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DMH Office of Communications and Community Engagement | |
Questions or suggestions?
Call 617-626-8124
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DMH is Getting Social! | | |
 DMH is on Twitter!
@MassDMH
Spread the word: DMH is now on Twitter! We're looking forward to sharing great information, resources, links, happenings and content with you. Follow DMH on Twitter @MassDMH or just click the button at the bottom of the page and we'll follow you back!
DMH joins the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) and several of its agencies on Twitter -- please follow them too. Here's a list:
- EOHHS - @Mass_HHS
- Department of Public Health - @MassDPH, @MassinMotion
- Division of Health Care Finance and Policy - @MassHealthCare
- Department of Veterans Services (DVS) - @MASSDVS
- DVS Save Team - @MassVeterans
- DVS Women Veteran Network - @WomenVeterans
Thank you for supporting DMH communications efforts. As always, any questions or suggestions, please don't hesitate to contact Anna Chinappi.
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Commonwealth Conversations
BLOGS |  | |
Health and Human Services Blog
This social media platform provides news, updates and serve as a forum for open dialogue about issues related to all 16 EOHHS agencies.
Click here to read blog posts by Secretary Bigby, Commissioner Leadholm and others
Department of Public Health Blog
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
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Deadlines for upcoming issues:
October 14 for the November newsletter |
Please send all materials to
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Multicultural Corner
Resource Directory a Click Away
By Ed K.S Wang, Psy.D.
Director, DMH Office of Multicultural Affairs
"We are looking for resources to support a client, please let us know what services are available in the community." This is one of the top inquiries the Office of Multicultural Affairs receives on a regular basis from DMH and staff from other state agencies, community providers as well individuals and families in Massachusetts.
The Office of Multicultural Affairs has made available the 2011 edition of the Multicultural Populations Resource Directory on the Department's website under Initiatives. The directory contains informationabout organizations in the Commonwealth that offer culturally and linguistically appropriate health and human services for racially and linguistically diverse populations. The directory also includes services that address overall wellness for individuals and their families.
The directory provides organizational information (e.g. address, telephone, website if available), services offered (e.g. health and behavioral health care, community outreach, employment, English as a Secondary Language, refugee and immigrant services, etc.), language capacity and target population. In the 2011 edition, we have expanded sections on Behavioral Health Internet Links and Multicultural Population Resources on the Internet.
The directory information is a starting point in familiarizing users with available local and statewide mental health, health and human services resources. Users should contact these organizations directly to seek further information.
This is by far not an exhaustive list of organizations and there are likely organizations that the Office of Multicultural Affairs is not aware of. If you have resources to add to the directory, please share with us by emailing omca@dmh.state.ma.us. Let us know what the name of the organization is and we will add them to the 2012 edition of the Multicultural Populations Resource Guide. |
Statewide Initiative Addresses Depression in the Workplace
The workplace can often be a stressful environment that can cause us to feel general anxiety or depression, but there is help. The Massachusetts Workplace Mental Health Initiative is a collaborative effort of four organizations: Screening for Mental Health, Families for Depression Awareness, CMG Associates and Department of Public Health (DPH) and is able to offer these programs free of charge to Massachusetts-based organizations and companies through a grant from DPH.
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Don't Break the Bank
Addressing your Employees Mental Health Makes Sense |
The Initiative was formed in 2007 in response to the growing financial and emotional toll that untreated mental
illness has on Massachusetts businesses, families and communities. And the mission is to promote positive mental health and prevent suicide among working adults ages 25 to 64. Rising suicide rates among this age group prompted the development of the Initiative. Its goal is to work with employers to promote education about common mental health disorders, encourage early treatment and help reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness.
Here are some facts about depression and the workplace:
- Depression is the number one cause of disability in U.S. and it ranks among the top three workplace problems addressed by employee assistance programs.
- Depression tends to affect people in their prime working years and may last a lifetime if untreated.
- More often than not, a depressed employee will not seek treatment because they fear the affect it will have on their job and they are concerned about confidentiality.
The Workplace Mental Health Initiative provides businesses with an anonymous, online screening through a unique URL that gives employees the opportunity to screen themselves for common mental health disorders through their company's website and receive immediate results. Available screenings include: depression, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, PTSD and alcohol use disorders.
Click here to learn more about or register an organiztion for the Massachusetts Workplace Mental Health Initiative. |
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New Approach to Disseminating Research
The University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS) Center for Mental Health Services Research (CMHSR), one of the Department of Mental Health's research Centers of Excellence, has launched the CMHSR Research Dissemination Series -- a collection of products that translate mental health research findings into concise, user-friendly information accessible to all. Products are designed to be available to a variety of audiences including providers, clinicians, consumers, family members, advocacy groups and researchers. The CMHSR Dissemination Research Series includes three distinct information products that are described below:
- Psychiatry Issue Briefs Translates research findings for providers of mental health services, consumers of these services and their family members, and policymakers
Research is a critical mission of the Department of Mental Health. It is also one of the Department's statutory requirements in Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 19, which specifically calls for DMH to "conduct research into the causes of serious mental illness."
CMHSR's mental health research is conducted in a variety of settings across the state that informs the causes and treatment of serious mental illnesses. This work also carries the message of hope and recovery for adults, children, adolescents and families living with mental illness.
Click here to visit the CMHRS website or click here to join the listserv to engage in some or all of CMHRS's social media outlets. |
Check Out the Latest Edition of "Dialogue"
The Commonwealth has a proud history of promoting the well-being of and opportunity for its workers, including assuring strong anti-discrimination protections and supporting opportunities for skill development and advancement. Within his first thirty days in office, Governor Patrick's issuance of Executive Order 478 recommitted the Commonwealth to continued improvement in the recruitment and retention of under-represented groups of people in the workforce, including people with disabilities
Check out the September 2011 edition of "Dialogue". Dialogue is a quarterly publication designed to keep you informed on the progress we are making in our journey to become a Model Employer for Persons with Disabilities.
For more information about Model Employer visit www.mass.gov/hrd/modelemployer
If you havequestions regarding the model employer, call the Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity at 617-727-7441 or email at modelemployer@massmail.state.ma.us |
Young Adult Project Assistant Needed
 The Transitions Research and Training Center, located at UMass Medical School in Worcester, is looking to hire 1 young adult who has lived experience with a mental health condition to work as a Project Assistant (15 hours a week, non-benefitted). Details are in the attached job announcement. The deadline is October 17, 2011. Click here for a printable PDF flyer for more information.
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Conferences and Events
October 5, 2011
The Peer Leadership Committee Presents: 3rd Annual CELEBRATING HEROES - A Community Recognition Event
1 to 4 p.m. Braintree Town Hall,
1 John F Kennedy Memorial Drive
Braintree. Join us in celebrating the unsung heroes of the Mental Health Community for improving the quality of life for people who are in recovery from a mental illness. Entertainment and Refreshments will be provided. For more information or to get involved, Click here for a printable flyer. Contact Kim Anderson at 617-984-1070.
October 22, 2011
Bullying, Hate Crimes, and Xenophobia Seminar
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wheelock College, 43 Hawes St., Brookline, MAThe seminar will feature a screening of the Molly Blank film Where Do I Stand, which offers a look into the lives and actions of seven young people amidst the 2008 xenophobic attacks in South Africa. After the screening, a special panel discussion. Click here to register.
November 2, 2011
Learn about Chemical Sensitivity
And How You Can Help to Make a Safer World
1 to 2:15 p.m. Boston Resource Ctr., Boston Medical Ctr. Campus, Solomon Carter Fuller building, 85 E. Newton St., Boston Presentation by the MCS Project of Boston Self Help Center. Hear a recovery story from an RLC member. Call 617-305-9900 for more information. For the sake of the chemically sensitive, please refrain from wearing fragrances and from smoking on the day of the event Click here for a printable flyer.
November 3, 2011
Center Club's 52nd Annual Open House
1 to 4 p.m.
Center Club, 31 Bowker Street
Boston
Program Tours
Awards Ceremony
Refreshments
Formal program begins at 2 p.m. For more information call 617-788-1000. Click here for a printable flyer.
November 5, 2011
MGH Department of Psychiatry 9th Annual Schizophrenia Education Day
10 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., check-in from 9:15-10 a.m. Massachusetts General Hospital, The Starr Center Auditorium, Charles River Plaza, 185 Cambridge Street, 2nd floor Boston. This free educational program is designed exclusively for patients living with schizophrenia and their families. Seating is limited and pre-registration is required. To register or learn more about the program, visit www.moodandanxiety.org or call 617-724-8318.
November 15, 2011
How To Talk With Kids About Healthy Living: Nutrition ~ Fitness ~ Healthy Weight
9:30 a.m. to noon
State House, Great Hall
Partners Community Health, Words Can Work, DPH and
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education present video clips of young people talking about nutrition, fitness and healthy weight
followed by audience discussion with clinical and policy experts. Discussion of effective strategies for talking with young people about these topics, as well as the new Massachusetts school nutrition law. Organizations attending this event will receive video and print materials to use in education outreach. For more information contact
Contact Kettie MacLean
kmaclean@wordscanwork.com
or 978-282-1663
Upcoming Trainings at The Bridge Training Institute
www.thebridgetraininginstitute.org
October 7, 2011
Crossing The Bridge to Suicide:
Understanding, Managing, and Treating the Unthinkable
Barry Walsh, Ph.D.
November 4, 2011
Mastering DBT Individual Therapy with Adolescents and Adults:
Skillful Treatment For People Who Are Hard to Help
Jennifer Eaton, M.S.
December 2, 2011
Managing Boundaries and Complex Ethical Dilemmas: Current Challenges
Frederic Reamer, Ph.D.
Click here for the complete 2011 and 2012 training schedule.
For more information visit www.thebridgetraininginstitute.org or email Stephen Murphy at stevem@thebridgecm.org
MA Department of Public Health Suicide Prevention Program
2011 Trainings
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health Suicide Prevention Program Workshop Calendar is available with fall trainings. More workshops will be added throughout the year. When registering, note that each event has tabs titled with information regarding the workshop. Space is limited for each workshop and fills up quickly, so register before the deadline. Click here to view the current Suicide Prevention Training Calendar.
Click here for the Transformation Center website and all the latest information and events happening throughout the mental health community.
Please send your event information to
Michelle Cormier Tallman
by the submission date for publication in DMH Connections |
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20 Years and Counting for Upcoming
National Depression Screening Day
Sites and Events Across the State
October 6 marks the 20th annual National Depression Screening Day (NDSD), an important observance to raise awareness and an opportunity for a simple screening for people to learn if they may have depression and related mood disorders. NDSD is the nation's oldest voluntary, community-based screening program that gives access to a validated screening questionnaire and provides referral information for treatment.
Since the program began in 1991, more than half a million people each year have been screened for depression. More than 2,100 organizations hosted in-person screening events across the country last year alone, helping to raise awareness about mental health and increase help-seeking by those at risk. In 2010, during September and October, a total of 50,979 community screenings were completed through the websites of participating community-based organizations; 75,563 college screenings were completed through the websites of participating schools; 6,923 workplace screenings were completed through the websites of participating organizations; and 12,055 military screenings were completed.
Thousands of organizations across the country host NDSD events including hospitals, community centers, social service agencies, government organizations, older adult, facilities, colleges and military installations. After completing a screening, participants can receive referral information to local agencies that offer further evaluation and treatment if needed.
What Is a Depression Screening like?
Attendees at free and confidential screening programs can expect the following:
- Receive educational materials on depression and other mental illnesses
- Hear an educational session on depression
- Complete a written screening test
- Discuss the results with a mental health professional
- If necessary, learn where to go for additional help
Depression screenings are available to everyone. Consider attending a depression screening if you often experience some of these key symptoms:
- A persistent sad, anxious or "empty" mood
- Sleeping too little, early morning awakening or sleeping too much
- Reduced appetite and weight loss or increased appetite and weight gain
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
- Restlessness or irritability
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Thoughts of death or suicide
It's important to remember that screenings are not a professional diagnosis. Screenings point out the presence or absence of depressive symptoms and provide a referral for further evaluation if needed. You should see your doctor or a qualified mental health professional if you experience five or more of these symptoms for longer than two weeks or if the symptoms are severe enough to interfere with your daily routine.
This year, in-person screenings are available across Massachusetts. Click your region below to find a screening near you:
 Central-West
Worcester
Northeast-Suburban
HaverhillNeedham Watertown Metro-Southeast Boston Jamaica Plain Falmouth Nantucket If you are not able to attend a screening in your area, you can take a Free Online Screening at: www.helpyourselfhelpothers.org Depression can affect anyone and any point of our lives. If you are feeling overwhelmed, depressed or unable to do the things you once enjoyed, it may be time to pause and take a moment to assess your emotional health. Also, if you are concerned about yourself or someone you love, take a few minutes to complete an anonymous self-assessment on October 6. |
Great Day, Greater Milestone with Opening of new Massachusetts Mental Health Center
 The big day is near as DMH prepares to move in to the new Massachusetts Mental Health Center (MMHC), which will open for business next month on Nov. 7. With a near 100-year history in the Longwood neighborhood, MMHC will return to its roots in two new, state-of-the-art buildings when it opens. A unique public/private partnership between DMH and Partners HealthCare/Brigham and Women's Hospital has led to the much-celebrated redevelopment of the MMHC in Boston's Longwood Medical Area. The lease agreement between the Commonwealth and Partners HealthCare/Brigham and Women's Hospital includes the redevelopment and construction of the MMHC complex at no cost to the Commonwealth.
The two buildings, one at 75 Fenwood Road and the other at 20 Vining Street, will together comprise the DMH facility. DMH Metro-Southeast Area Director Clifford Robinson praised the many individuals who worked diligently over the past 10-plus years to make this day a reality. "Especially the leadership of DMH and DCAM and our partners at Brigham and Women's Hospital," Robinson said. "And it will benefit not only the individuals who will be served by the new MMHC, but the neighborhood, the medical community and the City of Boston as well."
MMHC's clinical, training and research programs temporarily housed at the Lemuel Shattuck Hospital and the Landmark Center will reunite on one campus when the new facility opens this fall. The new main facility at 75 Fenwood Road is a six-story, 56,000-square-foot building that will provide clinical, research and administrative space. The 20 Vining Street facility, a three-story brick building, will house the Partial Hospitalization Program and the Fenwood Inn transitional shelter. Both buildings carry the prestigious Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for Healthcare silver certification, a rating system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council.
Plans for a community open house for Nov. 3 prior to MMHC's opening day are underway. Click here for a printable flyer. Click here for directions and parking information. DMH Connections will be sure to share more information about that in the weeks to come. |
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Virtual Tour: New Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital
 The new DMH Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital is on track for its scheduled opening in 2012. The 320-bed recovery center and hospital will serve adults and adolescents through an innovative design and provide a state-of-the-art environment for patients and staff.
The essential design of the building floor plan reflects stages of recovery by using familiar environments, ranging from "house" to "neighborhood" to "downtown." A secure facility, outdoor spaces relate to each living unit and the "downtown area" surrounds a central "village green" shared by all.
We invite you to take a virtual tour of this remarkable facility. Click here to visit the website for more information, to see aerial photos and view a short architectural video tour of the Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital.
The low-rise scale emphasizes the residential character of the new DMH facility and strives to minimize the stigma often attached to psychiatric facilities. Other features include:
- A state-of-the-art, high quality, safe and respectful environment for patients, promoting active rehabilitation as a key component of therapeutic care.
- Private bedrooms, soon to be required for accreditation, enhance the ability of staff to provide individualized care.
- Joining of "neighborhoods" to serve multiple units permits a richer mix of professional skills in the staff, enhancing patient treatment and recovery.
- Village green and downtown activity areas provide secure, safe recreational and rehabilitation areas for patients
DMH Connections will continue to follow the progress of the new DMH Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital. |
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Wellness Week Kickoff a Great Success
The DMH community at Tewksbury State Hospital and the northeast region of the state hosted a successful launch to National Recovery Week, the first observance of its kind. Thanks to the great work of DMH External Consumer Engagement Liaison Rob Walker, his team organized a well-attended event with special guest Lauren Spiro, M.A., Mental Health Communication Manager for the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and one of the forces behind National Wellness Week, and who helped launch the first National Wellness Week in a day-long workshop.
Commissioner Barbara Leadholm welcomed attendees and read a proclamation from Governor Patrick declaring National Wellness Week for the Commonwealth.
"We were honored and grateful to have Lauren Spiro from SAMHSA join us in Massachusetts to help us celebrate this very important awareness observance," said Commissioner Leadholm. "National Wellness Week is very special, but we must remember that health and wellness needs to be an every-day, lifelong focus."
It is a well known fact that individuals with mental illness have a shorter life expectancy. Statistics show that individuals living with mental illness die 25 years earlier than adults in the general population. This staggering fact has focused the Department's approach to more align with recovery and wellness in mind, body and spirit. Wellness incorporates all aspects of a person's life. And since every aspect of wellness impacts overall quality of life, it is important to our health as it relates to the quality and longevity of all our lives, regardless of diagnoses or other life circumstances.
Lauren Spiro is also Director of the National Coalition for Mental Health Recovery. At the Tewksbury State Hospital event, she talked about the SAMHSA 10x10 Wellness Campaign, the Eight Dimensions of Wellness and how these tools contribute to a healthy and productive life. Two other presenters with lived experience also shared their wellness story and their journey to and through recovery.
The final speaker for themorning presentation was a breath of fresh air. Dr. Elizabeth Frates, Medical Director of the Harvard Institute of Lifestyle Medicine and a wellness coach, discussed Wellness Synergy: Working toward a peaceful mind, a joyful heart and a healthy body. Dr Frates's enthusiasm and love for her work was infectious. The most impressive part of her presentation was the shining example she herself portrayed of health.
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Lauren Spiro (left) and Beth Filton share their expertise at the National Wellness Week kickoff at Tewksbury State Hospital. |
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DMH Staff Embrace Professional
Development Opportunities
Over the past few years, the Commonwealth-wide certificate programs open to all Executive branch departments and the EOHHS Center for Staff Development (CSD) open to all EOHHS employees have developed and rolled out many new opportunities for staff in their current roles to brush up on skills and learn some new ones. We are pleased to report that DMH staff have been taking full advantage of these opportunities and succeeding in increasing their professional development. Earlier this summer, 23 DMH staff were awarded certificates for completing one of three EOHHS Certificate program offerings.
 The inaugural Administrative Professional Certificate Program (APCP) Graduation was held by the EOHHS CSD in Boston at One Ashburton Place. A total of 115 graduates representing 13 agencies were presented with certificates upon completion of this professional development program. EOHHS Secretary JudyAnn Bigby, M.D., as well as Bonnie Tavares and Cindie Smey of CSD, shared words of praise and encouragement as they congratulated the graduates on their accomplishments in the APCP program. The APCP program was developed in part by a request from Commissioner Leadholm who presented the idea of a refresher course for administrative staff.
The Commonwealth Management Certificate Program (CMCP) offered current managers the opportunity to develop and enhance the skills needed to achieve their goals and lead staff to success now and into the future. During the program, they also developed and implement eda project desgined to enhance the operations of their agency.
In the Commonwealth Supervisor Certificate Program (CSCP), current supervisors who participated learned how to lead with confidence, positively affect morale, and guide agency staff to achieve mission critical goals in the face of our changing work environment. Both the CMCP and the CSCP are Commonwealth-wide certificate programs open to all Executive branch departments which includes more than 45,000 employees.
 This fall EOHHS CSD is introducing the new EOHHS Aspiring Supervisor Program (MasSP). It is an intense nine-month program that will provide an introduction to the skills necessary to be a supervisor in state service as well as an opportunity for participants to assess their interest and capacity to be a successful supervisor. The program reflects a serious commitment by EOHHS to cultivate existing talent and offer professional development opportunities for employees. CSD had initially planned to host a class of 50 participants. After they received almost 400 eligible applications, they expanded the inaugural class to 100 participants, which includes several DMH staff.
The recent graduation ceremonies were attended by a large number of family members, friends, co-workers and other supporters of the graduates. The following DMH staff completing these respective programs.
APCP DMH Graduates
Lisa Colozzo, Michelle Cormier Tallman, Jane Evans, Mali Gunaratne, Kristen Lee, Sylvia Provost, Kim Teixeira, Kathryn Tobin, Patricia Wells,Victoria Wharen
CMCP DMH Graduates
Josephine Ciardiello, Daniel P. Fisher, Katrina Gomes, George Greiner, Daniel T. Lorimer, Lynne Musto, Jennifer R. Paine
CSCP DMH Graduates
Kathryn E. Casella, Edwin Feldman Jr., Kirk Hersee, Meriel M. Marmanillo, Hector Merlin, Jennifer Navarro
We extend a hearty congratulations to all the graduates! |
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DMH Community Celebrates the 2011
Inspiring Young Adult Leaders
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DMH gives a shout out for young adult leaders recovery
at their second Certificate of Appreciation Ceremony. |
The Youth Development Committee (YDC) of the DMH State Mental Health Planning Council recently held its second annual Certificate of Appreciation Ceremony. This annual event celebrates and recognizes young adult peer leaders across the Commonwealth for their dedication, compassion, enthusiasm and leadership.
An inspiring event, the Boston Room at DMH Central Office was packed with standing room only. Commissioner Barbara Leadholm joined the many young adult leaders gathered together with the support of their supervisors, employers, family and friends for the 2nd Annual Certificate of Appreciation Ceremony.
"The energy and enthusiasm that filled the Boston Room was electrifying," said Commissioner Leadholm. "I am so proud of the young adults who have dedicated themselves to creating recovery opportunities for themselves and others. They set a great example that we can all follow."
Last year's ceremony recognized 30 young adults in peer leadership positions. This year, that number doubled as the young adult workforce has grown, expanded and diversified with the provider community offering numerous positions for young adults. About 60 young adults gathered together this past summer for the Certificate Ceremony. The young adults are employed by various agencies and programs such as S.T.E.P.S., TEMPO, YAVP, TRACS, Intensive Residential Treatment Programs, Recovery Learning Communities, clubhouses, CBFS teams, PACT programs, peer-run organizations and universities. In these programs, young adults are instrumental in numerous roles as they engage and support other young adults who have lived experience; offer encouragement and the acquisition of new skills; and most importantly, provide hope and inspiration to other young adults. Their roles include certified peer specialists, peer mentors, outreach coordinators, youth coordinators, consultants, employment specialists, advocates, project assistants, research associates and project coordinators to name a few.
 New to this year's ceremony were Special Recognitions for two individuals and their pioneering efforts on behalf of young adults within the mental health community. Matt McWade, CPS pictured left, from the Cape state-operated CBFS program,  received the "Young Adult Champion" award for his work in anchoring the Statewide Young Adult Council both locally and nationally during his time as DMH Statewide Youth Coordinator. Caroline McGrath, BSN, pictured right, Executive Director of Adolescent Services at UMass Medical School's Department of Psychiatry, received the "Young Adult Champion Employer" award for her dedication, support and employment of young adult peer mentors.
Special recognition was given to the provider community this year for their support and encouragement of young adults in their role as employers. Providers have offered a welcoming and nurturing environment to young adults, enabling their success within the employment community.
Click here to view more photos from the YDC awards event.
The YDC is a subcommittee of the DMH State Mental Health Planning Council and was established in 2002 to focus on the development of transition age programs for young adults ages 16 to 25. The YDC is comprised of young adults, parents, providers, advocates, university representatives and interagency staff. It serves as an advisory board to the Department of Mental Health Transition Age Young Adult Initiative and young adult activities.
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DMH Expands Housing
Opportunities for Consumers
By Joe Vallely
DMH Statewide Housing Specialist
 With two years into the implementation of Community Based Flexible Supports (CBFS), the Department's primary community service, it has never been clearer that recovery and resiliency requires both access to services and access to affordable housing. This past year saw an increase in the DMH Rental Subsidy Program (RSP) by $2 million--50 percent above previous funding--enabling 350 clients to secure housing. The DMH Rental Subsidy Program now serves nearly 1,300 DMH consumers with a budget of $6 million managed by our program partner the Department of Housing and Community Development.
It is important to underscore the efforts of the six DMH Housing Coordinators and the DMH Licensing staff charged with implementing their respective Area/Regional housing plans and focused on leasing units. They successfully worked with providers to locate apartments in neighborhoods with access to transportation and services; secured all the required inspections, including DMH, Local Housing Authorities and municipal public health agencies; processed the leases; identified eligible consumers; and moved them in. This was a monumental task and could not have been accomplished without perseverance, commitment and constant communication with a variety of local and state partners.
Each of the DMH Area/Regions developed housing plans that focused on generating new leased units, converting contract rents to subsidy, and stabilizing existing units that could be lost. The plans also addressed consumers' transitions from hospitals and respites, and transitions from Group Living Environments. We are now working with DMH Area staff to assess how the outcomes aremeasuring up to the initial plans.
The successful use of the DMH RSP expansion funds has confirmed the importance of rental assistance in supporting the effective implementation of CBFS. This program allows clients to enter the rental market and live in communities of their choice and in many instances in the privacy of their own one-bedroom apartment. What better outcome could there be? We are proud of the DMH housing staff statewide that build upon the services of CBFS and make recovery a reality for many individuals living with mental illness. |
Friends Organization Recognizes DMH's
Lucille Traina as "Unsung Hero"
The Friends: Voices for Rehabilitation and Recovery recently held the first of a two-part awards ceremony, a much anticipated event in the Boston area mental health community. The award recipients included Nan Donald, peer support coordinator at Advocates, who was present the Marie Balter Award; Alexis Henry of UMass Medical School/Work Without Limits, who was presented the George Brocke Spirit Award; and DMH's own Lucille Traina who was presented the Unsung Hero Award for her extraordinary work in coordinating DMH statewide initiatives.
In accepting the award, Lucille noted that she does not feel unsung. "I feel very supported by DMH and lucky to work with the best people. When I think of unsung I think of people like Jeff Morton who does all things database," Lucille said. "When I need statistics in a hurry, he's right there. That allows me to go out and talk to the PACT teams about employment. I also must give credit to the staff on our PACT teams that work long hours and really do it from the heart to find people jobs in this economy.
"So many of the peers at NAMI have taught me about recovery, patiently bringing what I think is an enlightened mental health perspective to one that is truly recovery oriented," Lucille said. "It benefits me when I know to listen and learn something from the people around me like Jeanne Nesto. She is an incredible leader and when I say in despair, wow, there is so much to do, Jeanne says 'isn't that great we have so many wonderful things to do!'
The second part of the Friends awards ceremonies will be held during Center Club's 52nd Annual Open House on Thursday, Nov. 3, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Center Club, 31 Bowker Street, Boston. The afternoon will include the awards ceremony, program tours and refreshments. The formal program begins at 2 p.m. |
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Taunton State Hospital Trustees Award 12th Annual Run for Ricky Scholarships
Taunton State Hospital Trustees and the Friends of Taunton State Hospital (TSH) recently awarded four Run for Ricky Scholarships of $750 each. The scholarships are open to hospital campus staff or family members planning to continue their studies beyond secondary education. For the first time, current TSH clients or any client discharged within the past 12 months were also eligible to apply.
The Run for Ricky Memorial was named after Rick Sylvia, a Taunton State Hospital employee who saved a youth's life one winter day 13 years ago and lost his own in the rescue. Since the inception of the Run for Ricky Scholarship program, more than $32,000 has been distributed.
Pictured are: First row: Nicole Barrie, scholarship winner; Katelyn Dupont, scholarship winner, Kerri Robbins, scholarship winner. Second row: John Brennan, TSH Board of Trustees President; Sharon Dupont, TSH staff; June Robbins, TSH Staff; Roberta Guez, TSH Chief Operating Officer |
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Photo of the Month
"Ain't No Stopping Us Now"
Commissioner Leadholm joins Metro-Southeast Area Director Cliff Robinson as organizers and performers celebrate the 2nd Annual Friends of Metro Boston Talent Show. Stay tuned for the November issue of DMH Connections for more on the amazing showcase of talented performers at the Stuart Street Theater.
Visit the DMH Connections Photo Gallery, available through Shutterfly to see more photo of the new hospital construction progress.
Visitors can access photos from DMH Events anytime at the DMH Photo Gallery on Shutterfly
www.dmhconnectionsphotogallery.shutterfly.com
New to the DMH Photo Gallery:
9-14-2011 Peer Whole Health Conference
9-27-2011 Friends of Metro Boston Talent Show!
If you have photos from a DMH event that you would like featured as photo of the month or on the site, please send them to
Michelle Cormier Tallman
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We will be posting DMH Connections on DMH's on the new improved archives page of the internet and staff intranet sites. View issues from 2008 to the Present.
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DMH Connections proudly celebrates 3 years of continuous publication! | |
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