The event, an 835-mile, 50-day walk to our nation’s capitol, will help raise awareness for those affected by depression.]]> Advocates with an aim to raise awareness for those affected by Depression are gearing up for the walk of a lifetime. Beginning Saturday, Aug. 14, a handful of volunteers will depart St. Louis, Mo., to take part in The Walk to Washington, D.C. for Depression Awareness.

The event, an 835-mile, 50-day walk to our nation’s capitol, will help raise awareness for those affected by depression. Volunteer walkers will attempt to gather 1,000,000 signatures on a petition for greater access, research and treatment for those with depression. In addition to the petition, volunteers will host rallies and utilize different ways to help educate people and raise depression awareness.

To sign the petition, sign on as a virtual walker or learn more information about The Walk to Washington, DC, for Depression Awareness, logon to www.walktowashington.org.

Cenpatico’s Deb Burnham and Jeanie Kimball assisted with the kickoff luncheon and other activities for this year’s walk.]]> A record number of more than 560 supporters took part in the 2010 NAMI Kansas Walk at Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas, earlier this year. The 2-mile walk, themed ‘Changing Minds … One Step at a Time,’ featured the largest attendance in the seven-year history of the Kansas event and raised more than $107,000, including a $1,500 donation from Cenpatico, in support of NAMI programs and advocacy efforts in Kansas.

Cenpatico’s Deb Burnham and Jeanie Kimball assisted with the kickoff luncheon and other activities for this year’s walk. “The NAMI Kansas Walk is a truly eye-opening event that raises awareness for the stigma surrounding mental health”, said Deb Burnham, Network Manager. “I’m thrilled to be a part of this effort to educate the public about behavioral health issues.”

Mark Your Calendar: The 2011 NAMI Kansas Walk will take place on Saturday, May 7, 2011 back at Washburn University in Topeka.

More than 560 people took part in the 2010 NAMI Kansas Walk to help raise awareness about mental illness  at Washburn University in Topeka earlier this year. Photo Courtesy of Amy Arnett-German.

 ‘In the African-American community, acknowledging that you have a mental health issue is like having a dark dirty secret.]]> For many people, lack of understanding and stigma around mental illness and substance abuse can prevent them from accessing needed services. In honor of National Minority Mental Health Awareness month, we talked with a culturally diverse group from Cenpatico’s Care Coordination Team about the increased challenges that minority, and culturally diverse individuals can face in seeking out mental health or substance abuse services.

 ‘In the African-American community, acknowledging that you have a mental health issue is like having a dark dirty secret. It is something that you know is there, but it is also something you just do not want to talk about. In some cases, African-Americans will seek out the counsel of their church leaders rather than seeking professional help. Even if some members of this community did decide to seek professional help, some of them would not know where to begin to look for services. I recently had the opportunity to help address these issues when I attended an African-American Conference here in Austin. At this conference, I was able to help members of the community begin to see the importance and benefit of seeking out professional help. I know that we reached a lot of members in the community that day, and now they are eager to obtain more information that could help a loved one or friend. It is important that we continue to seek out similar opportunities to help the African-American community, and all other communities, realize that living with a mental health issue shouldn’t have to be a dirty, dark secret.’

– Michael Burnett, CC in TX

 ‘When I think of the barriers that some of our minority members have created for themselves, I think specifically of our Caribbean population.  In the Caribbean culture, be it Haitian or Jamaican, some of our members have a desire to manage life’s hardships on their own. If there is a mental health diagnosis, or an issue that needs to be addressed, there is a tendency to try and handle the issue within the family unit, rather than seeking out professional help.  Many Jamaicans, like other cultures around the globe, do not believe in seeking mental health treatment because of the perceived ‘negative’ stigma that may be attached. They believe the problem will simply go away, or they accept the problem as a way of life. As I have also dealt with some of the Haitian population, I have come to realize that religion plays a major part in whether the individual/member does or does not seek treatment.  This culture sometimes relies on God or their family to help guide the member through their episodes rather than seek professional help. As a Care Coordinator, I have to be culturally sensitive and aware of these members while also educating them on the importance of professional mental health treatment.’

– Natalie Brown, CC in FL

‘Many of the minority members we serve have mental health issues complicated by substance use/abuse. Initially, their drug and alcohol use acts as a ”band-aid” to more central problems they are facing. Over time, the occasional use of “band-aids” has the potential to become a full blown addiction. When attempting to engage members in treatment – such as helping them to seek out counseling services or schedule and keep appointments with their psychiatrists – there can be much resistance. A member may think, “Why do I need your medications when I have my own?” As Intensive Case Managers and Care Coordinators, we look at our members as more than a person with a chemical problem and help them to focus on treatment that targets the issues that lead individuals to use to begin with.’

– Jennifer Alamia, ICM in TX

Cenpatico is committed to providing culturally competent services and resources that help individuals and families in their recovery from mental illness and substance abuse. National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month continues through the end of July. For more information, click here to logon to the National Alliance on Mental Illness’ official National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month website.

The video contest, – which begins Thursday, July 15 and continues through Sunday, August 15 – is seeking out an engaging, short video that will help generate an online buzz for ‘What a Difference a Friend Makes’. The campaign aims to help educate individuals, friends, families and communities on the importance of supporting our friends who are living with a mental illness.]]> The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the U.S. Ad Council are sponsoring a video contest as part of the ‘What a Difference a Friend Makes’ campaign.

The video contest, – which begins Thursday, July 15 and continues through Sunday, August 15 – is seeking out an engaging, short video that will help generate an online buzz for ‘What a Difference a Friend Makes’. The campaign aims to help educate individuals, friends, families and communities on the importance of supporting our friends who are living with a mental illness. To learn more about the campaign, visit www.whatadifference.samhsa.gov or www.adcouncil.org.

Contest submissions will need to demonstrate a creative and fun way to help a friend during a tough time in their life. The video stories may be based on real-life experiences or fictional situations. The contest does not require that the identities of those involved in any videos be revealed.

The contest’s first-place winner, which will be announced on September 15, will receive an all-expenses paid trip for two to the annual Voice Awards gala on Wednesday, October 13 at Paramount Studios in Hollywood, Calif., where the winning video will be showcased. Prizes, such as Flip cameras, will also be awarded to the contest’s runners-up.

Perri, an experienced communications professional, with particular emphasis in marketing, health IT strategy, product development and operations management, will lead Cenpatico’s Business Development department.  Perri will be responsible for developing new market initiatives, analyzing business opportunities, and driving the sales process to expand Cenpatico’s lines of business.  She will also oversee all marketing, website, and government/public relations initiatives for the organization.  Perri will report to Sam Donaldson, PhD, Cenpatico’s President and Chief Executive Officer.

“We are thrilled to have Ms.]]> AUSTIN, Texas — (July 1, 2010) — Cenpatico announced today the hiring of Angela Perri to the newly created position of Vice President of Business Development.

Perri, an experienced communications professional, with particular emphasis in marketing, health IT strategy, product development and operations management, will lead Cenpatico’s Business Development department.  Perri will be responsible for developing new market initiatives, analyzing business opportunities, and driving the sales process to expand Cenpatico’s lines of business.  She will also oversee all marketing, website, and government/public relations initiatives for the organization.  Perri will report to Sam Donaldson, PhD, Cenpatico’s President and Chief Executive Officer.

“We are thrilled to have Ms. Perri join Cenpatico,” Donaldson said. “She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in multiple managed care environments that will be invaluable as we seek out new business opportunities and grow our organization.”

Perri has 19 years of experience leading business development and marketing initiatives, most recently as Vice President of eHealth Business Strategy and Development for Amerigroup Corporation.  Perri also previously served as the Senior Project Manager for Pacificare Behavioral Health and Senior Program Consultant for Cigna Behavioral Health, Inc.

Perri earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science in 1991 from Mary Baldwin College in Staunton, Va., and a Master of Business Administration degree with a focus in Healthcare Administration in 2009 from Colorado Technical University in Colorado Springs, Colo.  She holds a JURAN® Six Sigma Black Belt Certification and is the writer and author of the Write Your Vision blog and website.

It’s summertime!  Time to go on a … drug holiday?!?  Many parents struggle with whether to take their child off of medication for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) during the summer.  Well, should you stop your child’s medications over summer?  The answer is: “perhaps.”  It depends on your child, what he or she is doing over the summer, the problems that may occur without the use of medication, and your own reaction to your kid’s condition as well as that of your doctor’s position on the topic.

Most children are placed on ADHD medication initially to help them be more successful in school.  It helps them be well-behaved, to concentrate on their work and teachers’ instructions, and exhibit behaviors that are acceptable by their peers.  Therefore, the medication can be very important in helping your child develop both academically as well as socially.  Some parents feel that without the pressures and structure of the school day, there is no reason to keep their child on medication during the summer.

But summer break present its own challenges.  Kids, especially older ones, frequently have less behavioral demands on them and can do very well during the summer without ADHD medications.  However, some younger children may have difficultly with poor impulse control and excessive hyperactivity.  Along with a decrease in structured activities, they may experience the lack of medication as very uncomfortable and anxiety provoking.]]> *Please consult you doctor before considering taking you child off of his or her medication

It’s summertime!  Time to go on a … drug holiday?!?  Many parents struggle with whether to take their child off of medication for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) during the summer.  Well, should you stop your child’s medications over summer?  The answer is: “perhaps.”  It depends on your child, what he or she is doing over the summer, the problems that may occur without the use of medication, and your own reaction to your kid’s condition as well as that of your doctor’s position on the topic.

Most children are placed on ADHD medication initially to help them be more successful in school.  It helps them be well-behaved, to concentrate on their work and teachers’ instructions, and exhibit behaviors that are acceptable by their peers.  Therefore, the medication can be very important in helping your child develop both academically as well as socially.  Some parents feel that without the pressures and structure of the school day, there is no reason to keep their child on medication during the summer.

But summer break present its own challenges.  Kids, especially older ones, frequently have less behavioral demands on them and can do very well during the summer without ADHD medications.  However, some younger children may have difficultly with poor impulse control and excessive hyperactivity.  Along with a decrease in structured activities, they may experience the lack of medication as very uncomfortable and anxiety provoking. That may lead some parents, those who find it difficult to deal with their children’s hyperactive behavior, to become frustrated and yell at their children. This can lead to a child developing low self-esteem, anger, and even depression.

Summer camps present a challenge too.  Camps can be either an opportunity to practice appropriate behavior without medication or an absolute nightmare for your child.  If they can’t control themselves, children with ADHD may be yelled at by young inexperienced counselors or even made fun of and rejected by other campers.

However, many camps are sensitive to the needs of children with ADHD, and it’s a good idea to discuss your child’s specific needs with the camp leaders before making a final decision on whether or not to have your children take their medications. There are opportunities for parents to search out various camps based partially on the camps’ experiences with children who have ADHD.

It is also important to plan for summer at home.  Many children, especially younger ones, are far more comfortable with consistency.  Regardless of your child’s summer plans, it is important to set goals for the summer and plan for plenty of fun and structured activities in a warm and supportive environment.

Also, if you haven’t already done so, find a mental health professional who can give you tips on how best to deal with your child’s ADHD symptoms.  Learning how to help your children with ADHD be more organized and gain control of their own behaviors will be one of the most useful tools that you have ever obtained.

As you can see, there is no simple answer as to whether you should or shouldn’t have your child on ADHD medications during the summer.  It depends on your child’s age, severity of symptoms, activities, and your own expertise in handling the symptoms.

I cannot stress enough how important it is for you to discuss this with your mental health care provider, who is a partner in your child’s care, before taking any actions to stop the medications.  Above all, I wish you and all your loved ones a very happy and safe summer!

-Bernard Engelberg, M.D., Medical Director

I didn’t have the correct batteries on hand on one particular afternoon, and I was expecting a barrage of children anytime to celebrate my four-year-old’s birthday.]]> I have to admit to doing the unthinkable. You know the smoke alarms in your home that require about five minutes or less of attention a year? They will emit the loud beeping noise that lands like a saber straight to the brain, alerting you to their imminent ineffectiveness if you don’t change the batteries NOW.

I didn’t have the correct batteries on hand on one particular afternoon, and I was expecting a barrage of children anytime to celebrate my four-year-old’s birthday. Annoyed, and in defiance of the invitation to simply take a moment to get the right batteries, I proceeded to dismantle the smoke alarm instead.

I have fought with equipment before – lazy toasters, unresponsive vacuums – and I’m not afraid to exert my will on them. I grabbed a stepladder, took my Phillips head to the screw, and yanked out the dead batteries. I even left the wires hanging out as a warning to the other smoke alarms should they even think about it…

A little while later, in came the children, parents, presents and loud, happy noises – your typical kid party with little bodies running in every direction. Within an hour of arriving, the little one we lovingly refer to as ‘Firefly’ had lit a scented pinecone on fire and smoke filled the room. Unfortunately, the party had moved outside and nobody noticed it or the smothering smell of frankincense. We sure didn’t hear the smoke alarm go off, either, because it had just been eviscerated.

It was only on a restroom run that one of the parents saw the lit pinecone and acted quickly to put it out. No one was hurt, and nothing of any consequence was damaged, but I was a wreck, thinking about the disastrous possibilities.

This lesson won’t need to be offered at my house again!

Now, we always have the correct smoke alarm batteries on hand, and we added a new family tradition. On the first Saturday of the month, we change the AC filter, review our fire safety plan and test the smoke alarms. I admit this wasn’t my idea, though. When my child told his class about the fire, we received an outpouring of safety suggestions from his teacher.

Chagrined, but eager to provide the safest home environment I could, I followed up on the great idea to head over to the local fire station. They have safety checklists and fun kid activities that teach home safety.

There is still the occasional unruly appliance at my house, but the smoke alarm has my utmost respect!

The Home Safety Council annually recognizes June as Home Safety Month. Check out their official website – www.homesafetycouncil.org – there are a wealth of tools available to help make your home safer!  These include a virtual tour of a safe home, the ability to share your personal home safety store, and a safety guide of tips to protect you against the leading causes of home injury.

Additionally, Cenpatico has developed a brochure to improve safety in the home- this includes information on storing medication safely, locking up firearms, and more.

Cenpatico encourages everyone to take the time to find out everything you can about making your home safe – its well worth it.

Robin Cermak

Clinical Quality Improvement Coordinator

Accreditation by NCQA is an industry standard of excellence.  The accreditation process is based on a comprehensive review of all service areas within an MBHO including quality improvement, clinical programs, credentialing, service and appointment accessibility, culturally appropriate care, customer service, provider network management and utilization review.

“We are very pleased to have received full accreditation from NCQA,” said Sam Donaldson, CEO and President of Cenpatico.  “This award is the culmination of hard work on the part of employees throughout the company, and evidences our ongoing commitment to providing high quality care and support for recovery to consumers.”

About Cenpatico

Cenpatico is a Managed Behavioral Healthcare Organization focusing on mental health and substance abuse benefits.]]> AUSTIN, TEXAS – (June 4, 2010) – Cenpatico today announced their award for Full Managed Behavioral Health Care Organization (MBHO) accreditation by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).

Accreditation by NCQA is an industry standard of excellence.  The accreditation process is based on a comprehensive review of all service areas within an MBHO including quality improvement, clinical programs, credentialing, service and appointment accessibility, culturally appropriate care, customer service, provider network management and utilization review.

“We are very pleased to have received full accreditation from NCQA,” said Sam Donaldson, CEO and President of Cenpatico.  “This award is the culmination of hard work on the part of employees throughout the company, and evidences our ongoing commitment to providing high quality care and support for recovery to consumers.”

About Cenpatico

Cenpatico is a Managed Behavioral Healthcare Organization focusing on mental health and substance abuse benefits. Cenpatico offers health plans and state agencies a continuum of services for individuals at risk of, or suffering from, mental, addictive or other behavioral health disorders. Cenpatico has been in business since 1994 and is one of the nation’s most experienced behavioral health companies in managing behavioral health benefits for individuals enrolled in Medicaid, Medicare Advantage and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). Cenpatico provides managed behavioral healthcare in Arizona, Florida, Indiana, Georgia, Kansas, Massachusetts, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas and Wisconsin. For more information, please visit Cenpatico www.cenpatico.com or Cenpatico Arizona www.cenpaticoaz.com.

For more information about NCQA, please visit www.ncqa.org.