Behavioral Healthcare Current News

ValueOptions, Inc. names new vice president of Florida division

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 08:39:27 EST

Tampa, Fla.—September 2, 2008— ValueOptions ® , Inc ., the nation's largest independent behavioral health care provider, has named Patrick Glynn to the position of Vice President of ValueOptions ® Florida. "Patrick is a seasoned executive who brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience of the Florida healthcare market, specifically the state’s Medicaid program,” said Barbara B. Hill, CEO of ValueOptions ® . “He is well respected throughout Florida as a result of his past work under the state health care regulator. We welcome Pat’s enthusiasm, insight and energy he brings to the job.” Glynn will be responsible for leading and coordinating the overall operations of the service center to ensure the effective design, implementation and efficient delivery of quality behavioral health care. Glynn will be accountable for administrative oversight and supervision for the service center and for meeting performance and compliance expectations, while identifying new business development opportunities in Florida. "I am very pleased to join the ValueOptions ® and the Florida Health Partners team. It is an honor to work with such an outstanding group of professionals and clinicians who show care, compassion and dedication in their everyday contributions to improve the behavioral health care delivery system throughout the state," Glynn said. Glynn replaces the previous vice president, Bob More, who retired. Glynn formerly served as Executive Director of First Coast Advantage , the state’s largest Provider Service Network. Prior to that role, Glynn held numerous leadership positions within Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) including Field Office Manager for Area Six Medicaid. Glynn provided administration and oversight of the Medicaid program in Tampa, covering more than 260,000 recipients in five counties. Glynn has been recognized for his leadership in state governments with numerous Davis Productivity Awards. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism from Ohio University in Athens. About ValueOptions ® , Inc. ValueOptions® Inc., the nation’s largest independent behavioral health and wellness company, provides services to more than 23 million individuals through a variety of contracts with state and county agencies and, additionally, with health plans and employers. ValueOptions ® is a national managed care and employee assistance company that specializes in management for all behavioral health issues, and mental health and chemical dependency diagnoses. Our mission is to improve the lives of the people we serve.

New SAMHSA center integrates substance abuse prevention technologies

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 08:38:31 EST

Newton, MA: EDC, Inc . has been awarded a base contract, with four option years, by the Federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (SAMHSA/CSAP) to operate a new integrated Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies (CAPT). SAMHSA is a public agency within the Department of Health and Human Services . The contract will enable EDC and its regional subcontract partners to provide training and technical assistance on substance abuse prevention and related issues. This work will extend and enhance CSAP’s efforts to prevent and reduce substance abuse and associated public health issues across the lifespan with attention to underserved audiences such as returning veterans and their families as well as young adults (18-24 years old). The new CAPT system will provide training and technical assistance to SAMHSA’s Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) grantees -- States, Jurisdictions, and Federally-recognized tribal entities -- supported under SAMHSA’s Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant Program and grants included in CSAP’s portfolio of Programs of Regional and National Significance. Under the contract, EDC’s division of Health and Human Development Programs (HHD) will work with regional organizations serving their states to apply evidence-based prevention policies and strategies. Through CAPT efforts, CSAP will strive to enhance the skills, knowledge, and expertise of the prevention workforce across the country to support successful implementation of SAMHSA’s Strategic Prevention Framework. Building on the accomplishments of the five existing regional CAPT centers over the past decade, EDC on behalf of CSAP, will provide leadership and coordination to create this new integrated CAPT system with responsive, tailored, and outcomes-focused technical assistance. The CAPT contract combines centralized core capacity to ensure overall program direction, management efficiency, and consistency with a decentralized regional network system – a Regional Expert Team located in each of the National Prevention Network regions. These Regional Expert Teams consist of regionally-based experts who reflect the diversity of their regions and the ability to serve the varied demographic, language, and cultural groups. The CAPT will leverage and coordinate the strengths of work in each region for a more powerful and unified national approach. “SAMHSA/CSAP is committed to making the case for prevention,” stated Frances M. Harding, SAMHSA/CSAP Director. “We have the research of what works to prevent and reduce substance use. We know how to build and work with community and State prevention systems. The CAPT contract is a critical and important tool to help SAMHSA/CSAP advance the substance abuse prevention agenda. By strengthening our collective ability to implement the Strategic Prevention Framework, we can reinforce and sustain sound prevention practice at the local, State, and national levels,” Harding said. In addition, CSAP continues its partnership with the United States Department of Education (ED) to provide additional resources for CAPT assistance to grantees supported under ED’s Grants to Reduce Alcohol Abuse (GRAA) Program, which is designed to reduce underage drinking. “We are thrilled to have this remarkable opportunity to serve the nation and leverage what the regional CAPT system has accomplished for the past decade,” said Cheryl Vince Whitman, EDC Senior Vice President and director of Health and Human Development Programs division, where the NECAPT has operated for 10 years. “The new system builds on all that has been learned and will continue to serve the regions and their particular audiences and needs. It unites us all to share and draw on collective resources to achieve CSAP’s mission to prevent and reduce the toll of substance abuse in an increasingly diverse America,” she said. EDC and its subcontract partners will serve as a key implementation arm of SAMHSA/CSAP, enabling policy makers and prevention practitioners to apply effective practices and to strengthen collaboration across the country. Joining EDC in this new CAPT system are six subcontract partner organizations: • CRP, Inc. • Minnesota Institute for Public Health • Social Science Research and Evaluation • University of Nevada, Reno • University of Oklahoma • Westat EDC is a global nonprofit organization that develops, delivers, and evaluates innovative programs to address some of the world’s most urgent challenges in education, health, and economic development. Celebrating its 50th year, EDC today manages more than 300 projects in 35 countries. Visit www.edc.org . The home of the CAPT at EDC is the division of Health & Human Development Programs at: www.hhd.org

VA plans mobile clinics for six states

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 08:37:29 EST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 27 -- The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is rolling out four new mobile health clinics outfitted to bring primary care and mental health services closer to veterans in 24 predominately rural counties, where patients must travel long distances to visit their nearest VA medical center or outpatient clinic. "VA is committed to providing primary care and mental health care for veterans in rural areas," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. "Health care should be based upon the needs of patients, not their ability to travel to a clinic or medical center." The pilot project is called Rural Mobile Health Care Clinics. It features a recreational-type vehicle equipped to be a rolling primary care and mental health clinic. VA is currently in the process of procuring and outfitting the vehicles, and officials expect the mobile clinics to be operational by early 2009. Rural areas in Colorado, Nebraska and Wyoming will share a single mobile van, while Maine, Washington state and West Virginia will each have a VA mobile van. The clinics are planned to serve: -- Colorado: Larimer, Jackson, Logan, and Weld counties; -- Maine: Franklin, Somerset and Piscataquis counties; -- Nebraska: Cheyenne, Kimball, and Scottsbluff counties; -- Washington state: Greys Harbor, Mason, and Lewis; -- West Virginia: Preston, Randolph, Upshur, Wetzel, Roane, and Taylor counties; and, -- Wyoming: Albany, Carbon, Goshen, and Platte counties. Factors considered in the selection of the participating sites included a need for improved access in the area, the degree to which clinics will expand services and collaborations with communities the clinics serve. For the latest news releases and other information, visit VA on the Internet at http://www.va.gov/opa . To receive e-mail copies of news releases, subscribe to VA's list server at: http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/opalist_listserv.cfm .

Young offenders tried as adults have high rates of mental illness

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 08:36:55 EST

Arlington, VA—A study published in the journal Psychiatric Services found that in a group of youthful offenders tried in adult criminal court, more than two-thirds (68 percent) had a psychiatric disorder and nearly half (43 percent) had two or more types of disorders. Transferred youths who were subsequently sentenced to prison had even higher rates of psychiatric disorders. Little is known about the characteristics of transferred youths—a fast-growing population. Nationwide between 1983 and 1998, the number of juveniles transferred to adult court nearly quadrupled. Twenty-nine states have passed laws that take transfer decisions out of the hands of juvenile court judges. The laws mandate transfer to adult court solely on the basis of the type of offense, criminal history, and age of the youth. A research team led by Jason J. Washburn at Chicago’s Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine examined the cases of 1,715 youths aged 13 to 18 taken to the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center in Chicago, 275 of whom were mandated to adult court. “ Psychiatric Disorders Among Detained Youths: A Comparison of Youths Processed in Juvenile Court and Adult Criminal Court ” appears in the September 2008 issue of Psychiatric Services, which is published by the American Psychiatric Association. In addition to the high rates of psychiatric disorders among transferred youths, the study found that African-American and Hispanic males were more likely than non-Hispanic whites to be transferred, even when the analyses controlled for violent crime. Many studies have shown that males from ethnic minority groups are among the least likely to receive mental health treatment, either in the community or in prison. “This finding suggests an urgent situation in which the largest numbers of transferred youths in need of psychiatric services are also the least likely to receive them,” the authors note. About the American Psychiatric Association: The American Psychiatric Association is the nation’s leading medical specialty society whose more than 38,000 physician members specialize in diagnosis, treatment, prevention and research of mental illnesses including substance disorders. Visit the APA at www.psych.org and www.HealthyMinds.org .

Report aims to improve police response to the mentally ill

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 08:35:37 EST

New York—The Council of State Governments Justice Center recently released Improving Responses to People with Mental Illnesses: The Essential Elements of a Specialized Law Enforcement–Based Program . The Justice Center, in partnership with the Police Executive Research Forum , has identified 10 key components found in successful law enforcement initiatives to provide better outcomes in officers’ encounters with individuals with mental illnesses. According to this Bureau of Justice Assistance –supported publication, law enforcement officers nationwide regularly respond to calls for service that involve people with mental illnesses. On rare but highly publicized occasions, these incidents result in injury or death for the individual, officer or others at the scene. More often, officers find they spend long periods of time on these complex, repeat calls for service only to see the person cycling through the criminal justice system without any positive long-term effect. “As our appreciation grows for the important role that law enforcement plays in recognizing individuals in crisis and linking them to treatment, having clear guideposts for effective responses is critical. These essential elements provide that guidance,” said Ron Honberg, National Director for Policy and Legal Affairs at the National Alliance on Mental Illness . The 10 essential elements are 1) Collaborative Planning and Implementation; 2) Program Design; 3) Specialized Training; 4) Call-Taker and Dispatcher Protocols; 5) Stabilization, Observation, and Disposition: 6) Transportation and Custodial Transfer; 7) Information Exchange and Confidentiality; 8) Treatment, Supports, and Services; 9) Organizational Support; and 10) Program Evaluation and 10)Sustainability. Recommendations for achieving each element are also included. “Until now, there has been limited agreement at the national level about what was needed to successfully implement a specialized response, said Milwaukee Police Chief and Justice Center board member Edward Flynn. “This guide will help law enforcement and their partners provide safe and effective responses to people with mental illnesses.” The Essential Elements of a Specialized Law Enforcement–Based Program is available as a free download at www.consensusproject.org/downloads/le-essentialelements.pdf or www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/pdf/LE_Essential_Elements.pdf . Additional resources, including several program profiles, can be found at www.consensusproject.org/issue-areas/law-enforcement . Hard copies can be ordered while supplies last through NCJRS at www.ncjrs.gov (NCJ 223343). The Council of State Governments Justice Center is a national nonprofit organization that serves policymakers at the local, state, and federal levels from all branches of government. It provides practical, nonpartisan advice and consensus-driven strategies—informed by available evidence—to increase public safety and strengthen communities.

Study shows family support and access to treatment greatly benefit mentally ill patients

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 11:38:04 EST

Patients with serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder and bipolar disorder can live productive and fulfilling lives. Yet an international survey of psychiatrists illuminates that there are major barriers to long-term wellness, which include stigma, limited resources and the fear and consequences of relapse. Gathering perspectives of 697 psychiatrists from Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States, the survey tapped into their insights on how family caregivers, stigma, treatment non-adherence and relapse affect the lives of people living with these debilitating illnesses. Findings show that psychiatrists have frequently seen how relapse can be a devastating blow to both individuals and their families, and how this has resulted in hospitalization, employment loss, incarceration or even suicide. This survey of psychiatrists, the second of a Keeping Care Complete series of surveys, builds upon findings from a 2006 assessment of 1,082 caregivers that shed light on experiences of family caregivers of individuals with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. "More than 50 million people suffer from serious mental illnesses around the world," said Preston Garrison, Secretary-General and Chief Executive Officer, World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH)." An indirect consequence of serious mental illness is that it can have a negative impact on family caregivers' own physical and emotional health. That is why it's so important that family members get the support they need so that they can take better care of their loved ones. Keeping Care Complete is a vital research initiative that is helping us understand the real life challenges faced by those who treat, care for and live with serious mental illness." Keeping Care Complete was developed in partnership with the WFMH and Eli Lilly and Company. Consequences of relapse Relapse is a major concern for caregivers and psychiatrists as patients can suffer multiple relapses over the course of their lives. Thirty-seven percent of caregivers said that their family member relapsed five or more times since becoming diagnosed, leaving a majority of caregivers to often or always worry about their loved one relapsing. The consequences of relapse are devastating to patients and their caregivers. -- Fifty-two percent of psychiatrists said they had a patient attempt suicide as a result of relapse -- For caregivers, the relapse of a family member can result in the deterioration of their own mental and physical health and financial situation, lead to employment loss and cause substantial disruptions to their lives. Considerations for selecting medication and non-adherence Eighty-four percent of psychiatrists surveyed said that a lack of adherence to medication is the number one cause of relapse in patients with schizophrenia, and 98 percent said that complete or partial non-adherence is a significant barrier to effective treatment for most patients with bipolar disorder. In addition, psychiatrists and caregivers both agree that medication discontinuation poses as an obstacle for successful treatment and very often leads to relapse. "This study shows that psychiatrists continue to see that medication adherence is a huge challenge for patients," said Prof. Dr. Dieter Naber, chairman, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Hamburg , Germany. "All patients are different, which is why psychiatrists need to know their patients, their attitudes toward treatment and their social conditions to help patients find and stay on the treatment plan that works for them. But, as this survey shows, patients benefit from more than just medication alone - family support, talk therapy, diet, exercise and stable schedules also help patients stay well." Consequences of Stigma Stigma against people with serious mental illness is painful and can have harmful consequences. -- 92 percent of psychiatrists said that inaccurate portrayals of serious mental illness in the mainstream media can further add to the stigma and negatively affect their wellness and hinder their treatment. -- 87 percent of psychiatrists and 82 percent of caregivers have seen the effects of stigma and discrimination make it harder for individuals with serious mental illnesses to get and stay well. Road to Wellness: Finding the Right Treatment, Caregivers and Wellness Programs Finding and staying on the right treatment can result in marked improvements in a patient's everyday life. Results from both surveys showed that performing daily tasks independently, staying out of the hospital, holding a steady job, living on their own and forming romantic relationships are some of the positive outcomes patients may experience as a result of being treated successfully. Ninety-six percent of psychiatrists and 74 percent of caregivers said that in addition to medication, family support is a key factor that helps keep patients well. Caregivers and psychiatrists both reported that programs designed to help patients with their overall wellness are valuable in helping them manage their symptoms. However, findings indicate there is a need for more services for mental health. Although a majority of psychiatrists encourage caregivers to participate in support and education programs, 57 percent reported that less than 10 percent of caregivers they interact with actually participate in these programs. When asked about rehabilitation resources, only 19 percent of psychiatrists believed there were enough resources available in the community for their patients. International survey data and fact sheets on schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder and bipolar disorder and the caregiver perspective are available at www.wfmh.org . About bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and schizoaffective disorder Bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder are complex mental illnesses that know no racial, cultural or economic boundaries.(1) Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic-depression, is characterized by debilitating mood swings with symptoms of mania and depression.(2) Schizophrenia is characterized by acute psychotic episodes including delusions (false beliefs that cannot be corrected by reason), hallucinations (usually in the form of non-existent voices or visions) and long-term impairments such as diminished emotion, lack of interest and depressive symptoms, such as hopelessness and suicidal thoughts.(3) Schizoaffective disorder is characterized by a combination of symptoms of schizophrenia and an affective (mood) disorder. Twenty-seven million people suffer from bipolar disorder and 25 million people suffer from schizophrenia worldwide.(4,5) Although the exact prevalence of schizoaffective disorder is not clear, it is estimated to range from two to five in a thousand people. Schizoaffective disorder may also account for one-fourth or even one-third of all persons with schizophrenia.(6) About WFMH WFMH is an international interdisciplinary membership organization committed to promoting, among all people and nations, the highest possible level of mental health in its broadest biological, medical, educational, and social aspect. Consultative status at the United Nations provides WFMH a variety of opportunities to engage in mental health advocacy at the global level, working closely with the World Health Organization, UNESCO, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, the UN Commission on Human Rights, the International Labor Organization and others. Additional information about WFMH is available at www.wfmh.org . About Eli Lilly and Company Lilly, a leading innovation-driven corporation, is developing a growing portfolio of first-in-class and best-in-class pharmaceutical products by applying the latest research from its own worldwide laboratories and from collaborations with eminent scientific organizations. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Ind., Lilly provides answers - through medicines and information - for some of the world's most urgent medical needs. Additional information about Lilly is available at www.lilly.com . (1) Schizophrenia: What You Need to Know. National Mental Health Association. Available at: http://www.nmha.org/infoctr/factsheets/51.cfm , accessed June 7, 2006. (2) Bipolar Disorder National Institute of Mental Health. NIH Publication No. 02-3679; Printed 2001, Reprinted September 2002. Available at: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/bipolar.cfm , accessed June 7, 2006. (3) Weiden P, Scheifler P, Diamond R, et al. Breakthroughs in Antipsychotic Medications. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 1999. (4) The World Health Report 2001: Mental Health - New Understanding, New Hope. World Health Organization. Available at: http://www.who.int/whr/2001/chapter3/en/index1.html , accessed January 6, 2006. (5) The World Health Report 2003: Shaping the Future. World Health Organization, 2003. Available at http://www.who.int/whr/2003/en/whr03_en.pdf (6) Schizoaffective Disorder. National Alliance on Mental Illness. Available at: http://www.nami.org/Template.cfm?Section=By_Illness&template=/ContentManagemen t/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=11837, accessed on June 7, 2006.

NAMI seeks input on states' mental health services

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 14:49:11 EST

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is preparing to grade each of the 50 states on mental health services and invites the public to help by taking an online survey -- and forwarding it to others. The survey is available at www.nami.org/mentalhealthservices and includes a version in Spanish. In 2006, NAMI's "Grading the States: A Report on America's Mental Healthcare System for Serious Mental Illnesses" ( www.nami.org/grades ) provided the first comprehensive assessment in 15 years of publicly-funded mental health services, establishing a benchmark against which future progress could be measured. The national average was a D. The next report card will come out in 2009. Which states improved? Are any states sliding backwards? The new survey will help answer those questions, identifying strengths and weaknesses from the perspective of the people they serve. Survey results will be summarized and incorporated into the report, along with other sources of information. NAMI is asking individuals and families affected by serious mental illnesses to take the survey to measure "real world experiences." Anyone age 18 or older who has been diagnosed with a serious mental illness or who has an adult family member with a diagnosed mental illness can take the survey. Serious mental illnesses include major depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. The survey will remain online until September 30, 2008, and takes about 15 minutes to complete. Responses are anonymous. Specific survey questions include whether mental health services in a state are easy to find, convenient, affordable and without waiting lists -- as well as whether they are sensitive to cultural backgrounds. Open-ended questions ask for the "best thing" and "worst thing" about each state system, whether their mental health services emphasize recovery, and what "recovery" means for each individual. Telesage, Inc ., an independent survey technology company, is conducting the mental health services survey in partnership with NAMI. NAMI is the nation's largest grassroots organization dedicated to helping individuals and families affected by mental illnesses such as major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, borderline personality disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD). Other resources: http://www.nami.org/http://telesage.com/http://nami.org/mentalhealthserviceshttp://www.nami.org/http://healthcareforuninsured.org/http://nami.org/schizophreniasurvey

Philadelphia Insurance Companies adds volunteer accident insurance plan

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 13:17:01 EST

Philadelphia Insurance Companies (NASDAQ:PHLY) is pleased to offer Volunteer Accident Insurance through its partnership with Life Insurance Company of North America, a CIGNA company. Insurance is provided for a variety of niches including non-profits, social service and mental health organizations, museums, home health care and substance abuse rehabilitation facilities. The plan provides up to $100,000 in Accident Medical Expense coverage and may help to reduce an organization's exposure to liability claims. In operation since 1962, PHLY designs, markets, and underwrites commercial property/casualty and professional liability insurance products incorporating value added coverages and services for select industries. The Company, whose commercial lines insurance subsidiaries are rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best Company and A1 for insurance financial strength by Moody's Investors Services, is nationally recognized as a member of Ward's Top 50, Forbes' Platinum 400 list of America's Best Big Companies and Forbes' 100 Best Mid-Cap Stocks in America. The organization has 47 offices strategically located across the United States to provide superior service. To locate your nearest office or for more information, visit us on the web at www.phly.com or contact Paula Negro at 800-873-4552 ext. 3227.

NARSAD launches 'Healthy Minds Across America' event

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 17:49:14 EST

GREAT NECK, N.Y., Aug. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- People concerned about the toll that mental health disorders are taking on their families and communities will have a unique opportunity to hear from world-class experts on what is known to-date about the causes, symptoms and progression of such illnesses as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, schizophrenia and autism, and learn about current and potential treatments. In an unprecedented event called Healthy Minds Across America, 48 free public forums will take place around the United States and in Canada -- all on Sunday, September 14 -- at which some of the greatest minds and talents in neuropsychiatric research will report on the state of mental health research and how breakthroughs over the last 20 years have led to progress and hope, while uncovering new challenges. NARSAD, the world's leading charity dedicated to mental health research, has organized Healthy Minds Across America, which is being held in partnership with many of North America's most prominent universities and research centers -- from multiple branches of the University of California and University of Texas to Yale, Harvard, the University of Pittsburgh, Duke and the University of Toronto, among dozens more. "Never, to my knowledge, has there been such a concerted effort to bring the public together with the experts who hold the most knowledge about an area of human illness that accounts for more loss and devastation than any other," said Herbert Pardes, M.D., president of NARSAD's Scientific Council, who is also president and CEO of New York-Presbyterian Hospital and a former head of the National Institute of Mental Health. "Mental illness is so prevalent in our society, estimated to affect as many as one in four North Americans in any given year, with one in 10 suffering serious, chronic conditions." Each of the Healthy Minds Across America forums will feature presentations by three or more research experts who will cover a wide range of topics and disorder areas, such as: -- Depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia -- Childhood and adolescent mental health -- Growing areas of concern, such as PTSD and autism -- Genetics of mental illness -- Biological basis of addiction -- New treatment frontiers -- Improving pharmaceutical treatments and quality of life for those affected Across the board, the experts who will speak at the Healthy Minds Across America forums represent the forefront of neuropsychiatric research and include heads of psychiatry departments from many of the most respected medical schools and treatment facilities, as well as some early-career scientists whose research has already led to breakthroughs, and even a Nobel Prize-winning scientist. Most of the speakers have received grants from NARSAD in support of their research or are members of NARSAD's Scientific Council, a group of 110 experts in the key areas of neuropsychiatric research that guides the organization's grantmaking activities. "More individuals and families are speaking out today than ever before about the pain and loss caused by mental illness," said Constance E. Lieber, NARSAD's president emerita, who is chairing this event. "We hope that people who are coping with mental illness, their friends and loved ones, and mental health professionals will all attend these forums to learn about the progress that's being made in understanding and treating mental illness, and why there is reason for hope for improved treatments and even cures, if research can continue to flourish." Since 1987, when NARSAD began giving grants as the National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression, it has awarded more than $238 million in research funds to more than 2,700 scientists at universities and medical centers in the U.S., Canada and 25 other countries. In 2007 alone, NARSAD gave $19 million in grants to nearly 300 scientists conducting clinical and basic research relating to depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, childhood mental disorders, and other conditions. The 48 Healthy Minds Across America free public forums on Sept. 14 will take place at many of the universities and medical centers where NARSAD has supported cutting-edge research over the past 20 years. While all events are free and open to the public, reservations are recommended. To RSVP, email healthyminds@narsad.org , or call NARSAD at (800) 829-8289. Click http://www.narsad.org/news/press/pr_2008/pr2008-08-25.html to read more and to find a complete list of locations, topics and speakers; or visit www.narsad.org .

River Edge Behavioral Health Center selects Shannon T. Harvey as new CEO

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 17:47:47 EST

Shannon T. Harvey will become the new Chief Executive Officer of River Edge Behavioral Health Center , headquartered in Macon, on February 1, 2009. She succeeds Frank Fields who will retire in January 2009. “Our Personnel Committee, under the leadership of Mr. Andy Galloway, has conducted a long nation-wide search to fill the Chief Executive Officer’s position at River Edge,” says Ray Bennett, Chairman of the River Edge Community Service Board. “Ms. Harvey has the depth and range of experience we wanted. From my conversations with her, I know her first priority will be our clients and their families.” Referred to as a ‘pragmatic visionary committed to compassionate care excellence’, Ms. Harvey brings twenty years’ private and public senior leadership commitment and healthcare delivery experience, with 17 of those in behavioral health and developmental disabilities. Also, she served for three years as inaugural CEO of a nationally recognized Health Care Central Georgia, Inc./ Community Health Works – a regional, vertically integrated not-for-profit acute and specialty care health network that included both outpatient and hospital providers from across central Georgia. A former Georgia Young Careerist and Foundation Fellow scholar, Ms. Harvey holds bachelors and masters degrees from UGA. Established 58 years ago, River Edge Behavioral Health Center provides comprehensive services to individuals and families in need of mental health, developmental disability and addictive disease care and who live in one of seven central Georgia counties: Baldwin, Bibb, Jones, Monroe, Putnam, Twiggs, or Wilkinson. Vibrant and growing, River Edge now serves over 8,000 consumers and their families. This year, approximately 60% of River Edge’s revenue will come from Medicaid, insurance, client fee or local contract revenue, with the remaining 40% generated through state contracted services. River Edge has an annual budget of roughly $22 million and a staff of 376 that includes many psychiatrist and licensed professionals. Also, River Edge has a 9-member governing board comprised of community leaders of whom 51% are consumers of services or family members of consumers. River Edge Behavioral Health Center provides mental health, developmental disability and addictive disease services to more than 8,000 residents of Baldwin, Bibb, Jones, Monroe, Putnam, Twiggs and Wilkinson counties annually. For services contact the admissions office at 478-751-4519 (in Baldwin County 478-445-1290, Monroe County call 478-994-7600).