News
Making memories for victims of dementia
Ionia Sentinel-Standard:August 14, 2010
IONIA - Ionia County Community Mental Health held an event to bring together those suffering from dementia to make memories and offer them fun activities.
Activities included rides in a 1934 Ford Model-A Coup, feeding fish at a local pond and musical and dance performances.
The activities were selected by adult outreach coordinators at teh Ionia County Community Mental Health (ICCMH) based on the participants' past and what they enjoyed.
"I got to know them individually, and got a flavor of what they did in the past," said ICCMH Adult Outreach Coordinator Becky Flint. "All of them are different, and all have different tastes. I like to learn that."
During Friday, the last day of the event, Ben and Karen Merchant brough tin their 1934 Ford Model-A Coup for teh participants to ride in. Earlier in the week, they brought their Model-T.
"This is the third year we have been doing this, and we are getting to know more of the people," said Ben Merchant.
The Merchants started participating in the event when they were contacted by the ICCMH.
"We love to come out and help, and for a lot of the people this (car) is a part of their past," said Karen Merchant about how it sometimes triggers memories. "I think that it is really a nice program they do in our county for the care givers and for the people involved."
Besides offering those with Alzheimer's disease and dementia a chance to mingle with friends and participate in activities, it also provides respite for the caregiver.
The ICCMH also offers training, classes, and other programs for family members, caregivers and those suffering from dementia.
There will be another Making Memories event in Belding the last week of September. To joint the participants with Alzheimer's or dementia a person has to be 18 years or older, and live on their own or with relatives.
To learn more, call 616-527-1790 or visit www.ioniacmhs.org.
Dear Friends of Ionia County Community Mental Health
Nationally recognized research indicates that:
- Persons with a severe mental illness live an average of 25-years less than persons without a severe mental illness. Integration of Primary Care, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse Treatment offers the best hope to reduce the gap.
- Persons with a developmental disability live more content, full, and healthier lives in the community rather than in costlier and less humane institutions.
- Children with severe emotional disturbance do better in every aspect of their lives, if their family is the target of services and preservation. While, nationally 40% of children who graduate from foster care at age 18 become homeless within three years.
- Older Adults who suffer from Alzheimer's and/or Dementia can live their lives in the community with more dignity if a wrap-around community-based approach is used.
- Half of all persons who are incarcerated have substance abuse/mental illness issues but receive little or no treatment while incarcerated or after release. A co-occurring treatment approach can avoid jail/prison with aggressive interventions coordinated between the legal, mental health, and substance abuse treatment systems.
- At risk infants and small children have better health, social, and school outcomes if parents receive early intervention an dare served by highly trained Infant Mental Health specialists.
2,874 people received at least one service from Ionia County Community Mental Health (ICCMH) in 2009. An additional 838 persons requesting services were referred to other providers or resources in teh community more suited to meet their needs. All calls requesting services at Ionia County Community Mental Health's three offices (Ionia, Belding, Portland) were answered last year by a trained staff person who personally assisted them with their inquiry. In spite of hard economic times we have turned no on away from our doors due to an inability to pay.
Ionia County Community Mental Health Board is committed to maintain its approach to achieve aggressive self-imposed organizational outcomes regarding: outreach to persons needing service through reducing the stigma of brain disease and the behavioral consequences when it is left untreated; integration with primary care; community inclusion for all persons who receive our services, the expansion of the capacity of our three offices; maximizing partnerships with all willing organizaitons in the community as we have done with children's services, older adult services, and for persons involved in the correctional system.
The road to a better New Year's resolutions
Ionia Sentinel-Standard:January 2, 2010
IONIA -New Year's resolutions are a time-honored tradition; almost as ingrained as the tradition of breaking them.
But for those who really want to change an aspect of their lives, Ionia County Community Mental Health Chief Executive Officer Bob Lathers, there are a few strategies that can be employed.
The first: make sure that your resolution is based on something you can control.
"We work hard with people to make sure they understand the only thing they can control is themselves," Lathers said.
He pointed out that making resolutions centered around things beyond your control is setting up for failure or frustration.
Lathers also suggests that people who set resolutions to get rid of something that is weighing them down, rather than adding something to their life.
"Rather than a resolution to be more organized, for example, look at what you can get rid of," Lathers said.
Other vices to try shedding may be an addiction, although Lathers cautioned against thinking only of the traditional addictions.
While it's true that alcohol, tobacco or other drugs are addicting, people can also be addicted to something as seemingly harmless as their cell phones, computers or food.
Another helpful hint: don't think of your resolutions as resolutions.
"If you break a resolution, it is gone," Lathers said. "But if you set a goal, you may have a setback but you can keep going."
Lathers also recommends narrowing your list down to only one goal.
"Just take on one thing," he said. "It may seem like fun to take on a list, but you can't keep up. It's easy to get overwhelmed."
A buddy system can make it more likely to follow through with your resolutions once you decide on one.
As a result, Lathers recommends that you find someone with the same or similar goals to work with.
Community Mental Health offers a number of support groups covering a wide range of issues, Lathers said, so if you can't find someone on your own, there is likely support for you there.
For more insight on the road to a happier 2010, Lathers said that "The Happiest Project," run by writer Gretchen Rubin, is a good resource. People can access it at www.happiness-project.com.
Community leaders' resolutions:
Dan Balice: I was going to figure out how the state could pay both state revenue sharing and fund the fire reimbursement formula. Man, if I could figure that out, I'd really be something. But really, my resolution is to read the books I already have before I buy new ones.
Brian Calley: This year, it's really about doing my part as a leader and practiciing post-partisan politics. There is common ground, it can be found, and I'd like to set an example by finding it.
Bob Lathers: My resolution is to live now. We spend so much time thinking about the future that we forget about the present.
State helps ICCMH teach youths to rein in rage
Ionia Sentinel-Standard:December 25, 2009
IONIA -Ionia County Community Mental Health is gearing up to implement a new program targeted at County middle-schoolers.
A new staff person will be traveling to all the county schools to teach aggression replacement therapy techniques to middle school counselors, courtesy of a $60,000 grant from the state.
"We hope to have it up and running by February 1," said ICCMH director Bob Lathers. "We're excited to have this program coming in."
ICCMH received notification that they had been awarded the grant in mid-October, but the money was not made available until recently. Lathers said ICCMH is working hard to get this program going as soon as possible.
Lathers anticipates that 140-150 students will be impacted by this program this year alone.
Although the grant is only for one year, Lathers hopes that with the training school counselors will receive, the program will continue after the funds expire.
Aggression replacement therapy is a form of anger management, viewed y the state as a best practice program.
The roughly 10-week program brings together structured learning, anger control and moral reasoning in hopes of teaching youths to rein in their rage.
That, according to Probate Judge Robert Sykes, is definately something area youths can use.
"Many of the juveniles who come through the court have aggression issues and do not know how to respond when they feel threatened," Sykes said. "They pick what they think is the most appropriate response, which is to be aggressive and try to intimidate their way out of things. This program is going to assist them with learning to appropriately cope with situations."
Lathers said they hope this program will make a difference to youths before they wind up in front of the judge.
"We're looking for this to be a form of prevention," Lathers said. "We're working with the schools, the court and the Department of Human Services, so this is anoter opportunity to collaborate with other agencies."
Sykes believes the age group is perfect for the program.
"Middle school is a time when so many of the students are changing physically and emotionally," he said. "They're developing into young men and women. They're faced with so many influences, and many of them are bad. From a court perspective, we'll definately make sure that referrals are made to the program."
This program has been successful in the Upper Peninsula and other areas around the state according to Lathers.
As most community groups and governments are scaling back as state funding dries up, Lathers said he knows just how lucky ICCMH is to recevie this grant.
"It's pretty rare to get this kind of program going with the way the economy is right now," Lathers said. "We're really lucky."
Currently, ICCMH is accepting applications for the program coordinator. Lathers stressed that due to grant restrictions, only applicants with at least a bachelor's degree in human services or social work will be considered. Master's degree applicants are preferred.
State budget takes a bite out of ICCMH funding
Ionia Sentinel-Standard: November 3, 2009
IONIA -
The ax fell on Ionia County Community Mental Health (ICCMH) funding when legislators in Lansing slashed the state budget.
Gov. Jennifer Granholm signed the budget sent to her office, which cut $40 million from community mental health statewide. According to ICCMH director Bob Lathers, Ionia County’s share in those cuts will be around $45,000.
That news comes on the heels of a number of expiring grants, which takes another $120,000 out of ICCMH’s general fund.
“These cuts hurt,” Lathers said. “Nothing on the crisis side yet, but we do need the money. This is a big deal.”
Lathers said the cuts represent a four percent cut to the organization’s general fund. ICCMH funds programs for community members of all ages with those dollars. Among those that could be harder hit are programs like the Making Memories Day Camp, hosted with the Commission on Aging to assist people with Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia.
Also funded with general fund monies are the specialty court services, like the mental health court and the new Veterans court.
“We want to be able to support those programs,” Lathers said. “But these cuts are going to mean less services.”
Lathers said the cuts represent three full-time positions at ICCMH. They have already eliminated administrative positions, moved employees to lesser paying jobs and stopped providing some services.
For example, the organization offers employment services for mentally challenged people, such as writing resumes. Those services will now only be offered to patients on Medicaid because of the budget cuts.
“There are not many more administrative costs that we can make,” Lathers said.
The cuts that they’ve already made don’t quite cover all of their losses, however. ICCMH is also having to use money from their fund balance to cover some of it.
Granholm said when she passed the budget that it is not one she is happy with, nor is it the budget that the state needs. She passed it, she said, simply to avoid a government shutdown.
Granholm continues to advocate the legislature passing further revenues to reinstate some of the slashed funding, something Senate Republicans oppose.
“This is not the end of the story,” Granholm said. “This is not the last chapter.”
Mental Health needs on the rise; funding down
Sentinel-Standard: 9/26/09
IONIA - More and more people are facing tough times with unemployment rates at high levels, and as a result, officials from Ionia County Community Mental Health are seeing an increase in a need for the services they provide.
"We are seeing a couple different things," ICCMH CEO Robert Lathers said of individuals coming in for service.
He said some of what is being noticed at the center includes individuals who are frustrated with housing and employment issues, as well as those who might be without insurance and other types of coverage.
"When people don't have money, their emotional lives get more intense," Lathers said, adding there are people walking in the doors at ICCMH who have never had to utilize the services before, and they never thought they would need them.
In addition to work and economic crises, Lathers said alcoholic substance abuse also seems to be on the rise, creating problems for individuals in the community.
"There tends to be a lot of anxiety out there in the community," he said.
Even though people are facing crises situations, those at ICCMH are working to make sure individuals get the help they need.
"There are things people do now that can impact their future," Lathers said, adding circumstances don't have to be a disaster if they take appropriate steps.
Lathers also pointed that it isn't all a bad situation.
"Eighty-five to 90 percent of the population is employed and we forget that sometimes," Lathers said. "It's not a total disaster."
With the increase in a need for professional services and referrals, there has also been budget issues that many other organizations are facing.
"We've got to come up with $400,000 in cuts for our general fund budget of $1.5 million," Lathers said, adding that money would assist those without Medicaid.
As a result of these funding cuts, a number of services provided by the mental health agencies could be in jeopardy.
Lathers said this includes certain people may no longer receive service, some could be put on a waiting list, school and Commission on Aging partnerships are at risk and jail services could be reduced.
"These kind of services are going to be on the bubble," he said.
Even so, Lathers said people needing services can still call and utilize the ICCMH, as even in the face of cuts, they are there to help and maximize their resources in the community.
People who want assistance from the ICCMH can call the 24-hour crises line at 1-888-527-1790.
Public Comment Request
Public comment is requested on the Michigan Department of Community Health's annual application for Community Mental Health Block Grant funding. The application is a fiscal year 2010 update to the approved three-year plan (2009 - 2011) for Michigan's community mental health system and is for funding in the amount of $13,164,191 for the fiscal year that begins October 1, 2009. These annual funds are used to improve public community-based mental health services for adults who have serious mental illness and for children who have serious emotional disturbance.
The plan can be accessed at the following site: http://www.michigan.gov/mdch/0,1607,7-132-2941_4868_4902-125922--,00.html. There is a link at the site that may be used to submit comments. Comments may also be made in person at meetings of the Advisory Council on Mental Illness.
If you would like a copy of the plan e-mailed to you, or would like information on the Advisory Council meetings, please call Karen Cashen, Grants Manager, at (517) 335-5934 or e-mail her at cashenk@michigan.gov.
It’s all about the teamwork
It’s not completely official yet, but Ionia County Community Mental Health (CMH) has developed an Autism Team — the only one in the state.
“And I’d stack our team against anyone’s, anywhere,” said Jim Trewhella, a CMH behavioral specialist who works with every disability, and has a Master’s Degree in Learning Disabilities, specializing in Autism.
It will be no surprise that Amanda Eveleth, a three-year veteran Case Manager for CMH, is the Autism Team Manager — unofficially.
Most Michigan counties and schools have a three-prong approach to assisting those with Autism. It is common to have a school psychologist, a social worker, and a speech/language therapist.
The CMH Autism Team is comprised of Jim, the kids’ specialist; Amanda, with a Masters of Social Work; an Occupational Therapist; and a Speech/Language Therapist.
“The key is communication,” Amanda said. And to improve communication, Amana holds monthly team meetings to discuss CMH consumer services, and specific challenges that need to be addressed. She manages the whole program which uses community-based instruction to help consumers acclimate themselves to, well, — the community. They go shopping, dine out at restaurants, accomplish volunteer activities, and actually get job placement.
The Autism Team was modeled after CMH’s Wrap Around programs, Amanda said. We need to know what everyone is doing for kids with Autism, she said. All team members are connected to each other’s plan for success.
When the Autism Team gets a new case, Amanda focuses on the immediate needs of the family; and Jim develops a long-term vision for the person with Autism, helping them figure out what they will do in the future. Consumers also receive speech therapy to improve communication skills and occupational therapy to reduce or increase sensory stimulation, as needed for the individual.
Clients are usually between 3- and 4-years old when they are first linked to CMH with a fresh diagnosis. The family may be dealing with a lot of grief, they may panic, or have become prisoners in their own homes, Amanda said. “We often come into what seems like a hopeless situation.”
Amanda’s goal is to demonstrate for parents that an Autism diagnosis is not hopeless, and with help from the Autism Team, it can be done. “How do we set this up for success?” she asks herself and her team members.
To reduce a family’s hopelessness, and to help eliminate some of the stress associated with Autism, CMH coordinates and keeps an updated plan for the whole family, which includes documentation of all work done.
Jim counsels clients in the car as they drive to community activities, including volunteering at the local food pantry, volunteering at Goodwill Industries, or Mel Trotter Ministries. He focuses on pre-vocational skills, starting as early as six-years old, and then vocational skills with pre-teens, teens and adults.
Autism Spectrum Disorder is the fastest growing disorder in the United States. There were 1,208 cases of ASD in Michigan in 1990. Students reported with ASD in Michigan in 2006 numbered 11,366. In the 2006-07 school year Autism prevalence was 1 of 150 students in Michigan. Our state ranked 13th in the nation, while Minnesota ranked first with 1 of 81 children afflicted. Genetically, males contribute to Autism disorders, and Autism is diagnosed nine times more often in males than females.
ASD is a diagnostic term used to group together a number of disorders that have related symptoms. ASD includes Classic Autism, Asperger’s Disorder and Pervasive Developmental Disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS). ASD is a disorder of the Central Nervous System that results in neurological developmental disabilities. Stress and anxiety play a big role in this disorder. Disruption to the central nervous system results in processing disorders, sensory issues, lack of empathy, and a lack of attachment to others. Primary difficulties arise in social relations, communication, and repetitive patterns of behaviors, or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
Help from the Autism Team of CMH is available to everyone in Ionia County, but not many people avail themselves to the services, Amanda said. “People are afraid to ask for help. There’s a stigma associated with coming to CMH.”
But, Jim contends, “Only CMH does whatever is necessary” to help those with Autism. This is very unique, very special, he added. “We go into homes, schools — we augment schools’ programs; we go into the community to do whatever needs to be done.”
The Autism Team patiently teaches simple social skills — over and over. The inability to delay gratification is common among ASD clients. The demand for immediate gratification may result in tantrums, or the display of extreme distress for no apparent reason.
However, Jim and Amanda quickly acknowledge consumers who have accomplished significant progress with help from the Autism Team. One exceptional case is a young adult who, in a near catatonic-state, did not leave home. On their first trip to the grocery store, Jim witnessed the consumer take a shopping cart and run it into an elderly woman. As the old lady tried to regain her balance, the consumer snapped, “Get out of the way, *#@%*!” This consumer told Jim he wants to do what “normal people” do. And, although meltdowns still occur on occasion, learning the lessons of life have resulted in attaining a valid driver’s license, the ability to drive to the homes of family and friends, and moreover this consumer is now working several hours each week providing respite care for primary caregivers.
Amanda’s growing caseload is the impetus for her vision to add another case manager to the Autism Team. From October 2007 to September 2008, CMH served 74 people with ASD. “We have had a positive impact, a great success in the community, in our schools and in Ionia County homes,” Amanda said.
CMH has committed its resources to accomplish this work, Jim added.
Amanda finds her work rewarding, she said. She especially loves providing a “sense of hope.” We give families what they need regardless of what it is, she said.
For more information about the help available to you at Ionia County Community Mental Health call (616) 527-1790.
Written by Valerie Gaus for ICCMH. Gaus is a free-lance writer living in
Ionia County, Michigan
Larry Tiejema, Board Chairperson of Ionia County Community Mental Health recognizes the Ionia Theatre and its manager Gary Ferguson as the 2009 Friend of Community Mental Health at the July 27 meeting of the Ionia County Community Mental Health Board.
ICCMH remains open on days other State Agencies are scheduled to be closed
State services will be closed with the exception of the State Police and other essential services such as Ionia County Community Mental Health. Some agencies that will be closed are our local DHS and the Secretary of State. These agencies will be closed on:
June 19
July 6
July 24
August 7
August 21
September 4
To learn more about Community Mental Health please contact
Ionia County Community Mental Health at 616.527.1790.
Ionia County Community Mental Health is funded in part by the Michigan Department of Community Health, the Ionia County United Way, and the Portland Community Fund Association.
ICCMH hosts 1st Annual 5k Walk Run on May 29, 2009.
May is Mental Health Month
Ionia County Community Mental Health offers services in several areas of mental health, including mental health disorders, children with severe emotional disturbance, developmental disabilities, and co-occurring substance abuse care. Services are offered to adults, families, and children and are offered in one of the Community Mental Health offices, community, or homes.
In 2009, Ionia County Community Mental Health plans to continue to provide Ionia County citizens with quality, value-based mental health services that promote and enhance well-being. Ionia County CMH would also like to raise awareness about the wide variety of mental health services and work towards reducing stigma associated with mental illnesses and their treatment.
Each year, Ionia County Community Mental Health celebrates May is Mental Health Month. This year, May is Mental Health month will feature a wide variety of community activities and announcements to promote mental health awareness and reduce stigma associated with mental illnesses and their treatment, such as:
- ICCMH's first Annual Series of Ministerial Breakfasts. During this series ICCMH will provide a brief presentation of our services and discuss how we might assist you when you identify a person or family who may benefit from them.
- Autism Awareness Walk in Lansing
- The Family Experience: A combination of family activities that are fun for all! Come experience a range of family activities that will help teach cooperation and help your family be more connected.
- ICCMH partners with the Ionia Theater to present "The Soloist"
- Military Family Resource Day: sponsored by ICCMH, Montcalm County Community Mental Health, VFW, Verdun Family Funeral Home, and Stockton Charitable Trust taking place at The Belding Brothers Cafe.
- 5k walk/run: Ionia River Run for Mental Health
- Several Newspaper Editorials
- Walk-A-Mile in My Shoes Rally in Lansing
For more information regarding these events or to learn more about Community Mental Health please contact Ionia County Community Mental Health at 616.527.1790.
Ionia County Community Mental Health is funded in part by the Michigan Department of Community Health, the Ionia County United Way, and the Portland Community Fund Association.
Great start, great kick off
Sentinel-Standard: 3/27/09
The Ionia County Geat Start Parent Coalition met Thursday at the Ionia County Community Mental Health, informing interested parents in how the coalition will assist the Ionia County Great Start Collaborative in creating a better future for the county's young children. The event kicked off with the Ionia County Parenting Awareness Committee recognizing the winners of their poster contest. Judge Suzanne Hoseth Kreeger and Leigha Chirstensen recognized third place winner Meaghan K. McGlamery, second place winner Jessica Richards, and first place winners Emma and Sadi Shattuck.
IONIA - The Ionia County Great Start Parent Coalition met for the first time Thursday at the Ionia County Community Mental Health in an effort to inform interested parents in how the newly - formed coalition is going to benefit young children in the community.
In the works since November of 2008, the coalition will begin to take on a role similar to a subcommittee of the Ionia County Great Start Collaborative.
It already has the support of more than 50 local parents of varying backgrounds.
"We've been working on a parent coalition since November, we're very excited that it's actually happening," said Ionia County Great Start Collaborative Director Cari O'Connor. "To make sure every child in Ionia County is healthy, eager, and ready to succeed in life, we need to start with the experts of Ionia County children. The experts are their parents."
During the inaugural meeting, the parents listened to keynote speaker Mary Mackrain, statewide coordinator of the Child Care Expulsion Prevention (CCEP) Initiative. Mackrain spoke for over an hour touching on the social, emotional, and mental health of children up to the age of five. Parents, she said, have "everything" to do with how young children develop.
"Everything you do matters," Mackrain told the audience of parents. Mackrain commended parents involved in the coalition for their action, noting that becoming involved in the comunity is a big step forward for the betterment of young children.
It didn't take long for the coalition to make an impact. John McCanless, whose son Ray Anthony is three years old, said he initially came to the coalition to support his wife, coalition member Renate McCanless. But after conversing with other parents and listening to Mackrain, McCanless said he understood that no parent is ever done learning.
"It's eye opening when you see the importance of little things like building your child's confidence," said McCanless. "I guess it's enlightened me to a few things you face as a parent and how you can be a better one. I want to make sure Ray grows up to be the best he can be."
McCanless' goal for his son is a microcosm of the goals set forth by the Ionia County Great Start Collaborative. Wendy Nowicke, a parent liaison for the Ionia County Great Start Collaborative, believes the parent coalition will provide key information, help and input to the Collaborative. As a seperate entity, the coalition will meet monthly, discussing civic engagement projects, strategic planning, and general information which will then be relayed back to the collaborative.
In return, the collaborative board - made up of local educators, clergy, parents, business persons, and community leaders - will create policy in the interest of serving Ionia County's youth.
"Coordination is the key, there are different levels of commitment from each parent, but the key is getting input of parents across the county," Nowicke said. "Different issues matter to different parents, and we want all of them addressed."
The calition's next meeting will be on April 16. Parents interested in learning more information about the caolition or the collaborative can contact the Ionia County Intermediate School District at 616-527-4900.
Saranac offers education to parents
Sentinel-Standard: 3/3/09
SARANAC - When it comes to drugs, Internet safety, and suicide prevention, education is the best policy.
Especially when it comes to parents.
On Tuesday, March 10 at Saranac High School, county residents are invited to listen to Ionia County Sheriff's Office School Resource Liaison Officer Phil Hesche discuss the dangers of drugs and the Internet as part of the "Look in" series. He'll be accompanied by Candy Straubel-Sower of Ionia County Community Mental Health, who will thoroughly outline suicide prevention.
"We're trying to provide opportunities for parents, school personnel, and the community to help in getting the community together on this kind of information," said Saranac High School Principal Beth Simpson. "We want to provide guidance to all interested parties. These are issues that exist in our world today and people need to know about them."
Not only do these issues exisit in our world, students in Ionia County are faced with them each day. Some, like drugs, are old problems that manage to remain relevant.
According to Hesche, old mainstays like marijuana - commonly referred to as pot - continue to be a problem for Ionia County youth. But new threats, including "huffing," pill abuse, and methamphetamine use has increased significantly in just a few years.
During his presentation on drugs, Hesche will use a display case constructed by students at Saranac High School - with materials donated by the Fraternal Order of Police - filled with a various drug paraphernalia.
With the proper information and a visual, Hesche said parents are better prepared to recognize when a drug problem may be occurring.
"The problem with drugs and things like this is the parents have to know what to look for and what to do," Hesche said. "I'm going to be talking about a wide range of drugs, from pot, to meth, to pills. People will get to see what [drugs] I'm talking about."
It won't be the only visual demonstration Hesche will use. During his lesson on Internet safety, Hesche will elaborate on how young adults, teenagers, and children accidentally give away personal information that could lead to identify theft and a wealth of other problems. To demonstrate how dangerous the Internet really is, Hesche will log on to a live chat room under the alias of a 13-year-old teenager; those in attendance will watch the projector screen from their seats. Hesche said that what they'll witness will likely make their stomachs turn.
"I'll be doing a live chat showing parents how many Internet predators there really are," said Hesche. "It usually takes me about 30 seconds to hook one of these guys. I'm going to show parents how easy it is to run into and Internet predator."
It's a difficult topic to be sure, but one Hesche said parents need to know about.
Similarly, Sower said discussing suicide prevention can be equally difficult for children and parents. She'll elaborate not only on teen suicide itself, but also signs that signify teens and children could be contemplating actually committing suicide, including depression and sudden bursts of anger.
"I'll be pointing out what signs to look for, where and when kids are at risk, and what to look for in your children," said Sower, who believes progress is being made in the way of teen suicide. "Suicide is not the best kept secret; it's better when kids and parents are talking about it and taking steps to prevent it than not doing anything at all."
The presentations are open to teh public, though those attending must first register with either Harker Middle School or Saranac high School at 616-642-1100 or 616-642-1300. Dinner and desserts will be provided, free of charge, at 6:30 p.m.; the presentations will begin at 7 p.m.
Digging deeper: Saranac teachers learn to detect trauma
Sentinel-Standard: 2/17/09
SARANAC - Behind the eyes of every struggling child, there is a story and an explanation.
That was the message presented to Saranac Community School district employees Monday by guest speaker Dr. James Henry.
According to Henry, who is a co-founder and co-director of the Children's Trauma Assessment Center, it's up to teachers, staff members, and administrators in a school setting to detect and deal with children who've suffered from traumatic experiences.
Often, those traumatic experiences manifest themselves in children's behaviors, but according to the Western Michigan University professor, what's visible on the surface is only the tip of the iceberg.
"Kids get all kinds of labels," Henry told the collection of district employees gathered for professional development day. "But none of these labels capitalize the full extent of what's going on with them. Looking underneath the surface is much more challenging, but that's what we need to do to understand where these children are coming from."
Ionia County Community Mental Health (ICCMH) school outreach worker Candy Straubel-Sower said she sees and screens approximately 200 school children each year in collaborative effort between courts, schools, and ICCMH. One of the things Sower looks at when assessing a child's mental health is the impact of trauma on his or her life.
"The impact of trauma and how it affects children, whether they're in school or in the community, that's a real important piece of information that is just starting to be more understood in our community by our professionals," Sower said. "Trauma is a broad term by defnition, but when we think about it, each child deals with it differently."
Trauma can be behind several different diagnoses - ADD, ADHD, bi-polar disorder - as such, Henry said it's important for teachers to realize that children who experience abuse, neglect, or other forms of trauma are more likely to develop disabilities that affect their cognitive and language abilities. Therefore, poor behavior and learning difficulties - behaviors found in "bad students" - aren't even in their control. That means the traditional "I'm right, you're wrong" or "get over it" approaches aren't necessarily effective in dealing with victims of trauma.
That was news to some teachers.
"I think the importance of this information is that it provides us a mechanism to help them by recognizing what might be causing their behavior," Saranc Elementary School second grade teacher Bridget Harder, who's been teaching 14 years. "You get students like this every class, but this helps us in seeing what the real problems are."
According to Sower, the problems can be anything from a history of family violence, abuse and neglect to a singular event in a child's life. While socioeconomic status is a variable in assessing a child's risk to trauma, Sower said the reason cases of trauma are more prevalent is because organizations are getting better at diagnosing it.
"The bigger message here is that trauma is being understood by our professionals," Sower said. "With more education and understanding, we can reach more children. That's a big key."
February Is National Wise Health Consumer Month
ICCMH Newsletter
February is Wise Health Consumer Month, a time for people to empower themselves to take charge of their health care and increase their knowledge and ability to make sound choices about health care. The American Institute of Preventative Medicine develops and implements programs focusing on self-care, smoking cessation, stress management, and weight control, among others, to help prevent illness and reduce health care costs. These and other programs show consumers how to make healthy lifestyle choices and live long, healthy and productive lives.
This is a good time to start or renew efforts to build healthier bodies and minds. Make healthy choices for yourself and your family when choosing health insurance, physicians and online health information. Remember, too, the link between body and mind.
Exposure to stressful situations on a regular basis is not only mentally and emotionally draining, the physical toll is huge too. Stress can put you at risk for high blood pressure and heart disease, trigger headaches, and exacerbate other medical conditions. Wise Consumer Health month is a good time to begin learning new ways to cope with stress.
Traditional relaxation techniques, such as deep muscle relaxation and medication, can help a person de-stress. Moderate physical activity, or five days a week for 30 minutes a day, proper nutrition, including eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day, and a good night's sleep (at least seven hours each night) are also helpful in managing stress.
A wise health consumer is a physically and emotionally healthy consumer. During Wise Health Consumer Month and throughout the year, choose a healthy lifestyle that suits your individual needs and do everything in moderation.
Sources: www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov, www.preventdisease.com, www.lanl.gov
Some Stress Relief Tips...
We all experience stress from time to time. Read on for some stress relief tips!
Laugh-Laughter is a great way to relieve stress. Watch funny movies. Read funny stories. If you find something funny, laugh heartily!
Breathe Deeply - Inhale deeply through your nose. Pull the air deep into your lungs. Hold the breath for a count of six, then exhale slowly through the mouth to the count of six. If you become dizzy or lightheaded, begin breathing naturally again.
Express Yourself - Talk to a friend. Join a group. Consider getting a pet. Write out your troubles and complaints as a way to vent.
Exercise - Try something new, like swimming. Take a walk. Do some type of exercise that interests you. Be sure to consult your physician before starting a new exercise routine.
Tips from www.essortment.com Health & Fitness advice
Help veterans get mental health service
Sentinel-Standard: 11/11/08
On this Veterans Day we can do more as a community than fly the flag and say we appreciate the sacrifices made. Thousands of veterans are in need of mental health and addictions services.
A 2004 study of 6000 military men and women involved in ground combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan found that of those who responses indicated a mental health problem, only 23 to 40 percent sought psychiatric help. Many who did not seek treatment cited fear of being stigmatized as a reason.
Nearly 300,000 veterans from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan suffer from either post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression, according to a recent study by the RAND Corporation. The Department of Veterans Affairs says mental health is the second largest area of illness for veterans of these wars.
For veterans like those from Ionia County who return home with physical and mental scars, their wounds can present particular challenges for years to come. The wars overseas rarely make front page news these days, but the wars still loom large for families left behind during tours of duty and dealing with the war's aftermath in the form of veterans returning with post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression and substance abuse.
Some of these troubled veterans seek help at Ionia County Community Mental Health, which is part of a network of community mental health centers nationwide. Our agencies deep roots in the community make us well suited to counsel veterans by engaging churches, schools, other agencies and providers as well as community stalwarts to become involved in a holistic approach to treat and support the veteran's entire family.
But we should not expect our local mental health and substance abuse professionals to go it alone.
Everyone has a role to play to helpl veterans overcome the stigma of mental illness and seek services.
A few easy ways to help veterans overcome the stigma of mental illness and seek services.
*Talk about your family's experiences with a veteran and the issues of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, or substance abuse. Mental illnesses and addictions need to come fully out of the closet.
*Decide to become literate about services, or lack of services, for Veteran's in our community.
*Support veterans groups and your local mental health center's efforts to make mental health and addictions treatment available throughout the community.
On this Veterans Day, whether you are a veteran, family member, friend, co-worker or simply a concerned citizen, make sure you do your part to ensure that a veteran who may be suffering from PTSD, Depression, or Substance Abuse, receives the help they need. Ionia County Community Mental Health has a twenty-four hour manned crisis line. 1-888-527-1790. Call us for assistance in helping a Vet you know!
Candidates discuss mental health issues
Sentinel-Standard: 10/28/2008
IONIA - National, state and local candidates let their voices be known when it came to mental health issues during a meet the candidate forum at Ionia County Community Mental Health Monday afternoon.
The candidates included one U.S. Congressional candidate, four Michigan House of Representatives candidates, two judicial candidates and five county commissioner candidates.
For some of the candidates, the forum was a way of letting those on the board and in the audience know that mental health issues are a part of everyday life.
"Each family has some mental disorder in the family," Greg Grieves, 87th District State Representative candidate, said.
He said he even has seen instances in his own family where there have been issues and a support structure available for those in need.
"I'll do everything I can to help you to see what we can do together," Grieves said.
Julie Calley, a District 7 county commissioner candidate, was also stressing the importance of mental health and reducing the stigma attached.
"I really feel we need to try to reduce the stigma that goes along with (mental health)," she said.
Calley told the board that there was also a tremendous opportunity for individuals receiving treatment for mental health issues.
She said she would like to see employers' network of businesses around the county who could provide work for those in treatment.
Incumbent District 2 county commissioner candidate Amanda Powell also talked about ways in which the community can provide help for mental health issues.
She said there will be rails-to-trails programs people can utilize to reduce stress, and also saw opportunity for the county animal shelter to be used for volunteer work.
"The outside of an animal is good for the inside of a person," Powell said.
In addition to providing help for those in the community there was also discussion about fostering collaborations between community partners to focus on mental health.
"Until we all start making conversations together, we're not going to make a difference," District 1 Democratic incumbent Lynn Mason said.
She wasn't the only one who thought fostering collaborations would be good for mental health.
Mark Vroman, Democratic incumbent for District 4, and Larry Tiejema, Republican incumbent for District 5, also thought collaboration was key and noted the jail diversion program as a way of helping people stay out of jail.
"We need to combine our efforts," Tiejema said.
Candidates talked about the role current events play in the need for mental health services for area residents.
"I, as a representative of this area, will do what I have to do to expand our capabilities," U.S. House of Representatives candidate Henry Sanchez said.
He said there were a lot of stresses in the community, from the war to people's checkbook, and they needed to be addressed.
Tom Ginster, a Republican candidate for the 70th District House of Representatives seat, said there is a strong connection between substance abuse and mental health issues.
He said that solutions such as drug courts with good screenings and assessments can reduce the number of people heading the jail and can also get individuals on the right track.
His opponent, Democratic candidate Mike Huckleberry, said he would work to make sure services were affordable for people seeking treatment.
"Health care has become the number one reason for bankruptcy in America," he said.
Candidates also weighed in on the impact ICCMH has had on facets in their own careers.
"There is more to a (case) file than just a charge, " judicial candidate Patrick Duff said. "There is a family."
He said in some of the cases he has been involved with, ICCMH has played an important role in how cases went through the judicial system.
Suzanne Hoseth Kreeger, the other candidate for judge, also saw the benefit the mental health organization had in her times as Friend of the Court and 8th Circuit Court Referee.
"I've been a strong proponent of making sure we get to the root of the problem," she said.
Other candidates also acknowledged the work being done by ICCMH and how it has had an impact on people's lives.
Republican District 3 commissioner candidate Jack Shattuck acknowledged the work by the group and remembered seeing the beginning roots of the organization form earlier in his commissioner years.
He wasn't alone, as Rep. Brian Calley, R-Portland, the Republican incumbent for the 87th District House of Representatives seat, also acknowledged the work done by ICCMH.
"I could go on and on bragging about the work this board has done," he said.
He said people were struggling in all facets of life and there will be a need for mental health services in the future.
- Ionia Office: ph 616.527.1790
- Belding Office: ph 616.794.6592
- Portland Office: ph 517.647.2128