Missouri Department of Mental Health

2005 News Releases

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

FEMA AWARDS CRISIS COUNSELING GRANTS FOR MISSOURI'S KATRINA VICTIMS

JEFFERSON CITY, MO., OCT. 19, 2005 - The Missouri Department of Mental Health will offer crisis counseling services to individuals affected by hurricane Katrina who are now living in the state, thanks to a grant recently approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The $540,000 grant provides funds for "immediate services," which will be provided by community mental health centers located throughout the state. The emergency services grant, which terminates on Sunday, Nov. 6, makes counseling available to hurricane evacuees and their families, sponsor families, and emergency responders who were deployed to the affected region or involved in Missouri response efforts. Access to services is provided through a toll-free crisis hotline at 866-840-3940 or through the Internet at www.dmh.mo.gov/cps/org/adminagents.htm.

"This grant is critical in allowing us to provide support to the thousands of people now living in Missouri because of Hurricane Katrina," said Lynn Carter, director of Disaster Readiness for the Department of Mental Health.

The grant also provides funding for community training sessions to help local agencies involved in providing support for hurricane victims, their families, and relief workers. Sessions have been scheduled for St. Louis , Cape Girardeau , and Columbia on Oct. 27, and for Kennett, Springfield , and Kansas City on Nov. 3. The Department of Mental Health, in cooperation with the University of Missouri and the Missouri Institute of Mental Health in St. Louis , will conduct the sessions. The goal of the sessions, according to Carter "is to establish community linkages and collaborative relationships to assist the mental health centers in conducting effective outreach to Katrina evacuees in Missouri and to legitimize those efforts through partnerships with culturally diverse organizations."

The American Red Cross reports having served approximately 15,500 evacuees who have relocated to Missouri.

GRANT TARGETS SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

JEFFERSON CITY, MO., OCTOBER 4, 2005 -- The Department of Mental Health has been awarded a federal grant to further develop the long-term support systems to help people with disabilities live successfully in their homes and communities.

The federal Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) announced the "Systems Transformation Grants" for 10 states. The grants will target improving critical elements of community support systems, including better coordination of community services, better funding for community-based services, and emphasizing quality control in community settings.

Missouri will receive $2.9 million. The Division of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (MRDD), a Division of the Department of Mental Health, will implement this grant. Kent Stalder, the Division's Interim Director, said the grant will help the state improve its community support systems.

"The goal is a more seamless support system that will improve access to the supports people need to live successfully in the community and the development of additional services for behavioral and medical supports," Stalder said.

The Division of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities provides services and supports to more than 28,000 Missourians and their families in a wide range of settings.

PARENTS GRATEFUL FOR PROGRAM THAT HELPS CHILDREN WITH AUTISM

JEFFERSON CITY, MO., OCTOBER 3, 2005 - It was an emotional afternoon as parents whose children are served by the Southeast Missouri Autism Project shared photos of their children and told moving stories of success, expressing their appreciation to the project's Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) during a forum on Sept. 28 in Sikeston. The parents are participants in a nine-month-old program, established by the PAC, that enhances the treatment and learning capabilities of their children with autism.

Brandi Grissom, mother of five-year-old Lakyn, shared her family's dilemma. "There is no diagram, no list, no blueprint of what to do when you find out your child has autism. You don't know any answers. You don't even know the questions to ask. You feel isolated from the world. Matt (Stoelb) made us believe Lakyn could succeed in life. But, we also know it will not be possible if we do not continue with this therapy. Thank you for making it possible."

The PAC was instrumental in the formation of the Collaborative Autism Intervention Project (CAIP), a coalition that includes state-run facilities, state universities, and private groups with an interest in autism treatment. CAIP facilitates the training of parents and students in methods of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), a proven therapy that helps children with autism to learn social and behavioral skills.

"We often take for granted the ability of our children to learn social skills in their everyday lives," said Betty Hearnes, Parent Advisory Committee chair. "Children who have autism need structure to learn these social and language skills. ABA provides critical teaching tools to family members, friends, teachers, and others who have a role in the life of a child with autism. Everyone who serves on the PAC has a child or grandchild with autism, and we are grateful to have a role in pioneering the institution of this program."

"I have communicated with family members, friends and other parents of children with autism in other states and regions, and they are amazed that we have such an incredible program for our children," said Kim Daniel, who is the mother of two-and-a-half-year-old twin girls, both of whom have autism. She went on to explain that when the girls started with the CAIP in mid May, neither one could follow simple commands, utter an understandable word, problem solve, sit still for even 20 seconds, make extended eye contact, nor seem to care if their twin was in the room. After only four months in the CAIP, Audrey and Anna have both gained eight months of development. They now play chase with each other, hold eye contact, give kisses and hugs and laugh at videos. Their vocabulary has grown to 60 words each.

Kim Crites, director of the Sikeston and Poplar Bluff regional centers for people with developmental disabilities said "parents have seen dramatic results with ABA and wanted to let the committee know what a positive difference it has made in their lives."

Sarah Reinecke's daughter, four-and-a-half-year-old Emma, is one example of the success of the CAIP. "After only one month, this program has benefited our entire family. Before, Emma would cry and scream when strangers came to the house to visit. She now happily greets new guests at the door. Before, she was afraid of her grandpas and did not want to be in the room with them. A couple of weeks ago, for the first time, Emma gave her grandpa a kiss on the cheek."

Over a three-year period, Dena and Roger Petzoldt spent $34,000 out of their own pockets for an effective ABA program for their eight-year-old son, Ben. The CAIP has cut that cost dramatically for them, and their enthusiasm for the program comes from experience. "Of all the different interventions and programs we have tried in the past, this has definitely been THE most effective treatment for Benjamin. He has never before made such significant gains in such a short period of time," said Dena.

CAIP was initiated through a contract with the University of Missouri - Columbia, under the direction of Dr. Matt Stoelb, to bring ABA to the region.

Children between the ages of three and eight who have been diagnosed with autism disorders can be referred to CAIP by their caseworkers at either the Sikeston or Poplar Bluff regional centers. Children between the ages of two and three can be referred by the First Steps program in those regions. In addition, CAIP offers monthly workshops in ABA free of charge to family members, university students, school personnel, and independent professionals.

More than 30 area families are participating in the project. Because every child has different issues, Dr. Stoelb works individually with each family to set up a specific ABA program for their child. Students at Southeast Missouri State University who have received ABA training implement the program in the families' homes, earning college credit while helping children with autism. Several implementers were present at the forum, and parents were enthusiastic with their praise for the students and their work.

All of the parents expressed a deep appreciation for the work of Dr. Stoelb as well. "I want to thank Matt Stoelb for giving so much of his time for our children," said Michelle McAdams, mother of three-and-a-half-year-old Nick. "The passion he has for our kids is astounding. You can see it on his face each time he works with Nick."

The Sikeston and Poplar Bluff regional centers, the University of Missouri, and Southeast Missouri State University are the major partners in CAIP. Other collaborators include a regional parent advocacy group called Ethan and Friends and the Victorian Inn and Suites in Cape Girardeau. Mike Sciortino, who is chairman of the Ethan and Friends autism support group that meets monthly in Cape Girardeau, was instrumental in connecting the PAC with Dr. Stoelb at the University of Missouri, Columbia.

Ms. Daniel seemed to sum up the feelings of parents at the forum when she said, "the greatest gift to give parents is hope for their child. Thank you for that gift."

The Sikeston and Poplar Bluff regional centers are facilities of the Missouri Department of Mental Health. 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.

MISSOURI RECEIVES GRANT TO TARGET YOUTH SUICIDE PREVENTION

JEFFERSON CITY, MO., SEPTEMBER 27, 2005 - Efforts in Missouri to address the tragic issue of suicide have been boosted with the award of a $400,000 federal grant to the Department of Mental Health.

The grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) will allow Missouri to focus on youth suicide prevention and early intervention programs. Suicide is the third leading cause of death for youth age 10-24 in Missouri.

"Suicide is a serious public health issue and the rate of suicide in Missouri is higher than the national average," said Dr. Joseph Parks, Medical Director for the Department of Mental Health. He said 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.

"Those are disturbing facts, especially since many suicides are preventable," Parks said. "Building partnerships with local communities and providing the resources to develop proven interventions can save lives."

Gov. Matt Blunt and the State Legislature approved legislation this past session to establish a State Suicide Prevention Committee, which will oversee the implementation of the State Suicide Prevention Plan as well as the grant. Rep. Todd Smith of Sedalia and Rep. Connie Johnson of St. Louis co-sponsored the most recent legislation, as well as previous legislation that mandated the State Suicide Prevention Plan.

"The support of our governor and legislators clearly demonstrates that Missouri is very serious about addressing the tragedy of suicide," Parks said.

The grant, which is renewable for up to three years, will focus on reducing the rate of suicide and suicide attempts by youths under age 24. The project will utilize public/private partnerships at the community level to provide proven suicide prevention interventions. These efforts will target regions and populations in the state with high rates of youth suicide or where there is high risk of suicide. The department estimates serving approximately 20,000 persons annually. Demographically, most services will be provided for youth ages 15 to 24, as they represent 89 percent of all youth suicides in Missouri since 1990. Data from the Missouri Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System indicates approximately 17 percent of high-school students have seriously considered attempting suicide. Among Missouri 's college students, 3.6 percent reported seriously thinking about suicide due to their alcohol and drug use.

"Grant funds will be used to provide youth suicide prevention services to high-risk and culturally diverse populations," Parks said. "Programs will target youth in the juvenile justice system, in substance abuse programs, in mental health programs, in the foster care systems and in other youth support organizations."

While there appears to be some success recently in reducing Missouri 's youth suicide rate, there have been no resources available to evaluate those efforts to better focus the programs. A component of the grant will be an independent evaluation of the programs by the Missouri Institute of Mental Health, which is part of the University of Missouri Medical School.

"The evaluation will help ensure the youth suicide prevention interventions are based on sound evidence and tailored to the particular needs of Missouri 's diverse communities," Parks said.

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.

FULTON STATE HOSPITAL TEAM RECEIVES GOVERNOR'S QUALITY AWARD

JEFFERSON CITY , MO. , SEPT. 21, 2005 - Ten employees of Fulton State Hospital have been honored by the state with the 2005 Governor's Award for Quality and Productivity for Workforce Planning. The Fulton group is one of six recipients of the award, established in 1988 to recognize excellence in state government.

"The Department of Mental Health has many excellent employees," said director Dorn Schuffman. "We are please to have the recognition of this one group, which represents so many more throughout the state."

The honored employees comprise the Cognitive Behavior Rehabilitation Program Scheduling Team from the Maximum Security Biggs Forensic Center . The group was established as a result of the Department of Mental Health's workplace improvements initiative to address issues driving employee satisfaction and a decision to pilot a self-scheduling initiative at Fulton State Hospital .

Based on feedback from employees, the team recommended a flexible scheduling model, which employed multiple work schedules (e.g., four 10-hour days, three 13 1/3-hour days, etc.) and multiple shift assignments with varying start and stop times. This provided employees with the opportunity to better balance their professional and personal lives, with no additional cost to the state and no negative impact on patient care - all within one of the most challenging work environments in the state's mental health system.

Team members are Tammy Smiley, James Hosenfelt, Shawn Miles, Tony Menditto, Brian Crisp, Lori Izworski, Mike Palmer, Terry Edwards, Eulando Maxwell, and Kerry Washington.

The Governor's Award for Quality and Productivity recognizes service excellence in six categories: Customer Service, Efficiency, Innovation, Process Improvement, Technology in Government, and Workforce Planning. A selection committee of state executives evaluates nominations from government agencies based on a set of selected criteria. This year the committee evaluated 39 nominations from 16 state agencies.

FORUM ON NEW ADDICTION TREATMENT COMES TO ST. LOUIS JULY 29

JEFFERSON CITY , MO. , JULY 15, 2005 - New hope for people with drug addictions is making its way to doctor's offices around the country. Approved by the FDA in October of 2002, buprenorphine is a drug that blocks the cravings for prescription pain killers and other opioids such as heroin.

Unlike methadone, which must be provided through special methadone treatment facilities, doctors can administer buprenorphine in their offices. "This new treatment cannot replace methadone," said Michael Couty, director of the Missouri Department of Mental Health's Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse, "but it gives us another tool in the arsenal to combat drug addictions. The fact that this drug can be prescribed by physicians means that this type of addiction treatment is available to everyone."

To help facilitate the new treatment option, the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) in the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) will be conducting community forums for physicians and other health care providers to familiarize them with this medication and encourage doctors to pursue certification to administer the drug.

A New Paths to Recovery community forum-sponsored by CSAT and Missouri 's Department of Mental Health-is scheduled for St. Louis on July 29 and is open to clinicians, counselors, and members of the general public with an interest in learning more about the treatment.

"The availability of buprenophine heralds a new day in the treatment of addiction," said Charles G. Curie, SAMHSA administrator. "Buprenorphine is a major advancement in substance abuse treatment that can expand availability of addiction services and permit doctors to treat addictions to prescription opiates or heroin just like any other medical condition, such as diabetes or hypertension."

The forum will be held from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at St. Louis University School of Nursing, Lecture Hall A, 3525 Caroline Mall. Continuing education units are available for this session.

There is no cost to attend the forum, but interested persons must register. Anyone who wishes to register for the forum, or to receive information about a toll-free teleconference option, may call SAMHSA at 877-521-5671 or e-mail csatconference@samhsa.gov . For more information on the treatment or for directions to the St. Louis forum, go to www.buprenorphine.samhsa.gov .

DITTEMORE APPOINTED TO MENTAL HEALTH COMMISSION

JEFFERSON CITY, MO. , JULY 11, 2005 - Gov. Matt Blunt recently announced the appointment of Ron Dittemore, Ed. D., of St. Joseph, Mo., to the Missouri Mental Health Commission effective June 28.

"We are pleased with Ron's appointment to the commission," said Dorn Schuffman, director of the Department of Mental Health. "His vast experience in Mental Health issues make him an invaluable resource."

Dr. Dittemore's experience includes 33 years in various positions with the Department of Mental Health at the former St. Joseph State Hospital from 1966 to 1981, as director of Woodson Children's Psychiatric Hospital from 1981 through March of 1992, and as superintendent of the Northwest Missouri Psychiatric Rehabilitation Center from 1992 to July 1999. Between 1970 and 1993, Dr. Dittemore also served as a part-time instructor of special education and psychology at Missouri Western College, University of Missouri campuses, and Northwest Missouri Community College.

Dr. Dittemore earned a Bachelor's degree in science and physical education and a Master's degree in guidance and counseling from Northwest Missouri State University; a Master's degree in special education and psychology from Central Missouri State University; and a doctorate in education administration from Western Colorado University.

Dr. Dittemore, who will represent the interests of community mental health services on the commission, replaces Shirley Fearon of Raytown, whose term expired. Dr. Dittemore will serve a three-year term on the commission.

MENTAL HEALTH ADMINISTRATION EMPLOYEES RECEIVE QUALITY AWARD

DMH Quality Award recipients

JEFFERSON CITY , MO. , JULY 11, 2005 - The Missouri Department of Mental Health's Office of Administration recently presented its 2005 Administration Quality Award to two of its employees. Bob Tyree, in the office's Contracts section, and Doris Barnett, who works in reimbursements, are the two honorees.

Tyree's efforts to consolidate service contracts, which resulted in eliminating duplication, earned him the recognition. Barnett's recognition is for her development of a more comprehensive estate recovery program for department clients, resulting in a significant increase in revenues.

"These individuals exemplify the quality personnel who work in the Department of Mental Health," said Mildred Glasper, director of the department's Administration office. "Their efforts above and beyond their regular duties benefit not only the people we serve, but all tax-paying citizens of Missouri."

The Quality Award was established to recognize outstanding accomplishments of department administration employees; to recognize teamwork as an important factor in achieving quality service, cost effectiveness, and customer satisfaction; and to recognize individual and group achievements.

MENTAL HEALTH ADOPTING "PROCOVERY" TREATMENT PHILOSOPHY

JEFFERSON CITY, MO., MARCH 25, 2005 - The Missouri Department of Mental Health has announced a philosophical change in its psychiatric services delivery system with an enhanced focus on recovery. In April the department's Division of Comprehensive Psychiatric Services will introduce its staff and clients to Procovery: a treatment model that gives people who need services a "full partnership" in their own recovery.

"The typical understanding of recovery involves an individual returning to life as they knew it before the onset of their mental illness," said Dorn Schuffman, director of the Department of Mental Health. "That is not always an attainable goal, and sometimes it is not the desired goal. Procovery involves helping individuals to find a new way of life that helps him or her to accept and embrace who they are, including acceptance of their illness."

The Procovery model, developed by Kathleen Crowley, director of Training and Development for the Health Action Network, based in Los Angeles , includes the normal treatment modes, but emphasizes a hope-centered, forward-focused, and skills-based partnership of the client, the family, the service provider, and the community.

"This partnership model has advantages for our clients and our staff in that the client has a real say in what is included in the treatment plan based on his or her life goals and values, and the staff does not bear the full responsibility of trying to 'fix' the problem," said Diane McFarland, director of the Division of Comprehensive Psychiatric Services. "It's a transformation of our system and the way we view clients and their families."

After a full-day orientation and training in the system, clients, staff, family members, and representatives of the community will form "circles," or support groups and attend a 15-week training session that teaches the eight principles and 12 strategies of Procovery.

The Procovery model will be gradually introduced into Missouri 's service delivery system beginning with two service providers: BJC Behavioral Health in Kirkwood and Farmington , and Family Counseling Center in Poplar Bluff and Kennett. Over the next three to five years, the training will be expanded to all service providers in the state.

"The Procovery model provides a clear vision and set of principles for overcoming mental illness using a set of concrete, practical, and learnable everyday skills," said McFarland. "Because it's principles and strategies apply to all stakeholders - clients, families, clinicians, case managers, etc. - we believe we can improve the continuity of care within our system and improve access to care by building bridges to community services and supports."

The principle investigator for the evaluation of the Procovery demonstration project will be Jean Campbell, Ph.D., director of the Program in Consumer Studies and Training at the Missouri Institute of Mental Health in St. Louis. Eli Lilly has donated $10,000 for the purchase of supplies for the project.

More information on Procovery and its principles is available on the Internet at www.procovery.com .

MENTAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT NAMES CASEY DIVISION DIRECTOR

JEFFERSON CITY, MO., MARCH 15, 2005 - Officials in the Missouri Department of Mental Health have announced the appointment of Tony A. Casey Jr., Ph.D., as director of the Division of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities effective March 14.

Dr. Casey, who resides in Herculaneum, Mo., retired in June 2003 as the executive director of the Jefferson County Developmental Disabilities Resource Board, where he served 23 years.

"Dr. Casey's background in working in an administrative capacity in service to people with developmental disabilities, in addition to previous experience in special education, makes him a perfect fit for the position," said Dorn Schuffman, director of the Department of Mental Health.