the needs of individuals. DMH will be hosting three forums focused on the questions posed in the RFI: April 28, Silvia Recreation Center at Taunton State Hospital; April 29, the DMH Western Massachusetts Area Office in Northampton; and April 30, the Saxe Room at the Worcester Public Library. All forums will be held from 10 a.m. to noon. The PMT also released a Request for Response (RFR) on March 18 related to respite services and a bidders' forum was held on March 24 in Shrewsbury. The PMT is chaired by Marcia Fowler, DMH Interim Deputy Commissioner for Mental Health Services. For more information, contact Liam Seward at liam.seward@dmh.state.ma.us
Parents Living with Mental Illness Initiative Rollout. The majority of adults living with mental illness are also parents; a 2006 snapshot of DMH adult consumers suggested that 1,100 were parents of minor children. Children whose parents live with mental illness are three times more likely to be involved in child welfare services and are at greater risk for a host of negative psycho-social outcomes. Yet, there are few services in the Commonwealth that specifically focus on the parenting needs of adults with mental illness. DMH, with both child/adolescent and adult staff, and the Department of Children and Families (DCF) in collaboration with the Parent Support Subcommittee of the State Mental Health Planning Council, will expand current interagency efforts to meet the needs of parents with mental illness who have children in the custody of DCF. For more information, contact Chris Fluet, DMH Child and Adolescent Services, christina.fluet@state.ma.us or 617-726-8188. |
Developing the DMH Research Agenda
By Mary Ellen Foti, M.D.
Deputy Commissioner of Clinical and Professional Services
In 2009, DMH engaged Consumer Quality Initiatives (CQI) and DMA Health Strategies to help us develop through a grassroots effort the beginning of the DMH Research Agenda. We know that our two Research Centers of Excellence, UMASS Center for Mental Health Research and the BI/Deaconess Commonwealth Research Center, produced excellent research and were internationally recognized. We also know that many other Massachusetts institutions, universities and foundations also produced research that was important to us. However, we had not ever attempted to learn through focus group discussions what our stakeholders' priorities were in the wide realm of research endeavors.
Our report, Developing the DMH Research Agenda - Stakeholder Focus Groups, which can be found on the DMH website at www.mass.gov/DMH under Research, reveals the research priorities of a sample of adult consumers, transitional age youth, parents of youth and providers. Perhaps the most important take home messages are that consumers want research that is relevant to improving their everyday lives. More specifically, they strongly endorse research in the areas of employment, housing, communication with providers, access, health and wellness and eliminating stigma. Parents are interested in research regarding safety, supports, system integration, diagnostic confusion, access and elimination of stigma. Providers want help, through research, to improve services, policies and practice.
Last month, DMH sponsored a day-long conference attended by nearly 150 consumers, providers and researchers called, "The DMH Research Agenda: Prevention and Early Intervention, Wellness and Self Care." This event provided an opportunity to conduct participatory workgroups to help inform the next step in developing the DMH Research Agenda. The workgroups focused on consumer engagement in research; provider research priorities; and research dissemination strategies. We will soon produce a report based on what we learned and integrated with our stakeholder report of 2009. The Department, in its mission to support recovery and resiliency through partnership, recognizes that we must include our constituents in all of our endeavors to ground our work in what is most important to them.
To learn more about the DMH Research Centers of Excellence, visit UMASS Center for Mental Health Research and the BI/Deaconess Commonwealth Research Center. |
Photos of the Month
Photo of the Month highlights staff and events across the state in the mental health community. Please share your Kodak moments with us!
State Division of Capital Management Project Manager Charles E. Willse escorts Gov. Deval L. Patrick through the Worcester construction site of the new 320-bed DMH psychiatric hospital, on schedule to open in March 2012.
Aerial view taken in March as construction continues at the site of the new DMH state psychiatric hospital. |
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