CMH

Birch Health Center featured in The Center for Health Design Magazine

The health care environment, always in flux, has been changing even more rapidly over the past several years, with a focus on improved integration between physical and behavioral health care.  In an effort to shape and respond to these changes, the Community Mental Health Authority of Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham Counties (CMH) has, for the past several years, embarked on a number of initiatives, spanning many dimensions of the organization’s operations.  A recent article in The Center for Health Design Magazine highlights The Ingham Community Health Center's BIRCH Center, housed within our main campus. Click HERE to view the article.

Through collaborative efforts between Community Mental Health, Michigan State University, the Sparrow Family Medicine Residency Program and the Ingham County Health Department’s Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC), a primary care health center housed within CMH became fully operational in July of 2013. This health center is designed to focus on serving the chronic, acute, and well-check needs of CMH consumers who have little or no access to primary care. Between its official launch in April 2013, and the most recent count in June 2014, BIRCH Center has a total of 491 patients.

Our collaborative workgroup began looking at the barriers to accessing primary care for those diagnosed with serious mental illness, developmental disabilities and substance use disorders.  The common barriers were issues of stigma, cost of treatment, transportation and problems with appointment scheduling.  In creating BIRCH (Building Inter-professional Relationships for Community Health) we hope to bridge these and other gaps in obtaining healthcare for many in our community.  

View the full article from The Center for Health Design Magazine.

Basic Points of Recovery

1. Pre-Recovery (basic needs come first)

• A person needs the basic essentials of life, including food, shelter, clothing, and medical care before they can begin their “Recovery” journey

2.  Treatment for Symptoms of Mental Illness

•  Accepting one’s mental illness and the need for treatment
•  Understanding a diagnosis and what it means
•  Understanding the purpose and side-effects of medication
•  Understanding, choosing and utilizing treatment and supports
•  All of the above are important for “Recovery”

Read more: Basic Points of Recovery

CMHA-CEI Announces Distinguished Service Award Recipient, Releases New Video and 2019 Annual Report to Community

August 6, 2020

PRESS RELEASE

LANSING – Community Mental Health Authority of Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham Counties (CMHA-CEI) is pleased to announce the release of their 2019 annual report and a new video, as well as honor the recipient of this year’s Distinguished Service Award – McLaren Greater Lansing of Michigan.

"McLaren is proud to be able to work hand-in-hand with Community Mental Health to provide efficient access to mental health care," said Deborah Leblanc, McLaren Greater Lansing Chief Nursing Officer. "Since 2017 our relationship has linked countless people to services that help them live happier, healthier lives through finding care.”

This release was originally planned for CMHA-CEI’s annual Community Breakfast event, which was cancelled for this year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. CMHA-CEI extends their thanks to the exhibitors and sponsors of this year’s Community Breakfast, adding that they look forward to their continued partnership at next year’s event.

Additionally slated for release at the Community Breakfast event was a new video highlighting Adult Mental Health Services at CMHA-CEI, as well as CMHA-CEI’s 2019 annual report.

The annual report captures the successes and challenges of the agency over the course of 2019. The full report is available for members of the community to view or download here; and the AMHS Program Overview video can be viewed at http://ceicmh.org/services/amhs.

The 2021 Community Breakfast event is scheduled for March 25, 2021 from 8:00 AM-11:30 AM. Those planning to attend can register here.  

Ideas to Help Seniors Maintain Social Connections

 

Older adults may face a higher risk of finding themselves isolated from friends and family even when they were once very social. Children and grandchildren grow up and move away. When we retire, we are cut off from daily interactions we once had. Disabilities can make it even more challenging to keep up the same level of activity we once knew. It is important to maintain social connections in these situations. Interactions with others has been shown to have both physical and mental health benefits.

Social Apps and Technology

Sometimes distance is the biggest factor in keeping us from seeing our loved ones as often as we would like. Consider using social media platforms such as Facebook or Instagram to stay in touch with friends and family from across the world. Skype is another way great way to connect with people as it is very intuitive, and it allows you to make connections with a system similar to a phone call with the added benefit of video and messaging.

Volunteer in Your Community

Retirement does not need to leave you feeling restless and without a way to spend your time. Stay active in your community by volunteering at your local animal shelter, food charity, or library. Organizations such as Senior Corp offer people 55 and up with training and connections to charities that are tailored to your interests. Senior Corp recognizes that retirees have a lot of skills and knowledge that make them very valuable to charities that are in need of help.

Get a Pet to Keep You Company

Studies have shown that the presence of a dog or cat can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Dogs can also open the door to social interactions when you take your pet for a walk around the neighborhood or to the dog park. If you have a disability that might make it more difficult to give your dog walks yourself, finding a reliable dog walker or sitter will enable you to have the benefits of pet ownership without the responsibility of having to provide exercise or full-time care.

Join a Club

A club is a great way to connect with other people who share your interests such as hobbies, reading, or cooking. If you can’t find a club or group in your area that fits what you are looking for, look into starting one yourself. There is often free meeting space in your community at your local library, a church, or public school.  You can also host a smaller group in your home.

Assisted Living

Most facilities provide activities that encourage socialization among its residents. While the transition to a care facility may take some adjustment time, be sure to take advantage of these programs when they are available. You may initially feel cut off from the people you are close to, but you are also around others that may feel the same way you do. Take the time to meet new people and participate in gatherings and outings when they become available.

Photo by StevePB via Pixabay

Charter House 38th Year Anniversary Party

Charter House 38^th Year Anniversary Party

Charter House opened its doors on April 14^th 1978.  It was the first clubhouse in Michigan.  We celebrated this event at the club house this year.  Over 60 people attended (even the Channel 10 News) and it was a great event!  What is a Clubhouse?  It is a place where we come to learn how to work together. We work every day as a team to make us better people.  It is a place where we recover from things we are struggling with.  It is a place where we get back on our feet.  You might be wondering how to get involved.  You need to be 18 years old and have lived with or are currently living with a mental illness. You also need to have Healthy Michigan or Medicaid.  If this sounds like you then come check us out

Below is the link to the story about Charter House which was on the news

 

http://www.fox47news.com/news/local-news/helping-those-with-mental-illnesses

 

Mental Health Court: a 55th District Court and CMHA-CEI Collaborative Initiative

The City Pulse profiles a grant funded program that was developed and implemented in the Fall of 2013 to provide specialized probation and integrated behavioral health services to individuals with non-violent legal charges and mental health treatment needs.  The goals of this program are to support individuals in successfully completing probation, to avoid unnecessary jail time and associated costs, to address a range of health care needs, to reduce court recidivism, and to identify meaningful short and long term objectives for themselves to pursue during and after program involvement.  

Click here to read the full City Pulse article.

A Personal Story of Recovery

As part of its May, 2014 media coverage of Mental Health Awareness Month, Joe Linstroth with WKAR Radio interviewed Ms. Jerri Nicole Wright for its Current State program about her experiences living with and managing  a serious and persistent mental illness.  From encountering stigma to overcoming obstacles to her well being, Ms. Wright bravely conveys the complexities and challenges people with mental health issues often face.  You can hear her personal, moving story by clicking here for the original article on WKAR's website, or clicking play below.

Youth Mental Health First Aid Training through CMHA-CEI

Mr. Kevin Lavery with WKAR’s Current State radio program interviewed Mark Philips, a recovery specialist with CMHA-CEI, on 5/30/14 as a part of a series for Mental Health Awareness Month.  Mark Phillips describes the goals of the Youth Mental Health First Aid Training program, answers questions on signs and symptoms of youth mental health disorders, and reviews action steps trainees who complete this training may take to offer support and assistance to youth.  He also discusses anticipated outcomes of this grant funded training program.  Individuals interested in this training program may contact CMHA-CEI customer service at 517-346-8244 or http://mhfatrainingcmha-cei.eventbrite.com for upcoming trainings.

You can listen to the interview by clicking here for the original article on WKAR's website, or clicking play below.

Charter House Clubhouse Advocating for Mental Health

Charter House Clubhouse has been actively advocating for mental health.  

Clubhouse members are seen below with Senator Gretchen Whitmer.

 

 

Guiding Principles of Recovery

 
Adult Mental Health Services (AMHS) is dedicated to helping adults with mental health issues gain greater control over their lives and become more actively involved in their recovery process.  Using the principles of person-centered planning, staff will help you identify supports to assist you on your road to recovery.  These supports may include case management, therapy, medication management, support groups, Peer Support Services, day program, clubhouse and vocational assistance, housing assistance as well as life skills training.   Since services are person-centered, you will be an active participant in making decisions about your care.

SAMSHA, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration, has identified 10 key guiding principles of recovery and it is the mission of AMHS to incorporate these guiding principles of recovery into all service provided at AMHS.

These principles are:

Hope: Hope is the catalyst of the recovery process. The belief that recovery is possible is the essential motivation for the services AMHS provides and our vision is that people can and do overcome the internal and external challenges that confront them.

Self determination:  Person-centered planning is one of the key aspects AMHS utilizes in helping individuals exercise choice over the services and supports that assist their recovery and increase their resilience.

Responsibility: Individuals are encouraged to take personal responsibility for their own journeys of recovery, and their strengths and resources are a foundation AMHS helps support through providing opportunities and resources.

Respect: Taking steps toward recovery requires great courage; AMHS believes that societal acceptance and appreciation for those affected by mental health and substance abuse issues is crucial to recovery.

Support:  Peers, professionals and allies provide a range of resources to assist people in the process of recovery. Mutual support and mutual aid groups, including the sharing of experiential knowledge and skills, are invaluable in recovery.  Peer support services provide important resources to assist those in recovery.

Resilience:  Recovery is often non-linear, characterized by continual growth and improved functioning that may involve unanticipated changes and challenges. Setbacks are a natural, but not inevitable, part of the recovery process; AMHS believes it is essential to foster resilience through creating a supportive environment.

Holistic:  AMHS embraces the belief that recovery is holistic, and that it encompasses an individual's whole life, including mind, body, spirit, and community.

Relationships:  Family members, peers, providers, spiritual groups and other allies are vital supports who offer hope and encouragement, as well as strategies and resources for recovery.

Diversity:  Cultural background including values, traditions and beliefs are integral in determining a person's unique journey. AMHS strives to provide services that are culturally attuned, sensitive, and competent.

Trauma- Informed Care:  Trauma experiences such as domestic violence, disasters, and physical or sexual abuse are often associated with substance abuse and mental health issues. AMHS provides trauma- informed care through continuing education and information, and fosters physical and emotional safety in the course of treatment, valuing trust, empowerment, and collaboration.