November, 2011
Inside This Issue:
Nursing Home Lawsuit Settlement | How Bronx Psychiatric Center Makes a Difference—Never Giving Up Hope | Happy First Anniversary Text 4 Teens! | The "How to Work and Win" Initiative | Employment Opportunities with the Community Care Behavioral Health Organization | Identifying Problem Gambling and Associated Mental Health Problems in the Chinese American Community | Happy Holiday Eating | Art on 8
Legally Speaking
Nursing Home Lawsuit Settlement
On September 6, 2011, a Stipulation of Settlement was signed by a Federal Court judge, settling the case of Joseph S. and Stephen W., and Disability Advocates, Inc. (DAI) v. Hogan et al., which relates to persons with mental illnesses who are referred to, or who reside in, nursing homes. This article provides a brief overview of the litigation and a summary of the key provisions of the settlement.
Cultural Competence in Action
How Bronx Psychiatric Center Makes a Difference—Never Giving Up Hope
In this edition of the Office of Mental Health News, we are sharing an article written about the Hispanic Services Unit at the Bronx Psychiatric Center (BPC). Culture does matter, and as you read this article we hope that you will be inspired to go that extra mile when you encounter consumers who are from a culture much different from your own.
Innovative Services for Children and Teens
Happy First Anniversary Text 4 Teens!
Mental Health Association in Orange County, Inc. (MHA) is thrilled and proud to be celebrating the first anniversary of Text 4 Teens (T4T) program. MHA's T4T program has grown over the last year, and as a result, the Text 4 Teens program recently expanded its texting line to youth to seven days a week.
From the Field
The "How to Work and Win" Initiative
"Benefit Anxiety" is not in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), but perhaps it should be, because it is one of the biggest obstacles for people using mental health services who want to work and support themselves. But there is a cure…. It's information – and we're taking it to the streets of Long Island. The truth is New York State and the Social Security Administration (SSA) have made it easy for people to overcome "Benefit Anxiety" and get back to work.
Help Wanted in the Hudson Valley Region
Employment Opportunities with the Community Care Behavioral Health Organization
Community Care Behavioral Health Organization (Community Care), a nationally-recognized, recovery-oriented, nonprofit managed behavioral health organization, welcomes the opportunity to join the Hudson River Region community. In partnership with New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) and Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS), regional behavioral health leadership, and other stakeholders, Community Care believes that systems transformation within a recovery environment is best achieved through face-to-face dialogue and collaborative planning. If you are interested in working for Community Care, we have the following positions available. Our primary office will be located in Yonkers; we will also have office space in Albany. We expect to fill these positions by December for start up on January 1, 2012.
Promoting Culturally Competent Services
Identifying Problem Gambling and Associated Mental Health Problems in the Chinese American Community
Problem gambling has consistently been associated with other psychiatric conditions, and studies suggest that the rate of problem gambling is high among Chinese populations. For elder Chinese, gambling may provide socialization opportunities and counteract their sense of isolation, while for other age groups, the prospect of increasing financial security and the esteem associated with winning are paramount.
Facility Spotlight
The holidays are full of friends, family, fun… and food. On average, Americans gain one to two pounds over the holidays, which can add up over the years. While this isn't the time to try to lose weight, here are some tips to keep you from packing on the pounds.
The Healing Power of Art
As one walks down the hall towards the Commissioner's Office on the eighth floor of Central Office in Albany, one can't help but notice that vibrant patient art work has long since replaced the historic depictions of state psychiatric hospital life that used to grace the walls.
OMH News is published monthly for people served by, working, involved or interested in New York State’s mental health programs.
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