Missouri Department of Mental Health

JEFFERSON CITY, MO., DEC. 29, 2006 – The Missouri State Advisory Council for Comprehensive Psychiatric Services plans to recognize print and broadcast media during Mental Health Awareness Day on April 18, 2007. The council will present awards in seven categories for media coverage and campaigns that contribute “to the understandingand positive image of people with mental illness and children with serious emotional disorders.”

The council is accepting nominations of newspaper articles, radio and television broadcasts, special print projects, and media campaigns through February 15, 2007.

“Media stories and projects dealing with topics related to mental illness and emotional disorders can advance or set back the progress of people with these disorders in our society,” according to Donna K. Lay, State Advisory Council chair. “Stigma can be a major barrier in the effort to get people the help they need. But if we can get the word out to people that treatment is beneficial and can help those with mental illnesses to function successfully and contribute to their communities, the more people will be likely to step up and get the help they need.”

The National Mental Health Association has noted that "The media play a vital role in educating Americans about the reality of mentalhealth and mental illness. Through accurate, hard-hitting and responsible coverage, media professionals can help reduce the stigma associated with mental disorders and inform readers that mental illnesses are real, common and treatable."

“These awards are our opportunity to thank the people who have access to the tools to communicate with their communities for their contributions on behalf of the people in our state with mental disorders,” said Geody Frazier, Peer Educator.

More information regarding categories and qualifying projects is located on the Missouri Department of Mental Health website at www.dmh.mo.gov/cps/cpsindex.htm and click on the Mental Health Awareness Day link. For more information on the media awards, or to receive paper copies of nomination information and forms, call the Department of Mental Health’s toll-free phone number at 800-364-9687.

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For more information, contact Bob Bax , 573-751-8033

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SCHAFER NAMED TO LEAD DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH

JEFFERSON CITY, MO., DEC. 20, 2006 - The Missouri Mental Health Commission has announced the appointment of C. Keith Schafer, Ed.D. as the new director of the Missouri Department of Mental Health. The appointment is subject to confirmation by the State Senate.

"We are pleased to announce that Dr. Schafer has agreed to once again lead this department," said John Constantino, M.D., Mental Health Commission Chair. "It is obvious that his commitment to serve individuals with mental disorders, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse challenges has grown even greater in the 12 years since he left the department for the private sector. Keith not only possesses this commitment, but also the administrative and technical skills that will help to make positive changes in the mental health system. We are fortunate to have him working with us again."

Governor Matt Blunt said Schafer's appointment is good news for Missourians. "Dr. Schafer's background as a former DMH Director and his work across the country will serve the Department well. He will also help educate Missourians about mental health issues."

Schafer, 59, of Jefferson City, served as director of the Department of Mental Health from 1986 to 1994. He currently serves as director of program development and senior account manager for Comprehensive NeuroScience, Inc.'s Behavioral Pharmacy Management Program and Medical Risk Management Program. Other experience includes Senior Vice President of Program Development for Value Behavioral Health/ Value Options, Executive Director of the National Child Welfare Leadership Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Deputy Director of the Missouri Department of Social Services.

"I am delighted to have the opportunity to be part of the DMH team again," Schafer said. "The state's mental health system is critical to the lives of many Missourians and their families. We must have a system that is responsive to the needs of those we serve. I will work to assure consumers and their families have access to a system that provides the best care possible in a safe environment. Also, I will strive to give consumers and their families a stronger voice in the design of DMH programs and greater control over their services."

Schafer earned his bachelor's degree in education from Oklahoma Christian College in Oklahoma, City; a master's degree in education from Drury College in Springfield, Mo., and a Doctor of Education-Administration degree from the University of Missouri at Columbia.

Schafer will lead a department of more than 8,000 employees statewide and a budget of more than $1 billion.

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.

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For more information, contact Lois Thomas, 573-751-4423

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Karen Long named DMH Employee of the Month

JEFFERSON CITY, MO., DEC. 6, 2006 – Karen Long, a Developmental Assistant I at Marshall Habilitation Center, has been named the Department of Mental Health’s Employee of the Month for November 2006.

Described by co-workers as a “willing worker,” Long works the 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. shift at the center. In nominating her, staff noted “it becomes apparent they depend on Karen to complete the things they cannot quite accomplish on their shifts. She willingly assists the other shifts with the tasks that must be done to ensure the care and safety of those she serves. Karen especially enjoys assisting in the preparation of the holiday meals so that all the ladies in the home have a great time celebrating special occasions.” Long has worked at the center since 1989.

The Marshall Habilitation Center provides residential services to individuals with developmental disabilities. The Department of Mental Health serves Missourians by working to prevent mental disorders, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse; by treating, habilitating, and rehabilitating person with those conditions; and by educating the public about mental health.

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For more information, contact Lois Thomas, 573-751-4423

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Price selected as DMH Employee of the Month

JEFFERSON CITY, MO., NOV. 9, 2006 – Peggy Price, a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) at Higginsville Habilitation Center, goes above and beyond her defined nursing duties to meet the needs of the residents of the center. For her extra efforts, Price has been selected as the Department of Mental Health’s Employee of the Month for October 2006.

“It’s no secret that our facilities have been having nursing shortages,” said April Maxwell, Superintendent at Higginsville Habilitation Center. “The nurses have had to pull long hours, sometimes for several days in a row. Peggy is always here. She is dedicated to her job, but more so, she is dedicated to the people who live here.”

Price’s nomination cited the positive relationships she has built with consumers and direct care staff. She can be depended on to answer any call if a problem arises and do so with the same caring attitude, whether it is early or late in her shift. Price has worked at Higginsville since 1978.

The Higginsville Habilitation Center provides residential services to individuals with developmental disabilities. 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.

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For more information, contact Lois Thomas, 573-751-4423

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Community coalitions awarded substance abuse prevention contracts

JEFFERSON CITY, MO, NOV. 8, 2006 – The Missouri Department of Mental Health’s Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse has awarded contracts to eighteen community coalitions throughout Missouri to enhance their efforts to prevent substance abuse among young people.

In the first phase of the Strategic Prevention Framework State Incentive Grant, contractors will develop a strategic plan to address prevention in their respective communities based on in-depth assessments of needs, resources, and readiness. Each of the 18 awardees received amounts ranging from $18,000 to $45,000 for this initial six-month phase. Strategic plans deemed acceptable by the Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse evaluators, will receive additional funding for full implementation of the plans for 2 ½ years, up to $124,000 a year.

“These types of grants are critical to closing gaps that exist in prevention services on the local level,” said Michael Couty, director of the Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse. “Once the assessments are completed, community leaders will not only have a better idea of the types of programming that will be most effective in their areas, but they will also have resources to help fill those gaps.”

The state’s priority under this grant is to reduce risky drinking (binge and underage) in the age group 12-25. The contracted coalitions all have missions solely focused on or strongly related to substance abuse prevention. Examples of coalition members include youths, school representatives, parents, law enforcement officials, local college and university personnel, representatives of faith-based organizations, and local government and business owners or employees.
Names and locations of the 18 grant awardees follow:

Central Region
Randolph County Caring Communities, Moberly, Randolph County
Youth Community Coalition, Columbia, Boone County
Community Leaders Educating About Resistance (CLEAR), Versailles, Morgan County

Eastern Region
Windsor P.R.I.D.E., Imperial, Jefferson County
Rockwood C2000 Team, Rockwood School District, St. Louis County
Operation Weed and Seed, St. Louis City
Washington County Community 2000 Partnership, Potosi, Washington County

Northwest Region
Ray County Coalition, Lawson, Ray County
Livingston County C2000 Team, Chillicothe, Livingston County
St. Joseph Youth Alliance, St. Joseph, Buchanan County
Northland Coalition, Kansas City, Ray, Clay, & Platte Counties
Lee’s Summit Cares, Lee’s Summit, Jackson County
Liberty Alliance for Youth, Liberty, Clay County

Southwest Region
Underage Drinking Task Force of Community Partnership of the Ozarks, Springfield, Greene County
Community Improvement Coalition, Hermitage, Hickory County
Cassville Community 2000, Cassville, Barry County

Southeast Region
Butler County Community Resource Council, Poplar Bluff, Butler County
Communities Caring Council, Cape Girardeau, Cape, Scott, and Perry counties

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For more information, contact Bob Bax, 573-751-8033

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MENTAL HEALTH PHARMACY PROJECT RECEIVES NATIONAL AWARD

JEFFERSON CITY, MO., OCT. 27, 2006 - The American Psychiatric Association (APA) has awarded its 2006 Bronze Achievement Award to the Missouri Mental Health Medicaid Pharmacy Partnership for success in improving the quality of prescribing practices for psychiatric medications and patient outcomes. The project, funded through a contract between Eli Lilly and Company and Comprehensive NeuroScience Inc. (CNS), is an alliance of the state Department of Social Services' Division of Medical Services, the state Department of Mental Health, and CNS.

The Missouri Mental Health Medicaid Pharmacy Partnership Project was created to align psychiatric prescribing practices with national standards. The partnership program, formed in 2003, has contributed to at least $7.7 million in Medicaid pharmacy costs savings.

"This partnership is a model for reducing hospitalizations, containing pharmacy costs, improving prescribing practices, and maintaining open access to psychiatric medications through collaboration and education," said Joe Parks, M.D, Medical Director for the Missouri Department of Mental Health. "It has produced positive results for Medicaid patients dealing with psychiatric issues. We are working to extend the success of this program in other ways, including piloting similar programs specifically addressing children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and those with bipolar disorder and complex needs."

The goals of the program are to improve patient adherence and outcomes, contain pharmacy costs, and maintain access to psychiatric medications without resorting to preferred drug lists, fail-first approaches, or other restrictive practices. The project assumes that prescribing consistent with nationally recognized best-practice standards will lower overall health care costs and that prescribers will voluntarily adhere to nationally standards once informed. Several outcomes studies have shown that the educational program has helped to reduce inpatient admission and days hospitalized by nearly 50 percent after prescribers received intervention messages.

The partnership routinely analyzes pharmacy claims, comparing them with a set of quality indicators that signal questionable prescribing patterns. DMH then shares the results and current best-practice standards with the prescribing physicians to encourage modification of prescribing patterns. This work has improved the quality of psychiatric prescribing and clinical outcomes, in addition to saving the state millions of dollars in pharmacy costs.

"The national recognition is truly an honor, but our pride comes from knowing we've established a better way to help Missourians with mental health problems manage their illness and better manage our limited resources," said George Oestreich, Deputy Director of the Division of Medical Services.

The federal Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services has identified the program as a national model. Twenty-four states have implemented the same or similar approaches to managing psychiatric care through Medicaid.

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For more information,contact Martha Cassel, 573-290-5888

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Cottonwood Residential Treatment Center receives full accreditation

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO., OCTOBER 5, 2006 - The Cottonwood Residential Treatment Center, a children’s mental health program in Cape Girardeau, recently received notice of full accreditation of its programs from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO).

Accreditation by JCAHO demonstrates that the facility meets or exceeds industry standards for the care and treatment of adolescents with behavioral disorders. The areas of focus include, but are not limited to, ethics and rights, safety, human resources, leadership, provision of care, improving organizational performance, management of the environments, and consumer rights.

“This is an important accomplishment that reflects the commitment of the Department of Mental Health and the facility staff to ensure that our programs are based on the best practices of the treatment profession,” said Martha Cassel, Chief Operating Officer at Cottonwood.

The facility will celebrate the accreditation with a recognition ceremony on Friday, October 6, at 3 p.m. at the center located at 1025 North Sprigg St.

Cottonwood is one of 11 mental health facilities operated by the Department of Mental Health. The facility has 32 beds and 81 staff.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Department of Mental Health receives two-year grant to help improve substance abuse treatment services

JEFFERSON CITY, MO., OCT. 3, 2006 – The Missouri Department of Mental Health’s Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse is one of only six recipients nationwide to receive an Advancing Recovery grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJ). The grant, formally titled Advancing Recovery: State/Provider Partnerships for Quality Addiction Care, is designed to encourage treatment providers to use evidence-based practices by forming partnerships with single state agencies to help improve treatment services and outcomes in the state.

During the two-year grant cycle, the Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse will form partnerships with 10 certified, contracted substance abuse treatment providers located throughout Missouri. The partners will participate in a learning environment, with coaching from RWJ Foundation personnel, as they focus on two of five categories specified in the grant’s requirements.

The first category that the Missouri partners will address is the “use of medications for specific diagnoses,” namely, the use of naltrexone and acamprosate, two medications that aid in the treatment of alcohol dependence. “We know that these medications reduce craving and help individuals remain sober, but they can be expensive,” said Terry Morris, director of clinical services in the department’s Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse. “This grant will allow us to show that incorporating these medications in the treatment process is extremely cost effective when used properly. Alcohol dependence is the most common diagnosis in the population treated by ADA provider partners, yet the current use of medication-assisted treatment is quite low.”

In the second year of the grant, the partners will address the “use of specific psychosocial clinical interventions” in addictions treatment. Research shows that 60 to 80 percent of people who enter treatment for substance abuse have experienced some sort of trauma, which may complicate their recovery from addiction. Using therapy interventions in the treatment process will address the trauma and help alleviate one factor that complicates successful recovery. “People often want to concentrate on just stopping the drug use,” said Morris. “But for treatment to work most effectively, we have to teach people how to cope with the intrusive thoughts and negative emotional states that may result from a history of trauma.”

Morris has high hopes for the outcomes of the two-year grant. “We are hopeful that these evidence-based practices will make treatment services more effective, resulting in better success rates, while making treatment more available to more people.”

The 30-year-old Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is the nation's largest philanthropy devoted exclusively to improving the health and health care of all Americans. The Foundation works with a diverse group of organizations and individuals to identify solutions and achieve comprehensive, meaningful, and timely change. For more information on the Advancing Recovery grant and others grants by the Foundation, go to www.rwjf.org.

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. For more information on the Department of Mental Health, go to www.dmh.mo.gov.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Department committed to addressing staff shortage at habilitation center

MARSHALL, MO., SEPTEMBER 29, 2006 - Vacancies in direct-care positions at the Marshall Habilitation Center is a serious problem that must be addressed, the Interim Director of the Department of Mental Health said today.

Approximately 70 direct-care positions are unfilled at the facility, which serves about 235 individuals with developmental disabilities. Employees are required to work overtime to ensure adequate staffing on all shifts, which is taking a toll on the work force.

“Staff at the habilitation center do an outstanding job. The problem is we don’t have enough employees. A shortage of 70 staff is alarming,” said Ron Dittemore, interim director of the DMH. “We have tried very hard to recruit staff, but we are not able to compete in the area job market.”

Dittemore said the department will contract with several private firms to provide workers at the facility. The firms were selected in a competitive bid process through the state. The agencies will supply workers. Dittemore said these workers will not replace any staff at the facility, but are needed to fill in the huge gap that currently exists at Marshall between the need and the number of available staff. The department will closely monitor the agencies to determine if this is a viable way to meet the need for staff.

“This is only a short-term solution to a serious problem that needs immediate attention,” Dittemore said. “We cannot wait. Our direct-care staff cannot be expected to work continuous overtime, sometimes double shifts. It is not fair to them or their families and it is not what we want for client care.”

Dittemore said conventional methods and extraordinary methods such as job fairs, advertising in local media, and encouraging current staff to recruit new staff have not yielded the results needed. Competition from other industries in the area has increased in recent years and the work force is moving to those other job opportunities.

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.

For more information, contact Bob Bax, 573-751-8033, or
Roger Garlich at 660-826-4400

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Training program underway for direct-care staff who serve persons with developmental disabilities

JEFFERSON CITY, MO., September 13, 2006 – Direct-care employees working in private facilities contracted by the Missouri Department of Mental Health are participating in a pilot project using an innovative, online training program that teaches national best practices in caring for citizens with developmental disabilities. This program is projected to run through November 2008.

Nearly 280 employees representing 17 of Missouri’s community providers serving persons with developmental disabilities are currently enrolled in the College of Direct Support (CDS). The core curriculum includes enhanced education on developmental disabilities, safety, identifying and reporting abuse and neglect, rights of individuals with disabilities, positive behavior support, cultural competence and other important areas.

“This is a great opportunity to have access to the best practices being used in the direct-care industry,” said Ron Dittemore, interim director of the Department of Mental Health. “We are in full support of this program, as safety is top priority for the Missouri Department of Mental Health.”

Roger Garlich, executive director of the Center for Human Services, located in Sedalia, Mo., is a member of the steering committee for the Missouri pilot project. His agency has 40 staff members enrolled in the CDS and recently graduated the first two participants of the program. Garlich said his agency intends to reward staff completing the training with a pay increase and job designation of Direct Support Professional.

“This program has been well-received by our staff. It is an opportunity to recognize the important work of front-line staff, provide them with better tools and information to enhance performance and show them they are valued,” Garlich said.

According to Garlich, this pilot program will help determine if the process is an efficient, economical, and effective means of training staff members who support persons with disabilities and to determine if the project will reduce direct-care staff turnover.

A goal of the program is to link completion of the College of Direct Support training with improved compensation for direct-care employees and help recruit and retain quality workers. “We envision that this training will not only result in a better workforce, but in a deserved pay increase for those who become credentialed,” Garlich said.

About College of Direct Support

Based in Knoxville, Tenn., the College of Direct Support training is being used in 23 states and the District of Columbia. The curriculum is based on a comprehensive job analysis of the content of direct-care roles and is guided by a national board of experts. Those enrolled participate over the Internet and earn certification for completing the curriculum and demonstrating on-the-job competence. Enrollment in the Missouri College of Direct Support began July 1 of this year.

Organizations supporting the Missouri College of Direct Support include: Missouri Planning Council for Developmental Disabilities; Missouri Association of County Developmental Disability Services; UMKC Institute for Human Development; University of Missouri Extension; Missouri Chapter of the American Association of Mental Retardation; and the DMH Division of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities.

About 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 issues. Each year, the Department serves more than 150,000 individuals through its three divisions: Division of Comprehensive Psychiatric Services, Division of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities and Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Suicide Prevention Week promotes awareness, education

JEFFERSON CITY, MO, SEPT. 8, 2006 – Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in Missouri. To call attention to that fact and to help raise awareness of prevention efforts, Governor Matt Blunt has proclaimed September 10-16, 2006, as Suicide Prevention Week in Missouri to coincide with National Suicide Prevention Week.

“Suicide is a serious issue that affects many families across our state. Information and education are the keys to reducing the number of suicides,” said Ron Dittemore, Interim Director of the Missouri Department of Mental Health. “This second week in September is not only a time to remember those who have taken their own lives, but a time to focus on the need for prevention.”

Missouri has been at the forefront in its suicide prevention efforts in recent years, from the Department of Mental Health’s training of more than 15,000 individuals through federal grants issued in 2001, to the finalization of its suicide prevention plan in 2005, to the establishment of seven Regional Suicide Resource Centers in July of this year that put access to information closer to communities.

Missouri ranks 24th in the nation in its rate of suicidal deaths and is the second-leading cause of death among 15- to 34-years-olds in Missouri. The state suicide rate of 11.9 per 100,000 citizens is down from a rate of 12.2, but is still higher than the national rate of 10.8.

“We do make a difference when we educate people about the issue,” said Scott Perkins, coordinator of DMH’s Youth Suicide Prevention Project in the Department of Mental Health. “Suicide touches everyone at some point in their lives, and we all need to learn more about the signs and what to do to help.”

Various organizations are planning activities to coincide with Suicide Prevention Week, including Partners in Prevention, a statewide coalition focused on the prevention needs of college students, which will host a Suicide Prevention in Higher Education Summit at the University of Missouri at Columbia on Sept. 15.

Several of the Regional Suicide Resource Centers have planned activities as well. For more information regarding suicide and suicide prevention, the regional centers have information available. Contact information follows.

• Northwest: Nodaway County Committee for Suicide Prevention, 515 North Main, Maryville, MO 64468, 660-562-2755

• Western: Community Network for Behavioral HealthCare (CommCare), 106 W. 14th St, Ste. 1300, Kansas City, MO 64105, 816-472-9012

• West Central: Pathways Community Behavioral Healthcare, Inc., 1905 Stadium Blvd., Jefferson City, MO 65109, 573-634-3000

• Southwest: Ozark Center, P.O. Box 2526, Joplin, MO 64803, 417-781-4031

• Southeast: Dexter Community Regional Healthcare Foundation, 215 West Grant, Dexter, MO 63841, 573-624-1607

• Eastern: KUTO, Kids Under Twenty One, 2718 S. Brentwood St. Louis, MO 63144, 314-963-7571

• Northeast: Mark Twain Area Counseling Center, 105 Pfieffer Avenue, Kirksville, MO 63501, 660-665-4612, and 917 Broadway, Hannibal, MO 63401, 573-221-2120

Editor’s note: For information on the most effective ways of reporting on suicide in the media, please review the document Reporting on Suicide: Recommendations for the Media at www.sprc.org/library/sreporting.pdf

For additional information on suicide, visit the Department of Mental Health’s web site at www.dmh.mo.gov/cps/issues/suicide.htm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jessica Robinson Thursday, August 31, 2006
(573) 751-0290

Blunt Announces $14 Million Grant to Improve Mental Health Services

JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt announced that Missouri is one of eight states selected to receive a five-year Federal grant totaling $14,190,500 to be used to transform the state’s mental health system.

“This grant will help improve client care and ensure that the state offers a coordinated and comprehensive approach to available mental health resources,” Blunt said. “It is a valuable opportunity to build on the improvements we have already made to our state’s mental health programs and to continue efforts to enhance care and maximize tax dollars through more efficient and user friendly processes.”

Under the grant, awarded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Blunt will establish a Mental Health Transformation Leadership Workgroup comprised of senior leaders from the Departments of Mental Health, Social Services, Health and Senior Services, Corrections, Public Safety, and Elementary and Secondary Education, along with mental health consumers, family members, and other stakeholders. Blunt named Diane McFarland, director of the Division of Comprehensive Psychiatric Services in the Department of Mental Health, to serve as workgroup chair.

The group will be charged with developing and implementing a Comprehensive State Mental Health Plan that transcends all departments involved in the delivery and financing of mental health services. The grant will support plan implementation including workforce development, technology enhancements, training, local system development and evidence based practices.

The group’s work will complement work already underway by a special intra-agency task force created by the governor to ensure that client safety is protected and that timely and adequate investigations are conducted in all deaths at state mental health facilities.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Process underway to select Mental Health Director

JEFFERSON CITY, MO., AUGUST 24, 2006 – The Missouri Mental Health Commission has begun the process of selecting a permanent director for the Department of Mental Health.

“This is a very critical time for the department as it faces many challenging issues. Proven leadership, management, and administrative skills must be traits of the next director,” said Dr. John Constantino, chairman of the commission.
Dorn Schuffman retired as director in July. Ron Dittemore, Ed.D., is serving as the department’s interim director until a permanent director is appointed.

The commission has contracted with the Meyers Group, a national personnel search firm, to assist with the selection process. The closing date for applications is October 10, 2006. Information regarding qualifications and job specifications may be found on the Department of Mental Health’s web site at www.dmh.mo.gov. The commission hopes to have a director selected by January 1, 2007. The appointment is subject to confirmation by the State Senate.

With advice and assistance from the commission, the director is responsible for the operation of the department, which serves approximately 170,000 Missourians each year through three program divisions: Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Comprehensive Psychiatric Services, and Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities. The department has a budget of more than $1 billion and approximately 8,800 employees.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Mental Health Commission issues report

JEFFERSON CITY, MO., AUGUST 22, 2006 – The Missouri Mental Health Commission has made 23 recommendations for improving the state’s mental health services in a report issued today.

The report and recommendations were in response to concerns about client care and safety following the deaths of two clients at the Northwest Habilitation Center in St. Louis. The commission conducted a series of public hearings around the state between May 1 and May 23 and also used information from internal and external reviews to prepare its report.

“The commission feels these recommendations are critical to achieving a mental health system that prioritizes safety and accountability as its primary responsibilities,” said John Constantino, M.D., commission chairman. “We are very grateful to the many individuals who came forward at our hearings and all those who shared their concerns and suggestions. I firmly believe their input will help establish a safer and more accountable mental health system.”
The report, titled “Building a Safer Mental Health System,” may be viewed at www.dmh.mo.gov

The recommendations include pursuing accreditation of all habilitation centers; implementing processes to rapidly and effectively track critical data on abuse, neglect, and safety information; using external resources to supplement internal investigation functions; ensuring timely reporting of crucial incidents; separating the department’s investigative procedures from the office of legal counsel; pursuing legislation to allow non-confidential abuse and neglect information to be made public; and establishing resources for continuing education and training of staff. The commission report also recommends additional funding for the mental health system.

“Over the past five years, difficult decisions were made to cope with the state’s budget crisis. We have identified areas that need to be addressed with additional resources,” said Constantino. “By working together with our legislators, I believe we can address these needs.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Regional Suicide Resource Centers Help Missouri Step Up Prevention Efforts

JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JULY 17, 2006 – Missouri has again expanded its suicide prevention efforts. The state awarded contracts – on behalf of the Department of Mental Health – to seven agencies that will serve as Regional Resource Centers to provide suicide prevention services across the state.

“I’m pleased to say that our state has recognized the seriousness of the suicide problem and we are taking another step toward enhancing prevention efforts,” said Ron Dittemore, Ed.D., interim director of the Missouri Department of Mental Health (DMH). “Awareness is the first step, but giving communities access to resources to help address the problem is essential.”

The Resource Centers will engage community partners to develop and implement local strategies, provide public education and training, offer support for survivors, and promote proven practices to help with preventing suicide within their designated service areas. These services, as well as others to be offered, are consistent with the guidelines of the Missouri Suicide Prevention Plan (www.dmh.mo.gov/cps/issues/suicideplan.pdf).

“Suicide is a major health problem because of the large number of people impacted and the health care costs associated with it,” said Scott Perkins, coordinator of DMH’s Youth Suicide Prevention Project. “Suicide prevention efforts involve identifying and decreasing the risk factors associated with suicidal behavior while enhancing protective factors. The resource centers will help communities with these tasks.

DMH has divided the state into eight regions for the purpose of suicide prevention. Contract awards totaling $269,104.81 were made to the seven contractors. Federal grants totaling $280,000 were available for the services, which will be available throughout the fiscal year, ending June 30, 2007. Contracts may be renewed for three additional one-year periods.

“We are hopeful that communities will take full advantage of these centers while they are available so that they will be armed with the tools they need to prevent suicide among their young people,” said Perkins. “One suicide can devastate an entire community. With these resources, we are hoping to curb that devastation.”

The resource centers and the counties they cover are as follows:
• Northwest (Region 1): Nodaway County Committee for Suicide Prevention, Maryville
Andrew, Atchison, Buchanan, Caldwell, Carroll, Chariton, Clinton, Daviess, Dekalb, Gentry, Grundy, Harrison, Holt, Linn, Livingston, Mercer, Nodaway, Putnam, Sullivan, Worth

• Western (Region 2): Community Network Behavioral for HealthCare, Kansas City
Cass, Clay, Jackson, Johnson, Lafayette, Platte, Ray

• West Central (Region 3): Pathways Community Behavioral Healthcare, Inc., Clinton
Bates, Benton, Camden, Cedar, Cole, Cooper, Henry, Hickory, Laclede, Miller, Moniteau, Morgan, Osage, Pettis, Pulaski, Saline, St. Clair, Vernon

• Southwest (Region 4): Ozark Center, Joplin
Barry, Barton, Christian, Dade, Dallas, Douglas, Jasper, Lawrence, McDonald, Newton, Ozark, Polk, Greene, Stone, Taney, Webster, Wright

• Southeast (Region 6): Dexter Community Regional Healthcare Foundation, Dexter
Bollinger, Butler, Cape Girardeau, Carter, Dunklin, Madison, Mississippi, New Madrid, Pemiscot, Perry, Ripley, St. Genevieve, Scott, Stoddard, Wayne

• Eastern (Region 7): KUTO, Kids Under Twenty One, St. Louis
Franklin, Jefferson, Lincoln, St. Charles, St. Louis City, St. Louis County, Warren

• Northeast (Region 8): Mark Twain Area Counseling Center, Kirksville
Adair, Audrain, Boone, Callaway, Clark, Howard, Knox, Lewis, Macon, Marion, Monroe, Montgomery, Pike, Ralls, Randolph, Schuyler, Scotland, Shelby

Because there was no bidder for the South Central Region (Region 5), DMH is working with the current contractors to cover those counties. Region 5’s counties are
Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Howell, Iron, Maries, Oregon, Phelps, Reynolds, St. Francois, Shannon, Texas, and Washington
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.

Editor’s note: For information on the most effective ways of reporting on suicide in the media, please review the document Reporting on Suicide: Recommendations for the Media at www.sprc.org/library/sreporting.pdf

Mental Health Department Launches Community-Based Web Site for People with Disabilities

JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JUNE 15, 2006 - The Missouri Department of Mental Health today launched a breakthrough Web solution statewide for individuals, families, and agencies concerned with mental and emotional wellness and developmental disabilities. Network of Care for Mental Health is an online information site that provides critical information, communication, and advocacy tools with a single point of entry. It provides information for those navigating the system of mental health services, those working to avoid the need for formal services, and those ready to transition out of the mental health system.

Sponsored by the Missouri Department of Mental Health, Network of Care for Mental Health (www.missouri.networkofcare.org) is a pilot program for Missouri and the nation. Regardless of where individuals, families, and agencies begin their search for assistance with mental health issues, Network of Care for Mental Health helps them find what they need. The new Web site will enable people to find the right service at the right time, to educate themselves about their issues, to understand current policy initiatives, to advocate directly to elected officials, and to better manage their affairs, interactions, and important records.

"Network of Care empowers people with mental illness, developmental disabilities, or substance abuse issues, their families, and service providers by providing online access to comprehensive services available within each of Missouri's counties," said Mental Health Director Dorn Schuffman. "Having this type of information available and easily accessed by people who need our services as well as their families and advocates could make the difference in the quality of life of the people we serve."

The Network of Care for Mental Health provides a comprehensive Service Directory of the community-based service providers in each Missouri county, putting people in touch with the right services in their communities. Network of Care also provides easy-to-search libraries and information about specific disorders, pending legislation and advocacy, and daily news articles from around the world concerning mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse.

To increase accessibility and accommodate Network of Care's users, the site's technology provides near-universal access, regardless of literacy or income level, to Web-based services through a text-only version of the site and other adaptive technologies. The site is fully ADA-compliant. Network of Care also is available in multiple languages.

Service providers can share challenges and ideas - as well as create new mechanisms to better serve people with mental illness, developmental disabilities and substance abuse - by embracing Network of Care's communication tools, including message boards and community calendars. Service providers also may build their own free Web sites in the site's "For Providers" section.

Trilogy Integrated Resources LLC of San Rafael, Calif., created, developed, and maintains Network of Care for Mental Health and all of the other Network of Care Web sites, including Network of Care for Seniors and People with Disabilities, currently serving one-third of California's population and the entire State of Oregon; Network of Care for Kids (ages 0-5); Network of Care for Children & Families (ages 0-18); Network of Care for Developmental Disabilities; and Network of Care for Domestic Violence. Based on requests from across the nation, Trilogy is also developing a Network of Care site for substance abuse.

Trilogy, a leading information provider in the field of social services, now serves 12 states via the Network of Care. For more information, contact Trilogy at 415-458-5900 or at info@trilogyir.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Director named for state Division of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities

JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JUNE 14, 2006 - The Department of Mental Health announced today the appointment of Bernard A. Simons as the Director of the Division of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (MRDD). The appointment is effective June 26. The Division of MRDD serves more than 1,200 persons with developmental disabilities in six state-operated habilitation centers and provides services and supports to more than 27,000 individuals in community settings, including their own homes and in group homes.

Simons currently serves as the acting superintendent at Bellefontaine Habilitation Center and at St. Louis Developmental Disabilities Treatment Center, through a contract the Department has with Columbus Organization. Columbus provides training and consultation to the Department on issues related to its habilitation centers. As Division Director, Simons will no longer be employed by Columbus.

Columbus will continue to provide consultation and training under a contract awarded through a competitive bidding process this spring. The contract with Columbus is managed by the Office of Facility Operations which reports directly to the department director and is separate from the Division of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities.

Department Director Dorn Schuffman said the priority for Simons will be to ensure client care and safety and strengthen the system of reporting and investigating abuse and neglect in the division.

“Bernie has provided strong leadership at our habilitation centers in St. Louis in his role as acting superintendent,” said Schuffman. “He has demonstrated particular expertise in quality assurance and improvement as well as top-notch administrative skills.”

The Department contracted with Columbus in October 2004 to provide consultation and training at Bellefontaine Habilitation Center. Simons was named acting superintendent at the facility in August, 2005. In March of 2006, he was named acting superintendent for the St. Louis Developmental Disabilities Treatment Center, which includes Northwest Habilitation Center, South County Habilitation Center and St. Charles Habilitation Center.
“Ensuring that our consumers are safe and that they get the best care possible must be everyone’s priority. Staff at every level of the division have a responsibility for care and safety,” Simons said.

Simons replaces Linda Roebuck, who has served as interim Division Director since March 2006. Roebuck will return to her position as Deputy Director for the Department. “Once again, Linda stepped in to provide valuable leadership to the Division and the individuals and families it serves during some very difficult times,” said Schuffman.

A native of Rhode Island, Simons previously worked for the Connecticut Department of Mental Retardation, the Tennessee Division of Mental Retardation, where he served as regional director for community programs; and was the assistant facility director at the Paul A. Dever Developmental Center in Taunton, Massachusetts.

Interim Director Selection Process

Dittemore Resume

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Commission names interim director for Mental Health Department

JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JUNE 13, 2006 - The Missouri Mental Health Commission today announced that it has named Ron Dittemore, Ed.D., a member of the commission, to serve as interim director for the Department of Mental Health, starting July 1, 2006. Current Department Director Dorn Schuffman announced earlier this year that he will retire. His last day at the office will be June 30, 2006.

Dittemore, of St. Joseph, worked for the Department for 33 years. He was the superintendent of the state-operated Northwest Psychiatric Rehabilitation Center in St. Joseph at the time of his retirement in 1999. He was appointed to the Mental Health Commission by Governor Matt Blunt on June 28, 2005. He will resign from the mental health commission to serve as the interim director. The commission has begun the search for a permanent director.

Commission chairman John Constantino, M.D., said that in the process of selecting an interim director, the commission considered a number of individuals both inside and outside the department with extensive experience in the public mental health system. In considering its options, the commission unanimously concluded that the interim director should be someone who could step into the role of interim director without disrupting the current leadership and the initiatives underway in the department to restructure the abuse and neglect reporting and investigation process and strengthen efforts to ensure client care and safety. Appointing Dittemore as interim director will allow this important effort to continue without interruption.

“As will be true for the next permanent director of the department, the expectation for the interim director will be to implement procedures to strengthen the abuse and neglect system,” Constantino said. He said weaknesses identified recently with the department's process to report and investigate allegations of abuse and neglect demand that the department continue to move forward on the reforms it has started.

"Ron has a thorough knowledge of the public mental health system and the challenges that staff throughout the system face," Constantino said.
Dittemore currently works as Community Mental Health Liaison for Heartland Health in St. Joseph. He will take a leave of absence from that position while he is the Department's interim director. He also served as a member of the Government Review Commission appointed by the Governor.

"This is a time of opportunity for the commission and department to move forward, and to ensure in an unprecedented manner that the state's public mental health system provides for the care and safety of the individuals it serves," Dittemore said. "I intend for the department to continue to make this effort the number one priority. I believe our staff are the most important asset that we have. They need to be supported, led, educated, advanced, and held accountable, as is true for all of us. They do a tremendous job for the citizens of this state."

Dittemore's experience includes 33 years in various positions with the Department at the former St. Joseph State Hospital from 1966 to 1981, as director of Woodson Children's Psychiatric Hospital from 1981 to 1992, and as superintendent at NWMPRC until 1999.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Mental Health Commission says problems must be addressed

JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JUNE 12, 2006 - The Missouri Mental Health Commission today reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the state has a public mental health system that meets the high standards of quality care and safety that the more than 160,000 consumers the department serves each year deserve.

An extensive media investigation raising serious questions about the Department's methods and track record for identifying, reporting, and investigating abuse and neglect during the period from 2000-2005 underscores the need to address immediately persistent problems within the system, commission chairman John Constantino, M.D., said. Earlier this year, following the deaths of two consumers of the Northwest Habilitation Center in St. Louis, the commission directed the department to resolve immediately any internal problems that may have contributed to the deaths and to do everything necessary to ensure client care and safety.

"A number of steps already have been taken by the Department to address problems and weaknesses with the system," said Constantino. "More actions are planned. The system must provide for the protection and care of the people we serve."

In addition to a series of internal and external investigations, the commission conducted six public hearings around the state from May 1 to May 23, 2006. Constantino said the commission will issue a report on those hearings with recommendations that build on the steps already in place.
In February the department centralized oversight of all its facilities in order to assure uniform safety and reporting standards system-wide.

The department is establishing in every facility two separate lines of communication - in case one line fails - for immediately communicating and managing the information on actual or potential safety lapses.

The department has begun efforts to shift investigative functions to external entities, such as other state departments as appropriate.

As the current director is retiring June 30, 2006, the Commission will appoint an interim director and will subsequently recruit and appoint a permanent director, for whom primary expectations will be to address remaining problems with the abuse neglect system.

The accreditation of habilitation centers and community programs is being actively pursued by the department.

The Department will partner with Missouri Protection & Advocacy to revise its methods for responding to incidents and allegations of abuse and neglect, and will implement a seamless system of information management that will allow critical information about safety risks to rapidly reach the highest levels of administration in the department.

"These are all important steps to improve the system," Constantino said. "It will require diligence on the part of the department and commission to follow through on our commitment to the citizens of Missouri."

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Preventing suicide is focus of state conference

JEFFERSON CITY, MO., MAY 25, 2006 – Developing an effective community-based response to the public health problem of suicide is the focus of the state’s first ever Suicide Prevention Conference. The conference, “Preventing Suicide: Making a Difference in Your Community,” is set for Thursday, June 1, at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Jefferson City.

Missouri’s suicide rate historically has been higher than the national rate. Among Missouri youth, suicide is the third leading cause of death for ages 10-24. Nearly 17 percent of Missouri students surveyed in 2003 reported that they had seriously considered attempting suicide during the previous year. Suicide claims the lives of over 700 Missourians each year.

“The facts about suicide clearly show that this is a serious public health issue that demands attention,” said Dorn Schuffman, Director of the Department of Mental Health. “We must take steps to reduce the risk factors associated with suicidal behavior and look for the most effective ways to prevent suicide.”

In 2005, the Missouri General Assembly passed legislation that was signed by the Governor establishing the Suicide Prevention Advisory Committee. One of the Committee’s responsibilities is to oversee implementation of the State Suicide Prevention Plan. The conference is designed for suicide survivors, services providers from health, mental health, education, and others with an interest in suicide prevention.

“We know that many suicides are preventable,” said Dr. Joe Parks, Medical Director for the Department of Mental Health. “We want to build partnerships with local communities to develop proven interventions that can save lives.”

Missouri is currently administering a federal grant focusing on youth suicide prevention and early intervention programs. The grant is targeting youths in the juvenile justice system, in substance abuse programs, in mental health programs, in foster care systems and other youth support organizations. The grant also includes a component to evaluate the state’s effort.

“The conference will provide an opportunity to network with and learn from individuals who are involved in the front lines of the suicide prevention effort,” Parks said."

The Suicide Prevention Conference is sponsored by the Missouri Department of Mental Health and the Missouri Institute of Mental Health, University of Missouri-Columbia.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

State awards contract for training and technical assistance at habilitation centers

The Office of Administration announced it has awarded a contract to the Columbus Organization for training and technical assistance at the state's habilitation centers, following a competitive request for proposal process. Columbus Organization was selected from among three responsive bidders. The contract was effective May 18.

According to the contract, Columbus Organization will provide technical assistance, quality management training and consultation for the Department of Mental Health, Division of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities's (MRDD) habilitation centers.

Columbus Organization is based in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. The company provides services throughout the nation focusing on serving persons with developmental disabilities. Columbus Organization has been providing technical assistance, quality management training and consulting to the Department of Mental Helath through a contract that was established through the state's statute regarding emergency procurement. The new contract replaces the emergency contract.

"The purpose of this contract is to assist the Division of MRDD with improving the quality of care in our facilities," said Dorn Schuffman, Director of the Department of Mental Health. The Department's Division of MRDD, operates six habilitation centers, serving approximately 1,200 consumers.

The contract establishes various hourly rates for a range of clinical and administrative services. The total expenditures for the contract depend on the service needs of the habilitation centers.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

State Observes Children's Mental Health Week

JEFFERSON CITY , MO. , MAY 5, 2006 - Once fifth of children and adolescents in the U.S. experience the signs and symptoms of a mental health problem over the course of a year, according to the Surgeon General. That statistic, as well as others, make the cause of addressing mental illness in children a priority at the Missouri Department of Mental Health (DMH).

"People don't often think of children when they think about mental illness," said Dora Cole, director of community services in DMH's Division of Comprehensive Psychiatric Services, "but the sobering fact is that one in four families in Missouri is affected by mental illness and our children are also at risk."

Governor Matt Blunt has proclaimed May 1-7, 2006, Children's Mental Health Week in Missouri , recognizing that DMH served more than 15,000 children and youths in fiscal year 2005 and that awareness and early intervention are keys to successful treatment.

"Treatment does work for children with emotional and behavioral problems," said Cole, "but the stigma that continues to be attached to mental health issues often keeps people from seeking help, even for their children who need it. Parents and guardians must get the message that getting help in the early stages makes treatment much more effective."

In recognition of the week, observed in Missouri during the first full week in May, various organizations throughout the state plan activities that focus on awareness of the issue. On the national level, the week is observed May 7-14, with May 8 designated National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day. May is Mental Health Month.

Editor's note: For speakers on mental illness and recovery, please contact the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill of Missouri at 573-634-7727.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Mental Health Director to Retire July 1

JEFFERSON CITY, MO., MAY 1, 2006 –Department of Mental Health Director Dorn Schuffman announced today that he will retire from the department, effective July 1, 2006. Schuffman has worked for the department in various capacities since 1978. He has been the director of the department since December 2001.

"This is a very difficult decision, but one which I believe is best for me at this time," Schuffman said. "The dedicated staff of this agency will continue to move Missouri's mental health system forward to ensure that citizens get the help they need."

John Constantino, M.D., chairman of the Mental Health Commission, said the Commission will establish the process for selecting a new director at its regularly scheduled meeting May 11. He praised Schuffman for his dedicated leadership of the department and service to Missouri citizens.

"The commission is saddened to hear of Dorn's retirement as director of the Department of Mental Health," said Dr. Constantino. "Dorn has been an outstanding leader whose vision for the future has been an inspiration to us all. We wish him well in his future endeavors, but will miss his guidance."

The Department of Mental Health each year serves more than 170,000 Missourians affected by mental illnesses, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse through its divisions of Comprehensive Psychiatric Services, Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, and Alcohol and Drug Abuse.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

STATEMENT REGARDING SPRINGFIELD REGIONAL CENTER AUDIT REPORT

SPRINGFIELD, MO, APRIL 7, 2006 – The care and safety of individuals we serve is the highest priority for the Department of Mental Health and the Springfield Regional Center. The center will continue to take all actions necessary to ensure appropriate care is provided. The center will work with providers to ensure that individuals receive the care they need in the most appropriate setting. Case managers visit consumers and monitor the condition of their homes. When problems are found, the regional center takes steps to correct those problems.
The Regional Center has moved to address all the findings in the state audit, including the following:

Background checks
The regional center will not fund the personal assistant staff hired by families without documentation that the required background checks have been conducted.

Medicaid collections
The regional center makes every effort to maximize the Medicaid collections for targeted case management (TCM). A target of 106 billable hours per month is established for service coordinators. Because of vacation, illness and other events, the 106 hours is a target that is not always reached. The regional center checks the TCM billings of each case manager monthly and addresses any problems with productivity and other concerns.

Monitoring provider billings
The Division and the regional center policy is to conduct service reviews for all agencies to ensure that the billings of the providers accurately reflect the services being provided.

A copy of the response to the State Audit Report is below.

DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH RESPONSES
STATE AUDITOR’S OFFICE REPORT ON THE SPRINGFIELD REGIONAL CENTER

IMPROVING CLIENT CARE

DMH RESPONSE: We agree. Regional Center case managers visit each consumer at least monthly, or more frequently, if needed, to assure appropriate care is provided. As part of these visits, case managers monitor the condition of the home or facility. In addition, Regional Center staff from the Quality Management Team (QMT) conduct monitoring visits on a quarterly basis.

The problems cited in the report were identified by the supervisor of the SRC Quality Management Team who was demonstrating how the QMT conducts monitoring site visits. These problems were discussed immediately with the responsible staff in the home for correction. Most findings cited in the report were corrected immediately. Case managers conducted daily monitoring visits at this facility for thirty (30) days to assure all conditions were corrected and continued compliance. In addition, the QMT staff also conducted periodic site visits.

Improving monitoring and quality assurance activities is a continuous process. To enhance the processes already in place, the Springfield Regional Center has prepared additional training for case managers to review the service monitoring guidelines. The SRC Quality Management Team will attend and participate in this training with input from the State Quality Management Team representative to review the Action Plan Tracking System (APTS) process and monitoring.

2. PLACEMENT FACILITIES’ HANDLING OF CLIENT FUNDS

DMH RESPONSE: We agree. Current Regional Center policies and procedures already require each of the recommended practices. Placement facilities are expected to comply with these requirements and Regional Centers monitor compliance with existing staff.

It is important to note that the Division established the policy requiring residential providers to maintain less than $200 in client accounts in order to keep overall consumer assets under the limits set by state and federal programs in order to maintain Medicaid eligibility and benefits. Residential service providers have been appropriately informed of their obligation to properly monitor these funds. It should be noted no consumer’s Medicaid eligibility or benefits were lost in the cases cited in the audit.

Springfield Regional Center has reviewed the identified deficiencies with the appropriate placement providers as well as asked for corrective action, and has added outcomes to the quality management plans for those residential providers where issues have been identified. These will be tracked in the regular quarterly QM plan reviews until resolved.

The QMT accountant currently provides information on the above to all new providers in the New Provider Training and this can be accessed by established providers as well.

In order to continue to improve compliance with current policies and procedures and to continue to improve Regional Center monitoring of compliance, the Regional Center will discuss these requirements in the regular Provider Organization meetings and in each provider’s quality management plan review.

The QMT has also begun reviews of consumer funds in accordance with Division Directive 5.070 section. “Client funds” which went into effect on 12-1-05 and states that... “In addition to consumer balances being reviewed quarterly by the Regional Center a 5% sample of consumers or 5 consumers (whichever is more) receiving services from each contracted provider that handles consumer funds will be reviewed annually. All consumer funds will be reviewed if the provider serves less than 5 consumers.” Training has been completed and this review is being conducted by assigned staff at the Regional Center.

3. MONITORING SERVICES

DMH RESPONSE: We agree in part. Consumer budgets are reviewed by the case managers and accounting department prior to approval of services to help ensure the budget is correct and total cost of care is included. The budget format has been enhanced to further help identify limitations to specific services or programs. The QMT staff reviews all provider budgets for reasonableness for any new provider or new service. The budget is then submitted to Central Office for review.

SRC approves service rates based on existing cost of comparable services and taking into consideration the specialized supports offered by specific providers. It will be difficult to perform a Uniform Cost Report analysis for every new service rate or rate adjustment or to verify all cost data submitted by providers. In certain situations, service rates may be sent to Central Office for review prior to final determination of a rate.

In addition the SRC Quality Management Team now conducts a service review in accordance with the Division Directive 5.070, section “service review” effective 12-1-05. This will be completed for all agencies within a year and annually thereafter.

BACKGROUND CHECK PROCEDURES

DMH RESPONSE: We agree. A procedure will be developed to ensure that background checks for personal assistants are completed in a timely manner.

5. TARGETED CASE MANAGEMENT

DMH RESPONSE: We agree in part. The 106 billable hours per month is a target. It was established in an effort to provide a guideline for maximizing billing opportunities. It is not expected to be achieved 100% of the time for all staff at all times due to illness, leave time and emergencies etc. Therefore it should not be assumed that potential revenue has been inappropriately lost when the target is not achieved. The SRC case manager supervisors track and address productivity problems as necessary where this is an issue including entries in performance logs when a plan of action is needed, to address the concerns.

A process was put in place in fiscal year 2005 which includes regular discussions with the case managers and monthly record checks by the case manager supervisors for hours logged, timeliness and content of case notes. In addition, the Assistant Director of Habilitation randomly reviews case notes as well. The Assistant Director of Habilitation will now review a percentage of all case notes on a quarterly basis as a check and balance to ensure they were documented in a timely manner, correctly and were billed appropriately. The accounting department will continue to review and examine to correct any TCM billing overages or issues.

The current computer billing process will be examined to determine how minutes of service are accumulated and billed. Changes to the system will be made, as necessary, to comply with Medicaid guidelines.

6. BILLING OF MATCHING FUNDS TO SENATE BILL 40 BOARDS

DMH RESPONSE: We agree. Currently SRC bills each SB40 board in accordance with their cooperative agreement.. This is billed by the accounting department and reviewed by the Assistant Center Director of Administration. In addition each SB 40 that has a cooperative agreement has a member of the SRC Executive Team assigned as a board contact to attend meetings on a quarterly basis or as needed, answer questions, etc. A minimum of a quarterly report on expenditures, services billed, funds remaining, services needed etc. is provided to each board as well. To further ensure correct billing the Regional Center Assistant of Administration/designee will review billing status quarterly.

7. THE NETWORK

DMH RESPONSE: We agree. The SRC has, since the family organizations inception, housed the Network in the building to enhance family education and involvement and consumer/family driven services. Reasonable charges are being researched based on the cost incurred for shared office space in other state settings. All other subsidies ceased some time ago. The SRC is in the process of revising the Network contract to better reflect the nature of services purchased by redefining service definitions and clarifying documentation requirements for billing. Recoupment of those funds billed inappropriately will be reviewed by the accounting department and discussed with the agency as to how to do so. The QMT will monitor billing and documentation monthly and provide support to the agency for the new processes.

8. NON-APPROPRIATED FUNDS SYSTEM PROCEDURES

DMH RESPONSE: We agree. The SRC/JRC consolidated accounting department has limited staff and resources. We are currently in the process of replacing staff and reorganizing job duties to complete cross training and provide improved checks and balances to ensure adequate segregation of duties, complete and accurate bank reconciliations, investigation of any differences on a timely basis and to ensure timely documentation is maintained to support any adjustments made to the accounting records. The accounting department currently reviews requests for accuracy and funding. Each request is reviewed/signed by the staff supervisor and Regional Center Administration to ensure the purchase is appropriate. Check signers also review completed checks with documentation to ensure checks are correct. The SRC accounting department and QMT have processes to review consumer accounts. A report is run once a month and distributed to staff showing every account over $750.00. The staff has a designated time to inform accounting if the consumer has specific needs supported by their person-centered plan for the additional monies. If the accounting department does not receive any response to the listing, the funds are applied to the consumer’s care costs. The QMT reviews a sample annually.

9. CHOICES FOR FAMILIES

DMH RESPONSE: We agree.

10. TRAINING SERVICES

DMH RESPONSE: We agree. It should be noted, however, that we believe the job performance and documentation of such by the Training staff cited in the audit was sufficient for the purpose and was the only viable option at the time of hire. The contractor who provided training, tracking, and documentation for the Center retired December 2005. Should a contracted provider be sought in the future it will be for specific trainings and specific documentation will be required to be submitted by the contractor and maintained the responsible RC staff.

11. PAYROLL DOCUMENTATION

DMH RESPONSE: We agree. SRC is developing a standard statement to be put in each person’s record to support any such changes in position and pay rate.

12. MANAGEMENT OF DONATIONS

A new process has been established to account for all donations. No further solicitation of donations will be made and no donations will be accepted other than those already received or established and agreed to, until the tracking system is fully operational.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

STATE MENTAL HEALTH COMMISSION TO GATHER PUBLIC TESTIMONY ON SERVICES

JEFFERSON CITY, MO, APRIL 6, 2006 - Following the recent reports of two tragic deaths at a state-run facility in the St. Louis area, the Missouri Mental Health Commission announced today that it has directed the department director to rapidly complete the necessary fact-finding investigation to identify the factors in the two deaths and make the information available to the Commission. The Department shall address the identified factors in a plan of correction. The Commission extends its sincere condolences to the families of the two residents.

The Commission expects the department to resolve immediately any internal problems that may have contributed to the deaths. The Commission also announced its intentions to hold public hearings to gather citizens' input into how services for clients of the Missouri Department of Mental Health can be improved. The Commission also instructed the department director to ensure and demonstrate that:

Staff and supervisors understand that abuse, neglect, and failure to report unsafe conditions will not be tolerated;
Barriers to the flow of information regarding the safety and care of consumers be identified and eliminated;
Facilities have adequate staffing to assure the safety of consumers;
Consumers, families and guardians have the information necessary to make informed choices about services and providers; and
Formal mechanisms are in place so that consumers, families, guardians, staff and the general public can easily raise issues and concerns.

The Commission looks forward to gathering citizens’ input on how services can be improved and to prompt action by the department so that these tragic events are not repeated. A schedule of public meetings will be released to the media in advance of when they are to be held.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Mental Health's "Lighthouse Project" receives additional funds

JEFFERSON CITY, MO., MARCH 16, 2006 - Hurricane Katrina evacuees who came to Missouri after the storm will receive additional help in their resettlement efforts, thanks to a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and Missouri 's Lighthouse Project. Missouri is one of seven states selected to receive the grant funds, which continue and expand the services provided through a previous award for "immediate services" shortly after the hurricane crisis.

"While the immediate services grant focuses on one-on-one counseling, the 'regular services' funding will assist evacuees in reestablishing support systems through family, church, and community connections," said Lynn Carter, director of the Office of Disaster Readiness in the Missouri Department of Mental Health. "On this six-month anniversary of the hurricane tragedy, people are thinking more about their permanent housing, employment, and transportation needs, whether in their newly adopted communities or as they work to return to their Gulf Coast homes. This grant comes at a good time to help these individuals and families cope with the losses they have experienced and to figure out their next steps to rebuilding their lives."

The Lighthouse Project services will be based at the Crider Center in St. Louis , where most of the evacuees settled. The grant, totaling $545,086, is to cover a nine-month period from March 1 through Nov. 30. During that period, front-line direct-care staff will be trained to help guide those who are seeking help in resettling, and Missouri 's current statewide crisis hotline will be expanded to accept calls from evacuees needing counseling or referrals to other resources. An estimated 1,500 families from the Gulf are now living in the St. Louis area. Of particular concern is the increased incidence of suicides among the hurricane survivors. The hotline, 866-840-3940, also serves as a suicide prevention line for those experiencing emotional crises.

"People do eventually bounce back after a crisis such as the one experienced last fall," said Carter, "but with some assistance, they heal so much more quickly and are able to be contributors again. We are hopeful that this grant will provide the assistance these families need.

The Lighthouse Project: A Beacon from the Show-Me State was established in the fall of 2005 by the Department of Mental Health's Office of Disaster Readiness to reach out to individuals and families who ended up in Missouri after their homes in the Gulf were affected by the hurricanes and assist them in their efforts to rebuild their lives.

Governor announces appointment of Phillip McClendon to Mental Health Commission

JEFFERSON CITY, MO., MARCH 8, 2006 - Governor Matt Blunt announced the appointment of Phillip W. McClendon, 59, of Joplin as a member of the Missouri Mental Health Commission. The Rev. McClendon is the senior pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in Joplin. He will serve a term on the Mental Health Commission that ends June 28, 2008.

The Rev. McClendon holds a bachelor's degree from Cumberland College, a master's of divinity from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a doctorate of ministry from Luther Rice Seminary.

Dr. McClendon has served as president of the Pastor's Conference of the Missouri Baptist Convention. He presently serves on the Ozark Center Advisory Board of Directors; Community Blood Center of the Ozarks Advisory Council; and Service Academy Candidate, Advisory Committee for Congressman Roy Blunt. He is also a member of Christians for World Peace.

Dr. McClendon is seen weekly on the local NBC affiliate KSN-TV in "The Winning Attitude" and also each morning with "Moments of Motivation" televised at 6:59 a.m., preceding the Today Show.

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. The seven-member Mental Health Commission serves as the policy advisors to the Department Director. Dr. McClendon, who will represent the interest of substance abuse treatment on the commission, replaced Clifford Sargeon, whose term expired.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Project focuses on children's readiness in disasters

JEFFERSON CITY, MO., FEB. 24, 2006 - Helping children prepare for natural and other disasters is a priority for the Missouri Department of Mental Health (DMH).

When Jenny Wiley, with DMH 's Office of Disaster Readiness, wanted to gather information to share with other agencies on how children can cope, she got help from the Boys and Girls Club of the Capital City.

"Jenny came to us and asked 'Do you think we might talk to the kids about coping with disaster?'" according to Jerome Anderson, the club's executive director. Anderson responded positively and the result was a journaling project for some of the club members, who produced a story and drawings related to how a Kangaroo mom and her son respond to a natural disaster.

The results of that project - a six-page booklet illustrated by the story-tellers - will be displayed during trainings conducted by the Office of Disaster Readiness to emphasize the importance of getting children to talk about their feelings in times of stress.

The department's initiative is part of the overall effort by Governor Matt Blunt for disaster preparedness in Missouri . On Thursday, the Governor joined U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Deputy Secretary Alex Azar in a commitment to plan for responding to pandemics. The state and federal partnership is a significant step in preparing Missouri for any possible public health emergency.

Wiley pointed out the importance of planning ahead to determine what actions children can take if a disaster happens. "If kids know what to do, they are less afraid," she said. "Parents need to connect with their child's school or day care to find out what will happen there in case of a disaster so they can discuss things with their children." Kids also need to know "what to do when they are home alone, where to go in case of a storm or tornado, and what to do if the lights go out," said Wiley. Above all, during a disaster, parents and adult caregivers should "remain calm, get to a safe area, and be open with our kids about our own emotions, but not so much as to frighten them," said Wiley.

After a disaster, journaling is also a good way to express feelings, as seen in the project with the Boys and Girls Club. "Kids who can't write can draw pictures of how they feel," said Wiley.

"I think.you'd be surprised what kids come up with when you give them an outlet," added Anderson.

For more information on disaster readiness and mental health, visit the Department of Mental Health's web site at www.dmh.mo.gov and click on the "Coping With Disaster" link.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Department names head of Western Missouri Mental Health Center

JEFFERSON CITY, MO. , FEB. 10, 2006 - The Department of Mental Health named Deborah Birmingham, ACSW, as the Chief Operating Officer for Western Missouri Mental Health Center in Kansas City. The Hospital's Chief Operating Officer (COO) is responsible for all administrative and clinical functions for the facility. Her appointment is effective immediately.

Ms. Birmingham has served as the Interim COO of Western since July of 2005. She brings over 22 years of experience in both facility and community mental health knowledge to Western.

"We are confident that she will offer excellent leadership and public stewardship for our acute care hospital, community residential programs and educational services," said Diane McFarland, Director of the Division of Comprehensive Services.

The Western Missouri Mental Health Center has 175 nationally accredited and certified psychiatric beds including 85 inpatient hospital beds, 12 urgent care inpatient beds and 78 community residential beds. The facility staff of 548 includes nurses, physicians, social workers, psychologist, therapists, counselors, clinical support personnel and an operating budget of $19 million. Western also serves as the UMKC School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and a teaching hospital for UMKC's Schools of Nursing, Social Work and Pharmacy.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Department of Mental Health seeks comments on Strategic Plan

JEFFERSON CITY, MO. , FEB. 1, 2006 - The Missouri Department of Mental Health wants to continue to improve its services and is looking for help from the people it serves, their families, and their care providers.

The department has drafted a strategic plan and has outlined its goals to transform Missouri 's public mental health system into a system that focuses on the general health of the people it serves rather than on their disabilities. According to Mental Health director Dorn Schuffman, "The elements of this plan have a common theme: transformation of the public mental health system to improve the quality of the services and supports we purchase for Missourians who have mental illnesses, substance abuse or addiction problems, and developmental disabilities."

The department is seeking comments on its plan, which can be accessed from its web site at www.dmh.mo.gov . Comments will be accepted until February 15, 2006, and may be submitted by electronic mail to dmhmail@dmh.mo.gov or in writing to the Missouri Department of Mental Health, P.O. Box 687 , Jefferson City , MO 65102 .

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Mental Health establishes Facility Operations Team

JEFFERSON CITY , MO. , FEB. 1, 2006 - The Department of Mental Health has established a Facility Operations Team to oversee the day-to-day operations of all of its facilities, which includes 11 psychiatric hospitals and 6 habilitation centers.

All facilities have common issues. These include budgeting, accreditation, staffing, and Medicaid reimbursement. The Facility Operations Team will help to ensure quality services and consistency across all facilities. The respective divisions will retain responsibility and authority for all policies regarding programming and treatment, as well as the facility budgets and overall system of care.

Neither the individuals served by the facilities, nor their families, nor facility direct care staff will experience immediate differences as a result of this change. Over time, however, consumers and families will experience a higher, more consistent quality in facility programs.

Appointments to the team include Dr. Felix Vincenz as the Director of Facility Operations and Mary Fangmann as the Deputy Director. Under their direction, the Facility Operations Team will include the following individuals, with the attendant responsibilities:

Becki Carson, MSN: Certification, accreditation, and regulatory compliance issues and coordination of nursing practice.
Jerry Clubbs, MSN: Technical consultant on healthcare issues and ICF/MF compliance.
Mark Miller: Workforce relations, CIMOR and iiTS implementation and training, and Disaster Response.
Brad Bross: Fiscal oversight, including development and monitoring of spending plans and budget variance reports.
Joe Kuensting: Development of data and fiscal reports.
Teri Enke: Administrative Assistant.