|
RECENT NEWS
On behalf of the Manchester Marathon Association, Board President Sarah Normand presented a check for $15,000 from the proceeds of the 2007 Manchester City Marathon to The Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester. At the awards ceremony Manchester Mayor Frank Guinta said, “The mission of the Manchester Marathon Association is to increase public awareness of the importance of health and fitness. True personal wellness is achieved when someone has both a healthy body and a healthy mind. The Association has selected The Mental Health Center as its charity of choice in recognition of that organization’s longstanding and continuing efforts to create a healthier community.”
The Manchester Marathon Association, a private non-profit corporation, organized and carried out a highly successful inaugural Manchester City Marathon Weekend on November 3rd and 4th, 2007. Hundreds of volunteers were responsible for producing a number of well-attended events over the weekend. The highlight was the marathon and half-marathon with over 1,600 runners participating. A Kids Marathon on Saturday at Merchants.com Stadium attracted over 400 youngsters and their families for a day of fun. A Sports Expo at the Center of New Hampshire and the “Athletes Village” in Veteran’s Park drew large crowds. Presenting sponsor of the Manchester City Marathon was Elliot Health System.
In accepting the check for The Mental Health Center, Richard Pizzi, Chair of the Board of Directors said, “I would like to thank the Mayor and the Marathon Association for their generous support and for their pledge to continue making The Center its charity of choice in future years.”
The Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester is a private, non-profit organization that will care for over 9,000 area residents this year. Its mission is to provide an accessible, comprehensive, evidence-based system of mental health services that empowers individuals to achieve recovery and serves to promote personal and community wellness. Peter Janelle, President and CEO of The Center, thanked everyone connected to the Marathon not only for their generous support but also for the public attention that it focuses on mental health as an important element of overall health and fitness.
From left to right: Manchester Mayor Frank Guinta; Sarah Normand, Board President of the Manchester Marathon Association; and, Peter Janelle, President and CEO of The Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester.
####
The Bishop’s Charitable Assistance Fund has awarded a $10,000 grant to The Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester. The Center is a non-profit charitable organization and the largest outpatient mental health services provider in the state. The grant will help to provide mental health services to the growing number of individuals who are un-insured or under-insured and unable to afford the care they need.
The Bishop’s Charitable Assistance Fund makes grants to tax-exempt organizations without regard to religious affiliation for projects that help people in New Hampshire meet their basic needs. The Fund is operated by volunteer lay men and women who serve as Directors and who make recommendations to the Bishop of Manchester for grants to any organization in New Hampshire whose mission is consistent with the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. The Fund raises money through solicitation of individuals, businesses and philanthropic organizations. An annual accounting of funds raised and disbursements is available by request.
Last year The Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester served more than 9,000 individuals including children, adolescents, adults and seniors through its comprehensive array of services. For more information about MHCGM programs and services, visit www.mhcgm.org or call 603.668.4111.
Pictured from left to right: Walter Gallo, Chair of the Bishop’s Fund; Fred Kfoury, the Fund’s Allocations Chair; Peter Janelle, CEO of The Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester; and Bishop John B. McCormack.
####
The 7th Annual Groundhog Day Silent Auction and Breakfast will be held on Saturday, February 2, 2008, at The Executive Court Banquet Hall, Mammoth Road in Manchester.
Doors open at 8:30 AM for bidding and a hearty breakfast buffet. A live auction, special games and basket raffles will also take place throughout the morning.
Proceeds from the annual silent auction will benefit charity care for needy clients. The Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester serves over 9,000 adults, children and seniors each year. Events, such as the Groundhog Day Auction and Breakfast help to support mental health care and programs for many area families each year.
Groundhog Day sponsors and auction items are currently being sought for the February event. For more information please contact Sandra Seney, Director of Development at 603.668.4111.
Annual Groundhog Day Breakfast and Auction is sponsored in part by:
####
Photo Courtesy of Raiche Photraphy
Marie Raiche accepts The 2007 Community Leadership Award on behalf of her late husband, well-known local photographer Robert H. Raiche. Presenting the award is Peter Janelle, President and CEO of The Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester. The Community Leadership Award was established by The Center’s Board of Directors to recognize and honor business or community leaders who exemplify the leadership and commitment needed to build and support a caring community and was presented at the 8th Annual Celebration for Mental Health.
####
Photo Courtesy of Raiche Photraphy
The Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester recently honored J. Michael Degnan
of Concord (center), President of Helms & Company, Inc.; with the Wheelock-Nardi Advocacy Award being presented by Ned Helms (left), Director of the NH Institute of Health Policy and Practice at UNH; and Peter Janelle (right), President and CEO of The Center. The Wheelock-Nardi Award recognizes individuals or organizations that exemplify a high standard of commitment and advocacy to those with mental illness and was presented to Degnan at the Annual Celebration for Mental Health.
####
The Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester will host the 8th Annual Celebration for Mental Health on Monday, October 29, 2007. The dinner event, held at the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center in Manchester, will honor J. Michael Degnan of Concord, this year’s recipient of The Center’s Wheelock-Nardi Advocacy Award. The evening will also feature guest speaker, LaDonna Gatlin, talented performer and sister of the legendary ‘Gatlin Brothers,' who will sing and share her personal stories of her family connection to substance abuse and mental illness.
The Wheelock-Nardi Award is presented to individuals or organizations that exemplify a high standard of commitment and advocacy to those with mental illness. In 1983, Degnan co-founded and currently serves as President of Helms & Company, Inc., a distinguished healthcare management and consulting firm. From 1979 through 1983, he served as Director of Management Information Systems and Assistant to the Commissioner of the NH Department of Health and Human Services. While at Helms & Co., he managed the implementation of inpatient psychiatric units at two NH hospitals and in the mid-80s was instrumental in assisting in the transition and transformation of New Hampshire Hospital into today’s state-of-the-art facility.
From 1991-2006, Degnan was CEO of the Behavioral Health Network, Inc. (BHN), a for profit, provider-owned corporation, which acted as an intermediary for mental health and substance abuse insurance programs throughout northern New England. At its peak, BHN was responsible for over 580,000 lives, and in 2006 BHN was purchased by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Currently, Degnan serves as Executive Director of the New Hampshire Health Plan (NHHP). Established to provide health insurance coverage to NH residents who are ineligible or declined coverage by the private market, NHHP is the insurance of last resort and makes a crucial difference in the lives of some of NH’s most vulnerable citizens.
Throughout a very distinguished career Michael Degnan has made significant contributions to enhance the system of behavioral healthcare that serves New Hampshire citizens so well and truly embodies the spirit of the Wheelock-Nardi Advocacy Award.
####
The Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester will host the 8th Annual Celebration for Mental Health on Monday, October 29, 2007. The dinner event, held at the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center in Manchester, will feature guest speaker, LaDonna Gatlin, talented performer and sister of the legendary Gatlin Brothers.
LaDonna grew up on stage singing with her family until the time she married. Equally gifted as a keynote speaker and a concert artist, LaDonna captivates her audience and leaves them with a message in their hearts and a smile on their faces. Ms. Gatlin will share personal stories of her family connection to substance abuse and mental illness. Her stories are the stuff of life . . . sometimes hilarious and sometimes sad. With music and humor added to the presentation, event attendees will experience a winning combination that inspires, educates and entertains!
LaDonna is an active member of the National Speakers Association and has earned its highest professional designation, the Certified Speaking Professional (CSP). She has recorded 4 solo CD’s which contain some of her original songs and is a contributing author to the best selling book series Chicken Soup for the Soul.
Proceeds from the Annual Celebration for Mental Health will support the Manchester Mental Health Foundation Endowment, created to provide mental health services into the future for those in need of care. Ticket purchases or table reservations for the Annual Celebration and Dinner can be made by calling, Sandra Seney, Director of Development at 603-668-4111 ext. 4180. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.
####
The Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester is asking the community to make nominations of individuals or groups who have distinguished themselves through their efforts to improve the mental health of our community and improve the lives of those living with mental illness. Service to the community can be accomplished in many ways, as a result of volunteer effort, professional service and dedication, or through the coordinated work of a group or team of individuals.
The Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester is seeking nominations for candidates for the annual Wheelock-Nardi Advocacy Award. The award was established and named in honor of former NH Hospital Superintendent Major Wheelock, and the late Theodora Nardi, former NH state representative. These two individuals authored the 1982 Wheelock-Nardi report that resulted in dramatic and innovative changes in the delivery of mental health care in the state of New Hampshire. The award recognizes people whose advocacy and community service have benefited persons affected by mental illness and honors the legacy of Mrs. Nardi and Mr. Wheelock.
The award will be presented at The Mental Health Center’s Annual Celebration on October 29, 2007, at the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center. Proceeds from the Annual Celebration will help support the many services and programs provided by The Center, which last year served nearly 9,000 individuals from the greater Manchester community. Nationally recognized for its treatment programs and leading-edge system of care, The Center provides comprehensive behavioral health care services for individuals of all ages, with a focus on restoring health and improving quality of life.
Nominations for the Wheelock-Nardi Advocacy Award will be accepted until June 30, 2007. Anyone interested in making a nomination is encouraged to contact Maureen Lenane at 668-4111, ext. 4117 for a nomination form or simply send a nomination letter to the attention of the Development Office, The Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester, 401 Cypress Street, Manchester, NH 03103.
####
A grant of $8,500 from the TD Banknorth Charitable Foundation has been awarded to The Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester to support expansion of the Family Mentor program as well as sponsorship of the 2007 Annual Celebration for Mental Health, to be held on October 29,2007.
Established two years ago, the Family Mentor program helps parents of severely emotionally disturbed children become empowered and effective partners in treatment and service planning for their children. The program grew out of input from families being served through Care NH, a statewide demonstration project funded through the NH Bureau of Behavioral Health. The focus of Care NH is to develop innovative approaches to serve children and their families through community-based, interagency efforts and “wraparound” services. A critical component of the “wraparound” approach is to engage the child’s parents as participating partners in the care process. The Family Mentor is a trained, peer-facilitator that serves to support the empowerment and success of parents as partners in their child’s treatment. The grant from TD Banknorth will allow expansion of this innovative new program.
The Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester is the largest outpatient mental health services provider in the state, serving the city of Manchester and surrounding communities of Auburn, Bedford, Candia, Goffstown, Hooksett, Londonderry and New Boston. Within the last five years, the need for mental health services has steadily grown throughout New Hampshire. Over 7,000 individuals were served in 2001 throughout the MHCGM systems of care, while nearly 9,000 were served this year. For more information about MHCGM programs and services, visit www.mhcgm.org.
####
On April 4, 2007, The Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester, in collaboration with Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, presented the 2007 NH Mental Health Symposium to a capacity audience of 275 at The Event Center at CR Sparks. Now in its third year, the Symposium has become a recognized educational conference that draws social and human service providers, mental health specialists, educators, physicians and other health care professionals from throughout New England.
Coordinated and presented through The Mental Health Center’s consultation and education services, the topic of this year’s conference was Stages of Change Intervention for Individuals and Populations. The featured keynote speaker, James O. Prochaska, Ph.D., is the Director of the Cancer Prevention Research Center and a Professor of Clinical and Health Psychology at the University of Rhode Island. Dr. Prochaska is internationally recognized for his work as one of the developers of a model to identify stages of behavioral change. He is also the author of over 250 publications including three books: Changing for Good, Systems of Psychotherapy, and The Transtheoretical Approach.
The Symposium was funded in part through educational donations from the following supporters: Catholic Medical Center; Cephalon, Inc.; Forest Pharmaceuticals; Takeda Pharmaceuticals America; Inc.; and WestBridge Community Services.
To accommodate overflow demand for the conference, an Encore Presentation: Stages of Change Interventions for Individuals and Populations has been scheduled for May 3, 2007. That conference will take place from 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. at St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral and will include a boxed lunch and an opportunity to earn up to 4 continuing education credits.
Those interested in registering for the Encore Presentation, please contact Denise Krol at The Mental Health Center at 603.628.7706, X4174, or kroldeni@mhcgm.org
####
The Manchester Marathon Association recently reported that the inaugural Manchester City Marathon, featuring both a full and half marathon course, will be held on Sunday, November 4, 2007. Mayor Frank Guinta, whose office is underseeing the three day event, officially announced that proceeds from the Manchester City Marathon will benefit The Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester.
MHCGM President and CEO, Peter Janelle, stated “We are very excited to be named as the official benefactor of the Manchester City Marathon by Mayor Guinta. Proceeds from this marathon will certainly help to support the programs and services of The Center that serve to enhance quality of life and promote community wellness of area citizens.”
Local runners or groups also have a unique opportunity to make their run even more rewarding, by seeking sponsorships to benefit Mental Health. Individuals and corporations can sponsor runners that participate in the marathon . Those interested in “Running for Mental Health” should contact the Development Office for more information at 603-668-4111 ext. 4180 or seneysan@mhcgm.org. Participating runners will also need to officially register to run with the City of Manchester.
The Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester provides thousands of dollars in free and subsidized services each year to people in need. Statistics show that mental health issues affect one in four families today. “There is a growing need for mental health care in our community, and funding projects – such as The Manchester City Marathon, will help to support treatment programs for many families who seek services from our organization.” The Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester treated nearly 9,000 individual clients last year, compared to 7,500 the year prior.
The Manchester Marathon weekend race events include; A Sports and Health Exposition November 2 -3 at The Radisson Hotel, A Kids Fun Run on Saturday, Nov. 3 at Fisher Cats Stadium and a Full and Half Marathon on Sunday Nov. 4 which will begin and end at Veterans Park in downtown Manchester.
Commemorative long-sleeved tech shirts will also be given to the first 1,000 pre-registered racers. The marathon will be a BAA Boston qualifier.
####
The Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester (MHCGM) is currently seeking proposals from qualified consulting firms experienced in marketing and advertising for non-profit health care organizations. They are looking for a consultant who will assist The Center in evaluating the community image, visibility and public awareness of MHCGM. The consultant will also be expected to make recommendations regarding how to improve the organization's image and to enhance recognition of MHCGM as a behavioral health care provider of choice and a Center of Excellence.
The Request for Proposal (RFP) is an invitation for consultants to submit an offer, which may be subject to subsequent discussion. Submittal of a proposal does not create any right to, or expectation of, a final contract. MHCGM reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and further declares that there will be no financial obligation by MHCGM to cover any costs incurred by any company/contractor for the preparation of this proposal.
Qualified firms may submit their proposal responses (on or before March 1, 2007) to:
Kendall Snow, MSW, ACSW
Vice President of Community Relations
The Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester
401 Cypress Street
Manchester, NH 03103
####
Nearly 350 local business leaders and friends of The Center attended the 7th Annual Celebration for Mental Health on October 30, 2006. It was a wonderful evening in which the Center shared exciting news about The Endowment and celebrated the recipients of the Wheelock-Nardi Advocacy and Community Leadership awards.
Keynote speaker, Mr. Ron Ellis captivated the audience as he described how his battle with clinical depression was far more difficult than winning the Stanley Cup with The Toronto Maple Leafs.
The Celebration raised nearly $30,000 for the endowment, superseding any other fundraising event to date.
####
The Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester has been selected as one of 22 demonstration sites throughout the country that will implement the Mental Health Treatment Study (MHTS) being sponsored by the Social Security Administration. The Center’s Research Department, in partnership with the Dartmouth College of Medicine, will oversee the MHTS project which will examine the value of delivering supported employment and appropriate behavioral health services to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries with a primary impairment of schizophrenia or affective disorder.
In recent years, the Social Security Administration has seen a rapid growth in the number of persons qualifying for SSDI benefits due to a mental impairment, yet many of these beneficiaries do not have access to appropriate treatment. The MHTS will focus on the impact that better access to treatment and rehabilitation services would have on outcomes such as medical recovery, functioning and employment as well as evaluate the impact and cost effectiveness of these interventions. Individuals selected to participate in the study will have access to supported employment and behavioral health services as well as supplemental health insurance coverage.
The MHTS will address the following research questions:
- To what extent does access to high quality mental health treatment and employment supports lead to better employment outcomes and other benefits?
- What programmatic disincentives exist that create barriers to individuals returning to work?
- What specific programmatic changes can be made to support sustained competitive employment?
Across all 22 sites, the study will follow 3,000 individuals over a 24-month period that began in the summer of 2006. The Center is expected to enroll and follow the progress of 150 participants in the study. Peter Janelle, MHCGM President & CEO, notes, “We are honored to have The Center selected to participate in the study which is a tribute to the caliber of our Research Department as well as our commitment to the provision of quality treatment services.”
The Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester is the largest outpatient mental health services provider in the state, serving the city of Manchester and surrounding communities of Auburn, Bedford, Candia, Goffstown, Hooksett, Londonderry and New Boston. Within the last five years, the need for mental health services has steadily grown throughout New Hampshire. In 2001 7,000 individuals were served by the MHCGM system of care while almost 9,000 were served this year.
|
