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Centene Foundation for Quality Healthcare Awards Grant to Fragile Kids Foundation

Cenpatico — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 20:41:18 +0000

Cenpatico, in association with the Peach State Health Plan, is pleased to announce the awarding of a $35,000 grant by the Centene Foundation for Quality Healthcare to Fragile Kids Foundation, Inc. (FKF), a nonprofit organization based in Atlanta, Georgia.

Cenpatico’s parent company, Centene Corporation, established The Centene Foundation for Quality Healthcare in 2004. This 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of healthcare in the United States.

The grant award will launch the Fragile Kids Partner Program, an effort to better reach underserved, rural Georgia families caring for medically fragile children with a range of diagnoses, including cerebral palsy, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, mitochondrial disorder and other genetic/trauma disorders. The goal of the program is to provide medical equipment and therapy tools to those children in Georgia who are not covered by insurance or any other healthcare option by collaborating with partners in the state that are established social, educational and therapy “homes.”

“For many medically fragile children, durable medical products represent the sort of crucial equipment needed for them to grow and thrive,” said Kathy Bradley-Wells, President, Centene Foundation for Quality Healthcare. “The Fragile Kids Partners Program strengthens FKF’s capacity to serve children and families who experience healthcare disparities throughout Georgia.”

“In a grassroots effort to reach out to rural caregivers of special-needs and chronically ill children, we learned that we share so many of the same families in our equipment grants program with other smaller organizations,” said Carolyn Polakowski, Executive Director, Fragile Kids Foundation. “We discovered that these small, struggling community resource initiatives rarely have the appropriate medical equipment for children in attendance to share. Joining forces with these smaller partners is a natural progression of our mission to fill the gaps for all children with a medically fragile diagnosis. This grant from the Centene Foundation will empower us to launch the program statewide and deepen our network of community advocates and therapists.”

About Fragile Kids Foundation, Inc.
The Fragile Kids Foundation, a twenty-year-old charitable organization serving the entire state of Georgia, provides medical equipment and durable medical goods to medically fragile children that are not covered by government (Medicaid) or private insurance programs. 76% of the children benefitting from the programs of FKF have incomes hovering at the poverty line; 50% of the children are cared for by single mothers and grandmothers. The Foundation provides wheelchair lifts, specialized car seats, communication aids, toileting and bathing systems and other prescribed equipment for children that cannot be secured through other means. Children from birth to 21 who reside in Georgia and have a medically fragile diagnosis – Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, Muscular Dystrophy, Mitochondrial disorder and other genetic and traumatic disorders are eligible for support. The Foundation provides equipment through the “Healthcare Grants” and “Loaned Equipment programs.” The new Partners Program sponsored by Centene Foundation will launch in 2010. For additional information, please visit www.fragilekids.org.

About The Centene Foundation for Quality Healthcare
The Centene Foundation for Quality Healthcare is a non-profit private foundation dedicated to improving the quality of healthcare in the United States. The Foundation serves as a resource to identify and support innovative approaches to improving and increasing the quality of and access to healthcare for low-income individuals and families. This is accomplished through an inspired philanthropic giving plan that seeks to promote efforts and activities that identify and address core causes of unequal access and treatment in healthcare. For additional information, please visit www.centenefoundation.org.

Cenpatico Honored as a ‘Best Company in Texas’

Cenpatico — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 22:29:11 +0000

Photo — Chereeia Brown, left, and Ashley Gallardo were among the Cenpatico contingent that was honored during the 2010 Texas Association of Business Annual Conference, where Cenpatico was named one of the “Best Companies to Work for in Texas” on Jan. 28 at the AT&T Conference Center.

AUSTIN, Texas – Alongside Chief Executive Officer and President Sam Donaldson, PhD, and the Cenpatico Senior Management Team, IPR Coordinator Chereeia Brown and Consumer Advocate Ashley Gallardo were selected to represent Cenpatico during the Best Companies to Work for in Texas Award Ceremony at the 2010 Texas Association of Business Annual Conference on Jan. 28 at the AT&T Conference Center.

Brown and Gallardo were selected to join the Senior Management Team at the ceremony by virtue of their essays in the “What Makes Cenpatico a Best Company to Work for in Texas?” competition held throughout Cenpatico’s Texas offices in January.

“These two entries were insightful and moving, and really drive home our mission that, ‘Together We Inspire Hope for a Better Life,’” Donaldson said.

See below for Brown’s and Gallardo’s takes on what makes Cenpatico one of the best medium-sized companies to work for in Texas:
“Some consider one of society’s hidden shames is that of living with/admitting to having a loved one with a mental illness. Unless you have personally experienced it, you can never imagine the pain, fear, worry, or the sense of hopelessness that becomes a daily part of the lives of all who love that individual. I feel that the services Cenpatico provides to the community aids in giving our members a better quality of life and a vital mainstay to the human spirit …hope! I feel our mission also helps to dissolve the stigma behind any and all behavioral issues, thus making Cenpatico one of the best companies in to work for in Texas.

“I like that we make a real difference in the lives of so many and that we promote our mission through our involvement in activities such as the NAMI walk. I was so proud call my friends out-of-state and tell them I was a part of that. Working here couples my passion and love of helping people with a sense of contributing in a positive way towards life-changing personal and community concerns/issues, making Cenpatico deserving of being honored as one of the best places to work in Texas!”

– Chereeia Brown, IPR Coordinator

“I am a foster care alumnus in college. I never thought I would get a job at such a young age that would be geared at helping the foster care population. I joined a company that has a passion for making a difference in the lives of my brothers and sisters of the foster care system here in Texas. A company that looks at both sides and how we can help youth and help our company, we both share a passion and determination on this subject.

“I have seen other companies be very reluctant to hire foster youth who have aged out of the system, hoping to make a change. This company and my team all want me to use my experience and voice what we can all do to make this system better for our youth in care. Having a supportive team back you up, when you’re not sure if you should voice your opinion, is amazing. I have never had that, but I see it happen here all the time.

“I enjoy being part of this team, and, as we move on into the New Year, we continue to strive towards our goal of helping youth in the Texas Foster Care System. This is why I believe Cenpatico is the best company to work for.”

– Ashley Gallardo, Consumer Advocate

Cenpatico, one of the 85 best companies to work for in Texas as announced by Texas Monthly, ranked as the No. 24 medium-sized company to work for in Texas. The Medium-sized category includes companies that have between 75 and 249 employees. For-profit and nonprofit companies with at least 15 employees in Texas that chose to participate in a two-part survey, which included an organizational overview of the company’s policies and procedures and an in-depth employee questionnaire, were eligible for consideration by Best Companies Group, an independent organization managing the “Best Places to Work” program throughout many states and Canada.

The 85 Best Companies to Work for in Texas is a project of the Texas Association of Business, the Texas State Council of the Society for Human Resource Management, and Best Companies Group.

Five Ways to Battle Holiday Blues

Cenpatico — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 20:38:51 +0000

“The holidays can be difficult for anyone going through major life changes or economic issues,” said Terry Stevens, CEO of Cenpatico and a former child and family therapist. “There are many ways to inspire a more positive mood, and people shouldn’t simply resign themselves to feeling sadness.”

Stevens offers these five tips for combating the holiday blues:

Talk Things Out – Many adults experience “holiday blues.” If you’re not able to compensate for it in some other way, or feel that the “blues” might be drifting into depression, seek professional help through your physician or your community behavioral health agency.

Start New Traditions – If you’ve recently lost a loved one, if the holiday season is the anniversary of such a loss or if your living situation has changed in the past year and you are away from loved ones, try to start new traditions. These may not seem like much at first, but if you are able to repeat them over the next few years, they’ll begin to feel comfortable.

Participate When You Can – If you’re feeling blue, it’s difficult to have enthusiasm for social outings. Participate at a level that feels comfortable to you, but try not to isolate yourself entirely. A little participation might pick up your spirits.

Take Care of Yourself - Media messages can be overwhelming. This might be a good time to spend evenings with a good book or quiet music instead of watching television.

Volunteer Your Time - There are many social service programs for people in need during the holidays. Taking time to participate, if only for a few hours, can be a good way out of the doldrums.

Cenpatico Named One of “Best Companies to Work for in Texas”

Bobby Dipasquale — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:27:46 +0000

AUSTIN, TEXAS– (Nov. 17, 2009)– Cenpatico was recently named as one of the Best Companies to Work for in Texas 2010. This awards program is a project of TEXAS MONTHLY Magazine, the Texas Association of Business (TAB), the Texas State Council of the Society for Human Resource Management (TSC-SHRM) and Best Companies Group.

“We have an exceptional group of talented individuals at Cenpatico who are committed to our mission that ‘Together we can inspire hope for a better life’,” said Sam Donaldson Ph.D., CEO and President of Cenpatico. “Our company is constantly growing and changing and we recognize that it’s crucial to preserve a culture where our employees feel valued, encouraged and have room to grow.”

This statewide survey and awards program was designed to identify, recognize and honor the best places of employment in Texas, benefiting the state’s economy, its workforce and businesses.

Companies from across the state entered the two-part process to determine the Best Companies to Work for in Texas. The first part consisted of evaluating each nominated company’s workplace policies, practices, and demographics. This part of the process was worth approximately 25% of the total evaluation. The second part consisted of an employee survey to measure the employee experience. This part of the process was worth approximately 75% of the total evaluation. The combined scores determined the top companies and the final ranking. Best Companies Group managed the overall registration and survey process in Texas and also analyzed the data and used their expertise to determine the final rankings.

Cenpatico will be recognized and honored at the Best Companies to Work for in Texas awards ceremony on Thursday, January 28, 2010 at the Texas Association of Business 2010 Annual Conference. The final rankings will be announced at the luncheon.

2009 Fall Quarterly Newsletter

Bobby Dipasquale — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:36:17 +0000

The Cenpatico Summer 2009 Quarterly report is now available which you can find in our Newsletters section or by clicking here. In this report we look at our Decision Making Process, Letting the Guidelines be the Guide, and Making Time for Members.

Past quarterly reports are also available on the Newsletters page.

Actress Glenn Close looks to “Bring Change 2 Mind”

Bobby Dipasquale — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:05:29 +0000

Actress Glenn Close along with the Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation (CABF), Fountain House, and Garen and Shari Staglin of IMHRO (International Mental Health Research Organization) have started Bringchange2mind.org in order to battle the stigma of Mental Illness.

Close, who’s sister and nephew both suffer from mental illnesses, started the campaign in hopes of providing people with misconceptions about mental illness quick and easy access to information that combats stigma and to provide people with mental illness access to information and support. (Listen to Glenn and Jessie’s story)

Actor/Director Ron Howard and singer/songwriter John Mayer have also contributed their talents to help this movement. Howard directed Bring Change’s first PSA which can be viewed here. Mayer’s song “Say” has become the anthem for the movement.

Bring Change is also asking others to share their story. Send them a video and it may be picked to be featured on the site. People can also share their story by going to Bring Change’s Message Board.

Bring Change 2 Mind is supported by many major mental health organizations including our friends at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Mental Health America, The National Institue on Mental Health (NIMH), The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and many others.

Cenpatico applauds Ms. Close and all that are working, as we do each day to Inspire Hope, Bring Change, and advocate Recovery, Resiliency, and Results.

National Child Mental Health Month

Bobby Dipasquale — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:03:55 +0000

November marks the return of National Child Mental Health Month. Started in 1999 by President Bill Clinton, November was set aside to remind us how important Mental Health is for our children.

To find out more about Children and Mental Health please check out the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) an Mental Health America’s sites with many useful materials on everything from Child and Adolescent Mental Health to Preventing Youth Violence.

We also encourage you to talk to your child about mental illness. We have tips on how to help your child Cope with Mental Illness and tips on how to talk with Friends and Family about Mental Illness. Each of these brochures can also be found under the Members tab and by clicking on your specific market and going into the “Member Resources” section.

Red Ribbon Week October 23-31

Bobby Dipasquale — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 19:04:14 +0000

The Red Ribbon Campaign is the oldest and largest drug prevention program in the nation reaching millions of young people during Red Ribbon Week, October 23-October 31 each year. Red Ribbon Week is a way for people and communities to unite and take a visible stand against drugs.

The Red Ribbon Campaign was started when drug traffickers in Mexico City murdered Kiki Camarena, a DEA agent, in 1985. This began the continuing tradition and displaying Red Ribbons as a symbol of intolerance towards the use of drugs. The mission of the Red Ribbon Campaign is to present a unified and visible commitment toward the creation of a drug-free America.

The National Family Partnership, is the sponsor of the National Red Ribbon Week Celebration. They help people come together to keep children, families and communities safe, healthy and drug-free through parent training, networking and sponsoring the National Red Ribbon Campaign.

A theme unifies each year’s campaign and helps to broadcast one message creating a tipping point to change behavior. To participate in the theme go to http://nfp.org.

Depression Screening Day

Bobby Dipasquale — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 20:38:36 +0000

October 8 Marks Depression Screening Day.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 14.8 million people suffer with Major Depression.

Depression can be treated. According to the National Institute of Health, up to 80 percent of people treated for depression start to feel better within four to six weeks of starting medicine, therapy, support groups or a combination of treatments.

As part of Mental Health America’s Campaign for America’s Mental Health, they’re offering a free, confidential Depression Screening.

To learn more about Depression along with other Behavioral Health Issues please check out our brochures.

Mental Illness Awareness Week

Bobby Dipasquale — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 16:08:42 +0000

October 4-10 marks Mental Illness Awareness Week. Started by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in 1990, the Week is a joining together of Mental Health Advocates to not only raise the awareness of Mental Illness in our communities, but to fight the stigmas that can become a major roadblock to recovery.

To learn more about Mental Illness Awareness week click on the previous link and also make sure to check out some of the definitions and Myths and Facts of Mental Illness.

Also, during this week many PBS television stations will be broadcasting “Minds on the Edge: Facing Mental Illness.” Check the program’s listings for days and times it will be showing in your area. Help spread the word! Use this provocative, informative program to support advocacy for reform of the mental heath care system.

In addition Fred Friendly Seminars, Inc., which produced Minds has issued a challenge to people who register as friends on the program’s Facebook page. For whoever becomes the 1,000th person to register, they will donate $250 to the non-profit mental health organization of the person’s choice.