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Hamilton Center, Inc. takes over downtown Terre Haute for Employee Kickoff

On Friday, July 15^th, Hamilton Center, Inc. took over downtown Terre Haute for a few hours, treating its more than 660 orange-clad employees to breakfast at one of several local eateries before convening at Indiana State University’s Tilson Auditorium for the company’s 10^th annual Employee Kickoff celebration.

The event, which took place two weeks after the conclusion of the HCI fiscal year, served to honor the employees for their accomplishments of the past year as well as to share goals and objectives for the next 12 months. Many employees took home one of several thousand dollars’ worth of prizes in a raffle drawing, ranging from TVs to recreational equipment and kitchen appliances.

Melvin L. Burks, President/CEO of the mental health facility, served as master of ceremonies. He noted that the company has greatly reduced its number of employees working remotely due to COVID-19, and the event was a chance for everyone to get together again.

“I want to thank all of you for coming daily to serve our consumers,” Burks said. “That is our number one goal. My main reason for being here is to serve our consumers at a quality level. I want you all to know, that from myself and the management team that we appreciate everything you have done for our corporation and our consumers,” he added. “I can’t say that enough. We cannot make it without you. I am going to work hard to make sure you have a good life, and you can go home and take care of your family.”

Four employees were honored as the outstanding employees of the quarter – Lila Wilson (clubhouse generalist), Lisa McKillop (housekeeping supervisor at the corporate building), Maria Ramos (mental health technician at the Fort Harrison Group Home) and Sabrina Harroll (therapist in Clay County). Executive coordinator Torre Anderson was also recognized at employee of the year.

Nichelle Washington, the company’s executive director of quality and compliance, led the team which organized the event.

“Some of you may not have been here for all 10 years of Employee Kickoffs, Mr. Burks wanted to do this to help kick off our next fiscal year and not only serve our consumers but also serve our communities,” she said. “We serve one another, and our community partners. We want to thank Mr. Burks for making this possible for us.”

Hamilton Center, Inc. is a regional behavioral health system in Central and West Central Indiana with corporate offices located in Terre Haute, Ind. 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.

NaloxBox at WIN Recovery Providing Needed Resource

WIN Recovery, a certified opioid treatment facility operated by Hamilton Center Inc., saw evidence of a community need being met in the first month with the self-service “NaloxBox” added to the outside of its Terre Haute location (located at 86 Wabash Court, just west of the Vigo County Courthouse). This box distributes naloxone (also known as Narcan) for free to consumers, family members, or anyone from the public on a no questions asked basis. During April, dosages were distributed at a rate of more than one per day – with 31 in all.

Naloxone is a medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration that is effective in preventing death by rapidly reversing the effects of an overdose from opioids, and doses distributed through the WIN Recovery NaloxBox are administered via nasal spray.

Mark Collins, Chief Clinical Officer for Hamilton Center, admits he and his staff had no idea how much usage the NaloxBox would get in its first month.

“What we do know is that we want to give as many individuals the capability of having Naloxone at their disposal as humanly possible because Naloxone prevents overdose deaths,” he said. “What we’re trying to promote is harm reduction. Most importantly, we want to keep individuals alive, and Naloxone keeps individuals alive.”

Collins termed the volume of dosages distributed as “incredibly beneficial to our community” with hopes of that number increasing as more people are aware of the program.

“Having 31 doses in the first month shows that there’s a need within the community, and hopefully this will continue to decrease the overdose deaths in our communities, which is the ultimate goal” Collins said. “We will continue to advocate for the use of Naloxone within our communities.”

State and federal funding has been utilized to cover the cost of the program, with support also coming from the Indiana Division of Mental Health and Addiction.

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Hamilton Center, Inc. is a regional health system in Central and West Central Indiana with corporate offices located in Terre Haute, IN. Services are provided to children, adults, and families, 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.

WIN Recovery Installs NaloxBox

According to overdoselifeline.org, opioid overdose is the leading cause of death in the United States among adults 50 years old and younger.

WIN Recovery, a certified opioid treatment facility operated by Hamilton Center, Inc., has added another tool in its fight to battle this growing problem by establishing a “NaloxBox” at its Terre Haute location (located at 86 Wabash Court, just west of the Vigo County Courthouse). This box will distribute naloxone (also known as Narcan) for free to consumers, family members, or anyone from the public on a no questions asked basis.

The box was provided by Overdose Lifeline, a non-profit organization which has fought the opioid addiction problem since 2014. Designated HCI/WIN Recovery staff will monitor the box, track its usage, and order free replacement kits as needed from Overdose Lifeline’s Indianapolis office. State and federal funding has been utilized to cover the cost of the program, with support also coming from the Indiana Division of Mental Health and Addiction.

“The NaloxBox mission is to improve the capacity of bystander rescuers to save the lives of victims of opioid overdose with overdose response tools, including naloxone,” Overdose Lifeline states on its website.

Natasha Newcomb, WIN Recovery’s deputy chief of addiction and substance abuse services, is pleased to add this naloxone distribution method to its many ways of assisting those in need.

“We know and understand that when somebody has addiction problems, they can’t always just quit,” Newcomb said. “They may want to quit, they may have tried, and they may have struggled – but sometimes they just can’t stop. Narcan is a way for them to help save their life or the life of somebody they love.”

Newcomb emphasized that the person getting the Narcan from the Naloxbox may not be the person experiencing addiction.

“It may be for their brother, their sister, their girlfriend, or their child,” she said. “It’s important to recognize that that while the box is there for people who are using substances, it is also there for people who have a loved one they are trying to save.”

Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that Vigo County had 179 patients admitted into emergency departments for treatment for overdoses, while 24 fatal cases were recorded.

Newcomb acknowledged someone using drugs might not to want to seek help from law enforcement or a hospital due to potential legal repercussions.

“Historically in our society, and even today, if somebody called the police because they were overdosing there’s a chance that after they were taken care of at the hospital they’d be taken to jail,” she said. “If somebody is overdosing, then they obviously have paraphernalia there, or they have substances on them because they’ve been using. People are hesitant to contact the police or go to the emergency room for the same reason. The Naloxbox removes that step.”

Newcomb noted that if someone is at a point where they think they’re going to overdose, they need to seek medical attention whether they have access to Narcan or not.

One particularly vulnerable segment of society who could benefit from the Naloxbox consists of people who have been released from incarceration.

“Individuals who return to the community after being incarcerated are 129 times more likely to suffer an overdose than the general population,” according to Overdose Lifeline. “The NaloxBox provides easy, stigma-free access to lifesaving medication – completely free of charge.”

Newcomb added that there is no limit to the number of dosages someone can receive from the Naloxbox, although hoarding is unlikely since the product has no street value. She said in some circumstances people may need to get multiple applications.

“You can’t abuse Narcan or get high from it,” she said. “People can take as many as they need. It may be that that one person takes four doses, but that person may live in a household with three other people who abuse opioids, and they may need one for each person in their household. Maybe they’re going to keep them handy because three of their friends have overdosed in the past week.”

“That’s the reality of what some of these people are seeing and living with.”

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Hamilton Center, Inc. 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, adults, and families, 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.

Early Head Start Seeks to Improve Early Detection of Hearing and Vision Deficits

EHS Purchases hearing and vision equipment through the Terre Haute Day Nursery Fund of the Wabash Valley Community Foundation

Hamilton Center, Inc. has been awarded the Terre Haute Day Nursery Fund of the Wabash Valley Community Foundation, Inc. grant, which provides $13,175 to purchase hearing and vision screening machines for the Early Head Start program. Early Head Start, now in its 26th year of operations, serves approximately 120 children ages 1 to 2 years through both in-home and center-based care.

“These hearing and vision machines will be used to screen children as they enter the program and at any time after, if a concern arises,” said Tiffany Cherry, Executive Director of Child & Adolescent Services at Hamilton Center. “Hearing and vision problems can have a negative impact on language and speech development, which might lead to struggles with academic performance or even overall well-being as the child gets older,” she added.

Research shows that identifying and treating hearing impairments early can help prevent these outcomes. Over 95 percent of all newborns receive a hospital-based hearing screening shortly after birth, though many impairments go undiagnosed and therefore untreated. In fact, two to three out of every 1,000 children are born with hearing impairments, ranging from mild to profound, and for some children, hearing problems develop after infancy. By implementing this equipment, Hamilton Center will be able to provide regular hearing and vision screenings to children in the Early Head Start program.

Hamilton Center Awarded BHCHS Accreditation from TJC

Terre Haute, IN, January 13, 2022 – Hamilton Center, Inc. has once again been accredited by The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval^® for Behavioral Health Care and Human Services, demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a healthcare organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality patient care.

Hamilton Center underwent a rigorous, unannounced review in September 2021. During the survey, a team of Joint Commission reviewers evaluated compliance with the Comprehensive Accreditation Manual for Behavioral Health Care and Human Services, which contains the set of standards designed to evaluate a variety of behavioral health care settings including mental health services, addiction treatment, and services for children, youth, and families.

The Joint Commission’s standards are developed in consultation with healthcare experts and providers, measurement experts, and patients. They are informed by scientific literature and expert consensus to help healthcare organizations measure, assess, and improve performance. The surveyors also conducted onsite observations and interviews.

“As a private accreditor, The Joint Commission surveys healthcare organizations to protect the public by identifying deficiencies in care and working with those organizations to correct them as quickly and sustainably as possible,” says Mark Pelletier, RN, MS, chief operating officer, Accreditation and Certification Operations, and chief nursing executive, The Joint Commission.

“We commend Hamilton Center for its continuous quality improvement efforts in patient safety and quality of care,” he stated.

“Hamilton Center is committed to excellence in healthcare,” said Melvin L Burks, President and CEO of Hamilton Center, Inc.. “Our staff are committed every day to high standards of care, safety, and service for our consumers, and this accreditation is a validation of their efforts.”

For more information, please visit The Joint Commission website.

New Citizens Program provides second chances

On December 17, 2021, Hamilton Center graduated another “new citizen” from a program that offers the opportunity to acquire job skills, employment, and a new way of life.

“The enormity and the complexity of skills I have developed are only comparable to the 4 years of college I completed while serving my sentence.” – Jason Wentz, Hamilton Center New Citizen Program graduate.

Hamilton Center’s New Citizen Program, first established in 2013, gives individuals who have been incarcerated the tools needed for a second chance at life. Throughout a one-year probationary period, participants train in different areas of the Corporation to gain skills and experience to secure a permanent career at Hamilton Center. In addition to job skills, participants gain life skills as they work through challenges of reintegration into their communities with a team of mentors that meet with them weekly.

“Once an individual has paid their debt to society, they should be imparted the opportunity to restore and build upon their lives.” – Melvin L. Burks, President/CEO, Hamilton Center, Inc.

The opportunity is life changing for someone who has been involved in the criminal justice system and is willing to turn his or her life around. The program offers support from Hamilton Center staff and community leaders to bring confidence and motivation to someone who is willing to become a new citizen.

“The New Citizen Program has made a lasting impression on my life, having provided me with the opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream of working both in IT and mental health. I have expanded my knowledge of computers and technology and received hands-on experience and training in the IT Department. I have not only earned a permanent position as an IT Support Representative, but I am continuing my training and working towards additional certifications in the field,” Wentz stated.

The New Citizen Program is about supporting those who have made decisions that could negatively affect the rest of their lives. Hamilton Center has made it possible for these individuals to have a second chance, to start a new life, and to travel down a supported path to success.

“I feel a sense of accomplishment, having set a goal, working diligently towards achieving it, and ultimately attaining it,” said Wentz. “I am humbled by the blessing I was given just getting a chance to prove myself, and I am beyond joyed to find myself in a position where I am helping people each and every day.”

Hamilton Center welcomes additional host sites and participants for the New Citizen Program. To learn more, visit www.hamiltoncenter.org/programs/new-citizen/, or call (812) 231-8323.

“Improved Access”, a focus at Hamilton Center

Grace Clinic Acquires Mobile Clinic through American Rescue Plan

Hamilton Center, Inc. is proud to announce the implementation of a new mobile primary care clinic. Grace Clinic Health Professional, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) Look-Alike supported by the federal government and Hamilton Center in Terre Haute, Indiana, will be expanding the clinic’s services to outlying and underserved areas. The medically equipped mobile vehicle will reduce obstacles many people experience with lack of transportation to access medical care. The mobile clinic will provide health screenings, primary medical care, and preventative care to children and adults.

Future expansion plans include COVID-19 testing and vaccination at some of Hamilton Center’s 24 hour service sites, vaccine-related outreach and education, services to racial and ethnic minorities and homeless families, and other vulnerable, underserved, and underinsured/uninsured populations. The mobile clinic launch is slated for later this month with hours mirroring that of Grace Clinic Health Professional’s clinic – 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Funded by the American Rescue Plan, a federal grant designed to help Americans recover from economic and health effects brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, Grace Clinic’s new mobile services will accommodate a larger footprint and ease the struggles of many for whom a trip to see their provider is challenging.

“Improving access to care for those who find it difficult to get to a medical clinic is a driving force of this new program,” said Melvin L Burks, CEO of Hamilton Center, Inc. “We are working to improve the overall health of our consumers and community,” he stated.

Since receiving FQHC Look-Alike status in 2020, Grace Clinic Health Professional’s focus is on providing primary medical care to those who have obstacles to services. In particular, the clinic works to bring integrated healthcare to those with mental illnesses and addiction issues as well as groups of people with other health conditions. In addition, the clinic maintains a sliding fee schedule, and no one will be turned away for inability to pay.

Hamilton Center, Inc. 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, adults and families, 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 an appointment at Grace Clinic Health Professional, call (812) 231-8377.

New Citizens Program provides second chances

“I am living a life I never wanted”, said a recent graduate of Hamilton Center’s New Citizen Program. “I’m living a life I never knew I could have,” said Mike Hambright.

On July 2, 2021, Hamilton Center graduated another “new citizen” from a program first established in 2013 to give individuals who have been incarcerated, the tools needed get a second chance at life. For the first seven years of the program, the organization focused on building the program internally. Participants completed a one-year probationary period where they trained in four different areas of the Corporation to gain skills and experience to secure a permanent job/career at Hamilton Center. In addition to job skills, participants gained life skills as they worked through challenges of reintegration into their communities with a team of mentors that met with them weekly.

Recently, the program has expanded to other corporations who expressed interest in participating. Wabash Valley Asphalt, now called Milestone Contractors South, was one of those companies that stepped up to bring the New Citizen Program to their business. For the past year, a new citizen has learned a skilled trade at Wabash Valley Asphalt. On Friday July 2, a graduation ceremony was held. The graduated New Citizen, Mike Hambright, was filled with pride and gratitude, not just for the opportunity to have a second chance, but also for the opportunity to grow, better himself and give back.

“For the last year I have been working with the committee from the Hamilton Center to be a better version of myself. They gave me an opportunity by working with a union company to give me a shot at a career. Since being with Milestone, I have been learning and growing in a skilled trade. Here I have a pension, and benefits. If not for the Hamilton Center’s New Citizens program I don’t know what I would be doing right now,” Hambright stated.

“I’ve decided to pursue the Union Career and continue to grow and better myself. Through this program, it’s given Hamilton Center, Milestone and myself an opportunity to give back to the community. I am proud of this accomplishment and look forward to guiding the next candidate and being a leader,” he said.

Since Wabash Valley Asphalt joined the program, Hamilton Center has also been proud to welcome other corporations to the partnership. Hamilton Center is grateful for the interest to those companies and others who play a significant role in helping reduce recidivism, including other employers who are willing to hire workers notwithstanding a criminal history.

“At some point in life, every one of us needs a second chance to recover from a mistake; and usually, we get that chance.” said Melvin L. Burks, Hamilton Center’s CEO. “These individuals have paid their debt to society and deserve a second chance,” he said. “Not only will they benefit, but it will strengthen families and our entire community.”

Hamilton Center welcomes additional host sites and participants for the New Citizen Program. To learn more, visit www.hamiltoncenter.org/programs/new-citizen/, or call 812-231-8323.

Mark McAnally, RN is Employee of the Year

Hamilton Center, Inc. honored Mark McAnally at the Employee Kickoff earlier this month. Mr. McAnally serves as the Infection Control and Employee Health Nurse for Hamilton Center as well as the chair of the COVID-19 committee. His passion and dedication have shown through his tireless efforts in ensuring the health and safety of Hamilton Center consumers and staff throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Mr. McAnally has been an invaluable asset in navigating the coronavirus pandemic,” said Melvin L Burks, CEO. “His leadership as the chair of Hamilton Center’s COVID-19 committee allowed us to successfully remain open, safely serving consumers throughout our communities.”

Hamilton Center, Inc. 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.

Hamilton Center holds Annual Employee Kick-off

July 16, 2021, Terre Haute, IN- Hamilton Center, Inc. hosted its annual Employee Kick-off on Friday July 16 from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Tilson Auditorium on the campus of Indiana State University. The event, in its 9^th year, celebrated Hamilton Center staff and the start of a new fiscal year, all while showing support to local businesses.

Hamilton Center, Inc. staff were out in force to take over downtown Terre Haute and eight area restaurants by wearing bright orange shirts. Downtown looked like a “sea of orange”, said an observer.

After a hearty breakfast at local downtown restaurants, Hamilton Center staff converged on Tilson Auditorium in a “sea of orange”. Mr. Melvin L. Burks, Hamilton Center’s CEO was the MC for the event; prizes were handed out to well-deserved staff.

“The Kick-off is meant to show appreciation to our staff and the board of directors, by acknowledging all their hard work in serving our consumers” said Melvin L. Burks. “This year, more than any other, our staff put their heart and soul into serving consumers. This event is a way for us to both acknowledge all of their efforts and to begin to focus on recovery from this public health crisis.” he added.

Hamilton Center, Inc. is a regional behavioral health system in Central and West Central Indiana with corporate offices located in Terre Haute, Ind. 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 more information about Hamilton Center, visit www.hamiltoncenter.org or call 812-231-8323.