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:
September 13 for the October 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. | |
Multicultural Corner
 Ed Wang, Psy.D., Director of the DMH Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMCA), talked about its many activities at a recent meeting of the DMH State Planning Council. Below are some highlights:
Community Partnerships
The MetroWest Mental Health/Substance Abuse Task Force and the Central Massachusetts Area Health Education Center have partnered to establish the Framingham Mental Health & Substance Abuse Health Disparities Project. Sara Adams, MAC/ Planning Council member is the project director. OMCA is a member of this community-based initiative seeking input directly from community members and organizations working together to eliminate the disparities in access to and utilization of mental health and substance abuse treatment programs in the Brazilian and Latino communities of Framingham Service and Standards Development
DMH was awarded one of the slots for six states in the country to participate in the first National Policy Summit on the Elimination of Disparities in Mental Health Care. The Executive Office of Health and Human Services intends to develop the Children's Behavioral Health Initiative (CBHI) Interagency Policy Agreement that supports the goal of eliminating disparities in mental health care. DMH/OMCA is the project lead of the policy initiative. CBHI agencies include the Departments of Children and Families, Mental Health, Public Health, Youth Services and MassHealth, the state's Medicaid agency.
Among the goals of the policy initiative are defining common data collection elements for race, ethnicity and language across CBHI agencies and developing the capacity to use data for service utilization. Another goal is identifying common standards for cultural and linguistic competence for all CBHI agencies to eliminate disparities.
Education and Training
OMCApartnered with the Harvard Program in Refugee Trauma, Massachusetts Behavioral Health Partnership, UMass Medical School Office of Community Programs, City of Lawrence Department of Public Health and Taunton State Hospital by providing three Area trainings on Healing the Wounds of Mass Violence: Assessment and Treatment of Refugeesand Torture Survivors.
Data and Research
Multicultural and disparities research became an integral part of the research agenda of the two DMH Research Centers of Excellence with dedicated resources. The Commonwealth Research Center was awarded a NIMH grant for a research study on Cultural Risk and Protective Factors in the Onset of Schizophrenia with the purpose of examining the relationship between socio-cultural factors and the duration of untreated psychosis. MAC member Dr. Hui Li is the grant's principal investigator.
The University of Massachusetts Medical School Center for Mental Health Research completed a Multicultural Psychiatry Needs Assessment to identify areas and resources in clinical and mental health research, education and the delivery of services. The Center is planning to submit a research proposal on the Appealing Features of Vocational Supports for Latino and non-Latino Consumers, identify common factors across employment programs (Clubhouse, Individual Placement and Support (IPS), Massachusetts Rehabilitation Center) that appeal to young adults with serious mental illness. MAC member Dr. Rosalie Torres Stone is the project lead |
DMH R-S Subcommittee Needs Consumer Involvement
The Department of Mental Health Restraint and Seclusion Elimination Subcommittee is looking to fill a number of vacancies. This Subcommittee plays a vital role in project planning, oversight and evaluation of the Department's Restraint and Seclusion Initiative. This diverse group will assure the perspective and involvement of consumers in activities of the initiative and will monitor the progress across all participating DMH facilities to assure fidelity with strength-based, recovery focused approaches. The Subcommittee also regularly reviews data and outcome information and make recommendations for improvements based on these findings.
The R-S Subcommittee currently meets in DMH Central Office at 25 Staniford Street in Boston on the fourth Friday of each month for two hours. Stipends are available.
If you are interested in becoming a member, please contact:
Brenda Peterson
Project Coordinator
DMH Central Office
25 Staniford Street
Boston, MA 021114
Office ~ 617-626-8276
E-Mail
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DMH Forensic Services Division Hosts Conferences, Presents Awards
Nearly 200 clinicians, program directors and administrators from across the state participated in the Department's 10th annual conference on Mental Illness/Problematic Sexual Behavior this summer at the University of Massachusetts Hoaglund-Pincus Conference Center in Shrewsbury. This year's theme was "Exploring Sub-Populations and Special Issues." Jill Stinson, Ph.D., sex offender treatment coordinator from Fulton State Hospital in Missouri gave a presentation on her program, one of few such in the country.
Other presentations included "Trauma and Attachment Issues for Transitional Age Youth: Implications for Assessment and Treatment" by Kevin Creeden, M.A., LMHC, Clinical Director of The Whitney Academy in East Freetown; "Autism Spectrum Disorders and Problematic Sexual Behavior" by Daniel Rothman, Ph.D., of Ellerby, Kolton, Rothman and Associates and the University of Manitoba Medical School in Winnipeg, Canada; and "Shifting Towards Prevention" by Joan Tabachnick, M.B.A., of DSM Consulting.
The past several years have marked an increasing awareness of problematic sexual behavior in persons with serious mental illness and related disorders. This year's conference served to highlight the increasing degree of sophistication that has developed in assessment and treatment.
2010 Forensic Service Recognition Awards
Also this summer, DMH Forensic Services held its annual in-service training at the Hoaglund-Pincus Conference Center in Shrewsbury. The topic of this year's training day was "Strategies for Diversion from Legal Processing." Keynote speaker Henry Steadman, Ph.D., of Policy Research Associates, Delmar, NY, delivered a presentation entitled "Diversion from Criminal Processing and Persons in Need of DMH Services."
Dr. Steadman is a nationally renowned researcher of a variety of issues at the intersection of the mental health and criminal justice systems. His talk featured information from several mental health court programs across the country. Other presentations focused on pre-arrest (also known as "jail diversion") programs in Massachusetts, juvenile detention alternatives, risk assessment and special initiatives aimed at veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder. In all, the topics represented a variety of creative approaches designed to reduce the number of persons with serious mental illness entering the criminal justice system.
The event also featured the 2010 Forensic Awards in Recognition of Service to the Commonwealth. This year's honorees were:
Thomas Ransom, B.A. - Certificate of Appreciation
Charles Powers, Jr., Ph.D. -Richard Barnum Distinguished Service Award
Laura Guy, Ph.D. - Early Career Achievement Award
Noami Leavitt, Ph.D. - Robert Fein Distinguished Service Award |
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Conferences and Events
September 7
Developing Meaningful Employment and Careers for Persons with Psychiatric Disabilities
4:30 to 6 p.m. Boston University, 775 Commonwealth Avenue
George Sherman Union, Terrace Lounge The Massachusetts Chapter of the United States Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association and The Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation
are sponsoring an Informal talk with Elisabeth Sanders-Park, Founder of Work Net Solutions and Author of "No One Unemployable" Free Informational Networking Opportunity. For further information call Mary C. Gregorio at 617-788-1002
September 24
OLWEUS BULLYING PREVENTION PROGRAM: An Introduction for Schools and Parents and the Community
Registration: 8:30 a.m. Conference: 9 a.m. to 12 noon
Clarion Hotel & Conference Center, One Atwood Drive, Northampton, MA. Cost: No charge Sponsored by The DMH Central-West Area Child & Adolescent Division
October 6
"Celebrating Heroes: A Community Recognition Event"
1 to 4 p.m. at the Framingham Town Hall, 150 Concord Street, Framingham.The Metro Suburban Peer Leadership Committee will host its second annual event. Individuals from the former Metro Suburban Area will be recognized for improving the quality of life for people who are in recovery from mental illness. For more information or to get involved, please contact the Metro Suburban Recovery Learning Community at (617) 472-3237 X304 Click here for a printable event flyer
October 7
Joyce Cooling Jazz Concert
two shows at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m . Scullers Jazz Club 400 Soldiers Field Rd (at the Doubletree Guest Suites) Boston, MA 02134 tel and box office: 617-562-4111 Help Support NAMI & Joyce Cooling. Joyce is a contemporary jazz musician (guitarist, vocalist, song writer) and NAMI advocate based in San Francisco. www.joycecooling.com
November 14
The Boston Resource Center remembrance gathering for past President Karl Ackerman
10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The Boston Resource Center, Ground Floor, 85 E. Newton Street, Boston Click here for more information available on the MAMI GBCAN website
October 15
Rock Into Recovery
6 to 10 p.m.
Sons of Italy 1349, 19 Prentiss Road, Arlington
Free Admission, food
cash bar and speakers
Real Recovery and
The Magic of Live Music
Join Together to Celebrate
All of the Successful Work
by Peers, Professionals,
Friends & Family
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Upcoming Trainings offered by The Bridge Training Institute
October 15, 2010
Understanding and Treating Individuals with Multiple Self Harm Behaviors
Barent Walsh, Ph.D.
November 5, 2010
Using Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills in Non-DBT Treatment Settings
Jennifer Eaton, M.S.
December 10, 2010
Treating Attention Deficit Disorder From Adolescence Through Adulthood
Kevin Murphy, Ph.D.
January 28, 2011
Eating Disorders: Practical Considerations in Diagnosis, Assessment and
Treatment of Children, Adolescents, Adults and Families
Mona Villapiano, Psy.D.
All trainings run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will be held at
The Doubletree Hotel, 5400 Computer Drive, Westborough, MA
Fee: $109 per training
6 CEUs for Psychologists, Social Workers and Mental Heath Counselors will be provided.
For more information, contact Stephen Murphy 508-755-0333 stevem@thebridgecm.org or visit www.thebridgetraininginstitute.org
Upcoming Trainings offered by Riverside Community Care
October 15, 2010
8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Boston Marriott Newton
2345 Commonwealth Ave.
(Route 30), Newton MA
The Riverside Trauma Center invites mental health clinicians, school counseling staff, educators, public health professionals and others interested in suicide prevention. For further information or to be put on our mailing list, contact: bsuttle@riversidecc.org Click here for a pdf link to registration form.
October 16, 2010
Riverside's 4th Annual Heart & Soul Blue Jean Ball
LET'S GET FUNKY!
6:30 p.m. to midnight
Massachusetts Horticultural Society, Elm Bank, Wellesley, MA
Featuring legendary R&B Performer Mighty Sam McClain, this year's fundraising event is one not to miss!
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Upcoming Trainings offered by Mass General Hospital Department of Psychiatry
October 15 - October 17, 2010
Psychopharmacology 2010 Media Type: Tuition Course
October 30, 2010 Management of Alcohol and other Substance Use Among Adolescents and Young Adults (Transitional Aged Youth) Media Type: Live Symposia
Click here to register or
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New Content on the DMH Website
As the Department continues to evolve so does the DMH website and staff intranet site. We will regularly provide staff and stakeholders with changes and additions to our online content 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:
In the Contact Information block in the middle of the left column
The "DMH Directory" pages continue to be updated as needed. |
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| Last Steel Beam Placed on
New DMH Hospital
"Topping Off" Ceremony is Halfway Point of Completion
 Governor Deval L. Patrick and Lieutenant Governor Timothy P. Murray joined several hundred building and trades workers as well as Division of Capital Asset Management (DCAM) and DMH staff and stakeholders as workers placed the final steel beam on the new DMH hospital at Worcester last month. Known as the "topping off," the ceremony marked a major milestone in the construction of the 320-bed state-of-the-art facility.
The topping off signals the halfway mark toward completion of the new DMH hospital which is scheduled for the Spring of 2012. The new DMH hospital is an efficient and green complex and its design is focused on recovery.
"This state of the art facility will help foster recovery and rehabilitation for people with mental illness," Governor Patrick said. "We thank the hundreds of construction professionals and supporters of this project for all that they have put into creating this extraordinary facility. The impact of their work will help improve the lives of countless individuals and families for generations."
Also speaking at the event were Lt. Governor Murray, Sen. Harriette Chandler, Rep. Vincent Pedone and Laura Myers, Director of Family Engagement at the University of Massachusetts Medical School Department of Psychiatry and a parent of a former DMH youth.
The new DMH hospital is funded by General Obligation bonds provided through the Legislature and authorized by Governor Patrick in 2007. The project has been designed to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) gold certification. The construction project is being managed by the Division of Capital Asset Management (DCAM) and is under construction by Gilbane, Inc.
"This is a milestone that the Commonwealth has not seen in more than 100 years," said Commissioner Barbara Leadholm. "Credit must go to DCAM and our many partners and hundreds of stakeholders who have invested their time, energy and expertise to ensure that the new DMH hospital is the best in the country for the adults, adolescents and families who every day face the great challenge of mental illness and who rely on us to help them on the road to recovery."
The project is at 40 percent completion, including sitework, demolition, installation of concrete foundations and floors, waterproofing and the placement of the last structural steel beam.
Click here to view more phtotos Of the ceremony in the DMH Photo Gallery.  Governor Deval L. Patrick speaks at the "Topping Off" Ceremony for the new DMH hospital in Worcester. |
Reflections on the New DMH Hospital: The Past Meets the Future
By Gordon Harper, M.D.
Medical Director
DMH Child/Adolescent Division
Dr. Harper was one of the many staff and stakeholders who attended last month's "topping off" ceremony at the new DMH hospital construction site. Here he shares some reflections of the event and the new era in mental health care the hospital will create.
As the Governor and the other speakers emphasized, the "topping-off" of the new DMH hospital symbolizes concretely the continuing commitment of the Commonwealth to the care of those unable to care for themselves. Along with that continuity, there is an important difference to be noticed between 1833 when the first public mental hospital was built and 2010. The difference is in the ideas that guide such care. The location of the original Worcester State Hospital, "out in the country" and far from the cities, reflected ideas about what caused mental illness (lunacy, they called it then) and what would help. The stresses of urban life were thought to play a large part in bringing people down. A bucolic setting and humane care were at the heart of what treatment could be offered. Treatment usually meant long-term treatment. While the new DMH hospital is located on the same campus as the country's first public psychiatric hospital, its siting reflects very different ideas of mental illness. The DMH hospital shares its campus with the University of Massachusetts Medical School, benefiting from the close alliance today of public mental health and academic psychiatry. And its closeness to the educational, vocational and recreational resources of the city of Worcester reflects our commitment to recovery and our belief that recovery will be advanced when people can use all those resources--not when they are far away from them. Continuity, yes, but a big difference, too. |
DMH Issues Shared Decision Making White Paper
"First Steps and Beyond: Incorporating Shared Decision Making in Massachusetts Mental Health Services" is a new white paper issued by the Department of Mental Health. You can find this publication on the DMH Internet under Publications & Reports.
This white paper had its beginnings in a shared decision making (SDM) policy summit sponsored last summer by Consumer Quality Initiatives (CQI) and DMH. More than 100 members of the mental health community stakeholder groups attended, watched the plenary presentations and participated in afternoon breakout groups. Jonathan Delman, Executive Director of CQI and a recipient of the Robert Wood Johnson Community Health Leadership Award, and Dr. Mary Ellen Foti, DMH Deputy Commissioner for Clinical and Professional Services, collaborated in creating this day-long event designed to discuss and discover the critical components of shared decision making.
The white paper describes the practice of SDM and makes recommendations for a statewide approach to its implementation. SDM, a process in which a provider and a client act as equal partners to arrive at a treatment decision, is a basic element of person-centered care, the process of informed consent and recovery-oriented services. Recent studies have documented that the majority of people with psychiatric illnesses want to actively participate in treatment decision making and are capable of doing so.
While summit participants agreed that SDM should be standard in health services delivery, it was noted that SDM is not commonly seen in practice and that there are significant barriers to its routine incorporation.
Recommendations for overcoming barriers and implementing a statewide approach are outlined in the paper. These include:
- Policy leaders communicate that SDM is critical to high quality care
- Stakeholders establish a SDM task force
- A SDM website is created for Massachusetts
- A series of stakeholder needs assessments is conducted
- A workforce training strategy is produced
- The role of the peer specialist in providing decision support is established
- The risk and liability concerns related to SDM are delineated and addressed
- Racial/ethnic factors related to SDM are studied and incorporated in planning processes
The release of this white paper positions Massachusetts as a leader in person-centered mental health care and allows SDM to become an official part of Massachusetts mental health policy. Integrating SDM into standard mental health care practice gives greater hope and possibility for resilient recovery. "Shared decision making is the bedrock of quality healthcare delivery," said Dr. Foti.
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DMH Community Celebrates Inspiring Young Adult Peer Leaders
The Youth Development Committee (YDC) of the DMH State Mental Health Planning Council recently held its first annual Certificate of Appreciation Ceremony to recognize young adult peer leaders across the Commonwealth. It was an inspiring gathering of many young adult peers who came together from a diverse array of organizations and celebrated by the DMH community. Many supervisors and staff also attended to show their respect and admiration for the accomplishments of the young adults. These individuals work tirelessly as supporters, advocates and role models for the recovery community and put a great deal of their energy and time into their work to help others. They play a unique and influential role in reaching out to other young adults by connecting and relating to their struggles and accomplishments.
At the ceremony, many of the young adults said that they felt very gratified and honored that people took time out of their busy schedules to be part of the awards ceremony. The certificates are a tangible symbol of accomplishment and pride in a job well done. One attendee remarked that it was a privilege to witness the commitment and enthusiasm of these young leaders and wonderful to know that these young people will be the future of the Peer movement.
Thirty-five young adults were recognized for their contributions to the young adult mental health community. They are employed by various agencies and programs across the state such as Recovery Learning Communities, clubhouses, young adult programs, Intensive Residential Treatment Programs, peer-run organizations and universities to name a few. These young adults are employed as peer mentors, parent peer mentors, young adult coordinators, research associates, project associates, peer leaders, peer support workers, consultants, peer specialists and recovery specialists.
Approximately 20 of the honored young adults were in attendance for the ceremony and received their Certificate of Appreciation from Joan Mikula, Assistant Commissioner for Child/Adolescent Services for DMH.
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 adult co-chairs, 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 has focused the past few years on young adult employment by developing young adult peer mentors and young adult peer leaders throughout the state.
Congratulations to DMH young adult peer leaders! Back Row: Aaron Everette, Brian Montigny, Dan Sullivan, Amanda Martinez Middle Row: Jennifer Whitney, Sarah Butterfield, Emma Killion, Michael Carvalho, Susan Keiley, Susan Blamy, Alicia Nezzaro, Megan Biela, Front Row: Kate-lyn Lodi, Jonathan Bowen-Leopold, Nadia Ackerman, Lori Gaskin, Isabelle Simil, Amy Manion, Jackie Edwards
Click here to view the Youth Development Committee poster which includes this photo. |
Restraint and Seclusion Practices Survey Reveals Positive Momentum for New Initiative
By Janice Lebel, Ed.D., Amy Kershaw and Bob Wentworth
The Massachusetts Interagency Restraint and Seclusion Prevention Initiative is a cross-secretariat effort organized to bring parents, providers and policymakers together to reduce and prevent the use of coercive treatments in child-serving settings across the Commonwealth. A key element of the initiative is compiling and analyzing data on current practices related to the use of restraint and seclusion across the state. During this past June, the Initiative partners conducted a survey of congregate care providers to:
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Establish a baseline understanding of current restraint and seclusion practices;
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Determine "starting point" for impact of the multi-year initiative; and
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Identify needed supports and successful strategies for helping programs reduce/prevent the use of restraint and seclusion in congregate care settings and public/private schools.
Nearly 250 congregate care providers including residential schools, intensive and residential treatment programs, group homes and independent living programs participated in the survey. This represents a response rate of approximately 60 percent. Although a final report of the survey findings will not be available until the fall, a preliminary analysis shows many areas of strength and forward thinking by providers. For the purpose of the survey, Restraint was defined as "involuntary (e.g., "hands-on") physical management practices" and Seclusion was defined as "involuntary isolation practices."
Highlights from the survey include:
- Standing and floor (prone) restraints were reported as the mostly commonly used type of restraint, followed closely by physical escort.
- 85 percent of providers reported that they believe restraint should only be used to prevent injury to a child or others.
- More than 90 percent of respondents are currently implementing or have already implemented a restraint or seclusion prevention/reduction strategy within their agency, including:
~ Providing professional development and training for staff
~ Instituting new written policies and goals
~ Adopting a new curriculum or "model of care"
~ Gathering and analyzing data to improve performance
~ Forming a site or agency level committee
- Providers identified the following strategies as most helpful in preventing or reducing the use of restraint and seclusion with children in their care: staff training, reducing staff turnover and increasing supervision.
- Survey responses indicated that many providers could use more help in effectively engaging parents/guardians and youth from their program in their current prevention and reduction efforts: approximately 35% include youth, while only 23% include parents/guardians
Findings from the survey will be used to inform the direction and needs of the initiative as it moves into its second year. A second survey of public and private day schools is planned for the 2010-2011 school year with a similar purpose of establishing a baseline understanding of current practices within schools. More information about the Massachusetts Interagency Restraint and Seclusion Prevention Initiative can be found on the Initiatives page of the DCF website www.mass.gov/dcf or on the DMH website www.mass.gov/dmh |
Friends of Metro Boston Discover
"We've Got Talent"
The Friends of Metro Boston held its first talent show last month, showcasing the many talents of 28 consumers from across DMH programs at Fuller, Shattuck, Center Club, Vinfen, North Suffolk, Bay Cove and Atlantic House in Quincy. Nearly 200 people packed the Fuller auditorium for the event, organized by four Friends summer interns Sam Grant, Michael McDonald, Brian Russell and Cameron Zirpolo. The performers worked with conductor Jens Rybo from Tunefoolery to audition and practice for the show.
Appropriately titled "We've Got Talent," Wes Butler's rendition of The National Anthem got the crowd ready for a exciting show. With all types of performances, from juggling to a humorous song called "I'm My Own Grandpa" to the energetic break dancing of Malik Wright Hopkins, the audience was truly entertained. Bonnie Barish performed her own piano composition titled "Searching for the Unknown" as her fingers effortlessly glided across her keyboard.
Two singers who could be contenders for the popular television show America's Got Talent were Shedrick Galvin who performed John Legend's "Ordinary People" and Wes Butler who performed Luther Vandross's "Dance with My Father." Both powerful performances brought the audience to their feet and some to tears. The audience glowed in light and song as they were given light sticks and joined in a sing along of "We Are the World." Click here to watch highlights from the performance.
The event was followed by a barbecue also sponsored by the Friends of Metro Boston. In this time of limited resources, the Friends of Metro Boston have found creative ways to engage DMH clients throughout the year. The organization sponsors events for consumers year round including the summer softball league, winter basketball games, and a holiday giving event in which members of the Friends make 150 gift bags filled with necessary items for people in local rooming houses. The Friends of Metro Boston also receive donations from the private sector including special support from Vinfen.
Friends Vice President Jim Duane has volunteered for 22 years and spearheads keeping the sports leagues running. He is the umpire for the softball games and the referee for the basketball games. Friends President Tom Speropolos has volunteered for 25 years and generously donates the supplies for the holiday gift bags.
Metro-Southeast Area Director Cliff Robinson pictured below with contestant Malik Wright Hopkins was very impressed with the talent he saw and said that this could be the start of an annual event.
Click here to view video highlights from the show on Shutterfly. |
from the DMH State Medical Director
Flu Season and Vaccination: CDC now recommends universal influenza vaccination for all persons 6 months of age and older
Mary Ellen Foti, M.D.
Deputy Commissioner of Clinical and Professional Services
DMH State Medical Director
There have already been reported cases of influenza within the United States and we are rapidly approaching flu season. As we all know from last year, influenza can be unpredictable and may have significant health consequences. The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices' (ACIP) are now recommending universal influenza vaccination for all persons 6 months of age and older. Their specific recommendations include the following:
1. Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 months of age an older.
2. It is especially important to ensure that people at increased risk for complication from influenza, and their caregivers and household contacts, receive the vaccine. These groups include:
A. People at Increased Risk for Influenza-Related Complications:
All children 6 months through 4 years of age. All persons > 50 years of age. People 6 months - 18 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy. Women who will be pregnant during influenza season and postpartum women. People > 6 months of age who have: · Chronic pulmonary (including asthma), cardiovascular (except hypertension), renal, hepatic, neurological, hematologic, or metabolic disorders, including diabetes;
· Immunosuppression (including immunosuppression caused by medications or HIV);
· Any condition (e.g., cognitive dysfunction, spinal cord injuries, seizure disorders, or other neuromuscular disorders) that can compromise respiratory function or the handling of respiratory secretions or that can increase the risk of aspiration.
· Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities.
American Indians/Alaska Natives (New) People who are morbidly obese (BMI > 40) (New)
B. Persons Who Can Transmit Influenza to Persons at High Risk:
Health care personnel, employees of assisted living facilities, people who provide home care to persons at risk, medical emergency response workers, and students in these professions. Household contacts (including children) and caregivers of children aged < 5 years and adults > 50 years of age, and of persons with medical conditions that put them at higher risk for severe complications from influenza.
C. Persons at increased risk of exposure to influenza:
Persons who provide essential community services. Students and other persons in institutional settings (e.g., dormitories). Certain travelers.
How do these recommendations affect you:
Medical Providers should offer flu vaccine at any opportunity and for every patient. Vaccination efforts should begin as soon as vaccine is available and continue throughout the influenza season. Studies show that your recommendation makes the difference in convincing patients to seek influenza vaccination.
DMH staff and Providers should encourage their staff and the consumers to seek out flu vaccination from their medical providers or through local flu clinics
Consumers should seek out vaccination at their medical providers or local flu clinics
There may be some concern that the flu vaccine is dangerous. This year's flu vaccine is made in the same way as past flu vaccines. An average of 100 million doses of influenza vaccine have been used in the United States each year, and flu vaccines have an excellent safety record. Vaccination continues to be the best protection against influenza, and we all will have a healthier community through vaccination.
You can access further free information and resources such as patient education handouts, posters, copies of the vaccine information statement (VIS), and updated flu information at www.cdc.gov/flu and www.flu.gov. |
DMH Photo Gallery
DMH Connections introduces the DMH Photo Gallery, now available through Shutterfly. Visitors can access photos from DMH Events anytime at www.dmhconnectionsphotogallery.shutterfly.com
New this Month to the Gallery
- Construction photos of the new DMH hospital
- Photos from the "Topping Off Ceremony"
- Video Highlights from the Friends of Metro Boston "We've Got Talent" show
If you have photos from a DMH event that you would like featured on the site, please send them to Michelle Cormier. |
Articles of Interest
With art, students express unspeakable anxieties
Jane Wu, Boston Globe
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We will be posting DMH Connections on DMH's intranet site | |
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