Mental Health Archives | Page 3 of 3

Hamilton Center Developing Addictions Workforce

Awarded $20,000 from State Opioid Response Grant

Hamilton Center, Inc. has received a grant from the Indiana Division of Mental Health and Addictions (DMHA) that will allow the organization to offer four paid summer internships to graduate level students in the field of behavioral health. In 2018, DMHA was awarded the State Opioid Response Grant (SOR), a federal relief grant, to address needs related to the opioid epidemic. One of the primary areas of need identified is a shortage of qualified addictions providers within the state. As such, Indiana is dedicating SOR funds to assist Community Mental Health Centers (CMHC) with adding or expanding their addiction workforce through stipends for addiction interns. As summer semester interns, students will learn valuable clinical skills and gain experience in addictions services and programs. At the completion of the internship the students will be awarded a $5,000 stipend, which can cover tuition, housing, and basic living expenses.

Internship locations are targeted for Mental Health Professional Shortage Areas (MHPSA), as identified by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Hamilton Center currently serves 10 counties in west central Indiana and seven of the ten counties are classified as MHPSA including Greene, Owen, Parke, Putnam, Sullivan, Vermillion, and Hendricks Counties. The overall purpose of this State initiative is to increase the number of licensed clinicians in our state by 10% over the next year with the addition of 50 individuals enrolling in an addiction internships.

Hamilton Center was the first certified site for The Matrix Model in the State of Indiana in early 2018, one of only 17 sites in the United States. This certification assures Hamilton Center referral sources, and the State, that the Matrix treatment program is delivered with fidelity. The Matrix Model is a style of treatment designed to aid in recovery from stimulant substances like methamphetamine and cocaine. The method was created in the 1980s and has seen widespread success. The ability of the Matrix Model to bring together the most effective facets from the most effective styles makes it a successful treatment type for people new to recovery, as well as those who have not found success previously.

Hamilton Center is a regional behavioral health system in Central and West Central Indiana with corporate offices located in Terre Haute, IN. Services are provided to children, youth and adults, with specialized programs for expectant mothers, infants, and people who may be struggling with stress, life changes, or relationship issues as well as more serious problems such as depression, anxiety disorders, and serious mental illnesses.

For information on Hamilton Center Services call (800) 742-0787.

WESTERN INDIANA RECOVERY SERVICES ACHIEVES BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE

Terre Haute, IN – Western Indiana Recovery Services (WIRS), an opioid treatment program of Hamilton Center, today announced it has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval^® for Behavioral Health Care Accreditation by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. The Gold Seal of Approval^®is a symbol of quality that reflects an organization’s commitment to providing safe and effective care.

Western Indiana Recovery Services underwent a rigorous onsite survey on November 15^th and 16^th of 2018. During the review, compliance with behavioral health care standards related to several areas, including care, treatment, and services; environment of care; leadership; and screening procedures for the early detection of imminent harm was evaluated. Onsite observations and interviews also were conducted.

Established in 1969, The Joint Commission’s Behavioral Health Care Accreditation Program currently accredits more than 2,250 organizations for a three-year period. Accredited organizations provide treatment and services within a variety of settings across the care continuum for individuals who have mental health, addiction, eating disorder, intellectual/developmental disability, and/or child-welfare related needs.

“Joint Commission accreditation provides behavioral health care organizations with the processes needed to improve in a variety of areas related to the care of individuals and their families,” said Julia Finken, RN, BSN, MBA, CSSBB, CPHQ, executive director, Behavioral Health Care Accreditation Program, The Joint Commission. “We commend Western Indiana Recovery Services for its efforts to elevate the standard of care it provides and to instill confidence in the community it serves.

“Western Indiana Recovery Services is pleased to receive Behavioral Health Care Accreditation from The Joint Commission, the premier health care quality improvement and accrediting body in the nation,” added Michelle Baker, PhD, Executive Director of Quality and Compliance at Hamilton Center, Inc. “Staff from across the organization continue to work together to develop and implement approaches and strategies that have the potential to improve care for those in our community.”

The Joint Commission’s behavioral health care standards are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, quality improvement measurement experts, and individuals and their families. The standards are informed by scientific literature and expert consensus to help organizations measure, assess and improve performance.

“Western Indiana Recovery Services and Hamilton Center are committed to delivering excellence in behavioral health services,” said Melvin L Burks, CEO of Hamilton Center, Inc. “In completing this rigorous survey and accomplishing these standards of care we demonstrate the highest quality care for our consumers.”

WIRS is a certified opioid treatment program of Hamilton Center, Inc., a regional behavioral health system in Central and West Central Indiana. The program offers medication assisted treatment (MAT), group and individual therapy, and case management. Indiana Medicaid and self-pay options are available with no referral necessary. Western Indiana Recovery Services provides hope, help, and recovery for those suffering from opioid use disorder.

For information on Western Indiana Recovery Services, call (833) 232-0215 or (812) 231-8484.

Founded in 1951, The Joint Commission seeks to continuously improve health care for the public, in collaboration with other stakeholders, by evaluating health care organizations and inspiring them to excel in providing safe and effective care of the highest quality and value. The Joint Commission accredits and certifies more than 21,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States. An independent, nonprofit organization, The Joint Commission is the nation’s oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in health care. Learn more about The Joint Commission at www.jointcommission.org.

Knox & Hendricks Selected for OTP’s

State Awards Licenses to Hamilton Center, Inc.

On Wednesday January 23^rd, at Hamilton Center, Inc. in Terre Haute, IN, CEO Melvin L Burks was joined by Kevin Moore, Director of the Department of Mental Health and Addictions (DMHA), to announce the State of Indiana has awarded Hamilton Center two additional licenses to open opioid treatment programs (OTP) in both Hendricks and Knox Counties. These programs are the first of their kind in their areas, and will offer medical and behavioral interventions to those with opioid use disorder (OUD). Community members and local media from Hendricks, Knox, and Vigo Counties attended the event. The new clinics will be modeled after Western Indiana Recovery Services, an opioid treatment program of Hamilton Center that opened in May of 2018, located in Vigo County.

Hamilton Center applied for both licenses in August of 2018 and was notified in November of 2018 of their selection by the state. These clinics will open on or before December 31^st of 2019 offering medication assisted treatment (MAT) in the form of methadone, group and individual therapy, and case management services. Locations have not yet been identified, however referring organizations have been contacted for feedback and recommendations. Once a site has been selected, Hamilton Center will begin the rigorous process of achieving certification through various state and federal agencies including the State of Indiana, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and The Joint Commission (TJC).

Hamilton Center partnered with Sagamore Medical Recovery Services to open Western Indiana Recovery Services in 2018, the first OTP of its kind in Vigo County. The program delivers daily medical and behavioral interventions to those with opioid use disorder. Sagamore physicians and medical staff deliver medical services which include medication assisted treatment in the form of methadone, while Hamilton Center delivers behavioral interventions, including group and individual therapy, and case management. Medication assisted treatment is associated with a decrease in the spread of HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C, a decrease in criminality, and an increase in employability and overall functioning.

Opioids are a class of drugs that work to block pain receptors giving the user a feeling of calmness and happiness. Use of prescribed and illegal forms of opioids can lead to opioid dependency and opioid use disorder (OUD) after just a few days of regular use. Consequently opioid overdoses are a growing trend in the United States. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) found that more than 130 people die every day from an opioid overdose, while the National Safety Council found opioid overdose deaths to be more common than deaths involving motor vehicles. Furthermore, the cost of prescription opioid abuse alone is over $78.5 billion in the US annually, which has led to increased health care costs across the country.

Indiana has had its own unique struggle with opioids. With roughly 1,138 opioid related overdose deaths in 2017 alone, as reported by the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDOH), Indiana Business Review reports an estimated cost of economic damages related to the opioid epidemic to be $43.3 billion dollars from 2003 through 2017.

Hamilton Center, Inc. is a regional behavioral health system in Central and West Central Indiana. Services are provided to children, adolescents and adults, with specialized programs for expectant mothers, infants, and people with drug and alcohol problems. Counseling services are provided for people who may be struggling with stress, life changes, or relationship issues as well as more serious problems such as depression, anxiety disorders, and serious mental illnesses.

Sagamore Medical Recovery Services, LLC, was formed in 2016 by Christian Shaw, MD, PhD, and his partners. Dr. Shaw is a leader in the field and has worked to develop the most successful, innovative and respected methadone based opioid treatment program in New Mexico.

Western Indiana Recovery Services Announces New Director

Hamilton Center, Inc. welcomes Natasha Newcomb, MSW, LCSW, Acting Director of Western Indiana Recovery Services located at 88 Wabash Court, behind the Vigo County Courthouse, in Terre Haute, IN.

Natasha acquired a Bachelor of Social Work and a Master of Social Work from Indiana State University. She has extensive experience in the mental health field, holding positions which include Case Manager, Social Service Director, and Therapist. Prior to this recent promotion, Natasha worked as a Therapist on Hamilton Center’s Inpatient Unit where she assisted with crisis management, client advocacy, treatment planning, and addictions treatment.

“Working in mental health has been my passion since age 17. I’m excited for this new opportunity and the possibly to serve more consumers on a broader level” said Newcomb.

WIRS is a certified opioid treatment program of Hamilton Center, Inc., a regional behavioral health system in Central and West Central Indiana. The program offers medication assisted treatment (MAT), group and individual therapy, and case management. Indiana Medicaid and self-pay options are available with no referral necessary. Western Indiana Recovery Services is here to help those suffering from opioid use disorder regain something lost to addiction.

For information on Western Indiana Recovery Services, call (833) 232-0215 or (812) 231-8484.

Western Indiana Recovery Services Recognizes September as National Recovery Month

Regain something lost.

Western Indiana Recovery Services (WIRS) and board of directors of Hamilton Center, Inc. want the community to understand there is life to be lived after addiction. WIRS seeks to spread awareness of September as National Recovery Month, now in its 29^th year of national recognition. Its purpose is to highlight the achievements of individuals who have regained their lives through recovery from addiction and/or mental illness.

For some, recovery is regaining the things lost to addiction, like relationships, employment, or self-worth. For others, recovery can be simply learning to recognize and identify the moments that a person needs support, and learning to take the necessary steps to get help. By understanding addiction as a lifelong journey, with ups and downs, it allows individuals involved in the recovery process to keep an open mind to the many different types of treatments. “Recovery is finding the path that’s best for you,” said Jessica Nevill, Clinical Director of WIRS. “There’s no prescription for what will work for any individual; only that they don’t give up,” she said.

Western Indiana Recovery Services, a state licensed opioid treatment program of Hamilton Center, reaffirms to those suffering that recovery is possible by identifying addiction as a physiological and physical illness and promoting individualized treatment. WIRS combines medication assisted treatment (methadone) with individual, group therapy, and case management services to provide comprehensive opioid use disorder treatment. “The opioid crisis is ravaging our community,” said Melvin L. Burks, Hamilton Center’s CEO. “We believe for some, that medication assisted treatment provides the best possibility for long term recovery from opioid use,” he said.

WIRS is a program of Hamilton Center, Inc., a regional behavioral health system in Central and West Central Indiana. Hamilton Center provides services to children, adolescents and adults, with specialized programs for expectant mothers, infants, and people with drug and alcohol problems. Counseling services are provided for people who may be struggling with stress, life changes, or relationship issues as well as more serious problems such as depression, anxiety disorders, and other serious mental illnesses.

For information on Hamilton Center Services call (800) 742-0787.

For information on Western Indiana Recovery Services, call (833) 232-0215 or (812) 231-8484.

Hamilton Center Hosts International Overdose Awareness Day by Releasing 115 Butterflies

Terre Haute – Hamilton Center, Inc. will host an event to recognize International Overdose Awareness Day on Friday, August 31^st at Western Indiana Recovery Services (WIRS) located at 88 Wabash Court, Terre Haute, behind the Courthouse. With the help of community members and those affected by addiction, 115 butterflies will be released in recognition of the 115 people who overdose from opioids every day in our country.

Hamilton Center invites community members, and those affected by addiction, to join us as we recognize the significance of the day and celebrate the start of September as Recovery Month. We hope for your presence in creating an environment where those affected by addiction can come together to recognize they are not alone, and this disease does not discriminate.

The event begins at 5:00 PM; the butterfly release will begin at 5:15 PM.

After the conclusion of the butterfly release there will be refreshments inside and tours of the WIRS Building.

Hamilton Center, Inc. is a regional behavioral health system in Central and West Central Indiana. Services are provided to adolescents and adults, with specialized programs for expectant mothers, infants, and people with drug and alcohol problems. Counseling services are provided for people who may be struggling with stress, life changes, or relationship issues as well as more serious problems such as depression, anxiety disorders, and serious mental illnesses.

OTPs, Mental Health, and the Opioid Crisis

By: Jessica Nevill, LMHC, Clinical Director, Western Indiana Recovery Services

Opioid use has been the focus of a great deal of national attention recently, with good reason. According to the National Behavioral Council, Americans consume 80% of the opioid prescriptions given worldwide. On average 44 people die per day in the United States from overdoses on pain killers according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As a result, America is now in an opioid crisis. There is a growing numbers of individuals dying daily from overdose as well as increased criminal activity and increased HIV/AIDS rates.

Opioids have been prescribed in the United States to help individuals who are experiencing pain. These medications are effective at blocking the pain and providing relief. This is done by impacting the “reward pathway” which allows the person using the opioid to experience pleasure and an overall state of well-being. When used repeatedly over large periods of time, however, the person can build a tolerance to the medication which does not allow them to experience the same levels of well-being that they experienced before. This results in individuals taking more and more of the medication to get the same desired results.

So how does this result in an opioid crisis? When individuals need more and more medication to reach desired amounts of relief, they will use medication faster than prescribed. This can result in individuals seeking alternatives ways of getting pain medicine as their bodies have become dependent. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reported that over half of individuals who abused pain killers received them for free or from a relative. Once these individuals are no longer willing or able to provide this medication individuals often turn to other methods for achieving the same effects such as buying medication illegally or beginning the use of heroin which is also an opioid. Once individuals begin using illegal methods to maintain an opioid dependence they are then at higher risks for HIV and AIDS as well as incarceration, separation from family, and loss of employment.

Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs) are working to tackle the opioid crisis. Opioid treatment programs provide individuals with medication such as methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone to help them discontinue the use of illicit substances. Methadone activates the same parts of the brain other opioids do. Buprenorphine activates the same parts of the brain but without the rewarding effects. Naltrexone blocks the part of the brain that opioids activate and removes rewarding effects. Research shows that methadone and buprenorphine, when prescribed by a physician and closely monitored, are the most effective treatment methods for opioid use disorder. Methadone is considered the “gold standard” of treatment especially for pregnant woman who are addicted to opioids. This along with behavioral health services such as individual and group counseling help individuals gain the skills needed to maintain success in their lives. Western Indiana Recovery Services is privileged to bring these services to Vigo County with the integrated approach to recovery to help individuals reach their potential. Through medication assisted treatment and behavioral health services we are working to help individuals able to maintain success within the program and for many, regain life – job, family, school, etc. Recovery is possible and appropriate treatment works.

Western Indiana Recovery Services, Vigo County’s first certified opioid treatment program, is located at 88 Wabash Court, Terre Haute, IN. The Clinic provides comprehensive opioid treatment including medication (methadone) coupled with individual and group therapy and other behavioral health services as needed. The clinic is open now from 6:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. weekends and holidays. Patients can make an appointment by calling (812) 231-8484 or (833) 232-0215. Beginning May 28, walk-ins will be welcome. Patients will be assessed for specific admission criteria to the program. This program is one of several addiction programs of Hamilton Center Inc.

Hamilton Center, Inc. Holds Ribbon Cutting for Western Indiana Recovery Services

Hamilton Center, Inc. held an open house and ribbon cutting to commemorate the grand opening of Western Indiana Recovery Services, an Opioid Treatment Program (OTP), in Vigo County, Terre Haute, IN. The new treatment facility is located at 88 Wabash Court in Terre Haute, just behind the Courthouse and is Vigo County’s first opioid treatment program certified by the State of Indiana.

Hamilton Center has been working with the State of Indiana for approximately a year in preparation of opening the new clinic. Community partners as well as the general public toured the new facility and met key staff that were instrumental in the development of the program. Sagamore Medical Recovery Services, LLC, with whom Hamilton Center will be partnering, will provide the medical services and Hamilton Center will provide the behavioral health services in the clinic.

Western Indiana Recovery Services was represented by Melvin L. Burks, CEO, Hamilton Center, Inc., Ahsan Mahmood, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Hamilton Center, Inc., Jennifer Hutchens, PsyD, Acting Chief of Addiction Services, Hamilton Center, Inc., Christian Shaw, MD, PhD, Medical Director of Western Indiana Recovery Services and Scott Burns, Program Director of the clinic.

Western Indiana Recovery Services will combine medication (methadone) assisted treatment coupled with behavioral health services including individual therapy, group therapy and case management services. The clinic is now taking appointments and will be open from 6:00 am – 12:30 pm Monday through Friday and weekends/holidays 7:00 am – 10:00 am.

Features of the approx. 3500 square foot facility include five medication dosing stations, separate drug screening rooms, physical examination room, and rooms for individual and group counseling. Black and white photography of local landmarks adorn the walls compliments of the Vigo County Historical Society and local photographer Wayne Jordan.

“We are so pleased to be opening the first Opioid Treatment Program in Vigo County,” said Hamilton Center CEO Melvin L. Burks. “The opioid epidemic affects not only the person struggling with addiction but affects family, friends, first responders, the healthcare system, the criminal justice system and the entire community, “he said.

“We will work side by side with our partners to serve west central Indiana.”

To schedule an appointment at Western Indiana Recovery Services, call (833) 232-0215.

Hamilton Center Offers YMHFA to Vigo County

Hamilton Center will hold a Youth Mental Health First Aid training program at Vigo County CASA, 141 Oak Street, Terre Haute, IN, Tuesday, December 13 and Wednesday, December 14 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This eight hour training is taught in two 4 hour sessions to accommodate a busy work schedule; participants must attend both sessions. Certified instructors will train members of the public involved with youth to improve mental health literacy – helping them identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness. Seats are available for up to 30 registrants including community youth workers, agency youth workers, faith-based youth workers, parents, and anyone who works with the youth population.

“Suicide is the 3^rd leading cause of death for young people in the United States. Indiana ranks #10. Our youth is counting on us to bring light to these issues. Community members are invited to attend trainings which will increase their ability to address issues and provide resources for youth in crisis,” said Janet Rose, Program Coordinator of Youth Mental Health First Aid, Hamilton Center, Inc.

Youth Mental Health First Aid is an eight-hour training certification course that teaches participants a five-step action plan to assess a situation, select and implement interventions, and secure appropriate care for the individual. The certification program introduces participants to risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems, increases their understanding of their impact, and provides and overview of common treatments. This CPR-like program improves trainees’ knowledge of mental health disorders, the stigma associated with mental illness, and increases the amount of help provided to the youth population.

Those completing the training will be certified as Youth Mental Health First Aiders for three years. Re-certification can be obtained by attending another workshop.

Mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, psychosis and substance use are common in the United States; estimating prevalence is 22% annually for ages 13-18. In fact, suicide is the 3^rd leading cause of death for young people in the United States. The National Council for Behavioral Health certifies individuals throughout the nation to provide Youth Mental Health First Aid courses to prepare their communities with the knowledge and skills to help individuals who are developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. Identified on SAMHSA’s National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices, the training helps the public better identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illnesses.

For more information on Youth Mental Health First Aid, visit www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org.

For more information on this training or future trainings, please contact Janet Rose at 812-231-8129 or email jrose@hamiltoncenter.org to register or request a workshop at your school, church, agency, foundation, or community organization.