Wellness Matters - Network of Care

Wellness Matters An E-Journal of San Mateo County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services

July 2008

In This Issue:

From the Director’s Desk

3

Employee News ♦ Welcomes, Good

Byes, Thank Yous, Acknowledgment

5

Q-Tip for Quality ♦ Audits are

A’Coming!

6

Education and Training ♦ Learning

Management System

♦ Mental Health Board

♦ Accessing Clinical Consultation

7

News Quickies ♦ Section 8 Wait

List ♦ What is BASN? ♦ AFSCME

Behavioral Health News

8

In June, I celebrated my first anniversary at the County. As I began to reflect on the year that has quickly gone by, I can’t help but think of the many lessons I learned from those whom I’ve met, talked, worked and (at times) argued with. I am not an expert in cultural competence, although, most people think so. However, I would like to share with you some of my learning in an effort to spur you to think about cultural competence in your daily work – among clients, colleagues, and especially within your own self. No one can ever be culturally competent. It is something to strive for; a lifelong process of growth that everyone should be working towards. It is the heart of any service-oriented agency; it is the heart of Behavioral Health & Recovery Services (BHRS). However, there are a few essential elements that will make our journey meaningful, productive and successful: Commitment. No endeavor can ever be successful without a strong commitment from its supporters - at all levels. Consistency, also related to commitment, is critical; knowing that we are in for the long haul makes all difference in the world. Communication. Real communication involves more listening than talking. Most often, parties are quick to respond to a statement without letting the other party finish. Also, when we communicate and engage in discussions, it is often inevitable to have conflict because of our diverse experiences and perspectives. In my opinion, conflict can be productive and positive, and can be an opportunity for growth, especially when it is within an atmosphere of safety and trust. Collaboration. None of our initiatives would have been successful without our partners from many parts of the community such as

community and faith-based organizations, contractors, advocacy groups, and consumers/clients and their family members. In addition, the many supports we receive from other divisions of the Health Department have become a welcome resource to all our endeavors. Connection. Although most of our efforts have been focused on cultural competence, there has also been a larger effort to connect our work to eliminating health disparities. We know that there is a broader discussion taking place about why there is a widening gap between the health status of many marginalized communities and it is imperative to look at this from a social justice perspective. Continuous Quality Improvement. Part of striving for cultural competence is having mechanisms to evaluate and assess our progress and/or lack of it. We should be able to translate knowledge into measurable outcomes and measure our accomplishments through data collection. Change and Challenges. Although we like things to always go well, we know that there are certainly more challenges along the way (especially with California’s budget crisis). However, we remain optimistic that we will meet these challenges head on with creativity, passion and commitment to do what is absolutely necessary to address the needs of our diverse community. There is truth to the saying that the only certainty in the world is that things change and that we have to adapt to the demands of a changing world. Celebrate. Acknowledging our successes and what we have accomplished no matter how small they seem is critical in cultural competence. It is through these efforts that the work gets sustained and energized. So, in the spirit of celebration, turn the page and get inspired!

A Perspective on Cultural Competence By: Jei Africa, Health Disparities Initiatives Manager

PAGE 2 WELLNESS MATTERS

FMHI banner

Sheryl Munoz Bergman of the International Institute

Members of the African American Planning Initiative and Health Policy and Planning

BHRS participated in the NAMI Walk last May 2008

Cultural Competence Committee

MHSA Prevention and Early Intervention Kickoff

EPACCC receives Star Awards

Sing Tao Expo in San Mateo

PRIDE Initiative members with film-maker Johnny Symmons

African American Planning Initiative members at Soul Stroll in Coyote Park

Chinese Workforce Development Group at the Sing Tao Expo

Interpreter Training follow-up meeting at Central County

Gay History Timeline at YSC

EPA Partners for Mental Health Outreach

Leafa at Radio Tonga

Training outreach workers in EPA

FMHI Outreach in Daly City June 2007

Cultural Display at Central County ( by Hector Moncada)

May 2008 film screening

PI mat

CC and MH Summit in San Diego

A Review in Photos: Cultural Competence Initiatives

Michele Alvarez-Campos talking about her cultural background at the Cultural Competence Committee meeting.

J ULY 2008 PAGE 3

From the Directors’ Desk - Louise Rogers & Stephen Kaplan

We are pleased to introduce the new Behavioral Health and Recovery Services vision, mission and values statement (see page 4) in this issue of Wellness Matters. Over the last eight months, we have been privileged to develop these ideas in partnership with your representatives on the Transition Advisory Group. We had a rich discussion fueled by their passion, ideas, and commitment to clients, families, and communities. We discussed some of the significant differences between traditional alcohol/drug and mental health treatment philosophies, systems of care, and resources. We talked about what we mean by recovery and what it means to have hope and found diverse perspectives within the group on these central issues. Nonetheless we were able to articulate a strong common purpose that unites us. We are energized by our new opportunities to promote more positive outcomes for the clients and families we serve. As we think about where we are in this process of organizational change, we want to share two thoughts with you: ♦ We are optimistic. We have talked to people all over

the State and we know that San Mateo’s system of care has tremendous assets to create state-of-the art

opportunities for people with or at risk of alcohol and drug addiction and mental health challenges to achieve wellness and/or recovery and fulfill their promise. This is a multi-year effort that will require sustained commitment. No one we talked to has the perfect recipe for integrated behavioral health systems. We can learn from our peers but we will also experiment (and likely make mistakes!) paving our own way.

♦ We need you, every member of our workforce, every provider, every consumer, family member, and community member to contribute to our continuous improvement. We need you to support, by your words and actions, the idea that we are all collectively responsible for creating opportunities for people who have complex behavioral health problems to achieve wellness. We believe through our Welcoming Framework, the first policy issued by BHRS, we have taken a most important first step toward our vision. It is only a first step, not a roadmap, and we all find ourselves in different places with it. Please read this policy at http://www.smhealth.org/bhrs think about it, return to it over time, and then help us make sure that we fully achieve it.

Memories from the BHRS Staff Appreciation Picnic held on Wednesday, June 25 at Washington Park in

Burlingame.

BHRS Staff Appreciation Picnic


Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Vision, Mission, Values

June 18, 2008

Preface: The staff and providers of Behavioral Health and Recovery Services support the Vision, Mission, and Values, and agree to incorporate and exhibit them within our individual and collective responsibilities.

The Vision: Individuals, families, and communities fulfill their promise and successfully pursue their dreams in a society where stigma and discrimination against those with mental illness and/or alcohol and drug addiction are remnants of the past.

The Mission: Building opportunities for people with or at risk of alcohol and drug addiction and mental health challenges to achieve wellness and/or recovery through partnership, innovation, and excellence.

Our Values: Person and Family Centered

We promote culturally responsive person-and-family centered recovery.

Potential

We are inspired by the individuals and families we serve, their achievements and potential for wellness and recovery.

Power

The people, families, and communities we serve and the members of our workforce guide the care we provide and shape policies and practices.

Partnerships

We can achieve our mission and progress towards our vision only through mutual and respectful partnerships that enhance our capabilities and build our capacity.

Performance

We use proven practices, opportunities, and technologies to prevent and/or reduce the impacts of mental illness and addiction and to promote the health of the individuals, families and communities we serve.

J ULY 2008 PAGE 5

Congratulations Brian Sharkey, from Canyon Oaks Youth Center, has been promoted to Residential Counselor II. Lourdes Huguet, from the PROP South Program with the YSC Mental Health Unit, passed her license exam and is now a licensed MFT! Stefan Luesse, Manager for Health Insurance Outreach and Coordination, welcomed a son, Erick on June 22, 2008. He weighed in at 7 lbs. 13 oz and 19 inches long. Alejandra Stok, had a baby girl on June 19, 2008. Kathy Brown, Certified Application Assistor, was part of a group of folks honored by the Board of Supervisors for their role in providing universal health coverage at a Children’s Health Initiative Appreciation Dinner

Welcome Welcome to the new Psychiatry Residents: Evelyn Alarcon, M.D., Doriana Michiko Bailey, M.D., Neil Steven Sachs, M.D., and Katherine Whitney Smith, M.D. They began their residency on July 1. The South County Mental Health team welcomes Michaela Banks, Medical Office Assistant and Hillary Minter-Stanton, Patient Services Assistant. The Interface Primary Care Youth Team welcomes Mariana Rocha, AMSW to the team. Norma Ticas, a new Family Partner, will be joined the South-Central Youth Team on July 1st.

Employee News

Good Bye and Good Luck

♦ Michelle Thayer, from the Program Office and editor of Wellness Matters, will be leaving San Mateo County BHRS on August 1, 2008 to move to Los Angeles to begin work on a Masters degree in Public Health at UCLA.

♦ T h e P s y c h i a t r y Residency Program says good-bye to graduates: ( f r o m t h e l e f t ) Beverly Rodriguez, M.D., Muir Hooper, M.D. , J immark Abenojar, M.D., and Dan Tzuang, M.D.

♦ After 9 years of service with San Mateo County BHRS, Rob Evans, MFT, Adult Resource Management Unit Chief, has taken a job with El Dorado County Mental Health to be closer to his passion, "Running Trails!"

♦ The Sheriffs Office (SO) Diversion Program, a collaborative program between the SO and the YSC BHRS team is closing after over 10 years of service. The current staff: Bridget Kenevan, Marianna Rocha, and Program Specialist Kimberly Kang, will be moving on into other new assignments.

News from our Contract Partners

Dennis Romano, M.S.W. is stepping down from his position as Executive Director of Caminar after eight great years.

Anne B. Moses (left) has been named the new Executive Director of the Children’s Health Council (CHC). Pyramid Alternatives lost a great friend and clinician, Morley Segal, M.F.T (right), on

April 18 to pancreatic cancer. Please visit http://www.pyramidalternatives.org to learn more about Morley Segal and Pyramid. Children’s Health Council’s Art Therapy Program was recently featured in the Mercury News! Go to: http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_9599938?I A D I D = S e a r c h - w w w . m e r c u r y n e w s . c o m -www.mercurynews.com

Taking a Vacation!

Wellness Matters will be taking a vacation for the month of August. But don’t fret, Wellness Matter will be back in September! In the meantime, send contributions for the September issue to: Jade Moy, [email protected]

Aloha!

J ULY 2008 PAGE 6

Sightings

Terry Wilcox-Rittgers and Paul Sorbo pose for a picture at the 2008 NAMI walk held in May.

Pernille Gutschick and Gloria Gross hang out at the Pathways Mental Health Court Picnic on May 30, 2008.

Central County Mental Health Adult Team celebrated Internat ional LGBTQQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Questioning) Pride Month. July is the month in which the LGBTQQ community is recognized around the world with a variety of activities such as parades, festivals, etc. The Pride 2008 display inspired respect, recognition and acceptance to the diversity of clients, family members, and staff in the Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Department.

Folks from the Health Department and BHRS at the 2008 Pride Parade on June 29, 2008.

South County Mental Health Staff at the HOPE Awards on June 26, 2008. (left)

Youth Services Campus celebrates Pride Month (left), Summer (middle), and Father’s Day (right) in June.

2008 HOPE Award Recipients.

NAMI Walk 2008


E d u c a t i o n & T r a i n i n g

San Mateo County Mental Health Board

The San Mateo County Mental Health Board meets the first Wednesday of each month from 3-5 P.M.

The next meeting will be held: July 2, 2008, 3-5 P.M.

San Mateo County Health Department 225 37th Ave, Room 100, San Mateo

On the Agenda for July’s MHB Meeting:

♦ Cultural Competency and Health Disparities Updates ♦ Mental Health Services Act PEI Proposal

Meetings are open to the public. Questions? Please call 650-573-2544

For more information about the San Mateo County Mental Health Board, visit: http://www.smhealth.org/mh

Psychiatric Grand Rounds The Psychiatric Grand Rounds Calendar is now online! Go to: http://www.smhealth.org/bhrs

BHRS Presents...Cornerstone On-Demand Learning Management System!

Beginning May 12, 2008, BHRS launched it’s use of the Cornerstone OnDemand Learning Management System or “LMS.” The LMS is an incredible tool for training management, both for BHRS employees and for those that initiate trainings. BHRS Employees: To sign into the LMS, go to: https://sanmateocounty.cyberu.com/ First time logging in? Your “User Name” is your employee number (9-digits) and the password is: training (You will be immediately prompted to create your own password.) To have a training entered into the LMS, go to: http://intranet.co.sanmateo.ca.us/health/mh/Index.htm Have questions? Email the BHRS System Administrator Team at [email protected] or call Claudia Salada at 650-573-2860. Please note, currently the LMS is only available to County employees. Within the next few months, the LMS will be available to BHRS Contract Partners. If you are a contractor and want to attend a training, please call Claudia Salada.

Our system is subject to audits/program reviews by numerous outside agencies. In the past year, our system has been audited three times, with three more audits on the horizon. These audits typically look at the quality of care as documented in the chart, whether our documentation substantiates what we have billed, and/or whether we are following various regulations. All staff who work in our system play a role every day in audit preparation by making sure that their documentation is the best that it can be. Part of this is making sure that each open chart contains the crucial documents needed for each treatment team to provide excellent client care. In last month’s Q-Tip we discussed the importance of coordination between a client’s treatment providers and teams. We also reminded everyone that two different teams or agencies serving one client cannot provide duplicate services. Putting copies of all significant documents in every open chart will help to ensure that this coordination and non-duplication occurs. In addition, making this your standard practice will also help your documentation stand up to scrutiny during audits. We in QI thank you all for your help with audits past, present & future!

By Holly Severson, R.N., M.S.N.

Q TIP FOR QUALITY: Audits are A’Coming!

As a public behavioral health safety net system, we will continue to be challenged to serve individuals for whom there are no fully effective or adequate resources. Consultation and training can help, although there is no panacea. We share this reality with behavioral health systems. Process for accessing consultation: If you or your team needs specialty consultation for a challenging clinical situation, have your supervisor directly contact Chris Coppola, BHRS (650-573-3476) or Celia Moreno, BHRS (650-573-2043) They will arrange for the appropriate resource, which may be provided via phone consult or in person.

Accessing Clinical Consultation

J ULY 2008 PAGE 8

Submitted by: Denise Rios, BHRS

The Bay Area Services Network (BASN) consists of the nine bay area counties, including San Mateo County since 1996, whose goal is to reintegrate parolees into society and encourage clean and sober lifestyles. BASN services are designed to provide parolees coming out of state prisons with opportunities to address alcohol and drug related issues. Through an inter-agency agreement between California Alcohol & Drug Programs (ADP) and California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), funding is provided in order to administer a continuum of services to BASN parolees. BASN provides residential, non-residential (out-patient), sober living, and detoxification services. San Mateo County BASN providers aim to meet the individual needs of the client, to reduce substance use, and eliminate related criminal activity. Treatment consists of a variety of key elements that include substance abuse/relapse prevention, support group involvement, treatment planning, life skills teachings, and case management. Although, BASN parolees receive a maximum of 180 days in treatment, BASN providers take great care in creating a treatment plan that is unique and comprehensive to each individual’s need. The BASN funding provided covers most of the cost of treatment; however, modest fees can be charged based on the parolee’s ability to pay. Charges occur when a parolee has successfully completed a phase of treatment and has transitioned into a sober living environment. In order to be eligible for BASN services, parolees must have a history of alcohol/drug abuse or dependency, and must be willing to voluntarily enter treatment. Parolees who have a long history of violence, sex offenses, or arson may not be eligible for treatment through this program. Assessment and screening for eligibility into this program is conducted by the Case Manager at Center Point. The BASN partners providing services are El Centro de Libertad, Free at Last, Horizon Services, The Latino Commission, Project Ninety, Sitike Counseling Center, Service League, and Youth and Family Enrichment Services. For more information about the BASN programs, contact Denise Rios, BASN Program Coordinator, Alcohol and Other Drug Services at [email protected].

WHAT’S GOING ON?! NEWS QUICKIES

The Labor Management Committee continues to meet about every 6 weeks to discuss a variety of issues including the budget, training, workload, and security. Please ask one of the Labor Management representatives for the full minutes from the last meeting. One major focus is workload and documentation. A workload pilot will be implemented with the purpose of examining barriers to documentation of productive time that result in "low" clinician statistics. Also, Nancy Littlefield suggested and all agreed to the creation of a back and front laminated card or bookmark which could be easy reference for all on-going consultation groups and the case specific consultation process currently available through Celia Moreno. We continue to look for union members from adult teams to join the Labor Management Committee, particularly from, the South County Clinic and the Alameda Building. We'd like to hear from you if you want more information or want to participate. Please contact Sharon McAleavey, Business Agent at 650-588-6112 ext 14.

AFSCME Behavioral Health News

What is BASN?

San Mateo County Section 8 Wait List

will be open for applications at 6 a.m. Monday,

July 7, 2008 and will close at 6 p.m. Saturday,

July 12, 2008

For more information, go to: http://www.smchousing.org

(The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program assists low-income families by providing rental assistance so that families may lease safe, decent, and sanitary housing units in the private rental market.) For information by phone, call 650-802-3318


New funding is available for the creation of supportive housing! The State of California has recently made funding available to Counties through the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) for the creation of new permanent housing units. The housing will be made available to individuals and families who have serious mental illness or severe emotional disturbances and are homeless or “at risk” of becoming homeless. During the next few months, San Mateo County will begin to implement the MHSA Housing Program

We need your help!

The first stage of program implementation is to solicit input from community stakeholders. The goal of the community input process is to determine realistic priorities for housing to be built through the MHSA Housing Program. An on-line survey has been created for service providers who work with eligible clients. Your feedback will assist the County to determine local housing priorities and tailor new housing units to the specific needs and preferences of the community. They survey can be accessed at:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=QI4ybnqA88L5VmpJuDZ9Yg_3d_3d

Please complete the online survey by August 4th Thank you for your participation!!

For more information, please contact Chris Coppola at 650-573-3476

Tell Us What You Think!

Our role as regionally based Case Managers for Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Services is a colorful and fluctuating one. From case managing parents referred from Children & Family Services, to writing court reports, to assessing readiness for change with a psychiatrically hospitalized client in 3AB are among the many services we provide in our scope of work. The three Regional Case Managers were the first AOD staff to begin providing direct services to Human Services Agency (HSA) clients, including CalWorks, General Assistance, Children & Family Services, Family Self Sufficiency Teams (FSST), and Vocational Rehabilitation Services. We also participate in a number of multi-disciplinary teams such as: the Team Decision Making (TDM), FSST, the Coordinating Response Committee (CRC) for the Domestic Violence Council, and other important groups such as the Change Agent Movement meetings that are part of the Co-Occurring Initiative. We have broadened our scope to receive referrals from doctors and health clinics, community centers, homeless shelters, core agencies, and self-referred clients. Our services can range from individual screening and assessment, brief consultations, case management, and psycho-education presentations to various groups on identifying signs and symptoms of AOD use. We typically use the Addiction Severity Index (ASI) assessment and other relevant tools while using motivation interviewing techniques to engage clients into services, identify level of change, and identify AOD treatment needs. Many times the assessment will yield referrals to ancillary services such as mental health counseling or co-occurring treatment, housing and shelter services, education and employment services, and medical or health services. There are three Case Managers assigned to the three regions in San Mateo County. Nikki Adams covers the Northern Region and is located at 1497 Huntington St. in South San Francisco and can be reached at 650-877-5683. Chauncey Chatman is stationed in the Central Region at 550 Quarry Rd. in San Carlos and can be reached at 650-802-6449. Finally, Moises Guerrero is our Spanish Speaking Case Manager and can be found at 2500 Middlefield Rd. in Redwood City and can be reached at 650-599-5974. Feel free to contact if you have any questions or comments.

Who We Are, What We Do: Alcohol and Other Drug Services Regional Case Managers

Submitted by: Nikki Adams (above right), Moises Guerrero (above left) and Chauncey Chatman

B E H A V I O R A L H E A L T H A N D R E C O V E R Y SE R V ICE S S A N M A T E O C O U N T Y

H E A LT H D E P A R T M E N T

225 37th Avenue, Suite 320 San Mateo, CA 94403

Phone: 650.573.2541 Fax: 650.573.2841

Documents

Wellness Matters - Network of Care