IN THE NEWS

Mental health and physical health go hand-in-hand.  Services are available through Four County Mental Health Center (August 2010)     Mental health and physical health go hand-in-hand.  The link between mental and physical health is often called mind-body connection.  Caring for one’s mind, as well as one’s body, is good for overall health, and a key to success at home, work, at school or at play.  A useful way to think about mental health is a definition used by the World Health Organization:  “Mental health is a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.”  Individuals who have good mental health are well-adjusted to society, are able to relate well to others, and basically feel satisfied with themselves and their role in society.
      In years past, many people tended to associate mental health services only with persons who suffered from major psychiatric problems.  Today this misconception is disappearing as people come to realize that good mental health is every bit as important as good physical health.  It is now commonplace for physicians, teachers, employers and even advice columnists to recommend therapy or counseling services for a multitude of life's every day problems.  Almost everyone has occasions when they could benefit from outside assistance with a problem they are facing.  Mental health is dependent upon individual life experience and life context with problems ranging from parenting, marriage, coping with loss, depression, anxiety, or just handling a stressful situation at work.  Therefore, they can be influenced by gender, race, religious beliefs, social class, experiences of family life, aspirations and beliefs, etc.
      The Mental Health Foundation has defined a mentally healthy individual as one who can:
          Develop emotionally, creatively, intellectually and spiritually;
          Initiate, develop and sustain mutually satisfying personal relationships;
          Face problems, resolve them and learn from then;
          Be confident and assertive;
          Be aware of others and empathize with them;
          Use and enjoy solitude;
          Play and have fun;
          Laugh, both at themselves and at the world
     Just about any circumstance which causes distress in an individual's life may be a reason for making an appointment for mental health services.  Four County Mental Health Center’s outpatient therapists serve Chautauqua, Elk, Montgomery, and Wilson Counties with individual, group, family, and couple counseling.  They also provide consultation, psychological evaluations, divorce mediation, educational groups, and other clinical services.  Community education programs, workshops, and health fairs help the public become more knowledgeable and aware of Four County and the services available there. 
     Medical services are available for those who may need more intensive support. Psychiatric evaluations and medication management are provided by qualified, professional, psychiatrists and nurse practitioners.  The medical team is led by Dr. Ken Williams, Medical Director and Dr. Mark Haslett, a child and adolescent psychiatrist.  Nurse practitioners, Karen Bone, Liz Garton and Amanda Denton back up the psychiatrists with several psychiatric nurses providing additional support.
      Community services are divided into two entities: community based services for children and community support services for adults.  Case managers are employed by both departments.  The case manager works on a regular basis with the seriously mentally ill adult or the severely emotionally disturbed child.  The case manager's job is to provide support and guidance to the client and family, to work with them to find services available in the community and be a support to the client so he/she will need a minimum of hospitalization and live in the least restrictive environment possible.
      Crisis Diversion Services is an emergency response system has been developed to respond to crises 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year.  The services focus on assessing the person in a crisis, and providing the necessary support, treatment, and referrals for each individual situation.  Each crisis is dealt with in such a way as to ensure proper care and safety for the client involved and the community.  Each client is provided service until they can be provided the appropriate level of care.
       Four County also focuses on prevention and early intervention programs.  Parent education services provide information to assist parents in all facets of the challenges of raising children.  Our children’s services begin at very young ages.  Project Hope is a special project for treating young children, ages 3-5, in a group setting.  Special needs children have access to parent support, case management, attendant care, respite care, summer, and after school programming.  School age children requiring a much more intense level of service, may be eligible for SEK Academy, a psychosocial day treatment program with an educational component. 
      Many older people develop mental health problems for the first time when they are in their later years.  Social isolation, loss of loved ones, stressful living conditions and a change in health may put an individual at risk for developing a mental health problem.  The important thing to remember is these problems are treatable.  A full range of services are available at Four County to help the older adult.  Senior Outreach Services, S.O.S., is one of the many specialized mental health and substance abuse programs provided through Four County Mental Health Center.  Offices are located in Independence, Coffeyville, and Fredonia.  Services are available throughout the counties of Chautauqua, Elk, Montgomery and Wilson.  Appointments may be made by calling either the Independence office at (620) 331-1748 or the Coffeyville office at (620) 251-8180.

April 18-24^th is Crime Victims Rights Week (April 2010)  Statistics tell us that if you know 10 women, you know a woman being abused. In 1981, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first “National Victim’s Rights Week” in April. Through this recognition the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) was formed as a part of the U.S. Department of Justice in 1982. From the OVC came a Crime Victims Fund in 1984 and this fund was and continues to be supported by federal criminal fines, penalties’ and bond forfeitures. Today those monies support state compensation to victims and local victim assistance programs through out this country.  
    As you can imagine, there are many different types of victims and while many attempt to find resolution through the court system, victims of Domestic Abuse often struggle with even finding the courage to seek help. Many times, during or following an assault, crimes are reported to law enforcement. However as the hours pass, many victims begin to question if what they want, what they need, and if the help they seek will truly change their situations and protect them from future abuse. 
     In recognizing Crime Victims Rights Week, we need to support fairness, dignity and respect to those violated. As one author put it, to blame victims for crime is like analyzing the cause of World War II and asking, “What was Pearl Harbor doing in the Pacific, anyway?”
     So just how pervasive is this problem? In this country 21 million crimes were committed in 2008.  Of those, 5 million were crimes of violence. Unfortunately, it is estimated only 47% of violent crimes are reported to the police. That is less then one half of violent crimes being reported.  In 2007, child protective services found approximately 794,000 children to be victims of abuse or neglect. This is not the number of children’s cases investigated but rather the number of confirmed cases.
     In Kansas there were 22,429 incidents of domestic violence in 2007. Of those incidents, 7,903 filed protection orders and 1124 violations of protection orders were reported in 2007. Remember only 47% of these crimes are ever reported. Add to this that estimates that 12% of women attending American colleges have been raped but that only 12% of these young women report them to police. In 2008, 627 people aged 65 or older were murdered.
     In 2007 a study of domestic violence was conducted and Montgomery, Wilson, Chautauqua and Elk counties. They reported 286 incidents of domestic violence and 17 rapes. (One cities statistics were not available for the study.) Keep in mind, only 47% of domestic violence ever reported in the U.S. I expect our area is little different in that regard.
      "So what has this to do with me; you might ask?” If knowledge is power, then this power can be available to help victims and to support them in seeking safety for themselves and their children. Keep in mind; battering occurs among people of all races, ages, socio-economic classes, religious affiliations, occupations and educational background. It happens in our homes, at work and on the street. Witnessing violence between one’s parents or caretakers is the strongest risk factor of transmitting violent behavior from one generation to the next and sad to say, over 70% of women injured in domestic violence cases are injured after separating from their husband or significant others.  
     Remember: statistics tell us that if you know 10 women, you know a woman being abused. If that thought disturbs you, think how she and the children feel who live in that home. Know that between the ages of 15 and 44, domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women, which is more than injuries in car accidents, muggings and rapes all combined. Notice this not only includes mothers, it includes teenagers and young college aged women.  Know that despite these numbers we have only 1,500 shelters for battered women in the US but there are over 3,800 animal shelters reported to be in operation. Know that 3 to 4 million women in the US are beaten each year by their husbands, ex-husband, or male lovers and that one in four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime.
     So what can you do? You can be that kind lady or man up the street who has time to listen, you can help connect them with advocacy services in the community, you can believe them and let them know it was not their fault. You can also get involved at a women’s shelter or with other programs of support to victims. You can advise victims of their rights to notification of all court proceedings related to the offense, to be reasonably protected from the accused offender, right to input at sentencing, right to information about the conviction, sentencing, imprisonment and release of the offender, and the right to restitution from the convicted offender.
     You can let others around you know that verbal, emotional, economic, sexual, and physical abuse is not ok-- for any reason --or by anyone; and it’s not funny or a joke!  You can also report violence when you see it. Because, sometimes what we don’t do affects our community as much as what we do and violence grows unless the society it lives in says violence will no longer be tolerated here; not now, and not ever.  Vickie L. McDonald, LMSW, Victim Services Therapist

Four County Receives Funds for Early Childhood Services (March 2010)  Four County Mental Health Center has received notification of renewal of an Early Childhood Block Grant for $244,345 from the State of Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services.  The grant is administered through the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund and will fund two projects to serve at risk children, ages birth to five, and their families in Montgomery, Wilson, Elk and Chautauqua counties. 
      Funding received by Four County will provide continued free services of an Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant to child care agencies, preschools and other early childhood service providers.  Tammy Blaich, a licensed mental health therapist, with specialized training in infant and toddler mental health, will provide assessments, work with parents and assist child care agencies and preschools in developing intervention plans to address mental health needs of children ages birth to five.
     In addition, grant funds provide four case managers to work with families who are identified as at-risk due to mental illness or substance abuse through the Project Before program.  In order for families to be eligible for services, there must be a child or children age five or younger in the home.  Areas of assistance provided by the case manager may include helping parents obtain substance abuse or mental health treatment, assisting with education and employment issues, addressing parenting concerns, ensuring access to healthcare, connecting families with existing early childhood services or addressing basic needs such as housing, food and transportation. 
     Referral to either of these programs can be made by calling Four County Mental Health Center’s Coffeyville Office at 620-251-8180.  Requests for mental health consultations can be made directly to Tammy Blaich.  Requests for Project Before services should be directed to Stephanie Redding, Community Based Services Coordinator. 

Free Mental Health Consultation Services for Child Care Providers & Preschools (October 2009)   Child care or preschool providers who have a child who is having difficulty adjusting or presenting challenging behaviors may benefit from the Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation Program of Four County Mental Health Center. 
     Free consultation services for children age five and younger to child care and preschool providers in Montgomery, Wilson, Elk and Chautauqua counties are being offered by Four County.  The mental health assessments and consultation services are paid for by an Early Childhood Block grant from the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund.  Services are provided at the child care center or preschool after parent permission is obtained.  Assistance and consultation is also provided to the families.  Services may also be provided in the home.
     Tammy Blaich, Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant, is a licensed mental health professional with 15 years of experience in providing mental health services to children and families.  She has received specialized training in infant and toddler mental health.  The goal of the consultation program is to address mental health or behavioral issues early so that the child can be successful in their child care or preschool program and prepared to enter school ready to learn. 
     Child care providers, child service agencies, or preschools can request services by calling Blaich at Four County Mental Health Center at (620) 251-8180.

Events Targeted to Promote Wellness – (October 5, 2009)  Events will be held in Independence and Coffeyville to promote both physical and emotional wellness. 
     On October 8^th. depression screenings will be offered from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at Penn Terrace Apartments, 401 S. Penn, Independence.  On October 12^th flu shots and emotional wellness screenings will be available at Country Mart West, 1000 Hall St, Coffeyville.  All information will remain private and confidential.
      In recognition of National Depression Screening Day celebrated October 8^th, 2009, Four County Mental Health Center will be providing depression screenings at Penn Terrace in Independence.  As part of the program participants will have the opportunity to complete a brief, written questionnaire; learn about the symptoms of depression, and how to help a friend or family member who may be at risk.  After completing the screening the individual will also have the option of talking to a health care professional about any concerns they may have.
      Seasonal flu shots and emotional wellness screenings will be offered at Country Mart West on October 12^th  from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.  Those wishing to receive flu shots will need to bring their Medicare card, Medicaid card, or proof of private insurance.  If paying privately, the shots will cost $25.
      The “Shop for Health at Country Mart” event is sponsored by the Montgomery County Health Department, Senior Outreach Services, and Country Mart.  Shoppers will have the opportunity to receive flu shots, blood pressure checks, and emotional wellness screenings while buying groceries. 
      With layoffs and unemployment rates making headlines almost everyday, it is common and understandable to feel anxious about your economic future.  In fact, research indicates that more people are seeking mental health services as a result of the recession.  Negative feelings are normal, appropriate, and even necessary during life’s difficult moments, but when worry, anger, or stress prevent you from performing your daily activities or interacting with friends and loved ones, it might be time to seek help.
      Depressive disorders affect approximately 18.8 million American adults or about 9.5% of the U.S. population age 18 and older in a given year.  Trauma, loss of a loved one, a difficult relationship, or any stressful situation may trigger a depressive episode.  More than 80 percent of people with clinical depression can be successfully treated. With early recognition, intervention, and support, most individuals can lead productive lives.
      Anyone is welcome to join these free screenings.  For more information call Steve Denny at (620) 331-1748.

Learn to “KOHP” with your Chronic Health Condition (October 5, 2009) The Wilson County Health Department and Four County Mental Health Center are co-sponsoring the “Kansans Optimizing Health Program” (KOHP) developed by Stanford University.  This motivational and interactive workshop series offers strategies for learning to cope with chronic health conditions.  Participants will learn ways to improve everyday living through pain management, exercise, social activities, and communication, while decreasing fatigue, disability, and days spent hospitalized.  The program is useful for caregivers and family members as well as for people diagnosed with a chronic health condition.
     The program will begin Tuesday, October 13th, and will continue to meet every Tuesday for six consecutive weeks. The sessions will be held from 9:30 am-12:00 pm at the Senior Citizen Activity Center, located at 601 South Walnut in Coffeyville.
     The registration fee of $20.00 per person includes a 382 page resource book, “Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions.”  The class is limited to 20 participants, and pre-registration is required. For additional information or to register, contact Steve Denny at Four County Mental Health Center, 620-251-8180.

Supported Employment Program is recognized as a Kansas Exemplary Program (September 10, 2009) The Supported Employment program of Four County Mental Health Center has been recognized as a Kansas Exemplary Program by the State of Kansas Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS) for the third year in a row.  The program received an exemplary score of 121 out of 125 on the most recent Fidelity conducted by Galen Smith from University of Kansas and Patrick Nickelson with the Kansas SRS. 
     For more than 15 years, the Supported Employment program has assisted severe and persistently mentally ill adults work in integrated employment.  Supported Employment is a way to move people from dependence to independence through competitive employment. 
     Four County’s program was cited as being highly diverse in the types of jobs consumers hold.  The program has 50% of the consumers currently employed.  The program works with local employers and provides them with qualified applicants, matching their needs and the consumer’s qualifications and provides post-hire follow along supports.  There are no fees to employers and they may be eligible for tax credits. 
     Many consumers have been told that they couldn’t work because of their mental illness, but with assistance and support from the program the same consumers have been successfully working in competitive employment for years.  Consumers report that their symptoms decrease and their self-esteem improves when they are employed.  Consumers also report that they are able to manage symptoms in the workplace better when they are able to receive support from their Employment Specialists.  The consumers state the biggest impact for positive changes in their lives is employment thereby increasing their independence and helping in their recovery.  
     Four County Mental Health Center is a private not-for-profit licensed Kansas community mental health center providing comprehensive services for the ever changing needs of all populations residing within the Southeast Kansas counties of Chautauqua, Elk, Montgomery and Wilson.  Four County Mental Health Center is dedicated to providing accessible, innovative services in partnership with individuals, families and our communities."0The Supported Employment program of Four County Mental Health Center has been recognized as a Kansas Exemplary Program by the State of Kansas Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS) for the third year in a row.  The program received an exemplary score of 121 out of 125 on the most recent Fidelity conducted by Galen Smith from University of Kansas and Patrick Nickelson with the Kansas SRS. 
     For more than 15 years, the Supported Employment program has assisted severe and persistently mentally ill adults work in integrated employment.  Supported Employment is a way to move people from dependence to independence through competitive employment. 
     Four County’s program was cited as being highly diverse in the types of jobs consumers hold.  The program has 50% of the consumers currently employed.  The program works with local employers and provides them with qualified applicants, matching their needs and the consumer’s qualifications and provides post-hire follow along supports.  There are no fees to employers and they may be eligible for tax credits. 
     Many consumers have been told that they couldn’t work because of their mental illness, but with assistance and support from the program the same consumers have been successfully working in competitive employment for years.  Consumers report that their symptoms decrease and their self-esteem improves when they are employed.  Consumers also report that they are able to manage symptoms in the workplace better when they are able to receive support from their Employment Specialists.  The consumers state the biggest impact for positive changes in their lives is employment thereby increasing their independence and helping in their recovery.  
     Four County Mental Health Center is a private not-for-profit licensed Kansas community mental health center providing comprehensive services for the ever changing needs of all populations residing within the Southeast Kansas counties of Chautauqua, Elk, Montgomery and Wilson.  Four County Mental Health Center is dedicated to providing accessible, innovative services in partnership with individuals, families and our communities."

Presentations and Celebrations in Local Communities:  Stories of Recovery from Individuals with Alcohol/Drug Problems:  (September 8, 2009)   Four County Mental Health Center will be hosting four panel discussion groups to highlight Recovery Month.  Recovery Month celebrates the benefits of treatment for not only the affected individual, but for their family, friends, workplace, and society as a whole.
    Community celebrations will be held September 16 at Caney High School, September 23 at Independence High School, September 30 at Neodesha High School and October 7 at Cherryvale High School.  A light supper will be served beginning at 5:30 PM.  The celebration will begin with a 30-minute presentation on alcohol/drug problems in the local community.  At 6:30 PM a panel of recovering individuals will share their personal experiences and answer questions about their recovery.  The evening will end with a 30-minute informational program on treatment and the 12 step-programs in the area. 
    Recovery Month provides a platform to celebrate people in recovery and those who serve them.  Each September, thousands of treatment programs around the country celebrate their successes and share them with their neighbors, friends, and colleagues in an effort to educate the public about treatment, how it works, for whom, and why.  Substance abuse treatment providers have made significant accomplishments, having transformed the lives of untold thousands of Americans.  These successes often go unnoticed by the broader population; therefore, Recovery Month provides a vehicle to celebrate these successes.
    Recovery Month also serves to educate the public on substance abuse as a national health crisis, that addiction is a treatable disease, and that recovery is possible.  Educating the public reduces the stigma associated with addiction and treatment.  Accurate knowledge of the disease helps people to understand the importance of supporting treatment programs, those who work within the treatment field, and those in need of treatment.
Partnering with Four County are the local high schools, law enforcement agencies, and 12-Step support groups.  Anyone in the community that is interested in learning more about alcohol and or drug recovery is welcome to attend any of these presentations.

Project Core Program of Four County Mental Health Center Receives Funds for Continuing Treatment Program  (August 14, 2009)   Four County Mental Health Center is pleased to announce the award of an $88,540 Federal Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Administration Grant from the Federal Bureau of Justice Assistance.  This grant is administered by the Kansas Criminal Justice Coordinating Council through the Governor’s Grants Program.  Funds will be used to continue a treatment program for adults with co-occurring disorders of substance abuse and mental health issues who are involved with the criminal justice system or at risk of involvement.  This program, Project CORE, provides outpatient treatment and case management services to residents of Montgomery and Wilson counties.  Pre-treatment groups are also offered through the program at area jails.   The goal of Project CORE is to divert the individual from future involvement in the legal system.
     According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, 70 percent of offenders have a history of regular drug use as compared to nine percent of the general population.  The rate of serious mental illness among those in jail is nearly four times as high for men and eight times as high for women.  Substance abuse and mental illness are both identified risk factors for involvement in the criminal justice system, and treatment is essential to reduction of crime.  
     Project CORE referrals can come from the court system, law enforcement, family members, or an individual may self-refer.  Additional information about the program can be obtained by contacting the Program Coordinator, Ruth McCall, at 331-1748.  As a condition of funding, Four County is required to note in all information about the program that Four County views and opinions do not necessarily reflect those of the Kansas Criminal Justice Coordinating Council or the U.S. Department of Justice. 

Four County Receives Grant for Parent Education Services (August 2009)  Four County Mental Health Center received notification of a Community Based Child Abuse Prevention grant award from the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund.  Funds will provide Parent Education classes in Montgomery, Wilson, Chautauqua, and Elk counties.   During the next year, this project is projected to serve over 700 parents in the four counties. 
     The Parent Education Program provides free parenting classes.  Classes will be offered on over seventy-nine different topics at various locations over the year.  Child care and transportation are available for several classes each month.  New classes that will be available this year include “The Incredible Years” program and “Guiding Good Choices”. 
     Anyone in the community is welcome to attend the parent education classes free of charge.  Additional information and a schedule can be obtained by containing the Program Coordinator, Gail Norton, at 620-331-3480.  A list of classes can also be viewed at www.fourcounty.com.

Parent Education Grant Awarded to Four County Mental Health Center (July 2009)  Four County Mental Health Center received notification of a Community Service grant award from the Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services, Children and Family Services.  Funds will be used to provide Parent Education classes in Montgomery and Wilson counties.   During the next year, this project will serve 575 or more parents and child care providers affecting 2,550 or more children in these two counties. 
     The Parent Education Program provides free parenting classes in Montgomery and Wilson counties, and also serves Elk and Chautauqua.  Classes will be offered on seventy-nine or more different topics at various locations over the next year.  Child care and transportation are available for several classes each month.  New classes that will be available this year include “The Incredible Years” program and “Guiding Good Choices”. 
     Anyone in the community is welcome to attend the parent education classes free of charge.  Additional information and a schedule can be obtained by containing the Program Coordinator, Gail Norton, at 620-331-3480.  A list of classes can also be viewed at www.fourcounty.com.

Local Kids Training Team Art Show 2009 (May 2009)   The local Kids Training Team Art Show 2009 will be held at the Independence Historical Museum, 123 N. 8^th, Independence.  This show promotes the success of Kansas children identified with Serious Emotional Disturbance.  Four County Mental Health Center’s Community Based Services program works with this population and promotes expression of self through an art contest held annually. 
     The Kids Training Team is a Collaborative Effort of The Kansas Department of Social Rehabilitation Services/Disability and Behavioral Health Services (SRS DBHS), Wichita State University (WSU), College of Health Professions, the Training Advisory Group (TAG) and Title XIX Medicaid Programs.  This network provides training for children's mental health service providers throughout Kansas.  Kids Training Team is dedicated to excellence in training, supporting and encouraging Kansas community-based providers in their quest to serve children identified with Serious Emotional Disturbances (SED) and their families.
     The exhibits will be judged and the four age groups will each have first, second and third place winners.  Five exhibits total will be selected to compete in a state-wide competition sponsored by Wichita State University at the Kansas Behavioral Health Conference to be held in September.  Winners of this competition will have their artwork published in a calendar that will be distributed throughout Kansas. 
     This exhibit is sponsored by Four County Mental Health Center.  Exhibits will be on display beginning Tuesday, May 26 and remain through June 2 at the Independence Historical Museum. .  

Supported Employment Program recognized as a Kansas Exemplary Program (May 1, 2009)  Four County Mental Health Center’s Supported Employment Program has been recognized as a Kansas Exemplary Program by the Kansas Social and Rehabilitation Services for the third year in a row.
     The Exemplary Award was presented to Ron Denney, Executive Director by Rick Shults Director of SRS Mental Health and Michael Goldberg, CEO of Kansas Health Solutions.  The awards were also presented to Johnson County Mental Health Center, Valeo Behavioral Health Center. 
     Four County’s program was cited as being highly diverse in the types of jobs consumers hold.  The program works with employers and provides them with qualified applicants, matching their needs and the consumer’s qualifications and provides job retention services, employee support and post-hire follow up.  There are no fees to employers for this service and they may be eligible for tax credits.
     Four County has 50 percent of the consumers in the supported employment program now employed, compared to the required criteria of 45 percent.
     For more than 15 years, Four County has helped severe and persistently mentally ill adults find and maintain employment. 
     Members of the supported employment team are Diana Compton, Supported Employment Coordinator, Alvin Bryant, Rebecca Foreman, Frank Lucivero, Frank Peterman, Melissa Row and Brent Thompson.

Clubhouse Members Attend National Conference in Washington DC (April 15, 2009)  Four County Mental Health Center members of the Coffeyville Monarch Clubhouse program and staff members Bill Cashero and Wanda Daughtery of the Sunflower Clubhouse program in Independence attended the Eastern USA Clubhouse Conference and National Employment Celebration in Washington D.C.  Employment celebration events honor and thank employers and recognize the employment accomplishments of Clubhouse members.  The event emphasis the role that employment plays in recovery of mental illness and focuses on reducing the stigmas associated.  This media coverage is also helpful in letting local companies know about Clubhouse employment and the availability of good workers.  The event also presents a good leadership building experience for members and staff in terms of public speaking, working with the media and event planning. 
     The local group met with Representative Todd Tiahart and the aide to Senator Pat Roberts and shared information about the Clubhouse programs in Coffeyville and Independence. 
     The group was able to view “No Kidding, Me Too!”, a documentary directorial debut by Joe Pantoliano (award winning actor/producer, (The Matrix, Memento, Empire of the Sun, Risky Business).  The group was able to meet Pantoliano and joined their stories in Pantoliano’s fight against the stigma and shame of mental/brain disease.  
     The Monarch Clubhouse submitted a proposal to Four County administration for support of their initiative to attend this conference.  The Clubhouse Program’s funds, raised throughout the year at multiple events, and shared funds from Four County provided this educational experience for members and staff.  The group attended the majority of the workshops covering topics such as Engaging Young Adults, Quality Improvement, Life Outside the Work Ordered Day, Research and Evidenced Based Practices, Creative Technology, Housing and Employment all related to the Clubhouse model. 
     Clubhouse programs provide a community where people with mental illness support one another.  Membership is voluntary.  Members and clubhouse staff work side by side, and is based on the belief that, given the opportunity, people with mental illness can make their own decisions, provide effective help to one another, and live independent lives, recovering a sense of worth that is often lost during an episode of mental illness and treatment.  Four County supports two of these programs the Monarch Clubhouse in Coffeyville and the Sunflower Clubhouse in Independence. 

Four County Obtains Grant Funds for Project Before and Early Childhood Consultation Programming (January 26, 2009) - Four County Mental Health Center is one of fourteen grantees in the State of Kansas to receive an Early Childhood Block Grant from the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services.  The grant is administered through the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund.  Four County will receive $244,345 for two projects to serve at risk children, ages birth to five, and their families in Montgomery, Wilson, Elk and Chautauqua counties.
     The first project, the Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation Program will provide a mental health professional to consult with child care providers, preschools and child service agencies at no cost to the agency.  The consultant will conduct assessments, develop intervention plans, provide outreach to families and connect them to resources to ensure children, ages birth to five, have the emotional and social skills needed for school success.  Tammy Blaich, a licensed mental health therapist with specialized training in infant and toddler mental health, will provide these services. 
     The second project, Project Before, will provide four case managers to work with families who are identified as at-risk due to mental illness or substance abuse.  In order to be eligible for services through this program, there must be a child or children age five or younger in the home.  The program includes helping parents obtain substance abuse or mental health treatment, assisting with education and employment issues, addressing parenting concerns, ensuring access to healthcare, connecting families with existing early childhood services, and addressing basic needs such as housing, food and transportation.  Stephanie Clark, Community Based Services Coordinator will oversee this program. 
     To learn more about these programs or to make a referral call Four County Mental Health Center’s Coffeyville Office at 620-251-8180. 

JJA Planning Grant Received by Four County (January 26, 2009) - Four County Mental Health Center was awarded funding by the University of Kansas Children’s Research Team for continuation of a planning grant to strengthen cross collaboration between mental health and the juvenile justice system in the 14^th Judicial District.  This is one of two planning grants for mental health and juvenile justice funded in the State of Kansas by KU.  The second funded program is in Wichita through ComCare of Sedgwick County.  Michelle VanWinkle, Community Based Services Coordinator at Four County, Duane Powell, Director, of Family and Children’s Services and Bill Knight, Intake Coordinator with Family and Children’s Services, are facilitating the project.  A planning team, which includes representation from several community agencies, is exploring ways to ensure that children and their families who come into the juvenile justice system receive mental health and substance abuse treatment services that will prevent further involvement in the judicial system. 

Autism in the Classroom Presentation (July 1, 2008) - “Autism in the Classroom” will be the topic of a presentation by Teresa McVey, Tri-County Special Education Cooperative, Monday, July 14 at 6:00 – 8:00 PM.  McVey is a Tact-Team Member, (Team Assistance of Classroom Teachers), for Tri-County, is the Autism Specialist for the Autism Waiver and has been appointed as the Regional Autism Consultant for the State of Kansas.  Autism is a brain development disorder that impairs social interaction and communication, and causes restricted and repetitive behavior.  Parents usually notice signs in the first two years of their child's life.  Early behavioral or cognitive intervention can help children gain self-care, social, and communication skills.
    This series is sponsored by Four County Mental Health Center and will be held at the Coffeyville Public Library, 311 W.10^th.  Activities for children, three years old and older, will be provided by the Coffeyville Public Library.  Children must be registered to participate in the library activities.  Certificates of attendance will be made available for this two-hour presentation.  To register for the class and activities you may call Susan Hill (620) 332-1912. 

Four County Staff assist in Chapman Disaster Relief  (June 2008)   Staff of Four County Mental Health Center’s Quest-Foundations program volunteered their time and efforts in Chapman, KS for disaster relief from the tornado that hit on June 11^th.  Brian Murrison, Coordinator of the Quest-Foundations program of Four County, requested volunteers to assist in the disaster that hit his home city. 
    Upon hearing of the disaster, Brian Murrison, originally from Chapman, drove to the disaster site to check on his family.  In speaking with his father Jim, who serves as the Superintendent of Light, Water, and Street Department for the City of Chapman, Murrison learned of the magnitude of the needs of the residents of Chapman.     

Four County Quest-Foundations Staff
Assist in Chapman Disaster Relief

Employee of the Year and Service Awards Given to Staff  (April 2008)   Four County Mental Health Center staff were honored at the annual Spring Retreat held at the 4-H Building at Riverside Park in Independence on Thursday, April 24th.     Ron Denney, Executive Director, led the group in recognizing outstanding leadership and service to the agency.  Lacy King, Interim Director of Human Resources, was honored with the Four County Employee of the Year Award.  Judy Wilkins, Director of Grants received recognition for 35 years of service to the agency.
   Departmental Employee of the Year Award recipients were selected through peer nominations.  Those receiving recognition were Karen Bone, ARNP, Medical