Cenpatico

Making a Difference

Bobby Dipasquale — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 17:24:24 +0000

Linda Weinberg went where she wasn’t wanted and made a difference.

Suicide has been a major problem in Native American communities for decades. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suicide rates among Native Americans have been more than double the general population. As recently as 2003, suicide was the second leading cause of violent death among Native Americans aged 19 or younger behind car accidents. In one tribe, three 12-year old girls committed suicide in a month.

“There are a lot of factors that can contribute to high Native American suicide rates,” Weinberg said. “There are problems with substance abuse, isolation, lack of employment, lack or resources, and the trouble of living in two worlds: Tribal and non-Tribal.”

Weinberg has been with Cenpatcio Arizona as Policy Developer for 3 ½ years. She knows and understands the problem suicide has been in the Tribes in her area and knew she had to help make a difference. “There was no prevention department,” Weinberg said. “There were no enrollment, and no diagnoses services in the tribal areas.”

Tribes can be very protective of their people and their lands. Outsiders aren’t always welcome or trusted; especially those who wish to discuss and help solve a very taboo problem like suicide. This is a fact not lost on Weinberg. “I had to be invited onto Native Lands,” she said. “I learned about each culture and made sure to be seen to prove that I could be trusted. People of any culture want to see that you want to learn and will keep your word. I had to learn who my supporters were and build upon those relationships.”

Weinberg was able to secure funds from the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) for suicide prevention services for the Maricopa Ak-Chin and the San Carlos Apache Nations.

She identified the type of services the Maricopa Ak-Chin felt were needed and got permission to bring services in the form of Critical Incident Stress Management Training and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training. She went to Columbia University for training to be able to teach Teen Screen to behavioral health and school personnel so they could screen youth who may be at risk for suicide and trained personnel who worked with youth from each the Maricopa Ak-Chin, San Carlos Apache, and Gila River Pima Tribes.

At San Carlos, Weinberg works closely with the Wellness Center and the Vice Chair of Tribal Council to identify services to meet the Tribal needs and has contracted for training of school personnel, detention center staff, behavioral health, housing department and other Tribal Departments. She also contracts with the Tribe for a public education campaign, the training of caregivers (including all materials) and works with the Tribe on infrastructure development for more staff to be trained to conduct suicide prevention training and debriefing after a critical incident.

In part because of Weinberg’s work, Native American Suicide rates in Arizona dropped below the state mean for the first time in Arizona history. In September 2008 Weinberg was awarded for her works with the Native American Suicide Prevention/MBrace Life Award.

“Change takes a long time,” Weinberg said “When you see the stats and see the changes in a community … rewarding isn’t a big enough word to describe the feeling.”

Better Days

Sam Donaldson — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 21:45:06 +0000

And you ask me what I want this year
And I try to make this kind and clear
Just a chance that maybe we’ll find better days
Cuz I don’t need boxes wrapped in strings
And desire and love and empty things
Just a chance that maybe we’ll find better days

-Lyrics from “Better Days” by the Goo Goo Dolls

I’m sure like many Americans, you have been reading about the decline in retail sales, and even the recent news that not only are we spending less, but actually, for the first time in about 50 years, paying down debt. I guess this is a mixed bag for our country. On the one hand, it is bad news since our economy is so driven by consumerism. But on the other hand, it is good news that maybe, just maybe, we are examining our attachment to things, our culture and an economy based on spending. It just cannot be a good thing to have a national economy based on buying stuff and, worse, doing so on borrowed money. I, too, have gotten caught up in buying more things, getting attached to things, and then like most Americans, ending up throwing these things away resulting in an added consequence to our environment.

I think we must all be waking up as if it were the next morning after a wonderful party which involved too much eating and drinking. We have fond memories of the good times but are shocked at how unwell we ended up feeling the next day. I know that times are grim for many Americans now, but I have such hope that our personal sober reflection of how we ended up in this mess will bring us back to what is truly important in life. As you look around at all that you have accumulated, no matter how much or little you think you have accumulated, I wonder if you have the same thoughts that I do lately. None of it is really important, and I could live happily with just about all of it gone. What I know I cannot live happily without is my health, my family and my friends.

What is the true meaning of the Christmas season? Hope and renewal, not gifts, not buying more things. It is an opportunity to reflect on our values as a society and hope that we will all find renewal as a nation next year.

From our employees and myself at Cenpatico, we are wishing you the very warmest and joyful holiday season.

And, here’s to better days for all of us in 2009!

“Inspiring Hope”…more than just a phrase

Sam Donaldson — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 16:17:26 +0000

There is no medicine like hope, no incentive so great, and no tonic so powerful as expectation of something better tomorrow.
– Orison Marden.

A common question in our field is why do some people with mental illness or substance use disorders recover, and others do not, even with the same support and treatment interventions. As a young man working on my Ph.D., I decided to tackle this very question in my dissertation by focusing specifically on the phenomenon of “hitting bottom” in alcoholism. What I found in my study, and find in almost all studies on this subject today, is that the difference between those who successfully began recovery from alcoholism and those who did not focused on two factors. One, relationships with peers who were successful in their recovery pointed to the fact that isolation often means death for those with mental illness/substance use disorders. Two, in specific, those relationships were people who could successfully help the person suffering begin to imagine for themselves a better future or outcome for their life.

In other words, Hope. “Inspiring hope” is not just some cute marketing line at Cenpatico. Those of us in the behavioral health field understand that if our consumers have hope for a better life, they can and will recover. It isn’t complicated at all, and it often takes very little. And isn’t hope for a new beginning the very message of this season?

I would like to hear from you. Tell me where you have seen the power of hope help someone recover?

Tips and Myths about “Holiday Blues”

Sam Donaldson — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 16:12:42 +0000

Always around this time we hear in the media and other sources how the holiday season is so stressful and creates more depression and anxiety. With few exceptions, I see that the evidence is actually to the contrary, that the holiday season is actually one in which people smile more, socialize more, and, yes, even enjoy seeing their families. Many people believe that suicide rates are higher and depression is higher this time of year, but the data simply doesn’t support this. (I, personally, am a big fan of data.) On the contrary, in the behavioral health managed care industry we actually see utilization of all services begin a gradual decline from about mid-November through the month of December, and this year is no exception. Also, the suicide rate is actually quite low in comparison to the peak months of April and May.

So, don’t buy into the fact that you are supposed to be feeling stressed and blue. Keep in mind it is still, as with everything, all about your attitude and expectations regarding the season as to whether you have an enjoyable one or not. If your family always gets into a knock down drag out fight on Christmas Eve, why try to hope for it to go differently and be disappointed. Instead, plan on how you are going to do something different for yourself so you don’t get pulled into the predictable family dysfunction. Many people keep trying to compare this holiday season to those of the past. This is another bad move. Each holiday season is different and trying to recapture the past is again another set up for disappointment. For all you know, you are living, right now, the “good old days” which you will appreciate in the future.

So, there is nothing inherently stressful and depressing about the holidays. On the contrary, it is nice to have a time of year, every year, where we are reminded about the importance of such values as giving, of acknowledging that there are others in the world far less fortunate, of appreciating family/friends, and embracing the messages of the season of re-birth and forgiveness. I think everyone can buy into these values irrespective of religious belief.

Having written this, I do want to acknowledge that this season can be particularly hard on those who have suffered major losses recently, particularly the loss of a loved one, the loss of a job. The holiday season can be a painful reminder of an absence of someone we loved, and the economic consequences of the loss of a job can be felt as humiliation during a time of gift giving, especially to the children. We do need to be mindful of these people in our lives and to give them all the support we can.

Cenpatico Behavioral Health of Arizona Implements Inmate Commmunity Re-Entry Program

Bobby Dipasquale — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 15:57:14 +0000

Cenpatico Behavioral Health of Arizona today announced the implementation of a Community Re-Entry Program for adults and juveniles recently released from incarceration.

This program is designed to help reduce recidivism by encouraging participation in various behavioral health and substance abuse treatment services. Cenpatico’s Community Re-Entry Program kicked off Sept. 25, and is the first of its type to be used in the rural counties, including Pinal, Gila, La Paz and Yuma.

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, an estimated 67.5% of prisoners released were rearrested for a felony or serious misdemeanor within three years leading to overcrowded facilities and increased correction expenditures for state governments. The recidivism rate is often attributed to lack of participation in behavioral health treatment and substance use services following the inmates’ release. Melinda Vasquez Cenpatico’s chief Officer of Community Affairs states, “Our Community Re-Entry Program ensures that inmates receive prompt and professional behavioral health treatment as well as community support for housing and employment immediately upon their release. By facilitating this transition, we can help former inmates overcome many of the challenges they encounter when re-entering society.”

Cenpatico coordinates a Comprehensive Eligibility Screening and Assessment Evaluation (CESAE) for inmates residing in various correctional facility settings. Cenpatico works with juvenile detention centers, adult county jails, and Arizona Department of Corrections, which along with probation and parole department representatives, select appropriate candidates to refer to the program.

About Cenpatico Behavioral Health of Arizona

Cenpatico Behavioral Health of Arizona is a subsidiary of Cenpatico Behavioral Health, LLC. Cenpatico facilitates the delivery of mental health and substance abuse services to behavioral health recipients in the Arizona counties of Gila, Pinal, La Paz and Yuma. For more information, please visit www.cenpaticoaz.com

Giving Thanks

Sam Donaldson — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 20:02:11 +0000

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Their are really no huge expectations, no need to decorate, buy gifts; it is just a nice time to be with others we care about and to reflect on our good fortune. No matter what your circumstances, it is hard not to find things that you are grateful for. In the rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous, sponsors will often have their sponsees work on an “Attitude of gratitude” by having them write a list of things they are grateful for each and every day.

Personally there is so much that I am grateful for. As CEO of a managed care behavioral health organization, there are two things I am most grateful for: My employees and our providers. I am grateful to have a group of employees who believe in the mission of inspiring hope for our consumers, and each and every day go beyond to help the most disenfranchised in our society. I am grateful to our providers who equally embrace the mission of trying to help our consumers find their voice and confidence that they can and will recover from their illness. I can tell you that our providers did not go into the behavioral health or substance use field because of the fame and fortune associated with these jobs. These are people truly motivated by doing the right thing.

So, there’s a lot to be grateful for. I wish you, your friends and family a very nice Thanksgiving holiday.

National American Indian Heritage Month

Bobby Dipasquale — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 23:19:43 +0000

In honor of National American Indian Heritage Month, the Diversity Celebration Team brings you information about the 9 tribes whose reservations are located in or extend into our service areas. The following information includes general information about each tribe and special RBHA tidbits.

Ak-Chin Indian Community

Location: 58 miles south of Phoenix on Highway 347 (adjacent to Maricopa, AZ)
Rez Population (2000 Census): 742
Enrolled Tribal Members: 645
Land Area: 34.1 square miles

The Ak-Chin Indian Community was created in May of 1912 by way of Executive Order from President William Taft. The community consists of both Tohono O’odham and Pima Indians, and can be found in the Sonoran Desert of south central Arizona. In 1984, a water rights settlement was approved by Congress, entitling the Ak-Chin Community to access 75,000 acre-feet of Colorado River water. Ak-Chin Farms, Harrah’s Casino, and the Ak-Chin Tribal Government are all major employers.

Cocopah Indian Tribe

Location: 13 miles south of Yuma on Highway 95
Rez Population (2000 Census): 1,025
Enrolled Tribal Members: 880
Land Area: 9.4 square miles

The Cocopah Indian Reservation was established by an Executive Order from President Woodrow Wilson in 1917. In 1985, the Cocopah Land Acquisition Bill extended the area of the Reservation, which is divided into three parcels (East, West, and North Cocopah). With its location adjacent to the Colorado River, agriculture plays an important factor in the community’s economy.

Colorado River Indian Tribes

Location: 189 miles west of Phoenix on Highway 95 (includes Parker, AZ)
Rez Population (2000 Census): 7,466
Enrolled Tribal Members: 3,389
Land Area (Arizona): 353 square miles
Land Area (California): 66.7 square miles

Established in March of 1865 for the “Indians of said river and its tributaries,” the Colorado River Indian Reservation straddles a part of the Arizona and California border, although over 80% of the Reservation is located within Arizona. The Reservation’s economy centers around agriculture, recreation, light industry and government. The Colorado River Indian Tribes has senior water rights to 117,000 acre-feet of the Colorado River, which represents nearly a third of the allotment for the state of Arizona.

Fort Yuma-Quechan Tribe

Location: 185 miles southwest of Phoenix, adjacent to Yuma
Rez Population (2000 Census): 36
Enrolled Tribal Members: 2,668 (in Arizona and California)
Land Area: 68.1 square miles

The Fort Yuma-Quechan Tribe is home to the Quechan Indians and is located on both sides of the Colorado River in Arizona and California. The Tribe is largely an agricultural community, but it also depends on tourism and a sand/gravel operation to help sustain its economy. The Tribe operates five trailer and RV parks, a small grocery and a museum to help meet tourist demand.

San Carlos Apache Reservation

Location: 115 miles east of Phoenix
Rez Population (2000 Census): 9,385
Enrolled Tribal Members: 10,834
Land Area: 2,853.1 square miles

The San Carlos Apaches are descendants of the Athabascan family, who migrated to the Southwest around the 10th Century. The San Carlos Apache Reservation was established in 1871 through an Executive Order by President Grant. Over one-third of San Carlos’ land is forested or wooded. A portion of the Reservation is contiguous with the largest stand of ponderosa pines in the world. Gaming, lumbering, tourism, cattle ranching and recreation are significant sources of economic activity for the San Carlos Apache. In addition, a new retail shopping complex has recently been completed.

Tohono O’odham Nation

Location: 58 miles west of Tucson
Rez Population (2000 Census): 10,787
Enrolled Tribal Members: 20,640
Land Area: 4,446.3 square miles

The Tohono O’odham Nation is the second largest Native American Nation in the United States. The Nation comprises of four non-contiguous segments, but the largest of the segments (the Tohono O’odham Reservation) represents over 90% of the land. The Tohono O’odham have been living in southwestern Arizona and northwestern Sonora for hundreds of years. The Nation share 63 miles of border with Mexico. Principal economic activities include tourism (most notable, the Mission San Xavier del Bac), an industrial park near Tucson and a casino.

Tonto Apache Tribe

Location: 93 miles northeast of Phoenix
Rez Population (2000 Census): 132
Enrolled Tribal Members: 111
Land Area: .13 square miles

Recognized by a Congressional Act in 1972, the Tonto Apache Tribe is home to the smallest land base Reservation in Arizona. The Reservation is located adjacent to Payson, and the casino represents one of the community’s largest employers. To enable the Tonto Apache to extend its land base, the Tribe is working with the Forest Service in a land purchase and exchange process.

Gila River Indian Community (Tribal RBHA)

Location: 40 miles south of Phoenix
Rez Population (2000 Census): 11,257
Enrolled Tribal Members: 19,266
Land Area: 581.1 square miles

The Gila River Indian Community traces its roots to the prehistoric Hohokam Indians, who lived and farmed the Gila River Basin. Today the community is composed of two two Tribes, the Pima and the Maricopas. Established in 1859 by Act of Congress, the Gila River Indian Community is now divided into seven districts that can be found in peripheral areas of the Phoenix metropolitan area. The community has a diverse economic base that includes Gila River farms, sand/gravel operations, a nationally acclaimed industrial park (Lone Butte), and two casino/resorts.

White Mountain Apache Tribe (Tribal RBHA)

Location: 194 miles northeast of Phoenix
Rez Population (2000 Census): 12,429
Enrolled Tribal Members: 12,634
Land Area: 2600.7 square miles

Established as the Fort Apache Indian Reservation in November, 1891 by Executive Order, the area is now known as the White Mountain Apache Reservation. The tribal members are direct descendants of the original tribes that lived in this area. The White Mountain Apache live in a region that has an abundance of natural resources and scenic beauty, and the tribe has earned a national reputation for its network of enterprises, which include a timber company, lumber hardware retail center, ski resort and casino.

Cenpatico Welcomes New Medical Director

Bobby Dipasquale — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:27:09 +0000

Cenpatico Welcomes Dr. Bernard Engelberg

Cenpatico’s new Medical Director enjoys adventure. It’s that sense of adventure that helped Dr. Bernard T. Engelberg, M.D. decide to move his family from Albany, NY to Austin, TX. “I’d heard so many great things about Austin, but once I visited, I fell in love with it. It more than fit my imagination, even with the over 100 degree heat. If you can enjoy a city then, you know it’s a great city,” said Dr. Engelberg. The Doctor’s family; wife Ligaya, daughter Carina, and son Kevin, are also looking forward to the move. “They’re excited,” Dr. Engelberg said. “My son is even looking at possibly applying at the University of Texas or Rice.”

It’s also that sense of adventure that helped Dr. Engleberg decide to complete some of his studies in Europe where he lived for seven years including getting his Medical degree from Goettingen University in Germany. While there he got the chance to learn more about his family history. “My parents were German Jewish refugees and Holocaust survivors. I felt it was important to take the opportunity to see and learn more about where they came from.”

Dr. Engelberg comes to Cenpatico from MVP Healthcare in New York where he served as Senior Medical Director. A life-long New Yorker having spent his residency and his career there, Dr. Engelberg is a New York Yankees fan which he jokingly admits might get him in trouble with some of his new Texas neighbors. He also enjoys tennis and photography and is looking forward to taking advantage of Austin’s hike and bike trials. The main thing he admits he will miss about the east is the ocean. “I will miss the (Atlantic) ocean. It was always a great place to spend the weekend.” Colleagues at Cenpatico might want to give Dr. Engelberg some travel tips on exploring our great Gulf Coast region.

Dr. Engelberg is very excited about his new position at Cenpatico. When asked about his first impressions: “The people were wonderful. In fact, it was the people that were the most important factor for me taking this job. They were sincere and knowledgeable.”

He’s also excited to take on the challenge of an expanding company. “I love psychiatry. I grew up loving it. I really am looking forward to bringing that love and knowledge and combine that with my managed care skills to create new products for programs such as foster care.”

Dr. Engelberg is also excited about working with Cenpatico’s providers. “I want to work collaboratively and build a report with them,” he says. “I have an open door policy with providers and will gladly make my number available to them if they feel the have a problem or would like me to help them in a consultative role. My job and my hope is to make sure care never gets to the point of denial.”

“The best care is efficient care,” Dr. Engelberg says. “I strive for Goal-Oriented Quality Care and want to bring that kind of enthusiasm to my new position.”

Remembering our Veterans and the Importance of Fighting Stigma

Sam Donaldson — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 18:01:49 +0000

“Mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of, but stigma and bias shame us all.”
- Former President Bill Clinton

I read a wonderful article this weekend about Army Major General David Blackledge who served our country in Iraq but came home suffering from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).* There is nothing unique about this; according to the article an estimate 20% of soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan will return to the U.S. suffering from anxiety and major depression disorders. I don’t have the statistics, but I am certain the numbers for those coming home with substance use disorders will be high as well. But, what is unique about Maj. Gen. Blackledge is that he successfully underwent treatment and then has been openly talking about his successful treatment, as he did for this article in the Associated Press.

We are a culture that has a propensity to stigmatize and our greatest weapon against stigma around mental illness and substance use disorders is for people like Blackledge to openly talk to others about their experience. All the public service announcements, national walks and research I believe cannot do as much to fight this stigma as much as people willing to come forward and tell their story. So, as I write this on Veteran’s Day, I am grateful not only for the service by our brave men and women in the armed forces, but also grateful for this brave soldier. Let’s honor Blackledge not only for his service to our country, but also his service in helping all who suffer from mental illness to overcome their personal sense of shame. He is twice the hero in my book.

I would like to hear from you: What do you think we need to do to overcome stigma in this country?

*”General bucks culture of silence on mental health”; P. Jelinek, Associated Press, 11/8/2008

E-Learning and Veterans Day

Bobby Dipasquale — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 17:37:10 +0000

Essential Learning Proceeds from Course Purchases on CEQuick on Veterans Day Will Go to The Wounded Warrior Project

Mark your calendar to purchase continuing education courses on CEQuick on Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11 to support The Wounded Warrior Project (WWP). Essential Learning will donate our CEQuick revenue on Veterans Day to this worthwhile organization which offers a number of rehabilitative, educational, employment and community building programs for veterans and their family members beyond a veteran’s hospital stay.

We enthusiastically support this cause and hope you will too! You will not only be supporting our wounded veterans with every purchase of a continuing education course but also sharpening your skills to help those you serve.

Courses purchased on Veterans Day can be accessed for an unlimited period time – no need to complete the courses that day.

Visit CEQuick on Veterans Day for a Free Continuing Education Course

Essential Learning will provide a free course in honor of Veterans Day – Military Cultural Competence which was developed in collaboration with the Center for Deployment Psychology, a Department of Defense training consortium. This free course will be available Nov 10-14. Use discount code vet08. Click here instructions on how to access.

CEQuick provides a comprehensive library of more than 400 accredited online courses on clinical and compliance topics and more than 50 hours of courses to improve your knowledge base in working with veterans, military personnel and their families. Topics include suicide prevention, post traumatic stress disorder, substance use disorder, adjustment to civilian life and the impact of deployment.

Click Here to View Essential Learning’s Entire Library

Click Here for a List of Essential Learning’s Veterans Curriculum

Course Are Available for Free to Essential Learning Customers

Additional Resources to Reach Out to Veterans

Build Your Own WRAP® for Veterans

Build Your Own WRAP®, a self-help tool geared especially to veterans, features a self-paced video of Mary Ellen Copeland working with a veterans group and specific content, scenarios and guidance offered for veterans. Click here for more information.

If your agency is interested in subscribing to this service, click here to request a demo.

NAMI Releases PTSD Brochure

Another excellent resource available is the new brochure on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), treatment and recovery from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Go to www.nami.org/PTSD to download or purchase copies. This brochure is intended to help individuals experiencing symptoms or diagnosed with the illness, along with their families and caregivers.