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V O L U M E 1 6 , N O . 4 W I N T E R 2 0 1 3
T E N N E S S E E D E P A R T M E N T O F M E N T A L H E A L T H A N D S U B S T A N C E A B U S E S E R V I C E S
The problem of prescription drug abuse hasreached epidemic proportions in
Tennessee. One of the most heartbreakingconsequences is the surge in the number ofmothers taking drugs, either prescription orillegal, and subsequently giving birth to drug-dependent newborns that experiencewithdrawal symptoms. This problem isespecially prevalent in the eastern and middleregions of our state.
As Tennessee struggles to address andreduce the impact of this problem on babies,mothers and families, Governor Bill Haslamhas appointed a Neonatal Abstinence Syndromesubcabinet to investigate ways to address thisissue.
TDMHSAS Commissioner E. DouglasVarney – along with Department of HealthCommissioner Dr. John Dreyzehner, Departmentof Children’s Services Commissioner Jim Henry,and Department of Safety and HomelandSecurity Commissioner Bill Gibbons – invitedmembers of the General Assembly to join themin October as they toured a substance abusetreatment facility and discussed some optionsavailable to women who are pregnant or havegiven birth to a drug-dependent newborn.
The commissioners first met in Knoxville, atthe Helen Ross McNabb Center’s CenterPointelocation, where they toured the facility anddiscussed the work being done by the Knox
continued on page 2
The group who met in Knoxville in October to discuss and learn more about how the prescription drugabuse epidemic is affecting young women of childbearing age included (from left) Ron Hanaver of the KnoxCounty Recovery Court; Dr. John Dreyzehner, Commissioner of the Department of Health; E. DouglasVarney, Commissioner of the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services; Karen Pershingof the Metropolitan Drug Commission; Jim Henry, Commissioner of the Department of Children’s Services;State Senator Becky Massey; Bill Gibbons, Commissioner of the Department of Safety and HomelandSecurity; State Senator Randy McNally; State Representative Steve Hall; and Andy Black, CEO of the HelenRoss McNabb Center.
Commissioners Speak withLegislators about Continuum of
Substance Abuse Services
New Address for Central Office
The Department’s Central Office hasofficially moved back to DowntownNashville, effective Monday, November18.
The mailing address is now: TheAndrew Jackson Building, Sixth Floor,500 Deaderick St., Nashville, TN37243.
The following offices are on the sixthfloor:• Office of Commissioner E. Douglas
Varney and Deputy CommissionerMarie Williams
• Division of Hospital Services (led byAssistant Commissioner JohnArredondo)
• Division of Clinical Leadership (ledby Medical Director Dr. HowardBurley)
• Division of Administrative Services(led by Assistant CommissionerHeather Gundersen)
• Office of Human Resources (led byExecutive Director Vickie Graham)
• Office of Communications (led byDirector Michael Rabkin)
The following offices are on the fifthfloor:• Division of Mental Health Services
(led by Assistant Commissioner SejalWest)
• Division of Substance Abuse Services(led by Assistant Commissioner RodBragg)
• Division of Planning, Research &Forensics (led by AssistantCommissioner Marthagem Whitlock)
• Division of the General Counsel (ledby General Counsel Zack Griffith)
• Office of Licensure (led by DirectorCynthia Tyler)
All phone numbers, fax numbers, andemail addresses remain the same.
The Middle Tennessee Mental HealthInstitute and Western Mental Health
Institute have both been named “TopPerformer on Key Quality Measures®” byThe Joint Commission, the leadingaccreditor of health care organizations inthe United States.
Middle Tennessee Mental HealthInstitute, located in Nashville, and WesternMental Health Institute, located in Bolivar,were recognized by The Joint Commissionfor exemplary performance in usingevidence-based clinical processes that areshown to improve care for inpatientpsychiatric services. Middle TennesseeMental Health Institute and Western MentalHealth Institute are two of 1,099 hospitalsin the U.S. earning the distinction of “TopPerformer on Key Quality Measures” forattaining and sustaining excellence inaccountability measure performance.
“We understand that what matters mostto patients at Middle Tennessee MentalHealth Institute and Western Mental HealthInstitute is safe, effective care,” says E.Douglas Varney, Commissioner of theTennessee Department of Mental Healthand Substance Abuse Services, whichoversees the facilities. “That’s why we havemade a commitment to accreditation and topositive patient outcomes throughevidence-based care processes. We areproud that two of our state mental healthinstitutes have received the distinction ofbeing a Joint Commission Top Performeron Key Quality Measures.”
The ratings are based on an aggregationof accountability measure data reported toThe Joint Commission during the 2012calendar year. The list of Top Performerorganizations represents 33 percent of allJoint Commission-accredited hospitalsreporting accountability measureperformance data for 2012.
“Middle Tennessee Mental HealthInstitute’s goal is to provide the highestquality of care for our patients in a safe,therapeutic environment,” says BobMicinski, CEO of Middle TennesseeMental Health Institute. “Our vision is toprovide quality care and be recognized forexcellence by professional agencies, thecommunity, other health providers, and,most importantly, the patients we serve.”
“It is an honor for our hospital to berecognized as a national Top Performer byThe Joint Commission,” says RogerPursley, CEO of Western Mental HealthInstitute. “Our staff and leadership strivefor excellence in what matters most withpatient care and safety through theimplementation of best practice guidelines.The credit for our success is a result of theefforts of our day-to-day frontline staff whoprovide the care and commitment to thosewe serve.”
Each of the hospitals named as a TopPerformer on Key Quality Measures must:1) achieve cumulative performance of 95percent or above across all reportedaccountability measures; 2) achieveperformance of 95 percent or above on eachand every reported accountability measure
where there are at least 30 denominatorcases; and 3) have at least one core measureset that has a composite rate of 95 percentor above, and within that measure set allapplicable individual accountabilitymeasures have a performance rate of 95percent or above. A 95 percent score meansa hospital provided an evidence-basedpractice 95 times out of 100 opportunities.
“Middle Tennessee Mental HealthInstitute, Western Mental Health Institute,and all the Top Performer hospitals havedemonstrated an exceptional commitmentto quality improvement and they should beproud of their achievement,” says Mark R.Chassin, M.D., FACP, M.P.P., M.P.H.,president and CEO of The JointCommission. “We have much to celebratethis year. Nearly half of our accreditedhospitals have attained or nearly attainedthe Top Performer distinction. This trulyshows that we are approaching a tippingpoint in hospital quality performance thatwill directly contribute to better healthoutcomes for patients.”
In addition to being included in TheJoint Commission’s “Improving America’sHospitals” annual report, which wasreleased October 30, Middle TennesseeMental Health Institute and Western MentalHealth Institute will be recognized on TheJoint Commission’s Quality Check website(www.qualitycheck.org). The TopPerformer program will also be featured inthe December issues of The JointCommission Perspectives and The Source.
New Website for FamiliesAs part of the Governor’s Children’s
Cabinet, TDMHSAS is proud to announcekidcentraltn.com, a one-stop shop forTennessee families to connect with important information and resources providedby state departments.
Along with tons of articles and information relating to health, education,development, and support, kidcentraltn.com features a comprehensive directory ofstate-operated and state-funded services for children and families.
And if you have a smartphone, check out the new Mobile App with some greatfeatures!
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Pair of Regional Mental Health Institutes Earn ‘Top Performer’ Recognition from The Joint Commission
Group Honors Middle Tennessee Mental Health Institute and Western Mental Health Institute
County Recovery Court, and The Metropolitan DrugCommission.
The following week, the group met with moremembers of the General Assembly at Renewal Housein Nashville, where they discussed and toured thatfacility. Also present at that event were members ofMeharry Medical College, the Power of Putnam anti-drug coalition, and the 21st Judicial DistrictRecovery Court.
Commissioners Speakcontinued from page 1
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The Tennessee Association of Mental Health Organizations(TAMHO) recently bestowed its highest honors during their
Annual Conference at Embassy Suites Hotel and ConventionCenter in Murfreesboro.
Governor Bill Haslam was the headliner, receiving theTAMHO President’s Award. The award “is given at thediscretion of the President of the TAMHO Board of Directors to
recognize extraordinarycontributions to the fieldof mental health,”according to TAMHO.
After making someremarks about the state ofbehavioral health care inthe state of Tennessee,Governor Haslamsurprised those inattendance by asking if
anyone had a question or comment they would like to share withhim, and a number of people took him up on his offer.
Other award recipients at the TAMHO Conference were:
• Frank G. Clement Community Service Award: Lee AnnIngram of Centerstone Tennessee
• Dorothea Dix Professional Service Award: Jim Causey,Ph.D. (posthumously) of Professional Care Services ofWest Tennessee
• Distinguished Service Award: Larry Thompson, Ph.D.,Chief Operations Officer of Volunteer Behavioral HealthServices
• Personal Courage Awards: Harriette “Niki” Payne ofVolunteer Behavioral Health System, and MarjorieDiefenbach of Peninsula
• Media Award for Best Use of Social Media: Helen RossMcNabb Center
• Media Award for Best Newsletter: Centerstone Tennessee
• Programs of Excellence Awards:
• Case Management Services, Inc. – Project to Aid inthe Transition from Homelessness (PATH)
• Centerstone of Tennessee – Trauma TreatmentServices
• Ridgeview – Mothers and Infants Sober Together(MIST)
• Case Management Services, Inc. – Peabody HouseEmergency Shelter for HIV/AIDS Consumers
TAMHO is a statewide trade association representingCommunity Mental Health Centers and other nonprofit corporationsthat provide behavioral health services. These organizations havehistorically met the needs of mentally ill and chemically dependentcitizens of Tennessee from all age groups and socioeconomic levels.For more information, go online to tamho.org.
Prior to receiving the TAMHO President’s Award, Governor Haslam speaks to attendees of the TAMHO Annual Conference in Murfreesboro. After making hisremarks, he surprised the attendees by asking them if they had any questions or comments for him.
Governor Haslam shows off the TAMHO President’s Award with (from left)Charlie Good, CEO of Frontier Health and President of TAMHO; EllynWilbur, Executive Director of TAMHO; and TDMHSAS Commissioner E.Douglas Varney.
Governor Haslam speaks with attendeesat the TAMHO Annual Conference.
TAMHO Honors Governor Haslam withPresident’s Award during Annual Conference
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The 11th Oxford House in Tennessee opened its doors onNovember 1, adding to the number of recovery homes
around the state for people in recovery from alcohol and/or drugabuse issues.
Oxford Houses are safe, supportive housing options foradults at least 18 years old who are in recovery from alcoholabuse and/or drug abuse. Residents must be motivated to live ina disciplined, supportive, alcohol- and drug-free livingenvironment and are able to gain employment or receive sometype of legitimate financial assistance. Residents pay a weeklyfee that includes rent, utilities, cable and internet connection.The fee varies between $80 and $110 per week, depending onthe location.
“Oxford Houses are a good example of low-cost, high-impact alcohol and drug abuse services in the state ofTennessee,” says TDMHSAS Commissioner E. Douglas Varney.“These facilities have been proven to be a great way to serve thetreatment and recovery community and get the most ‘bang forour buck.’ ”
Oxford Houses have been in existence since 1975. Thecurrent Oxford House locations in Tennessee (according tooxfordhouse.org) are:
• Oxford House Unaka in Johnson City (423-202-7963) – capacity for 6 women
• Oxford House Milton in Memphis (901-725-0407) – capacity for 6 men
• Oxford House High Pointe Terrace in Memphis (901-323-6607) – capacity for 6 men
• Oxford House Faxon in Memphis (985-265-2991) – capacity for 6 men
• Oxford House Hamilton in Nashville (615-244-9341) – capacity for 8 men
• Oxford House Hilson in Nashville (615-837-1867) – capacity for 12 men
• Oxford House Polar Bear in Nashville (615-742-9975) – capacity for 10 men
• Oxford House Meridian in Nashville (615-248-3224) – capacity for 8 men
• Oxford House Marthona in Madison (615-868-4707) – capacity for 10 men
• Oxford House Crieve Hall in Nashville (615-873-4020) – capacity for 8 women
• Oxford House Cleveland in Nashville (opened November 1) – capacity for 9 men
Also, an Oxford House for 8 women is scheduled to open inNashville on January 1, with more to follow.
The Oxford House Model provides housing andrehabilitative support for adults who are recovering from alcoholand/or drug use and who want to remain abstinent from use.There are currently more than 1,650 self-sustaining recoveryhouses utilizing the Oxford House model around the UnitedStates. More than 10,000 individuals are in recovery living inthese houses at any one time during a year, with more than24,000 living in an Oxford House during course of a year.
“We are very pleased to have the opportunity to work withthe State of Tennessee to develop a statewide network of self-run, self-supported Oxford Houses,” says Paul Molloy, thefounder and CEO of Oxford House Inc. “Oxford House residentsknow that recovery without relapse can be the norm, rather thanthe exception, and are very grateful that the State of Tennesseehas chosen to foster expansion of the Oxford House network.Oxford Houses provide the time, peer support, and system ofoperations that permit individuals to live in a safe environmentfor as long as it takes to stay clean and sober.”
To help promote the Oxford Houses and establish newlocations, the TDMHSAS entered into a contract with OxfordHouse, Inc., to hire two outreach workers in Tennessee. Theseworkers locate and establish appropriate housing, recruit andselect appropriate recovery house members, submit loanapplications, network with the local recovery communitygroups, and provide ongoing assistance as needed. In Tennessee,the recovery workers are Whitney Malone (615-300-7252 [email protected]) and Marty Walker (985-265-2991 or [email protected]).
A recovering individual can live in an Oxford House for aslong as he or she does not drink alcohol, does not use drugs, andpays an equal share of the house expenses. The average stay isabout a year, but many residents stay longer, according to theOxford House website.
Oxford House is a concept in recovery from drug and alcoholaddiction. In its simplest form, an Oxford House describes ademocratically run, self-supporting and drug free home. Parallelto this concept lies the organizational structure of Oxford House,Inc. This publicly supported, non-profit 501(c)3 corporation isthe umbrella organization which provides the networkconnecting all Oxford Houses and allocates resources toduplicate the Oxford House concept where needs arise. For moreinformation, visit oxfordhouse.org or call (800) 689-6411.
11th OXFORD HOUSE IN TENNESSEE OPENS FOR PEOPLE TO RECOVER FROM ALCOHOL OR DRUG ABUSE
Program is a Low-Cost, High-Impact Way to Help on the Road to Recovery
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Department Helps Kick Off ‘Working for a HealthierTennessee’ with Various Events
In August, Governor BillHaslam launched a new
public-private wellnessinitiative called HealthierTennessee. In conjunctionwith the governor’s office,the state introduced acompanion initiative calledWorking for a HealthierTennessee, which aims tocreate a healthy, positiveworkplace through smallsteps. The initiative focuseson improvements in threekey areas: physical activity,healthy eating and tobaccocessation.
Each department in stategovernment has been set upunder a Site Championprogram, which aims tocreate a healthy, positiveworkplace. This programwill show how taking smallsteps can help achieve alarger goal.
A number of locationshave held some fun,educational events over thepast few weeks. Here’s alook at some of what hasbeen done:
TDMHSAS Central OfficeBefore moving from the Metro Center area to the Andrew
Jackson Building in Downtown Nashville, the Central Officeheld a kickoff event that included a walk around the building,some games that involved a bit of physical activity, and ahealthy foods potluck.
The events were heavily attended and drew raves from manyof the employees who took part.
Memphis Mental Health InstituteMMHI created a campaign called “A Healthier Tennessee …
That’s U & Me” and introduced to staff on Thursday, August 29.Adjunctive Therapy Director Charles Taylor, who representsMMHI on the TDMHSAS Wellness Team, spearheaded theevent.
“Healthy is the integration of your physical, mental andspiritual well-being,” he said during the event. “This includessocial, emotional, spiritual, environmental, occupational,intellectual and physical wellness.”
As part of the “A Healthier Tennessee … That’s U & Me”campaign, MMHI has designated each day of the week to focus
on a different idea that canlead to a healthier life. Theyare:• Move It Mondays• Tennis Shoe Tuesdays• Water Wednesdays• Tenacious Thursdays• Fit Fridays
Susan Murley, RN,participated in the kickoffevent by sharing health tipsand encouragement to bevigilant about maintenancefor your body. LillianMcGhee also participated bysharing her journey withcancer and noting theimportance of keepingmedical and screeningappointments. She reportsthat she is cancer-free andencouraged everyone presentto get the recommendedannual check-ups, as well asto encourage friends andfamily members to do thesame. Staff joined in todemonstrate exercises thatare easy to do and accessibleto everyone, and a short skit
was performed to show how bad habits can lead to a breakdownin health and how changing those bad habits to good ones canimprove your quality of life.
Middle Tennessee Mental Health InstituteA number of health and wellness events were held at
MTMHI recently. On October 2, a “Healthy Tasty Tailgate” was held in which
employees brought in a variety of healthy snacks and foods toshare with each other.
Also, more than 300 employees signed pledges to drinkwater on Wednesdays. Everyone who signed up got a free bottleof water.
And the staff has started “Hit the Trail Thursdays,” whichencourages staff to walk the greenway with peers during the 11a.m. and noon lunch breaks.
Moccasin Bend Mental Health InstituteMBMHI held their Annual Health Fair on September 24-26
for staff to learn about the new statewide initiative and havetheir heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, and other tests.
Members of the TDMHSAS Central Office Wellness Team hand out free bottlewaters to staff members who took part in the kick-off event, which included awalk around the building, games, and a healthy potluck.
continued on next page
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To help reduce the number of teensand adults who are abusing prescriptionmedicine, National Prescription DrugTake-Back Day – when thousands ofpounds of unused and potentiallyaddictive medications and othersubstances are removed from homesaround the United States – was held inlate October.
The event is held twice each year andhelps raise awareness of the permanentprescription-drug-disposal boxes thathave been established around the nation.Currently, there are 82 permanentprescription drug disposal boxeslocated at law enforcementfacilities in 47 counties acrossTennessee. Law enforcementprofessionals highly recommendthe use of these permanent boxesthroughout the year to reduce thepossibility of theft and accidentaloverdose. For a list of the
permanent locations, visit theTDMHSAS website athttp://www.tn.gov/mental/publications/Permanent%20Drug%20Take-Back%20Boxes.pdf.
“The importance of removing unusedmedications from homes cannot be over-emphasized,” says TDMHSASCommissioner E. Douglas Varney. “Morethan 1,000 Tennesseans die yearly fromdrug overdoses, and many of them couldbe prevented if prescription medicationwas disposed of properly.”
Healthier Tennesseecontinued from page 5
National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day Held in 47 Counties
‘SAD’ Feelings DuringWinter Months Can
be Treated‘Seasonal Affective Disorder’ Can
Lead to Depression for Many
The cold temperatures and dreary daysthat often occur during the winter monthscan often bring about feelings ofdepression for many Tennesseans. Thesefeelings may be caused by a conditionknown as Seasonal Affective Disorder(SAD).
It is now estimated that about fivepercent of the population suffers fromSAD – this is the equivalent ofapproximately 317,000 Tennesseans, basedon a 2010 U.S. Census state population of6,346,105. SAD is four times morecommon in women than in men, but whenit is present, men likely have more severesymptoms. Young adults are also morelikely to suffer from SAD, but it isuncommon in people under 20.
“There is no test for SAD, so it’s
important for anyone who is feeling thatthey may be depressed to speak with theirbehavioral health care provider as soon aspossible,” says TDMHSAS CommissionerE. Douglas Varney. “This is a very serious,very real condition, and people shouldn’ttry to self-medicate with alcohol or drugs –either illegal drugs or prescription drugs –to deal with it on their own.”
SAD is a mood disorder that follows aseasonal pattern related to variations insunlight. Symptoms of SAD are oftensimilar to those of other forms ofdepression, and often can include:
• Feeling sad, grumpy, moody,anxious, or depressed
• Losing interest in usual activities• Eating either more or less, and
craving sugary or starchy foods• Gaining weight• Sleeping more and feeling drowsy
during the daytime• Avoiding social situationsIf a person experiences these
symptoms, a mental health expert canaccurately diagnose SAD so that treatmentoptions can be explored. Symptoms areoften triggered by a lack of exposure to
light and tend to drastically decrease, andeven go away completely, when lightincreases. Lack of light can upset aperson’s sleep-wake cycle and othercircadian rhythms, and can cause problemswith the production of serotonin, a brainchemical that affects mood.
“Without treatment, symptoms canimprove with the changing of seasons,”says Dr. Howard Burley, TDMHSASMedical Director. “But with treatment,symptoms can improve much morequickly, and people can return to livingtheir so-called ‘normal’ life.”
According to the National Alliance onMental Illness (NAMI), SAD ischaracterized by recurrent episodes ofdepression, usually in late fall and winter,alternating with periods of normal or highmood the rest of the year. Some peoplewith bipolar disorder can also haveseasonal changes in their mood andexperience acute episodes in a recurrentfashion at different times of the year. Formore information on NAMI, go online tonamitn.org or call (615) 361-6608.
Flu vaccines and hepatitis vaccineswere also made available, and a numberof different vendors were on hand toshare to key health-related informationwith staff.
Also, Gerald LaCourse, whorepresents MBMHI on the TDMHSASWellness Team, had been working withstaff to map a number of indoor andoutdoor walking routes and providing allwith key health and wellnessinformation. He has also made thefacility’s gym available for walking orbasketball during lunch breaks or after-duty hours.
Coming Soon!Be sure to stay tuned for information
and announcements about upcomingevents. And you can also connect with“Working for a Healthier Tennessee” onFacebook and Twitter, or online attnsitechampions.com.
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NASHVILLE – The problem of high-risk drinking amongcollege students and young adults is widespread and results in
numerous short- and long-term consequences for students,educational institutions, and their surrounding communities.
To address this behavior, the TDMHSAS funds the Coalitionfor Healthy and Safe Campus Communities (CHASCo) to provideprevention services on a number of college and universitycampuses throughout the state.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism’s(NIAAA) “Update on College Drinking” report (available online atwww.niaaa.nih.gov) shows disturbing increases inbinge/unhealthily drinking, driving while intoxicated, and alcohol-related deaths and injuries. The survey also indicates that collegestudents continue to put themselves at risk with their frequencyand level of alcohol consumption. Additionally, students who don’tdrink are exposed to alcohol-use consequences such as increasedtraffic crashes, assaults, property damage, and other crimes.
“College and university orientation programs offer anopportunity to address campus policies, individual responsibility,performance expectations, and community values related tosubstance use and abuse,” says TDMHSAS Commissioner E.Douglas Varney, “but university administrators can’t do it all.”
Transitioning into college is challenging, with approximatelyone-third of first-year students failing to enroll for a second year.The first six weeks of a freshman’s college experience are criticalfor predicting overall academic success. Student expectations andsocial pressures, combined with unstructured free time, canprecipitate excessive alcohol consumption. Additionally, collegestudents frequently have exaggerated perceptions of alcohol use:Tennessee college students who were surveyed estimate peeralcohol use at more than twice the level of actual rates for theircampus. As a result of these pressures, expectations, andmisperceptions, research indicates that students may increase theirown alcohol use. Ensuring that students understand the truth ofalcohol use in their campus community is an important preventivemeasure.
Contrary to popular belief, parents maintain a significantamount of influence as their child transitions to college. Advancesin communication technology make frequent contact betweenparents and college students easy and affordable; also, studiesshow that communication (particularly on weekends) is a prudentprotective strategy that parents can employ to reduce dangerousdrinking behaviors. Parents should make sure that their childunderstands the expectations for their behavior and theconsequences for underage drinking, public drunkenness, using afake ID, driving under the influence, assault, and other alcohol-related offenses. Parents should also become familiar with thename of their child’s academic advisor and the on-campus servicesavailable to students for assistance.
TDMHSAS and CHASCo are proud that the strategies beingimplemented on Tennessee’s campuses have resulted in reportedhigh-risk drinking rates for students and young adults (age 18-26)significantly lower than the national average. According toTennessee Regional Behavioral Health Prevalence Estimates
(available at the TDMHSAS website online atwww.tn.gov/mental/policy/tdmhsas_data_rpt.shtml), Tennesseestudents and young adults indicate a past-month alcohol high-riskuse rate of 33.8 percent, well below the national rate of 41 percent.
While this is a significant achievement, it still shows that one-third of Tennessee students and young adults drank to excesscreating greater risk for themselves and those around them. Withadditional parental and community support, Tennessee studentswill be safer and more productive.
High-Risk Drinking Remains a Concern on College CampusesCoalition for Healthy and Safe Campus Communities Provides Services
The campuses where CHASCo will provideprevention services are:
In 2013:Baptist College of Health Sciences, MemphisChristian Brothers University, MemphisEast Tennessee State University, Johnson CityLane College, JacksonLemoyne-Owen College, MemphisLipscomb University, NashvillePellissippi State Community College, KnoxvilleTennessee Tech University, CookevilleTusculum College, GreenevilleUniversity of Tennessee at MartinVol State Community College, GallatinWalters State Community College, Morristown
In 2014:Aquinas College, NashvilleBelmont University, NashvilleCarson-Newman University, Jefferson CityCumberland University, LebanonMaryville College, MaryvilleMotlow State Community College, TullahomaNortheast State Community College, BlountvilleRhodes College, MemphisSewanee: The University of the South, SewaneeTennessee State University, NashvilleUniversity of MemphisUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville
In 2015:Austin Peay State University, ClarksvilleBethel University, McKenzieFreed-Hardeman University, HendersonLincoln Memorial University, HarrogateMiddle Tennessee State University, MurfreesboroSouthern Adventist University, CollegedaleTennessee Technology Center at Crump Tennessee Wesleyan College, AthensTrevecca Nazarene University, NashvilleUnion University, JacksonUniversity of Tennessee at Chattanooga Watkins College of Art & Design, Nashville
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The 4th Annual Building StrongFamilies conference, which
took place in September inMurfreesboro, this year placedparticular emphasis on the socialand emotional wellbeing ofchildren and families. Eachtraining, plenary session, andworkshop aimed at providingtools to facilitate recovery whenparents and/or caregivers abusedsubstances and/or had traumaissues.
Titled “Rooted in Recovery,Substance Abuse and Trauma,Prevention to Treatment,” morethan 300 individuals attended thethree-day conference each day,which was a 50 percent increasefrom previous years. Also,attendance was more widespread,as more than 30 counties wererepresented this year from all over thestate. Attendees included staff from theTennessee Department of Children’sServices (DCS), mental health centers,school systems, Court Appointed SpecialAdvocates (CASAs), substance abusefacilities, health departments, recoverycourts, managed care organizations, andother social service agencies. Continuingeducation units (CEUs) and preventioncredits were available for a small fee.
The first day of the conference wastraining day in which participants learnedabout “Seeking Safety,” the evidence-based therapy for trauma, substanceabuse, and/or post-traumatic stressdisorder, as well as how to build andensure sustainability, especially ofcommunity anti-drug coalitions.Attendees were also introduced to thekidcentral tn program and website(www.kidcentraltn.com) from theGovernor’s Children’s Cabinet thatprovides information on health,education, development, and support toTennessee families, as well as asearchable State Services Directory.
The second day focused on prenatal
substance exposure and its effect on braindevelopment. Ira J. Chasnoff, M.D.,professor of clinical pediatrics at theUniversity of Illinois College ofMedicine in Chicago and one of theleading researchers in the field of earlychild development, explained the physicaland developmental impact of prenataldrug and alcohol exposure on children asthey grow. He offered practicalintervention ideas and strategies forprofessionals and parents to help childrendevelop to their maximum potential.
TDMHSAS Commissioner E.Douglas Varney opened activities on thefinal day. He provided updates regardingTennessee’s initiative to battle theprescription drug abuse epidemic andshared information about recentdepartmental initiatives, including theLifeline program and Oxford Houses.Lifeline utilizes peer professionals toaddress stigma related to addiction andestablish recovery services statewide.Oxford Houses are safe, supportivehousing options for adults who are inrecovery from alcohol and/or drug abuse.Afterwards, Fred Brason spoke about
Project Lazarus, a strategy usedin North Carolina to reduceprescription drug abuse andprevent overdoses..
In addition to workshops onskill-and competency-buildinginterventions that can improveoutcomes for children andfamilies, one of the finalsessions addressed emergingsubstance abuse trends, asreported by Task Force Officersfor the U.S. Drug EnforcementAgency.
The conference originated in2010 through the Building StrongFamilies (BSF) in RuralTennessee grant project toenhance regional partnerships,expand service capacity, and
provide education and information tostakeholders in targeted counties. Thisyear, the new Therapeutic Intervention,Education, & Skills (TIES) grant projectthat additionally serves Davidson andRutherford counties was also involved inthe conference.
Also, Centerstone and the CoffeeCounty Anti-Drug Coalition (CCADC)should be acknowledged for organizingsuch a resource-rich conference.Centerstone is an official partner on boththe BSF & TIES grants and CCADC is amember of the regional collaborativecouncil for the grants. DCS andCenterstone Research Institute are alsoofficial grants’ partners. TDMHSAS isthe lead agency for BSF and TIES, whichoperate through funding from the U.S.Department of Health and HumanServices, Administration for Children andFamilies, Children’s Bureau.
Overall, the conference was deemed asuccess. It was well attended and full ofgreat information and tools. As oneparticipant said, “The conference was soamazing. It continues to surpass allexpectations every year.”
Building Strong Families Conference Helps Improve the Landscape for Children and Families
By Edwina Chappell, Ph.D., TDMHSAS Division of Clinical Leadership
Ken Stewart, Regional Director of Clinic Services of Centerstone, andTDMHSAS Commissioner E. Douglas Varney enjoy the 4th AnnualBuilding Strong Families conference in Murfreesboro.
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Western Mental Health Institute(WMHI) has begun accepting
pharmacy students from the Universityof Tennessee College of Pharmacy for aone-month clinical rotation.
The program will help educatestudents in the pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment andprevention of mental health andsubstance abuse issues. The students’participation will allow for bettereducation of future communitypractitioners related to mental healthissues, including inpatient treatment, andit will afford them the opportunity tobecome more involved with patientadvocacy issues to help reduce thestigma historically associated withmental illness.
While on clinical rotation at WMHI,the students will participate in treatmentteams, conduct chart reviews, completespecial pharmacy projects, conduct amonthly journal club webinar, helpprovide medication education to patientsand hospital staff, and provideinformation for the monthly pharmacynewsletter. WMHI is providing on-
campus housing for the students who areunable to commute on a daily basis at nocharge.
In addition to the clinical benefitsprovided by pharmacy students, there aremultiple published studies on cost-avoidance outcomes that have shown theeconomic benefits of having pharmacystudents present. According to ananalysis, each pharmacy student has thepotential to show an average savings totheir clerkship location between $500and $6,000 during a month-long rotation.
Wesley Geminn, Pharm.D. – a 2011graduate of the University of TennesseeCollege of Pharmacy, a formerTDMHSAS pharmacy resident, andcurrent pharmacist at WMHI – has beentasked to serve as the pharmacy students’primary preceptor at the hospital. He iscurrently an assistant professor at theUniversity of Tennessee College ofPharmacy and has previously served as apharmacy student preceptor at MiddleTennessee Mental Health Institute(MTMHI) in Nashville and MemphisMental Health Institute (MMHI).
Western Mental Health Institute Opens Doors for Pharmacy StudentsBy Wesley Geminn, Pharm.D., Clinical/Informatics Pharmacist, WMHI
Keysha Ray, a student pharmacist from theUniversity of Tennessee Health Science Center,stands with (from left) Roger Pursley, CEO ofWMHI; Wesley Geminn, Pharm.D.,Clinical/Informatics Pharmacist at WMHI; andJames Varner, M.D., Clinical Director atWMHI.
Memphis Mental Health Institute(MMHI) has implemented a new
mechanism for continuous focus on greatcustomer service called “The F.A.C.E. ofMMHI,” which stands for “Friendly,Attitude, Connect, Enthusiasm.”
The program, which took effectfollowing the completion of staff trainingin December 2012, was enacted becauseMMHI management wanted to make surethat customer service remained a primaryfocus of the hospital’s day-to-dayoperations. It is part of Governor BillHaslam’s statewide Customer-FocusedGovernment (CFG) initiative.
CFG trainers Ellouise Warr and LindaBolden proposed a program that wouldsolicit input from internal and externalcustomers through use of “nominationcards” that can be completed by anycustomer who would like to recognizeservice “above and beyond.”
There are four levels of recognition forpositive customer service: daily, monthly,
quarterly and annual. Daily nominationsare posted in a display board in the frontlobby of the hospital, and at the end ofeach month, a CFG committee reviews alldaily nominations and selects an employeefor monthly recognition. A picture of thatemployee and a description of theirextraordinary delivery of customer serviceis posted in the display board.
The employees who receive monthlyrecognition are eligible for considerationas the quarterly “F.A.C.E. of MMHI.”Their picture and description of theirexemplary customer service is placed inthe lobby, and the recipient receives aspecial designated parking space.Quarterly nominees are then eligible fornomination as Employee of the Year.
Memphis Mental Health Institute Kicks Off New Customer-Focused Government Initiative
Ellouise Warr (left) and Linda Bolden are theCustomer Focused Government trainers atMemphis Mental Health Institute.
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The Helen Ross McNabb Center hasannounced the board members and officersto its board of directors for the 2013-14year. They are:
• Susan Conway, Chairwoman• Wade Davies, Chairman-Elect• Charles Finn, Secretary• Debbie Jones, Treasurer• Joe Connell, Past Chairman• Dr. Harold Black• Linda Gay Blanc• Joe Fielden• Mai Bell Hurley• Ellie Kassem• Ford Little• Richard Maples• Della Morrow• Joe Petre• James Schaad• Ross Schram III• Dr. Karen Sowers• Nikitia Thompson• Traci Topham• Linda Vaughn• Dedra Whitaker• Chris Kittrell
The Helen Ross McNabb Center is apremier not‐for‐profit provider ofbehavioral health services in EastTennessee. Since 1948, the Center hasprovided quality and compassionate care tochildren, adults and families experiencingmental illness, addiction and socialchallenges. As the Center begins its 65thyear of providing services to communitiesin East Tennessee, its mission remainsclear and simple; “Improving the lives ofthe people we serve.”
For more information, visitwww.mcnabbcenter.org or call (865) 637‐9711.
Since its founding in 1972, the HelenRoss McNabb Foundation has workeddiligently to support the work of the HelenRoss McNabb Center. In addition toproviding leadership and direction, theFoundation’s staff and 30-membervolunteer board actively raise, hold, andinvest funds on behalf of the Center.
New board members include:• Debbie Brown, Raymond James• Bob Joy, Colgate Palmolive - Retired
• Mark Kroeger, Scripps Network• Jim Lloyd, CPA, Perishing Yoakley
& Associates• Virginia Love, Baker Donelson• Keith Sanford, First TennesseeNewly appointed officers are:• George Kershaw, Chairman, D&K
Management• Jeannie Dulaney, Chairwoman-
Elect, Lattimore Black Morgan &Cain
• Greg Gilbert, Treasurer, LattimoreBlack Morgan & Cain
• Jenny Brock, Secretary• Nick Chase, Past Chairman,
Egerton, McAfee, Armistead &Davis
Funds raised by the Foundation overthe past 40 years have contributed greatlytoward the stability and growth of theCenter.
For more information, visitwww.mcnabbcenter.org/foundation or call(865) 541-6684.
MBMHI NURSE EXECUTIVE RECEIVES EXCELLENCEAWARD FROM TENNESSEE NURSES ASSOCIATION
McNabb Center, Foundation Name New Board Members, Officers COMMUNITY NEWS & INDUSTRY AWARDS
Dr. Charlynne Parson, NurseExecutive with Moccasin Bend
Mental Health Institute (MBMHI), hasbeen named recipient of the 2013Tennessee Nurses Association Awardfor Nursing Excellence inAdministration.
“Dr. Charlynne Parson has providedoutstanding leadership for our nursingdepartment for many years,” saidWilliam Ventress, CEO of MBMHI.“She is a valued member of the team atMBMHI. Her positive attitude coupledwith a wonderful sense of humor makeher a joy with whom to be associated.We are extremely proud of heraccomplishments.”
Dr. Parson has been with MBMHIsince September 1, 1989 and wasappointed Nurse Executive in May1992. Prior to joining MBMHI, Dr.Parson worked for 25 years at ErlangerMedical Center in Chattanooga, doing
clinical practice in Pediatric,Psychiatric Nursing and NursingEducation.
Dr. Parson graduated from theBaroness Erlanger Hospital School ofNursing. She received two Bachelors ofScience degrees, one in Psychology andone in Nursing, from the University ofTennessee, Chattanooga; a master’sdegree from Andrews University with aconcentration in NursingAdministration; and her Doctorate fromthe University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
According to TNA, the award“recognizes outstanding performance inadministration, leadership whichimproves the quality of nursing care,and professional and communityservice.” The award presentation tookplace October 18 during the TNA &Tennessee Association of StudentNurses joint convention inMurfreesboro.
The TennesseeSuicide PreventionNetwork (TSPN) hasissued the first edition
of “can you hear me?”, a newsletter for survivors of suicideattempts. It is available online at tspn.org/can-you-hear-me.
“Can you hear me?” will include articles and poetryassociated with the recovery process, as well as artwork fromvarious sources. Each edition of the bimonthly newsletter willinclude information on Suicide Anonymous(suicideanonymous.net) and the National Suicide PreventionLifeline (800-273-TALK and www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
The Network is actively soliciting articles and artwork forforthcoming editions. These may be submitted to the TSPNcentral office by email at [email protected] with the subject line“CYHM Submission”; also, feedback and suggestions can beemailed to this address with the subject line “CYHM Feedback.”
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TSPN Introduces Newsletter forSurvivors of Suicide Attempts
Ridgeview Behavioral HealthServices recently
announced the appointment ofBrian D. Buuck to the positionof Chief Executive Officer,effective January 1, 2014. Buuckwill replace Bob Benning, whoretires at the end of Decemberafter 27 years of service toRidgeview.
In his position at Ridgeviewas Chief Operating Officer for the past 10 years, Buuck wasresponsible for the day-to-day operations of Ridgeview’s clinicaland support programs and was instrumental in expandingRidgeview’s services through grants and networking with otherarea providers.
Buuck is credited with establishing the East Tennessee CrisisIntervention Team, which has trained more than 70 lawenforcement officers from 8 counties and has been cited as one ofthe strongest CIT programs in Tennessee.
Through his leadership, Ridgeview has partnered with theTennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance AbuseServices (TDMHSAS) on a “teletreatment” pilot project thatprovides substance abuse treatment services using “telehealth”technology to connect remote areas. This is the first and onlyprogram in Tennessee using this technology to conduct grouptherapy.
In addition to his work at Ridgeview, Buuck serves on theTDMHSAS State Planning and Policy Council and is currentlychairman of the Region 2 Planning and Policy Council. He isalso on the Tennessee Association of Mental HealthOrganizations (TAMHO) Board of Directors; TAMHO’sRecovery and Resiliency Committee; the East Tennessee MentalHealth Association Board of Directors; the Rural AppalachianProject Board of Directors; the Volunteer State Hospital Plan,Behavioral Health Advisory Board; and chairman of the EastTennessee Mental Health Association Public Policy Committee.
He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University ofLouisiana, Lafayette, and a Master’s in Social Work degree fromthe University of Tennessee. He is certified as a LicensedClinical Social Worker.
Ridgeview Behavioral Health Services has provided mentalhealth services in the area for over 57 years. The mainadministrative and clinical offices and adult acute inpatienthospital is located in Oak Ridge, with additional clinical sites inCampbell, Morgan, Roane and Scott counties. For additionalinformation, call (865) 482-1076 or go online to ridgevw.com.
Brian D. Buuck
Ridgeview Names BrianBuuck as New Chief
Executive Officer
Have something interesting that you want to include in anupcoming issue of this newsletter? Send your informationand/or photos (in jpeg format) to Michael Rabkin [email protected], or call (615) 532-6597 if youhave questions.
SHARE YOUR NEWS AND AWARDS!
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COMMISSIONER’S CORNER
New Employees Join Division ofPlanning, Research and Forensics
The Department would like to welcome Dwan Grey andLymari Benitez to the Division of Planning, Research andForensics.
Dwan joins the Office of Forensic Services as a ForensicSpecialist. She will manage a part of the inpatient andoutpatient forensic services system. Dwan has a Master’sDegree in Special Education and has worked at Hermitage Hall,the Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS), theTennessee Department of Children’s Services (DCS), and atCigna.
Lymari joins the Office of Research to focus on children’sprojects. Lymari has a Doctorate in Philosophy, EnvironmentalPsychology, and has 10 years of experience in research andevaluation. She has held research positions at HarlemChildren’s Zone, ActKnowledge, the Center for HumanEnvironments and other programs.
Pair of Nurses Join Staff at MTMHIIn May, Kathy Lewis, RN, MSN, joined the Middle
Tennessee Mental Health Institute as the Assistant Director ofNursing. Kathy has 25 years’ experience as a Chief NursingOfficer in rural for-profit hospitals in Tennessee and Florida.
Prior to joining MTMHI,Kathy was the ChiefNursing Officer atRiverview RegionalMedical Center inCarthage.
Kathy received herBachelor of Science inNursing from TennesseeTechnological University in
1985 and a Master of Science in Nursing from VanderbiltUniversity in 1993. Kathy is a member of the American Nurses’Association and a member of Sigma Theta Tau, InternationalHonor Society of Nursing.
Kathy has three grown sons, Steven, Brandon, and Daniel,and a 2-year-old granddaughter, Avery. She also has two cats,Chester and Bailey, and one dog, Roscoe.
Also, effective October 27, Kathy Sanchez accepted theDirector of Nursing position at MTMHI. Kathy began hercareer in 1983 at Lakeshore Mental Health Institute as theAssistant Director of Nursing, where she worked until 1990.She spent the next 12 years in the private mental health field,serving in various nursing supervisory roles, before returning toLMHI in 2002, where she was the Interim Director of Nursing
until 2012. Kathy received her
Bachelor of Science inNursing from the Universityof Tennessee-Knoxville in1978 and received a Mastersin Public Health with aconcentration in HealthPlanning and Administrationin 1984.
In her leisure time, Kathy enjoys being outside andworking with her horses. She participates in various equestrianevents but especially enjoys the Hunter/Jumper classes.
WMHI Doctor Joins Governor’sCommittee to Recommend JudicialNominees
Dr. Jesse Cannon, a physician at Western Mental HealthInstitute in Bolivar, has been selected to serve on one ofGovernor Bill Haslam’sselection committees torecommend nominees to fillvacancies within the StateJudicial System.
“Our primary role, as a17-member body consistingof attorneys and lay persons,is to assist the Governor inidentifying highly qualifiedjudicial nominees, to fillvacancies in Tennessee trial courts, Court of Appeals, Court ofCriminal Appeals and the Supreme Court,” said Dr. Cannon.
Gov. Haslam recently issued Executive Order no. 34establishing the Governor’s Commission for JudicialAppointments, a necessary step to sustain the judicial branch ofgovernment and its operations. The Tennessee Attorney Generalissued an opinion confirming the governor’s authority tocontinue making judicial appointments after the termination ofthe Judicial Nominating Commission on June 30.
Dr. Cannon is Board Certified in Internal Medicine. Hejoined WMHI as the Medical Director for the Health CareClinic in August 2007. Originally from Haywood County, henow resides with his family in Tipton County and has beenpracticing medicine in West Tennessee since 1976.
“It is an honor not only for Dr. Cannon, but also a positivereflection on the quality of staff serving Western Mental HealthInstitute, to have one of our own as a representative selected forsuch a high honor,” said Roger Pursley, CEO of WMHI. “I have
Commissioner’s Corner continued on next page
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Published online at http://www.tennessee.gov/mental/index.htmlby the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and SubstanceAbuse Services. Publication Authorization #339454.
Volume 16, Number 4, Winter 2013 Issue
Published quarterly online at:http://www.tn.gov/mental/
Newsletter StaffMichael A. Rabkin, Director of Communications
Lorene Lambert, Publications Editor/Web ManagerRichard Martin, GS/GA Designer
and Web Master
TDMHSAS Office of Communications500 Deaderick St.,
Andrew Jackson Building, 6th FloorNashville, TN 37243
Please send newsletter queries, suggestions,corrections, or information to:
[email protected] call (615) 532-6597
Send Website queries to:[email protected] or call (615) 532-6597
Photographer Credits this issue:Michael Rabkin
www.iStockphoto.comLorene Lambert
Governorʼs Office
Pursuant to the State of Tennessee’s policy ofnondiscrimination, the Department of Mental Health andSubstance Abuse Services does not discriminate on thebasis of race, sex, religion, color, national or ethnicorigin, age, disability or military service in its policies, orin the admission to, or treatment or employment in, itsprograms, services or activities.
Contact the departmentʼs EEO/AA Coordinator at 615-532-5680, the Title VI Coordinator or the ADACoordinator at 615-532-6700 or 1-800-560-5767 forinquiries, complaints or further information.
Tennessee Department of Mental Healthand Substance Abuse Services
known Dr. Cannon for more than 30 years and I know he will serveon this committee with dignity, fairness and keeping the bestinterest of Tennesseans foremost in his mind as a member.”
Publication Editor and Web ManagerRetires
On November 6, Lorene Lambert, Publications Editor andWeb Manager, retired after 35 years of state service in order to carefor her husband and father-in-law, both facing multiple health
issues. Lorene made her decisionsuddenly but with the same careand discipline she has used duringher tenure with the Department.
Over the years – whether itwas bringing new life to thenewsletter and website, findingcreative ways to dress up a roomfor employee service awards,retirements and other gatherings,or just by the countless small
things she did every day – she showed how much she cared abouteach employee and the people we serve. She is especially proud ofher continued development of the annual “Art for Awareness”event with the Healing Arts Project for consumers in recovery andher work to preserve and protect the department’s historic recordsand artifacts.
Please join us in wishing her all the best as she prepares forher next big adventure. Her email at home [email protected], or you can call her at (615) 654-2256.
Commissioner’s Cornercontinued from page 12
Mission Statement
The mission of the Tennessee Department ofMental Health and Substance Abuse Servicesis to plan for and promote the availability of acomprehensive array of quality prevention,early intervention, treatment, habilitation andrehabilitation services and supports based onthe needs and choices of individuals andfamilies served. For more information, visitwww.tn.gov/mental.
