Download - Perspective - August 2011

perspective A Newsletter of The Providence Center August 2009

www.providencecenter.org

August 2011

disorders live an average 25 years less than the overall American population.

“Providence Community Health Centers is excited to see our long-term partnership with The Providence Center come to fruition in a concrete way that serves many of Providence’s most vulnerable residents,” said Merrill Thomas, president/CEO of Providence Community Health Centers.

“The partnership brings together the most successful elements of national models to create a cohesive, inclusive system designed to provide access, long-term integration of behavioral health and primary healthcare and preventative services,” said Nelly Burdette, Psy.D., director of Integrated Care at The Providence Center. Burdette also serves as the behavioral health liaison for the clinic, assisting medical staff with understanding the unique needs and mental health diagnoses of clients.

The clinic is a truly integrated practice withregular communication occurring between the primary care physician and the patient’s Provi- dence Center case managers who accompany their clients to medical appointments at the clinic. Dr. Maria Cristina Chan, M.D., the physician located at the clinic, has already experienced the benefits of this partnership.

“With the team treatment approach, I am able to make an informed diagnosis,” said Dr. Chan. “And with information on the patient’s mental health history and medications through the shared medical record, I can safely prescribe medications and avoid drug interactions.” continued on page 3

(l-r) Providence City Council President MichaelSolomon, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, Representative David Cicilline, Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Roberts and Craig Stenning (far right), director of the Depart-ment of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabili-ties, assist Dale K. Klatzker, Ph.D., and Merrill Thomas in officially opening Providence Community Health Centers at North Main.

The Providence Center and Providence Community Health Centers made Rhode Island healthcare history on June 10 with the grand opening of the state’s first integrated primary and behavioral health clinic.

For individuals with behavioral health problems, it is often challenging to access and maintain primary care. Providence Community Health Centers at North Main, located at The Providence Center’s 530 North Main Street facility, provides patients with coordinated physical, mental health and substance use care under one roof with access to community supports for optimal health.

“Providence Community Health Centers at North Main provides the best behavioral and primary healthcare to people who need help but normally cannot access it,” said Dale K. Klatzker, Ph.D., president/CEO of The Providence Center. “This partnership ensures that there is no wrong door to healthcare.”

Staffed three days a week by a physician, nurse and administrative staff from Providence Community Health Centers, the clinic aims to increase access to primary care for individuals with behavioral health diagnoses. Less likely to have a primary care physician and more likely to have chronic health problems, people with mental illness or substance use

RI’s First Integrated Primary and Behavioral Health Clinic Opens at The Providence Center

Providence Community Health Centers at

North Main is the most recent addition to

The Providence Center’s expansion of

integrated primary and behavioral health-

care services. This initiative also includes:

• Clinicians from The Providence

Center co-located at other

Providence Community Health

Centers locations.

• Primary care nurses embedded

on Providence Center community

treatment teams who assist clients

to understand health issues, obtain

primary care services and make

connections to wellness programs.

• Research-based wellness programs

such as InShape and InShape Seniors

that bring together community

partners and specialists in the areas

of health, exercise and nutrition to

provide one-on-one physical fitness

and mental health support for adults

of all ages experiencing mental

health and substance use problems.

Building a more compassionate community, one yoga class at a time Many people enjoy the practice of yoga for its benefits of relaxation, stress reduction and physical healing. Yoga creates a unique experience that engages the mind, body and spirit as you guide your body through a series of poses.

For people in recovery, adding a yoga practice to their recovery journey is beneficial as a relaxation technique and as a way to restore health and balance to the body. Shri Studio in Pawtucket has created an opportunity for the recovery community to explore yoga through a partnership with Anchor Recovery Community Center.

When Alison Bologna opened Shri Studio, she sought to create a nurturing environment where people could experience yoga and, in turn, revitalize downtown Pawtucket. The 2,500 square-foot, loft-style studio on Broad Street is a peaceful space filled with natural light, restored pieces of furniture and modern décor. The goal of Shri Studio is to bring the healing benefits of yoga to people who have been curious about it, but may not have access to a studio.

“My intention in opening Shri Studio has been to make the healing practice available in a beautiful, nurturing space, and to really harness positive energy in an urban center,” said Alison. “I wanted to bring yoga to the community through a variety of partnerships, like the one we have with Anchor, our downtown neighbor.”

Shri Studio added a Yoga in Recovery class this spring to share the benefits of yoga with the recovery community. Just as recovery is a unique individual process, yoga is also a personal journey of meeting one’s body at its current place, growing with each practice at one’s own pace. In Yoga in Recovery,

Dr. Maria Cristina Chan, M.D., with Providence Center President/CEO Dale K. Klatzker, Ph.D.

continued on page 2

Yoga in Recovery class at Shri Studio

News

Yoga... continued from page 1

The Providence Center School Holds Graduation Ceremony

The Providence Center School’s Class of 2011 celebrated its personal and academic achievements at a graduation ceremony on June 22. Graduates received diplomas from their home school district and certificates of completion from The Providence Center School. Graduates plan to continue their education and participate in work and volunteer programs.

The Providence Center joins National Recovery Month Efforts The Providence Center was selected to be a Planning Partner for National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month. Jim Gillen, clinical coordinator of recovery services, is representing The Providence Center at meetings and events in Washington, D.C. Rhode Island will celebrate National Recovery Month with the annual “Rally for Recovery,” on September 10 at Roger Williams National Park in Providence. The Rally is an opportunity for all members of the recovery community—providers, individuals in recovery, families, advocates, and elected officials—to celebrate recovery.

Gillen Receives National Recovery AwardJim Gillen, director of Anchor Recovery Community Center and clinical coordinator of recovery services at The Providence Center, was awarded the Vernon Johnson Award. The award is sponsored by Faces & Voices of Recovery and the Hazelden Foundation’s Center for Public Advocacy, which recognizes the contributions of the country’s most influential recovery community leaders. Gillen was also recently selected by the Rhode Island Coalition for the Homeless as the recipient of its Sr. Judy Soares and John Coen Award presented annually to the homeless provider in Rhode Island who demonstrates exceptional service and compassion

for the homeless.

ProMail, Etc. Awarded Grant from TextronProMail, Etc. received a $10,000 grant from Textron Financial Corporation. The grant will allow ProMail, a mail fulfillment house and vocational program of The Providence Center, to provide 45 clients with training opportunities in receptionist, production, driver and computer vocations. Through its training and placement program, ProMail is able to assist people in their efforts to maintain recovery from mental health and substance use issues and provide them with job skills that will enable them to find future employment.

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Jim Gillen

students become aware of the connection between their minds and bodies.

Instructor Kate Hawley guides the weekly Yoga in Recovery class. As a person in long-term recovery, Kate understands the unique needs of the yogis in this class. “Yoga embodies recovery,” said Kate. “After having ‘checked out’ of one’s body by

using substances, yoga helps re-establish the connection and body awareness.”

Kate is warm and respectful of the new yogis, providing clear instruction and assistance for each pose. She weaves together the basic philosophy of yoga and principles of the 12-Step program into her teaching, highlighting common themes that students may become aware of as they practice yoga, such as acceptance.

“My goal is for the students to take something away from the mat that they can use in their daily lives,” said Kate. “Whether it be a calming breathing technique or a new awareness of how their bodies respond, I invite students to welcome the new spiritual or emotional insights they may experience during the class.”

“We are so grateful to Alison, Kate and everyone at Shri Studio for developing this partnership,” said Jim Gillen, clinical coordinator of recovery services and director of Anchor Recovery Community Center. “Yoga is a natural fit for the recovery process.”

Shri Studio is located at 21 Broad Street, Pawtucket. Visit www.shri-studio.com, e-mail [email protected] or call 401-441-8600 for more information on Yoga in Recovery or other classes. To learn about other activities offered through Anchor Recovery Community Center, call 401-721-5100.

Health Mentor Specialist Heather Beckwith

Wednesday October 19, 2011Rhode Island Convention Center

5:30 p.m. VIP Reception

6:00 p.m. Food Stations, Program,

Live and Silent Auction

For information or reservations, please contactLisa Desbiens

at 401.528.0127 or [email protected]

Save the Date

circle of stars

Gerry Harrington, Esq.

Ken Knox and Marianne Holmes

honoring

Instructor Kate Hawley

Linda Marsella, Sandy Gertz, Lisa Heintzelman and Kim Schold

Tufts Health Plan FoundationEstablishing a Cornerstone for Healthy Aging Programs

Isolation, physical decline and mental illness have a profound impact on wellness, especially for people over 60 years of age. Research has shown that due to chronic, preventable illnesses, people with mental health and substance use problems have a life expectancy that is 25 years shorter than the general American population. Thanks to a grant The Providence Center received from the Tufts Health Plan Foundation, it doesn’t have to be that way …

Tufts Health Plan Foundation was established in 2007 to help improve healthcare issues in the communities it serves. In 2009, the foundation decided to focus solely on funding healthy aging programs. “We looked at more than 20 healthcare issues before we decided on healthy aging programs,” said Abby Driscoll, program and health policy officer for Tufts Health Plan Foundation. “The programs we support help people live healthier lives.”

In keeping with its mission, the foundation awarded a $52,300 grant to The Providence Center to launch the nation’s first InShape Seniors program, a research-based wellness program designed to improve the physical health of people 65 and over who have environmental health issues and a chronic illness or risk factor such as osteoporosis, obesity,

smoking or substance use problems. Participants work with a personal trainer who helps them set fitness and nutrition goals and accompanies them to community fitness classes and one-on-one workout sessions at the YMCA.

“InShape Seniors addresses mental wellness, physical activity, nutrition, chronic disease management and includes a civic engagement component that helps clients build relationships and engage in community wellness activities,” said Driscoll. “We saw this program as a way to help a population in need and a perfect fit for our mission.”

Dennis Gonsalves, manager of InShape Seniors, has seen tremendous improvements for clients involved in the program. “Participants are excited to take control of their health and learn how nutrition and exercise improves their physical and mental health. It’s very rewarding to see friendships develop and clients become involved in the community,” noted Gonsalves.

Tufts Health Plan Foundation started funding programs in Rhode Island in 2009 when Tufts Health Plan expanded coverage to the state. “The foundation is excited to be in Rhode Island and looking for opportunities to fund programs that will improve the lives of older adults,” said Driscoll.

Tufts Health Plan Foundation currently funds over $2 million annually in grants to more than 60 Massachusetts and Rhode Island nonprofit organizations. Through its support of programs like The Providence

Center’s InShape Seniors program, the foundation is working to establish a cornerstone for healthy aging programs and improve the

delivery of quality healthcare in the communities it serves.

The President’s Cup 10th Annual

Golf TournamentA perfect day for golf! Over 160 golfers hit the links at the 10th Annual President’s Cup Golf Tournament on June 6 at Rhode Island Country Club in Barrington, RI.

With the help of loyal sponsors, players and volunteers, the tournament raised over $127,000 to support The Providence Center’s programs and services that, each year, help over 10,000 children, adolescents, adults and families experiencing mental health and substance use problems.

On the scenic 18-hole course, players enjoyed golfing with friends and competing in the on-course contests. Off the course, they unwound on the terrace overlooking Narragansett Bay. Sarah Richard, Mrs. Rhode Island America 2011, made a special appearance, greeting golfers on the contest holes and taking photos with guests during the cocktail reception.

The tournament, chaired by Michael T. Tousignant, CPA, of Kahn, Litwin, Renza & Co., Ltd., and Nat Calamis of Starkweather and Shepley Insurance

(l-r) Nancy Mayer, Mary Schwartz, Maureen McDonald, and Ann Schomer

Harvey Lee, Cox Business regional manager

(l-r) Kim Serra and Barbara Stamp

Health Mentor Specialist Heather Beckwith

RI’s First Integrated Health Clinic... continued from page 1

Having the support of the behavioral health liaison and being on-site at The Providence Center also helps Dr. Chan and her staff care for patients who are more challenging. “When a client is in crisis, we call Dr. Burdette or their case manager for immediate crisis intervention, instead of referring them to a costly visit to the emergency room that may exacerbate their anxiety,” said Dr. Chan.

Over the next year, the clinic plans to expand to a full-time schedule and extend services tothe community.

continued on page 4

Providence Center clients participating in an InShape aerobics class

Paul Koch

528 North Main Street

Providence, RI 02904

Address Services Requested


Non-Profit Org.

U.S. Postage

PAID

Providence, RI

Permit No. 30

www.facebook.com/providencecenter

Board of TrusteesJames Botvin, ChairNancy Fisher Chudacoff, Esq., Vice ChairJoel Stark, TreasurerPatricia Cawley Affleck, SecretaryDonald R. BarbeauMary-Ellen BenoitMarguerite ChadwickLinda M. Cohen, Esq.Walter R. Craddock, Esq., CFP®

James O. DaleyPaul J. KennedyAssociate Justice Howard I. LipseyAna P. NovaisClaude-Anthony Pierre, M.D. Jana M. PlankaNicki Sahlin, Ph.D.Matthew StarkRobert C. Wood, Sr.

Trustees EmeritiLionel DelaneyLinda Thimann DewingRobert M. DoyleKarl EricsonCharles Feldman Joyce HallKaren LeeMaureen McDonaldLilia G. NashEmily NelsonJames H. Reilly

The Providence Center is a private, non-profit

behavioral health organization.

Dale K. Klatzker, Ph.D.President/CEO

Michael A. Silver, M.D.Chief Medical Officer

Editorial Staff:Dianne Flaherty, EditorKristle Gagne, WriterThreasa Packhem, WriterGora Communications Associates, DesignCedar Ridge Studio, Photography


401.528.0123

Brokerage, Inc., concluded with a dinner and cocktail reception that included both live and silent auctions and an awards ceremony.

New to the tournament this year was the “Karen’s Cup,” which was created in honor of Karen Adams, former news anchor of WPRI-TV Channel 12 and longtime supporter of The Providence Center. Karen’s Cup will be award-ed each year to the women’s foursome cham-pions of the morning round of play. Adams was on hand to present the award to the winners: Diane Donovan, Linda Marsella, Inez Dunne and Kim Schold of Quidnessett Country Club.

The President’s Cup was awarded to the four-some with the lowest net score. This year, the winning foursome was Angelo Pezzullo, Scott Boyd, Tom Bottone and Kevin Goslin, repre-senting Delta Dental of Rhode Island. The Cup was presented by Michael and Mary Schwartz and Dr. and Mrs. Charles McDonald, the co-chairs of the first tournament held in 2001.

The President’s Cup...continued

Major Sponsors

Eagle SponsorMary and Michael Schwartz

Golf Shirt SponsorsKahn, Litwin, Renza & Co., Ltd.The Law Firm of Marasco & Nesselbush Starkweather & Shepley Insurance Brokerage, Inc.

Dinner Buffet SponsorsStarkweather & Shepley Insurance Brokerage, Inc.UnitedHealthcare of New England

Hat SponsorPhiladelphia Insurance Companies

Bogie SponsorsThe Beacon Mutual Insurance CompanyPerformance Environmental ServicesProMutual GroupSecurity Concepts, Inc.TD Bank, NA

Table SponsorAlpha Pension Group

Goodie Bag SponsorsCoffee Express LTDQML, Inc.

Hole-in-One SponsorColonial Toyota

Media SponsorProvidence Business News

Printing SponsorSir Speedy – Cranston(l-r) Jim Schomer and Pete Deal, Jr.

(l-r) John Harpootian, Mike Tousignant,Joe Sands and Mark Gudaitis

Karen’s Cup (l-r): Inez Dunne, Karen Adams, Diane Donovan, Linda Marsella, and Kim Schold with President’s Cup Tournament Co-Chair Nat Calamis