This team convened 10 years ago to provide clinical consultation to DCF staff for youth with complex conditions. As a result, DCF and DMH developed a transitional group home to support DCF youth transitioning to adult services provided by DMH. Over time, the efforts of this team created a model of collaboration, strong relationships and more effective work together in service to DCF youth and young adults with mental health needs.


 

 

The Taunton State Hospital Department of Social Work has demonstrated a genuine and effective commitment to the principles of Community First, person-centered care and community integration between inpatient and community settings. Fully engaged and with a cooperative spirit, the Taunton social work team engages with community providers to support the transition of persons served back to their communities. With Site Community Integration Specialists, 40 individuals were reconnected with their communities with plans that were highly individualized, person-centered and family-informed--exemplifying the foundation of the Department's mission. 

 

 

Responding to every need at Taunton State Hospital, Donna has a way of working her magic most often for the patients. Long before person-centered planning care was recognized as an approach, Donna was doing her job thinking of patients first, advocating in ways that always strive to improve their quality of life. From finding the right furniture for a patient's room or a new pair of jeans, she does it with joy. Her congenial personality and tireless efforts to solve problems are what make her stand out. 

 

 

John has taken the lead in a number of initiatives for his Division, most notably a driving force in establishing the mental health courts in the Commonwealth. He was a lead in program development with the SAMHSA-funded DMH grant of the behavioral health treatment court collaborative, an innovative method of promoting behavioral health treatment for those involved in the criminal justice system. John's work in multiple training opportunities for police, first responders and clinicians across the state is respected by all. In addition to his day-to-day responsibilities, John has risen to the occasion as the lead organizer of DMH's Annual Law Enforcement and Mental Health Conference.

 

 

Throughout his 20-plus years with DMH, Kermit has been steadfast in his advocacy on behalf of the people we serve. Across his sphere of clinicians, direct care staff and administrators, family members and other stakeholders, Kermit always strived to ensure that the human rights of all individuals were protected. As HRO for DMH, Kermit also delivered a keynote address at the National Association for Rights Protection and Advocacy annual conference on the client decision making process, a great honor for him and for DMH.

 

 

Ellen is responsible for the organization, design and implementation of physical therapy services on the unit. Ellen's resourcefulness and creativity is what's behind her ability to find solutions to complex problems. She often goes the extra mile. Ellen's work on the unit's fall committee, convened to decrease the number of falls among patients, has led to her developing a fall program for the physical therapy department. 

 

 

Beatrice has been instrumental in improving the eligibility process of newly approved clients for DMH services. She is exceptionally responsible, gracious, and sensitive in her interactions with new clients. She has extensive knowledge not only about DMH services but also in the available services in the Fall River Area. Well known and well respected at Corrigan and highly regarded by provider agencies in the Fall River community, Beatrice played a vital role in the rollout and management of the Community Risk Intensive Treatment and Community Risk Management process. 

 

 

Don has given DMH many years of consistent accomplishments and excellent maintenance and support to Corrigan Mental Health Center, including the Group Homes and the Community Stabilization Program. He has a positive and creative approach to complex and urgent problems and is excellent at diagnosing and identifying the facility's repair needs. Don is reliable, positive, creative and diligent in his duties. He is a good role model and mentor and patients enjoy working with him.

 

 

Since Tom was promoted to the position of Director of Community Services in 2012, many staff transitions have occurred in his Area, and in response to the many changes, Tom's outstanding flexibility and resilience conveyed a positive, calm attitude to everyone. He is steadfast in his commitment to keep the individuals receiving services at the center of all that occurs. Tom leadership is characterized by his genuine care for others, a valuable quality for DMH and in service to others.

 

 

The recent PC and Server Refresh Initiative for all DMH locations was a very detailed and painstaking process. Although not part of Jane's day-to-day role, she assumed lead responsibility and conducted the project with sheer professionalism. Jane ensured that all privacy and confidentiality concerns were addressed, and worked with EHS IT and all DMH locations to ensure the needs of all areas were addressed. Despite several staff changes in IT and DMH, Jane was a constant leader in this effort. Her advocacy for ensuring that both servers and PCs were upgraded has increased system performance and timeliness of DMH staff performing their work.

 

 

As the new Community Integration Specialist, Mike serves as a liaison between the Central Mass. DMH community system and the Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital. Through his initiative, creativity and dedication, Michael collaborated in the successful discharges of more than 100 individuals from the hospital to the community. He easily gives family members a sense of comfort that their loved one is secure in a hospital setting and helping them prepare for the transition to the community. Through Mike's hard work, individuals who have spent decades in the hospital have been able to successfully transition to the community.

 

 

Eileen has led the planning and execution of the Area Quality Management Symposium each year for over 10 years. Not just a conference, it has become an opportunity for 150 DMH staff, providers and, most recently, individuals served to learn about emerging and best practices that are grounded in current research. It also provides a much needed opportunity to showcase various accomplishments of DMH staff and provider staff. Eileen also has been the driving force for the Area's Healthy Changes Task Force which develops and distributes health and wellness related articles, tools and information.

 

 

John has been a campus police officer for the past 12 years and always is present and nearby to lend a helping hand to clients and staff. He is credited with increasing communications between Campus Police and the clinical providers in the facility to ensure that DMH clients receive the best care possible. John's greatest attribute may be the compassion and care that he shows to individuals served. While John may not technically be part of the clinical services DMH offers, he certainly exemplifies a "person-centered approach" in his role.