The following article highlights the opening of The Living Center, a new recovery facility in Nogales, Arizona, that is operated under a contract with Cenpatico of Arizona. Please click here to read the article online at the official website of the Nogales International.

By Jonathan Clark , Nogales International

Local residents transitioning out of addiction treatment centers, mental health institutes or correctional facilities have a new place to find support now that The Living Center has opened its doors in Nogales.

The organization, founded in Yuma in 2001 by a group of men and women who felt frustrated with the lack of support and guidance after treatment, inaugurated its Nogales center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday.

“It’s a resource center for our recovery community and it serves as a hub for all of our friends in recovery,” said co-founder Rick Ploski, who emphasized the participatory and experiential nature of the center’s services.

As an example of that approach, fellow co-founder Dr. Anthony Alberta told the NI, The Living Center offers a job bank, but people using the center maintain it, which helps them to develop data entry and organizational skills at the same time that they search for work.

In addition, the center is preparing to open a restaurant – the Turtle Bay Café – that will provide job opportunities for people dealing with mental illness. But these folks don’t just work at the cafe; they also design the menu and choose the décor, and they decide how any proceeds from the project will be spent for the benefit of the center.

Employment and housing are probably the central issues that the center deals with, Alberta said, but staffers also help people obtain vital documents – such as birth certificates – that they need to access state services. And the center offers office space where counselors and officers from local agencies can come and hold appointments.

During his remarks at Wednesday’s ceremony, Mayor Arturo Garino spoke of the need for a facility like The Living Center in Nogales, saying: “A community needs to help one another, and the best way of doing that is to have a center where we can get together and talk about these things.”

The Living Center is operating in Nogales under a contract with Cenpatico Behavioral Health Services, which serves as the regional health authority for an area that includes all of Santa Cruz County. Cenpatico CEO Terry Stevens told the NI that research has convinced her that medication and support are the two keys to recovery, and so when Ploski pitched her his idea back in Yuma for providing support through The Living Center back in Yuma, she was convinced.

“I knew, with his heart and soul about recovery, that he wouldn’t be heavy handed and make people dependent,” she said.

The Learning Center is at 2073 N. Grand Ave., in the Sykes plaza. For more information, call (520) 280-5220.

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The following news release was issued by the State of Arizona, Office of the Governor on June 20, 2011. Please click here to see the official release.

PHOENIX – Acting in response to a request from Cochise County officials and local incident commanders, Governor Jan Brewer has deployed approximately 90 members of the Arizona National Guard to assist with operations in response to the Monument Fire near Sierra Vista.

The service members are part of the Tucson-based 860th Military Police Company. Beginning Tuesday, June 21, they will provide area security for locations evacuated due to the fire, and will be directed by local law enforcement. Additional Arizona National Guard forces are poised to deploy for additional assistance, if needed.

“The Monument Fire continues to draw a massive response from federal, state and local authorities,” said Governor Brewer. “I’ve deployed these National Guard members to assist with the effort, and won’t hesitate to authorize additional manpower if necessary.”

Meanwhile, the interagency staff at the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) in Phoenix continues to cautiously monitor and proactively plan for the consequences of the Monument Fire. The blaze, fanned by high winds and fueled by extreme heat and low humidity, has forced the evacuation of several communities and subdivisions. It is approximately 27,000 acres and almost 30 percent contained. Citizens with questions regarding the Monument Fire should call 800-288-3861.

The following is a summary of how state agencies are assisting with the response to the Monument Fire:

The State Forestry Division’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) was approved by FEMA on June 12. The FMAG will reimburse the state for 75 percent of firefighting and evacuation costs.

The Arizona Division of Emergency Management has deployed liaisons to the Monument Fire to facilitate information sharing between the State Emergency Operations Center and Cochise County. A state communication vehicle was also dispatched to provide enhanced communication support in the area.

The Arizona Department of Health Services is operating on several fronts for the Monument Fire. The Licensing Division is working to ensure that facilities and agencies have evacuation plans and know whom to contact if they are ordered to evacuate. So far, 15 facilities have relocated patients and residents, but there are 104 facilities within 20 miles of the fire line. Another major component of the DHS response is making sure that the facilities that remain open have enough staff. This is crucial since there are thousands of evacuees who may not be able to get to work, and some are part of the staff at hospitals, nursing homes and child care centers.

The DHS Behavioral Health Division is working closely with Cenpatico, the Regional Behavioral Health Authority in Cochise County, to make sure it has what it needs. So far, Cenpatico has mobilized countless counselors and psychiatrists to visit shelters. Cenpatico is also operating at 24-hour-a-day crisis phone line for people to call. Behavioral Health is one of the longest lasting impacts of any disaster.

The DHS Public Health Division is running the operation to make sure Health Services can provide needed services, and has provided a representative at the State Emergency Operations Center. The Environmental Health Office is helping with information for area shelters about food safety and health effects caused by the air quality near the wildfire. The Bureau of Nutrition and Physical Activity is actively reaching out to the Women, Infant and Children (WIC) clinics in the area to make sure they are safe and have what they need.

People affected by the current wildfires who have questions or problems with their home, auto or health insurance can contact the Department of Insurance for assistance (800-325.2548), or visit www.azinsurance.gov for insurance tips and resources. Evacuees are encouraged to contact their insurance company or agent as soon as feasible.

Visit the Arizona Emergency Information Network (AzEIN) website at www.AzEIN.gov for real-time emergency updates, preparedness and hazard information, and multimedia resources.

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AUSTIN, Texas—(Thursday, June 16, 2011)—Cenpatico has launched a new brand that better illustrates the numerous services it provides. The organization has more than 17 years of experience in managing behavioral health benefits; however, Cenpatico has expanded services beyond behavioral health over the past several years. Our healthcare specialties now include behavioral health and foster care; specialty therapies and rehabilitation including physical, occupational, and speech therapies; school-based services; community reentry and more.

As part of the change, Cenpatico has introduced a new logo and message, ‘Improving Lives.” The new logo features a “C” with a heart-shaped apple.  The “C” in the logo stands for Cenpatico.  The “heart” shape design represents health, compassion and empathy and healthcare, while the “apple” represents innovation, wellness (“an apple a day”) and our public education programs.

“Our goal in introducing the new brand was to be inclusive and to feature more than our behavioral health experience but also the wealth of expertise we have serving children and other vulnerable populations across therapies” said Angela Perri, Vice President of Business Development, Marketing and Communications.

In addition to the logo change, Cenpatico is now doing all business using the new brand. For example, the organization was previously known as Integrated Mental Health Services (IMHS) in Texas; and had various organizations like InSpeech and ABA Schools that were part of our corporate structure but had separate branding. “We heard from our members, providers and other stakeholders that our multiple names and logos were confusing.  We took that feedback seriously and worked to create this single, inclusive brand” said Perri.

As part of this branding effort, Cenpatico will also launch an updated website in early Fall.  The new website will feature access to additional resources and provide a user-friendly online experience.

Cenpatico serves 1.6 million members across ten states that are enrolled in public sector health care including Medicaid, CHIP, TANF, SSI and Foster Care.  “Cenpatico is committed to finding solutions that work for members and other stakeholders.  We will develop a program for just a few members if it helps them overcome their healthcare issues,” said Sam Donaldson, Ph.D., President and CEO of Cenpatico.

“Cenpatico has experienced tremendous growth in the past few years and these changes are designed to better reflect what we do,” said Donaldson.  “While our brand and logo have changed, the one thing that won’t change is our commitment to provide quality healthcare services. With everything we do, our mission and focus is to do all we can to improve the lives of our members.”

About Cenpatico-

Cenpatico is a multi-state managed health care company based in Austin, Texas.  It is a subsidiary of Centene Corporation, a Fortune 500 Company.  Since 1994, Cenpatico remains dedicated to serving in the public sector only and has approximately 1.6 million members in ten states.  The company’s public sector healthcare specialties include behavioral health, school-based services, specialty therapy and rehabilitation, community reentry and more utilizing a local approach to service coordination and delivery.  We are committed to innovative solutions and designing programs tailored to improving functional outcomes with our members. Find us online:  www.cenpatico.com

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The following article was published by The Sierra Vista (Arizona) Herald on Sunday, May 29. Click here to read the story online on The Herald’s website.

By Dana Cole, San Pedro Valley News-Sun

BENSON — Cenpatico Behavioral Health of Arizona is announcing a funding opportunity in support of community projects throughout its service areas.

Cenpatico’s Community Reinvestment Funding program awards organizations for programs that make a difference in the lives of people in a general community.

“The Community Reinvestment program is something we do every year,” said Terry Stevens, Cenpatico’s chief executive officer. “The community projects that we support assist the people we serve and benefit the community at large.”

Cenpatico is currently accepting proposals for the kinds of projects or programs that people would like to see in their communities. Examples of the types of projects that fit the criteria include — but are not limited to — youth centers, domestic violence shelters, homeless shelters, literacy centers and recreational programs that support health and wellness.

“The only restriction we have in place is that the money cannot go toward treatment or prevention services that are already covered through behavioral health dollars,” Stevens said. “We’re awarding this money as part of Cenpatico’s commitment to provide a percentage of our profits for community reinvestment programs in the communities we serve.”

In Cochise County, those communities include Benson, Bisbee, Douglas, Willcox and Sierra Vista. Cenpatico currently holds three contracts with the Arizona Department of Health Services/Division of Behavioral Health. Identified as Geographic Service Areas, or GSAs, Cochise County falls within a service area that includes Graham, Greenlee and Santa Cruz counties, an area that includes nine communities.

While the total distribution amount to be awarded is calculated by GSA, funds could come in the form of one large award per geographic are, or be divided into several smaller ones. Awards are determined by the Community Reinvestment Committee based on recommendations made by members of three boards, the Stakeholder Advisory Board, the Peer and Family Advisory Board and the Provider Roundtable, Stevens said.

“At this point, we don’t know how much money is available, but we want to let communities know about this opportunity so they can submit proposals,” she said. “Because communities’ needs are so diverse, we want the people living in the communities to tell us what they want.”

To be considered for an award, proposals must be submitted by June 20. Cenpatico will send the submissions to the three boards for the list of recommendations and a decision regarding the different funds will be made by July 15.

Guidelines

Cenpatico included the following guidelines that board members consider when reviewing proposals and making award recommendations.

• The proposals, however, do not have to include all of the items listed below. It’s also suggested that proposals include funding levels for the projects.
• Proposals should make a difference to the lives of the general community.
• Proposals should support health and wellness.
• Proposals should support positive development for youth, such as offering structured activities that include community involvement, activism, mentoring and literacy.
• Include information on how the program will sustain itself after the Cenpatico funding has been used.
• The proposal can be for mini-grants or special projects, such as “start-up” money for a program.

All Community Reinvestment program proposals should be sent to the attention of Melinda Vasquez at Cenpatico, 1501 W. Fountainhead Parkway, Suite 360, Tempe, AZ 85282.

To get more information, call (866) 495-6738.

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The following article was published by the Herald-Zeitung in New Braunfels, Texas, on Wednesday, May 18, 2011. Click here to see the article on the Herald-Zeitung website.

By Dalondo Monltrie, The Herald-Zeitnng

NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas – Therapists from across the state gathered in New Braunfels this week to learn new ways of treating foster children who have suffered traumatic events, a pair of foster-care professionals said.

The seminar was Monday and Tuesday at McKenna Events Center, where about 60 clinicians – from Austin, San Antonio, EI Paso and elsewhere– were reminded that medications can’t be thrown at every problem. Where once abused, neglected or traumatized children in the foster-care system were diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and medicated, therapists are finding other treatments work better, said D.J. Tessier, vice president of Comal County Child Welfare Board and president of Texas Child Welfare Board.

“What we try to do is get the best specialist in that area in to inform us of the best approaches on how to treat these children,” Tessier said. “The training helps us recognize how to evaluate these children and after evaluation to learn how to treat them.”

Dr. Susana Rivera’s PowerPoint presentation highlighted trauma-based cognitive behavioral therapy (TB-CBT), said Tracy Eilers, director of foster care at Cenpatico in New Braunfels. She said Rivera taught other professionals to understand what abused foster children have been through and the impact that abuse and neglect has on them.

TB-CBT helps teach the doctors who work with foster children and the foster parents who are raising traumatized youth, Eilers said.

“The focus is to educate all parts of the system on what these kids have been through,” she said. “It’s teaching them how to respectfully work with children.”

Once the diagnoses are made correctly, then the healing can begin, Eilers said. She said sometimes traumatized foster children have difficulty discussing the traumatic events. Sometimes, they are reluctant to talk to therapists or other adults, and TB-CBT training helps clinicians find other tools to move past such obstacles.

“This kind of draws the roadmap that services as a guide so certain pieces aren’t missed,” Eilers said. “And if they run into a roadblock its how to get around them. The core part is to help the children heal.”

And what’s really important is helping emotionally and physically wounded children heal, said Tessier, who reminds everyone that doing so is a daily job.

“Remember that child abuse happens year round,” Tessier said. “Although April is Child Abuse Awareness Month, we would like to make sure people don’t forget our children.”

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Cenpatico kicked-off Mental Health Month 2011 this week in San Diego, California, where CEO Sam Donaldson and other Cenpatico staff are in attendance at the 41st National Council Mental Health and Addictions Conference.

Sam and other mental health organization executives took part in a panel discussion, “New Opportunities for Working with Managed Care,” on Monday. Panelists talked about the role of managed care in mental health. Talking points for the 90-minute question-and-answer session included:

• How do we improve consumers’ experience with care?
• How are we going to make sure that people have access to behavioral healthcare?
• How do improve healthcare outcomes?
• How do we make healthcare more affordable?

The 41st National Council Conference continues through today and features keynote speakers, including President Bill Clinton and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Donald Berwick, among other panel discussions and activities.

The 41st National Council Conference is hosted by The National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare. Cenpatico is the official sponsor of all internet kiosks at the conference to link our name and services with technology and innovation.  For more information on the National Council Conference, please click here.

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From feeling an emotional high of a personal achievement to the emotional low of a traumatic event, mental health plays a role in everything we do. This May, Cenpatico is proud to take part in Mental Health Month as we and other organizations bring mental illness into the national spotlight.

Mental Health Month has helped raise awareness about mental health in the United States for more than 60 years. Initially a week-long public campaign, Congress designated May as Mental Health Month in 1949 (American Psychological Association, 2011).

Cenpatico is also proud to recognize May 3, 2011, as National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day. Mental illness impacts family members of all ages, social classes and backgrounds. At Cenpatico, we believe that educating families and friends on the types of mental illnesses that impact children is a key to promoting good mental health. For additional resources on children’s mental health, please click on the links below:

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day 2011

“Caring for Every Child’s Mental Health” Campaign

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Connect the Dots: Understanding Children’s Mental Health

Please be sure to check www.cenpatico.com as we deliver information and raise awareness about mental illness throughout the month.

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Cenpatico’s Division of School-Based Services’ Tammy Forrest has been named an Arizona Teacher of the Year by the Arizona Council for Exceptional Children (AZCEC) and the Arizona Council for Administrators of Special Education (AZ CASE). One of five Teachers of the Year, Tammy, a high school educator in her third year at Cenpatico’s Chandler Campus, was recognized alongside her fellow honorees at the annual AZCEC/AZCASE conference in Phoenix this March.

“Tammy is always seeking to improve herself and seeks out feedback about her classroom and performance, which is refreshing to see in a veteran teacher,” said Lorie Adler, the Campus Administrator for the Chandler Campus. “Tammy is invested in her students and their families and works with them to improve both the academic and behavioral potential of her students.”

Honored to be named a Teacher of the Year, Tammy says that receiving recognition for her work with children has never been a goal. Instead, her focus has been, and remains, to help her students reach their full potential.

“When the kids realize they are doing a lot of the things that the regular kids are doing, you see the change that takes place. That’s what it’s all about,” she says.

Tammy has worked with special needs children since 1996 after earning her undergraduate and Master’s degrees in Learning Disabilities. Originally from Ohio, she developed a passion for working with children in special education from a young age.

“In high school I was a part of [Future Business Leaders of America] and Future Teachers of America,” says Tammy. “I come from a small farm town in Ohio, and one of my placements was in a separate school for special children. I absolutely loved it.”

Following school, Tammy worked as a Behavioral Science Specialist in the Army before beginning her teaching career in public schools in North Carolina and Arizona. Ready for a new challenge, Tammy left the public sector and joined the team at ABA Chandler, part of Cenpatico’s division of School-Based Services.  Tammy’s experiences, knowledge and passion for working with children quickly began to rub off on her colleagues at the Chandler Campus, where she now teaches high school.

“Her flexibility and dedication to her profession and the well being of her students is evident all of the time,” says the School’s Assistant Campus Administrator Sara Mauricio. “Tammy continuously looks for resources that promote growth within her classroom and brings ideas forward for new and improved ways to better reach our students and school as a whole.”

Tammy takes pride in the ability to put herself on a level playing field with her students. She lets them see her mistakes and how she reacts to them so that her students can follow by example. Once that student-teacher bond is created, Tammy says, she begins to see her students reach their potential. That is the part she loves most about her job.

“I don’t feel I do anything that I wouldn’t do for my own child,” she says. “I love them, and I believe in them.”

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Cenpatico’s Ashley Gallardo was featured on this week’s installment of ‘Forever Families’ on Your News Now (YNN) in Austin, Texas. Ashley, 23, is a Foster Care Consumer Advocate whose aim is to help youth prepare  for life outside of Foster Care when they transition out of the system on their 18th birthday. YNN asked Ashley to share her experiences and talk about the desire she still has to become adopted and have a family she can one day call her own. To see Ashley’s interview with YNN, please click here.

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This week marks NEDAwareness Week, a nationwide event put on by the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) with an aim of placing the spotlight on Eating Disorders and those who are impacted by them. Cenpatico is pleased to be a Partner Organization for 2011 NEDAwareness Week, which is themed “It’s Time to Talk About It.” NEDAwareness Week continues through Saturday, February 26.

This year, NEDA is asking everyone to do “just one thing” to help raise awareness and communicate accurate information about Eating Disorders.

“Our aim of NEDAwareness Week is to ultimately prevent eating disorders and body image issues while reducing the stigma surrounding eating disorders and improving access to treatment,” states NEDA on its official website, www.nationaleatingdisorders.org. “Eating disorders are serious, life-threatening illnesses — not choices — and it’s important to recognize the pressures, attitudes and behaviors that shape the disorder.”

NEDAwareness Week kicked off on Sunday, February 20 with NEDA Walk events going on throughout the nation. The NEDA Walks taking place in Florida in Tampa Bay and Orlando and also in Washington, D.C. raised more than $50,000 for NEDA. NEDA, in partnership with MentorCONNECT, is also hosting the inaugural NEDA “Virtual Walk,” a social media event going on throughout NEDAwareness Week to raise awareness and support individuals and families impacted by eating disorders. Registration for the Virtual Walk is ongoing this week. Please click here for more information.

NEDA provides tons of free and discount resources, fun activity ideas and much more! Click here to learn more about how you can make a difference.

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