07Releases

2007 News Releases

For more information, contact the Office of Public Affairs, 573-751-4423

For more information, contact Bob Bax, 573-751-4423

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DMH NAMES WRIGHT AS GENERAL COUNSEL

JEFFERSON CITY, MO., DECEMBER 14, 2007 - The Department of Mental Health announced today the appointment of Rikki J. Wright, to the position of General Counsel for the department.

Ms. Wright has worked for the department since October 2005, serving as Deputy General Counsel. She has served as the Acting General Counsel since September 2007. Prior to joining the department, Ms. Wright served as a Missouri Assistant Attorney General from 1996 to 2005, including working in the Governmental Affairs, Mental Health Unit.

We are fortunate to have someone with Rikkis skills and experience, said Lynn Carter, Deputy Director for the department, in making the announcement. She has demonstrated that she has the background and knowledge of the mental health system that is essential in managing the legal services of the department.

Ms. Wright received her Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Missouri Columbia School of Law in 1996. She earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the university in 1992.

###

For more information, contact Bob Bax, 573-751-8033

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Missouri Launces Suicide Prevention Strategy with Schools

JEFFERSON CITY, MO., DEC. 14, 2007 -- The Missouri Department of Mental Health and Department of Elementary and Secondary Education have collaborated on an initiative to engage Missouri’s schools in addressing teen suicide.

Missouri Well Aware, a quarterly bulletin for superintendents, principals, counselors, and teachers, provides information about preventing teen suicide, along with additional tools to identify youths at risk for suicide. It highlights resources within the state and connects school officials to the latest information on risk factors related to teen suicide.

“Providing schools with effective, nationally recognized information about this public health issue is a critical part of our state suicide prevention efforts,” said Governor Matt Blunt. “Our communities and our schools need this information.”

Suicide is the third-leading cause of death among Missouri youths, ages 10-24. Approximately 14 percent of Missouri high school students reported they had considered attempting suicide in the past year, according to the 2006 Missouri Student Survey. Suicide claims the lives of more than 700 Missourians of all ages each year.

“Many suicides can be prevented,” said Joseph Parks, M.D., director of the Division of Comprehensive Psychiatric Services in the Department of Mental Health. “Effective prevention requires a comprehensive approach that includes increasing protective factors and reducing risk factors. It is incumbent upon us to try new approaches to address this public health problem.”

“Our goal is to support high academic achievement by all students and to help keep them safe, both physically and emotionally,” said Missouri Commissioner of Education D. Kent King. “We hope that Well Aware is a practical tool for Missouri educators in this effort.”

Well Aware is being developed in Missouri by the two state agencies with support of federal funding. Missouri received a $1.2 million federal grant in 2005 to increase strategies to prevent youth suicide. This grant helped launch seven Regional Resource Centers for Suicide Prevention that offer free training to schools, faith-based organizations, civic groups, youth-serving agencies, and others to increase effective conversations that deter suicidal action. Visit these Resource Centers online at www.dmh.missouri.gov/cps/issues/suicide/ResourceCenters.htm

About Well Aware

Well Aware is a multi-faceted strategic communications program to inform and engage education leaders of the link between emotional well-being and academic achievement. It includes an interactive quarterly bulletin for school administrators with research-based content, best practices in the national prevention arena, and other information relevant to school leaders. Well Aware is a program from Point de Vue Communications, Inc. (pdvpr.com), publishers of Advancing Suicide Prevention (advancingsp.org), a national strategic health policy magazine. For more information, contact Well Aware staff at talkback@wellawaresp.org

The Department of Mental Health serves Missourians by working to prevent mental disorders, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse; by treating, habilitating, and rehabilitating persons with those conditions; and by educating the public about mental health.

###

For more information, contact Bob Bax, 573-751-8033

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MENTAL HEALTH DIRECTOR VISITS COMMUNITY PROVIDER DURING GOV. BLUNT'S "CAPITOL FOR A DAY"

LIBERTY, MO., DECEMBER 5, 2007 - Department of Mental Health Director Keith Schafer will visit service providers in the Liberty area today as part of Governor Matt Blunt's "Capitol For A Day" Program.

Schafer will meet with officials from Tri-County Community mental Health Services, which provides services and support to Missourians with mental illness in Clay, Platte and Ray counties. He also will visit a housing program administered by Tri-County and view a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training session for local law enforcement offices on responding to mental health emergencies.

"Community providers are a critical component of the mental health service delivery system in our state and they make a difference in the lives of thousands of citizens every day, "Schafer said.

Capitol For A Day is an opportunity to make state government more responsive and accessible for the people of Missouri. Governor Blunt and his State Department Directors will be in Liberty to hear from citizens on their concerns and suggestions about state services. Citizens will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with state officials.

Tri-County Community Mental Health Services provides prevention, assessment and treatment services for individuals and families. The agency also partners with Community Housing Network to provide housing and day treatment services to individuals who receive mental health services. Law enforcement officers are trained on respondiong to persons in mental health crisis through the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Training program. The program has trained hundred of offices in the Kansas City area.

Capitol For A Day is scheduled to start at 1 p.m. at the Clay County Courthouse in Liberty. The program will move to William Jewell College wher department directors and other staff from all state departments will be available until 5 p.m. to meet with community members.

###

-------------------------------------

Below is a press release from the Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department.

-------------------------------------

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information, contact:

Dec. 3, 2007
Sgt. Sean Hess, 234-5520 or shess@kcpd.org or

Sgt. John Bryant, 234-5510 or jbryant@kcpd.org

Police aim to take Crisis Intervention Training statewide

CIT course under way this week

The KCPD officers who were ambushed by a man with a meat cleaver on July 6, 2007, would have been justified in shooting him. The man had assaulted his mother and was charging at police with a deadly weapon. Instead, one CIT-trained officer was able to stop the man with her words. She got him to drop his knife, and after he was safely in custody, she learned he was schizophrenic and having a psychotic episode.

This incident shows Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) in action. The 40-hour voluntary training program teaches patrol officers how to respond to calls concerning citizens with mental illness in crisis, and it’s going on now through Dec. 7 at the Kansas City Regional Police Training Academy, 6885 N.E. Pleasant Valley Road.

Experienced police officers and mental health professionals will instruct about 30 patrol officers from several metro-area agencies in everything from medications to de-escalation. Citizens with mental illness and their family members also come to participate in panel discussions.

“A lot of officers don’t know what it’s like to have a friend or family member go through this,” said Sgt. John Bryant. “After listening to what they have to say, the officers have a totally different perspective.”

Unfortunately, not all law enforcement officers get the chance to participate in the CIT program. That’s why KCPD and other agencies across Missouri are pushing for funding to create a state CIT office.

“The benefit is it would provide a lot of training for smaller municipalities,” Sgt. Sean Hess said. “We can train in our region, but if we try to bring somebody in from a small town three hours away, the over-time cost would be too much for their agency.”

More than 1,300 CIT-trained officers responded to about 7,400 crisis calls in Missouri in the last six years. To deal with the ever-growing population of mentally ill citizens, the Missouri CIT Council is requesting $150,000 in the 2008 state budget for seed money to get a statewide program in place. They hope for about $3 million in 2009 to establish a state office that would coordinate training for officers statewide.

The Kansas City Missouri Police Department started a CIT program in 1999 after years of misunderstandings with area mental health facilities. These facilities now work in concert with police, who are increasingly becoming the service providers to people with mental illness across the nation, Sgt. Bryant said. The Lee’s Summit, Independence, Blue Springs, Oak Grove and Grandview Police Departments as well as the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department all have CIT programs in place. It is the dream of Sgts. Hess and Bryant that police departments in every municipality in the state also can have that opportunity.

The media is invited to attend parts of this week’s Crisis Intervention Training course at the Kansas City Regional Police Training Academy, Room 302. The times and portions of the course that will be taught at those times are as follows:

Tuesday, Dec. 4 – 1 to 1:50 p.m. Police Suicide
2 to 2:50 p.m. Suicide by Police

Wednesday, Dec. 5 – 4 to 5 p.m. Critical Incident Stress Management

Thursday, Dec. 6 – 8 to 10 a.m. De-escalation
4 to 5 p.m. Managing CIT Dynamics

Friday, Dec. 7 – 8 to 11:50 a.m. Scenario-based training

Please contact Sgt. Hess or Sgt. Bryant to schedule a time to visit.

-----------------------------

Department of Mental Health Director Keith Schafer will attend the CIT training today, Wednesday, Dec. 5, at 4 p.m., at the Kansas City Regional Police Training Academy, 6885 N.E. Pleasant Valley Road. See news release below.

“CIT training has proven to be an effective tool in allowing law enforcement officers to better respond to persons in crisis due to mental illness and to get them to treatment, as opposed to arrest and incarcerations,” Schafer said. CIT officers have responded to more than 7,400 mental health crisis calls statewide, with an arrest rate below five percent.

###

newshead

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: SAMHSA Press Office
November 26, 2007 (240) 276-2130

Bob Bax, DMH, 573-751-8033

Missouri Awarded $14.2 Million in Access to Recovery Grants

Program expands client choice in substance abuse treatment services

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services today announced $14.2 million over three years in new Access to Recovery grants to the state of Missouri to provide people seeking drug and alcohol treatment with vouchers allowing them a greater range of choice in selecting the services most appropriate for their needs. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Administrator Terry Cline, Ph.D., presented a “big check” to Dr. Keith Schafer, Director of Missouri’s Department of Mental Health at an event in St. Louis today.

To date, more than 170,000 people with substance abuse problems have received treatment and/or recovery support services through the first round of Access to Recovery grants awarded in August 2004, exceeding the three-year target of 125,000 people.

“Access to Recovery provides needed resources for the people of Missouri trying to conquer addiction. It gives them broader treatment options, the ability to choose the treatment they believe will help them succeed, and greater access to recovery support services,’’ said HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt. “It’s a successful embodiment of the President’s goal to enable faith-based and community groups to serve more Americans across the country. This new round of grants will expand its reach.”

“Access to Recovery programs provide vital help to those trying to get a new start in life,” said Jay Hein, Director of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives. “One of the unique ways that we offer this help is through a voucher that enables those seeking treatment to select their own treatment option. This approachunleashes hundreds of new faith-based and communityoptions otherwise not available when government alone determines who can provide the services."

“Access to Recovery brings a message of hope to all Americans who struggle with addiction,” said John Walters, director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy. “So far, more than 170,000 people with substance abuse problems have received help through Access to Recovery. We will build on this record of success with this new round of grants and offer the opportunity for recovery to hundreds of thousands more.”

Under the grant program, the Missouri Access to Recovery II: Partnering for Excellence program will improve and expand the statewide voucher system and enhance clinical services with evidence-based methamphetamine treatment tracks, and expand the network of recovery support providers. A broad spectrum of people will be served, but priority will be given to critical populations including methamphetamine users, offenders transitioning from prison to the community, and veterans returning from Iraq

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) administers the grant program within HHS.

“Providing people who have substance abuse problems with choices regarding their treatment and recovery supports makes sense,” said SAMHSA Administrator Terry Cline, Ph.D. “It helps empower them from the very beginning in the fight for their life. Access to Recovery provides individuals the flexibility needed to find their own path to recovery.”

In their application, Missouri delineated a process for screening and determining appropriate services for the individual client. Clients will be assessed, given a voucher for identified services, and provided with a list of appropriate service providers from which to choose. Continuation of this award is subject to availability of funds and progress achieved by the awardees.

Grantees proposed a broad range of innovative approaches and target populations. The grantees were competitively chosen from applications from 27 states, the District of Columbia, and 12 tribes. The actual award amount in any one year will depend on the availability of funds. Awards may be adjusted based on the number of individuals proposed to be served per year. Amounts to be awarded for continuation awards in year 3 will be 95 percent of the amount available awarded for continuation awards in year 2, to create a pool of funds for supplemental performance based awards.

For more information on the Access to Recovery Grants program, visit: http://www.atr.samhsa.gov/ . For more information on SAMHSA, visit: http://www.samhsa.gov/ .

###

SAMHSA is a public health agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The agency is responsible for improving the accountability, capacity and effectiveness of the nation’s substance abuse prevention, addictions treatment and mental health service delivery systems.

SAMHSA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: SAMHSA Press Office

November 20, 2007 202-276-2130

www.samhsa.gov

Bob Bax, DMH 573-751-8033

Missouri Receive $14.5 Million From SAMHSA for Access to Recovery Services

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Administrator Terry Cline, Ph.D., will present a symbolic “big check” for nearly $14.5 million to the state of Missouri for a new Access to Recovery grant which will provide people seeking drug and alcohol treatment with vouchers allowing them a greater range of choice in selecting the services most appropriate for their needs.”

The Missouri’s Access to Recovery II: Partnering for Excellence program plans to improve and expand their statewide voucher system and enhance clinical services with evidence-based methamphetamine treatment tracks, and expand the network of recovery support providers. A broad spectrum of people will be served, but priority will be given to critical populations including methamphetamine users, offenders transitioning from prison to the community, and veterans returning from the Iraq

WHO: Terry Cline, Ph.D., Administrator, SAMHSA

Dr. Keith Schafer, Director, Missouri Department of Mental Health

WHEN: Monday, November 26, 2007, 10:30 a.m.

WHERE: St. Louis Psychiatric Rehabilitation Center, Dome Building

5400 Arsenal Street

St. Louis, MO 63139

314-877-0370

###

For more information, contact Lois Thomas, 573-751-4423

For IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Mental Health Department announces new Albany regional office director

JEFFERSON CITY, MO, NOV. 20, 2007 – Officials in the Missouri Department of Mental Health (DMH) have announced the appointment of Gary Davis as director of the office. The office directs the services of individuals with developmental disabilities in a 12-county area in northwest Missouri. Davis’ appointment was effective Nov. 5.

“It’s rare to find an individual who has such a commitment to people with developmental disabilities,” said Bernie Simons, director of DMH’s Division of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities. “Gary has spent 30 years of his career in this service, and his experiences, including his volunteer work, has groomed him well to take on this new challenge.”

Davis began his career at the Albany Regional Office in 1973 as an activity aide, working directly with the clients of the facility, then known as the Albany Regional Center. Following his graduation from Northwest Missouri State University with a BS degree in Education, he served in the Peace Corps in South America for four years before returning to Missouri and continuing his work in the developmental disabilities field. Davis most recently served as the assistant director of habilitation at the regional office.

The Department of Mental Health operates 11 such regional offices with north and south offices in St. Louis, and throughout the state that coordinate services for persons with developmental disabilities.

The Department of Mental Health serves Missourians by working to prevent mental disorders, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse; by treating, habilitating and rehabilitating persons with those conditions; and by educating the public about mental health.

###

For more information, contact Lois Thomas, 573-751-4423

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Mental Health Department announces new Hannibal regional office director

JEFFERSON CITY, MO, NOV. 20, 2007 – Officials in the Missouri Department of Mental Health (DMH) have announced the appointment of Lois Warren as director of the office. The office directs the services of individuals with developmental disabilities in an eight-county area in northeast Missouri. Warren’s appointment was effective Nov. 16.

“Lois has a long history of service to her community, service that is not limited to this state,” said Bernie Simons, director of DMH’s Division of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities. “However, her record of service in Missouri, and particularly in the Department of Mental Health over the last nine years, makes her richly qualified for this position.”

Warren’s most recent position was as Assistant Director of Habilitation for the Hannibal Regional Office. Other positions she held include Quality Assurance Specialist and training technician. Warren served the previous nine years in various positions with the Area Mental Health Authority in Charlotte, North Carolina, and the South Carolina Department of Mental Health prior to her move to Missouri. Warren earned a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Newberry College in Newberry, South Carolina, and a Master of Public Health degree from the University of South Carolina in Columbia.

###

For more information, contact Lois Thomas, 573-751-4423

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MENTAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES NEW REGIONAL OFFICE DIRECTOR

JEFFERSON CITY, MO, NOV. 9, 2007 – Officials at the Missouri Department of Mental Health (DMH) have announced the appointment of Lisa S. Turner as director of the Central Missouri Regional Office in Columbia. The office provides oversight, monitoring, and audit functions of supports and services provided to approximately 3,000 individuals with developmental disabilities in a 13-county area in mid-Missouri.

“I am quite pleased that Lisa has accepted this position,” said Bernie Simons, director of DMH’s Division of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities. “She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in both administrative and treatment services in the field, giving her perspective from both sides of the aisle, so to speak.”

Turner began her career in 1984 at what was then known as the Central Missouri Regional Center as a case manager, working with 50 individuals with developmental disabilities, and subsequently served as an associate psychologist and a supervisor of case management. She held the position of associate psychologist at the Fulton Reception and Diagnostic Center and served as supervisor and director for administrative services at State Schools for the Severely Handicapped before her most recent role as Assistant Director of the Central Missouri Regional Office, where she directed treatment services.

The Department of Mental Health operates 12 such regional offices throughout the state. These offices serve as the single entry point into supports and services for persons with developmental disabilities.

###

For more information, contact Bob Bax, 573-751-8033

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Gov. Blunt's Mental Health Transformation Working Group moves forward on key priorities

JEFFERSON CITY, MO., OCT. 31, 2007 - Gov. Matt Blunts Mental Health Transformation Working Group is using the input from 14 public meetings held throughout Missouri to shape the future direction of Missouris public mental health system.

The governor appointed the 24-member task force to develop a comprehensive state mental health plan that transcends all departments involved in the delivery and financing of mental health services. More than 430 people attended the meetings held in August and September. Hundreds of people commented in person, in writing or via the Transformation Internet site.

We asked Missourians to share ideas for improving the mental health system, and their voices were heard, Gov. Blunt said. Missourians provided the Transformation Working Group with the information they need to establish the key priorities and strategies for a strong, viable and accessible mental health system in our state.

The key priorities discussed during the public process include transforming Missouris public mental health system:

From:		To:
Disability Focus		Public Health Approach
Bureaucracy/ Provider Driven Care		Consumer Direction and Empowerment
Pockets of Excellence		Universal Best Practices
Fragmented System of Care		Collaboration and Integrated Care
No Where to Go		Easy, Early and Equitable Access to Local Care
Centralized Decision Making		Local Control and Investment

These priority areas will lead the implementation effort for 2008.

Diane McFarland and Benton Goon serve as co-chairs of the Transformation initiative, and are guiding the working groups planning and implementation process based upon input received from the public meetings which they led.

Both rural and urban areas have similar needs, but Missouris rural areas have unmet needs compounded by a disparity of resources, such as lack of public transportation and reduced access to medical care in general, and, especially, mental health services, Mr. Goon said. With that in mind, we are busy putting together a comprehensive plan that fits at the local level.

In fact, Missouri communities made it clear that they want to be involved at the local level in both assessing and acting on local mental health needs. The strategy of moving from centralized decision making to local ownership and investment is based on the input from the meetings.

It only makes sense if we are going to be successful in adopting a public health approach and increasing access to local care, Ms. McFarland said.

Common themes heard throughout the state include promoting mental health as essential to overall health and addressing stigma; emphasizing workforce development, particularly increasing the number of psychiatrists and mental health professionals in Missouri; collaboration across state agencies and programs; ensuring culturally competent services across the lifespan with emphasis on Missouris aging population; moving from centralized decision-making to local control and investment; and building upon current initiatives especially consumer safety as outlined by the Lt. Governors Mental Health Task Force.

Missouri is one of nine states to receive federal funding from the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to transform the states mental health delivery system. For additional details and regular updates, please review Missouris Mental Health Transformation Website:

http://www.dmh.mo.gov/transformation/transformation.htm

###

For more information, contact Bob Bax, 573-751-8033

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Drop-In Centers, Warm Lines Provide Support to People with Mental Illnesses

JEFFERSON CITY, MO., OCTOBER 25, 2007 -- Many persons recovering from mental illnesses are finding help and support from their peers who know first-hand the experience of living with a diagnosis of mental illness .

Five organizations around the state operated by consumers of mental health services function as drop-in centers for thousands of other mental health consumers. Supported by the Department of Mental Health, these agencies provide an array of services, including support groups, educational opportunities, advocacy, recreation, and a link to other community resources. The five centers each serve between 100 and 500 mental health consumers per month.

The department also supports five telephone “warm lines” around the state. The phones are answered by consumers who provide peer support to other mental health consumers. The warm lines each receive from 80 to 300 calls per month.

“The consumer operated service programs (COSPs) focus on recovery and serve as a support for the traditional mental health services,” said Dr. Joe Parks, Director of the Division of Comprehensive Psychiatric Services. “The (drop-in centers and warm lines) programs help to take the pressure off the service system because they serve an important function for people receiving mental health services.”

Julie Carel coordinates the programs for the Department of Mental Health. She says individuals attend the drop in centers for a variety of reasons, but almost all of them say part of it is to gain hope and a sense of acceptance. Callers call the warm lines, she says, when they are feeling lonely and need to talk to another consumer who understands what they are feeling. The centers and the warm lines also serve as a resource for jobs, housing, and community activities.

“This is an effective way to reach out and provide some support to persons recovering from mental illness,” said Carel. “Mental health consumers provide an insight and understanding that isn’t always available from other traditional sources.”

The DMH has funded consumer operated programs since 2000. The services provided by these programs are monitored and supported to move them toward effective services based on measured outcomes. Dr. Jean Campbell, with the Missouri Institute of Mental Health, and DMH staff visit the programs and measure their effectiveness.

“The goal is to help them improve their programs and move toward evidence-based practices,” said Campbell. “The services can be an effective support for helping to keep people on their road to recovery.”

Drop-In Centers

Ark of Friends
245 Walnut St.
Kansas City, MO
816-753-0599

Self-Help Center
8301 Crest Industrial Drive
Affton, MO
314-781-0199

The NAMI Hope Drop-In Center
1701 S. Campbell
Springfield, MO
417-864-7119

St. Louis Empowerment Center
3024 Locust St.
St. Louis, MO
314-652-6100

Truman Behavioral Health
2211 Charlotte
Kansas City, MO
816-404-6386

Warm Line Services

Mental Health Association of the Heartland
“Compassionate Ear Warm Line”
913-281-2251
Toll Free: 1-866-927-6327

Community Counseling Center’s Consumer Advisory Board
573-651-3642
Toll Free: 1-877-626-0638

NAMI of Missouri
573-634-7727
Toll Free: 1-800-374-2138

NAMI of Southwest Missouri
“The Hope Center”
417-864-3027
Toll Free: 1-877-535-4357

Depressive Manic-Depressive Association of St. Louis
“Friendship Line”
314-652-6105
Toll Free: 1-866-525-1442

###

For more information, contact Bob Bax, 573-751-8033

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

State Mental Health Hospitals to go tobacco free November 15

JEFFERSON CITY, MO., OCTOBER 17, 2007 -- Beginning November 15, 2007, Missouri’s state-operated mental health hospitals will be tobacco free in buildings and on grounds. The health of patients and improving the treatment environment are important reasons for the change.

“It’s about the well-being of people. Many of the people we serve die from illnesses related to smoking,” said Joe Parks, M.D., Director of the Division of Comprehensive Psychiatric Services in the Department of Mental Health. “We are operating hospitals and we should promote health all we can. Private hospitals have similar policies.”

The change officially will occur November 15, in conjunction with the Great American Smokeout sponsored each year by the American Cancer Society. However, the Department of Mental Health has been preparing staff and patients for the change since July of this year. Patients are being offered nicotine replacement treatment and smoking cessation programs. Smoking cessation programs and treatment medications are available to staff through their state health plan. Parks said Southeast Missouri Mental Health Center in Farmington and Fulton State Hospital each received two-year grants from the Missouri Foundation for Health for smoking prevention programs for staff. Mid-Missouri Mental Health Center in Columbia has been tobacco free for nearly a year.

Parks said most patients and staff have been receptive and are prepared for the change to a tobacco-free campus. “This has been well discussed with staff and patients and we continue to work with them,” Parks said.

Parks said that in addition to the health risk, smoking promotes coercion and violence in facilities among patients and between patients and staff. This usually means negative outcomes for the mental health treatment and recovery process. “Smoking also occupies a surprising amount of staff and patient time that could be better used for therapeutic activities,” he said. “It is a poor substitute for practice in decision-making and relationship building.”

The Department of Mental Health operates 11 mental health hospitals around the state, with approximately 1,500 patients and 4,300 staff. About 41 percent of public mental health facilities in the nation are tobacco free.

The Missouri policy is supported by a 2006 technical report from the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors. The report looks at the issues around mental illness and smoking and its impact on patients and treatment facilities. It also details best practices in smoking cessation. The report “Smoking Policy and Treatment in State Operated Psychiatric Facilities” is available at www.dmh.mo.gov/TechnicalReportonSmoking.pdf or you may request a copy by calling the Department of Mental Health, Office of Public Affairs, at 573-751-4423.

###

For more information, contact Bob Bax, 573-751-4423

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Mental Health Department to Recognize "Champions"

JEFFERSON CITY, MO., OCTOBER 12, 2007 -- Many Missourians have overcome the challenges of mental illness, substance abuse, and developmental disabilities, but very few of their stories are known. The Department of Mental Health wants to recognize the accomplishments of these individuals with the first-ever Mental Health Champions recognition.

Three persons will be selected as Mental Health Champions –an individual with a diagnosed mental illness, an individual with a developmental disability, and an individual in recovery from substance or gambling addiction. These individuals will be persons who have overcome their personal challenges to make life better for others and for their communities.

“They will be persons that inspire others,” said Keith Schafer, director of the Department of Mental Health. “For years I have seen firsthand many inspiring stories of people doing exceptional things, despite having a mental illness, developmental disability, or substance abuse problem.

“This recognition is long overdue. If we are to break down the stigma that affects the people we serve, I believe we have to bring their many contributions to the forefront.”

The Department is seeking nominations until November 15, 2007, for Mental Health Champions. The winners will be honored at a Champions banquet April 16, 2008, in Jefferson City. They also will be provided a trip to Branson, along with a guest.

“I have long been very interested in finding a special way to recognize the people that we serve for their many talents and accomplishments,” Schafer added. “I believe this is an opportunity to do so.”

Anyone may nominate someone as a Mental Health Champion. Information and nomination forms are available at http://www.dmh.mo.gov/news/MHChampions.htm, or by calling the Department of Mental Health, Office of Public Affairs, at 573-751-4423.

###

For more information, contact Lois Thomas, 573-751-4423

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

National Conference to Address Issues of Mental Health Consumers

JEFFERSON CITY, MO., OCTOBER 9, 2007 – The only national conference organized by and for consumers of mental health services is coming to St. Louis tomorrow. The theme of the Alternatives 2007 Conference is Spanning the Recovery Movement: Consumer Control and Choice. The conference runs Oct. 10-14 at the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark Hotel.

“Transforming the delivery of mental health services is a priority of my administration. It is important that transformation includes making changes that prioritize helping those with mental illness lead lives of recovery in the community,” said Governor Matt Blunt. “This conference will provide a forum to address how we can help more people take control of their lives and recovery.”

“We always talk about providing choices and giving voice to the people we serve,” said Keith Schafer, Ed.D., director of the Missouri Department of Mental Health. “This conference serves as a living, breathing example of people taking control of their lives and helping to find their own way to recovery.”

Schafer will be on the dais at a dinner during the opening ceremony of the conference on October 10. Joining him will be designated keynote speaker Terry Cline, Ph.D., director of the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and Kathryn Power, director of the Center for Mental Health Services. Pat Deegan, Ph,D., a consumer activist and internationally known recovery expert, will serve as the keynoter on opening day of the conference Oct. 11.

Each day of the conference will address numerous consumer issues related to seven topic areas: Advocacy and Activism, Recovery and Relationships, Beyond Illness, Systems Transformation, Community Leveraging, and Talking About Trauma.

Local mental health agencies are assisting with the conference. “It’s our chance not only to volunteer for the conference, but to network with other consumers from around the country,” said Helen Minth, of the Empowerment Center in St. Louis. “It’s a good opportunity to exchange information during informal drop-in sessions as well as at dinner and during the workshops.”

Additional information about the conference, including a detailed agenda and registration information, is available at www.alternatives2007.org

###

For more information, contact, Scott Perkins, 573-751-8155

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Suicide prevention conference promotes awareness, education

JEFFERSON CITY, MO., SEPTEMBER 7, 2007 – The tragedy of suicide affects thousands of Missourians each year, and an upcoming statewide conference will provide information on preventing suicide. The Statewide Suicide Prevention Conference will be held Sept. 10-11 in Jefferson City.

“Suicide is a serious public health issue that impacts all segments of our society. We must continue efforts to prevent this needless tragedy. Providing local communities with tools and information is an important part of the state suicide prevention efforts,” said Governor Matt Blunt, who proclaimed September 9-15, 2007, as Suicide Prevention Week in Missouri to coincide with National Suicide Prevention Week.

Governor Blunt signed legislation in 2005 creating the State Suicide Prevention Committee. The committee oversees the State Suicide Prevention Plan that focuses on assisting local communities in developing initiatives to address youth suicide.

“Local involvement is an important component of the prevention effort. No community is immune from the tragedy of suicide,” said Dr. Joseph Parks, director of the Missouri Department of Mental Health’s Division of Comprehensive Psychiatric Services. “The prevention conference offers additional opportunities to learn from experts, including survivors and families, about interventions that can help save lives.”

The conference is for anyone with an interest in suicide prevention, including educators, health-care providers, mental health care providers, law enforcement, and survivors. More than 30 speakers will address issues related to suicide prevention, including depression, substance abuse, stigma, youth suicide and school-related issues, suicide among the elderly, and survivor support groups. John Kevin Hines, a suicide attempt survivor, and Brian Altman, J.D., with the Suicide Prevention Action Network USA in Washington, D.C., are among the featured presenters.

Missouri ranks 22nd in the nation in its rate of suicide deaths, and suicide is the second-leading cause of death among 15- to 34-year-olds in Missouri. More than 700 Missourians die each year because of suicide and another 6,700 persons receive emergency care after attempting to take their own lives. The state suicide rate of 12.4 per 100,000 citizens is higher than the national rate of 11.1.

The two-day conference is sponsored by the Department of Mental Health and Lincoln University. It will be held at the Capital Plaza Hotel in Jefferson City, and will include a half-day session on September 11 at Lincoln University to focus on military-related issues. LTC Michael Russell with the United States Army Command and Linda Torsani Fatkin, M.A., with PRISM Resiliency Resources of Joppa, MD., will be among the featured presenters for the military sessions.

Information about the conference is available online: www.dmh.mo.gov/cps/issues/suicide/2007Conf.pdf

Editors please note: For information on the most effective ways of reporting on suicide in the media, please review the document Reporting on Suicide: Recommendations for the Media at www.sprc.org/library/sreporting.pdf

For additional information on suicide, visit the Department of Mental Health’s web site at www.dmh.mo.gov/cps/issues/suicide.htm

###

For more information, contact Bob Bax, 573-751-8033

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DMH adjusts Bellefontaine plan out of concern for client safety

JEFFERSON CITY, MO., AUGUST 30, 2007 -- Recent findings in an annual Medicaid survey of Bellefontaine Habilitation Center have resulted in adjustments to the Department of Mental Health’s plan for that facility announced in March.

The Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) and a representative from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services conducted the survey in June and observed a situation in which staff did not provide appropriate interventions to a client. That situation led to a finding of “immediate jeopardy” by the surveyors.

The interpretation of immediate jeopardy is a crisis situation in which the health and safety of an individual or individuals are at risk. The finding was issued based on observation of inappropriate staff response to a client’s self-injurious behavior. Because of that incident, the facility reviewed Behavioral Support Plans (BSP) for all 52 cases of residents with some level of self-injurious behavior. Staff found that 54 percent of the cases had not improved since their individual BSPs were initiated.

“Immediate jeopardy is the most serious situation that can be cited regarding care of consumers,” said Keith Schafer, Director of the Department of Mental Health. “It discourages potential community partners from building and operating a 120-bed congregate facility on the Bellefontaine campus, and most important, it means I cannot assure the standard of safety required by Governor Blunt and the Department of Justice for this component of the Bellefontaine plan.”

As a result, DMH has modified the plan announced in March of this year. That plan called for a community partner to serve up to 120 clients on the campus, as well as a new state facility of 40 residential beds and 12 acute-care beds. The state-operated component continues to be part of the plan. However, community partners will be selected to move approximately 128 clients to the community. There currently are 169 persons at the facility.

Schafer said a request for proposals (RFP) will be issued in mid-September for community providers to temporarily serve clients on the BHC campus with the intent to move them to the community within a two-year period. Bellefontaine staff serving those clients will have the opportunity to transition to the community provider.

“Through this process, the providers will have the opportunity to build relationships with the residents, their families and guardians, and with the staff,” Schafer said. “We want to ensure that each resident has an individualized, person-centered plan for community integration.”

###

For more information, contact Scott Perkins, 573-751-8155

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Local organizations receive funds for suicide prevention

JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JULY 3, 2007 – Seventeen communities will receive funding aimed at reducing the incidence of youth suicide in Missouri, the Department of Mental Health announced today. The funding is designed to encourage local initiatives to look at factors that may put youth at risk for suicide.

Missouri’s rate of suicide among persons age 15 to 24 is 11.2 per 100,000 persons. This is higher than the national average of 10.5. Missouri overall rate of suicide is also higher than the national average.

“Suicide among our youth is a major health problem impacting families in our state,” said Joe Parks, M.D., director of the Division of Comprehensive Psychiatric Services. “The funding of local initiatives continues the focus of the State Suicide Prevention Plan. Suicide is everybody’s business and we must work together to protect the young people who represent our future.”

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the source for the funding, totaling more than $46,000. The funds were awarded locally by the Department of Mental Health’s Youth Suicide Prevention Project through a competitive process. The applicants had to demonstrate a connection with the State Suicide Prevention Plan and strategies to enhance suicide prevention in their local community.

Some of the local projects include: a suicide prevention workshop; suicide prevention training for college residence hall staff; establishing a local interactive website on suicide awareness and prevention; purchasing suicide prevention DVDs for suicide prevention presentation to youth; create and distribute a back to school suicide prevention toolkit; and train instructors to provide presentations to schools on suicide prevention.

“These funds allow local entities to be creative in communicating their care and concern for the young people in their community,” said Dottie Mullikin, Director of Prevention for the Department of Mental Health.

Mullikin said another round of prevention funding is underway and the Department is accepting applications through August. “This is a great opportunity for back to school projects that are locally based and build resiliency in kids,” Mullikin said.

Following is the list of the local communities receiving the suicide prevention grants:

Alma	Santa Fe R-X Jr/Sr High Schools	$ 2,820.00
Blue Springs	KC Suicide Awareness & Prevention Program	$ 2,900.00
Carthage	Carthage High School	$ 2,599.00
Caruthersville	Day of Hope	$ 2,853.15
Columbia	Stephens College	$ 2,300.00
Edina	Knox County High School	$ 2,599.00
Hermitage	Hickory County Health Dept.	$ 1,808.00
Hurley	Hurley R-I Schools	$ 1,525.00
Joplin	The Alliance of Southwest Missouri	$ 1,760.00
Kansas City	Hickman Mills High School	$ 2,599.00
Kansas City	Mental Health Association of the Heartland	$ 2,900.00
KC area	SASS-MOKAN	$ 2,900.00
Maysville	Maysville R-I School FCCLA	$ 2,225.00
Mexico	Arthur Center	$ 2,500.00
Montgomery City	Montgomery County Community Health Improvement Project (MCCHIP)	$ 940.00
Ravenwood	Northeast Nodaway R-V School District	$ 2,900.00
Springfield	NAMI Southwest Missouri	$ 2,800.00
St. Louis	KUTO	$ 2,900.00
St. Louis	Ritenour High School	$ 1,299.95
Washington	Crider Center	$ 1,750.00


	TOTAL	$ 46,878.10

###

For more information, contact Lois Thomas, 573-751-4423

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MENTAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT RESUMES PROCOVERY PROGRAM

JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JUNE 19, 2007 - Officials in the Missouri Department of Mental Health announced today that its statewide implementation of recovery services through the Procovery™ program will resume this fall, following the completion of a successful demonstration pilot and extensive statewide foundational planning.

The Procovery™ program, developed by Kathleen Crowley, author and Executive Director of the Procovery Institute, emphasizes a hope-centered, forward-focused, and skills-based partnership of the client, the family, the service provider, and the community. It includes eight principles for resilience in healing, 12 strategies for action, and a highly structured system, known as the Procovery Circle, for group training and support.

“My support and commitment of the Procovery program as the model of recovery in Missouri is strong,” said Dr. Joseph Parks, M.D., director of the Department of Mental Health’s Division of Comprehensive Psychiatric Services (CPS). “Procovery offers succinct recovery principles and strategies that both our providers of service and the people we serve are able to operationalize regardless of setting. In addition, I have a strong belief that medical and behavioral health integration and collaboration will only benefit those we serve. Procovery operates across this spectrum.”

Evaluation of the demonstration pilot by the Missouri Institute of Mental Health noted, “Most important, it can be concluded from the evaluation of the Missouri Procovery Demonstration Program that Procovery is a promising catalyst of system transformation. The success of Procovery Circles to instill hope and a forward focus among mental health consumer members means that statewide implementation of this program could facilitate progress towards an integrated system response to growing demands from consumers for recovery-based services and supports to secure jobs, housing, and training.”

The Procovery™ program was brought to Missouri in April 2005 as an urban-rural demonstration program in the St. Louis, Farmington, Poplar Bluff, and Kennett regions. The pilot far surpassed initial expectations of eight to 12 Procovery Circles, with 1,075 staff, clients, family, and community members completing full-day core Procovery trainings, and more than 80 Procovery Circles established across diverse urban and rural settings. From June 2005 to May 2007 there have been more than 3,750 Procovery Circle meetings with an average attendance of 8.6 persons.

Dora Cole, director of Community Services Operations for CPS, will be leading the newly established CPS Missouri Procovery™ program development team. “The Procovery program continues to be our basis of transformation through attitude and service delivery approach,” said Cole. “The planning we have completed this past year was central to ensuring fidelity as we expand and institutionalize this innovative program. An important area of focus in the upcoming year is using Procovery as a vehicle for front-line training and retraining in recovery and engagement principles and techniques, to support both our staff and those they serve. An added element will be developing continuing education units for Procovery Circle Facilitator meetings, which provide ongoing training, coaching, and mentoring to build a continually growing base of trained facilitator expertise across Missouri.”
More information on the Procovery™ program in Missouri is available at www.procovery.com.

The Department of Mental Health serves Missourians by working to prevent mental disorders, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse; by treating, habilitating, and rehabilitating persons with those conditions; and by educating the public about mental health.

###

For more information, contact Bob Bax, 573-751-4423

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DITTEMORE ELECTED TO CHAIR MENTAL HEALTH COMMISSION

JEFFERSON CITY, JUNE 15, 2007 -- Ron Dittemore, Ed.D., of St. Joseph, was elected Thursday as chair of the Missouri Mental Health Commission. Dittemore has been a member of the commission since 2005. He replaces John Constantino, M.D., as the chair of the group, which serves as the principal policy advisors to the Department of Mental Health director.

Dittemore worked for the Department of Mental Health for 33 years. He was the superintendent of the state-operated Northwest Psychiatric Rehabilitation Center (NWPRC) in St. Joseph at the time of his retirement in 1999. He was appointed to the Mental Health Commission by Governor Matt Blunt on June 28, 2005. From July 1, 2006, to Jan. 31, 2007, Dittemore served as the interim director of the department while the commission conducted a search for a new director. He resigned from the commission to serve as interim director and was reappointed to the commission by Governor Blunt in February 2007.

“Ron is a leader when it comes to enhancing the delivery of mental health services for Missourians,” Gov. Blunt said. “I congratulate him on this honor and look forward to continuing to work with him and the Mental Health Commission as he takes on his new responsibilities.”
"Ron has demonstrated great leadership in his role as interim director and as a commissioner. We are fortunate to have his expertise on the commission and as the chair," Constantino said.

The commission on Thursday also elected Beth Viviano of Fenton as secretary. Viviano has served on the commission since 2005. Other members of the commission include Constantino of St. Louis; Phillip McClendon of Joplin; George Gladis of St. Louis; and Patricia J. Bolster, M.D., of Creve Courer. There is one vacancy on the seven-member commission.

The Department of Mental Health provides a wide range of services each year to more than 150,000 Missourians affected by mental illnesses, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse. The department operates 28 facilities around the state and purchases services through more than 2,700 contract providers around the state.

###

For more information, contact Teresa Thaman or Gwen Finley
417-629-3558

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Mental Health Department launches community-based web site for people with mental and developmental disabilities

JOPLIN, MO, March 1, 2007 – The Missouri Department of Mental Health has launched a breakthrough Web solution statewide for individuals, families, and agencies concerned with mental and emotional wellness and developmental disabilities.

Officials in Joplin, Mo., will provide a demonstration of this new site on Friday, March 9, at 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. at the Joplin Regional Center, 3600 East Newman Road, Joplin, Mo., to illustrate how the site can be of help to residents of the community.

Network of Care for Mental Health is an online information site that provides critical information, communication, and advocacy tools with a single point of entry. It provides information for those navigating the system of mental health services, those working to avoid the need for formal services, and those ready to transition out of the mental health system.

Sponsored by the Missouri Department of Mental Health, Network of Care for Mental Health (www.missouri.networkofcare.org) is a pilot program for Missouri and the nation. Regardless of where individuals, families, and agencies begin their search for assistance with mental health issues, Network of Care for Mental Health helps them find what they need. The web site will enable people to find the right service at the right time, to educate themselves about their issues, to understand current policy initiatives, to advocate directly to elected officials, and to better manage their affairs, interactions, and important records.

The Network of Care for Mental Health provides a comprehensive Service Directory of the community-based services providers in each Missouri county, putting people in touch with the right services in their communities. Network of Care also provides easy to search libraries and information about specific disorders, pending legislation and advocacy, and daily news articles from around the world concerning mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse.

To increase accessibility and accommodate Network of Care’s users, the site’s technology provides near-universal access, regardless of literacy or income level, to web-based services through a text-only version of the site and other adaptive technologies. The site is fully ADA-compliant. Network of Care also is available in multiple languages.

Service providers can share challenges and ideas – as well as create new mechanisms to better serve people with mental illness, developmental disabilities and substance abuse – by embracing Network of Care’s communication tools, including message boards and community calendars. Service providers may also build their own free Web sites in the site’s “For Providers” section.

Trilogy Integrated Resources LLC of San Rafael, California, created, developed, and maintains Network of Care for Mental Health and all other Network of Care Web sites. Based on requests from across the nation, Trilogy is also developing a Network of Care site for substance abuse. Trilogy, a leading information provider in the field of social services, now serves 12 states via the Network of Care.

# # # #

For more information, contact Bob Bax, 573-751-4423

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DENISE GOBER SELECTED AS DMH FEBRUARY EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH

JEFFERSON CITY, MO., March 1, 2007 – Denise Gober, account clerk II at Southeast Missouri Mental Health Center in Farmington, has been named the Department of Mental Health’s February Employee of the Month.

Supervisors noted that in her role as patient funds clerk for Southeast Missouri Mental Health Center and for the Missouri Sexual Offender Treatment Center, Gober has gone above and beyond the demands of the job. She also continues as a member of the Employee Relations Committee and devotes extra time and energy to those activities that benefit all staff.

Southeast Missouri Mental Health Center provides inpatient as well as acute psychiatric services to persons with mental illnesses. The facility has approximately 490 staff members and 172 beds.

The Department of Mental Health serves Missourians by working to prevent mental disorders, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse; by treating, habilitating and rehabilitating persons with those conditions; and by educating the public about mental health.

###

For more information, contact Ellie Widmer, 417-895-7415
ellie.widmer@dmh.mo.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Mental Health Department launches community-based web site for people with developmental and mental disabilities

Springfield, MO, February 22, 2007 - The Missouri Department of Mental Health has launched a breakthrough Web solution statewide for individuals, families, and agencies concerned with mental and emotional wellness and developmental disabilities. The Network of Care website will be demonstrated on:

Friday, February 23
Springfield Regional Center—Multi-Purpose Room
1515 E. Pythian St.
Springfield, MO 65801
10:00 to 11:00 AM or 3:00 to 4:00 PM

Network of Care for Developmental Disabilities and Mental Health is an online information site that provides critical information, communication, and advocacy tools with a single point of entry. It provides information for those navigating the system of developmental disability and mental health services, those working to avoid the need for formal services, and those ready to transition out of the mental health system.

Sponsored by the Missouri Department of Mental Health, Network of Care for Developmental Disabilities and Mental Health (www.missouri.networkofcare.org) is a pilot program for Missouri and the nation. Regardless of where individuals, families, and agencies begin their search for assistance with mental health issues, Network of Care for Mental Health helps them find what they need. This new Web site will enable people to find the right service at the right time; to educate themselves about their issues; to understand current policy initiatives; to advocate directly to elected officials; and to better manage their affairs, interactions, and important records.

The Network of Care for Mental Health provides a comprehensive Service Directory of the community-based service providers in each Missouri county, putting people in touch with the right services in their communities. Network of Care also provides easy-to-search libraries and information about specific disorders, pending legislation and advocacy, and daily news articles from around the world concerning mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse.

To increase accessibility and accommodate Network of Care’s users, the site’s technology provides near-universal access, regardless of literacy or income level, to Web-based services through a text-only version of the site and other adaptive technologies. The site is fully ADA-compliant. Network of Care also is available in multiple languages.

Service providers can share challenges and ideas – as well as create new mechanisms to better serve people with mental illnesses, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse issues – by embracing Network of Care’s communication tools, including message boards and community calendars. Service providers also may build their own free Web sites in the site’s “For Providers” section.

Trilogy Integrated Resources LLC of San Rafael, Calif., created, developed, and maintains Network of Care for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities and all of the other Network of Care Web sites. Based on requests from across the nation, Trilogy is also developing a Network of Care site for substance abuse.

###

For more information, contact Bob Bax, 573-751-4423

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Parks named to head Division of Comprehensive Psychiatric Services

JEFFERSON CITY, MO., FEBRUARY 20, 2007 – Joseph Parks, M.D., today was named as the Director of the Division of Comprehensive Psychiatric Services (CPS), within the Department of Mental Health. Parks is currently the medical director for the department. His appointment is effective immediately.

The Division of CPS is one of three major program divisions within the Department of Mental Health and serves approximately 75,000 adults and children annually with serious mental illnesses and severe emotional disorders.

“There is no better person in Missouri than Joe Parks to guide CPS to the good outcomes we all want for the people we serve,” Department of Mental Health (DMH) Director Keith Schafer said in announcing the appointment. Schafer cited Dr. Parks’ knowledge of the Medicaid program as an important element for the Department at this time.

“Missouri is entering a time of unprecedented reform in its state Medicaid program, transitioning the current program to a new comprehensive system called HealthNet. Many of the people DMH serves are Medicaid-eligible. The proposed reform will bring major changes in how we deliver services, with greater emphasis on better integration of medical and behavioral health care,” Schafer said.

Dr. Parks will also guide the planned privatization of state-operated acute care psychiatric hospitals in the next few years. In addition, Dr. Parks will retain his responsibilities as the Department of Mental Health’s chief clinical officer.

Parks has served as the DMH medical director of psychiatry since 1993. He earned his undergraduate degree in 1979 and his medical degree in 1983 from the University of Michigan. He is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

###

For more information, contact Bob Bax, 573-751-4423

NEW MENTAL HEALTH DIRECTOR OUTLINES PRIORITIES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JEFFERSON CITY, MO., FEBRUARY 2, 2007 – The Department of Mental Health must make consumer care and safety its top priority and do everything possible to prevent abuse and neglect, the agency’s new director said today.

Keith Schafer started February 1 as the head of the agency that serves approximately 170,000 Missourians each year who are impacted by mental illnesses, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse. He recently outlined his priorities for the Mental Health Commission. “Consumers and their families must not fear risk of harm from the help they receive from the department,” Schafer said. “We must emphasize prevention of abuse and neglect and treatment that is based on best-practice standards.”

Schafer said that ensuring persons served by the department get the medical care as well as mental health services they need and building strong local service systems are among his other priorities.

“Persons with mental illnesses tend to have a shorter life expectancy. This is not because of their mental illness, but because of diabetes, heart disease, and other conditions,” Schafer said. “Health care for mental health clients must be integrated to address both medical and behavioral needs.”
The new director also said that the department must continue to develop the local service systems that provide a full continuum of care and that allow persons receiving services to have voice in the services they receive. “We must find ways to allow persons to participate more actively in their treatment process,” he said.

Schafer, of Jefferson City, served as director of the Department of Mental Health from 1986 to 1994. For the past 12 years he has held positions in the private sector in the behavioral health management and program development. Other experience includes Executive Director of the National Child Welfare Leadership Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Deputy Director of the Missouri Department of Social Services.
Schafer earned his bachelor's degree in education from Oklahoma Christian College; a master's degree in education from Drury College; and a Doctor of Education degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

The Department of Mental Health serves Missourians by working to prevent mental disorders, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse; by treating, habilitating, and rehabilitating persons with those conditions; and by educating the public about mental health.

###

For more information, contact Lois Thomas, 573-751-4423

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

State Advisory Council for Psychiatric Services accepting nominations for media Awards; Deadline is February 15

JEFFERSON CITY, MO., FEB. 2, 2007 – Time is running short to nominate print and broadcast media that produced mental-health-related items in 2006 for the Missouri State Advisory Council for Comprehensive Psychiatric Services Media Awards. Winners will be recognized in a special ceremony during Mental Health Awareness Day on April 18, 2007. The council will present awards in seven categories for media coverage and campaigns that contribute “to the understanding and positive image of people with mental illness and children with serious emotional disorders.”

The council is accepting nominations of newspaper articles, radio and television broadcasts, special print projects, and media campaigns through February 15, 2007.

“Media stories and projects dealing with topics related to mental illness and emotional disorders can advance or set back the progress of people with these disorders in our society,” according to Donna K. Lay, State Advisory Council chair. “Stigma can be a major barrier in the effort to get people the help they need. But if we can get the word out to people that treatment is beneficial and can help those with mental illnesses to function successfully and contribute to their communities, the more people will be likely to step up and get the help they need.”

The National Mental Health Association has noted that "The media play a vital role in educating Americans about the reality of mental health and mental illness. Through accurate, hard-hitting and responsible coverage, media professionals can help reduce the stigma associated with mental disorders and inform readers that mental illnesses are real, common and treatable."
“These awards are our opportunity to thank the people who have access to the tools to communicate with their communities for their contributions on behalf of the people in our state with mental disorders,” said Geody Frazier, Peer Educator.

More information regarding categories and qualifying projects is located on the Missouri Department of Mental Health website at www.dmh.mo.gov/cps/cpsindex.htm. Click on the Mental Health Awareness Day link. For more information on the media awards, or to receive paper copies of nomination information and forms, call the Department of Mental Health’s toll-free phone number at 800-364-9687.

The Department of Mental Health serves Missourians by working to prevent mental disorders, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse; by treating, habilitating, and rehabilitating persons with those conditions; and by educating the public about mental health.

###

For more information, contact Bob Bax, 573-751-8033

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nevada Habilitation Center employee selected as DMH Employee of the Month

JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JANUARY 26, 2007 – Alice Halcomb, a developmental assistant at Nevada Habilitation Center, has been named the Department of Mental Health January Employee of the Month.

Halcomb’s selection was based on her response to the severe winter storm that hit the area in December with over a foot of snow. Ms. Halcolm usually arrives for work at 6:45 a.m., but on the morning of the snow storm she anticipated that many people would be unable to get to work and left her home at 5 a.m. She was unable to get her vehicle out of her driveway and walked more than 2 miles through the snow to get to work. She volunteered to work an extra shift because of the numerous call-ins that happened because of the storm.

“We had many staff who put forth the extra effort that day, but Alice’s response went above and beyond,” said Chris Baker, superintendent at the facility. Halcomb has worked at Nevada Habilitation Center for about 22 years.
The Nevada Habilitation Center provides residential services to individuals with developmental disabilities. The Department of Mental Health serves Missourians by working to prevent mental disorders, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse; by treating, habilitating and rehabilitating persons with those conditions; and by educating the public about mental health.

###

For more information, contact Bob Bax, 573-751-8033

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Lynn Carter named Deputy Director for Department of Mental Health

JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JANUARY 16, 2007 – Department of Mental Health interim director Ron Dittemore and incoming director Keith Schafer announced today that Lynn Carter has been appointed Deputy Director for the department.

Carter has held the position of Deputy Director for the Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse since September 2006. With more than 20 years of service in the Department of Mental Health, Carter has served a variety of clinical and management positions, including direct service delivery, policy development, regional management of community and facility operations, and disaster mental health services. Her career in state government also has included positions in child welfare and aging. Carter is a licensed clinical social worker with a Master’s degree in social work from the University of Missouri at Columbia.

“Lynn’s experience gives her a unique understanding of the department’s programs that serve approximately 170,000 Missourians each year,” said Dittemore. “Her leadership and insight will be a tremendous asset to the department.”

The Department of Mental Health serves Missourians by working to prevent mental disorders, developmental disabilities and substance abuse; by treating, habilitating and rehabilitating persons with those conditions; and by educating the public about mental health.

###

For more information, contact Bob Bax

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Mark Stringer named to head Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse

JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JANUARY 11, 2007 – Officials in the Missouri Department of Mental Health have announced the appointment of Mark Stringer as director of the Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse.

Department interim director Ron Dittemore and incoming director Keith Schafer announced today that Stringer will replace Michael Couty, who is retiring from the department effective January 31 to accept an appointment as Director of Juvenile Court in Cole County.

Stringer has been serving as interim deputy director for the department since July 2006. He is a licensed professional counselor and nationally certified counselor with more than 22 years of experience in the mental health and substance abuse fields. Prior to entering state service in 2001, he directed adult and adolescent addiction treatment programs, a psychiatric outpatient clinic, and an inpatient geriatric psychiatry unit.

“Mark has the skills and experience to provide outstanding leadership for the division,” Dittemore said. “He has been a tremendous asset during his time as interim deputy director for the department.”

The Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse provides a wide range of treatment services for persons impacted by alcohol and other drug abuse through contracts with community-based treatment agencies across the state. It also plans and funds prevention services.

The Department of Mental Health serves Missourians by working to prevent mental disorders, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse; by treating, habilitating, and rehabilitating persons with those conditions; and by educating the public about mental health.

###