behavioral-health

BHN Residential Services Job Fair

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 20:08:28 GMT

January 28, 2025 | 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Homewood Suites, 340 Russell St. Hadley, MA

Join us January 28th for an in-person hiring event and discover fulfilling job opportunities in BHN's Developmental Disabilities program across Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden counties!

BHN offers a comprehensive benefits package and professional development opportunities to elevate your career. Please bring a copy of your resume.

Positions are available for all career levels in our Developmental Disabilities programs across Western Mass, including:

CNAs, PCAs, outreach, and clinical staff
Residential Supervisor
Residential Direct Care Support Specialist
Community Support Specialist

Have questions? Email bhn-recruitment@bhninc.org .

To view all openings, visit bhnworks.org .

Can't attend or want to apply prior to the job fairs?

BHN is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice and encourages diverse candidates to apply.

BHN Leadership Promotions: Congratulations to Jessica DeFlumer and Lisa Yin

Fri, 03 Jan 2025 17:12:07 GMT

BHN is pleased to announce two leadership promotions.

Jessica DeFlumer has assumed the role of Chief Operating Officer, replacing her prior role of Executive Vice President. Jessica has served BHN in various leadership roles since her hire in 2017 as the Senior Program Manager for Population Health with responsibility for overseeing BHN’s integration and care management departments. Commensurate with her deep knowledge and exceptional skills, Jessica’s responsibilities have grown steadily in her time at BHN, taking on a Vice President role in 2019, Senior Vice President in 2020, and Executive Vice President in 2021.

Her current role includes oversight of all BHN operations, including operational management, alignment, and process improvement across administrative departments of Human Resources, IT/IS, Project Management and performance improvement, and Facilities. Jessica ensures optimal functioning of all service lines, as well as direct oversight of Integrated Care initiatives, Child and Family service programs, and Outpatient and Community Behavioral Health programs as well as Access/Central Intake department, assuring timely access for individuals and families to all ambulatory and substance use disorder treatment levels of care.

Jessica has held a range of roles during her 20+ years in the field, from the provision of direct care as both a case manager and a clinician to leadership roles that have overseen residential, clinical, and administrative teams in various non-profit behavioral health organizations. In addition, Jessica spent three years working for the Office of the Commissioner at the State of Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. In that role, she served as the Project Director on several federal projects that involved integration of behavioral and physical healthcare in Connecticut's Medicaid plan, including Behavioral Health Homes and Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC).

Jessica holds a Master of Arts in Counseling and Community Psychology from Marist College and completed a year of post-master's work in Martial/Family therapy at Loyola College of Maryland.

Lisa Yin has accepted the position of Assistant Vice President of Addiction and Recovery Services. Lisa has been with BHN for over six years, initially hired in 2018 as the Program Director of Franklin Recovery Center and then promoted to Senior Program Manager in 2020. As Assistant Vice President, Lisa will oversee all 400 SUD residential treatment beds in programs located throughout Franklin, Hampden, and Suffolk counties.

Throughout her tenure, Lisa has been an influential leader in the division, demonstrating an unyielding commitment to high-quality patient care, program accountability, and staff development. She was instrumental in helping to restructure SUD programs on the Greenfield campus, ensuring vital treatment options remained accessible during the COVID-19 pandemic and the ever-changing opioid epidemic in the fentanyl era. Lisa has remained flexible and nimble even as the division has seen exponential growth, helping to fill critical management vacancies and taking on additional responsibilities with the acquisition of the former Phoenix House programs.

Prior to her employment at BHN, Lisa worked as a Behavioral Health Navigator at Athol Memorial Hospital, Clinical Supervisor of Crisis Services at CSO, and Psychiatric Technician at Cheshire Medical Center. Lisa served in the United States Peace Corps for two years as a Community Health Educator in Cambodia. She holds a Master of Arts degree in International Disaster Psychology from the University of Denver Graduate School of Professional Psychology and is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor.

Please join BHN in congratulating Jessica and Lisa as they transition into their new roles. Congratulations, Jessica and Lisa!

BHN Named One of The Boston Globe’s “2024 Top Places to Work in Massachusetts”

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 16:36:41 GMT

BHN is ranked #10 out of 25 organizations in the Commonwealth, one of two in Western Massachusetts that made the list.

Ji8��Ƶ, Inc. (BHN) has been named one of the 2024 Top Places to Work in Massachusetts in the 17th annual, employee-based survey from The Boston Globe. BHN has earned this designation for three consecutive years and is ranked #10 on the list of 25 companies in the largest company category. BHN is one of only two companies based in Western Massachusetts on the list.

BHN was also awarded recognition as a “2024 Diversity Equity and Inclusion Champion,” which recognizes a commitment shared throughout all levels of the organization to prioritizing a welcoming and inclusive culture, no matter one's background. Only 26 of the Top Places to Work in all categories qualified for this distinction.

Top Places to Work recognizes the most admired workplaces in the state voted on by the people who know them best—their employees. The survey measures employee opinions about their company’s direction, execution, connection, management, work, pay, benefits, and engagement. The employers are placed into one of four groups: small, with 50 to 99 employees; medium, with 100 to 249 workers; large, with 250 to 999 staff members; and largest, with a workforce of 1,000 or more employees.

According to Steve Winn, President, and CEO of BHN, “We are honored to be nominated for the Top Workplace Award for the third consecutive year, and to be recognized for our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. At BHN, our focus on social justice, high-quality care, and staff well-being is strong. This recognition reinforces that our efforts are making a difference, and it motivates us to continue this important work for our staff to feel valued, respected, and appreciated. We are grateful to our staff for their commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of those we serve.”

BHN employs more than 2,500 employees across Western Massachusetts (Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, and Berkshire counties) and in Suffolk County. The organization serves 38,000 individuals annually with life challenges due to mental illness, substance use disorders, and intellectual and developmental disabilities.

BHN offers comprehensive benefits for its employees and is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace, seeking to eliminate social and economic inequities. In 2022, BHN launched the Katherine B. Wilson Staff Excellence Fund, which supports the career development of its workforce by providing funds for license preparation courses and fees, forgivable loans for tuition costs, community college courses and certificate programs, and online and live trainings. This fund also supports ancillary costs to professional development, including books and materials, childcare and transportation necessary to engage in education and career advancement.

BHN aims to break down barriers to advancement and foster a culture of inclusivity and equal opportunity, allowing the organization to attract and retain more diverse staff. By creating a more representative workforce which better reflects the communities BHN serves, the organization is able to better meet the needs and expectations of its diverse stakeholders.

The rankings in Top Places to Work are based on confidential survey information collected by Energage (formerly WorkplaceDynamics), an independent company specializing in employee engagement and retention, from nearly 68,000 employees at 323 Massachusetts organizations.

The Top Places to Work 2024 issue is published online at Globe.com/TopPlaces and in Globe Magazine on Sunday, December 8.

Join our collaborative and compassionate team and make a meaningful impact in your community! Explore current openings and apply today at bhnworks.org .

BHN Announces Two New Additions to Executive Leadership Team

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 13:43:16 GMT

Ji8��Ƶ is pleased to announce two new members of its Executive Leadership Team.

Anthony Boswell joined BHN as Senior Vice President in October. In this role, he will provide strategic leadership across multiple service lines and play an instrumental role in shaping the organization’s future direction. With extensive experience in mental health leadership, Boswell’s expertise will be key in advancing BHN’s mission and expanding its impact in the community.

Prior to joining BHN, Boswell served as CEO of LevinThor, LLC, a consulting firm specializing in management, leadership, and education. He has also held senior leadership positions at mental health organizations in Springfield, MA, New Orleans, LA, and Washington, DC, further enhancing his diverse experience in the sector.

Boswell attended the United States Air Force Academy and earned a B.A. from Stony Brook University, a Master of Education in Organizational Leadership from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a Juris Doctor from the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School.

Sigfredo Irizarry joined BHN in November as Vice President of Performance Improvement, Applications & Data Analytics. In this position, Irizarry will lead efforts to enhance performance improvement initiatives across the organization, focusing on optimizing applications and leveraging data analytics to improve service delivery. His strategic vision and leadership will play a key role in the company’s continued success and operational efficiency.

With 30 years of experience in IT, Irizarry specializes in IT leadership, system information, business continuity, cybersecurity, and process automation. He is an accomplished IT executive, adept at leading diverse teams and developing sustainable IT strategies. Irizarry has extensive experience in managing technical teams, complex system migrations, and cyber security efforts to mitigate risks.

Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity from Purdue University, Irizarry is enrolled in the CISSP Track. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management from the International Institute of The Americas.

Steve Winn, President and CEO of BHN, stated, “We are excited to welcome Tony and Sigfredo to our Executive Leadership Team. Their experience and leadership will be key in driving our strategic vision and enhancing the quality of services we provide. These appointments demonstrate our commitment to strengthening BHN's leadership and advancing our mission to deliver exceptional behavioral health services.”

Navigating the Holidays: Early Recovery & Sleep Support Groups

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 21:18:00 GMT

The holidays are often considered a time for joy, family gatherings, and celebrations. However, for those working towards substance-free living, this time of year can bring its own set of challenges. The pressure to indulge in festive drinking, the stress of social situations, and disruptions to daily routines can all contribute to struggles with maintaining sobriety.

Additionally, sleep – an essential component of mental and physical health – can be hard to come by amid the hustle and bustle of the season. From late-night parties to traveling across time zones, your sleep schedule may be disrupted more than usual. Unfortunately, poor sleep can negatively impact emotional and mental health, making it harder to cope with stress and stay focused.

How You Can Benefit from Our Support

If you’re navigating early recovery or struggling with sleep this holiday season, know that you don’t have to face these challenges alone. BHN’s Early Recovery Group and CBT-I Sleep Improvement Groups provide the support, strategies, and community you need to stay on track.

Early Recovery Group

The Early Recovery Group is designed for 18+ adults to foster a sense of community while erasing the stigma of addiction and restoring hope. This group is designed to empower members to believe that change is possible and to gain skills for a lifetime of sobriety.

In-Person Group : Meets e ach Tuesday at 4:00 pm

BHN, 417 Liberty St. Springfield, Entrance D, Room 229

CBT Sleep Improvement Groups

These groups assist individuals of all ages in improving their sleep habits and addressing the underlying issues that contribute to sleep disturbances. Participants will be empowered to experience increased energy, focus, and resilience.

Each participant will receive a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) Treatment Manual. They will practice and report on one or more sleep hygiene skills from the CBT-I curriculum, which includes thought logging, cognitive restructuring, behavioral skills, and sleep hygiene techniques.

Adult Virtual Group : Meets each Wednesday from 6:00 - 7:15 pm, Group meets on Zoom
Teen Virtual Group (Ages 13-17): Meets each Tuesday from 6:00 - 7:15 pm, Group meets on Zoom

To learn more about these groups and to register, please call 413-301-WELL (9355) .

>> Learn more about therapy and support group offerings at BHN .

2024 Annual Report: Stronger Together

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 18:00:33 GMT

At Ji8��Ƶ, we believe in the power of community—a community united by a shared commitment to collective wellbeing and the belief that we are stronger together. Health and wellbeing thrive when we work collaboratively, embrace our differences, and create an inclusive environment where all feel seen, valued, and supported.

We are excited to share our 2024 Annual Report, which highlights the stories of hope, healing, and progress that emerge when we come together. It reflects the strength of our ONE interconnected BHN community, made possible by the dedication of our team and the support of partners like you. Thank you for being part of our journey. Together, we are stronger together.

Ji8��Ƶ Expands Services in Greenfield

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 13:47:45 GMT

Ji8��Ƶ, Inc. (BHN) announces the expansion of its program offerings in Greenfield with the addition of Northern Star, a 16-bed co-occurring enhanced residential treatment program designed to support and stabilize individuals with both substance use and mental health challenges.

The program, located at 21 Kenwood Street, Greenfield, MA, offers a holistic care approach with counseling, group therapy, peer support, and tailored therapeutic modalities. The multidisciplinary team collaborates with participants to create individualized treatment plans that address a range of recovery goals, guiding individuals through a self-determined recovery journey.

Participants have access to diagnostic evaluations, medication services, and referrals for medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). Furthermore, the program includes aftercare planning to ensure participants have the resources and support needed to transition back into the community and maintain their recovery progress.

“Recovery is never a one-size-fits-all approach," said Rose Evans, Senior Vice President at BHN. “We are committed to providing each person with a tailored treatment plan that empowers them to achieve long-term stability and success in all areas of life."

BHN offers a full continuum of addiction recovery services across Western Massachusetts, including inpatient acute treatment, clinical stabilization services, residential recovery homes, transitional support services, outpatient treatment, recovery coaching, and driver alcohol education services through the Massachusetts Impaired Driver Program.

To learn more or make direct referrals to Northern Star, please contact SUDAccess@bhninc.org .

Stronger Together: Make a Lasting Impact This Giving Tuesday

Sun, 01 Dec 2024 14:44:00 GMT

At Ji8��Ƶ, we believe in the power of community—where shared commitment and collective wellbeing strengthen us all. Health and healing thrive through connection, empathy, and inclusion, not isolation.

That’s why we work to create a space where everyone feels seen, valued, and supported, regardless of who they are or where they come from. Through our comprehensive program offerings, broad reach, and dedicated team, we are united as one BHN community working together to help individuals, families, and communities make positive changes that enhance their quality of life.

On Giving Tuesday , we invite you to join us in fostering hope, healing, and progress. As part of our commitment to strengthening our community we offer two meaningful ways for you to make a difference: by supporting our Staff Excellence Fund or donating to Kamp for Kids . Whether empowering our dedicated staff to continue their life-changing work or providing transformative experiences for Ji8��Ƶ in need, your generosity creates lasting impact. We are stronger together.

Giving Opportunities

For 85 years - with your help - BHN has been transforming the lives of those we serve in the community. On this Global Day of Giving, your support will help us continue this mission.

Kamp for Kids: Kamp for Kids, located at Camp Togowauk in Westfield, provides a unique integrated summer camp experience for Ji8��Ƶ with and without disabilities. Campers enjoy a variety of activities, including art, nature exploration, and non-competitive sports, ensuring every child can participate and thrive. Your support is vital in making a meaningful impact on the lives of these Ji8��Ƶ and their families, helping us maintain a nurturing environment and offering financial assistance to those in need. Together, we can create lasting memories and opportunities for all.

BHN Staff Excellence Fund: BHN established the Staff Excellence Fund to support workforce development while promoting social justice. Through community partnerships, in-kind services, and generous donations, we provide scholarships and forgivable loans for staff pursuing further education and licensure assistance. Your support of the Staff Excellence Fund helps to ensure our team has the resources needed to support the 38,000 individuals we serve each year. Together, we can build a stronger, healthier community!

Thank you for your generosity!

CMHC: A Successful Model of Team-Based Care

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 13:34:13 GMT

BHN would like to recognize the outstanding efforts of our dedicated team of clinicians and access navigators involved in the Community Mental Health Centers (CMHC) grant program. In operation from January 2022 to September 2024, this program was designed as a precursor to the Community Behavioral Health Center (CBHC), and an opportunity to pilot team-based care delivery.

Historically, clients seeking therapy were assigned to a single clinician who managed all their needs, including access to community resources, services, and therapy sessions. However, with the CMHC pilot program, access navigators were paired with clinicians to better distribute tasks. Team members met weekly to discuss their shared workload and coordinate efforts. These discussions covered various topics, such as ensuring clients were aware of the grounding techniques available and knowing when to conduct case consultations both within and outside the agency. By working together, teams were able to address not only the therapy needs of the clients but also their social needs, such as housing and food insecurity, ultimately helping them achieve a more stable position within the community.

Jaime Pendragon, who oversees access navigation, shared, “What I enjoyed most was seeing how individuals improved and worked in tandem with our navigators and clinicians.” The program overcame many barriers. According to Angela Baez, the program director, “Sometimes clinicians and navigators can be set in their ways, making it difficult to get both sides to meet in the middle."

The CMHC was designed with the hypothesis that team-based care would improve clinical outcomes, client satisfaction, and job satisfaction among staff. We are pleased to report that this model has proven effective in these domains. Eighty percent of clients enrolled in CMHC reported achieving at least one of their goals, compared to the 32% rate of reported goals achieved in traditional sole-practitioner clinical models. Data showed significant improvement in many areas of social determinants assessment after six months in the program, including life skills, housing, community involvement, and employment. Moreover, staff reported positive experiences with the team-based approach. One staff member stated, “I like the time we spend with colleagues learning from each other and everyone bringing different areas of passion.”

“CMHC demonstrated that team-based care can work efficiently,” Jamie says. “We can have a model going forward past the grant. We can take what we learned and apply it to what we’re doing in CBHC on a larger scale.”

Social Skills Lessons for Children with Autism

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 19:59:27 GMT

Socializing and communicating with others can be challenging for Ji8��Ƶ with autism. Our social skills lessons are delivered in a friendly group format that includes role-play demonstrations and group activities. Parents and caregivers join each meeting in an adjacent session to learn how to support their child’s new skills.

Our social skills lessons are designed to help Ji8��Ƶ with autism learn to:

Develop appropriate communication skills
Find friends and initiate relationships
Get along with peers and siblings
Address bullying and other difficult social situations
Communicate effectively and safely across a variety of social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat etc.)
and much more!

Insurance Eligibility

Child must have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder and a physical within the last 12 months indicating the need for Applied Behavior Analysis Services. Ji8��Ƶ accepts most MassHealth insurance plans and certain commercial insurance plans. Contact us to learn more!

Enroll Today!

Ji8��Ƶ’s social skills groups have ongoing enrollment! Group placements are determined by age and the results of an initial assessment. For more information or to enroll please contact us or call 413-301-WELL (9355) .

BHN Continues Springfield's Project HOPE 2.0 to Support Homeless Individuals

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 21:33:39 GMT

Springfield Mayor Dominic Sarno and Superintendent Lawrence Akers have announced the launch of Project HOPE 2.0 through funding to the Springfield Police Department from the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health for Crisis Intervention Training (CIT). BHN is grateful to provide behavioral health support for this important initiative.

BHN Program Manager Hallie Beth Hollister and Senior Vice President Kathy Mague joined Mayor Sarno, Superintendent Akers, Lieutenant Brian Elliot, and Director of Housing Gerry McCafferty for the announcement. Project HOPE 2.0 is a coordinated effort involving the Springfield Police Department, Ji8��Ƶ, Trinity Health’s healthcare services for the homeless, CHD’s rapid rehousing program, and the City of Springfield’s homeless outreach teams.

Project Hope 2.0 aims to assist homeless individuals, especially those panhandling, in accessing essential services for health, safety, and stability. Teams of BHN clinical workers and police conduct evening outreach in areas like the riverfront, parks, along the railroad tracks, and behind buildings. Clinicians encourage individuals to seek help while police ensure safety. A full-time social worker in the police department provides follow-up support and referrals.

Congratulations to Mayor Sarno and Superintendent Akers, and thank you to Hallie Beth Hollister and her team for their leadership!

Learn More

Survivors of Suicide Loss Day Event, Nov. 23

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 19:36:29 GMT

Sat. Nov. 23, 2024 | 10 am-1 pm
All Inclusive Support Services (AISS)
736 State St. Springfield, MA 01109*

Each year, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) supports hundreds of large and small Survivor Day events around the world, in which suicide loss survivors come together to find connection, understanding and hope through their shared experience.

We invite you to join us in Springfield, MA for a meaningful day filled with breakout groups, lunch, engaging activities, and a powerful AFSP-produced documentary that highlights themes of growth, resilience, and connection. This event is free and is for Survivors of Suicide Loss only.

Springfield Event Schedule:

10:00am - 10:15am: Check-in
10:15am - 10:20am: Welcome & Opening Remarks
10:20am - 10:50am: AFSP Documentary Screening
11:00am - 12:15pm: Breakout Sessions
12:15pm - 12:55pm: Lunch
12:55pm - 1 :00pm: Poem Reading & Closing Remarks

Download the flyer.

*Parking and the entrance are located behind the building. For GPS directions, use 36 Buckingham Street, Springfield, MA

Empowering Health Literacy: BHN's Care Management Program

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 16:20:37 GMT

BHN Care Management Program team members

Only 12% of Americans have proficient health literacy skills, according to the National Assessment of Adult Literacy. Many adults may have difficulty completing routine health tasks like understanding a drug label or using a map to locate the closest health center. In recognition of Health Literacy Month, we highlight BHN's Care Management program and the important work they do in educating individuals and families, as well as connecting them to community resources. Through this education and referrals, they help people understand their health and healthcare needs, empowering them to make informed choices for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

BHN's Care Management program serves people of all ages with chronic health problems, disabilities, or behavioral health needs. The program provides a team of professionals who work closely with individuals and families to understand their health conditions, access necessary services, and coordinate care across multiple providers. This team may include nurses, social workers, and care coordinators. By collaborating with individuals and families, care management aims to improve healthcare coordination, leading to better quality care, improved health outcomes, and an enhanced quality of life.

Molly McKnight, Senior Program Manager of BHN’s Care Management program, is a nurse with a background in behavioral health. She explains, "Care Management looks at a person holistically. Behavioral health, medical, and social determinants of health needs are considered. People may struggle with tasks like getting their insulin or arranging transportation to their appointments. Care management aims to comprehensively address and treat these needs.” The program's focus of health literacy is member-centered, helping clients identify their needs.

“It is important to meet them where they are and work on what they want to focus on. It is about respecting the person’s choice. Our goal is to educate people, advocate for them, and remove barriers to treatment.”

BHN's One Care care management program serves over 3,320 individuals and employs 23 staff members at Baystate's Mason Square and High Street locations. Carolyn Okrsaka, a nurse manager with One Care, has worked at Baystate’s High Street location since 2018. She loves building long-term relationships with clients. “There are things you can’t get from a chart review or discharge summary,” she says. “We help people access what they’re entitled to.”

One Care utilizes the instED program, which leverages highly trained paramedics to deliver urgent medical care services to members in the comfort of their own homes to prevent Emergency Department visits. This program has been successful in decreasing the number of hospitalizations. In the past 90 days, out of 121 visits, 13 resulted in being transferred to the ED, resulting in an 89% ED diversion rate. "We find that getting to know individuals on a long-term basis is more beneficial than the quick process of being in a hospital," says Kristi Brookman, One Care nurse supervisor. "This provides us with a longer period to assess health literacy level and to help bridge the gaps from where they are to where they need to be."

When discussing ways to support health literacy, Molly emphasizes, “You can refer individuals to us! We can work collaboratively with other groups. Our focus isn’t limited to behavioral health, we also address medical and social needs.” To learn more about BHN’s Care Management Programs or to make a referral, visit bhninc.org or call 413-301-WELL (9355) .

ADHD Awareness Month

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 11:46:37 GMT

The goal of Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) Awareness Month is to provide reliable information and resources to help individuals manage their symptoms and to educate others about ADHD and how to offer support. ADHD is a neurological disorder that affects 1 in 10 Ji8��Ƶ and if not addressed, symptoms can persist into adulthood.

There are three types of ADHD: hyperactive (or impulsive), inattentive, and combined. An individual with hyperactive or impulsive ADHD may display excessive movements, fidgeting, and difficulty waiting for their turn to speak. They can also display impulsive behaviors which can include spending money that they do not have much of, on wants instead of needs. Inattentive ADHD means difficulty focusing on a task and staying organized. Combined, as the name suggests, involves all the aforementioned symptoms.

The exact cause of ADHD is unknown. However, research found ADHD causes are genetic, environmental, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Children with ADHD have low levels of a brain chemical (dopamine). Studies show that brain metabolism in Ji8��Ƶ with ADHD is lower in the parts of the brain that control attention, social judgment, and movement.

Austin Agbonifo, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at BHN’s Outpatient Psychiatry practice, has been in his role as a psychiatry nurse practitioner for three and a half years. As a specialist who works with people with ADHD, he highlights that, “Most people see ADHD as primarily a childhood issue. It is not the child’s fault. There are many factors to consider. It can be genetic, exposure to toxins during pregnancy such as lead that can also affect the child’s neurodevelopment.” He noted each child with ADHD may have different symptoms. They may have trouble paying attention. A child may also be impulsive and hyperactive. These symptoms most often happen together. But one may happen without the others.

A pediatrician, child psychiatrist, or a mental health expert can diagnose ADHD. To do so, they will talk with parents and teachers and observe the child. Diagnosis also depends on results from physical, nervous system, and mental health testing. Certain tests may be used to rule out other health or mood problems that may mimic some of the symptoms of ADHD. These tests can assess thinking skills and certain skill sets.

DNP Agbonifo explained that there was no single way to diagnose ADHD. Clinical evaluations are effective, but teachers or parents can also provide reports, as well as friends who are close to the person. Self-reports of ADHD symptoms are also considered in the diagnostic pathway. Treatment will depend on the child’s symptoms, age, and general health and can include psychostimulant medicines, non-stimulant medicines, and behavior management training for the patient and parents.

It is important to recognize that ADHD is a chronic condition, although medication can help control symptoms. If ADHD is not addressed early, it can lead to low self-esteem issues and difficulty with interpersonal relationships later in life. According to research, people with ADHD are at 3 times greater risk for suicide than others.

Understanding someone with ADHD requires education. It's important to educate the individual, family, and society about what the ADHD condition entails. ADHD is much more complex than just a lack of focus or hyperactivity. "For the average person, educating themselves about ADHD is the best way to provide help for a person with ADHD DNP," Agbonifo explains. "If you notice symptoms in a friend or family member, you can guide them to a specialist or therapist once you are well-informed about ADHD symptoms."

ADHD does present challenges, but individuals can have a successful life with treatment. Studies find showing empathy and a willingness to help people with ADHD removes stigmatization and embraces ADHD management modalities.

For more information and resources, visit adhdawarenessmonth.org .

Every day BHN supports individuals with ADHD through many of our programs. For referrals or information about BHN supports and services for youth and adults with ADHD call 413-301-WELL (9355) .

Sources:

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 17:40:07 GMT

First observed in October 1981 as a national “Day of Unity,” Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) is held each October as a way to unite advocates across the nation in their efforts to end domestic violence and uplift the needs, voices, and experiences of survivors.

You may already be familiar with some forms of domestic violence, such as physical or verbal abuse. However, abusers often use other tactics that are a more subtle yet equally harmful type of abusive behavior. Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner.

Domestic violence can be physical, sexual, emotional, economic, psychological, or technological actions, threats of action, or other patterns of coercive behavior that influence another person within an intimate partner relationship. This includes any behaviors that intimidate, manipulate, humiliate, isolate, frighten, terrorize, coerce, threaten, blame, hurt, injure, or wound someone.

An average of 24 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner in the United States — more than 12 million women and men over the course of a single year.

Deb Shepard, a BHN Domestic Violence Advocate explains that coercive control is a strategic form of ongoing oppression and terrorism used to instill fear. The abuser will use tactics, such as limiting access to money or monitoring all communication, as a controlling effort. Anyone can experience coercive control, but it’s often grounded in gender-based privilege. Between 60 and 80 percent of women seeking assistance for abuse have experienced coercive control.

Andrew Howard, Program Manager of BHN’s Domestic Violence program, emphasizes the two most crucial aspects of domestic violence awareness: understanding what it looks like and addressing the stigma of being a survivor. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing the red flags of abuse, as domestic violence can manifest differently in each relationship.

View the list of common domestic violence red flags and abuse and control strategies .

Getting out of an abusive relationship can be complex, even more so when Ji8��Ƶ are involved. With planning, there is a safe way to exit from the situation.

Maintain communication with your support systems whenever possible.
Call a domestic violence hotline regularly.
Practice how to get out safely, and practice often.
Have a safety plan.
File for a 209A Protection Order at your local District Court.

If you or someone you know is experiencing red flags in your relationship and or feel that you are in danger, call The Hotline at the bottom of this post to talk about what’s going on. View the websites below for more information and helpful resources.

If you are ever in immediate danger, Call 911 or your local emergency number if you’re able. If you can’t call or text 911, try to physically remove yourself by getting to a neighbor’s house or nearby business

Victim Resources

National Domestic Violence Hotline

800-799-7233

BHN Domestic Violence Program

BHN Valley Human Services

96 South St, Ware, MA

413-967-6241

Additional Resources:

MA SAFELINK Shelter Requests, 24-hour Hotline: 877-785-2020
Wayfinders Housing Support
RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline : 1-800-656-4673
Restraining Orders Explained
Civil Legal Help

Perpetrator Resources

Intimate Partner Abuse Education Program

40-week education classes: 413-967-6241

A Call for Change Helpline: A Call for Change Helpline is a free, anonymous, and confidential intimate partner abuse prevention helpline, serving Massachusetts adults and teens who are at risk of harming their intimate partner or who have questions about how to be a safe partner. Responders are trained to treat all callers with respect and to support their efforts to become and remain safe in their relationships. Family members, friends, and professionals who want to help someone stop harming their partner are also encouraged to contact the helpline. More information can be found at acallforchangehelpline.org or call 877-898-3411 , 10 am to 10 pm.

Upcoming Events

9th Annual Domestic Violence Walk

Sunday, October 20th, 1pm

Veterans Park, Ware MA

Source: National Domestic Violence Hotline

National Recovery Month: Stories of Hope

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 17:11:41 GMT

September is a powerful month of reflection and celebration as we observe National Recovery Month , a time dedicated to acknowledging the strides made in the field of addiction recovery and mental health. This annual observance, spearheaded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), serves as a platform to honor the resilience and courage of those who have embarked on their journey to recovery and highlights the critical role of support systems, healthcare providers, and community resources in fostering lasting change and wellness.

In the spirit of National Recovery Month, we share stories from staff and individuals served at BHN's recovery programs as a beacon of hope for others. Together, let's celebrate the progress made and encourage continued growth and support for all individuals on the path to recovery.

Andrew, Opportunity House Participant

I had early signs of leaning towards alcohol addiction. A feeling of being a stranger in a strange land was always prevalent. I always felt separate from the rest of the world. With alcohol, before it destroyed everything, I felt at home and at peace on my feet. I realized I needed help only after losing my marriage, career and home due to alcohol. The first step was to admit defeat, and become a member of AA, and find a sponsor. To me, recovery is a way to find peace and fellowship, the opposite of addiction. Others in my network keep me on track, and accountable.

Jose, Opportunity House Participant

My name is Jose, and I was born & raised in Springfield, MA. My addiction started very young; I would say about 10 years old when my uncle allowed me to smoke marijuana at a basketball court. I saw my uncle as a role model and wanted to grow up to be like him.

I smoked that first joint and thought that I was cool. I felt like I had become a man. Little did I know that was the beginning of the end. Who would have thought that I would almost die twice, at the ages of 46 and 48, from a Fentanyl overdose? Twice, my heart stopped, and I almost died from overdose and homelessness. If it wasn't for BHN's Carlson Recovery Center detox, Hope Center, and now the Opportunity House program, I probably would not be sitting here writing this story. BHN, thank you for saving and turning my life around.

Desiree Pelletier, Program Director, Opportunity House

Today, I am a woman who lives a life free from substances, but that wasn't always the case. Seven years ago, I was pregnant with twins and deeply entangled in IV drug use. I felt trapped, hopeless, and unable to envision a future for myself or my unborn Ji8��Ƶ. I didn't know recovery was possible until I was accepted into a BHN program that offered a lifeline I desperately needed.

This program was unique and allowed me to keep my newborn babies with me while I worked on my recovery. The early days were challenging. I had to confront the roots of my addiction, participate in counseling sessions, and attend groups with others who were on similar journeys. I learned coping mechanisms, the importance of self-care, and how to rebuild my life from the ground up.

As my body healed, so did my spirit. The support from the BHN staff and my peers was unwavering. They believed in me when I struggled to believe in myself. Slowly, I started to see a future where I could be the mother my twins deserved. We graduated from the program together, moving on to independent living with a newfound sense of hope and purpose.

My journey didn't end there. Inspired by the help I received, I applied to BHN to become a recovery specialist. I wanted to give back and help others who were in the same place I once was. To my joy, I was hired and began working closely with individuals battling addiction. My firsthand experience allowed me to connect deeply with those I was helping.

I continued to grow, taking on more responsibilities and eventually becoming a counselor. My passion for helping others and my dedication to the field did not go unnoticed. Today, I am the Program Director of one of BHN's Recovery Homes. Every day, I have the privilege of guiding others on their path to recovery, just as I was guided.

I cannot truly express my gratitude for BHN. This organization not only helped me learn, grow, and change my life, but it also allowed me to do the same for others. My twins are now healthy, happy, and thriving, and I am filled with pride and joy as I continue to support and inspire others on their recovery journeys.

Jonathan, Opportunity House Participant

Every time I think about the past and all the things I have been through, I look back and look in the mirror and say thank you God, for changing my life. I put my body through abuse using drugs, heroin, and cocaine since I was 14 years old. I have struggled and suffered so much from addiction. Overdoses, almost dying a couple of times, putting my kids and family through pain. I'm done. I, Jonathan am tired of being a nobody because of the drugs. I have now been five months, clean, and feel happy.

BHN offers a path to recovery. Call 413-301-WELL to get started or learn more about BHN’s continuum of addiction and recovery programs .

Empowering Spanish Bilingual Psychologists: The MPIP Experience at BHN

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 18:23:17 GMT

Did you know that BHN hosts a highly competitive and nationally sought-after doctoral training program for Spanish bilingual psychologists right here in Springfield? The Multicultural Psychology Internship Program (MPIP) was founded in 1998 as a partnership between the School Street Counseling Institute (prior to affiliating with BHN) and Albizu University in Puerto Rico.

Dr. Ileana Estrella, MPIP Training Director, and alum class of 2013, shares that “the intent of the partnership is to encourage bilingual/bicultural psychologists to come to Western Massachusetts to serve the needs of our local Hispanic communities.” Over the years, the program has evolved with the needs of the community and the changes in the field of mental health treatment. What has stayed the same is the exceptional training experience and the deep sense of community that defines the MPIP experience.

The MPIP program provides comprehensive training on the varied work life of a professional psychologist. Interns participate in weekly seminars on assessment, research, consultation, and multicultural issues in treatment; they practice individual and group therapy, conduct psychological assessments, provide behavioral health consultation to partners and programs, and design/conduct a focused research project related to BHN’s treatment work.

In 2019, MPIP successfully applied for and received full accreditation from the American Psychological Association. Each year, interns from across the continental US and PR apply through a national clearinghouse for doctoral internship placement. Dr. Estrella and the MPIP faculty screen and interview candidates to select the two or three who will spend the following year training here at BHN. The program is offered at the School Street Counseling Institute under BHN's Community Behavioral Health Center (BHN WellBeing) in Springfield, MA.

MPIP draws leadership from Program Director Dr. Laura Toro-Nazario and faculty members Dr. Daira Davila-Vargas, Clinical Manager, Dr. Jose Rosado-Medina, VP of CBHC, Dr. Gillian Waldorf, Alum 2017, Dr. Elizabeth Maldonado, Alum 2020, and Dr. Samuel Cedres. Long-time and beloved faculty member Dr. Loudes Mattei and generations of alums continue to stay connected with the MPIP community, guiding, and learning from the next generation of bilingual Spanish psychologists.

In late August, MPIP graduated the 2023-2024 class: Marisol Lopez-Gonzalez, Alexandra Steel and Nancy Muro-Rodriguez. Congratulations graduates!

Marisol came to MPIP from Puerto Rico to pursue a robust APA-accredited training opportunity aligned with her experience and community in PR. According to Marisol, “I knew that by moving I was going to expose myself to a diversity of experiences and people, and that was going to be part of what was going to challenge me as a clinician. MPIP was connected with opportunities I was looking for and with my values; I wanted to advocate for and service Spanish speakers.

In her training experience, Marisol was able to grow and define her identity as a clinician. “I faced systematic issues and was aware of those barriers. And I navigated the barriers and systemic realities. It has been an opportunity to define who I want to be and who I am as a clinician.” Marisol has a particular interest in identity, reflected in her doctoral dissertation research on the intersectionality of spirituality and sexuality in emerging adults in the LGBTQIA+ community.

During her training at MPIP Marisol also grew to truly appreciate the importance of interconnection and believe in interdisciplinary care. She learned how valuable it is to have other services supporting the well-being of the client and the importance of having different services to address different needs. After graduation, Marisol is looking forward to returning to PR to study for her licensing exam and plan for postdoctoral work.

When asked what advice she has for the BHN community, Marisol shared, “You are important! If you are really passionate and believe in helping others, there will always be a place to do that. Society may emphasize people with higher degrees... But ALL the people I have worked with, I have seen their passion and skill in working with people. Sometimes we miss that, and it is important for the well-being and healing journey of every person we help.”

Alex chose Spanish as a second language and psychology as a career to use her voice to bridge the gap between high-quality services and certain groups of people who cannot access those services because they don’t speak English. She shared, “I come from a family of pastors, so community service and community involvement are what I grew up with; my family prioritizes standing up for other people and being part of community.”

Alex is certainly living those values. Her dissertation, titled, Green Zones for Redlining: A Liberation Psychology Approach to Using Nature-Based Mental Health Services with Marginalized Urban Populations asserts that the practice of redlining has separated whole groups of people who would benefit from natural and environmental therapeutic sources. Her work shares how clinicians working in urban environments can combat this and leverage natural treatment tools and options.

Alex shares that training at BHN this past year pushed her to grow as a person and a clinician and to self-reflect and listen so that she can hold what her clients need, and not what she thinks they need. As a white woman coming from an English-speaking background using Spanish to work with Spanish-speaking individuals and individuals with other intersectionality such as autism has brought just the challenge she was seeking. Next Alex is heading to Boston for a bilingual postdoctoral training experience in pediatric neuropsychology.

Nancy attributes her passion for multicultural psychology to her experience working as a volunteer at a food pantry in Milwaukie during high Ji8��Ƶ. There, she saw firsthand the significant mental health and social determinant needs of the visitors. “People had difficulty getting food and paying bills, they had family stressors and mental health challenges.” Nancy saw how beneficial her Spanish language skills were and thought, “How can I use my bilingualism in Spanish to serve my community? That helped me start my journey into mental health.”

As a first-generation college graduate, Nancy shared that she had to navigate the educational system on her own. She received help and guidance from dedicated mentors along the way, including a Latina research PhD psychologist who encouraged Nancy to pursue her PhD. Nancy mentioned that working with undocumented Spanish-speaking individuals in Georgia during graduate Ji8��Ƶ affirmed what she wanted to do professionally.

Nancy emphasized the significance of having bilingual teaching and supervision in training environments, noting that such spaces are often lacking. Nancy chose MPIP bilingual training to enhance her multicultural competence and skills in working with diverse populations. Reflecting on her experience, Nancy noted the resilience of her clients in the face of adversity and expressed her commitment to supporting them throughout their journeys.

Nancy shares, “This work has taught me to meet people where they are at, follow their lead, and collaborate with them. I have learned the value of our profession to provide a safe space for individuals. The CBHC has shown me the value of having different programming for the different needs someone might experience.” Nancy shares that the diversity of clinical perspective in MPIP’s faculty and training has “prepared me well to feel confident working with different cases and reminded me that building trust is so important. If it's not there, we won’t see the progress.”

It is also important to remind ourselves that we are also resilient in this experience. Nancy’s doctoral research has focused on the needs of caregivers of people with a rare genetic disorder, cardiofaciocutaneous syndrome. Nancy’s work reinforces that medical conditions impact not only the individual but also the family system and other people involved in the care. “Caregivers need to be part of the conversation. They experience a lot of burnout and stress, and it is important to have policies in place to support them.”

The next phase of Nancy’s training will be postdoctoral clinical work and research at Yale University. When asked what advice she has for the BHN community, Nancy shared, “Sometimes we might think we aren’t making a difference. But that small piece does make a big impact on a person’s life. They do carry a lot of the teachings we provide; we plant little seeds, and they blossom into little plants. What we are doing as an organization – there is value to the work we do.”

View the results of this year’s MPIP research project.

Learn more about the Multicultural Psychology Internship Program .

October Job Fairs at BHN

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 18:18:53 GMT

Raffle & Snacks ~ On the Spot Interviews ~ Excellent Benefits & Professional Growth Opportunities

Enjoy a rewarding career with comprehensive benefits and professional growth opportunities at BHN!

Positions are available for all career levels - from high Ji8��Ƶ diploma to master's level.

BHN is hosting two job fairs for openings in our Residential Services and Child & Family programs. We invite you to attend to learn more about BHN and participate in on-the-spot interviews!

High School Diploma, Driver’s license and vehicle access during work hours required for all positions.

Residential Services Programs

October 8, 2024 | 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Ji8��Ƶ, 36 Bobala Rd. Holyoke, MA

Positions are available for all career levels in our Developmental Disabilities programs across Western Mass, including:

CNAs, PCAs, outreach, and clinical staff
Residential Supervisor - $4,000 Sign-On Bonus for this position!
Residential Direct Care Support Specialist
Community Support Specialist
Personal Care Assistant

Child & Family Programs

October 10, 2024 | 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Ware Family Resource Center, 82 Main St. Ware MA

Positions are available for all career levels in our Child and Family programs including:

ABA Technician
Behavior Analyst
Care Coordinator
Clinical Supervisor
Domestic Violence Services
Early Intervention

In-Home Therapy Clinician
Nurse Managers
Outreach Worker
School Based Clinician
Teachers & Aids
Therapeutic Workers & more!

Please help spread the word and share our printable flyer!

Have questions? Email bhn-recruitment@bhninc.org .

To view all openings, visit bhnworks.org .

Can't attend or want to apply prior to the job fairs?

BHN is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice and encourages diverse candidates to apply.

Shining Light on National Suicide Prevention Month: Understanding, Support, and Resources

Mon, 02 Sep 2024 11:00:02 GMT

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention recognizes September as National Suicide Prevention Month, starting with World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10. The purpose of National Suicide Prevention Month is to raise awareness of suicide as a leading cause of death and to educate the public on how they can contribute to saving lives in their communities.

Suicide is a sensitive subject for many people, and the causes of suicide are many. It often occurs when a person experiences an intense mix of stress and health issues, creating feelings of hopelessness and despair. Conditions like depression, anxiety, and substance abuse problems contribute to the risk of suicide when unaddressed, which is why the treatment and maintaining of mental health is crucial.

Prominent risk factors for suicide include:

Mental health conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia
Substance use problems
Personality traits of aggression, mood changes and poor relationships
Serious physical health conditions including pain
Traumatic brain injury
Access to lethal means including firearms and drugs
Prolonged stress, such as harassment, bullying, relationship problems or unemployment
Stressful life events, like rejection, divorce, financial crisis, other life transitions or loss
Exposure to another person’s suicide, or to graphic or sensationalized accounts of suicide
Previous suicide attempts
Family history of suicide
Childhood abuse, neglect or trauma

According to the Trevor Project , 41% of LGBTQ youth have contemplated suicide in the past year. The stigma, lack of acceptance, fear of retaliatory violence after coming out, and shame put gay, lesbian, and trans youth at high risk.

According to Frank Shea, Program Director of BHN's Agawam Counseling Center and liaison to the Pioneer Valley Coalition of Suicide Prevention, there are two types of suicides: impulsive, and planned. Planned suicide is the more well-known type, involving research into methods and making end-of-life arrangements.

One warning sign to look out for is whether a person appears to brighten up at the mention of the topic of suicide. "When that happens, they've already arrived at the solution to the problem in their mind and are waiting to complete it. Be wary of their actions." Impulsive suicides also represent a significant risk, but are usually less likely to be completed, "Impulsive suicide can happen due to overwhelming feelings, such as a bad day" says Shea. "Talking and listening to people is important. Take any comments seriously. Are they talking about their future or not?”

While a single risk factor doesn't guarantee that a person will attempt suicide, it's important to provide help and support. It's also crucial to be aware of warning signs that indicate a person may be suicidal, such as changes in their behavior or what they say. This may include:

Sharing that they are having
Thoughts of killing themselves
Feelings of hopelessness
Thoughts that that they have no reason to live
Thoughts that they are a burden to others
Feelings that they feel trapped
Expressing unbearable pain
Increased use of alcohol or drugs
Looking for a way to end their lives, such as searching online for methods
Withdrawing from activities/ loss of interest
Isolating from family and friends
Sleeping too much or too little
Visiting or calling people to say goodbye
Giving away prized possessions
Displaying aggression, agitation/anger, irritability
Experiencing fatigue
Experiencing depression & anxiety
Humiliation/Shame
Displaying relief from suffering, or sudden improvement

According to Elizabeth Therien and Hallie-Beth Hollister, program managers for BHN’s Mobile Crisis team, there is a misconception that only people with mental health issues commit suicide. If you are concerned for someone, whether they have a history of mental health challenges or not, don’t be afraid to bring up the topic. “Asking someone about suicide is a tip – it won’t plant the idea. Express concern. Ask if they have a plan. Suicidal ideation can simply be a baseline mood for some people, but things prevent them from acting on it, such as religious faith, or concern for their kids. Take comments seriously and ensure the individual has a support system which can sustain them."

Help is available, and there are many ways to take action. Asking in a caring way and listening to the person without judgment goes a long way to making them feel safe. It also helps to keep lethal means, such as drugs and sharp objects, less available to the person.

If you or a loved one are in crisis, 24/7 resources are available. Call or text 988 to connect to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline . Call 413-301-WELL (9355) to connect to BHN's Crisis team for support.

Learn more and find resources:

BHN's Observance of International Overdose Awareness Day

Fri, 30 Aug 2024 13:57:32 GMT

Ji8��Ƶ held an agency-wide Ceremony of Remembrance in observance of International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) on August 30th at both its Greenfield and Springfield campuses. The observance included remarks from BHN staff, individuals served and Senator John Velis, a poetry reading, and a period of silent reflection. Purple flags were displayed at each of BHN's recovery programs to demonstrate support and honor those who have passed away due to drug overdose.

International Overdose Awareness Day is observed annually on August 31. It aims to increase understanding of overdose, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths, and bring about change to minimize the harm associated with drug use.

Steve Winn, President and CEO of BHN, stated, "By coming together to honor and remember those who have been lost or injured due to overdose, we join in solidarity to raise awareness, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths, and offer hope to those in recovery." He expressed his gratitude to the BHN staff, stating, "We could not do what we do without you - you are BHN, you bring the passion and commitment every day."

Every 11 minutes someone in America dies from an opioid overdose.

According to the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics , the number of drug overdose deaths in the United States decreased by 3% in 2023, with an estimated 107,543 deaths compared to 111,029 in 2022. This is the first decrease since 2018. Two-thirds of these deaths involved synthetic opioids, mainly fentanyl.

In 2023, opioid-related overdose deaths in Massachusetts decreased by 10% from the previous year, marking the largest single-year decline since 2009-2010– according to data released by the MA Department of Public Health . There were 2,125 confirmed and estimated opioid-related overdose deaths in 2023, which is 232 fewer than the record 2,357 fatal opioid-related overdoses in 2022.

In the four Western Massachusetts counties, there were 336 opioid-related deaths in 2023, with 231 in Hampden County, 48 in Berkshire County, 28 in Franklin County, and 29 in Hampshire County.

Recovery is real and possible. 7 in 10 of adults who have had a mental health or substance use condition are in recovery.

According to Dr. Ruth Potee, Medical Director for Substance Use Disorders at BHN, "The most important step to reduce overdoses is to make treatment with methadone and buprenorphine highly available in all communities. The work that BHN has done to reduce barriers, such as introducing our mobile methadone program and improving the transition from jail to ongoing treatment, has helped shift the overdose rates in our region.

BHN provided addiction recovery services to 5,920 individuals 2023. Currently 2,300 individuals are participating in recovery programs, including 341 in residential treatment and 1,959 through BHN's Opioid Treatment Programs located in Holyoke, Greenfield, Orange, and Springfield, as well as the Mobile Methadone Program  in Ware. 

BHN's addiction and recovery programs include mental health and trauma-informed services to create a safe, positive, and empowering environment for individuals seeking recovery and healing. The organization provides a range of inpatient treatment options for those requiring medical and psychological stabilization during the early stages of recovery from addiction to opioids, non-opioid substances, or alcohol.

As individuals progress into long-term recovery, BHN offers support through outpatient programs that encompass therapy, medication management, and recovery coaching services. Residential recovery homes help those transitioning back into the community.

BHN offers a path to recovery. Call 413-301-WELL to get started or learn more about BHN’s continuum of addiction and recovery programs.

Celebrating Success: BHN's Integrated Behavioral Health Program

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 15:04:48 GMT

Staff members from BHN's Integrated Behavioral Health program came together to celebrate the program's success after completing contracts with several health centers.

BHN's Integration Department began with a SAMHSA grant in 2012, offering flexible behavioral health support in the primary care setting at Baystate Mason Square clinic in Springfield and Holyoke Health Center. The support provided was person-centered and evidence-informed, focusing on collaborative goal setting to improve the health outcomes of the individuals served.

Over the next twelve years, the program expanded and partnered with Baystate Brightwood, Wesson, and High St. clinics, Chicopee Health Center, as well as several private practices including Valley Medical Associates, Redwood Pediatrics, Pioneer Valley Pediatrics, Holyoke Pediatrics, Family Medicine Associates, and Pediatric Associates of Hampden County.

In 2023, BHN completed its contracts with Holyoke and Chicopee Health Centers and concluded its contract with Baystate Community Health Centers in 2024. Contracts with all private practice locations were also finalized. BHN remains an active partner at Baystate Wesson Women's Clinic.

The program has had a positive impact on both staff and individuals served, creating a lasting legacy. BHN's Integration program provided over 85,000 services from 2012 to 2024, benefiting over 19,500 individuals in greater Springfield, Westfield, and Holyoke. The program employed over 100 staff and 40 interns from eleven colleges and universities, and many of them are still working at BHN today. Thank you to our BHN staff, partners, and individuals who served to contribute to the success of BHN's Integrated Behavioral Health program!

National Night Out

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 12:08:49 GMT

National Night Out is an annual campaign that promotes fostering trust and relationships between police officers and their communities. It is a chance for community members to learn about services that law enforcement provides in their area.

National Night Out was introduced in August of 1984 through an already established network of law enforcement agencies, neighborhood watch groups, civic groups, state and regional crime prevention associations and volunteers across the nation. The first annual National Night Out involved 2.5 million neighbors across 400 communities in 23 states.

Today, National Night Out is observed by over 16,000 communities, featuring block parties, cookouts, parades, and safety demonstrations. The city of Springfield has been an active participant for nearly 15 years, with Chicopee also engaged in the initiative. Through National Night Out events and demonstrations, law enforcement officers aim to reaffirm their commitment to protecting and engaging with the communities they serve. This occasion presents an opportunity for law enforcement, residents, and community stakeholders to foster camaraderie, ultimately contributing to the enhancement of neighborhood safety.

Due to heightened attention to police brutality in the media, there has been a significant erosion of trust in law enforcement agencies, especially within communities of color. This lack of trust peaked during the 2020 riots following the murder of George Floyd. As a result, police departments are using events such as National Night Out to rebuild connections and public trust and showcase their commitment to learning how to effectively de-escalate situations.

“There’s been negativity in the press on both sides of the community,” says William Witherspoon, Law Enforcement Coordinator at BHN and former Springfield police officer. “National Night Out helps clear the air and to help the police and their communities see that they are both on the same side. It helps kids to be less afraid to see and talk to officers. It gets rid of a lot of prejudice and misunderstanding.”

For more information and to view a list of all Massachusetts communities that are participating, visit National Night Out’s official website at natw.org . Local communities participating include Barre , Belchertown , Chicopee , East Longmeadow , Palmer , Springfield and Ware .

Activity-Based Children and Youth Groups

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 14:03:32 GMT

We are excited to offer activity-based groups for Ji8��Ƶ and youth at BHN WellBeing Community Behavioral Health Center clinics in Springfield and Westfield.

Groups Include:

Youth Movement: This group is for Ji8��Ƶ aged 9-13 who will explore the connection between mind and body, and how movement can improve their physical and emotional well-being.
ADHD and Me: This group aims to educate parents and Ji8��Ƶ about ADHD, teaching strategies to enhance focus and attention through sensory learning, tools, role-playing, and hands-on activities for Ji8��Ƶ aged 8-12.
Self-Regulation for Kids (Spanish-speaking group): This group focuses on helping Ji8��Ƶ aged 8-12 identify emotions and improve their communication about them. Participants will learn coping skills to regulate emotions and manage bi g feelings.
Poi Joy! Movement therapy group for ages 12+ to create a sense of balance and calm through the ancient Māori movement art of poi, to manage anxiety, ADHD, depression and stress.

To learn more about these groups and to register, please call 413-301-WELL (9355) .

>> Learn more about therapy and support group offerings at BHN.

Program Spotlight: Recreation

Fri, 05 Jul 2024 19:05:19 GMT

Paul Kuc, Recreation Program Director

Of course you like to have fun! Maybe you enjoy being silly, joking, and cracking up laughing. Maybe you like adventure, thrills, excitement, and physical challenges. Traveling might be exciting, and listening and moving to music might be nice. Soccer could be good, or maybe swimming, or hiking. Getting tired and feeling yourself being stronger the next time isn’t bad. Movies, plays, concerts, and museums aren’t bad either. And sharing these activities with others often adds so much.

But for many of us, the joy in life is hard to find and sustain. Opportunities don’t come our way and when they do, things get in the way. Ways that we feel interfere and it just doesn’t work out. We’re anxious, defensive, tired, unprepared, and distracted.

BHN’s Recreation Program was founded by the counseling center at Valley Human Services in 1978 and I have been its director since then. It is funded by the Department of Mental Health (DMH) to support young people ages 8-19 to find joy, excitement, and happiness by participating in a wide range of social, recreation, and leisure-time activities with peers in the community. The program provides special support to make these activities accessible and enjoyable to youth who cope with the challenges of serious mental health and emotional issues, as well as the typical challenges posed by growing up in our world.

The Recreation Program offers a weekly schedule of events that include arts, crafts and hobbies, sports, cultural events, swimming, an equestrian program, movie-going, adventure outings, and club nights. We also have public service programs and prevocational activities. But we’re perhaps best known for our exciting outdoor adventure activities that include rowing, canoeing, X-country skiing, hiking, and bicycling. Many of these activities include travel and camping and are available for family participation.

You might bump into us at the ‘Stone Soul Picnic,’ the ‘Our Lady of Fatima’ celebration, the ‘Indigenous Peoples Day.’ Or out rowing in Boston Harbor or Jamaica Bay or walking in Central Park or at the Vietnam War Memorial, or biking to Canada. Or maybe just floating down the Ware River or riding on the bike trail in Northampton.

The program is small, and our catchment area is Ware, Palmer, Monson, Ludlow, and Belchertown. We’ve never turned anyone away, but referrals must come through the area office of the DMH in Northampton. There is no cost, and we provide transportation. Keep us in mind. Smile and wave and make sure you’re getting out and having fun, meeting people, and sharing the good times.

After participating in the program, some program participants transition quickly to whatever’s next for them, such as sports, scouting or just being busy with Ji8��Ƶ, friends, and family. Others get part-time jobs, driver's licenses and go on to college. Some younger participants continue to use the program to support their growth and happiness for years. Some come and go and come back.

Eventually, we all grow up and former group members have achieved success in a wide variety of professions such as medical services, industry, food service, trucking, auto repair, landscaping, and the military. They have Ji8��Ƶ and inspire in them an appreciation of activity, learning, social engagement, culture, fitness, and nature. And then, I hear a loud, “Hey, Paul!” when I’m on some wilderness trail with the gang and this giant adult tells me that they were in the group twenty years ago and they remember all the good times they had. Sometimes their kids or even their grandkids are running around with them in the woods as well.

I close by sharing a simple thing our group has been doing that you might also enjoy. I’ll suggest sketching and pastels in nature which is what we’ve been doing as an arts and crafts activity lately. No erasers. No crinkling up anything. It’s all good, just keep at it. Look large at the view, and look closely at the detail, the flower, the leaf, the pebbles. Try drawing fast and slow. Start with pencil, but pastels add color, and, of course, you get to do smudging! Your backyard is fine, but the park, the field, the woods, and the lake shore are good too. Even if you have to take a walk to get there. Till next time, maybe I’ll see you out there!

Learn more about BHN's Developmental & Intellectual Disability Services.

BHN Launches Mobile Methadone Program in Ware, MA

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 20:02:48 GMT

Ji8��Ƶ, Inc. (BHN) has launched a Mobile Methadone Program to help those struggling with opioid use disorder. The program is the first of its kind in Western Massachusetts, providing access to methadone from a 35-foot mobile treatment unit.

The mobile treatment unit will be parked at 75 Main Street, Ware, MA, 01082 with dosing hours Monday to Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. The entrance to the parking lot is on Bank Street behind the building. Intakes for new clients will begin on July 9, 2024, on Tuesdays and Thursdays during regular operating hours.

Funded in part by the Massachusetts Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS) and the HEALing (Helping to End Addiction Long-Term) Communities Study, BHN’s Mobile Methadone Program provides methadone to individuals 18 and older, in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, offering a holistic approach to treatment.

Methadone is a medication that has been used for 60 years to treat opioid use disorder. When taken as prescribed, methadone is safe and effective and helps individuals achieve and sustain recovery and reclaim active and meaningful lives.

BHN’s President and CEO Steve Winn said, “BHN is extremely pleased and committed to expanding and improving access to opioid treatment. The Mobile Methadone Program allows us to bring comprehensive, evidence-based treatment to rural communities and those without treatment resources. We can provide more access to medication-assisted treatment to more people who need help.”

Dr. Ruth Potee, Medical Director for Substance Use Disorders at BHN, said, “This will be the first Mobile Methadone Program in this area, helping to reduce barriers to treatment access in Ware and surrounding towns. Methadone is one of the most effective treatments for opioid use disorder, especially in the fentanyl era. We are pleased the patients and families in the Quaboag Hills region will have ready access to this life-saving medication.”

For more information about the new Mobile Methadone Program, call 413-272-1333 . Most insurance plans are accepted.

BHN has four other Opioid Treatment Program clinics located in Springfield, Holyoke, Greenfield, and Orange and offers a full continuum of care and services for those in addiction recovery. Programs include inpatient acute treatment services, clinical stabilization services, residential recovery homes, transitional support services, outpatient treatment, recovery coaching, and driver alcohol education services through the Massachusetts Impaired Driver Program.

Learn more about BHN's full continuum of addiction and recovery programs.

Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 18:57:34 GMT

This July, BHN recognizes Minority Mental Health Awareness Month - although we support using the terms BIPOC, or diverse communities, as opposed to the term minority. This month is for bringing awareness to the unique challenges that people of color face in addressing and treating mental illnesses.

A recent study showed that among adults with any mental illness, only 39 percent of Black adults and 36 percent of Hispanic adults were likely to receive mental health treatment, compared to 52 percent of White adults. Dirk Vernon, program director for BHN’s therapeutic mentoring program, and Luis Diaz-Rivera, a clinician at the Opioid Treatment Program, share their thoughts.

Dirk and Luis indicate that culture and the environment play a huge role in seeking treatment. “As BIPOC, we tend to handle things in-house,” says Dirk “Outside help is generally not sought out. In other cultures, there is more openness and a trusting nature. We have less trust.” This lack of trust in the institutional systems of care stems from a long history of atrocities these traditionally white institutions enacted with communities of color historically and inequities that continue today. (The Tuskegee Study; History of gynecology)

While much has changed in recent years, much is still to be done to create systems of care that provide culturally relevant, humble, and appropriate mental health care; care which BIPOC communities can grow to trust. While today’s younger generations have more access to information about mental health challenges, many are nevertheless still averse to acknowledging when they are struggling. “Those who are older tend to say things like “I went through this hardship, and I turned out fine!” says Dirk. This sends the message to younger people that seeking help isn’t necessary. “But you need different solutions.”

“There needs to be more of a conversation than simply “call this number for help." We need to say why they need to call it, and what to tell the person on the other line. They need to know that our staff is well trained in all of the systemic and societal barriers our communities have experienced; and our staff needs to go out of their way to create a safe, respectful and culturally humble treatment environment." Learn how BHN is working to change our own system of care to be more socially just.

For many BIPOC clients seeking care from institutions, “there is a language barrier as well, says Luis, “but it’s not enough [to acknowledge the language differences]. You also have to understand the cultural backgrounds of the client.”

In everyday interactions at work and in society, people with privilege and power can also affect the mental health and well-being of people of color through their actions, whether intentional or not. “Microaggressions happen but once you speak up about them, there can be resistance. Nobody likes being called out what they’re doing wrong,” Luis says. “Some people have to worry about how they’re perceived when they leave the house, and being told they have to be mindful about their delivery.” Learn more about this topic and the impact on the mental health of BIPOC here: Code-Switching: How Marginalized Employees Navigate Oppression at Work .

“People of color need a visual representation of their dreams,” says Dirk. “I would love to see more people of color in leadership positions and less questioning of credentials. Sometimes they get scrutinized and have to work harder to move positions in their agency."

Despite all that still needs to be done to address bias and inequities, Dirk says there has been a positive shift in how the behavioral health system is meeting the needs of the BIPOC communities. “The mental health landscape is gathering people who look like us and are from the same communities.”

There have also been campaigns to push for youth in the community to learn about mental health. More information can be found at Youth Mental Health: Public Health Institute of Western MA . Within these campaigns, there have been discussions on physical health and nutrition, which are integral to mental well-being. “The BHN Social Justice committee has also done a great job addressing the importance of minority mental health,” says Luis.

BHN’s Social justice and Human Resources departments are actively reviewing hiring and retention data at BHN to ensure that we hire and promote BIPOC leaders within our organization. Additionally, we offer implicit bias training and micro-aggression trainings, which can be found at the Social Justice Learning Institute .

Some tips for raising awareness about BIPOC mental health are to consistently share information and use non-stigmatizing language whenever possible. Learn about implicit biases. Communities can also offer culturally responsive, affordable mental health services.

“We’re here, we belong, and we’re not going anywhere,” says Luis. “Check in with your coworkers of color. If you’re an ally and see someone who’s struggling systemically, say something."

BHN staff can sign up here to participate in social justice dialogues or contact socialjustice@bhninc.org for more information on our work.

Resources: 988 hotline

Source: Annual Update of Key Health Data Collection by Race and Ethnicity, Now Including Mental Health Measures | KFF

Celebrating Disability Pride Month

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 18:11:46 GMT

This month, BHN celebrates the history, achievements, experiences, and struggles of the disability community. July marks the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which was passed to provide the disability community with more employment opportunities and accommodations.

"It's about recognizing that people with disabilities are whole humans and belong in these spaces," says Lauren Favorite, BHN's Social Justice Director. "The aim is to exist more equitably."

The employment rate for disabled workers is 22.5 percent compared to 65.8 percent for non-disabled workers. In addition, disabled workers are twice as likely to work part time instead of full time. Although the rates of individuals with disabilities in the workforce have seen record increases in recent years, it is still important to note on-going discrepancies and work towards greater equity. Controllable factors which impact these disparities include, among other things, access to accommodations and the presence of a welcoming workplace culture.

In recent years, BHN has seen an increase in staff receiving accommodations which allow more equitable participation in our workforce. Department managers are becoming more aware of technology and equipment options for people with hearing and sight issues which allow them equitable opportunities. For example, staff in Human Resources assist in designing accessibility solutions in areas such as Kronos Workforce Dimensions and CareLogic EHR to make sure the sites are accessible. Those with visual impairments may be given text-to-speech software, while those with hearing impairments are given assisted listening devices.

Co-chaired by Lauren Favorite and Dan Vieu, Director of Safety, BHN’s Accessibility Committee convenes monthly and is charged with monitoring accessibility needs for staff and persons served. They work with leadership and Human Resources to implement identified solutions. This committee is open to BHN employees and is one of many opportunities for staff to participate in critical efforts towards living our mission. “In the Accessibility Committee, we come together to highlight things that go well,” Favorite says. “For instance, we discuss if we’re ADA compliant and how we can get to that goal.”

Another significant barrier to equitable inclusion of individuals with disabilities in the workforce is an inhospitable workplace culture due to explicit and implicit bias. These biases are held against those with visible and those with invisible disabilities. Explicit biases are attitudes and beliefs that we hold against a group and are conscious of. Implicit biases are those which impact our actions and behaviors but are not known to us. Because these biases drive our actions and behaviors in a harmful way, it is critical for us to become aware of and reeducate ourselves about the implicit biases we hold.

A common phrase shared in the community is that “we are only disabled by the lack of accommodations.” It is important to recognize stigmas towards the disabled community and to know that they are not lesser than anyone else.

For more information, visit Why and How to Celebrate Disability Pride Month - The Arc

Department Spotlight: Medical Records Team

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 19:05:11 GMT

This month, we highlight BHN's medical records department and its dedicated team that manages 400-500 medical record requests each month, with an impressive turnaround time of 4-5 days. Before the medical records department was established in 2021, client records were managed separately by each program at BHN. The establishment of the department standardized, centralized, and streamlined the request process, resulting in improved customer service and client care for both staff and clients. The team is committed to continuously improving and enhancing the efficiency of medical records processing and deliverables.

When the medical records team was initially established, it had just two staff members and oversaw records for seven outpatient programs. Since 2021, the team has significantly expanded its scope, now overseeing medical records for 54 BHN programs and employing seven staff members. The Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) programs are the last remaining programs the department needs to manage records for.

In addition to processing incoming and outgoing medical records requests for clients, the department performs a variety of tasks that include collaborating with the Med Team and external organizations for psychiatric providers needing medical records, handling urgent requests, compiling necessary medical records for client referrals, managing insurance audits and court orders, processing chart reviews, assisting clients with authorizations, providing Spanish translation services, reviewing records before release, and redacting sensitive information when necessary. The department also works closely with all programs to guide the medical records process.

Clients are required to fill out an authorization request to access medical records. If a client completes an authorization with another organization to have BHN send their medical records, staff ensure the authorization is valid. To ensure the protection of records, staff remain updated on compliance, HIPAA, and CFR Part 2 trainings. Client identification is verified before releasing any information, and a log of disclosures is maintained.

The medical records team is easily accessible at their window located at 417 Liberty St. Entrance B, across from Crisis where clients can make record requests or pick up records. Clients can also contact the department by emailing BHN-cenralizedmedicalrecordsteam@bhninc.org or calling 413-304-2848 . The fax number is 413-707-0452.

Remembering Susan O'Connor

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 18:37:21 GMT

I first met Sue as an intern/clinician at Phoenix House, she was my direct supervisor. After Phoenix house I followed her to Carlson Recovery Center and took on the role of clinical supervisor. We worked together for a little over 5 years, though I have known her for 10 years.

When I met Sue, I didn’t know much about substance use but with her guidance and support that quickly changed. Sue was much more than a program director or a supervisor. Sue was a mentor and a friend. Sue was both eager to teach and eager to learn from those she mentored. She was such an inspiration and lead by example. Sue showed up every day, rain, sleet, or snow, despite the challenges she faced. I always admired her determination, strength, dedication, and perseverance to keep going, giving and caring.

Sue treated every person that crossed her path with dignity and taught others to do the same. We shared so many laughs (I’ll miss her quick wit and humor), and sometimes even tears, all memories that I will cherish forever. Sue believed in me even when I doubted myself. She always let me know how proud she was, and encouraged me to keep learning, improving, and growing. The truth is, I think I was prouder of her.

Sue received a lifetime achievement award last year with WMSAPA, I am so grateful that I was invited to attend. They outlined her professional path and I beamed with pride as I thought of how lucky I was to have been taken under her wing. I only hope that I can live up to the leader that she was and pass on all the knowledge that I gained from her to others. I am honored that I got to be a piece of her professional legacy.

Submitted by Ryan Vega, MS, MSW, LICSW, Program Director, Holyoke Opioid Treatment Program

Oh Sue! Where do I begin... Getting a new Program Director can feel somewhat uncanny and intimidating, but not when it came to Sue O'Connor. From the moment I met Sue at Carlson Recovery Center, I was greeted with the most gracious and infectious smile. And that is when Sue introduced herself as the new Program Director of CRC. With her radiant smile and soft voice, I then began to feel at ease. It felt as though a heavy weight had been lifted off my shoulders.

During my time working with Sue, I did not feel as though she were my superior. Sue and I developed a lovely friendship. She became a trusted friend, mentor, and confidant. She encouraged and believed in me in many ways. Her opinion always mattered to me.

Words cannot describe what she meant to me. I had the opportunity of working with Sue for five years up until the day she retired, which was hard on us both, but we surely kept in touch. She was a wonderful human in every way, shape, and form. Her love, care, and compassion to and for others was always radiant. I am grateful to have known such an astonishing woman who has left her mark in this world. Susan O'Connor will truly be missed.

Submitted by Tirra Borbua, Carlson Recovery Center

View Susan's Obituary

Thank you to Sue's family for inviting donations to be made to BHN's Carlson Recovery Center and thank you to all who have made donations in Sue's memory. We are grateful for your support to carry on Sue's legacy.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Thu, 30 May 2024 13:53:13 GMT

June is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month, dedicated to raising awareness, understanding signs and symptoms, and supporting those with PTSD.

PTSD is defined as a serious anxiety disorder caused by experiencing traumatic events. The extent to which an objectively traumatic event is experienced by an individual as traumatizing, depends in part on individual factors of the person and situation. Potentially traumatic events can include but are not limited to:

Accidents resulting in injury
Physical or sexual assault/abuse
Death of loved ones
Being fired from a job
Harassment
Incarceration
Poverty
Medical interventions
Natural disasters
Parental neglect
Warfare/combat
Witnessing violence

Currently, post traumatic reactions are categorized into five different diagnostic types:

Normal Stress Response and Acute Stress Disorder , occur after experiencing a stressful everyday situation and exposure to a life-threatening event, respectively. While they do not fit all the criteria for a diagnosis, if left unchecked they can develop into PTSD.
Uncomplicated PTSD is linked to one single traumatic event and its symptoms include flashbacks to the event, nightmares, irritability, and difficulty maintaining relationships. It is the easiest to treat.
Complex PTSD is linked to multiple traumatic events such as domestic violence, repeated exposure to wartime, and childhood neglect or abuse. Individuals with this type of PTSD experience extreme emotional reactions and may develop depression or borderline personality disorder.
Comorbid PTSD is a PTSD coupled with substance abuse issues.

Some of the most common reactions to traumatic exposure are difficulty dealing with vivid memories, flashbacks, and nightmares, as well as an intense fear of situations similar to the traumatic situation. For instance, if a person witnessed a shooting at a mall or experienced harassment at a library, they may avoid going to malls and libraries altogether. A sight, sound, or even smell can be enough to trigger a panic attack. Counterintuitively, long term avoidance of an otherwise benign trigger (i.e. the library) actually makes the anxiety worse over time. Treatments for anxiety and panic encourage supported re-exposure to otherwise benign triggers until the negative response does not occur.

Matthew Robinson, BHN’s Trauma Response Team Coordinator offers some helpful tips for navigating a panic attack in the moment. “Breathing into a paper bag can help because breathing in the carbon dioxide can calm you.” Research also indicates that cold water or air can reset your fight or flight response when triggered; “Get to a cool place or splash cold water on your face. If it’s winter, go outside.”

Post-traumatic disorders can have significant impact on relationships. If your loved one is experiencing PTSD episodes, it is important to have patience and get help. As the individual becomes triggered, they may lash out at their partner, in extreme cases becoming verbally or physically aggressive. Their behavior can be harmful to the partner and seem out of context for the situation, which is also confusing.

Extreme cases such as physical outbursts and violence may require leaving the situation/ relationship immediately. For non-violent situations, active listening can go a long way. Matthew Robinson recommends: “Make sure that the person suffering knows you’re there and ask what they need from you. Be careful not to ask questions about what happened to them.” Use “I” statements to express your feelings and take breaks apart from each other to cool down as needed. Above all, you must prioritize your own safety and well-being before helping others.

Sometimes it can be tricky to know when someone has PTSD. Matthew Robinson explained, “People might not initially remember the traumatic event until something induces a panic attack or a dream. It can go hidden for a long time. If their abuser is a pillar or well-known figure of the community, that can also suppress the trauma.”

For treatment, starting with outpatient therapy and attending support groups is recommended. Depending on the situation, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) may be effective treatments.

Every day BHN supports individuals with PTSD through many of our programs. If you or a loved one is struggling with trauma-related reactions or symptoms, contact BHN Wellbeing 413-301-WELL (9355) for an appointment.

If it is a crisis situation or for help when experiencing domestic violence call:

24-Hour Crisis Hotline: Dial 988
National Domestic Abuse Hotline: 800-799-7233

Sources:

Donor Spotlight: Roger Anderson

Mon, 20 May 2024 13:04:35 GMT

Roger points out that Kamp has a significant impact not only on the Ji8��Ƶ but also on their parents. “Finding appropriate summer care is hard enough for parents of typically developing kids and next to impossible for parents of Ji8��Ƶ with disabilities. And because Kamp provides transportation, it is that much easier for parents to work through the summer.”

Roger also sees a ripple effect in the broader human services workforce as well. “Through exposure to Kamp and BHN, summer staff and college interns come to learn that there are different jobs in the human services field and that they can work in human services no matter what their field of interest is.” He notes that many senior managers in local human services and state social service agencies worked at Kamp in college. “They were in Ji8��Ƶ for business (for example); then they went to Kamp, and now they are leading a local social service organization."

Roger also reminds us that Kamp for Kids holds significant historical value. Judy Hoyt founded the program because she wanted her child with disabilities to go to camp with his siblings. Judy didn’t stop there; she was also a driving force in passing the MA 766 special education law. This law required public Ji8��Ƶs to provide free and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment for all eligible Ji8��Ƶ with disabilities. Subsequent federal special education reform was modeled on MA 766. As Roger shared, "Judy was behind all of that," and Kamp is where it all began.

And although the value and importance of Kamp is clear, funding it is not as simple. The program revenue is a patchwork of state subsidies (for those campers who qualify), small foundation grants, participant registration fees, and individual donor contributions. Given the commitment to offer scholarships to families in need who can’t afford the program, Roger emphasizes that every dollar is crucial.

In short, Roger knows from the inside that Kamp has “a whole lot of impact" and says, “I give money because Kamp is an uplifting experience for the Ji8��Ƶ and anyone connected to it, and it is good to know that you are a part of something so important.”

Thank you, Roger, for your continued support and financial stewardship of Kamp for Kids. and for sharing your story with us!

You Can Help Us Change Lives! Your donation of any amount will help BHN provide much needed services. Give Now

Those We Serve: Maya's Story

Tue, 14 May 2024 13:10:35 GMT

According to a recent survey, 45% of young people in Western Mass have reported experiencing depressive symptoms - feeling so sad or hopeless almost every day for two weeks in a row that they stopped doing usual activities.*

Maya's story illustrates the transformative impact that support from Ji8��Ƶ can provide. Maya was so down on herself that her mother feared the worst. But through BHN's comprehensive support, Maya and her family accessed vital services and guidance, steering their lives towards a brighter, more hopeful path.

♥ Help Improve Youth Mental Health!

Your donation of any amount will help BHN provide much needed services. Give Now

*MDPH Community COVID-19 Impact Survey (CCIS)

BHN Celebrates Nurses Week 2024

Mon, 06 May 2024 13:25:57 GMT

National Nurses Week is celebrated from May 6 to May 12, 2024, and each year throughout May. This year, the American Nurses Association has selected the theme "Nurses Make the Difference" to encourage nurses, other healthcare professionals, employers, community leaders, and the public to recognize and promote the vast contributions and positive impact of nurses.

Thank you to the incredible nurses at BHN for providing clinical excellence and for helping those we serve live their healthiest and happiest lives! Your hard work and dedication do not go unnoticed, and we appreciate you for caring for our community every day!

To gain insights into the nursing profession, we asked our nurses to share what they find most enjoyable and rewarding in this challenging yet fulfilling career. Here are their perspectives.

Those Who Serve: Tiffany Rufino

Wed, 01 May 2024 15:29:22 GMT

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness and breaking the stigma about mental health. We recently spoke with Tiffany Rufino, the Youth Mental Health Coalition Manager at the Public Health Institute of Western Mass, and a member of BHN’s Board of Directors to gain insights on mental health topics.

“Throughout my life, I’ve always worked in community and youth development,” Tiffany says. “I didn’t have a huge background in public health, but I did have experience working and developing youth programs and in high Ji8��Ƶs with youth in Springfield.”

The Youth Mental Health Coalition hosts monthly trainings throughout Springfield that focus on mental health topics. Tiffany leads the Coalition’s charge to destigmatize mental health among Springfield youth and begin to normalize conversations about experiencing stress, anxiety, trauma, depression, and when to seek help.

The coalition is comprised of 40 members, including community-based organizations, youth services organizations, private clinicians, and even some city counselors. Their Beat the Odds program serves 30 youth throughout MLK Services and the South End Community Center and is led by a peer mentoring group that meets with the youth throughout the Ji8��Ƶ year.

Tiffany is from Springfield herself and enjoys directly impacting the community she grew up in. “I love being behind the scenes to ensure that youth have opportunities and sustainable programs. In their teenage years, youth tend to be persuaded more. I am hopeful for young people that they will be well-equipped to take care of themselves and can pass those things down [to the next generation],” says Tiffany.

She shares that breaking the stigma around mental health in our communities is crucial. “It’s a tough subject that requires people to be super vulnerable. We all need to lean on our community resources and people with like experiences to heal. Young people and adults sometimes experience the same challenges, and generational trauma can bleed into parenting strategies today.”

Tiffany notes that youth tend to be very open about discussing stigma anxiety and stress. They mainly seek trusting relationships and validation from adults, who won’t pass judgment and will guide them.

“I encourage people of all ages to be open-minded. We can be stuck in our ways, so be curious about topics that are unfamiliar to you" she said.

Today, the coalition, which is funded through the Mass Department of Public Health’s Office of Problem Gambling Services, is addressing the growing public health concern of teen gambling. Games such as Roblox and Fortnite, which have online transactions and loot boxes, can resemble casino games, and with the legalization of online betting, it is important to see how the youth are being targeted.

We extend a special congratulations to Tiffany on her well-deserved recognition in BusinessWest 40 Under class of 2024! This recognition highlights the achievements of young professionals who have made significant strides in their respective business fields, as well as contributions to philanthropic efforts and community service. You can learn more about Tiffany and her work by checking out her profile on BusinessWest .

Anthia T. Elliott, MOVA Advocate of the Year Awardee

Wed, 24 Apr 2024 19:15:01 GMT

Anthia T. Elliott, who serves as the Program Director for BHN’s Domestic Violence & P.A.T.C.H. Services, was the recipient of the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance (MOVA) Advocate of the Year award. This award recognizes an individual from a community-based agency who has made extraordinary contributions to the lives of victims and survivors.

Anthia accepted her award on April 23rd at MOVA’s 2024 Victim Rights Awards Ceremony event at the Massachusetts State House. The ceremony united numerous stakeholders to acknowledge the remarkable contributions of this year’s Victims’ Rights Month awardees in advancing innovative, high-quality, and trauma-informed victim rights and services throughout Massachusetts.

In Anthia's nomination for the award, she is credited for her 20-year career advocating for domestic violence survivors and her contributions to the development of BHN's domestic violence programs, which led to the expansion of domestic violence services provided in rural Western Massachusetts.

Anthia has worked for various organizations throughout her career in domestic violence. By doing so, she has directly impacted countless survivors. She often shares stories of clients whom she has helped by providing access to emergency shelters, relocating them to escape abuse, helping them achieve immigration status, or ensuring they are as safe as possible given their circumstances.

As the director of domestic violence programs at BHN, Anthia oversees both domestic violence survivor and perpetrator services. One of the innovative programs she manages is A Call for Change Helpline, which aims to de-escalate and promote accountability for domestic violence perpetrators. The helpline has expanded to receive calls from several states and countries.

Anthia has been a longtime advocate and expert in immigration services, child witness to violence programs, and housing support programs, all with a domestic violence lens. She presented at the 2023 Institute on Violence, Abuse, and Trauma (IVAT) Hawaii Internal Summit to address the service provision gap for single women who are survivors of domestic violence and who are facing homelessness. After her presentation, several programs and policies nationwide are working to close this loophole.

According to Andrew Howard, Assistant Director of Domestic Violence Programs at BHN, “Anthia is a wealth of knowledge and skills that have helped change the lives of those we serve. She is a passionate advocate and a caring mentor. Anthia is always there to help the most marginalized folks in her community. In rural MA, Anthia relays that she is often the only person of color in the room. That perspective drives her to speak for those who are not represented and to challenge policies and programs that overlook underserved populations. In addition to her community work, Anthia is active in her church and her community, hosting events and programming for kids and being a respected pillar among those who know her. Our team was proud to nominate her for her unwavering and fiery passion for domestic violence work."

April is Victim Rights Month, and 2024 is the 40th anniversary of MOVA, the Victim and Witness Assistance Board, and the formalization of Victim Rights in Massachusetts through the development of the Victim Bill of Rights. Anthia expressed the significance of the Victim Bill of Rights and what it means to her.

If you or a loved one are in crisis, 24/7 resources are available. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline, 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or call BHN at 413-301-WELL (9355) to connect to our Crisis team for support. Learn more about BHN Domestic Violence Programs .

Those Who Serve: Michael’s Story

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 18:50:56 GMT

This was a turning point for Michael, who became a participant in MISSION-Springfield, a SAMHSA grant-funded program of the Executive Office of Trial Courts in partnership with BHN and the UMass Chan Medical School. MISSION Springfield helps justice-involved adults in active addiction sustain recovery and stay out of the criminal justice system.

After being charged with armed robbery and put on probation through the Springfield Drug Court, Michael's charges were amended to attempt to commit a crime. "I was all in," he shared about his commitment to the program. Was it easy... no, but I was driven, ambitious, and determined to accomplish my goals. I did not quit.”

Through the MISSION-Springfield program, participants receive intensive case management, peer support, trauma-informed counseling, and care linkage and coordination to recovery and wraparound supports, including Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), employment, and housing supports.

Michelle shares that Michael has persevered through some extraordinary challenges. “As a participant in the program, Michael consistently showed determination to improve his quality of life, not only for himself but for his family and those around him. It is a privilege to mentor and guide Michael in pursuit of all his hopes, dreams, and professional goals as one of our newest Recovery Coaches” she said.

Michelle was not only a huge support, but she was also Michael’s bridge to resources. “She was able to do many warm handoffs with me to resources in the community. Even if I had known about a resource, I would not have otherwise capitalized on many of the valuable opportunities. Having someone there who is knowledgeable and helped guide me through this recovery journey was by far the most helpful.”

When asked how it feels to be able to help others through his job as a recovery coach, Micheal said, “It's amazing. Someone once told me that sometimes we may be going through certain situations not for ourselves but to be able to help someone else who is going through something similar. There have been many occasions where if I had not gone through a certain life experience myself, I would not have that connection with a recoveree.”

Michael is determined to achieve his dreams, which include reuniting with his child, earning a college degree, owning a home, and starting his own business. “These are things that seem out of reach, but I know if I work hard enough, they are attainable.”

For those who are in similar situations, Michael offers some advice: “Never give up. The only difference between me and a person who couldn’t make it is that I just didn’t give up. If I were to sit here and say it has been easy, I would be lying. This has been one of the most challenging endeavors I have ever had to overcome. I'd like to thank everyone I've met along the way who helped mold me to be the man I am today. And a special thanks to my family, Judge Charles Groce from the Springfield Drug Court, and last but not least, my recovery coach Michelle!"

Those We Serve: Michele's Story

Sun, 21 Apr 2024 15:05:15 GMT

Growing up, depression was part of Michele’s family story that was never talked about. “There was a stigma around mental health; it was embarrassing.” Even as an adult, Michele says she did not reach out for help when she needed it.

But when her young teenage son began struggling with depression, all of that changed for Michele. “Although (others in my family) hadn’t reached out for help, I knew I needed to do it for my son. As a parent, you have to go outside of your comfort zone. He was suffering and I knew I couldn’t do it by myself. I was able to educate myself, open my mind, and learn more about mental health and mental illness. He helped change my way of thinking.”

Michele shared that her son Brian had trouble fitting in with other boys. He preferred hanging out with girls and participating in drama over playing sports. This made him the target of severe bullying, which triggered significant mental health challenges. In sixth grade, Brian came out to his mom as gay, and the family began the search for affirming mental health care to help him navigate the challenges he was experiencing.

Brian connected with a BHN outpatient therapist who Michele says saved her son’s life. "She was open to whatever he was saying, she really got him. It was a journey for him. The therapist was there for him every week and he looked forward to talking with her… he was glowing when he came out of the sessions.”

Recently, Brian and his therapist agreed he had met his treatment goals, and they concluded their work together. According to Michele, Brian is exceptionally well. He has been accepted into colleges for musical theater and has written a book about LGBTQ+ issues. “He is thriving and if it wasn’t for his therapist, he would never been able to do what he did. My heart breaks for people who can’t get help. I have felt that kind of pain and it's not fun. I don’t want people to be ashamed for seeking out therapy; you should be proud that you are helping yourself and putting yourself first. I hope that – if people aren’t feeling well, or feeling sad they reach out. There are so many services available for people to access.”

Thank you to Michele and Brian for sharing your story and to the clinicians at BHN who do life-changing work every day.

You Can Help Us Change Lives! Your donation of any amount will help BHN provide much needed services. Give Now

BHN Staff Panelists at ASAM National Conference

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 13:16:30 GMT

We are thrilled to share that two BHN staff members participated in panel discussions at the American Society of Addiction Medicine Annual Conference which took place from April 4-7 in Grapevine, TX. The ASAM Annual Conference is a landmark event in addiction medicine, uniting over 2,000 professionals to network, learn, and inspire one another. For over half a century, ASAM has gathered the addiction treatment community to present best practices and the newest advancements in science, research, and innovation.

Calla Harrington , Clinical Supervisor at the Orange and Greenfield Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) was a panelist during the opening session, "Broadening Perspectives to Narrow the Treatment Gap", which featured a diverse group of experts. Calla discussed how BHN's OTPs have responded to SAMHSA guidance, allowing for greater access to the life-saving medication methadone. She also shared insights into the reactions of staff and clients at BHN OTPs and how they have processed them.

Dr. Ruth Potee, Medical Director for BHN's Substance Use Disorder services participated in a panel titled "Methadone in the Modern Era." She was joined by Yngvild Olsen, Director of the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT), and others advocating for change in the 51-year-old regulations on methadone administration in the US. BHN's four opioid treatment clinics have served as national models of how to deliver methadone in a patient-centered and evidence-based model.

Voices of Those We Serve: Stephen's Story

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 17:13:45 GMT

My name is Stephen, and I had the opportunity to be a client at BHN’s respite facility in Holyoke from January until March 2024. Upon arrival, I was totally amazed at how beautiful and comforting the facility is and can say it was a pleasure to meet each of the staff facilitators. Mrs. Kate Rose, the head coordinator, reassured me that while staying she would do her best to fulfill my treatment needs. I can say she went above and beyond her role.

I must mention Danielle, the assistant coordinator, who met with me as a case manager on numerous occasions. She would assess my daily needs and ask if my goals were being met. I also had one-on-one sessions with Jonnalie who delivered professional healthcare abilities through her work with me. Antonia brought to the table many challenging activities that were very therapeutic in the realm of meditation and relaxation.

I have since moved on to another facility, but will always remember in my mind, my heart, and my soul the experience I had at BHN respite. I have been in numerous respite stabilization programs and many other rehabilitative facilities and have never encountered one like BHN. Kudos to all the staff and individuals there. God bless everyone.

You Can Help Us Change Lives! Your donation of any amount will help BHN provide much needed services. Give Now

Understanding Autism in Adults

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 18:46:44 GMT

April is Autism Acceptance Month! This month is dedicated to raising awareness about autism acceptance, promoting inclusion, and fostering connectedness for people with autism.

While Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is typically identified in Ji8��Ƶ at a young age, for adults who receive a diagnosis later in life, this can offer a better understanding of themselves. This understanding can shed light on the reasons behind challenging moments from their earlier years and interpersonal issues. Adults with ASD commonly face challenges such as difficulty in forming and maintaining relationships at work or romantically, staying organized, and managing their emotions or moods.

ASD is defined as a complex developmental condition involving social deficiencies, restricted interests, and repetitive behavior. These traits vary among individuals with autism, although the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders lists three main criteria for a proper diagnosis:

Difficulties in social emotional reciprocity, including trouble with social approach, back and forth conversation, sharing interests with others, and expressing/understanding emotions.
Difficulties in nonverbal communication used for social interaction including abnormal eye contact and body language and difficulty with understanding the use of nonverbal communication like facial expressions or gestures for communication.
Deficits in developing and maintaining relationships with other people (other than with caregivers), including lack of interest in others, difficulties responding to different social contexts, and difficulties in sharing imaginative play with others.

It is also important to consider sensory issues when discussing ASD. People with autism may struggle to focus due to external factors such as certain smells, loud noises, or bright lights and crowded spaces can be overwhelming.

Strategies for Addressing Challenges

Communication and Relationships: Individuals with ASD can find many ways to foster a satisfying social life. While discussing their diagnosis with others can be challenging, particularly due to social stigma, sharing this information may help improve certain relationships where there is a comfort level to do so. Informing close friends and family members that the individual may not notice all social cues and can sometimes feel sensory overload can enhance understanding and communication. Connecting with other adults with autism for socializing can also be less draining than other interactions. Although every person is different, there is a common ground for discussing experiences.

Romantic relationships for individuals with ASD can be challenging due to sensory issues, difficulty reading social cues, and a reliance on schedules. It is important to give people with autism space to express their emotions and for non-autistic partners to learn about autistic traits. Encouraging open communication, understanding each other's strengths, and dispelling misconceptions about autism are crucial for a healthy relationship.

Anxiety and Depression: Managing anxiety and depression, which often co-occur with ASD, is crucial as anxiety can make it even more difficult for people with autism to communicate. Developing a consistent and relaxing sleep routine, staying active with aerobic exercise that is enjoyable and socializing in person are some ways to alleviate stress.

Organizational Skills: While some adults with ASD are highly organized, others may struggle with disorganization due to intense focus on specific interests. People with autism may benefit from setting a timer when working on a hobby they are passionate about, and then switching to a less intriguing but more important task such as bill paying once the timer goes off. This can also help when switching tasks in the workplace. Also, carrying a list or day planner around can help to remember appointments, daily tasks, and other responsibilities.

People with ASD desire relationships and closeness as much as everyone else. It is important to stay curious and learn about the people around you and learn from a different perspective. People with autism may have limited interests, but you may find that they are very passionate about them and love talking about them to you. Autism is not a disease; it is simply a different way of looking at the world.

Every day BHN celebrates and supports individuals on the autism spectrum through many of our programs. We strive to listen to autistic voices, appreciate our autistic community, and value their contributions to our society. For referrals or information about BHN supports and services for youth and adults with ASD call 413-301-WELL (9355) .

Sources

Counseling Awareness Month

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 11:58:15 GMT

April is Counseling Awareness Month, established as an annual event by the American Counseling Association in 2002. It’s a time to celebrate the counseling profession and recognize the important role that counselors play in promoting mental health and well-being.

BHN is honored to recognize and celebrate our mental health counselors who have dedicated their lives to making a difference. They work diligently with those we serve, facilitating meaningful changes, assisting them in overcoming life challenges, and empowering them to lead more fulfilling and productive lives.

We asked our counselors what they find most fulfilling in this challenging yet life-changing profession and for their advice for aspiring counselors. Here are their insights.

What is most fulfilling about being a counselor?

Recognizing Executive Assistant Sue Hearn

Sun, 31 Mar 2024 12:39:20 GMT

Sue Hearn joined BHN on April 6, 1994, and this year is celebrating her 30th work anniversary! Although she started working as an administrative professional in nonprofit behavioral health by chance, she has never looked back or considered doing anything else!

Sue recalls business class in high Ji8��Ƶ, where she was taught critical skills for success in the business world. Some of these skills were timeless such as organization, time management, attention to detail, critical thinking, problem-solving, and stakeholder engagement. Other skills she has had to adapt to as technology evolved, from using typewriters, keypunch coding, and manual bookkeeping to electronic health records, Microsoft 365, and swipe badge access.

Sue used her skills to start and manage her own businesses, running a home daycare during the day and doing office cleaning at night. She was quite happy with these roles and did not foresee a career change, however life had other plans for her. One of Sue’s evening clients was the Agawam Counseling Center (ACC) which is now a part of BHN. One day, the office manager approached her and asked if she could work as a receptionist one night per week to cover a parent education class. She accepted, found the work interesting and enjoyed interacting with the parents and clinicians.

Nine months later, Sue was working at her home daycare when she received a panicked call from the ACC Director, "Can you come to work? I wouldn’t be asking you if it wasn’t an emergency." Because Sue is this kind of person, she called her backup daycare teacher who came right over and relieved her so she could go to ACC. The rest, as they say, is history. Sue transitioned out of her cleaning business and handed over her daycare work.

Sue became the full-time office manager at ACC and loved it. "The clinic was bustling. Every office was full, and the clients came and went all day. I had never worked in a mental health agency before. I loved the work, and I loved the clients."

In April 1996, Sue interviewed for and transitioned to the role of administrative assistant for Steve Winn at the Child Guidance Clinic, a place she loved coming to work for the next 19 years. "I loved being around the clinicians and their work. I believe in BHN's mission and see the hard work people put in. I would see and hear the improvements in lives as Ji8��Ƶ and parents walked back and forth down the hallways."

Sue and Steve moved to Liberty Street when the new Springfield campus opened. In 2020, Sue transitioned to the role of Executive Assistant when Steve became CEO. When asked about the role of administrative professional, Sue shared that the title is more appropriately “Chaos Coordinator.” “You have to know everything about everyone and everything about everything" she explained. "You are the first voice that most people hear when they call BHN. You have to be able to be able to pivot to fix things and help. Things can go wrong when admin don’t have enough information to do their job right.”

While Sue acknowledged that this job is not for everyone, she indicated that it has been just right for her. "You either love it and you are going to do it forever, or it is a stepping stone to find a more specialized job. I love my job and don’t want to do anything else. It is the mission of this organization that keeps me here and I am very content to do my part. I will do anything to support people. It is my job to notice the things that need to get done and do them.”

When giving advice to others in or considering the role of an administrative professional, Sue shares, “If you want to be on the ground floor, it is a wonderful thing to support the people who are doing the clinical work.” Clinicians are doing a hard job, and we are here to support them so that they can do their job well.”

As a former sole proprietor, Sue had been used to working as her own boss. She recalls an incident early in her tenure at BHN when all 300 employees were called to a meeting on the second floor of 110 Maple Street in Springfield. " The CEO announced funding cuts which would require closing a program and laying off three people. Both the CEO and Vice President cried about the need to lay off three people and reduce services to the community. And I thought, this is a beautiful place to work, I’m staying. There is no one in leadership here at BHN that I don’t want to work for.”

And for that, we are grateful! We thank Sue and all our Administrative Professionals at BHN for their expert ‘coordination of chaos’ and everything they do every day to ensure smooth operations, excellent support of our staff, and high-quality service to our communities.

BHN Voted Best Outpatient Mental Health Service

Fri, 29 Mar 2024 16:27:31 GMT

BHN was voted the best outpatient mental health service by Valley Advocate readers! Congratulations and thank you to our dedicated team who make this possible by providing support and guidance that helps individuals make positive changes and live fulfilling lives every day! Check out the complete list of winners.

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 15:41:19 GMT

Every March, the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities and its partners collaborate to lead Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM). The annual campaign aims to raise awareness about the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all facets of community life.

At BHN, we aim to provide support to individuals, families, and communities to improve the quality of life for those who face developmental and behavioral challenges. We are dedicated to spreading awareness and promoting inclusion in every possible way.

We extend our appreciation to each and every one of BHN's Developmental Services staff members for their dedication and support to our team and the individuals we serve! Be proud of what you do and the difference you make!

The 2024 Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month theme is "A World of Opportunities." This celebrates individuals who are working together to remove obstacles and create a world where everyone can succeed. We are proud to highlight Amonie's recent promotion to Assistant Program Director in BHN's Developmental Service Department.

Those Who Serve: Amonie

Amonie started working at Ji8��Ƶ while pursuing a business and human resources degree at Bay Path University. She applied for a job in a residential home for developmental services, and when she visited the site, she was immediately drawn to the residents. Within a year of starting the position, she “could see herself doing this forever."

After completing her degree, Amonie’s supervisor recommended her for a lead staff position. Three months later she took the position as residential supervisor and managed a home. Starting her career with BHN while a college student, Amonie attributes learning many “adulting skills” to her position. "My job helped me better understand menu planning, budgeting, insurance, scheduling, and how to effectively communicate, which are skills I can use at work and personally. Having a safe place with supportive supervisors allowed me to learn and grow."

Amonie then joined BHN’s Career Pathways Program, which helped her figure out what she wanted to do next. "It just seemed right to try to grow where I already was instead of venturing out," she said. Amonie was motivated to apply for the vacant Assistant Program Director position for which she was hired. She described what she enjoys most about her position, “Working with individuals can be an emotional experience. No day is the same and I’m constantly learning new things. Assisting people to participate in outings and activities really fills my cup. The happiness that the people served experience from community inclusion is contagious and brings joy to everyone involved.

Anytime I’m working with an individual on a direct care level I am reminded how rewarding it is. Sometimes it's simple things like helping them have fun and go to the movies or plan cool outings to the aquarium. Other times it's seeing the growth in an individual via behaviors or even just tolerance of medical care."

Amonie says along with the rewards, the job can also be challenging. "Managing the mental and emotional well-being of the people in the home, the staff, and myself can be difficult - especially when someone passes away."

Every person in this department is passionate about the individuals we work with. It’s not always easy, and some days you want to cry, but the people served need and deserve caring staff and supervisors, so you get up and keep going for them."

Learn more about BHN's Developmental & Intellectual Disability Services.

BHN Video Sessions Transition to Zoom Telehealth March 12, 2024

Sun, 03 Mar 2024 20:31:54 GMT

Ji8��Ƶ is excited to announce the Zoom Telehealth application will be implemented for video sessions beginning March 12, 2024. We anticipate it being very simple for BHN clients to join a Zoom video session with their provider.

Clients will receive a reminder text and/or call prior to their video session if they have chosen to receive reminders from BHN. Please note that clients do not need to set up a Zoom account to access their session. To join the video session, clients simply click on the link sent in reminder texts or call. Below are Zoom resources.

Why Zoom

Zoom's telehealth solution extends far beyond a simple tool for conducting virtual consultations. It presents a comprehensive suite of features designed to cultivate a holistic communication and engagement infrastructure, tailored to enhance the care delivery process throughout the entire continuum of care. Leveraging a phased deployment strategy, Zoom's telehealth platform will be meticulously tailored and assessed to bolster the myriad programs and workstreams within the BHN Network. This approach ensures that each facet of Zoom's telehealth solution is aligned with the specific needs and goals of the network, thereby facilitating a more cohesive, efficient, and effective healthcare delivery system.

Zoom Resources:

Clients who need assistance can contact Jonathan Driscoll for support, jonathan.driscoll@bhninc.org or (413) 657-3656 .

Social Work Month Staff Reflections

Sat, 02 Mar 2024 15:17:41 GMT

March is National Social Work Month! Social workers contribute their incredible passion and expertise across all programs at BHN - from emergency services and outpatient clinics to in-home services, care management, and helping court-involved individuals and those in recovery. They provide counseling, advocacy, and support services to individuals and families, especially those facing challenges, to help them make positive changes and live fulfilling lives, resulting in stronger and healthier communities for all.

We asked our BHN team members about their inspiration to become social workers, the most rewarding aspects of the job, and what motivates them to continue their critical work.

Donor Spotlight: Joan Corell

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 13:08:26 GMT

Joan recounts the story of Judy and Dick Hoyt. “Judy and Dick had a son who was unable to walk or talk and was smart and fun-loving. They were alarmed to discover that the only summer camps available for him were camps specifically for individuals with disabilities. They knew their son, Rick, would love being at camp with all types of Ji8��Ƶ and that the other kids would come to love his creativity and humor. So, Judy went to work and established Kamp for Kids. Money was hard to come by, but Judy was a great inspiration. She would go to Boston. If told a legislator was not in, she would unroll a sleeping bag and say, "I will wait until the person gets here.”

Despite the challenge of funding the program, Judy's commitment inspired Joan to join her in the cause. Joan broke through her comfort zone in seeking out donations from Westfield area businesses, and when her resources allowed, she began donating to Kamp herself.

Thanks to Joan and many other donors, Kamp is still going strong as a fully inclusive summer camp, serving Ji8��Ƶ with disabilities and their typically developing peers in a fun and festive summer experience with art, health, nature, non-competitive sports, and other activities.

As Joan puts it, over the years “Kamp grew. It changed locations. Judy, Dick, Rick, and some board members have passed on. But Judy, I will never forget, nor the courage she has given me at key points in my life.”

Likewise, we are forever grateful to Joan and the key role she played in launching and continues to play in sustaining this critical program in our community. Thank you, Joan, for your generous support and for sharing your story with us!

You Can Help Us Change Lives! Your donation of any amount will help BHN provide much needed services. Give Now

Those Who Serve: Ken Albano

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 13:05:30 GMT

Celebrating Ken Albano's 35 Years of Service to BHN

The board of directors at Hampden District Mental Health Center was small and times were hard. Ken remembers that by 1990, with an annual revenue of less than $1 million, the clinic was struggling and had trouble making payroll. Talks ensued with three other small mental health clinics: The Child Guidance Clinic of Springfield, Agawam Counseling Center, and Community Care Mental Health Center. After significant collaboration and engagement of over 75 board members and leaders of the four entities, on July 1, 1992, the Ji8��Ƶ was born. Ken worked actively in negotiating the mergers of these four entities and served as the Chair of the newly formed combined entity.

As Chairman Ken described in the annual meeting of 1993, “It has been approximately one year since the merger by and among (CGC, CCMHC, ACC and HDMHC) was effectuated. The months prior thereto were filled with unknown expectations from respective Boards, Executive officers, and employees coupled with concern over the notion of change. What has emerged during the past year is a feeling of oneness that is the direct result of the efforts and dedication displayed by those individuals and organizations who now operate the most qualified mental health service organization in Western Massachusetts, known as the Ji8��Ƶ.”

In reflecting on his 35 years of service to BHN and the community, Ken shares, “It has been a rewarding task, to say the least. To see what has been accomplished in the communities is really cool. To work with executive leaders like Kathy Wilson and Steve Winn. To sit at the annual meetings and see the staff and what they give back to the community is really impressive.

“There are always budget issues. It can be tough projecting losses going into the end of the year. Sometimes Kathy Wison would come with her pile of stuff to present to the board. And the look on her face was that this is not going to be a good one. She would bring headaches, regulator demands, and issues that may impact staffing and budgeting; and she would look to the board for advice and recommendations. Sometimes it was troubling to hear that we may get cut, but more often than not we get good news - we got another contract, got a contract renewed, etc. And it was so rewarding to get to the end of the year and realize enough to give back to staff.”

When asked what kept him connected to BHN specifically for so many years, Ken said without hesitation, “My colleagues on the board over the years. Whenever we went through mergers, the concern of both sites was who would make up the new board. When I look around the room at a board meeting, it is tough to tell you who came from where because we have molded as a team and work as a team so well. I have really enjoyed the ride and colleagues I have worked with.”

The mission of BHN has also kept Ken engaged all these years. “There is not a person on the planet that doesn’t have a family, colleague, or friend that has a mental health issue. I would be shocked if someone said that they didn’t know someone who needed help. I have referred plenty of people to BHN. Often, I get a thank you card in the mail 30 days later and I am amazed about the improvement they have made.”

In addition to the critical role of BHN’s board of directors, Ken also credits the success of BHN to our dedicated staff and leadership. “I can’t say enough about them. They put their heart and soul into this mission and what they do for a living. Kudos to them as well! It is the people behind the scenes that make it work.”

Ken’s words in the annual meeting of 1994 are no less true in 2024 than they were then. “I have a keen sense of responsibility to BHN in both good times and bad times. My function and role as chairman have been made effortless through the guidance and dedication given by all directors, officers, and staff of what most consider to be the most qualified mental health service organization.”

Thank you, Ken for your leadership and unwavering support of BHN’s executive team, leadership and staff. We are grateful for your partnership and look forward to our continued engagement with you and Bacon Wilson!

Eating Disorder Awareness Week

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 14:15:00 GMT

Eating Disorders Awareness Week takes place February 26 to March 3, 2024. This week aims to raise awareness and understanding of eating disorders and educate the public on when to seek help. Full recovery from an eating disorder is possible, and early detection and intervention are crucial.

Eating disorders can affect anyone - people of all genders, ages, races, and body shapes; an estimated 28.8 million Americans (9%) will have an eating disorder in their lifetime. Some commonly known eating disorders include bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. Eating disorders involve emotions, attitudes, and behaviors surrounding weight, food, and size and can severely impair someone’s ability to live a functional life. Anorexia nervosa, for example, has the highest mortality rate of mental health conditions because of the medical issues associated with it. There is a higher prevalence of suicide attempts and completions among individuals with severe eating disorders.

Sometimes, eating disorders can arise secondary to a new medical diagnosis such as diabetes or Crohn’s disease when one must make dietary changes, says Dr. Gillian Woldorf, BHN Multicultural Psychology Internship Program Assessment Supervisor and eating disorders specialist. Relatedly, insulin-dependent people might intentionally take too much insulin to lose weight, a dangerous behavior nicknamed “diabulimia.”

Dr. Woldorf cautions that behavior related to dieting can also have risks. “Fad diets such as keto, which have limited medical applications but are used to lose weight, can lead to disordered eating, involving making significant but unnecessary changes to eating behaviors. But if they are not careful, this (restrictive behavior) could then lead to an eating disorder, which is clinical. It is a slippery slope.”

There are other lesser-known types of eating disorders like pica, a feeding disorder where a person consumes non-food objects such as dirt and paper and may even eat too few actual foods to maintain healthy bodily functions. Pica occurs most commonly with young Ji8��Ƶ (eating dirt, paste, etc.), is usually done openly, and is often associated with a developmental disorder. However, it can also occur in adults, usually done in secrecy. Pica may be the result of iron deficiency or lead poisoning. Individuals suspected of having pica should talk to their primary care doctor right away.

Additionally, there is a newly recognized eating disorder known as avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), which most commonly develops in Ji8��Ƶ. Not to be confused with “picky eaters,” these Ji8��Ƶ are extremely selective eaters because they fear that the foods that they do avoid are dangerous, may have an extremely unpleasant texture or taste, or may cause choking. They do not have body image concerns, but because they eat a limited variety of preferred foods, it can negatively affect their growth.

Take note of the following signs that someone you know may have an eating disorder:

Look for changes in their eating behavior, such as suddenly cutting out an entire food group, which is not due to a medical condition like celiac disease.
Separating foods because they consider some as "bad".
Cutting food into tiny pieces or being secretive about eating in front of other people.
Mixing food in unusual combinations such as hot sauce on sweet foods so they will not enjoy it or dumping a huge amount of salt or pepper on their food.
Changes in their weight, which they may try to hide by wearing baggy clothes. They might also still think they are overweight even when underweight.

“Even working out can be a compensatory behavior,” says Dr. Woldorf. “People with eating disorders can work out excessively for up to four hours a day without stopping because they feel bad if they don’t.”

Fortunately, there are effective evidence-based treatments available for individuals struggling with eating disorders. Clinicians can use dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help their patients. Bulimia nervosa may also be treated using interpersonal therapy. For Ji8��Ƶ and adolescents with anorexia nervosa, the Maudsley method is an intensive treatment option where the entire family is involved. Parents receive coaching on how to supervise their Ji8��Ƶ's meals and eating habits. Clinicians should always stay in contact with their clients’ primary care physician.

Simply saying “Hey I’m concerned about you” or “Here’s what I’ve noticed…have you talked to a doctor or therapist?” can go a long way in helping someone address their eating disorder.

Resources

If you or a loved one need support call BHN 413-301-WELL (9355) or visit BHN WellBeing locations: 417 Liberty Street, Springfield, MA, or 77 Mill Street, Westfield, MA.

Source: National Eating Disorder Association

BHN Informs National Policy on Methadone Treatment

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 17:37:25 GMT

BHN’s Patient-Centered Approach to Methadone Access is a Model for the Nation

Ji8��Ƶ’s (BHN) submitted comments to federal regulations have all been incorporated in new final rules by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), announced on February 2, 2024. BHN has played a significant role in shaping national and state policies and is regarded as a leading model for opioid treatment in the United States.

The new rule announced by SAMHSA marks the first substantial changes to opioid treatment regulations since 2001 and will go into effect in April 2024. The revised federal regulations take historic steps to increase access to lifesaving, evidence-based medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) and to advance retention in care through promoting patient-centered interventions. These rules aim to help more people recover in a supportive and empowering environment.

The implementation of these rules in October provides time for Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs) to prepare and for states to review their regulations that impact how the new rules are implemented.

The final rule expands access, promotes practitioner autonomy, removes stigmatizing or outdated language, supports a patient-centered approach, and reduces barriers to receiving care that made it difficult for some people to enter or remain in treatment in the past. Practitioners are no longer required to follow rigid criteria to determine the number of take-home methadone doses for a given patient. Instead, they are now guided by harm reduction approaches, shared decision-making with the individual, and considerations of safety and unique circumstances. That helps balance the benefits and risks of methadone take-home doses. These elements were identified as being essential to promoting effective treatment in OTPs and reflect an OTP accreditation and treatment environment that has evolved over the past 20 years.

BHN opened four Opioid Treatment Program clinics between 2019 and 2021 in Holyoke, Springfield, Orange, and Greenfield. The clinics opened as the fentanyl crisis worsened and overdose deaths climbed. The Orange clinic, opened at the end of 2021, was the first rural methadone clinic in the state. Prior to opening, patients in North Quabbin had to travel 45 minutes to Worcester or Leominster to access medication.

BHN’s Opioid Treatment Program serves over 2,000 people through its four locations and provides methadone treatment for individuals 18 and older in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies to provide a holistic approach to the treatment of substance use disorders.

BHN surpasses the standards of its credentialing agencies in many ways, including:

All doctors are board-certified in Addiction Medicine
Walk-in admissions, without any wait lists
Provide more progressive take-home bottle policy, in keeping with federal policy
Strong community collaboration with direct admissions from hospitals, primary care, and carceral facilities
Scientific dosing strategies in the fentanyl era

In 2024, BHN will launch a Mobile Methadone Program in Ware, which will be the first of its kind in Western Massachusetts, providing access to methadone from a 35-foot mobile treatment unit.

Methadone is a medication that has been prescribed for 60 years to treat opioid use disorder. When taken as prescribed, methadone is safe and effective and helps individuals achieve and sustain recovery and reclaim active and meaningful lives.

BHN clinical and medical leadership have been asked to present the organization’s approach to treatment in multiple forums, including the American Society of Addiction Medicine , the Massachusetts Society of Addiction Medicine, and the MADPH Bureau of Substance Addiction Services. BHN’s Medical Director, Dr. Ruth Potee, was also asked to give a Congressional briefing on methadone on Capitol Hill on February 6, 2024.

According to Dr. Potee, “Practitioners in the recovery field are increasingly turning to BHN’s approach, along with the sharing of the policies and procedures nationwide to help other methadone clinics provide more patient-centered care. Our clinics have led the way in terms of clinical management in the state and the nation.”

BHN offers a full continuum of care and services for those in addiction recovery . Programs include inpatient acute treatment services, clinical stabilization services, residential recovery homes, transitional support services, outpatient treatment, recovery coaching, and driver alcohol education services through the Massachusetts Impaired Driver Program.

Learn more about the new ruling by SAMHSA.

Employee Spotlight: DeJuan Brown, Facilities Director

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 13:45:00 GMT

During Black History Month, we are delighted to recognize DeJuan Brown, BHN’s Facilities Director, for his remarkable contributions to our organization! DeJuan and the facilities department oversee more than 100 properties, including residential homes for individuals with intellectual disabilities, residential treatment units for individuals with substance use disorders, and commercial and industrial mill buildings that house outpatient clinics and offices.

DeJuan's background is rooted in community-based organizations and grassroots nonprofits focused on youth development and gang violence. In 2016, DeJuan became interested in construction work and became a union carpenter by trade. After joining the Carpenters Union, he worked at MGM Springfield in the Facilities Department as a technician, then was promoted to supervisor, and eventually became a senior manager at MGM International, where he aided in the building and redevelopment of other casino properties.

In August 2021, DeJuan joined BHN, attracted by the agency’s commitment to providing opportunities and resources for marginalized communities. “My wife Chelan and I share a lot of the same passion and drive,” he says. Chelan currently manages BHN’s Social Justice Department and provides leadership around issues of Equity and Social Justice for marginalized staff and persons served.

Mental health issues affect everybody across all spectrums and all social classes. Having a strong appreciation for this, DeJuan has sought to create facilities where clients are comfortable staying regardless of their background. "I want to make sure the facilities are indicative of healing,” he says. “They should honor people and their diversity and integrity as human beings. These facilities should look how we would want our house to look. The same expectation we have for ourselves, we should have for those we serve.”

In his first year at BHN, DeJuan familiarized himself with BHN's values and standards and incorporated them into his plans. Continuing his mission and passion for helping marginalized people, DeJuan and the facilities team hosted a facilities vendor fair and networking event for diverse local contractors to help broaden BHN’s vendor pool for upcoming projects. DeJuan reports that there have been many significant new partnerships as a result, “We’ve been able to successfully grow minority businesses as it pertains to construction – four minority contractors have been successful (working with us) and the number is growing.”

DeJuan also worked to diversify his department to make it reflective of the population BHN serves, understanding that diverse thinking and backgrounds are important to the success of the mission of the Facilities Department.

Last year in addition to DeJuan’s efforts around diversity, his significant accomplishment was bringing many of BHN's properties up to the organization's standards of care. This year, he plans to focus on ensuring that all residential and other crucial BHN properties have the infrastructure they need, such as generators, to keep power running reliably, especially for people who are dependent on machines. He will also work with leadership to create a capital improvement budget to address upkeep and cosmetics to handle repairs and adjustments.

In addition, DeJuan will also be working to revamp the work order structure with new software that can identify timelines for requested projects, such as repairing toilets and fixing holes, or windows. This software will assist DeJuan in his goals to continue developing the facilities team, by creating opportunities for training, cross-training, and filling in gaps.

When reflecting on his most important priorities around working with marginalized individuals this year DeJuan said he wants to host a capacity-building event and continue partnering with diverse contractors to create synergy. "I want to give them best practices to help them be successful on large-scale projects.”

Thank you, DeJuan, for bringing your vision, passion, and skills to BHN; we are grateful for all you have done and continue to do for our BHN and the broader community.

Those We Serve: April

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 17:11:57 GMT

“I liked how the therapeutic mentors took time to meet with me about specific concerns that I had," said April. "They asked what activities we enjoyed doing together and tailored the support to our family's needs and interests. They made sure that the goals we set were being addressed and would reassess to make sure we were on track. I didn’t feel like I was pushed into anything or judged by anything.”

We extend our gratitude to April for sharing her story with us, and we would also like to thank David, Crystal, Ariana, Dirk, and all our therapeutic mentors who provide life-changing support.

If you or a loved one need support or would like more information about mentoring programs, call BHN 413-301-WELL (9355) or visit BHN WellBeing locations: 417 Liberty Street, Springfield, MA, or 77 Mill Street, Westfield, MA.

Open Jan. 29 - MA-Repay: Human Services Loan Repayment Application

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 15:56:59 GMT

MA Repay: Human Service and Home Health Worker Loan Repayment Program is launching on Monday January 29, 2024. The program will be accepting applications until 11:59 PM EST on February 26, 2024 OR until the award amounts requested by applicants reaches approximately twice the available award funding for this program as determined by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS), whichever comes first.

Please visit MA Repay for more information about eligibility, awards, and the application process.

The MA-Repay Program requires a 1-, 2-, or 3-year service commitment and awards range from up to $6,000 to $30,000 depending on level of education and full-time or part-time hours. Applicants must work in eligible settings of programs that provide treatment, support, or services to clients or their families and are operated by a home-based or community-based human service organization located in Massachusetts. The setting must be funded or licensed by one of the following state agencies in order to be eligible.

MassHealth
Executive Office of Elder Affairs
Department of Public Health
Department of Mental Health
Department of Developmental Services
Department of Youth Services
Department of Children and Families
Department of Transitional Assistance
Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission
Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Massachusetts Commission for the Blind
Executive Office of Veterans Services
Office for Refugee and Immigrants
Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities; and
Department of Early Education and Care

Eligible professionals include but are not limited to: Certified Nursing Assistants, Homemakers, Family Partners, Educators and Educator Assistants, Home Health Aides, Developmental Specialists, Personal Care Attendants/Aides, Case Managers, Companions, and Licensed Clinicians.

All questions should be directed to the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers at Contact (marepay.org) or call 833-769-7377 .

The Benefits of Therapeutic and Peer Mentoring

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 16:54:38 GMT

January is National Mentoring Month, which provides an opportunity to raise awareness of the significance of mentoring and celebrates the power of mentoring programs in creating more productive, engaged, and satisfied individuals. BHN offers several mentoring programs that include young adult and adult peer mentors, recovery coaching, and therapeutic mentoring. This month, we highlight BHN’s therapeutic and peer mentoring programs. Dirk Vernon and Linda Blouin-Roy share their experience and the positive impact these programs provide to Ji8��Ƶ, families, and communities served at BHN.

Dirk Vernon is the Program Director of BHN's In-Home Therapy & Therapeutic Mentor Program and has served in this role for nine years. Through these programs, youth spend dedicated one-on-one time with a caring mentor to treat their behavioral health needs and to learn a variety of life skills. Vernon says that one of the most important aspects of the Therapeutic Mentor program is to meet kids where they are in the community. This includes their home, community centers, and libraries. BHN has a network of 28 Therapeutic Mentors supporting youth throughout Greater Springfield/Holyoke, Greater Westfield, and the Quaboag Hills/Ware region.

“The incredible thing about therapeutic mentoring is that youth get to bounce their ideas off of a trusted adult to inform their behaviors and their next moves,” Vernon says. “These are things that kids can't say at home or they're going to get in trouble or get reprimanded. When they have a Therapeutic Mentor, they can say these things and get proper guidance from a trained adult who is a mental health professional as well.”

Therapeutic Mentors help cultivate real-life skills such as determining which streets are safe and which to avoid, how to navigate the PVTA bus system, and how to quell anxiety in crowded places such as malls. Once the mentees are at a comfortable level, the mentors observe and evaluate their progress in a real-life situation. “We can kind of pull back a little bit and give them that resilience, that independence that we want for them too.”

In addition to building skills and accessing mental health supports, peer and therapeutic mentors, help individuals and families access social supports and concrete resources that may be hard to find on their own such as food, housing, childcare, primary care services, etc. It is important to highlight that mentoring roles do not require advanced clinical degrees. Lived experience and on-the-job training are powerful and effective preparations to bring life-changing support and guidance to the individuals we serve. Mentors are a critical component of a treatment team. Given the severity of the current mental health crisis, mentoring programs are more crucial than ever.

Mass Drug Courts: Treating Disorders that Lead to Persistent Crime

Fri, 05 Jan 2024 17:01:53 GMT

A recent story on NBC10 Boston featured Michelle Jackson, a Recovery Coach Supervisor at BHN. The story highlights the important role Massachusetts drug courts play in helping individuals dealing with mental health and substance abuse disorders, which can often lead to persistent criminal behavior.

Michelle shared her inspiring recovery journey and how she is now able to use her experience to help others. Watch the video to learn more about the positive impact that drug courts and recovery coaches like Michelle can have on individuals and communities.

BHN Announces Vice President of Care Management, Randie Caetano Cadigan

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 18:18:10 GMT

Ji8��Ƶ is pleased to announce that Randie Caetano-Cadigan has joined BHN as the Vice President of Care Management. With a decade of experience in managed care at both state and national levels, Randie brings knowledge in integrated care delivery systems and provider network management. Her last role was at Centene Corporation, where she was the Senior Director of Vendor Management and Program Oversight.

Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 13:00:02 GMT

The winter months are upon us, and with that can bring changes not just in the weather, but in mood as well. Martha Klaczak LMHC, LADC I, Adult Program Director at BHN WellBeing in Westfield, and Frank Shea, LMHC, Program Director at Agawam Counseling Center, discuss Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and its effects.

SAD is a form of depression linked to seasonal changes that typically starts and ends around the same time every year. Most people with SAD experience symptoms that begin in the fall and continue into the winter months. When the days get shorter, less sunlight means less vitamin D intake, which reduces serotonin. The further north you go, the shorter the winter days are. Conversely, says Shea, “If you were to live in a place such as Mexico or Central America, the odds of having SAD would be much less because the sunlight [there] doesn’t fluctuate as much.”

Klaczak mentions SAD is not to be confused with the “winter blues,” which is sadness or anxiety brought on by stressors such as seasonal changes in work or family visits during the holidays. SAD is a type of clinical depression, which is characterized by a recurring seasonal pattern that can last up to five months out of the year. It includes feelings of hopelessness, pessimism, and guilt and can cause loss of appetite, unplanned weight changes, physical aches, and thoughts of suicide. Symptoms usually improve during the spring and summer months naturally; treatment can help reduce symptoms during the winter months.

How SAD is Diagnosed

Not only must a person have symptoms of depression as previously mentioned, but episodes must also have occurred during a specific season and for at least two consecutive years. About 16.4 million Americans suffer from SAD, which is roughly 5 percent of the population. SAD can start in young adulthood and tends to affect women more than men.

How SAD is Treated

Getting the recommended daily amount of Vitamin D can help with SAD. Vitamin D is found in foods such as egg yolks, canned tuna, and fatty fish. A primary care physician can determine the recommended amount for each individual. In some cases, light therapy (phototherapy) may help treat SAD. Light therapy involves sitting in front of a special light box that mimics natural light first thing in the morning for 30 to 45 minutes. Cognitive behavioral therapy has also been proven to effectively treat SAD.

Being aware of melatonin levels can be beneficial. “If you produce too much melatonin, it can cause an increase in sleepiness and oversleeping. Some people take a lot of melatonin supplements and think that's going to help,” says Klaczak. “It’s actually going to do the opposite." Both serotonin and melatonin help maintain our bodies’ daily rhythm, which is tied to our seasonal night and day cycle, and too much sleep can throw that off balance.

Shea notes that many people look forward to the winter months - for instance those interested in winter sports such as hockey. This demonstrates the importance of exercise, which improves mood, regardless of what season it may be!

If you or a loved one need support call BHN 413-301-WELL (9355) or visit BHN WellBeing locations: 417 Liberty Street, Springfield, MA, or 77 Mill Street, Westfield, MA.

Source: National Institute of Mental Health

BHN Named One of Boston Globe’s “2023 Top Places to Work in MA"

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 13:32:44 GMT

Ji8��Ƶ, Inc. (BHN) has been named one of The Boston Globe’s “2023 Top Places to Work in Massachusetts.” BHN has earned this designation for two consecutive years and is ranked #21 on the list of 25 companies in the largest company category. BHN is one of only two companies based in Western Massachusetts on the list.

BHN was also awarded recognition as a Top Workplace for DE&I Practices 2023, which recognizes a commitment shared throughout all levels of the organization to prioritizing a welcoming and inclusive culture, no matter one's background.

The Top Workplace recognition is based on anonymous employee surveys that measure opinions about their company’s direction, execution, connection, management, work, pay and benefits, and engagement. The surveys are administered by Energage, the Exton, Pennsylvania-based employee research and consulting firm. Overall, more than 137,000 employees at 347 organizations completed surveys in Massachusetts.

According to Steve Winn, President and CEO of BHN, “It is an honor to be recognized as a Top Workplace again this year and being recognized for DE&I practices is particularly rewarding. Our commitment to social justice values at BHN is strong, and the work of infusing social justice into all aspects of operations and culture is ongoing. Our highest priorities are providing high-quality care and supporting all aspects of our staff's well-being. Receiving this award motivates us to continue ensuring that BHN staff feel valued, respected, and appreciated.”

BHN employs more than 2,400 employees across Western Massachusetts (Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, and Berkshire counties) and in Suffolk County. The organization serves 40,000 individuals annually with life challenges due to mental illness, substance use disorders, and intellectual and developmental disabilities.

BHN offers comprehensive benefits for its employees and is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace, seeking to eliminate social and economic inequities. In 2022, BHN launched the Katherine B. Wilson Staff Excellence Fund, which supports the career and development of its workforce by providing funds for license preparation courses and fees, forgivable loans for tuition costs, community college courses and certificate programs, and online and live trainings.

As part of BHN's commitment to Social Justice, the Career Pathways program was launched in 2023. By offering structured career development plans, this program helps break down barriers to advancement and fosters a culture of inclusivity and equal opportunity. The goal is to attract and retain more diverse staff, creating a more representative workforce that better reflects the communities BHN serves and meets the needs and expectations of stakeholders.

The companies that made the Globe’s list were divided into four categories based on the number of employees: small (50-99); medium (100-249); large (250-999); and largest (1,000 or more).

The Top Places to Work 2023 issue is published online at Globe.com/TopPlaces and in Globe Magazine on Sunday, December 3.

Become a part of our supportive and collaborative team, doing meaningful work right in your community !

Healthy Strategies for Holiday Stress

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 17:09:27 GMT

Article by Tina Lesniak

Originally published in West Springfield Lifestyle

For many, the holidays are a time of tremendous joy, getting together with family and friends. However, for some the holidays can be a time of anxiety and stress. Managing these emotions can be difficult, but there are healthy ways to cope with less-than-ideal situations.

Creating positive boundaries around attending holiday events can go a long way toward making the holidays less stressful. “Give yourself permission not to attend a gathering if someone who disrupts your equilibrium will be there,” says Sarah Gordon, LICSW and outpatient therapist at Agawam Counseling Center.

Although attending may be challenging, some may choose to do so because they want to see someone who will be there, or to continue with their traditions and celebrations despite those challenges. “Boundaries are about your behavior, what you will or will not do,” explains Sarah. She suggests being clear with other people about what will not be tolerated. “For instance, say ‘If you bring up a specific event or a touchy topic, I will leave.’”

If the struggle comes from relatives who offer parenting advice, Sarah suggests acknowledging that they’re trying to help, but being clear that it’s not needed. She recommends saying, “I am focused on learning to parent in the way that I feel is best for my Ji8��Ƶ and family. If I want advice, I know I can go to you. Thank you for being available to me.”

“If you have access to a therapist or trusted mentor, it can be helpful to develop a plan with them that accounts for the factors that your family and friends bring to the holiday table.”

If family and friends don’t respond well to these boundaries, then Sarah suggests some exercises that can help people get through the event. “You can try taking a moment in a quiet room or stepping outside and breathing in for six counts and exhaling for eight counts,” she explains. “You can also try redirecting your focus onto the television, people you are excited to speak with, helping with the meal, interacting with the Ji8��Ƶ, or changing the topic of conversation.”

Grief can add another layer of stress to already trying times. Sandi Sherry-Pitzer, a mental health clinician and licensed social worker at Agawam Counseling Center, recommends an alternative event for those experiencing loss and who may not feel like celebrating.

“December 21 is typically the day many Christian churches offer a low-key, peaceful evening service known as Blue Christmas,” explains Sandi. “People may share their thoughts and feelings, their grief or stress, in the company of others who are also feeling alone or misunderstood.” Several area churches offer this service, including Feeding Hills Congregational Church.

Sarah strongly discourages using alcohol to cope because it often exacerbates a stressful situation. For those with access to a therapist, discussing these upcoming events with them to get personalized recommendations is important.

“Because every situation and every individual is unique, if you have access to a therapist or trusted mentor, it might be helpful to develop a plan with their support that accounts for the factors that your family and friends bring to the holiday table,” explains Sarah.

If you or a loved one need support contact BHN, 413-301-WELL (9355) , or visit BHN WellBeing locations: 417 Liberty Street, Springfield, MA, or 77 Mill Street, Westfield, MA.

2023 Annual Report: Striving for the Well-Being of All

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 16:45:31 GMT

“Well-being is at the heart of what we do."

Broadly defined, well-being is the experience of good health, happiness and life satisfaction. Overall well-being depends on things going relatively well in different areas of your life: emotional health, physical health, social connections, employment and finances, to name a few. At BHN, supporting the well-being of our staff and the people we serve is at the heart of what we do.

In this year’s Annual Report, we share how BHN has worked to support the well-being of the organization, our employees, and the diverse individuals who receive our services in mental health, substance use, and intellectual and developmental disabilities programs.

We're excited to share that BHN has launched its first all-digital/online annual report, increasing accessibility while being more friendly to the environment. View the annual report at bhntimes.org .

Employee Spotlight: Views from a Veteran

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 12:25:20 GMT

In recognition of Veterans Day, we extend our heartfelt thanks to those who have served and continue to serve for their dedication and sacrifice in ensuring the safety and security of our country. Veterans hail from diverse backgrounds and walks of life, and their service has made a significant impact on our nation.

At BHN, we are honored to celebrate and show appreciatio n for our team members and their families who are veterans. We recognize the many traits and skills that military service instills in those who serve, such as discipline, teamwork, leadership, and resilience in the face of adversity. These values are reflected in BHN's guiding principles of compassion and kindness, accountability, respect, and drive for continuous improvement. We are proud to highlight the contributions of four women veterans who are members of BHN's Human Resource Department and Cladi, a manager in the Facilities Department.

Rachel Sanders, Career Cultivator
Branch: Army

Job Assignment: Human Resource Specialist/Manager

Length of Service: 4 ½ years

I was raised as an "Air Force brat" due to my father's 20-year service as an Aircraft Maintenance Officer in the United States Air Force, retiring as a Major. Following in my father's footsteps had always been a dream of mine, leading me to enlist in the Army at the age of 25. My motivation to join the Army stemmed from this dream, and it proved to be a divine order as everything in my life fell into place and I grew so much while serving.

My 8-month deployment in 2018 to Afghanistan in support of Operation Freedom Sentinel allowed me to form lifelong friendships, for whom I am very thankful. Though being away from family was difficult, the camaraderie formed with my battle buddies is something I will never forget. We became a family and looked out for each other. Although many of us have honorably separated or retired, we keep in touch regularly via social media.

What I appreciate the most about my time in the military is the invaluable opportunity it provided for me to serve our country, my fellow service members, and foreign military allies. It was during my service that I experienced significant growth, cultivating qualities like discipline, leadership, teamwork, and resilience that continue to have a lasting and positive impact on my life.

In the military, I had the privilege of making a positive impact on the lives of others on a daily basis, and I saw how my contributions mattered. These experiences shaped me in profound ways, and I’ve been able to transfer these skills and values into my current role as a Career Cultivator here at BHN. Working at BHN allows me to carry forward that sense of purpose by serving our staff within the Career Pathways Program. I find great fulfillment in supporting them as they navigate their personal and professional growth journeys. This work is not only personally rewarding but also a way for me to give back and continue making a meaningful impact, just as I did during my military service. It’s remarkable how my military experience has transformed my life in a variety of ways, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to pay it forward at BHN.

Margaret Kutscher

Branch: Army

Job Assignment: Food Service Specialist

Length of Service: 3 years

One reason that I decided to enlist in the military is due to my family's military background and sense of patriotism. My father and brothers served, and joining the military offered many opportunities, such as furthering my education, traveling, and meeting new people. Coincidently, my birthday falls very close to Veterans Day, which makes the occasion even more special for me. Being part of the military community provided a strong sense of teamwork as we lived and worked together towards a common goal. I am grateful for the friendships I made during that time and appreciate being able to stay in touch with them through social media. Serving in the military gave me a better understanding of the sacrifices made by those who serve every day, and I believe we owe them our freedom.

Toni Hendrix, Vice President of HR

Branch: Army

Job Assignment: Military Police

Length of Service: 4 years active duty, 3 years in the National Guard

I joined the military because I wanted to explore the world, and they guaranteed me an assignment in Europe. I was stationed in Germany and lived in a hostel with a German host family. Being able to live abroad and immerse myself in German culture was truly eye-opening. Not only did I learn the language, but I also gained a new perspective on diversity (different from the issues in the US). In my free time, I took tours around Europe and even visited a concentration camp in Germany. These experiences allowed me to reflect on the value of living in a free country like America.

My military experience has taught me the importance of empathetic leadership, strategic thinking and always being a few steps ahead. I feel fortunate for the doors that the military has opened for me and continues to open for others, such as the ability to expand my education, acquire new skills, and explore different cultures by traveling and meeting new people.

Cladi Rodriguez, Facilities Manager

Branch: Air Force

Job Assignment: Military Police

Length of Service: 10 years active duty

I served in the Air Force for ten years as a Military Police officer, earning the rank of Staff Sergeant with combat veteran status due to multiple deployments. My main job was military police, with a small tour in special forces training Iraq police in small arms fire, police tactics, hand to hand combat, rout clearing, and building clearing.

My initial motivation for joining the military was to gain a background in policing to help me transition into the MA State Police. However, after serving for a decade, I discovered my true passion for carpentry and decided to pursue that. My military service helped me in many ways, especially by strengthening my leadership skills, improving my ability to work in a team setting, and helping me understand my strengths and weaknesses.

These lessons have all played a role in my current position as Facilities Manager at BHN. I could go on and on about all the great things the military has taught me, but I can confidently say I wouldn’t be who I am today without the skills I learned while serving.

The Village for Youth: Now Accepting Referrals

Fri, 03 Nov 2023 16:32:03 GMT

View the virtual tour.

BHN is excited to share that The Village for Youth is now open and accepting referrals. The newly developed facility in Agawam, is operated in partnership with The Gandara Center and provides on-site short-term crisis stabilization, therapeutic intervention, and specialized programming in a secure site for up to 22 Ji8��Ƶ and adolescents experiencing a mental health crisis. The program operates specialized, physically separate and developmentally appropriate units for younger (6-12 years) and older (13-18 years) youth.

Referrals to The Village for Youth program are accepted from any community or hospital Crisis Program, or from psychiatric hospitals seeking to transition a youth from hospitalization to a residential setting. The Village for Youth is a regional program, serving Ji8��Ƶ from across Western Massachusetts.

The youth program provides a safe environment with 24/7 supervision, intensive therapy, medication assessment and treatment, and support for families around planning for the youth to return home.

The Village for Youth
830 Silver Street
Agawam, MA 01001

For more information about the program call 413-301-WELL (9355) or download the brochure .

BHN's Rose Evans Receives ABH’s 2023 Salute to Excellence, Scott M. Boch Force for Change Award

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 20:14:22 GMT

Ji8��Ƶ, Inc. (BHN) has announced that Senior Vice President Rose Evans is the recipient of the Association for Behavioral Healthcare’s (ABH) Salute to Excellence, Scott M. Boch Force for Change Award.

Jane Simonds and Lisa Yin, both Senior Program Managers in BHN’s substance use disorder (SUD) division, accepted the award on Evans’ behalf on October 20 at ABH’s annual Salute to Excellence event in Framingham.

The Scott M. Boch Force for Change Award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated devotion to the behavioral health and human services fields, persistent advocacy on behalf of the workforce and individuals served, and successful consensus building among stakeholders.

ABH's Salute to Excellence is a celebratory event that recognizes individuals and groups who have made outstanding contributions to community-based behavioral healthcare in Massachusetts.

In Evans' nomination for the award, she is credited as being a force for change in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts throughout her forty-year career in behavioral health and human services. “From her role on the executive team at Center for Human Development (CHD) to her service as Deputy Undersecretary for the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development in the Patrick and Baker Administration, to her current role at BHN, Rose has demonstrated unwavering commitment to the needs and interests of the communities we serve and the staff who serve them,” the nomination stated.

At BHN since 2017, Evans is responsible for managing over 47% of client service programs including substance use treatment, intellectual and developmental disabilities programs and forensic services. In this role she has mobilized staff, community leaders, funders, and regulators behind the significant expansion of the substance use disorder (SUD) continuum of care in Western Massachusetts.

The expansion of SUD services has included opening new clinical stabilization units in Springfield and Greenfield; opening medication-assisted treatment programs in Springfield, Holyoke and Orange; a statewide Section 35 program for women; and preparing to launch an innovative mobile methadone program to serve individuals in the rural Quaboag Hills area. In addition, when Phoenix House SUD programs were at risk of closing, through Evan’s leadership BHN was able to acquire those programs and deliver services without interruption.

According to Steve Winn, President, and CEO at BHN, “The secret to Rose’s success is her unapologetic authenticity, humility, and presence. Rose shows up, listens to her staff, the people we serve, and community stakeholders to identify needs, and then creates and executes strategies to meet the needs.”

“Communities that have desperately needed substance use treatment service options close to home now have them because of Rose’s tenacious advocacy, within our agency, with elected officials, with state-appointed staff, and with funders," Winn said.

BHN Announces New Vice President of Human Resources Toni Hendrix

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 19:30:05 GMT

Ji8��Ƶ, Inc. (BHN) has announced that Toni Hendrix has joined the organization as Vice President of Human Resources, effective September 11, 2023.

Hendrix joins BHN from The Loomis Communities, where she served as their Director of Human Resources and Compliance Officer since 2014. In her new role at BHN, Hendrix will be responsible for the strategy, leadership, and operations of the Human Resources department and recruitment to support the growing organization.

Hendrix brings over 30 years of human resources experience to BHN that includes diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, strategic HR growth, implementation of successful performance management strategies, and the creation of comprehensive workplace wellness and employee engagement programs.

“We are excited to welcome Toni on board, as she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in human resources to our team,” said BHN President and CEO Steve Winn. “Toni’s insights and thoughtful approach will be an incredible asset to BHN and to our diverse workforce as the organization continues to grow and evolve.”

Hendrix has a diverse professional background that includes serving in the U.S. Army, working at the American Cancer Society and Baystate Health, and owning several other small businesses. She is currently co-owner of Smokey Joe's Cigar Lounge in Springfield, Massachusetts with her husband, Joseph Hendrix.

“I am excited to be joining the leadership team at BHN and to bring with me the philosophy that has guided my career in human resources – the belief that staff should always be treated with dignity and respect," said Hendrix. "I am dedicated to empowering team members to use their voices thoughtfully and respectfully to achieve their goals and find success in their roles.”

Hendrix, who studied at the University of Maryland and Cambridge College, was the recipient of the 2020 Women of Impact award from BusinessWest. She resides in Springfield and enjoys spending time with her family.

Those We Serve: Ronalds Story

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 15:52:25 GMT

After serving two years in prison, Ronald needed help getting back on his feet and finding direction. Through the Behavioral Health for Justice-Involved Individuals (BH-JI) program, he found support in his Care Navigator Carla. Watch the video to learn how Ronald says the program helped him save himself, his future, and his family.

About the Behavioral Health for Justice-Involved Individuals Program

Funded by MassHealth, the BH-JI program helps support individuals who are “justice-involved,” including people leaving jail or prison within six months, people who have recently left jail or prison within a year, people on parole, and people on probation. All individuals enrolled in the program are assigned a Care Navigator who helps develop a person-centered support plan and connects them with services and supports they need to be successful in the community.

Care Navigators help:

Support the transition from a correctional facility to the community.
Set goals for recovery, wellness, empowerment, and independent living.
Coordinate with healthcare providers, managed care plans, public service agencies, community service organizations, correctional services, Probation Officers, and Parole Officers.
Schedule appointments with clinicians to treat mental health conditions, substance use disorder, and physical health conditions
Obtain a government ID card, find housing, and apply for benefits, and community services.
Connect with healthy social groups.

Helping Your Child Cope with Back-to-School Anxiety

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 13:00:00 GMT

Jean A. Fater, Program Director for Children and Youth Outpatient Services at BHN WellBeing in Westfield was recently featured in the Republican's Better Health Section.

By CORI URBAN

Everything that is new about the beginning of a Ji8��Ƶ year — new teacher, classroom, schedule, subjects, friends, bus route, lunch and recess routine — can be exciting for some Ji8��Ƶ, but for others, it can all just be a source of anxiety.

“Anxiety is a normal response to life stressors. We need anxiety to help us focus on important things; to keep us safe in the face of danger, to help us focus and accomplish critical tasks,” explained Jean A. Fater, program director for Children and Youth Outpatient Services at BHN WellBeing Center for Community Behavioral Health in Westfield. “It becomes a serious concern when we cannot control it and it becomes excessive, interfering with our normal functioning.”

Anxiety is defined as excessive worry, or apprehensive expectation, about events or activities that one finds difficult to control. For someone to receive a diagnosis of anxiety the symptoms must occur more days than not for at least six months, and it must cause some impairment in daily functioning. Often people will feel anxious for a short time in anticipation of an event such as the first day of Ji8��Ƶ, but it doesn’t reach the level of a disorder.

Fater has one young client transitioning to a new elementary Ji8��Ƶ who recognized that his anxiety was keeping him up at night. He likes little notebooks and practicing his new ability to write. He decided that when he is worried at bedtime, he will write his worries in a notebook kept at his bedside so they will be there to discuss with his mother in the morning and he doesn’t have to think about them all night. “He has been able to use the notebook to prompt conversations with his family and create plans to address his concerns about the bus schedule and lunch,” Fater said. “For some Ji8��Ƶ, anxiety is driven by all the unknowns a new Ji8��Ƶ year brings.”

There is no definitive cause of anxiety. “It is likely to involve a combination of environmental, genetic, developmental and psychological factors,” said Fater, who has a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling and Expressive Arts Therapies from Lesley University in Cambridge. “It does seem to run in families, so genetics is considered a risk factor.”

Environmental factors include stressful or traumatic events which have been associated with anxiety disorders. “We see anxiety quite often in Ji8��Ƶ and adolescents who have experienced complex trauma,” she added.

Anxiety is diagnosed by a clinician after a comprehensive assessment of a person’s biopsychosocial history including his or her functioning across life domains. The assessment might include a standard measure such as the GAD-7 for General Anxiety Disorder. The criteria consider the intensity and duration of feelings of distress and the negative impact on functioning across domains. One can be diagnosed with General Anxiety Disorder or a specific anxiety disorder such as social anxiety disorder, separation anxiety disorder or agoraphobia.

Anxiety can look different for each person, but some of the common manifestations are restlessness or edginess, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, unusual irritability, muscle tension and sleep disturbances. Children may also try hard to avoid the situation that is causing anxiety.

“We know that quality of sleep is important to good health so it’s important to address sleep disturbance,” Fater said. “That and feelings of restlessness and muscle tension and general fatigue can wear down the immune system and leave Ji8��Ƶ subject to illness.”

If anxiety is causing a child to have difficulty concentrating, the child is not going to absorb new academic material. “School performance is also impacted by lack of quality sleep. Even if the anxiety is not causing a child to have difficulty concentrating, humans don’t learn well when we are tired and irritable, and we don’t get along well with others,” Fater said.

Diet and exercise must also be considered when dealing with anxiety. “There is a great deal of research that shows exercise as beneficial in reducing stress, improving sleep and mood. Exercise has been shown to decrease sensitivity to the body’s reaction to anxiety. Exercise is also a proactive way to release tension,” Fater said. “We always promote movement and playful activity to folks of all ages dealing with stress and anxiety. Even a short walk can make a difference.”

The National Institutes of Health reported a correlation between diet and anxiety, noting associations between high anxiety and high fat, high sugar and highly refined carbohydrate diets. “A similar association was found between lower anxiety and higher fruit and vegetable consumption, eating breakfast and consuming omega-3 fatty acids (found mostly in fish). More research is needed in this area,” she added.

If Ji8��Ƶ are anxious about new situations and events, they may also refrain from participating in activities they might actually enjoy and miss opportunities to engage and learn. “A big part of Ji8��Ƶ performance is social and emotional education. When we are tired, we lose our patience, we don’t follow directions well, and our decision making is impaired,” Fater said. “Children can become very reactive and then ostracized when others avoid them. They lose that sense of connection with peers.”

Her general approach is to teach Ji8��Ƶ what is going on in their brain when they are anxious. “We listen to their concerns, validate them and ask the child to figure out a plan or response so they learn to be empowered,” she said, adding that Ji8��Ƶ are taught grounding skills — so they have a way to regulate when they feel out of control — and to anticipate the distress, put a name to it, and increase their capacity to tolerate it. Children are reminded that anxiety is a normal fact of life and how to use it wisely.

Anxiety is not something she tries to cure. “A measure of anxiety keeps us safe, teaches us about our limits and is necessary for motivation. We strive to teach folks how to anticipate it and to limit anxiety’s negative impact on functioning. They can learn to cope with these feelings and to thrive,” she said.

Parents and caregivers can help themselves and an anxious child by planning something fun, getting exercise, being well rested and allowing extra time to deal with conversations about what is causing the worry. Anticipate some of the concerns your child might have and create plans as a family. Solicit input from the Ji8��Ƶ. Prepare yourself. “And remember that you are not alone. Reach out to other families or Ji8��Ƶ resources if you need support. Back-to-Ji8��Ƶ is a community event,” Fater said.

Learn more about BHN's Children, Youth and Family Services or call 413-301-WELL (9355) .

BHN Celebrates Upcoming Opening of Agawam Youth Crisis Program

Fri, 08 Sep 2023 19:27:50 GMT

Ji8��Ƶ celebrated the upcoming opening of its new Youth Community Crisis Stabilization (YCCS) program, The Village for Youth, at the new facility located at 830 Silver Street in Agawam with an Open House on Friday, September 8th.

The Village for Youth will open to clients later in September and will be operated in partnership with the Gándara Center. The program will provide on-site short-term crisis stabilization, therapeutic intervention, and specialized programming in a secure site for Ji8��Ƶ and adolescents dealing with a mental health crisis. The program also provides a supportive path back to the community for Ji8��Ƶ and youth stepping down from psychiatric hospitalization.

The grand opening event featured remarks by Senator John Velis, State Representative Michael Finn, Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi, Hampden County Register of Probate Rosemary Saccomani, BHN Sr. Vice President Katherine Mague, and Gándara Center CEO Lois Nesci followed by a ribbon cutting and tour of the new facility.

The Village for Youth is a regional program, serving up to 22 Ji8��Ƶ referred by crisis assessment teams from across Western Massachusetts. The new program replaces and is an upgrade of BHN’s youth Community Based Acute Treatment Program (CBAT) which has been operating for the past eight years at 385 Maple Street in Springfield. The YCCS level of care is similar to the CBAT but includes enhanced psychiatry and nursing capacity to help support Ji8��Ƶ and youth with complex psychiatric needs.

The Village for Youth YCCS will provide specialized units for younger Ji8��Ƶ (6-12 years) and older youth (13-18 years), a safe environment with 24/7 supervision, intensive therapy, medication assessment and treatment, and support and care coordination for youth who are returning home.

For more information about the program call 413-301-WELL (9355) .

Ceremony of Remembrance Held in Observance of International Overdose Awareness Day

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 20:17:35 GMT

Ji8��Ƶ held an agency-wide Ceremony of Remembrance in observance of International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) on August 31st at the Liberty Street campus in Springfield.

The IOAD observance included spoken remarks from BHN leadership, a poetry reading from clients, and a period of silent reflection. Purple flags were placed on BHN’s Liberty Street, Carlson Recovery Center, and Greenfield campuses to show support and commemorate those who have lost their lives to drug overdose.

Observed every year on August 31, International Overdose Awareness Day seeks to create a better understanding of overdose, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths, and create change that reduces the harms associated with drug use.

BHN President and CEO Steve Winn said, “By coming together to remember loved ones lost or injured due to overdose, we stand together to raise awareness, help reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths, and spread hope to those battling addiction and in recovery.”

Overdose rates have skyrocketed nationally in the last 25 years. In 2021, provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated 107,622 drug overdose deaths, an increase of 15% from 2020.

In Massachusetts, there were 2,310 confirmed opioid-related deaths in 2022. When compared to 10 years prior, in 2012 there were 733 opioid-related deaths. In the four Western Massachusetts counties, there were 339 opioid-related deaths in 2022 (227 in Hampden County; 48 in Berkshire County; 27 in Franklin County; and 37 in Hampshire County).

According to Dr. Ruth Potee, Medical Director for substance use disorders at BHN, "The most important step to reduce overdoses is to make treatment with methadone and buprenorphine highly available in all communities. The work that BHN has done to reduce barriers and to improve transitions from jail to continued treatment has really shifted the overdose rates in our region.”

BHN is currently providing services to 1,790 patients across all four of its Outpatient Treatment Programs (OTPs) in Holyoke (439 individuals served), Greenfield (174 individuals served), Orange (224 individuals served), and Springfield (953 individuals served).

BHN's addiction and recovery programs incorporate mental health and trauma-informed services to provide a safe, positive, and empowering environment for those seeking recovery and healing. The organization offers a full continuum of inpatient treatment options for individuals needing medical and psychological stabilization during the early recovery process from addiction to opioid/non-opioid substances or alcohol.

As individuals transition into long-term recovery, BHN offers support through outpatient programs that include therapy, medication management, and recovery coaching services. Residential recovery homes provide support to those transitioning back into the community.

Learn more BHN’s addiction and recovery programs.

The Emotional Bank Account: How Seniors Can Maintain Mental Wellness

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 15:16:03 GMT

According to LaFleur, there are four pillars of mental wellness for seniors: sleep, nutrition, exercise, and social connection. The latter of these is of the utmost importance, as recently referenced in the U.S. Surgeon General’s advisory . As we get older and our bodies age, maintaining a sense of control can be difficult, and choosing the people you allow to be in your life and influence you helps maintain that sense of control. Not only that, but the COVID-19 pandemic and forced isolation was tough on many people’s connections, and many are still reeling from those results today.

LaFleur advises seniors and their loved ones to assess how well these pillars are being addressed and where they might need to make a change. It is important to normalize what they are going through, recognize where they may be stuck, and then identify what small things can be done to make progress. “A lot of people have this idea that we have to make huge changes in order to feel some success and that's not really necessary,” LaFleur says. “We can experience success from small changes.” For example, if there is a need for more physical activity, she might recommend connecting with a friend who does yoga. Sometimes the change is as simple as getting out of bed, which can be difficult for some seniors due to their physical limitations. It is important to note that in many cases, the elderly are not disconnected in life because they are depressed necessarily, but because it is physically difficult for them to actively engage in their life.

Breaking things down into small components helps with anxiety and decision fatigue as well. Because of the abundance of information in the world today, people can be easily overwhelmed. Simplifying things is important to identify where the challenges are and where improvement can happen. “I try to break things down and recognize the individual,” says LaFleur, “and try to get them to identify what they need.”

LaFleur also recommends considering mental health care like an “emotional bank account.” Determine what actions can you take - whether relaxing, socializing, or otherwise - to put “money” in the bank and increase your reserves for managing stress. With more reserves in your emotional bank account, you are better able to manage difficult situations that you encounter. Deposits are different for each person and situation. For example, social actions are not always a deposit - time spent with family can come with difficult history and thus can increase stress. It is important to give yourself credit for the things you do, especially the little things, because they all contribute to your self-worth and overall well-being.

Realignment of Detox Services in Greenfield and Springfield

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 16:03:03 GMT

Changes will not impact number of clients served or staff employed

With detox service needs changing across the region, Ji8��Ƶ, Inc. (BHN) has realigned its Acute Treatment (detox) centers in Greenfield and Springfield to better meet the needs of individuals and communities in which it provides services. While residential stabilization and maintenance programs will remain unchanged in Franklin County, the Greenfield detox residential program will be shifted to Hampden County.

The client census in the Greenfield detox program has consisted largely of residents of Hampden County. The realignment of programming will help the largest proportion in need of detox services to receive care closer to home. Over the past few years, the significant majority of detox patients served in Greenfield have been transported to Franklin County from Hampden County. Going forward BHN will transport those in need of detox services in Franklin County to the Carlson Recovery Center in Springfield. Following completion of the detox program, individuals will return to their home communities to receive stabilization services.

BHN is expanding its detox program at Carlson Recovery Center to accommodate a higher volume of need in Hampden County and will now serve both men and women. During COVID men were served at Carlson Recovery Center and women received detox services in Greenfield.

BHN will continue to maintain residential stabilization and maintenance levels of care in Greenfield, including intensive residential treatment as well as outpatient medication assisted treatment. These services remain in high demand in Franklin County as indicated through utilization patterns over the past few years.

These changes will not affect the number of clients served in Franklin County or staff employed at BHN, and Greenfield staff will continue to maintain employment with BHN in their region.

The expansion of BHN detox programs in Springfield also comes as another service provider of acute treatment programs in Holyoke announced it will no longer provide detox and clinical stabilization services in Hampden County.

According to Steve Winn, President and CEO of BHN, “In the face of shifting needs, BHN is realigning our treatment centers to better meet the needs of the communities throughout the Valley. At the same time, the high volume of need for acute treatment (Detox) in Hampden County, particularly in light of the closing of the MiraVista programs, indicates the need to expand our acute services at Carlson Recovery Center to accommodate men and women. This shift will allow residents of Hampden County to receive the care they need within their home communities. There is no change in the number of clients served or staff employed during this realignment of services.”

In Greenfield, BHN will continue to provide Clinical Stabilization Services at the Northern Hope Center; Residential Rehabilitation Services at Unity Place; and Jail Diversion Enhanced Residential Rehabilitation Services through its Connections program. BHN also provides methadone treatment in Greenfield.

If you have questions call (413) 301-9355 or email info@bhninc.org .

Kamp for Kids Welcome Day Celebration

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 20:30:11 GMT

On Tuesday, July 18th, Kamp for Kids campers and staff entertained families and community members with their songs, dance, jokes, and art talents at the Annual Welcome Day celebration. Located at Camp Togowauk in Westfield, Kamp for Kids offers an opportunity to experience growth, inclusion, and fun in a summer camp setting that includes a spray park, expressive arts, outdoor education, arts & crafts, and non-competitive sports.

The program began with a warm welcome from Camp Director Luis Burgos, followed by brief remarks from Steve Winn, BHN CEO, who highlighted the camp's history. Kamp for Kids was founded in 1975 by Judy Hoyt for her son with cerebral palsy. It was noteably the first summer camp to offer Ji8��Ƶ and young adults – both with and without disabilities – an opportunity to experience growth, inclusion and fun in a camp setting.

Jerry Scott, Director of the Department of Developmental Services, Urban Youth Collaborative Program (UYCP) spoke about the special relationships that develop between Kamp for Kids staff and youth through the UYCP program. He thanked BHN's staff, interns and camp parents for providing love and support to the campers.

Camp parent Nychelle Cassel expressed her gratitude for the program, noting the welcoming environment provided by staff and youth that helped her daughter feel comfortable from day one. Thank you to everyone who came to Welcome Day and a very special thank you to the campers for their wonderful performances that brought joy to all in attendance!

Learn more about Kamp for Kids!

You can make a difference by donating items on the Kamp for Kids Wishlist! View the wish list.

Select photos from Hoang 'Leon' Nguyen / The Republican

Those We Serve: Patrick

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 19:41:16 GMT

In recognition of Disability Pride month , we share Patrick's story as told by his mother Katy. Patrick lives in a BHN group home and thrives with support from his family and BHN staff.

BHN’s group residences provide 24-hour supports and services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The safe, accessible, and comfortable homes are in local neighborhoods and accommodate between two and five people. BHN’s professional and compassionate staff assist with day-to-day tasks, community integration, and quality-of-life enhancement.

Learn more about BHN's Developmental & Intellectual Disability Services.

Are you passionate about helping others? View job opportunities at bhnworks.org .

Celebrating Disability Pride Month

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 19:06:37 GMT

July is Disability Pride Month, a time to celebrate the diversity within the disabled community and an opportunity to honor the history, achievements, experiences, and struggles of the disabled community. People with disabilities make up the largest minority group in the world, 15% of the world's population, according to the United Nations and World Health Organization .

Disability pride is notably celebrated in July to commemorate the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in July of 1990, landmark legislation that broke down barriers to inclusion in society. But barriers still exist, which is why we need to honor every kind of disability, the people who identify with them, and the wide range of supports they need to thrive. Here’s more about the history of Disability Pride Month and the story behind the flag.

Let's work together to create a world where everyone can reach their full potential, regardless of ability. Learn more about BHN's Developmental & Intellectual Disability Services , supporting individuals with developmental needs and helping them to thrive in our communities.

BHN Partners with Community Foundation of Western MA to Manage Staff Excellence Fund

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 15:34:31 GMT

Ji8��Ƶ, Inc. has partnered with the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts to manage the Staff Excellence Fund. The fund was established to support the career and professional development of BHN's workforce and to assist in achieving Social Justice objectives.

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts shared a Community Story on its website explaining the staff challenges the fund works to address and why investing in our staff's education and career goals at BHN is a top priority.

The fund will be structured as an endowment so that it can continue to benefit BHN staff for the foreseeable future. Team members can apply for funds for any kind of professional training or educational opportunity. The money can be used to pay for actual training, licensing fees, or auxiliary expenses that go along with training. These include costs for childcare while in class, books, and transportation. Read the full story to learn more .

Read the full story at communityfoundation.org

Grand Opening Celebration for New Ware Family Resource Center Location

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 13:00:00 GMT

Ji8��Ƶ, Inc. (BHN) recently held a Grand Opening Celebration for its new Ware Family Resource Center location at 82 Main Street. The Center was previously located at 78 Main Street in Ware and has now moved to a new, larger facility that provides more space for its programs to serve youth and families in Western Massachusetts.

The grand opening event featured a program with remarks by BHN President and CEO Steve Winn; BHN Senior Vice President Katherine Mague; Ware Family Resource Center Program Director Amy Breton; Sheriff Cahillane; Representative Smola; Director of Community and Family Engagement at Massachusetts DCF Jose Monteiro; District Attorney Sullivan; and Aide to Senator Ryan Fattman Amanda Hellyar. Attendees were also able to tour the new facility.

The FRC provides free support and access to community resources for families and their Ji8��Ƶ in Western Massachusetts. Center programming is designed to help Ji8��Ƶ develop social and emotional skills; brings people together for mutual support; links families to services and community opportunities; responds to family crises; and values and supports parents and strengthens parenting skills.

Steve Winn, BHN’s President and CEO, said, “We are pleased as an organization to open this new, larger facility as we grow to meet the needs of families in Ware and the region. Being here for our community is critically important. Our new larger facility, right on Main Street, helps us really be here when you need us!”

In addition to assisting families with finding resources, FRCs support families with youth who are at risk of needing court involvement because of their behavior. A main goal of FRCs is to serve as a diversion from the court system.

The Ware Family Resource Center is part of a statewide network of FRCs that help families and individuals resolve challenges, strengthen their bonds, connect to others, and engage in their communities. FRCs are supported through funding from the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF). For more information about the BHN Family Resource Center, visit bhninc.org/frc or contact the BHN Family Resource Center at (413) 277-6601 or bhnfrc@bhninc.org .

BHN's Facilities Vendor Fair & Networking Event

Mon, 15 May 2023 13:54:37 GMT

BHN held a Facilities Vendor Fair & Networking event on Friday, May 12th to grow our vendor pool for upcoming projects. Special thanks to State Representative Carlos Gonzalez, and Springfield City Councilors Jesse L. Lederman and Malo Brown for joining us.

BHN strives to provide safe, calming facilities designed with the needs of the individuals we serve in mind. Our facilities department oversees over 100 properties ranging from residential homes where individuals with intellectual disabilities live permanently, to residential treatment units for individuals with substance use disorders, to large commercial and industrial mill buildings that house outpatient clinics and offices.

By including and supporting diverse businesses in our supply chain, we create opportunity, promote innovation, and stimulate growth that enriches our marketplace as a whole. BHN partners with vendors who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve, respect and embody our social justice values and bring experience and expertise to the table. The contributions of our vendors make it possible for more people to embrace recovery, live independently, and realize their fullest potential.

If you were unable to attend our event and would like to be considered for future projects or learn more about our procurement process, please complete the form: l.ead.me/bhnvendor

BHN Awarded Digital Equity Partnership Grant to Improve Digital Inclusion for People with Disabilities, People with Mental Health Conditions

Fri, 05 May 2023 16:49:25 GMT

Ji8��Ƶ, Inc. (BHN) will receive a Digital Equity Partnership Grant as part of the Human Services Alliance for Digital Equity (Alliance), a statewide network of mental health and disability organizations.

The total grant of $4.4 million statewide to Vinfen, on behalf of the Alliance, was announced by leaders from the Commonwealth’s Executive Office of Economic Development and the Massachusetts Broadband Institute, with the goal of increasing digital inclusion among low-income people with physical, intellectual/developmental disabilities and people with serious mental health conditions.

The eight organizations that comprise the Alliance are: Advocates, Ji8��Ƶ, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Department of Psychiatry, Boston Center for Independent Living, Clinical Support Options, Open Sky, Riverside Community Care, and Vinfen.

The Alliance is one of three entities to receive a first-round Digital Equity Partnership grant from the Massachusetts Broadband Institute, a division of Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MassTech). This Digital Equity Partnership grant will provide funding to the eight organizations within the Alliance to deploy 15 regionally-based Technology Navigators to help people obtain digital devices, develop digital skills, and enroll in low-cost broadband programs. The Technology Navigators will work one-on-one with people with disabilities in homes and in service settings. Through this grant, Alliance organizations will provide services in 230 cities and towns in Massachusetts (11 counties). BHN will hire a Technology Navigator to provide services to clients in its service area.

According to Michelle Michaelian, Senior Vice President at BHN, “We are excited to be a part of this meaningful initiative. So many of the people we and other providers serve have been disconnected from the world and from vital resources since they lack even basic digital access. This is an issue of equity and this grant will help BHN connect those we serve with the digital connections they need and deserve.”

“On behalf of the Human Services Alliance for Digital Equity, we are thrilled to be awarded one of the first round Digital Equity grants," said Kim Shellenberger, Vinfen’s Chief Strategy Officer. "In today’s world, technology access and digital skills are no longer a luxury and this grant will enable our organizations to provide crucial support services to reduce the digital divide among people with disabilities and people with mental health challenges.”

People with disabilities are nearly 20% less likely to own a computer or smartphone and they are three times more likely to say that they never go online (Pew 2021). The barriers to technology access and digital literacy include lack of knowledge and lack of confidence in how to utilize the technology, and the prohibitive costs of purchasing and maintaining devices. When given the opportunity, people with disabilities embrace all that technology has to offer. Technology can transform lives in the following ways: 1) improve access to medical and behavioral health care through tele-health (people who can’t tele-health may experience longer waits and less access); 2) open new employment opportunities; 3) improve independence and executive function by using reminders and calendar app to keep appointments, maintain a clean house and good personal hygiene; 4) enhance communication using text to speech and speech to text apps; 5) support mental health recovery by using specific symptom management and relaxation apps.

About The Human Services Alliance for Digital Equity: The eight Alliance organizations provide a wide range of services including outpatient mental health, skill development and employment programs, group homes, substance use treatment, community support teams, homeless programs, transitional housing and drop-in centers. The Alliance views digital inclusion services as an essential part of our organizations’ missions to promote clients’ recovery, resiliency, skill development and self-determination. The Alliance believes every person should have the technology and skills needed for full participation in our society.

Evidence-Based Practice in Mental Health

Tue, 02 May 2023 16:55:35 GMT

Evidence-based practice (EBP) in mental health is an approach to treatment that is based on the best available scientific evidence. It involves using modalities and interventions that have been shown to be effective through research studies, clinical trials, and meta-analyses. EBPs would be chosen based on evidence it is likely to help with the specific problems the person is reporting - not every EBP has been shown to be helpful with every problem! Some examples of modalities that are considered evidence-based include Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT,) among many others.

Using Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) can demonstrate respect and positive regard for people served in several ways:

Collaborative approach: Evidence-based practice involves a collaborative approach between the people served and the team of care providers. Participants are encouraged to take an active role in their treatment/services and are supported in making decisions about their care. This collaborative approach can help people feel a sense of competency as they make progress toward their personally meaningful goals.
Self-regulation: Short-term evidence-based treatments often involve teaching skills and strategies that can be used to cope with stressors and symptoms that have been causing distress. Learning and practicing new ways of thinking and acting can help people feel more in control of their mental health. These individual strategies can’t fix social/systemic problems, but they can help people to act more in line with their goals and values.
Goal-oriented: Evidence-based practice typically involves setting specific goals and benchmarks. These goals are based on the person's own identified needs and preferences and are designed to help them achieve the outcomes they desire. By working toward goals and specific outcomes, people can feel a sense of accomplishment and progress.
Evidence-Based Treatment: Evidence-based treatments are models that have been studied and consistently demonstrated to be effective in improving specific situations or problems. While relying on a model and the likelihood of achieving positive outcomes, it’s also important to learn about how the EBT has been developed and studied. This will help to collaborate in adapting interventions to be most meaningful and relevant to the people you are working with who have their own set of experiences and values.
Focus on strengths : Evidence-based practice often focuses on identifying and building on the person's strengths and resources. This approach can help clients feel more connected to their support networks and communities, and capable of managing their mental health.

Overall, evidence-based practice can help people feel more informed, empowered, and able to influence their sense of wellbeing. By working collaboratively with their service providers, setting specific goals, and using practices that have both been shown to be effective and are personally meaningful, people can experience significant improvements in their mental health and overall quality of life.

For help finding the right treatment for you or a loved one, contact BHN, 413-301-WELL (9355) , or walk in at our two BHN WellBeing locations: 417 Liberty Street, Springfield, MA or 77 Mill Street, Westfield, MA.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Mon, 01 May 2023 16:39:44 GMT

May is Mental Health Awareness Month! While mental health is important to address year-round, Mental Health Awareness Month provides a dedicated time for people, organizations, and communities to join their voices to broadcast the message that mental health matters.

During mental health awareness month (and every day!) we encourage you to take an active role in raising awareness about mental health, fighting stigma, and advocating for policies that support people with mental health and their families. Please join us this month and continue all throughout the year to share these important messages.

What is Mental Health?

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices. Mental health is an integral part of well-being. It is just as critical as our physical health. Just as we take care of aches and pains and seek support for injuries and illness, we must also tend to our minds.

The brain is an organ; like other organs, illness surfaces when it malfunctions. Disruptions in mood, appetite and sleep, for example, are indicators of a chemical imbalance in the brain. A more accurate representation of mental illness explains that mental health has physical origins. Deepening this understanding will allow us to move away from the misconception that mental health conditions are a choice.

Although the terms are often used interchangeably, poor mental health and mental illness are not the same. A person can experience poor mental health and not be diagnosed with a mental illness. Likewise, a person diagnosed with a mental illness can experience periods of physical, mental, and social well-being.

Good mental health and well-being can be measured by a person’s ability to fulfill key functions and activities, including:

the ability to learn
the ability to feel, express, and manage a range of positive and negative emotions
the ability to form and maintain good relationships with others
the ability to cope with and manage change and uncertainty

How to Support Your Mental Health and Wellbeing

There are many things that you and your loved ones can do to support mental health and wellbeing. SAMHSA’s eight dimensions of wellness model reminds us that feeling well is related to many different life factors. And therefore, you can improve your sense of wellbeing by making changes in any or all of those areas. For example, you might make some changes in your routine (eating less processed food and more fruits and vegetables, getting more exercise, more outside time, or more undisturbed nighttime sleep); or changes in how you think about your experiences (you are upset because you think ‘that thing’ is bothering you; when in fact, YOU are actually bothering YOURSELF about ‘that thing’- ‘the thing is just being the thing!)

Mental Health Resources

Sometimes, self-help strategies are not enough and we need support and more guidance to feel better. If you or a loved one are struggling with mental health or substance use, there are 25 Community Behavioral Health Centers (CBHCs) in communities across Massachusetts that offer immediate care for mental health and substance use needs, both in crisis situations and the day-to-day.

And the good news is that with the many advances in treatment in the past 20 years there are many evidence-based supports available to help people recover - medications, talk therapy, experiential therapy, peer support, and more! Learn more about evidence-based treatment

BHN WellBeing is the CBHC serving Ji8��Ƶ, youth, adults, and families in English and Spanish throughout 17 cities and towns in the Springfield and Westfield area providing care when you need it.

For help:

Call 413-301-WELL (9355) for information or 24/7 Crisis services or;
Walk in at our two BHN WellBeing locations: 417 Liberty Street, Springfield, MA or 77 Mill Street, Westfield, MA
Hours: Mon. - Fri: 8 am - 8 pm & Sat & Sun: 9 am - 5 pm
Visit bhninc.org/wellbeing for more information.

Additional Resources:

Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line: Call 833-773-2445 or visit masshelpline.com to get connected to mental health and substance use resources and CBHC's throughout the state.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call or text 988 to be connected to trained counselors

Autism Acceptance Month: Celebrating Autistic Experiences

Fri, 07 Apr 2023 16:20:22 GMT

By Michelle Colgazier, Stephen Fanolis, Lauren Favorite and Tara Robinson

This April we welcome the 12th year of Autism Acceptance Month (AAM), which ushers in a shift from “Awareness” to “Acceptance.” Why? AAM was created by and for the autistic community to shift the conversation from stigmatizing language to one of inclusion and action. Awareness is passive – but acceptance requires action; Action on the part of individuals and organizations to change how autistics are woven into their community.

To incorporate action this month, this article is brought to you by autistic and neurodiverse leaders here at BHN. It is our hope that we may shed light on autistic experiences, and some of the ways our autism shows up in the workplace, as well as how we can endeavor to create more neurodivergent-affirming spaces that truly benefit all! When we think of the term “spectrum” to describe the autistic experience, it’s better to imagine the spectrum as a circle encompassing all the various traits, as opposed to a single line:

When you envision it through this lens, the saying “If you’ve met one autistic person, you’ve only met one autistic person” makes a lot of sense! We’re all delightfully different and unique in our respective strengths and challenges. It also moves us away from stigmatizing language like “high” or “low” functioning when what we should be talking about are support needs.

Additionally, when we move away from a pathological model of “treating” autism, we can also see a broader set of symptoms that impact autistics who were assigned female at birth (AFAB) and/or are persons of color. The current DSM criteria was based on symptom presentation in cis-gender white male Ji8��Ƶ, and thusly resulting in what is being coined “The Lost Generation” (National Institute of Health, 2015) – or AFAB who weren’t diagnosed until adulthood. Many of us won’t get diagnosed at all, due to barriers in access, medical racism, and misogyny – or worse, misdiagnosed with conditions like anxiety, depression, or personality disorders. This is all to say that the lack of diagnoses, understanding, awareness, and accommodations compounded with the experience of being discriminated against due to your gender, sexual orientation, race, and prior (incorrect) medical history often results in a whole host of co-occurring conditions (autoimmune disorders, chronic pain, gut health, and hypermobile disorders are common).

Let’s now imagine how autism shows up in the workplace. Autistics may on any given day, have the bandwidth to “ mask ” or camouflage our disability, so it makes others more comfortable interacting with us. This can mean we appear focused, hard-working, efficient, and sociable. But if the mask slips, or our own level of burnout increases, we might seem blunt/assertive, inattentive, withdrawn, etc. For those of us who have never masked or choose not to mask – we are labeled as “difficult”, rigid, rude, or downright weird. This is significantly more problematic for Black AFAB autistics! Intent versus impact is often a major driver for anxiety, as we are often deeply empathic and worry about saying the “wrong” thing or being perceived as offensive.

If we know anything about disability in general, it’s that we are only disabled by society’s lack of affirming-spaces or overall accommodations. So, what does an autistic-affirming environment look like? Think about the sensory environment first: Imagine a temperature-controlled office that had an HVAC system designed with AFAB bodies in mind (Most HVAC systems are set with cisgender male bodies as a guide). Imagine no fluorescent overhead lights, but lighting tailored to your personal workspace. Fragrance-free designated areas, including kitchens. Gender-neutral bathrooms. Access to standing desks, ability to fidget or stim without disruption to others, permission to wear noise-canceling headphones, and meeting/training spaces that offer the opportunity to self-identify communication needs without issue (think AAC, closed-captioning, etc.).

We would be remiss if we didn’t highlight the delight that is video conferencing – for many autistics, being on camera is wildly overwhelming. We can see every detail in each of your frames, from the ticking clock on your wall, to the blurred background glitching every time you move, or worse – when the video is not synched with the audio. We take it all in, on top of the knowledge our face is being shown and thus the pressure to mask increases – we’ve ALL had the comment of “What’s wrong, you look mad” thrown our way! To create an autistic-friendly virtual space, don’t require your clients or staff to turn on their cameras, as it reduces the sensory-input so our attention can be paid to the conversation.

Being autistic is a disability only in the face of zero support being available, but with the right accommodations and acceptance – we make for amazing employees and clients. We’re ethical to a fault, hard-working, detail-oriented, logical, and deeply kind and compassionate. We can spot patterns from a distance, anticipate issues or needs ahead of time, and well, we make for excellent therapists!

We hope this has started a conversation among you about autism acceptance – as well as giving an opportunity to highlight the importance of positive representation of autistic people.

Check out these autistic content creators!

For referrals or information about BHN supports and services for youth and adults with Autism call 413-301-WELL (9355).

Anthony English and BHN Staff Inspire Students

Fri, 07 Apr 2023 15:55:15 GMT

Congratulations to Anthony English, MBA, PA-C for receiving Westfield State University’s 2022 Preceptor of the Year award. The award recipient is chosen by students to recognize a PA who has made a significant contribution to their education in a community practice setting. Ten Westfield State Physician Assistant students completed a four-week rotation under Anthony’s direction at BHN’s Substance Use Disorder (SUD) programs, including Springfield Opioid Treatment Program, Carlson Recovery Center, Franklin Recovery Center, and Northern Hope Center. They also worked at Mercy Medical Center Inpatient Addiction Medicine, and Tapestry Health.

Anthony received the Preceptor of the Year award during his first full year in practice as a provider and his first year precepting students. “It was an enormous honor,” said Anthony. “I love everything about the teaching process, in addition to everything about the learning process myself. The students allow me the opportunity to continue to challenge and grow my own medical knowledge.”

Anthony began working at BHN in July 2021, shortly after graduating from PA Ji8��Ƶ. He credits his interest in addiction medicine to a rotation he completed at an acute treatment and clinical stabilization services program in Cummington, MA while in Ji8��Ƶ. As a preceptor, Anthony engages students not only through his work as a provider but also by helping them prepare for employment and encouraging them to find a healthy balance in their life. “I review so many things with them including how to write a resume, interview, negotiate salary, maintain daily exercise with a demanding schedule, and to strive for a healthy work/life balance,” he explained.

Above all Anthony feels the most important learning aspect from this rotation is the student’s interaction with patients. “They learn that none of us are any better than the patients sitting in front of us and that being kind, compassionate, and giving the occasional hug may be even more life-changing than checking labs or starting a medication,” said Anthony.

Anthony credits the team of preceptors at BHN, Dr. Ari Kriegsman and the Addiction Medicine team at Mercy, and Annie Jenney, PA-C at Tapestry, for making the student’s rotation a robust learning experience. In their evaluation, the students praised Anthony, BHN’s Medical Director, Dr. Ruth Potee, and other BHN providers for going above and beyond to inspire them. When asked, "Would you recommend this rotation?" on their evaluation, these were some of their responses:

“BHN is a great rotation. Everyone that I met cared about my learning experience and took time out of their days to make sure that I was getting the best experience possible.”

“I would highly recommend both Anthony English and Dr. Ruth Potee and BHN to other students. Anthony was incredibly patient as well as willing to go above and beyond to discuss addiction as well as other disease processes. Dr. Potee is incredibly knowledgeable, and you can tell loves to teach and have students. The two of them both have an incredible team that is always willing to listen to students as well as provide a fantastic learning environment. I highly recommend this preceptor and site.”

“BHN is one of the most progressive centers in the treatment of addiction medicine in the country! They get an A+! I am so grateful for this rotation - it gave me a new perspective and taught me so much. I now know how to handle patients with substance use disorder no matter where I practice, which is invaluable as a future provider.”

“I absolutely love what I do here, and I love the team that I work with, this is my forever job,” said Anthony. “BHN is a wonderful place to work. Although working with patients with substance use disorders and mental health disorders is demanding, it is also extremely rewarding. I am brought to tears on a regular basis due to my connection with the patients. We absolutely save lives with the work that we do here at BHN.”

If you are interested in an internship or working at Ji8��Ƶ, visit bhnworks.org to view all opportunities and apply.

Program Spotlight: Applied Behavior Analysis

Sat, 01 Apr 2023 20:46:23 GMT

April is Autism Acceptance Month! BHN celebrates and supports individuals on the autism spectrum through many of our programs, including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), In-Home Behavioral Services, and Early Intervention. These programs provide functional behavior assessment and treatment to youth under the age of 21, as well as training to parents and caregivers struggling to respond to behavior challenges.

All services are based on the principles of ABA, a proven practice that increases skills in youth with autism by breaking them down into small, achievable steps. Skills commonly taught include communication, imitation, sharing interests, play skills, social skills, and self-help skills.

We spoke with BHN Team Leader, Nicole Corso and Behavior Management Therapist, Arianna Martineau for insight on what drew them to this field and to learn more about BHN’s Applied Behavior Analysis program. From an early age, Nicole knew that she wanted to work with this population. “My sister was diagnosed with epilepsy and selective mutism at 3 years old and later diagnosed with autism. I have been a part of her services for as long as I can remember, from her early intervention days to her high Ji8��Ƶ transition meetings. She is now 30 years old, and I credit her and my mother for everything that I have accomplished. I watched them both navigate through services and the education system with such love and persistence.”

Nicole has always had a love for science and assessing patterns within data, and stated that ABA gave her a way to combine her interests in data and in helping people, “I feel so much joy that I get to help so many families as a supervisor here at BHN. We have a department full of passionate behavior analysts, and I’m so lucky to supervise them.”

Arianna always wanted to help people and while unsure of which path to take when starting out, she drew from her personal experience. “I had early intervention, speech therapy, and occupational therapy, and had been on a 504 in early elementary Ji8��Ƶ. My mom always told me how grateful she was for the services that assisted her with helping me to eat and start to walk.” Arianna attended Holyoke Community College and then Elms College, majoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders, for Speech Pathology. She went on to earn a master's degree in ABA.

Arianna explained, “While doing speech therapy in elementary and middle Ji8��Ƶ I saw the need for more behavioral focus. Both fields built upon each other and brought my communication background into ABA. I found I was able to help Ji8��Ƶ in a different, more powerful aspect with functional communication, skill acquisition programs, and behavioral interventions. I have been able to see kids learn new skills, begin to talk, and build on their social skills throughout treatment.”

According to Arianna, the most rewarding part of her job is that she does not consider it a job at all, but a way of life, “ABA is all around us, whether we are at home, at the store, at a party or even taking a walk in the park, it surrounds us. When working with the autistic population they make you see the world differently and appreciate the small victories in life, whether it is them requesting with their voice for the first time to their mom or dad, or them making a friend at the park.”

Arianna believes the greater public can benefit from autism awareness in the community by being patient and accepting. “The more people that are accepting and understanding of autism, the more people will be supportive of Ji8��Ƶ and families. We need to take care not only of the individuals on the spectrum but also the people that care for them.”

Nicole would like more people to understand the importance of early diagnosis and why it is so critical. “It is important that every child is screened early and seen by a professional with the ability to diagnose. I see a lot of people saying things like “That’s not autism,” when later the child is diagnosed. When a family can obtain an early diagnosis, they benefit from services and have more support in the early years, helping them to be in a better position for the future.”

At BHN, ABA services start with an assessment that can vary based on the learners’ age and needs. This assessment includes talking to the family about their own unique family goals. “We discuss what is important for the child and their family. Just like not every child with autism is the same, not every family is the same either,” said Nicole. “We look at the assessment for strengths and skills that are already flourishing and skills that we can build on through treatment, paired with family goals. For example, some families want to be able to sit together to eat dinner as a unit and talk about their day. We can work on that in many ways through ABA, increasing joint attention, increasing conversation skills, and overall ability to sit.”

In addition to ABA, BHN offers other programs to support youth and adults on the Autism spectrum that include:

24-hour Residential Support
Early Intervention
Individual Community Support
In-Home Behavioral Services
Kamp for Kids
Shared Living
Self Advocacy groups

The Center for Development, part of the BHN Wellbeing Community Behavioral Health Center, provides outpatient therapy to Autistic individuals and strives to affirm neurodiversity in their approach to care. Individual therapy, family therapy, group therapy, and case consultation are available in a variety of settings. Shifting our lens from Autism Awareness to Autism Acceptance and adopting a conceptual framework of neurodiversity in our human experience, centers the voice of each individual, and their experience of living in a neurotypical world, and furthers the movement to create a more accessible and inclusive community.

For referrals or more information about BHN supports and services for youth and adults with Autism call 413-301-WELL (9355) .

Nicole Corso M.S., BCBA LABA, Team Leader

Applied Behavior Analysis, Early Intervention, and In-Home Behavioral Services Programs

Arianna Martineau M.S., BCBA LABA, Behavior Management Therapist
Applied Behavior Analysis, Early Intervention, and In-Home Behavioral Services Programs

Michelle Michaelian Featured on "Beacon Hill to the 413"

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 13:56:21 GMT

Michelle Michaelian, Senior Vice President at Ji8��Ƶ, recently joined Senator John Velis for an episode of his cable tv program, "Beacon Hill to the 413" to discuss challenges facing the behavioral health sector and trends developing in our communities.

View the episode

This program gives viewers an inside look at what is happening on Beacon Hill and how it impacts the district. In each episode, Senator Velis hosts a guest to help to facilitate a discussion of issues from all angles.

Sedale Collymore Graduates from Springfield’s Court of Hope Program

Fri, 17 Mar 2023 13:03:50 GMT

Congratulations to Sedale Collymore, a BHN employee who became the second graduate of the Emerging Adult Court of Hope (EACH) program on Feb. 16, 2023. This new program in Massachusetts allows defendants in Hampden County with criminal charges an opportunity to turn their lives around by having criminal charges dismissed and records subsequently expunged. “When you are coming from a broken place, an emotional place, you kind of have to just deconstruct yourself a little bit,” Collymore said. I definitely want to work a lot more and keep building my life up. To have a family and set myself up for a good, honest life.”

Spearheaded by District Attorney Anthony Gulluni, EACH began in 2020 to give at-risk youth, ages 18 to 24, a second chance at a critical moment in their lives. The program is made possible through the combined efforts of the Hampden District Attorney’s Office, and partnerships with organizations such as Roca, a community-based workforce development program helping young adults obtain on-the-job skills to ready them for permanent employment opportunities. “These young men work very, very hard,” District Attorney Anthony Gulluni said. “They do a lot of difficult things that they might not have been accustomed to but it’s all investing in their futures.”

BHN is proud to partner with Roca and offers job placements for the role of cook, facilities worker, and direct care specialist (DDS and ACCS programs). Sedale received a permanent job placement in the BHN facilities department after excelling in a 90-day shadowing role through Roca. "From the beginning, we noticed something about Sedale we couldn’t quite put our finger on, but knew he was special," said facilities manager Cladi Rodriguez. "We paired him with one of our senior technicians, and as expected, he shined. Sedale is very motivated, willing to learn, always ready to work, and has a positive attitude. If he continues down this path, we see nothing but great things for him at BHN or any job he considers. As Sedale grows through the ranks, we all agree that he has the qualities to be in a leadership role at some point. Sedale is a great addition to our facilities team, and we are proud to have him."

Learn more in the article published by MassLive.

BHN Announces Leadership Promotions; Retirement of Senior VP

Fri, 03 Mar 2023 21:45:37 GMT

View the full BHN Executive Leadership Team

Ji8��Ƶ, Inc. (BHN) has announced several changes to its leadership team that include recent staff promotions as well as newly-added positions as part of its recently launched BHN WellBeing program. Susan West, Senior Vice President, has also recently retired from the organization.

Susan West, LICSW, Senior Vice President retired from BHN after a long career in behavioral health executive leadership. West was CEO of The Carson Center at the time the organization merged with BHN in 2015 and served on BHN’s executive leadership team for 7 years, overseeing Developmental Disabilities Services programs, development, marketing and communications, and grant writing for the organization.

In an effort to meet the leadership needs of the organization’s new Community Behavioral Health Centers model, called “BHN WellBeing,” BHN has added a Senior Vice President position and two Vice President positions that will oversee outpatient, urgent care, and medical integration programming. The new positions include the following:

Katherine Cook, LICSW has been hired to fill the Senior Vice President position overseeing BHN WellBeing, one of the Community Behavioral Health Centers launched by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Cook comes to BHN with many years of experience developing, implementing and leading a wide array of behavioral health programs.

Joy Ifill, LICSW, MBA , who has been with BHN for several years overseeing the Emergency Services and Supports division, has been promoted to Vice President , working with Cook.

Jose Rosado-Medina, PhD, LMHC , who first joined BHN as an Outpatient Clinician, has been promoted to Vice President and will work closely with Cook and Ifill on BHN WellBeing.

Katherine Mague, PhD, Senior Vice President, who formerly oversaw outpatient with Christine Edwards and Emergency Services and Supports with Ifill, now oversees Quality, Development, Communications and Social Justice. She will also work closely with BHN’s President and CEO Steve Winn in collaborating with key community stakeholders.

Michelle Michaelian, LICSW, has been promoted from Vice President to Senior Vice President . In addition to her current responsibilities overseeing Children and Community-Based programs, she will now lead the Care Management and Adult Outreach programs.

Christine Edwards, LICSW has been promoted to a newly created, executive level position of Director of Clinical Quality, which will bring focused attention and expertise to the initiatives of evidence-based training, outcome-driven treatment pathways, and the delivery of high-quality services. Edwards will work closely with Mague and with Jennifer Moore, BHN’s Clinical Director, to ensure the organization is delivering top-quality services across all departments of BHN.

Rosemary Cruz , SPHR who has been with BHN for more than 25 years and previously served as the Benefits Manager in the organization’s Human Resources department, has been promoted to Assistant Vice President within Human Resources.

Matthew Snow, PhD who has served as BHN’s Interim Chief Information Officer for the past two years, will take a permanent position as Vice President of Performance Improvement , Applications and Analytics. Snow has overseen several significant IT transitions over the past few years at BHN.

Brian Ross, MBA who has overseen BHN’s extensive Developmental Disabilities Services system since joining BHN, has been promoted to Vice President in recognition of the breadth of his responsibilities.

Dan Olshansky , LICSW, Vice President , who previously oversaw clinical quality, evidence-based practices and utilization management, has transitioned to a part-time position overseeing project management.

BHN Selected as Community Partner to Support MassHealth Members

Fri, 03 Feb 2023 21:29:22 GMT

Ji8��Ƶ, Inc. (BHN) announced that it has been selected by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as one of 20 Community Partners to support MassHealth members with significant behavioral health and complex long-term needs.

BHN will work with regional Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) to support and coordinate care for MassHealth members, including Ji8��Ƶ, youth and adults with disabilities, mental illness, substance use disorders, and co-occurring disorders and conditions. An ACO is a group of doctors, hospitals, and other health care providers that work together with the goals of delivering better care to members and improving the population’s health.

BHN has been selected as lead agency for both the Behavioral Health and Long-Term Services and Supports, as designated by the Commonwealth. In that capacity, BHN will oversee a network of providers, pooling resources, staff and expertise from BHN, WestMass ElderCare and Stavros Center for Independent Living. In total, twelve Behavioral Health and eight Long-Term Services and Supports Community Partner organizations were selected across the state.

The Community Partner designation is a five-year term. Over the last three years, the Community Partners program has shown a reduction in ER visits by 21%, a reduction in behavioral health admissions by 30%, and a reduction in risk-adjusted total cost of care by 20%. The Behavioral Health Community Partners program complements the Commonwealth’s Roadmap for Behavioral Health Reform, which significantly expands access to mental health and addiction treatment.

Over the next five years, some of the program’s goals include reaffirming MassHealth’s commitment to community-based outreach and care coordination for the highest-risk members, leveraging the expertise of community-based organizations, and continuing to incentivize integration of care across physical health, behavioral health, long-term services and supports, and health-related social needs.

According to Steve Winn, President and CEO of BHN, “We are thrilled to continue this critical support and coordination service for our most vulnerable residents. We are grateful to our partners at Stavros and WestMass ElderCare for joining in this effort, and grateful that this expansion program includes Ji8��Ƶ and youth as well as adults.”

BHN Holds Ribbon Cuttings for WellBeing Centers

Fri, 27 Jan 2023 21:12:33 GMT

BHN leadership was pleased to share with elected and public officials, our community partners, and funders the outcome of six months of intensive effort from BHN staff, culminating in the opening of BHN WellBeing, our Community Behavioral Health Centers (CBHC) on January 1st in Springfield and Westfield, MA. We are grateful for the skill and committed service of our staff and program leadership, who are at the core of this promising new program and make this work possible.

At the Springfield Ribbon Cutting event, which took place at 417 Liberty Street, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno; Springfield Health and Human Services (HHS) Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris; State Senator Jacob Oliveira; State Representatives Orlando Ramos, Carlos Gonzalez, Brian Ashe, and Bud Williams; Armando Olivares, Aide to Senator Adam Gomez; and BHN President and CEO Steve Winn each offered remarks during the program. Bruce Adams, Aide to Representative Puppolo, was also in attendance, along with state health officials, BHN staff and members of the community. Representative Gonzalez presented a citation from the State House of Representatives to mark the occasion.

At the Westfield event, the program included Westfield Mayor Michael McCabe, State Representative Kelly Pease, and Kevin Chambers, Aide to State Senator John Velis, who offered a citation from the Massachusetts Senate to mark the occasion. Westfield City Councilor William Onyski was also in attendance.

BHN WellBeing and the CBHC model are designed to serve as an entry point for timely, high-quality mental health and SUD treatment. The main goal is to expand access, including same-day access to assessments, urgent stabilization, medication management, evidenced-based psychotherapy, and crisis services. Other offerings include connection with peer specialists, help to navigate support services including insurance, housing and food, and skill-building workshops.

BHN WellBeing has two locations: 417 Liberty Street in Springfield and 77 Mill St. in Westfield campus which serve 17 cities and towns in the region via in person, community-based and telehealth services.

The hours for walk-in care at both locations are Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm; and Saturday and Sunday, 9am to 5pm. Those seeking care can also call (413) 301-9355-9355-WELL (413-301-9355) to be connected to services, or visit bhninc.org/wellbeing for more information.

BHN Named One of Boston Globe’s “2022 Top Places to Work in MA"

Fri, 20 Jan 2023 16:43:23 GMT

Ji8��Ƶ, Inc. (BHN) has been named one of the Boston Globe’s “2022 Top Places to Work in Massachusetts.” BHN is number 24 on the list of 150 companies in Massachusetts that made the list, and one of only two companies based in Western Massachusetts.

The recognition is based on anonymous employee surveys about leadership, appreciation, benefits, and more, administered by Energage, the Exton, Pennsylvania-based employee research and consulting firm. Overall, more than 94,000 employees at 381 companies completed surveys.

BHN employs more than 2,600 employees across all of Western Massachusetts (Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, and Berkshire counties) and in Suffolk County. The organization serves 45,000 individuals annually with life challenges due to mental illness, substance use disorders, and intellectual and developmental disabilities.

According to Steve Winn, President and CEO of BHN, “Our highest priorities are providing high quality care, and supporting our staff. To learn that our employees feel valued, respected, and appreciated enough to earn BHN a designation as a Top Place to Work is incredible feedback for us, and will only motivate us to work harder on behalf of our staff.”

BHN offers comprehensive benefits for its employees and is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace, seeking to eliminate social and economic inequities. In 2022, BHN launched the Katherine B. Wilson Staff Excellence Fund, which supports the career and development of its workforce by providing funds for license preparation courses and fees, forgivable loans for tuition costs, community college courses and certificate programs, and online and live trainings. To learn more, visit bhnworks.org .

The companies that made the Globe’s list were divided into four categories based on the number of employees: small (50-99); medium (100-249); large (250-999); and largest (1,000 or more). To view the full list, visit topworkplaces.com/award/boston/2022/

BHN WellBeing In the News

Wed, 18 Jan 2023 21:25:35 GMT

BHN Senior Vice President Katherine Mague and Vice President Chelan Brown were featured on Mass Appeal to discuss the launch of BHN WellBeing, a new model of care designed to streamline and shorten wait times for individuals seeking behavioral health treatment.

View the Mass Appeal segment

In a recent Greater Boston segment, Katherone Mague, Senior Vice President at BHN, and Vicker DiGravio, President of Riverside Community Care, discussed how the Commonwealth's rollout of Community Behavioral Health Centers is designed to increase access to behavioral healthcare services and lessen the burden on emergency rooms.

View the Greater Boston segment

Learn more about BHN WellBeing here on our website or call 413-301-9355-9355-WELL (9355) for more information.

Now Open: BHN WellBeing

Wed, 04 Jan 2023 15:01:02 GMT

BHN Wellbeing aims to shorten wait times for individuals seeking behavioral health treatment.

Ji8��Ƶ, Inc. announced that its new centers for Wellbeing officially launched on January 3, born out of the state’s new Community Behavioral Health Centers (CBHC) designation and designed to streamline and shorten wait times for individuals seeking behavioral health treatment with MassHealth and Health New England insurances.

BHN’s Community Behavioral Health Center is based in Springfield at its Liberty Street campus and serves the Springfield and Westfield catchment area, which includes 17 cities and towns in the region.

This new model of behavioral health services, which the organization has named “BHN WellBeing,” was launched with the goal of ensuring the right mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) care when and where people need it: “At home, in your community, at our clinic, and/or via telehealth.”

“BHN WellBeing” centers are located at 417 Liberty Street, Springfield, and 77 Mill Street, Westfield. The hours for walk-in care at both locations are Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm; and Saturday and Sunday, 9am to 5pm. Those seeking care can also call (413) 301-9355-9355-WELL ( 413-301-9355 ) to be connected to services, or go online to bhninc.org/wellbeing for more information.

“BHN WellBeing” and the CBHC model serve as an entry point for timely, high-quality mental health and SUD treatment. The main goal is to expand access, including same-day access to assessments, urgent stabilization, medication management, evidenced-based psychotherapy, and crisis services.

Other offerings that are part of “BHN WellBeing” include connection with peer specialists, (individuals who have had similar experiences to those seeking treatment); help with navigating support services including insurance, housing and food; and skill-building workshops.

According to Steve Winn, President and CEO of BHN, “BHN welcomes the opportunity to provide much needed behavioral health services and greater access in the coverage areas designated by the Commonwealth. We believe this will serve the state and region well and we are pleased to be a part of this new and critically important initiative.”

BHN’s Community Behavioral Health Center catchment area includes most of Hampden County. Existing clients living in other towns may continue to access care from BHN.

The CBHC designation was awarded by the Massachusetts Behavioral Health Partnership (MBHP), the single statewide behavioral health vendor for the Executive Office of Health and Human Services’ MassHealth program.

110 & 120 Maple St. programs have moved effective Dec. 19th

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 16:25:00 GMT

Effective December 19, 2022, the BHN programs listed below that were located at 110 and 120 Maple St. have moved. If your therapist or medication provider appointments are in person, please come to 417 Liberty St. Springfield, MA, Entrance D . If you have questions, please ask your therapist or provider or call us at (413) 732-7419.

Center for Development
Child Guidance Clinic
Maple Street Medication Clinic
School Street Counseling

BHN Annual Report: Celebrating Our Staff

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 20:25:29 GMT

Thank you to our incredible staff whose dedication and passion have once again enabled BHN to experience a year full of accomplishments. View our Annual Report to see what we've been up to! Hear stories from staff who received support from BHN's Staff Excellence Fund, learn about new programs, our unwavering commitment to social justice, and more!

Linda Blouin-Roy Receives ABH’s 2022 Salute to Excellence, Carl B. Cutchins Award for Children’s Behavioral Health

Wed, 26 Oct 2022 13:54:47 GMT

Blouin-Roy serves as program director for BHN’s Family Support and Training and Family Partners program

Ji8��Ƶ, Inc has announced that Linda Blouin-Roy, who serves as the program director for BHN’s Family Support and Training/Family Partners Program, is the recipient of the Association for Behavioral Healthcare’s (ABH) Salute to Excellence – Carl B. Cutchins Award for Children’s Behavioral Health. Blouin-Roy accepted her award on October 21 at ABH’s annual Salute to Excellence event in Framingham.

The Carl B. Cutchins Award for Children's Behavioral Health recognizes an active child advocate who has demonstrated a long-term commitment to supporting and enhancing services for Ji8��Ƶ/adolescents with behavioral health needs at the state or local level.

ABH's Salute to Excellence is a celebratory event that recognizes individuals and groups, often clinical and direct care staff, who have made outstanding contributions to community-based behavioral healthcare in Massachusetts.

In Blouin-Roy’s nomination for the award, she was credited with having cultivated BHN’s Family Support and Training program over the past 20 years into a robust, well-respected, and invaluable program that has served and benefitted innumerable families in Massachusetts.

Through BHN’s Family Support and Training program, those with lived experience raising a child in the behavioral health system are connected to families receiving Children’s Behavioral Health Initiative (CBHI) services.

Blouin-Roy has worked at both BHN and at the state level to develop professional and ethical standards and trainings for Family Partners program leaders. She is renowned and respected at the local and statewide level for her experience and expertise.

According to Michelle Michaelian, Senior Vice President at BHN, “Linda is a natural at this work. She has been an excellent teacher, role model, and leader who is well respected by her peers, managers, staff, and the families with whom she works. Having raised her own Ji8��Ƶ with special needs, she has been an advocate for countless Ji8��Ƶ and families by supporting, educating, and guiding them. Linda’s persistence proved that having Family Partners involved in treatment was invaluable in helping families move forward.

“Linda has built the Family Support and Training program from the ground up. With that experience she has been able to provide support for developing Family Partner programs across other BHN service areas including the Family Resource Center, Mobile Crisis Intervention, Community Based Acute Treatment, Intensive Home-Based Therapeutic Care, and with the Department of Mental Health In-Home Therapy program. Her efforts have reached far and wide and will continue to reverberate for years to come.”

BHN, Gándara Center and NEPM to present discussion of 'Hiding in Plain Sight: Youth Mental Illness' Oct. 20th

Wed, 12 Oct 2022 18:45:02 GMT

30-minute screening of Ken Burns’ film by Erik Ewers and Christopher Loren Ewers and panel discussion with the filmmakers and local behavioral health experts.

Hiding in Plain Sight: A Film Screening and Discussion
Thursday, Oct. 20 at 5 p.m.
Valley Venture Mentors
276 Bridge St., Springfield, Massachusetts

Registration is available here.

Ji8��Ƶ, the Gándara Center and New England Public Media will present “Hiding in Plain Sight,” a panel discussion on the subject of youth mental health. The event, which will be held on Thursday, Oct. 20 at 5 p.m. at Valley Venture Mentors in Springfield, is a follow up to “Hiding in Plain Sight: Youth Mental Illness,” a powerful documentary recently presented by PBS and Ken Burns.

The program will start with the screening of a 30-minute portion of the film, followed by a discussion with the film’s co-directors Erik Ewers and Christopher Loren Ewers; Enrique Vargas Gonzalez, an outpatient psychotherapist at Springfield’s Gándara Center; and a young person with mental health challenges featured in the film. The discussion will be moderated by Katherine Cook, Ji8��Ƶ’s senior vice president.

“Hiding In Plain Sight: Youth Mental Illness” premiered on NEPM TV in June 2022 and is available for streaming at video.nepm.org . It features first-person accounts from more than 20 young people, ranging in age from 11 to 27, who live with mental health conditions, as well as parents, teachers, friends, healthcare providers in their lives, and independent mental health experts. The film presents an unvarnished window into daily life with mental health challenges, from seemingly insurmountable obstacles to stories of hope and resilience. Through the experiences of these young people, the film confronts the issues of stigma, discrimination, awareness, and silence, and, in doing so, helps to advance a shift in the public perception of mental health issues today.

“We're proud to partner with Gándara Center and NEPM to help share this important documentary with the community. Hearing stories firsthand from young people struggling with behavioral health conditions is a powerful way to break through the stigma that makes it challenging for many to seek help” said Steve Winn, president and CEO of BHN.

“Youth are faced with a number of challenges and struggles and many times their mental health is impacted. The signs and symptoms of depression, anxiety and other serious behavioral health issues are not always easily recognized,” said Lois Nesci, CEO of the Gándara Center. “It’s great to see that Ken Burns and the filmmakers are doing their part to break the stigma and focusing on the mental health of our youth today. The Gándara Center provides a number of bilingual, culturally competent mental health services to youth, adults and their families. We understand the lifelong impact mental health can have on the youth we serve and their families."

ABOUT THE PANELISTS AND HOST

“Hiding in Plain Sight” Co-director and Editor Erik Ewers is an expert in all aspects of filmmaking, having served as music producer, writer, director, film producer, picture editor, and sound effects, music, and dialogue editor. He has worked with documentary filmmaker Ken Burns for more than 30 years and currently serves as Burns’ senior editor. Erik has won one editing Emmy, three program Emmys, and the ACE Eddie Award for “Best Edited Documentary of 2015.”

“Hiding in Plain Sight” Co-director and Director of Photography Christopher Loren Ewers has been working behind the camera for over 20 years and has traveled the world exploring the human experience through the lens. He studied cinematography at Boston University and photojournalism at the New England School of Photography. His cinematography has been featured in each of Ken Burns’ films since "The Vietnam War," which premiered on PBS in 2017.

The Gándara Center’s Enrique Vargas Gonzalez is a bilingual psychotherapist skilled in family, couples and individual therapy. He has experience working with LGBTQ communities and other minorities and is a gambling addiction specialist. He holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in clinical psychology from the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México.

Ji8��Ƶ’s Katherine Cook holds a bachelor’s degree in social work from Cleveland State University and a master’s degree in social science administration and social work from Case Western Reserve University. With over 30 years experience in leadership, social service administration, strategic planning, organization development and clinical oversight, Katherine recently joined the BHN team after working in various executive level leadership positions across New England. She is dedicated to the improvement and redesign of the mental health service delivery system and supporting the mental health needs of her community.

Registration is available here.

BHN Awarded Grant to Support to Behavioral Health Urgent Care in Schools

Thu, 29 Sep 2022 20:52:31 GMT

We are pleased to announce that BHN was recently awarded a grant on behalf of The Massachusetts Association for Mental Health (MAMH) and Mass General Brigham that will facilitate student access to pediatric behavioral health urgent care. As one of five Community Behavioral Health Centers (CBHC) in the state selected for the pilot program, BHN received a grant of $170,000 per year for 2.75 years ($467,500 total). Funding will be used to partner with Washington Elementary School in Springfield to help youth and families access appropriate networks of care via BHN’s CBHC linkages.

This initiative is designed to complement and support the implementation of the EOHHS Roadmap for Behavioral Health Reform and Children’s Mental Health Campaign (CMHC). The goals of this program are to; improve and expedite timely access by students to high-quality behavioral health care, improve outcomes for Ji8��Ƶ-age Ji8��Ƶ, adolescents, and their families, and to provide an effective alternative to the use of Ji8��Ƶ resource officers, police, 911, and emergency rooms.

Dr. Jose Rosado-Medina Honored in Springfield Puerto Rican Parade

Mon, 19 Sep 2022 13:44:45 GMT

BHN was a proud sponsor of the 30th annual Springfield Puerto Rican Parade that was held on Sunday, Sept. 18th! After two years of being held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic, over 5,000 registered marchers made their way down the street while tens of thousands of spectators lined both sides of Main Street from the North End to downtown Springfield.

BHN staff marched to celebrate Puerto Rican culture and to honor Senior Program Director, Dr. Jose Rosado-Medina, who was selected by the parade committee as the Community Ambassador for 2022. A Community Ambassador is someone who addresses issues regarding social awareness in our community, with a focus specifically on the Latinx community.

Dr. Rosado-Medina was quoted in a MassLive article , “This makes me so proud and humble,” he said. “It was unexpected. Knowing that the community wanted me to be part of this as an ambassador is such a great honor for me. It is really important because this is a community that has a lot of needs and needs a lot of support, especially in the native language. My role in this company (BHN) is to bring the voices of my community here in Massachusetts and convey its needs in terms of behavioral health services,” he said”

His success as a therapist in a culture that typically carries a lot of stigma about mental health needs stems from his roots in Puerto Rico. “It is so simple and easy to connect from the perspective of language and culture. Having someone on the other side who can understand your culture when you are experiencing depression or anxiety is really important to them,” he said of his clients.

In the News: Behavioral Health Reform

Sun, 18 Sep 2022 13:10:40 GMT

In a recent article featured in The Republican's Better Health section, BHN Senior Vice President, Katherine Mague explained how Community Behavioral Health Centers (CBHCs) will provide expanded access to behavioral health evaluation and treatment in communities across the Commonwealth.

Advocacy for Oneself; Encouraging Others

Fri, 19 Aug 2022 18:31:40 GMT

Congratulations to the three individuals served by BHN who recently received awards at the 18th Annual West Region Self Advocacy Conference in Springfield!

Brian Kitner won the 2022 Edwin Sojka Memorial Award for his dedication to attending Westfield Self Advocacy meetings. Brian is the elected President of the group and works hard to help others succeed. He is a lifelong learner with a great sense of humor and enjoys making others smile.

Karen Kitner won the award for Best Community Promoter 2022. Karen received this award for her involvement within the local community. She enjoys educating the public about the values of self-advocacy and fights for inclusion and an end to segregation. Karen leads the way for other self-advocates to become involved.

James Miller was inducted into the Western Mass Region Self Advocacy Hall of Fame at the conference. He received this honor for his strong passion and lasting dedication to self advocacy, for acting as a leader and role model, and for his vision of the future of self advocacy.

Self Advocacy at BHN

The Open Door Club has been meeting as a self advocacy group for over 30 years. They are an established group with individuals in Northampton and surrounding areas. The Group’s focus is on learning, independent decision-making, and teamwork. They accomplish goals using hands-on activities, short films, and guest speakers. By having each member express their ideas for upcoming meetings, the interest and integrity of the group is maintained by all who participate. Open Door Club self-advocates meet Mondays 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm at 40 Bobala Road, Holyoke .

The Self Advocates are a long-established group with individuals from all around the Westfield area. This group focuses on trusting themselves and the choices they make to enhance daily life. This is accomplished through utilizing short-term goals, encouraging self-esteem, growth, and strong communication skills such as phone etiquette, reading, sign language, and group conversation for support. All members in attendance vote on future meetings to ensure everyone has a voice as to how the group will meet the needs of all members.

Upcoming plans for the Group include guest speakers, volunteer work, elections, public awareness, and social events. Meetings are held Wednesdays 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at 754 Russell Road, Westfield .

For information on either group contact Maria.Laporte@bhninc.org , (413) 519-0257 .

BHN Awarded Early Education and Out-of-School Time (EEOST) Capital Improvement Grant

Thu, 11 Aug 2022 17:55:39 GMT

We are pleased to announce that BHN was awarded a $250,000 Early Education and Out-of-School Time (EEOST) capital improvement grant by the Baker-Polito Administration. Funding will be used to improve safety features, accessibility, and functionality at BHN's Kidstop Children’s Center in Ware. Planned projects include improvements to the playground, indoor spaces and parking lot, replacement of the HVAC system, and installation of a new security system.

The grant is part of $3.9 million that was awarded to 17 community-based organizations to ensure Ji8��Ƶ have safe and developmentally appropriate spaces to learn and play. Approximately 80 percent of the Ji8��Ƶ in EEOST-funded programs are from low-income families. We are grateful for this funding that will benefit the many Ji8��Ƶ and families we serve!

Learn more about the grant: www.mass.gov

Kamp for Kids Holds Welcome Day Celebration

Wed, 27 Jul 2022 16:28:17 GMT

Kamp for Kids recently held its annual Welcome Day celebration with families and community members in attendance celebrating 47 years of Kamp! Kampers put on a variety of wonderful and creative performances and displayed artwork. Located at Camp Togowauk in Westfield, Kamp provides Ji8��Ƶ with and without disabilities the opportunity to express themselves through arts and crafts, non-competitive sports, and performing arts.

According to Program Director Anne Benoit, "One of the best things about being part of Kamp for Kids is the community connection. This program is a communal effort between BHN, Department of Developmental Services (DDS), legislators, local agencies, generous funders, staff, and families. Nearly 50 years ago, Kamp for Kids was started by a group of community members to provide an inclusive experience for Ji8��Ƶ. Today that concept still prevails and that goes to show that when we work together anything is possible."

Welcome Day had special guests including Jerry Scott, Director of the DDS, Urban Youth Collaborative Program (UYCP). Many of the Kamp staff members are interns through this program.

“DDS has supported Kamp for Kids for many years because of the special relationships that develop between campers and interns. We want to thank BHN's great staff, the parents who send their Ji8��Ƶ to Kamp, and of course the interns who provide love and support to the campers”. Thank you for partnering with UYCP,” said Scott.

Kamp parent, Dawn Audet also spoke at the event and expressed her gratitude for the program, "This camp has given both my Ji8��Ƶ and myself the gifts of knowledge, appreciation, and friendship that will be with us for the rest of our lives."

Thank you to our community partners for helping make this year's Welcome Day a success!

BHN Awarded Commonwealth’s Community Behavioral Health Center Designation

Fri, 22 Jul 2022 13:59:21 GMT

BHN will serve as the CBHC for the Springfield catchment area

Ji8��Ƶ, Inc. (BHN) has been awarded a contract from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to serve as the Community Behavioral Health Center (CBHC) for the greater Springfield/Westfield catchment area. This designation was awarded by the Massachusetts Behavioral Health Partnership (MBHP), the single statewide behavioral health vendor for the Executive Office of Health and Human Services’ MassHealth program.

Launching in January of 2023, BHN’s CBHC will be based at our Liberty Street campus in Springfield and at our Mill Street campus in Westfield.

The CBHC model is part of the Baker-Polito administration’s Roadmap for Behavioral Health Reform to expand access to high-quality outpatient treatment, to ensure the right care when and where people need it. CBHCs will serve as an entry point for timely, high-quality mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, including outpatient and adult and youth crisis intervention.

The goal of the CBHC model is to expand access, including same-day access to assessments and referrals and crisis treatment. Other goals include evidence-based, goal-oriented, trauma-informed care; focus on equity through culturally competent, accessible treatment; coverage throughout the Commonwealth for all ages; and community-based crisis intervention integrated with a full outpatient continuum of services.

This model includes significant new funding for CBHCs and additional funding for non-CBHC behavioral health urgent care.

According to Steve Winn, President and CEO of BHN, “BHN welcomes the opportunity to serve as a Community Behavioral Health Center to meet current and growing needs in the Springfield area. As the behavioral health infrastructure continues to evolve, BHN is pleased to partner with the Commonwealth in this new approach to providing access to services and to strengthen providers such as BHN.”

BHN’s Community Behavioral Health Center catchment area includes Agawam, Blandford, Chester, East Longmeadow, Granville, Hampden, Huntington, Indian Orchard, Longmeadow, Montgomery, Russell, Southwick, Springfield, Tolland, Westfield, West Springfield, and Wilbraham.

Enjoy a Rewarding Career - BHN's Developmental Services Program is Hiring!

Sat, 28 May 2022 15:17:38 GMT

Bring your passion for helping others to live their best lives by joining our team in the Developmental Services program at BHN! Positions available at locations throughout western MA for all career levels from entry level to professional. Enjoy a rewarding career with great benefits and professional growth opportunities! Sign-on bonus available!

We have openings for the following positions:

Program Director, Developmental Services
Residential Supervisors
Direct Care, Residential Specialists

View all opportunities at www.bhnworks.org

Kamp for Kids - Summer 2022 Information

Fri, 27 May 2022 20:32:15 GMT

Kamp for Kids brings together Ji8��Ƶ with and without disabilities in a unique integrated model that promotes understanding and growth. This summer’s Kamp experience will be offered both in-person and virtually and includes art, health, nature and other inclusive fun activities. As a fully inclusive summer camp, it is our mission to serve a population of both Ji8��Ƶ with disabilities and their typically developing peers. Please note we are operating at a limited capacity this summer.

2022 Kamp Sessions:

Session 1: July 11 - July 22

Session 2: July 25 - August 5

Session 3: August 8 - August 19

Spaces are still available! P lease contact Shullamite.Valenzona@bhninc.org for an application.

For questions or information contact, Anne Benoit, Kamp Director (413) 562-5678 or Anne.Benoit@bhninc.org .

Kamp for Kids is Hiring seasonal camp counselors and nursing staff!

Learn more and apply at bhnworks.org

You are creating a healthier community – double your impact in May during Mental Health Awareness Month!

Wed, 13 Apr 2022 20:55:22 GMT

Your support matched by Brendan & RJ Greeley Co. during May.

If you are like most people, you’ve gotten through life with support – from your family, your community, your coaches or your teachers. You did the work yourself, but all of us depend upon a foundation of support to pull it all together.

Many individuals and families living with behavioral health challenges come to us without a safety net. Our team members provide tools, guidance and support to build or restore that foundation of support. To ensure excellent care, our team members continuously train to stay on top of the best ways to help. This takes investment- of time, effort and resources.

BHN is committed to supporting all of our team members, to ensure they have the skills they need to provide the highest quality of care. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, one of our generous supporters, R.J. Greeley Company Inc., has challenged us to deepen support for our teams. They have pledged a gift of $10,000 if 100 people become monthly supporters by the end of May.

This is where you come in. Will you please consider making a monthly gift ? Any amount makes a difference. You will ensure our staff has the tools they need to help build a better life for those they serve. Each team member reaches hundreds of community members every year - It’s a team effort. Together we create a stronger, healthier community. Thank you for your partnership!

"I attended Westfield State’s certificate program for substance use treatment with support from BHN. I gained confidence I never had, even while working in the field for over eight years. It was hard for me to ask for financial assistance (my pride), but by having the support available and encouraged, I plan to continue my career at BHN and continue my education. I am only 62 credits away from obtaining my Bachelor’s Degree. This possibility was far-fetched from my reality before I became an employee

at BHN, and for this, I will be forever indebted and grateful.”

– Drake, Counselor/Case Manager

The COVID-19 Pandemics Impact on Children's Mental Health

Fri, 25 Mar 2022 22:32:55 GMT

Michelle Michaelian, BHN Vice President of Children and Community Based programs, was featured on WWLP-22News InFocus to discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Ji8��Ƶ's mental health and well-being. She discussed the challenges Ji8��Ƶ and youth are experiencing, signs they need help, and services offered to support them.

View the full segment of 22News InFocus.

Learn more about Ji8��Ƶ, youth, and family programs here on our website or call 413-BHN-WORK for more information.

BHN Creates Social Justice Vice President-Level Position; Promotes Chelan Brown to VP

Thu, 17 Mar 2022 17:30:25 GMT

Ji8��Ƶ, Inc. (BHN) today announced the creation of a Vice President-level position to oversee Social Justice efforts and initiatives. BHN promoted Chelan Brown, formerly Social Justice Director at BHN, into the new position of Vice President of Social Justice.

Brown joined BHN in September 2020 when the organization created the Social Justice Director role. In her previous role, she has worked collaboratively with staff and leadership to amplify and move forward the work toward racial and social equity within BHN and in the community at large. Through this work, it has become clear to executive leadership that the scope of BHN’s Social Justice efforts require leadership at the senior leadership level.

“We have grown so much as an organization over the past year and a half, and realize how much more we need to accomplish in pursuit of our vision of BHN as a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization. We are so grateful for Chelan’s leadership and are thrilled to have her accept the promotion to Vice President,” said CEO Steve Winn.

Brown has extensive experience in social justice work, both in the for-profit and nonprofit sectors. She previously worked at MGM Springfield as Construction Diversity Manager, where she ensured the hiring of a diverse workforce and that women, minority, and veteran-owned companies were actively engaged and included in all bid opportunities for the construction of the casino.

According to Brown, "I am thrilled to accept the newly created Vice President of Social Justice position at BHN. In my short time at BHN I have witnessed the high level of commitment from the Board of Directors, Executive Leadership Team, and staff to move us towards becoming a socially just organization that is committed to Diversity, Equity, and Justice for those we serve. I hope to build upon the great, innovative work the organization has done and look forward to continued work both internally and externally with community partners to reach our social justice goals.”

Brown’s experience in the nonprofit sector includes serving as manager of the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts’ Network Capacity Building department and as Community Engagement Coordinator, where she coordinated the development of the Springfield Food Access Project. She was also a member of the Food Bank’s Management, Advocacy, and Diversity Team.

Brown focused her early-career social justice and community organizing efforts on violence prevention and gang diversion. In 2005, Brown founded the nonprofit agency Alive With Awareness Knowledge & Empowerment (A.W.A.K.E), a violence prevention organization in Springfield. At AW.A.K.E., Brown built a framework and created programs to ensure that youth of color and families were provided access to opportunities, support systems, and basic needs to live productive and successful lives.

In 2017, BHN established the Social Justice Committee (SJC), whose mission is to strengthen BHN's active promotion of a just workplace and community. BHN's social justice efforts seek to eliminate social and economic inequities and promote respect for human dignity, inclusiveness of diversity, and the physical and psychological safety and well-being of all people.

BHN receives grant from the Stop Violence Against Women Act program

Fri, 11 Mar 2022 14:24:33 GMT

On March 1, 2022, BHN was awarded a $43,000 state grant by Lt. Governor Karyn Polito at the Violence Against Women Act Award ceremony in Worcester, MA. Anthia Eliot, Program Director for BHN's domestic violence department, attended the ceremony. The funds received will support a civilian police advocate.

The grant is part of nearly $3 million awarded to 37 community-based organizations, police departments and state agencies as part of the Violence Against Women Act, Services Training Officers Prosecutors Grant Program (VAWA STOP), administered by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security’s Office of Grants and Research.

“The VAWA STOP Grant program has an important role in our Administration’s strategy to confront gender-based violence and empower domestic violence and sexual assault survivors,” Gov. Charlie Baker said in the release. “We are grateful to our partners in law enforcement, the judicial system and survivor services who work tirelessly to promote justice and provide support for survivors.”

“Every awardee has an essential role in protecting the safety and well-being of at-risk women and girls,” said Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, chair of the Governor’s Council to Address Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence. Over the last five years, $15.3 million in VAWA funds have been granted statewide to support domestic and sexual assault survivors and their families.

The VAWA STOP Grant is a vital resource that supports various specialized and innovative projects throughout the Commonwealth. Some initiatives supported by these grant funds include:

Services specifically devoted to preventing, identifying and responding to violent crimes against women;
Training opportunities for judiciary, court, and probation personnel, in addition to law enforcement and survivor service providers;
Partnerships between law enforcement and survivor service providers to provide compassionate outreach to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking; and
Supporting prosecutors working closely with survivor-witness advocates, probation, law enforcement and state agencies to target high-risk cases and increase offender accountability.

BHN's Commitment to Our Local Communities

Wed, 26 Jan 2022 16:26:56 GMT

At BHN, we are committed to providing high quality, accessible services to the communities in and around Springfield and throughout Western Massachusetts. We strive to make services available and culturally competent to traditionally marginalized groups.

We are deeply saddened by recent events and any perception that we would deny services to any group or population. And although our ability to comment on specific recent events is restricted by HIPAA, we are continually evaluating our work and striving, with humility and the support of expert guidance, to make our services meet the needs of those we serve.

BHN has delivered services in the greater Springfield community for more than 80 years. Our ongoing journey on the path towards a more socially just organization, community, and world is unwavering and has the full support of our Board and program leadership. Our full-time social justice executive level position leads a department of staff who have created a three-phase strategic plan to align BHN policies, practices, systems, and services with the five pillars of social justice: equity, diversity, representation, human rights, and access to resources.

We welcome the opportunity to engage in dialogue with community leaders and community members around this work. We also welcome the opportunity to engage in community discussion around systems of behavioral health treatment in our region and what is being done and still needs to be done regarding the ongoing challenge of access to timely, appropriate, and culturally competent behavioral health care.

Don't Face a Crisis Alone

Wed, 26 Jan 2022 15:11:41 GMT

Call BHN if you’re facing a mental health or substance use crisis, or just don’t know where to go for help.

In a mental health or substance use crisis, avoid the ER. BHN’s Crisis program provides 24/7 response to individuals and families regardless of insurance. When in crisis call (413) 733-6661 or go directly to BHN for help, 417 Liberty St. Entrance B, Springfield, MA .

Support, Stabilize, Connect. Behavioral health Emergency Services Program/Mobile Crisis Intervention (ESP/ MCI) teams are a resource right in your community for accessing mental health and/or substance use disorder services. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, including holidays. We are here to help you get the services you need, when you need them. ESP/MCI services are provided at no cost to those with MassHealth (Medicaid), Medicare, or people without health insurance. Some people with private insurance can also get these services.

Special services for Ji8��Ƶ, teens, and young adults. Mobile Crisis Intervention (MCI) is the behavioral health emergency program designed especially for Ji8��Ƶ and young adults up to age 21. An MCI team member may come to a Ji8��Ƶ, residential program, home, or other location to provide services. MCI teams are staffed with family partners, who have firsthand experience in caring for youth with mental health and/or substance use disorders. We’ll work with the youth and his or her family to create the best care plan, including follow-up for seven days. We know that when a young person is having behavioral health difficulties, it can be really hard. Our caring team members will be there for you every step of the way.

We’ll help you get the care you need in a place where you feel comfortable. You can access supports without the stress and inconvenience of going to a hospital emergency department. We will work with existing providers, if you have them, and will also provide referrals to the exact kind of care that you need. ESPs provide a personalized, non-judgmental, and coordinated approach to care. When you call, we’ll be there.

Learn more about at masspartnership.com/ESP

BHN Receives $25K Donation from Country Bank for Staff Excellence Fund

Mon, 24 Jan 2022 18:48:40 GMT

Ji8��Ƶ, Inc. (BHN) has announced it has received a $25,000 donation from Country Bank to benefit the Katherine B. Wilson Staff Excellence Fund.

BHN established the Katherine B. Wilson Staff Excellence Fund to support the career and professional development of the organization’s workforce and assist in achieving Social Justice objectives. Through community partnerships, valuable in-kind services, and generous donations, BHN seeks to address a variety of staff professional development opportunities. The fund will provide support for scholarship funds and forgivable loans for staff to further their education at local colleges, along with licensure support.

“Country Bank is proud to present a $25,000 donation in support of the critical services that BHN provides to the community," said Jodie Gerulaitis, Vice President of Community Relations

Steve Winn, President and CEO of BHN stated, “We are incredibly thankful for the continued support from Country Bank. Their generous donation will support our essential workforce, ensuring BHN’s commitment to provide high quality behavioral health services to the Western Massachusetts community.”

Care Management Programs at BHN

Sat, 18 Dec 2021 16:10:19 GMT

BHN’s Care Management programs provide team based comprehensive medical and behavioral Care Management services for Ji8��Ƶ, youth and adults in our service area.

BHN serves individuals with physical health/chronic disease needs, behavioral health needs, and complex, co-morbid physical and behavioral health needs.
Care Management teams are staffed by experienced Registered Nurses, master’s-level behavioral health clinicians, Care Coordinators and paraprofessional community health workers.
Care Management teams are integrated with primary care staff in community and health centers and in primary care settings that have physical health CM nurses.
BHN contracts with insurers such as Commonwealth Care Alliance (One Care) and the Massachusetts Behavioral Health Partnership (MBHP) to provide both medical and behavioral health care management.

For more information, call (413) 246-9675 or contact us .

BHN Receives $125K Donation Commitment from PeoplesBank for Staff Excellence Fund

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 19:52:43 GMT

Ji8��Ƶ, Inc. (BHN) has announced it has received a $25,000 donation from PeoplesBank to benefit the Katherine B. Wilson Staff Excellence Fund. It is the first installment of a $125,000 commitment over the next five years.

“BHN made a compelling case that the engagement/skillset of their workforce has an enormous impact on their ‘end users’ – something we know to be true, even in a seemingly different industry such as banking. It is the ‘hand-up, and not hand-out’ to these vulnerable populations that hews most closely to our giving philosophy, so we are comfortable that this program will produce those desired results,” said Matthew Bannister, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Corporate Responsibility at PeoplesBank.

Steve Winn, President and CEO of BHN stated, “We are deeply grateful to PeoplesBank for their generosity and partnership. Through this commitment, PeoplesBank demonstrates understanding of the importance of ensuring high quality behavioral health services to the Western Massachusetts community. Supporting BHN’s essential workforce accomplishes that goal.”

BHN Launches New Opioid Treatment Program in Orange, MA

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 16:52:06 GMT

Program marks first rural methadone clinic in the state, in partnership with the Community Health Center of Franklin County

Ji8��Ƶ (BHN) has partnered with the Community Health Center of Franklin County (CHCFC) to help those struggling with opioid dependence. The new Orange Opioid Treatment Program is located at 119 New Athol Road, Suite 210 at a co-location within CHCFC’s newest facility.

The two building, 22,000-square-foot health center provides medical and dental care and nutritional advice along with behavioral health and substance abuse treatment.

BHN’s Orange Opioid Treatment Program provides methadone treatment for individuals 18 and older, seven days a week in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies to provide a holistic approach to the treatment of substance use disorders.

The Clinic is open Monday to Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and Dosing Hours are Monday to Friday, 5:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. CHCFC will continue to offer buprenorphine and injectable naltrexone to aid those in recovery.

Methadone is a medication approved by the FDA to treat opioid use disorder. When taken as prescribed, methadone is safe and effective and helps individuals achieve and sustain recovery and to reclaim active and meaningful lives.

BHN’s President and CEO Steve Winn said, “BHN is extremely pleased to be partnering with CHCFC to provide this much needed, and life-saving service. Opioid addiction continues to plague our communities and the new Orange clinic allows BHN to provide more access to medication-assisted treatment to more people in need of assistance.”

Dr. Ruth Potee, Medical Director for substance use disorders at BHN, said, “This will be the first rural methadone clinic in the state. Methadone is one of the most effective treatments for Opioid Use Disorder. We are pleased the patients and families in North Quabbin now have ready access to this life-saving medication.”

CHCFC’s CEO Allison van der Velden said, “We are very excited to partner with BHN’s Opioid Treatment Program. The Community Health Center is dedicated to lowering barriers for people so they can access the full scope of health services and support that they need. Whether entering care through CHCFC or BHN, patients will have better access to the services of both partners.”

For more information about the new Orange Opioid Treatment Program, call (978) 674-7240 . Most insurance plans are accepted.

BHN offers a full continuum of care and services for those in addiction recovery. Recovery programs include acute treatment, residential recovery homes, clinical stabilization, transitional support services, outpatient treatment, recovery coaching and driver alcohol education services through the Massachusetts Impaired Driver Program.

COVID-19 & Flu Vaccine Clinics

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 20:58:30 GMT

BHN continues to offer COVID and flu vaccines free to the public. COVID 1st & 2nd doses and boosters, as well as pediatric COVID vaccines (ages 5-11) are available at each clinic. BHN offers all vaccines: Moderna, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged and appointments will be given priority.

Have questions? Contact covidvaccine@bhninc.org or call (413) 301-9327 .

BHN Equity Vaccine Clinic: 35 Warwick St, Springfield, MA

Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 3:30 pm: Register

BHN Expands Addiction & Recovery Service Offering

Wed, 17 Nov 2021 15:26:17 GMT

BHN is pleased to announce the expansion of our continuum of Addiction and Recovery services. Three new programs will offer treatment services to those in recovery.

BHN Springfield Center BHN Springfield Center consists of two residential treatment programs for adult men and women. Each program provides individualized, trauma-informed care through evidence-based substance use treatment services. Individuals receive support from peers and staff and learn new tools for living clean and sober.

BHN Holyoke Transitional Support Services (TSS) BHN Holyoke TSS is a short-term residential treatment program for men in recovery. The program provides trauma-informed care through evidence-based substance use treatment services, focusing on care management, group work, self-help, and motivational therapy techniques to promote and support recovery.

BHN Dorchester Family Center The BHN Dorchester Family Center provides residential family substance use treatment for pregnant and parenting women with Ji8��Ƶ in their care up to age 18. The program provides trauma-informed care and evidenced-based substance use services that are women-centered, with a goal of successful family reunification and long-term family stabilization.

BHN Acquiring Phoenix Houses of New England’s MA Portfolio of Substance Use Treatment Programs

Mon, 25 Oct 2021 20:18:19 GMT

Ji8��Ƶ, Inc. (BHN) announced today that it will assume Phoenix House’s Massachusetts substance use programs located in Springfield, Holyoke and Dorchester, effective early in November, in order to ensure optimal fiscal and clinical stability of the programs.

The programs that BHN will assume include Phoenix House’s outpatient operations in Springfield which provides integrated care for adults with substance use and behavioral health issues; and Phoenix House’s residential treatment programs located in Springfield, Holyoke and Dorchester, which provide individualized and family focused trauma-informed care through their residential, evidenced-based substance use treatment services.

Phoenix House’s Massachusetts programs are part of Phoenix Houses of New England, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) substance use treatment organization that serves more than 3,500 men and women annually through 14 programs in four states.

“The Phoenix House programs provide an invaluable service to the community and those in recovery, and we are extremely pleased to be able to add them to BHN’s Addiction and Recovery services and to ensure their continued operation,” Said BHN CEO Steve Winn.

Phoenix House New England’s President & CEO, Pete Mumma added, “Health care organizations everywhere are responding to changing market pressures by growing significantly larger, often through mergers and acquisitions. We are thrilled that our Massachusetts programs and staff will continue operating seamlessly and will be joining such a great organization as BHN.”

BHN’s Kamp for Kids Receives $5K Grant from Westfield Bank

Tue, 19 Oct 2021 17:03:33 GMT

Ji8��Ƶ, Inc. (BHN) has announced it has received a grant of $5,000 from Westfield Bank’s Future Fund Program to benefit Kamp for Kids™, the organization’s summer day camp for Ji8��Ƶ and young adults with and without disabilities.

Westfield Bank has been a longtime supporter of BHN’s Kamp for Kids™. According to Catherine Jocelyn, Vice President of Marketing at Westfield Bank, “We consider it an honor to support Kamp for Kids™. We are always happy to support such a worthwhile organization that has been serving our community and more importantly Ji8��Ƶ for so many years.”

Westfield Bank established The Future Fund in 2002 as a response to overwhelming community needs and the shrinking sources of corporate philanthropy. It prioritizes funding to 501(c)3 educational, recreational, cultural, and social service programs that serve Westfield Bank’s market area.

Grants made to Kamp for Kids™ provide camperships to youth with or without disabilities to ensure that all Ji8��Ƶ, regardless of family income, are able to attend camp.

According to Anne Benoit, Program Director for Kamp for Kids™, “We are so appreciative of the consistent and ongoing support of Westfield Bank. Over the ten years that I have been the Director of Kamp for Kids™, Westfield Bank has done everything from awarding us the Future Fund grant to providing scholarships to families in need, and collecting gently used toys or other items for the campers to use. Kamp for Kids™ is able to provide the quality experience it does, due to the generosity and connection to the community. We are proud to include Westfield Bank in the Kamp for Kids™ family.”

Kamp for Kids™, located at Camp Togowauk on Russell Road in Westfield, is for Ji8��Ƶ and young adults ages 3-22 – both with and without disabilities – that offers an opportunity to experience growth, inclusion and fun in a summer camp setting. Traditionally, Kamp for Kids™ operates every summer during July and August. Agencies and programs that routinely refer Ji8��Ƶ to the camp include the Department of Developmental Services and Autism Connections.

Due to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health COVID-19 requirements for camps, Kamp for Kids™ operated at 40% capacity this past summer. While this meant BHN was not able to serve all the families who applied, Kamp did offer a safe and supportive summer day camp experience for many Ji8��Ƶ from the Western Massachusetts area. The Ji8��Ƶ who attended participated in recreational games to inspire physical activity, art and music projects to tap into their creativity, nature and science adventures to stimulate their learning, and communication & social skill development to expand and practice interaction. Social distancing, masks, hand washing, temperature checks, and smaller groups notwithstanding – the campers were given the Kamp for Kids™ experience to the full extent.

Kamp for Kids™ was founded by Judy Hoyt, whose son Rick was the inspiration behind the camp.

BHN has been providing behavioral health services to Ji8��Ƶ and families in Western Massachusetts since 1938. The agency provides community-based services that include innovative, integrated whole-health models as well as traditional clinical and outpatient and therapeutic services, day treatment, addiction services, crisis intervention and residential supports.

The Benefits of an Agency

Sun, 19 Sep 2021 14:38:57 GMT

This article was recently featured in the Republican's Better Health section .

It is likely not controversial to suggest that systems produce consistent results. The advantage of an educational system, a health care system, or an assembly line, is it produces similar outcomes over time. Confusingly, it is often a source of social/political tension that systems can also, through poor design or bad faith, consistently reproduce negative results, particularly for folks with less power to influence system construction.

At the time I decided to pursue a career as a clinical social worker, I had been working for a number of years as a staff reporter at a community newspaper in a major urban center. I had covered enough election cycles, dips and spikes in violent crime, development projects, Ji8��Ƶ system overhauls etc. to feel like I had a sense of the pros and cons of how most systems function. [When I decided to pursue a career as a psychotherapist,] I imagined a future in private practice, supporting my clients to explore the intricacies of their experience of the world at a comfortable remove from any infrastructure.These days, I am regularly reminded of how system-engaged my work is by a sharp-witted client, whose most innocuous take on my employer, Ji8��Ƶ (BHN), involves comparison to Wal-Mart. BHN does provide a wide array of services from, traditional psychotherapeutic and psychiatric supports, to residential; substance use treatment; and medical case management supports, as well as an array of supports for individuals experiencing psychiatric crisis, and much more.

The benefits of a comprehensive community-based support model are strikingly clear from my current role as an outpatient clinician at BHN Carson Center for Development. Our specialty clinic, through a contract with the Springfield-Area Office of the state Department of Developmental Services (DDS), primarily serves intellectually and developmentally disabled adults and Ji8��Ƶ with co-occurring mental health issues.

DDS clients' lives are, by design, deeply and intimately mediated by systems. The model for DDS services is for various vocational, residential, clinical, and other supports to work together to facilitate maximal autonomy and community engagement. Of course, the range of available supports, and flexibility to make changes when something is not working are limited by budgetary, regulatory, and other constraints. The underlying premise of the model, however, is that, to the extent possible, it is beneficial for the individual's support system to be flexible and responsive to their changing needs.

In this context, our work as psychotherapists is often centered on creating space with our clients where they can examine their relationships with their support systems, and determine how they want to manage those relationships to impact the system. Therapeutically, I have found that the possibility for clients of effecting systemic change—even on this micro-level, and through Herculean effort—is at least equally as therapeutic as the other, complementary intervention regularly explored in psychotherapy: The possibility that engaging with chronically misattuned systems can be rendered less traumatic through developing distress-tolerance and self-regulation skills.

This is the crux of why and how community mental health agencies like BHN are so important. Practicing outpatient therapy from within a service-network-system means I can easily provide a referral for an I/DD client who is ready for the challenge of a neurologically integrated therapy group focused on building self-regulation skills. I can join with a client, at their direction, to coordinate with group home residential supports on how best to support them as they develop a clearer self-understanding of their own reactions and motivations.

Writ large, my best hope is that, as a society, we are moving toward systems that harness increased information flows to provide increasingly flexible and accurate responses to people's needs. State agencies like DDS and community mental health agencies like BHN are and should continue to demonstrate leadership in this direction.

David Tabe r, MSW, LCSW gave up on his dream of being a newspaper reporter years ago due to poor organizational and time management skills. He remains committed, however, to borderline comical remuneration, and so has since pursued a career in community mental health. He really should have gotten it together to sit for his LICSW exam by now.

Telling Our Stories: Diany

Thu, 16 Sep 2021 22:17:59 GMT

My name is Diany and I am a Bilingual Care Coordinator in the Integration Department. Prior to working at BHN I was a home health aide and I loved my job! I had a client who was severely disabled and had many mental health problems. While I was her aide, I was also playing the role of her care coordinator.

I was referred to my current position by a personal acquaintance who worked for BHN and told me about the job and opportunities within the organization. I was happy to be able to help more people than I was at the time and didn’t have any reason not to apply!

My day-to-day job as a Care Coordinator involves building relationships with members on my caseload. Relationships are important because you cannot help if you don’t know them well and what their needs are. I routinely review each member’s annual assessment and follow up with their care needs to ensure they are met. Be it with home care services, durable medical equipment (like briefs, bed pads, walkers, etc.), or even physical therapy.

I like to see myself as the middleman that keeps the member happy and makes their life easier. There are some hard instances where they may be upset at something not involving you, and being that middleman, you get the short end of the stick. As a Care Coordinator, you learn not to take these things to heart. We roll with the punches and keep uplifting our members!

The most fulfilling part of being a care coordinator is seeing my members in a place of comfort and happiness after receiving services. Most of these people have been failed by the system in one way or another. When you work hard for them and show them that you’re here to help them do the work, the outcome, and their gratitude is very rewarding!

I would not enjoy my job half as much as I do without my team. We are always there to help each other and we lift each other up daily. Shout out to all the amazing care coordinators who work alongside me (and our nurse care manager!). I appreciate you all!

Have a passion for helping others and want to learn more about becoming a Care Coordinator? BHN has job openings to staff behavioral health programs serving individuals and families throughout Western MA. View all opportunities and learn more at bhnworks.org.

Supporting Youth Mental Health

Tue, 07 Sep 2021 20:31:56 GMT

The beginning of a new Ji8��Ƶ year can cause stress, anxiety, and worry for Ji8��Ƶ and parents/caregivers. Transitioning back to in-person learning, or starting Ji8��Ƶ for the first time during the COVID-19 pandemic can create extra challenges.

With these concerns in mind, BHN’s Department of Professional Development has created a three-part informational training to support parents with resources and practical tips. Learn how to recognize signs of mental health distress and how to implement coping strategies during this transitional time.

If you or a family member are struggling it is important to seek professional help. Talk to your primary care doctor or a health professional that can refer you to appropriate services, or contact BHN at (413) 246-9675 . If experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis, call the BHN Crisis line at (413) 733-6661 .

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Recharging your superpowers: Parenting in a pandemic

Sun, 15 Aug 2021 20:34:30 GMT

This article was recently featured in the Republican's Better Health section.

When was the last time you took time for yourself? Was it meaningful and pleasurable for you? Were you worried or pressured?

The parent-child relationship brings many challenges, even more so in a pandemic. Parenting is a continuous learning process that involves caring and helping Ji8��Ƶ grow and healthy develop as a unique individual, to live in society. The time and energy devoted to this task, leaves parents with little time to take care of themselves. Is like being on an emotional roller-coaster of, with a new journey every day with mixed results. This may be hard at times, more so when we have high expectations. This may be a good opportunity to nurture yourself, recharge your superpowers and restock to continue giving your best.

It is possible to live a meaningful life and taking time for yourself, depending on your experiences, and expectations. It is certainly hard to keep an adequate sleep, exercising, eating healthy, have friends, while being on top of everything. That would be cool right? Like having superpowers! However, many times it is just not possible. As I said before, parenting may be hard. Being aware of your emotions and needs, while normalizing not meeting every single goal is a good place to start.

Instead use self-criticism, Self-compassion is a strategy to handle our struggles and challenges with kindness, being more supportive and present with ourselves and our relationships. According to pioneering self-compassion researcher, Dr. Kristin Neff, it involves being warm and understanding toward ourselves when we suffer, fail, or feel uncomfortable. It is also a way to be kind to ourselves, by the means of self-care. Building on self-compassion takes time and requires practice. Here is a few tips to recharge your superpowers and while being compassionate to yourself.

Golden Rule: Treat yourself as you might treat your friend or another parent. Many parents tend to be compassionate with other parents, giving kind advice and normalizing their experience.

Take a pause. Be aware of your feelings and thoughts: Don’t be hard on yourself. Give yourself permission to feel and ponder about how you are receiving your feelings and thoughts.
Be kind and compassionate with yourself: What would be your advice and encouraging words to a friend or relative living a similar situation? Remember, you are trying your best and doing as much as you can.
Appreciate the little details: Move towards gratitude, focus on things you can control and your strengths as a parent. You may not be perfect, try to enjoy your imperfection.

You can try these…

Write something you feel grateful about.
Go for a walk and find something beautiful. Enjoy your surroundings.
Say something nice to someone.
Tell yourself something you appreciate of yourself.
Think about your favorite memory of your kid, family, or yourself.
Think of 2 great things about you and your child.
Take 2 minutes to breathe. Be aware of how breathing can relieve you.

Self-compassion might be challenging at first. If you notice that you may need more support, it is always a good idea to seek assistance from a mental health provider.

Elizabeth Maldonado-Diaz, MS.

Is a doctoral student in Clinical Psychology at Carlos Albizu University, San Juan PR Campus. She is currently working as an Outpatient Clinician and is part of the Trauma Program in School Street Counseling Institute (SSCI), part of Ji8��Ƶ, Inc (BHN). She provides services of individual therapy, clinical assessments, case and family consultations, and case presentations to Ji8��Ƶ and adults with mental and medical diagnosis.

The Living Room

Wed, 21 Jul 2021 13:37:00 GMT

The Living Room (TLR), as its name suggests, is a warm, home-like place where anyone, 18 years or older, can go to regroup and get help. People in a developing crisis, a current crisis, or post-crisis situation find help from others who have had similar experiences and who can provide support, encouragement, and guidance. We build on the inherent strengths and intuition of our guests in order to support them on their unique journey to recovery. TLR provides an appealing alternative to the Emergency Room by promoting a warm and more natural environment that is focused on the individual guest and is stigma-free.

Guests gain strength by fully participating in The Living Room setting and working towards their identified hopes for each visit. In the spirit of self-reliance, guests meet their own needs whenever possible. This may include preparing their own food from our kitchenette and managing their own medications. Guests will be invited to participate in community meals, groups, games, art activities, music, television time, rest, or indiv idualized time with peer staff; however, none of these activities are mandatory or set to specific schedules. Participation is always voluntary and based on each guest’s abilities at the time they are visiting.

TLR staff is trained and credentialed.
Trained peer staff is of great value to each guest, as staff offers an intimate understanding of the needs and emotions guests bring with them.
TLR is not a residence or intended to function as a shelter when the primary concern is lack of housing.
Length of stay is determined on an individual basis but does not exceed 48 hours.
TLR has daybeds for guests who would like to rest or sl eep, however does not have private bedrooms or shower facilities.

Potential guests are encouraged to contact TLR directly to speak with staff. No referral, insurance, payment, or provider involvement is required. Please call (413) 310-3312 for information.

Farewell to BHN's Carson Center for Traumatic Brain Injury (CTBIS) Services

Mon, 21 Jun 2021 16:32:00 GMT

This month BHN is sad to say farewell to one of its treasured services. The BHN/Carson Center for Traumatic Brain Injury Services (CTBIS) has been serving individuals since 1987 and was the first state-funded program of its kind in the country. Over the years, we have provided services to over 500 individuals living with mild to severe brain injuries in Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, and Berkshire counties.

Each consumer has worked hard to increase their empowerment, independence, and productivity through functional living, cognitive, and compensation skills training and case management supports while building upon their existing strengths and abilities. Along the way, CTBIS initiated the Social Recreation Program in response to the growing demand for organized leisure opportunities for adults with head injuries. Here, individuals build their social networks within their communities through structured group recreational activities.

We’ve enjoyed profound satisfaction when individuals we have assisted obtained/maintained housing and meaningful paid or volunteer work, attained/regained sobriety, consistently scheduled and attended appointments, utilized transportation services, and experienced empathy and understanding when they learned how to share their story. One of our insightful consumers offers this wisdom, applicable to so many we serve; “I can still have my dreams but I need to adapt to the way I reach them.”

We are sorry to see this service go, but we are very grateful for having the opportunity to walk this healing journey with so many amazingly resilient individuals. And we are ever so grateful to the devoted team who have cared for them over the years with such skill and compassion.

Read on to learn about Frankie, a professional artist, and CTBIS participant.

Those We Serve: Frankie's Story

Frankie was raised in Worcester, MA and later relocated to Springfield, MA as an adult. He was a busy father working a full-time job as a clinical leader for a dental practice and spent his days traveling state to state to provide training on patient management. His life changed forever in June 2015 when he was involved in a hit-and-run accident while riding his bike and experienced a traumatic brain injury. "When I came out of a coma, I was disoriented and disabled. I had no idea what I was doing,” said Frankie. “I had unrealistic goals of going back to my normal life.” After a divorce and other setbacks unrelated to the injury, Frankie was referred to BHN’s Carson Center for Traumatic Brain Injury Services (CTBIS) in 2016 from the state head injury program.

As an active participant in both in-home support coordination services as well as psycho-educational groups, Frankie’s life has improved immensely with help of his support coordinator, Deja. “There is no way I would be where I am today without the help of the program. The whole experience and services provided gave me a new perspective on life,” said Frankie.

Before his injury, Frankie enjoyed drawing but never dreamed that he could turn his art into a career. “I was mechanical in my thinking, it was just go to work and go home every day.” Deja has worked tirelessly to help Frankie reach and exceed his goal of becoming a working freelance artist. She helped connect him with Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC), with the organization of a business plan, and by providing assistance applying for grants and making connections in the community to further his career.

“When I first started working with Frankie, he was all over the place, explained Deja. “He struggled to take care of himself and even to eat, due to losing his sense of taste. He was overcommitting himself and needed help with time management and his business plan. Dealing with such a life-changing event causes many people to shut down. It’s been inspiring to see Frankie gain control of his life as a father and artist, building so many connections with community members through his art.”

As a professional artist, Frankies main creative mediums are graphite, pastels, and acrylic. As a Traumatic Brain Injury Survivor, Frankie uses art as a therapeutic tool to help cope with PTSD and to motivate other people with disabilities. Through his artwork, he explores the everyday struggles and successes of multicultural communities.

Frankie has been a part of several public artworks and community projects in Springfield, including Fresh Paint Springfield, the “Preacher Man” mural on State Street, and the Black Lives Matter mural that has become a statement in the city. His work has been exhibited in gallery shows all over Massachusetts. Frankie has also shown his work on Channel 22’s Mass Appeal, and helped with fundraising money for the Hurricane Maria Relief Fund. He recently received a grant from the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (Mass MOCA) and was approved for assistive technology to help him keep track of his art business.

Deja is now working with Frankie on his transition out of the CTBIS program when it closes at the end of June. “This program has become so personal to me, said Frankie. “I don’t feel like I’m just a number at the Carson Center, they’ve treated me so well and it is going to be an adjustment.” Frankie will stay connected to the state head injury program and Deja plans to continue to support him through his art shows.

My COVID-19 Vaccination Experience

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 13:27:00 GMT

Chelan Brown, BHN Social Justice Director

My family and I traditionally do not partake in getting vaccines. There is a lot to why this is, but mainly because vaccine hesitancy has been a generational pass down to all of us from our elders who had vaccine hesitancy due to a mistrust of governmental vaccines.

It has been a very hard journey dealing with COVID-19 for my family, friends, and social network. We have lost people and dealt with hospitalizations as well. Even with that dynamic, we still were “hesitant” to get vaccinated. I say hesitant, but really it was more of a fear. Throughout this process, the leadership at BHN has been one of the most supportive teams I have ever worked with. The organization has been very patient, understanding, and respectful of my decision.

I am happy to say that two weeks ago, after attending a COVID-19 Vaccination Hesitancy session, I decided to get vaccinated and feel it was the best choice for my family. In fact, my husband went to the BHN clinic to get vaccinated as well.

I would like to send a formal THANK YOU to the team at BHN's vaccine clinics for my experience and for serving our communities, especially our vulnerable ones, with such dignity, care, and concern…a true testament of our social justice commitment and work. I was treated so well at my appointment and my experience with each staff member I came in contact with or watched work with patients was second to none!

One more thing to note that I didn’t mention, with every person that walked in to get vaccinated while I was there, there seemed to be an air of excitement and hope from the staff there. Can’t quite explain it, but I’ve never really seen a team of staff waiting anxiously and excitedly to get people signed in and served! It was truly incredible to see!

When and Where Can You Get Vaccinated?

BHN Springfield Vaccine Clinic - Check for upcoming appointments.
Mass.gov COVID-19 Vaccine Finder : Search for appointments at pharmacies, health care providers, and other community locations.
Vaccination locations and bus routes in the PVTA service area : Find a list of COVID-19 vaccination sites in the PVTA service area and which bus routes service them.
Text 438829 (English) or Text 822862 (Spanish) to find locations near you offering the vaccine.

Community Crisis Stabilization Virtual Tour

Thu, 27 May 2021 19:39:00 GMT

Adult Community Crisis Stabilization (CCS) provides a short-term, out-of-home placement for individuals 18 years and older who have a need to resolve an acute emotional issue. The program provides a home-like, safe, and supervised environment for psychiatric crises or hospital step-downs. Individuals served at CCS do not require the intensive medical treatment of a locked, in-patient hospital facility.

CCS is staffed 24 hours, 7 days a week. Services include clinical assessment, medication evaluation, and the development of personal recovery tools. After-care arrangements for continued support in the community are part of discharge planning including referrals for counseling and medication therapy, intensive outpatient programs, and many other continuing-care supports related to emotional and substance use recovery.

The CCS team includes Psychiatric Providers, Psychiatric Nurses, Social Workers and Mental Health Clinicians, Counseling Staff, Recovery Coaches, and Certified Peer Specialists.

CSS Services include:

Diversion from in-patient hospital
Individual Crisis Planning
Medication Evaluation
Case Coordination with medical and community providers
Individual and Group Counseling
Mental Health and Addiction Education
Peer Support
The transition from in-patient hospital to home
Linkages and referrals to after-care and community supports

Eligibility:

Adults, 18 and older
All MassHealth insurance, some private insurance
CCS accepts referrals from Massachusetts Emergency Service Programs (ESPs). CCS can be used as a short-term, transitional placement from the in-patient hospital setting to home.

For more information or to make a referral call (413) 733-7875 .

To learn more about the program, view the virtual tour of our Springfield CCS/Respite facility located at 417 Liberty Street, Entrance E, Springfield, MA 01104.

Telling Our Stories: Fabiola

Wed, 26 May 2021 16:55:00 GMT

Staff Supervisor, Central Intake

My journey at BHN all started one Saturday in June of 2019 when I applied for a position, and that same day they wrote to me for an interview. I was excited and eager to know what would happen! In less than two weeks I had two interviews and was accepted as a Program Assistant for the CCBHC grant. I was nervous since English is not my first language and was afraid they would not give me the opportunity. However, I can tell you that it was the opposite - I surprised myself, I learned and I am very grateful. I had the joy of meeting incredible people who helped me progress at the organization. I spent all of my time learning about BHN's systems, reports, resources, programs and going the extra mile.

In January 2020 I became an Access Navigator for the program. I loved what I was doing, and seeing different clients daily through Open Access filled me with satisfaction, knowing that just by giving a client a resource, they were grateful. I was proud to know that I helped put a grain of hope in a family.

The arrival of the Covid-19 virus changed the workflow for many of us. For me, it was a time of improvement and learning. I was able to be part of the Access Project, which provides improved access to BHN services for both clients and providers. This project was challenging since we were all working from home, but it was an unforgettable experience. During this time, I also focused on finishing my Master's degree in Human Resources, pursuing my goal of continuing to improve myself and grow professionally.

I am a person who always has in mind the word progress and was looking for something different after completing my Master's degree. In August 2020, I applied for the position of Supervisor for the Intake Department. And you know what? I was promoted from Access Navigator to Supervisor of the Intake Department! BHN allowed me to put into practice what I learned!

I thank BHN and my supervisors for believing in me. I have had the opportunity to do awesome things for the Intake Department including creating workflows, Smartsheets, providing support to my team, and participating in the Access Project. We will continue to grow and improve Central Intake with our dedication and teamwork!

BHN Launches New Opioid Treatment Program in Partnership with Holyoke Health Center

Wed, 17 Mar 2021 13:58:00 GMT

BHN City Clinic, 235 Maple St, Holyoke, MA 01040
(413) 532-0389

Clinic Hours
Monday - Friday: 5:30 am - 1:30 pm

Dosing Hours
Monday - Friday: 5:45 am - 12 pm
Saturday & Sunday: 7 am -10 am
Walk-In Hours
Monday, Wednesday & Friday: 6 am - 8 am

Ji8��Ƶ, Inc. (BHN) has launched a new program in partnership with Holyoke Health Center and the HEALing (Helping to End Addiction Long-Term) Communities Study to help those struggling with opioid dependence. This new treatment program is located at BHN City Clinic, 235 Maple Street, Holyoke.

BHN City Clinic now offers methadone treatment through its Opioid Treatment Program with admissions scheduled daily for individuals 18 and older. Holyoke Health Center will continue to offer buprenorphine and injectable naltrexone to aid those in recovery.

This new program provides medication-assisted treatment seven days a week in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies to provide a holistic approach to the treatment of substance use disorders. The Clinic is open Monday to Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and Dosing Hours are Monday to Friday, 5:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 7:00 a.m. -10:00 a.m.

BHN’s President and CEO Steve Winn said, “We are pleased to be playing a role in expanding opioid treatment in collaboration with these two important partners. Opioid addiction continues to plague our communities and the new Holyoke clinic allows BHN to provide more access to medication-assisted treatment to more people in need of assistance.

Dr. Ruth Potee, Medical Director for substance use disorders at BHN, said, “Access to the new clinic will help save lives as the data is clear that the use of medication to treat substance use disorders is effective. This clinic will offer holistic services in addressing opioid misuse, expanding these services beyond our current clinic on Liberty Street in Springfield.”

The HEALing Communities Study aims to reduce opioid overdose deaths by 40 percent over three years. Holyoke is one of the first communities to initiate the study with a coalition of local partners.

The HEALing Communities Study is a national program that was launched by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to investigate how tools for preventing and treating opioid misuse and Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) are most effective at the local level. The program tests the impact of an integrated set of evidence-based practices across health care, behavioral health, justice and other community-based settings.

The Study is partnering with 67 communities highly affected by the opioid crisis in four states to look at the effectiveness of coordinated systems of care designed to increase the number of individuals receiving medication to treat OUD, increase the distribution of naloxone, and reduce high-risk opioid prescribing.

According to Holyoke’s HCS coalition, “From stories of success and demand at the Providence Behavioral Health Hospital OTP, the desire of patients to be initiated on methadone at Holyoke Medical Center, and the recognition of existing transportation barriers to treatment, Holyoke HEAL Coalition members outlined the need for an additional OTP and came to the table with a plan in a matter of weeks.

“The downtown location of the OTP is in an area of Holyoke well known for high-quality healthcare from Holyoke Health Center and behavioral health services at BHN City Clinic. In addition to this, a drive-time analysis from the HEAL team highlighted that with the opening of the BHN City Clinic OTP, all the residence locations of those who suffered a fatal opioid overdose from 2017-2019, are now within a five-minute or less drive time (walking distance) to methadone treatment within Holyoke. Enhanced accessibility to methadone treatment, as well as partnerships with comprehensive behavioral and health care services, will assist in streamlining the continuum of care, and allow those who desire treatment for opioid use disorder to be more successful in their path to recovery.”

In addition to Holyoke, other participating communities in Massachusetts are Bourne and Sandwich; Brockton; Gloucester; Holyoke; Lowell; Plymouth; Salem; and Shirley and Townsend. Learn more at https://heal.nih.gov/research/research-to-practice/healing-communities.

According to Jay Breines, CEO of the Holyoke Health Center, “BHN’s Opioid Treatment Program is the fulfillment of a long-term effort to reopen a downtown methadone facility in Holyoke. An earlier program on Elm Street was closed over 20 years ago, and the opioid epidemic has only gotten worse since then.”

“BHN’s incredibly important new effort will support Holyoke Health Center’s Center for Recovery and Support (CRS) that has been providing buprenorphine, injectable naltrexone and other medical services in support of people in need throughout our area,” said Tammi Kozuch, CRS’s Director. “Our staff efforts will be even more successful now that we have the active collaboration of the Opioid Treatment Program next door. This will help save lives.”

For more information about the new BHN City Clinic program, call (413) 532-0389 . Most insurance plans are accepted.

BHN offers a full continuum of care and services for those in addiction recovery. Recovery programs include acute treatment (detox), residential recovery homes, clinical stabilization, outpatient treatment, recovery coaching, and Driver Alcohol Education services.

City of Springfield and BHN partner to Provide COVID Vaccines

Fri, 12 Mar 2021 19:35:00 GMT

The Springfield Department of Health and Human Services and BHN have partnered to provide vaccination appointments.

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and Health and Human Services (HHS) Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris joined with Ji8��Ƶ (BHN) President and CEO Steve Winn, Ph.D., BHN Executive Vice President Jessica DeFlumer-Trapp, BHN, and BHN Social Justice Director Chelan Brown, to announce that the City of Springfield will be partnering with BHN to vaccinate eligible Springfield residents, especially those who have been historically underserved.

The City of Springfield is set to receive 800 ‘social equity’ doses weekly from the state and will allocate an initial 250 vaccination doses to BHN for Springfield residents, especially those in the Lower Liberty Heights Neighborhood. Vaccinations for city residents will begin Friday, April 2, 2021 at the BHN clinic located at 417 Liberty Street.

Mayor Sarno states, “I want to thank BHN CEO Steve Winn and his team for partnering with the City of Springfield to help our ongoing efforts in getting the vaccine out and into our neighborhoods. Health and Human Services Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris and I will continue to advocate for more doses of the vaccine so that we can continue to implement local neighborhood vaccine sits across our city to improve and increase our efforts of making sure everyone who is eligible can get vaccinated.”

HHS Commissioner Caulton-Harris stated, “To continue to successfully mitigate the community spread of this COVID-19 Coronavirus it is critical that we work collaboratively to meet the public health needs of our residents, especially those who historically have been underserved. I am thankful to Ji8��Ƶ for partnering with the City of Springfield in helping to make the vaccine available to our residents.”

BHN President and CEO Winn stated, “BHN is incredibly pleased to be partnering with the city of Springfield to bring much needed vaccines to underserved residents. Our clinic has been vaccinating staff, clients, and associates of BHN’s for the past two months, and we are excited to now be able to serve surrounding neighborhoods as well. We thank the Mayor and Commissioner Caulton-Harris, and look forward to fighting the pandemic in this way with them.”

BHN COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 15:10:00 GMT

BHN is proud to provide the COVID-19 vaccine to our dedicated staff who have endured months of challenges throughout the pandemic. Thank you to our incredible team of employees who have conceptualized, developed, and implemented BHN’s own COVID vaccine clinics, the clinic volunteers, and our pharmacy partners! We've captured some of the important reasons why our staff has chosen to get vaccinated in these short videos.

Springfield drug court to expand with $2 million federal grant

Mon, 01 Feb 2021 15:49:00 GMT

The Springfield Drug Court in partnership with BHN and UMass Medical School helps those struggling with substance use sustain long-term recovery and stay out of the criminal justice system through a new grant-funded program called MISSION-Springfield.

BHN Recovery Coach Michelle Jackson credits the program for round-the-clock support that helped her maintain sobriety after over 20 years of substance use.

Read the full article on Masslive.com.

A message about COVID-19 vaccines now available for staff and FAQs

Fri, 15 Jan 2021 17:13:00 GMT

Ji8��Ƶ has been approved to offer the COVID-19 vaccine directly to forward-facing staff and clients, as well as through our pharmacy partners. Staff with questions about receiving the vaccine can view the COVID-19 FAQ or email their questions to askhrcovid@bhninc.org .

Managing Needs of Seniors in a Pandemic

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 17:43:00 GMT

This article was recently featured in the Republican's Better Health section.

Over the past eight months, the COVID-19 pandemic has altered all facets of life, resulting in disruptions to “normal” functioning. As healthcare providers, we have adjusted to meet the needs of our patient populations, especially our senior citizens.

According to Adam Baskin, a Nurse Practitioner at Baystate Mason Square Community Health Center, many of his senior patients are anxious about leaving their homes to access in-person healthcare due to their increased risk of complications from COVID-19. The need for telehealth visits has grown, but providers are limited to what they can review in a virtual setting. While opportunities exist to improve how comprehensive telehealth visits can be - by providing durable medical equipment to self-monitor at home or through other methods - some conditions require a level of oversight that can only be provided onsite.

As a result, senior patients with chronic health conditions may find themselves going to the clinic more frequently than they are comfortable. In this case, providers offer support and guidance around the importance of coming in for a face-to-face exam, provide health literacy around safe guidelines regarding COVID-19, and address acute and chronic behavioral health concerns.

Baskin reports that many seniors are expressing an increase in anxiety-related symptoms, perhaps due to a lack of supports. They are feeling cooped up indoors and are missing socialization due to social distancing guidelines, adult health centers functioning at limited capacity, and lack of technology to connect with their support systems.

To address the whole-health needs of his patients, Ji8��Ƶ (BHN) has provided Baskin and his colleagues with opportunities to connect their patients to an integrated behavioral health team. Through this service, providers quickly introduce patients to a consultant that will address their behavioral health needs.

Addressing and helping seniors manage depression, anxiety, and stress can reduce impacts to functioning and improve health outcomes, which may also result in better management of medical conditions. This service helps patients feel empowered to leave their homes safely when needed, to access social supports in a meaningful way, and to benefit from therapeutic supports in conjunction with the management of physical health conditions. “Having on-site support from the behavioral health team helps personalize the experience for our senior patients, allowing for a warm handoff between providers and patients to occur, as well as a collaborative and patient-centered treatment plan to be developed,” shared Baskin.

In addition to connecting patients to therapeutic services, behavioral health consultants also address needs around housing stability, food insecurity, and other community and social issues. The result of this cooperative, patient-centered care is an environment where the needs of senior citizens can be fully met. If you or senior in your life is worried about leaving home to receive care, encourage them to contact their provider and inquire about integrated behavioral health services that can help.

Adam Baskin DNP, FNP-C
Adam received his Doctor of Nursing Practice from University of Massachusetts Medical School’s Graduate School of Nursing in 2020, as well as an undergraduate degree in Applied Forensic Science from Mount Ida College in 2011. He works at Mason Square Clinic providing primary care practice for patients across the lifespan.

Lauren Favorite, MSW, LICSW
Lauren is a licensed clinical social worker working for BHN in the Springfield area, with a focus on primary care behavioral health. She received her Master's in Social Work for Boston University in 2016, and currently supports BHN's Integrated Behavioral Health Teams as an Assistant Program Director.

New website helps families navigate the mental health system in Massachusetts

Tue, 27 Oct 2020 12:51:00 GMT

COVID-19 is putting incredible pressure on families. Many families are worried about their child’s mental health, but they aren’t sure where to turn or how to get started. HandholdMA.org , a new family-friendly website, can help.

The website, created by a team of mental health and child development experts in partnership with parents who have “been there,” was designed for parents of Ji8��Ƶ-aged Ji8��Ƶ in Massachusetts.

Handhold has three main sections:

Should I worry? Helps parents explore if their kid is just being a kid, or if their behavior is something to worry about. Parents can learn about signs to look for and get suggestions on what to do next.
What can I do? Tips, tools, and strategies that have worked for other families, sorted by topic, and picked by Handhold. These are things parents can learn about or do from home.
Who can help? Carefully selected community organizations and government resources to help families find the right mental health services.

Whatever steps you decide to take, HandholdMA.org offers a variety of tips, tools, and resources to help you take them with confidence.

Community crisis mental health programs help keep people out of emergency rooms

Mon, 12 Oct 2020 18:03:00 GMT

By Anne-Gerard Flynn | Featured in the the Republican

SPRINGFIELD — Community crisis service programs can often help individuals struggling with a psychiatric emergency if no medical issue is involved.

“The Executive Office of Health and Human Services is working with providers like BHN to develop more community support and programs so fewer people will need inpatient level of care,” said Steve Winn, president and CEO of Ji8��Ƶ.

That’s a priority at a time when many patients are forced to wait hours or days in a hospital emergency room before being admitted for inpatient psychiatric care. The phenomenon is called ER boarding, and health care professionals say it has gotten worse during the coronavirus pandemic and with the loss of psychiatric care beds in the region.

Winn said Ji8��Ƶ recently opened a nine-bed “enhanced crisis stabilization unit” in Springfield.

“This helps keep people out of the ER or take people out of the ER who, in the past, might have been waiting for an inpatient bed,” he said. “It is not appropriate for everybody and is not the same as inpatient, but it is more intensive than what we have had in the past in the community.”

Crisis stabilization is for people who do not require traditional inpatient care “but who do need to be out of their home,” Winn said.

“It is residential. People stay up for a week or eight to 10 days. It is intensive treatment. Therapy and group therapy and medication. They see a psychiatrist. It is a lower level of care than inpatient. It is in between crisis stabilization and inpatient. It is in the middle.”

Ji8��Ƶ’s enhanced crisis stabilization unit is a “pilot program that the state has supported,” Winn said. “If it works out and if it is helpful, I think the state will look to have those programs in other areas as well.”

“We think this is going to help with boarding,” said Winn.

"Otherwise, we think these people would be waiting in an ER to go to an inpatient unit. It is a pilot that if we find is of value to the community, we will begin to open more beds. It is for those with a psychiatric diagnosis and, as long as they do not require a medical detox, they can also have a co-occurring substance use disorder. It is both. It is primarily psychiatric but it can also be substance use treatment as well.”

The closure of inpatient psychiatric services at Providence Behavioral Health Hospital in Holyoke in June has left Western Massachusetts without that level of care for Ji8��Ƶ and adolescents.

“We have had fewer kids referred and evaluated since COVID, but as the pandemic has gone on, we are seeing those numbers start to creep up and we are looking at beds in other places for those kids,” Winn said. “There is a level of care called community-based treatment for that, and we do have a 12-bed unit in Springfield and that has been highly utilized since Providence has closed. It is for Ji8��Ƶ 10 to 17. Other programs in the state may be for different-aged kids.”

He added, “Many people just assume they need to go to the (emergency department), but that is not the case, unless they have a medical need, such as they have taken something or have hurt themselves. They can go to their crisis team or ask their crisis team to go to them.”

Ji8��Ƶ operates a 24-hour crisis center on Liberty Street, as well as 24/7 crisis phone lines.

“If someone does not have a medical need, they can go to a crisis center,” Winn said.

MA-DPH COVID-19 Community Impact Survey

Wed, 30 Sep 2020 13:52:00 GMT

This survey will give MA-DPH the information they need to take action and support the communities that need it most. MA-DPH is also committed to sharing information back in ways that will help us all take collective action.

This survey will help us better understand the impact of COVID-19 on our communities, and anyone over the age of 14 is invited to participate using this link: www.mass.gov/COVIDsurvey

MA-DPH COVID Survey Flyer

BHN In the Media: Better Health

Tue, 22 Sep 2020 13:56:00 GMT

In a recent article featured in the Republican's Better Health section, BHN's President and CEO, Steve Winn explains how to deal with stress and safely access support during the pandemic.

Many people are struggling to deal with the disruption and stress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Physically distancing ourselves from family and friends, financial insecurity, virtual Ji8��Ƶing, lack of childcare, and working remotely or as an essential employee are all stressors that can cause feelings of uncertainty, fear, social isolation, and loneliness.

Stressful times affect our mental well-being. It is important to understand how to deal with the feelings you are experiencing and recognize when to seek help. Focus on ways you can stay in control of your mental and physical health. A good night’s sleep, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy diet are all examples of self-care. Take breaks from news consumption and social media, and spend more time focusing on positive aspects of your life. Find support by staying connected with family and friends, and purpose by helping a colleague or neighbor.

While making self-care a priority may be enough for some, others will need help coping with stress and the lack of usual supports caused by the pandemic. This might be especially true for those who have struggled with behavioral health challenges such as depression, anxiety, or addiction in the past and are at greater risk of relapsing or falling into old patterns.

If you are feeling overwhelmed and notice that changes in the way you think or feel are causing problems in your day-to-day life, this may be an indication it is time to seek professional help. Getting help at the onset of symptoms can prevent mental health conditions from worsening or becoming severe.

There are many ways to safely access supports and services while social distancing. While traditional in-person visits are now offered on a more limited basis, telehealth has made behavioral health care accessible from a convenient location of your choice. Telehealth allows Ji8��Ƶ, youth, adults, and families to connect with a therapist, psychiatric prescriber, care coordinator, behavioral support team, recovery coach, or group supports by phone or through video chat.

If you or a family member are struggling with addiction or at risk of relapse, it is crucial to seek professional help right away. Whether you are looking for online support or a treatment program, reaching out for direction is the first step to recovery. Most inpatient and outpatient detox and substance use treatment programs remain open, operating with enhanced precautions to ensure the health and safety of patients and staff. If you need help, it is available and safe and there is no reason to wait.

If you previously received services, contact your provider to schedule an appointment and inquire about their telehealth offering. To request new services, talk to your primary care doctor or a health professional that can refer you to appropriate services, or contact BHN at 413-246-9675 . If experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis, call the BHN Crisis line at (413) 733-6661 .

BHN Hires Chelan Brown as Social Justice Director

Fri, 04 Sep 2020 14:00:00 GMT

"Since I was a child, I have possessed a passion for fighting for people who need allies, and I have used that passion to lead activities, campaigns, and initiatives that hold systems and individuals accountable for ensuring vulnerable populations have equal opportunities. I am excited to join BHN and use my experience to drive racial and social equity in the workplace and community," said Brown.

Brown’s experience in the nonprofit sector includes serving as manager of the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts’ Network Capacity Building department and as Community Engagement Coordinator, where she coordinated the development of the Springfield Food Access Project. She was also a member of the Food Bank’s Management, Advocacy and Diversity Team.

Brown focused her early-career social justice and community organizing efforts on violence prevention and gang diversion. In 2005, Brown founded the nonprofit agency Alive With Awareness Knowledge & Empowerment (A.W.A.K.E), a violence prevention organization in Springfield. At AW.A.K.E., Chelan built a framework and created programs to ensure that youth of color and families were provided access to opportunities, support systems, and basic needs to live productive and successful lives.

In 2017, BHN established the Social Justice Committee (SJC), whose mission is to strengthen BHN's active promotion of a just workplace and community. BHN's social justice efforts seek to eliminate social and economic inequities and promote respect for human dignity, inclusiveness of diversity and the physical and psychological safety and well-being of all people.

According to Steve Winn, President and CEO of BHN, “Chelan Brown has a long history of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion work in for-profit, non-profit and community-based contexts. We are excited that she will bring her passion, commitment, and organizational skills to BHN’s Social Justice efforts. This work is incredibly difficult, and Chelan will bring the leadership needed to help us continue to make real and lasting changes.”

Virtual Kamp for Kids

Fri, 21 Aug 2020 12:48:00 GMT

Kamp for Kids brings together Ji8��Ƶ with and without disabilities in a unique integrated model that promotes understanding and growth. This summer’s free virtual Kamp experience includes art, health, nature, and other inclusive, fun activities. Zoom gatherings and some project supplies are available for delivery. As a fully inclusive summer camp, it is Kamp for Kids’ mission to serve a population of both Ji8��Ƶ with disabilities and their typically developing peers.

BHN’s Westfield Kamp for Kids™ Receives $10K Grant from Westfield Bank

Thu, 20 Aug 2020 16:00:00 GMT

Westfield— Ji8��Ƶ, Inc. (BHN) has announced it has received a grant of $10,000 from Westfield Bank to benefit Kamp for Kids™, the organization’s summer day camp for Ji8��Ƶ and young adults with and without disabilities.

Westfield Bank has been a longtime supporter of BHN’s Kamp for Kids™. According to Cathy Jocelyn, Vice President of Marketing at Westfield Bank, “We consider it an honor to support Kamp for Kids, which has been changing lives and offering opportunities for growth for Ji8��Ƶ and youth of all abilities in the greater Westfield area. We support the mission and appreciate the work of BHN and all who have made this program such a success.”

Grants made to Kamp for Kids™ provide camperships to youth with or without disabilities to ensure that all Ji8��Ƶ, regardless of family income, are able to attend camp.

Due to COVID-19, this summer Kamp for Kids™ is being held virtually in order to provide a safe camp experience for the campers and their families. The virtual camp is open to all who wish to participate and offered free of charge, and consists of recreational activities, nature time and arts & crafts. To register and participate in virtual camp, visit www.bhninc.org/kamp-kids .

The camp has created three themes for this year’s activities: “In My Backyard,” “Only in New England,” and “All Around the World.” Kamp for Kids™ has also continued its partnership with the Westfield Cultural Council and Berkshire Hills Music Academy, a music-based program for people with disabilities in Franklin County, to offer musical programming for participants.

According to Anne Benoit, Program Director for Kamp for Kids™, “We are so appreciative of the consistent and ongoing support of Westfield Bank. This grant allows us to sustain Kamp for Kids. We could not do this work without the support of community partners.”

Kamp for Kids™, normally located at Camp Togowauk on Russell Road in Westfield, is for Ji8��Ƶ and young adults ages 3-22 – both with and without disabilities – that offers an opportunity to experience growth, inclusion and fun in a summer camp setting. Traditionally, Kamp for Kids™ operates every summer during July and August. Agencies and programs that routinely refer Ji8��Ƶ to the camp include the Department of Developmental Services, Autism Connections, Multicultural Community Services, Sc@n360, and local foster care agencies.

Kamp for Kids™ was founded by Judy Hoyt, whose son Rick was the inspiration behind the camp.

We're Here to Help.

Thu, 06 Aug 2020 17:24:00 GMT

When experiencing a mental health or substance abuse crisis, avoid the ER. BHN Crisis provides 24/7 response to individuals and families regardless of insurance. We’re here to help and can even come to you. When in crisis call (413) 733-6661.

Notice of Data Privacy Incident

Mon, 27 Jul 2020 17:04:00 GMT

Ji8��Ƶ, Inc. (“BHN”) is providing notice of a recent incident that may affect the security of information for current and former individuals served by BHN. The confidentiality, privacy, and security of information in BHN’s care is one of its highest priorities and BHN takes this incident very seriously. To date, BHN has not received any reports of actual or attempted misuse of your information.

What Happened? The cybercrime industry is an ever growing and changing threat to organizations of all sizes and industries. Like Facebook, Twitter, and countless other organizations, BHN is not immune from these types of incidents. On May 28, 2020, certain BHN systems became infected with a virus that prohibited access to its files. Upon discovery, BHN immediately commenced an investigation, which included working with third-party IT and forensic investigators, to determine the full nature and scope of the incident and to secure the BHN network. Through this investigation, BHN determined that an unauthorized actor had placed malware within the BHN environment that disrupted the operation of certain BHN systems. On or about July 17, 2020, BHN’s investigation further determined that the unauthorized actor had gained access to certain BHN systems between May 26, 2020 and May 28, 2020. As a result, the unauthorized actor may have had access to certain files within these systems.

What Information Was Involved? While the investigation was able to determine these BHN systems were accessed, it was unable to determine whether any specific file containing sensitive information was actually accessed or acquired by the unauthorized actor. Therefore, in an abundance of caution, BHN is notifying all current and former individuals served of this incident because the following types of information were present in the affected systems: name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, medical/diagnosis/treatment information, and/or health insurance claim information.

What Are We Doing? Upon discovering this incident, BHN immediately launched an investigation and took steps to secure its systems and determine what personal data was at risk. BHN is individually notifying the potentially affected individuals and as an added precaution, providing individuals with access to complimentary credit monitoring and identity protection services. As part of BHN’s ongoing commitment to the security of information in its care, BHN is working to review existing policies and procedures, to implement additional safeguards, and to provide additional training to BHN employees on data privacy and security. BHN will also be notifying state and federal regulators, as required.

For More Information. You may have questions about this incident that are not addressed in this letter. If you have additional questions and are impacted by this incident, please call BHN’s dedicated assistance line at 844-930-2836 between the hours of 8:00am and 5:30pm Central Time, Monday through Friday, excluding major U.S. holidays. You may also write to BHN at 417 Liberty Street, Springfield, MA 01104.

What Can You Do. BHN sincerely regrets any inconvenience this incident may have caused individuals BHN has served in relation to this matter. BHN encourages you to remain vigilant against incidents of identity theft and fraud, to review your Explanation of Benefits and account statements, and to monitor your credit reports for suspicious activity. Under U.S. law you are entitled to one free credit report annually from each of the three major credit reporting bureaus. To order your free credit report, visit www.annualcreditreport.com or call, toll-free, 1-877-322-8228 . You may also contact the three major credit bureaus directly to request a free copy of your credit report.

You have the right to place a “security freeze” on your credit report, which will prohibit a consumer reporting agency from releasing information in your credit report without your express authorization. The security freeze is designed to prevent credit, loans, and services from being approved in your name without your consent. However, you should be aware that using a security freeze to take control over who gets access to the personal and financial information in your credit report may delay, interfere with, or prohibit the timely approval of any subsequent request or application you make regarding a new loan, credit, mortgage, or any other account involving the extension of credit. Pursuant to federal law, you cannot be charged to place or lift a security freeze on your credit report. Should you wish to place a security freeze, please contact the major consumer reporting agencies listed below:

Experian
P.O. Box 9554
Allen, TX 75013
1-888-397-3742
www.experian.com/freeze/center.html

TransUnion
P.O. Box 160
Woodlyn, PA 19094
1-888-909-8872
www.transunion.com/credit-freeze

Equifax
P.O. Box 105788
Atlanta, GA 30348-5788
1-800-685-1111
www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services

In order to request a security freeze, you will need to provide the following information:

Your full name (including middle initial as well as Jr., Sr., II, III, etc.);
Social Security number;
Date of birth;
If you have moved in the past five (5) years, provide the addresses where you have lived over the prior five years;
Proof of current address, such as a current utility bill or telephone bill;
A legible photocopy of a government-issued identification card (state driver’s license or ID card, military identification, etc.);
If you are a victim of identity theft, include a copy of either the police report, investigative report, or complaint to a law enforcement agency concerning identity theft.

As an alternative to a security freeze, you have the right to place an initial or extended “fraud alert” on your file at no cost. An initial fraud alert is a 1-year alert that is placed on a consumer’s credit file. Upon seeing a fraud alert display on a consumer’s credit file, a business is required to take steps to verify the consumer’s identity before extending new credit. If you are a victim of identity theft, you are entitled to an extended fraud alert, which is a fraud alert lasting seven years. Should you wish to place a fraud alert, please contact any one of the agencies listed below:

Experian
P.O. Box 9554
Allen,TX 75013
1-888-397-3742
www.experian.com/fraud/center.html

TransUnion
P.O. Box 2000
Chester, PA 19016
1-800-680-7289
www.transunion.com/fraud-victim-resource/place-fraud-alert

Equifax
P.O. Box 105069
Atlanta, GA 30348
1-888-766-0008
www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services

Additional Information

You can further educate yourself regarding identity theft, fraud alerts, security freezes, and the steps you can take to protect yourself by contacting the consumer reporting agencies, the Federal Trade Commission, or your state Attorney General.

The Federal Trade Commission can be reached at: 600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20580, www.identitytheft.gov , 1-877-ID-THEFT (1-877-438-4338); TTY: 1-866-653-4261.

The Federal Trade Commission also encourages those who discover that their information has been misused to file a complaint with them. You can obtain further information on how to file such a complaint by way of the contact information listed above. You have the right to file a police report if you ever experience identity theft or fraud. Please note that in order to file a report with law enforcement for identity theft, you will likely need to provide some proof that you have been a victim. Instances of known or suspected identity theft should also be reported to law enforcement and your state Attorney General. This notice has not been delayed by law enforcement.

Staff Team Up to Distribute PPE

Sun, 26 Jul 2020 16:13:00 GMT

At BHN, we are greatly appreciative and proud of our entire workforce for delivering critical services during difficult times, adapting to each new challenge presented by COVID-19. In this series, we will highlight and thank staff who have persevered through these unprecedented times - going above and beyond to support coworkers and those we serve.

BHN would like to acknowledge our HR Department and Respirator Qualification Team volunteers for taking on additional roles during the COVID-19 pandemic – personal protective equipment (PPE) central distribution! In addition to their regular duties, staff has been resourceful and efficient in obtaining and distributing regular orders of PPE, including gallons of hand sanitizer, masks, gloves, and N95 respirators to support our workforce of 2,000+, along with those served in our programs.

N95 respirators were especially difficult to stock and supply to staff at the onset of COVID-19. Fortunately, HR had the foresight to obtain them - but prior to distribution medical evaluations, fit testing, and training for over 200 staff members was required. In the interest of supplying employees with respirators as quickly as possible, HR reached out to staff RN’s to voluntarily join the Respirator Qualification Team.

“Hiring a third party would have been expensive and time consuming - this group of volunteers is truly incredible, said BHN Safety Manager, Gordon Brookes. “The Respirator Qualification Team enabled us to efficiently qualify employees who needed N95’s and provide them with a one-stop-shop. This included evaluation of medical questionnaires, conducting fit testing, and providing necessary training - in many cases all in one sitting,” Gordon explained.

Thank you to BHN's HR department and Respirator Qualification Team volunteers for stepping up to ensure all employees have the proper protection to perform their job safely during such a challenging and uncertain time. Special thanks to Hannah for creating a tracking system for N95 qualified employees that will continue to be used to assure ongoing OSHA compliance, and to Erin who worked tirelessly to execute a significant portion of the qualifications.

Working Together to Provide Food for Those in Need

Mon, 13 Jul 2020 14:45:00 GMT

Adult Community Clinical Services (ACCS) is a Department of Mental Health program that helps people recover by providing clinical and rehabilitative interventions. Many local organizations that people in this program rely on for food temporarily closed to protect their volunteers and staff as uncertainties of COVID-19 increased. While this was an unsettling time - especially with the cost of food rising and more members of the community in need of resources - it was also a time for solidarity.

Thank you to BHN’s ACCS team who worked tirelessly to make sure food was accessible, coordinating and making last-minute deliveries possible. The whole team including program directors, clinicians, prescribers, outreach and peer specialists ensured individuals and families received support and knew when and where food was available.

Thank you to the organizations and businesses who helped out and continue to work collaboratively to develop new, safe food distribution programs to serve our local communities amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Special thanks to the Westfield Food Pantry for being a tremendous support, everyone at Rachel’s Table Springfield, the team at Forum House, The North Elm Butcher Block, and Arnold’s Meats.

BHN has partnered with Rachels Table and OneDeeds to offer an easy way to supply products directly to the BHN ACCS food pantry.

A Labor of Love

Thu, 09 Jul 2020 12:00:00 GMT

Joy is a Crisis Clinician at BHN, working the overnight shift. When it first became a requirement for staff to wear masks, a limited amount were available. Joy and her coworkers were on the front line, assigned to hospital emergency rooms with nurses, technicians and doctors who were all sharing air space.

“I have always enjoyed creative projects and saw this as an opportunity to use my skills to help,” Joy said. She started by making and distributing 58 masks to staff, encouraging them to keep one and share one with someone else in need. HR reached out to thank Joy for her generous donation and informed her that many programs were still requesting masks.

Over the past few months, Joy has made and donated over 650 ‘no sew masks,’ to support BHN staff and individuals served. “I plan to continue making masks - it has been a great escape from the heaviness of this year. I was inspired to make the best out of a difficult situation and I’m happy I was able to find a way to help,” Joy said.

BHN would like to thank Joy for the incredible amount of time, effort and love she put into making masks that continue to keep staff and those we serve safe!

Steve Winn to Take Helm as Next President and CEO

Wed, 01 Jul 2020 17:00:00 GMT

Ji8��Ƶ announced that Steve Winn, Ph.D., will take helm as the organization’s next President and CEO on July 1, as the retirement of former President and CEO Katherine Wilson becomes official.

The BHN Board of Directors selected Winn to succeed Wilson, who served as President and CEO since the formation of the organization in 1992.

Winn said, “The opportunity to lead the dedicated staff at BHN is especially gratifying. They are remarkable in their commitment to BHN’s mission of helping individuals, families and communities improve the quality of life for those with behavioral and developmental challenges. We will continue to develop and deliver high-quality, team-based, integrated services and supports to those we serve."

Winn joined BHN in 1995 as Vice President and Director of the Child Guidance Clinic. He was later promoted to Senior Vice President and since 2017 has served BHN as Chief Operating Officer.

According to BHN Board Chair George Marion, “Steve has intimate knowledge of the organization, its people, and its programs. He has established strong partnerships and enjoys an excellent reputation with local and statewide funders, key partners and stakeholders. In short, Steve has been an important contributor to BHN’s growth and success, and the Board believes there is no better person than Steve Winn to assume the role of BHN’s CEO and continue that growth and success.”

Winn has extensive experience in the behavioral health field. He received a Master’s in Developmental Psychology and a Ph.D. in Clinical and Developmental Psychology, both from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Winn went on to complete his fellowship at Yale University’s Child Study Center. After Yale, Winn became a staff psychologist at the University of New Mexico Children’s Psychiatric Hospital, where he also taught in the Department of Psychiatry as an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry. Winn is a licensed clinical psychologist in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Thank you Kathy Wilson

Tue, 30 Jun 2020 16:43:00 GMT

Congratulations and best wishes to our President and CEO Kathy Wilson on her retirement from BHN. We are forever grateful for your vision, leadership and encouragement over the past thirty years – you will be greatly missed!

BHN's Commitment to the Practice of Anti-Racism

Wed, 03 Jun 2020 17:02:00 GMT

"Anti-racism is not an identity or a checklist; it’s a practice."
- Andrea Ranae

BHN affirms our commitment to the practice of anti-racism. We feel the despair in our communities as a result of the senseless killing of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd and many, many others. The targeting of black men, in particular, and people of color in general, and the protests and violence of the past week, are indications that we as a nation have a LONG way to go until equity and justice are achieved.

We reaffirm our commitment to justice and equity. We value diversity and stand in solidarity with our neighbors and colleagues of all races, ethnicities, sexual identity and gender orientations; that we may together create a fair and just world. Visit our Social Justice page for more information.

"Anti-racism is the commitment to fight racism where you find it, including in yourself. And it’s the only way forward."
– Ijeoma Oluo

Springfield Opioid Treatment Program Now Open

Mon, 01 Jun 2020 20:58:00 GMT

Ji8��Ƶ (BHN) opened a new outpatient clinic for the treatment of substance use disorders (SUD) on its Liberty Street campus on June 1, 2020. The Springfield Opioid Treatment Program offers Methadone, Suboxone, Vivitrol and counseling services for people struggling with Opioid Use Disorder.

BHN offers a full continuum of care and services in Springfield for those in addiction recovery. Recovery programs include acute treatment (detox), residential recovery homes, clinical stabilization, outpatient treatment and Driver Alcohol Education services.

The new clinic will serve those 18 and older who have started medication treatment for their addiction in other healthcare facilities or can be a first step in starting medication treatment for their addiction. FDA-approved medications in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies will provide a “whole-patient" approach to the treatment of substance use disorders.

The clinic will be open seven days per week and is located at 395 Liberty Street, sharing building space with other BHN programs. The campus also houses a crisis center, The Living Room, other 24-hour treatment programs, an adult outpatient clinic, care coordination and outreach services, and administrative offices.

According to Kathy Wilson, BHN President and CEO, “We are filling the gaps in treatment and expect that this clinic will help a substantial number of people who are finding the substance use disorder program a lifesaver as they continue on their road to recovery.”

Dr. Ruth Potee, Medical Director for substance use disorders at BHN said, “The data shows better outcomes with the use of medication to treat substance use disorders. We have nearly 50 years of experience using methadone to save lives in the United States. BHN has a full scope of services to help people who struggle with addiction.”

Medication Assisted Treatment Clinic
395 Liberty St. Springfield MA, 01104

Clinic Hours: Sunday - Saturday, 5:30 am - 1:30 pm
Dosing Hours: Sunday - Saturday, 5:45 am - 12:00 pm

Admissions are scheduled on a daily basis. Most insurance plans accepted, inquire for details. For more information call (413)272-1333 .

A message from the BHN Social Justice Commitee

Sat, 30 May 2020 16:44:00 GMT

BHN sees and values our employees - with all that they are managing in life and all that they are contributing to work!

Free Webinar: Building Resiliency in Uncertain Times

Fri, 29 May 2020 15:34:00 GMT

BHN presents a free webinar, sending a message of hope as we navigate life amidst COVID-19.

Millions of people across the country are facing the same worries and challenges as we navigate the COVID-19 crisis. Emotional distress, fear and anxiety can be overwhelming and it is important to be mindful of our mental health and try to focus on self-care throughout these difficult times.

Join to learn:

Why stress and anxiety are a normal reaction to the COVID-19 crisis
Strategies to help cope and handle stress during this time of heightened anxiety

Session Dates, Pre-registration is required:

Presented in Spanish:

Wednesday, June 17, 2:00 pm | Register Now >>

Each webinar will be limited to 20 people to allow for a Q&A session following the presentation.

BHN Offers COVID-19 Support Services

Mon, 20 Apr 2020 14:56:00 GMT

The BHN Trauma Response Team is now offering COVID-19 support services to assist communities and organizations coping with the emotional and psychological impact of the public health crisis.

The BHN Trauma Response Team is an affiliate of Riverside Community Care’s statewide trauma response network, which has been providing trauma-related services to the Boston area since 1990. BHN is contracted to provide this specialty service to Western MA communities.

Services provided to local communities, Ji8��Ƶs, government agencies, workplaces, healthcare, and human service providers include:

Immediate needs assessment to understand the impact of COVID-19 on the group
Consultation to group leadership on approaches to support their workforce or community
Education and training on coping and self-care in times of stress and crisis
Intervention through group and individual meetings with those directly and indirectly involved
Referral to resources in the community for those in need of more intensive assistance
Follow-up and further needs assessment

The BHN Trauma Response Team utilizes Psychological First Aid and Post Traumatic Stress Management when responding to a traumatic event. This approach provides:

Orientation sessions
Stabilization groups
Coping Groups
Individual and Dyadic Sessions

The group focus is on building a sense of safety, promoting the resiliency of group members and their community, and identifying and planning for the utilization of resources that support adaptive coping.

For more information contact BHN Crisis Services at (413) 733-6661 or bhntrt@bhninc.org and request referral to the BHN Trauma Response Team.

BHN Introduces TeleCare Services Virtually Connecting Individuals with Therapists

Tue, 24 Mar 2020 16:00:00 GMT

BHN has introduced an innovative new program, BHNTeleCare, in response to the COVID-19 crisis that will allow individuals to continue counseling sessions with their therapists from safe and convenient location.

To respond to the need for social distancing as well as the increase in stress and behavioral health challenges during the COVID-19 crisis, BHN is transitioning service at its ten counseling and outpatient clinics to remote therapy, providing services via virtual sessions, seven days a week.

For those without access to phone or video technology, BHN’s physical outpatient clinics are operating limited hours to continue providing in-person services during this crisis.

According to Katherine Wilson, President & CEO of BHN, “This innovation in the way we provide therapy and counseling services is groundbreaking and allows us to render services where people are. This is particularly critical as a result of the needs that have emerged due to the spread of COVID-19. It allows a counseling avenue for those suffering anxiety and in need of support during this time of crisis affecting individuals and families.”

For more information or to request an appointment, please contact BHN, 413-BHN-WORK ( 413-246-9675 .)

For a psychiatric emergency, contact BHN Crisis, 24 hours per day, seven days per week at 413-733-6661.

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BHN In the Media: Better Health

Thu, 19 Mar 2020 15:35:00 GMT

In a recent article featured in the Republican's Better Health section, BHN's Mayra Rodriguez-Figueroa explains the impact of losing a loved one, the effects of bereavement and ways to move forward. In a recent article featured in the Republican's Better Health section, BHN's Mayra Rodriguez-Figueroa explains the impact of losing a loved one, the effects of bereavement and ways to move forward. $(document).ready(function() { $('#iac-img-zoom-trigger-465').magnificPopup({ type: 'image', prependTo: $('bicycleui-page').add('.ccm-page') }); });

COVID-19 Update

Mon, 16 Mar 2020 12:49:00 GMT

As Massachusetts continues to be impacted by Coronavirus (COVID-19) the health and safety of Ji8��Ƶ (BHN) employees and individuals served remains our top priority. As a healthcare provider we are taking all steps necessary to ensure our essential services continue to be available to those who need them.

To contribute to community health and safety, BHN has adopted social distance recommendations provided by public health officials. Where feasible, staff will work remotely and individuals will be served via remote technologies. In addition, BHN has increased its worksite disinfection protocols to reduce exposure to the virus.

At this time, all BHN sites and programs are open however, there may be future adjustments based on the changing conditions of the COVID-19 virus. Notices about changes to program hours and days of service will be posted to our website. Individuals can also call our sites or their provider for additional information.

Contact BHN:

Central Intake: (413) 737-2439, Monday-Friday, 7am-7pm
Crisis Line: (413) 733-6661, Available 24 hours daily, 7 days per week

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources:

Thank you for your cooperation, patience, and trust during these challenging times.

Ji8��Ƶ Receives $15,000 Grant From Country Bank

Thu, 12 Mar 2020 17:00:00 GMT

Springfield— Ji8��Ƶ, Inc. (BHN) has been awarded a $15,000 grant from Country Bank, which will fund direct services for BHN’s domestic violence programs in Ware.

Country Bank’s grant to BHN will be used for innovative support and advocacy services for domestic violence survivors, which includes partnering with Country Bank employees in offering the economic freedom initiative, Money School. BHN’s Money School program is an award-winning, trauma-informed financial independence initiative designed to create long-term safety and economic security for survivors of domestic violence.

The grant will also be used to provide prevention education work in local Ji8��Ƶs, and for interruption and prevention services for perpetrators of domestic violence.

“Country Bank is honored to support the vital work that is provided to survivors through BHN’s domestic violence programs. We are fortunate to have programs locally that support our communities and those in need of these services,” stated Shelley Regin, Senior Vice President, Marketing of Country Bank and an Advisory Board Member of BHN.

Kathy Wilson, President & CEO of BHN, said, “We are thankful to Country Bank for this important funding that supports the critical programming we provide to survivors of domestic violence. These funds, and Country Bank's prior support, allow us to work with survivors in taking their first steps in achieving financial freedom. This support helps us in the complicated work of recovery with survivors and we appreciate Country Bank's community leadership.”

Country Bank has long been a supporter of BHN’s programs and mission, making frequent donations to BHN Valley Human Services (VHS) in Ware.

The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) states that one in four women report experiencing domestic violence. In addition to physical abuse, domestic violence survivors often experience financial duress, and almost half of domestic violence victims struggle with substance use disorders.

About Country Bank : Country Bank has a proud history of community involvement and lending support to organizations in the towns and cities that we serve. By supporting the communities who support us, we are able to contribute and improve the quality of life in our primary market areas. Country Bank is a state-chartered, mutual savings bank headquartered in Ware, Massachusetts. Founded in 1850, we value respect, courtesy, and good manners above all. As a mutual bank we answer to our customers first, not to investors. Our mission is to grow mutually beneficial relationships with our customers, community and staff.

About BHN: BHN has been providing behavioral health services to Ji8��Ƶ and families in Western Massachusetts since 1938. The agency provides community-based services that include innovative, integrated whole-health models as well as traditional clinical and outpatient and therapeutic services, day treatment, addiction services, crisis intervention and residential supports.

President and CEO Kathy Wilson to Retire; Steven Winn Named New CEO

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 21:05:00 GMT

Katherine B. Wilson , longtime President and Chief Executive Officer of Ji8��Ƶ, will retire on June 30, 2020, it was announced. BHN Board Chair George Marion said the organization has named Steven Winn, Ph.D., BHN’s current Chief Operating Officer, as Wilson’s successor.

Wilson was instrumental in the formation of Ji8��Ƶ in 1992 when four nonprofit mental health organizations— the Child Guidance Clinic, the Agawam Counseling Center, Community Care Mental Health Center and the Hampden District Mental Health Clinic—formed the then-new entity and appointed Wilson as CEO.

Since BHN’s founding, Wilson has built the organization from a $1 million annual enterprise into an organization that is considered the leading behavioral health agency in the region. Under Wilson’s leadership BHN has grown dramatically and now serves over 40,000 individuals in the four Western Massachusetts counties, employs over 2,300 people and has an annual budget of over $115 million.

Most recently, Wilson was named a Healthcare Hero for Lifetime Achievement by BusinessWest magazine and was celebrated in the book Power of Women published by The Republican newspaper.

Wilson is regarded as a leader in Massachusetts and the region in behavioral health and the integration of general health and behavioral health.

According to Board Chair George Marion, “Kathy Wilson’s importance to the success of BHN cannot be overstated. Indeed, BHN came into existence largely due to Kathy’s efforts and vision.”

Under Wilson’s direction, BHN transformed an abandoned factory complex on Liberty Street in Springfield into a sprawling campus that includes BHN’s corporate headquarters, the innovative Living Room drop-in center, Cole’s Place recovery program for men, BHN’s 24-hour, seven-days-a-week Crisis Center, an adult outpatient clinic, and its care coordination and outreach services.

Wilson implemented the acquisitions of The Carson Center in Westfield and its affiliate Valley Human Services in Ware.

With the rise of the opioid epidemic, Wilson guided the strategy to provide more recovery resources in the community, and BHN opened new outpatient and inpatient programming in the rehabilitated Lunt Silversmiths building in Greenfield for those needing recovery services in Franklin County.

Wilson began her career as a psychotherapist and worked for the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health during the critical time when both Northampton State Hospital and Belchertown State Ji8��Ƶs were closed by court mandate.

The closings began a period of community-based care and services and BHN, under Wilson, was at the forefront. Under her leadership, BHN expanded its footprint for those needing residential developmental services.

Marion said about Wilson, “It is no exaggeration to say Kathy Wilson is an iconic figure in Western Massachusetts in the area of behavioral health. She is a trailblazer that helped our community, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, replace the state hospital system with the more humane community-based system we have today.

“She has left a legacy of caring and serving in a way that has made a difference in the lives of thousands of individuals needing behavioral health and recovery services. Kathy will be sorely missed but leaves BHN in a strong position to continue its leadership in providing developmental, behavioral and recovery services throughout Western Massachusetts.

“One of Kathy’s great strengths as CEO has been her ability to develop and mentor a capable and committed executive leadership team. There is perhaps no better example than Steve Winn, whom we are delighted to name as our next CEO.”

Winn joined BHN in 1995 as Vice President and Director of the Child Guidance Clinic. He was later promoted to Senior Vice President and since 2017 has served BHN as Chief Operating Officer.

According to Marion, “Steve has intimate knowledge of the organization, its people, and its programs. He also has established strong partnerships and enjoys an excellent reputation with local and statewide funders, key partners and stakeholders. In short, Steve has been an important contributor to BHN’s growth and success, and the Board believes there is no better person than Steve Winn to assume the role of BHN’s CEO and continue that growth and success.”

Wilson said, “BHN has given me so much personal pleasure, professional pride and a sense of accomplishment. BHN is a great organization, with dedicated staff who are remarkable in their commitment to BHN’s mission. While I am sad to be leaving I am comforted by the Board’s decision to name Steve Winn as the next CEO. He has been a vital part of BHN’s past successes and growth and his vision for the future will serve BHN well.”

BHN has been providing behavioral health services to Ji8��Ƶ and families in Western Mass since 1938. The agency provides community-based services that include innovative, integrated whole-health models as well as traditional clinical and outpatient and therapeutic services, day treatment, addiction services, crisis intervention and residential supports.

Those Who Serve: Jessica

Fri, 03 Jan 2020 19:52:00 GMT

Jessica DeFlumer-Trapp, Vice President of Integration at Ji8��Ƶ (BHN), recently received the Excellence in Care Integration Award at the Association for Behavioral Health’s (ABH) annual “Salute to Excellence” event.

Jessica brings significant expertise in healthcare reform and innovation, financing models, behavioral health technologies related to population health, and other similar areas. Prior to joining BHN, Jessica worked at the State of Connecticut’s Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services where she served as Lead Manager in various programs involved with behavioral health care management for Medicaid members. Here, Jessica’s leadership roles included Lead Project Manager for Behavioral Health Homes, Health Information Technology Implementation Team Manager, and Operations Lead for Targeted Case Management, to name a few. Before working at DMHAS, Jessica served as a senior executive for a community behavioral health agency where she oversaw outpatient, CSP, and residential operations in addition to IT/IS development and implementation.

Jessica received her Master’s of Arts in Counseling and Community Psychology from Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York, and completed a post-degree licensure program at Loyola College of Maryland in Baltimore, before obtaining licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor.

According to Kathy Wilson, BHN President and CEO, “Jessica embodies the values representative of the award based on her deep commitment to advancing behavioral health for the people and communities we serve. She has emerged as a leader within the behavioral health field and at Ji8��Ƶ. She is passionate about our work, is an eager learner, is humble and values equally the people she works with and the communities we serve.”

Those We Serve: Maritza

Mon, 30 Dec 2019 20:10:00 GMT

Those Who Serve: Alaina

Fri, 27 Dec 2019 19:03:00 GMT

As far as career paths go, it’s fair to say that Alaina Lyon was destined to work in this field. Alaina is Program Director for BHN’s Intensive Care Coordination program, which works with Ji8��Ƶ and youth who have severe emotional and behavioral health needs. Alaina knew from a young age that this was her passion and has since flourished within BHN.

Alaina grew up in Brattleboro, Vermont, and by the time she was 15 years old — just a freshman in high Ji8��Ƶ — she was approached by a social worker who was running a peer outreach program centered on health education at her Ji8��Ƶ. As a peer educator, Alaina explains, “I got to see how policy changes are implemented, and the impact these policies had on my generation.” She was hooked. Alaina continued in this role through graduation and went on to receive a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Elms College, followed by a Master’s degree in Social Work from Springfield College. Alaina took a full-time position with an organization in Northampton assisting homeless individuals and families to find housing while developing the skills necessary for self-sufficiency. The work she conducted reinforced her passion for social work, which led her to BHN.

In graduate Ji8��Ƶ, Alaina had read about ‘wraparound,’ a term used to describe the coordination of multiple services via a tailored plan. “I immediately knew this was the work I wanted to do, but it didn’t exist yet in Massachusetts,” Alaina said. A year after receiving her Master’s, Alaina saw an ad for a wraparound pilot program at BHN, applied, and accepted a position as a care manager. “I’m not an office person, so I really loved the outreach component to this work, getting to know the people in the community.” In 2009, the wraparound program, known as Intensive Care Coordination (ICC), was launched statewide. As a result, Alaina was promoted to a supervisory role where she worked alongside program directors to fully implement the program at BHN.

Now, as Program Director for ICC at BHN, Alaina and her team have helped build the program into a valuable resource for many families in the area. With Alaina at the helm, the ICC team’s overarching goal for each case is to “get all providers on the same page, clarify each provider’s role, get the child connected with community supports, get the parents connected with the right resources, and at the end, develop a transition plan.” Part of this coordination involves running monthly meetings where all community providers come together to discuss barriers, challenges, successes, and areas of need. On a personal level, Alaina’s passion for the work she started when she was 15 has grown even stronger over the years, and shows no signs of stopping. “In working with families, my priority is to instill hope — to show them there’s hope at the end of all this, and that we will get there together.”

Telling Our Stories: Robert

Fri, 20 Dec 2019 19:47:00 GMT

Those We Serve: Jeremy

Mon, 16 Dec 2019 17:51:00 GMT

As he laid in a hospital bed, recovering from a suicide attempt, Jeremy felt completely alone. He was struggling with depression and anxiety and had no support system he could reach out to. However, a single fateful visit from a BHN employee permanently transformed his life.

The employee told him about BHN’s Adult Community Clinical Services (ACCS) program, which helps create care-management plans for individuals with disabilities, mental health conditions, or substance use disorders. When he heard about the program, Jeremy felt like he had been rescued from his despair: “I was very depressed and very alone, and it seemed like a good way to move forward.” However, at that moment, he was unaware of the extensive impacts the program would have in all areas of his life.

After having taken part in the program for about two years, Jeremy’s life has been completely transformed— “Basically, ACCS has helped out in every facet of what I deal with.” Jeremy’s care management team helped him find new housing that is a vast improvement over his previous apartment, which Jeremy says was in disrepair and very isolated. His team arranges transportation for Jeremy to and from doctor’s appointments and food pantries, and helps him afford essential items such as groceries. Over the summer, his care managers even bought him an air conditioner to reduce his risk of heat-related medical emergencies—something he wouldn’t have been able to afford without their assistance.

Jeremy’s care managers have also helped him afford various recreational services that have been immensely helpful in his recovery. He was able to begin exercising regularly after receiving a scholarship to the YMCA, and was introduced to a local creative space where he has taken part in art programs and computer workshops. With ACCS’s assistance, Jeremy has been able to better maintain his general health and make lifestyle changes that have helped him cope with his anxiety and mood instability. He’s also completely ended his substance use, and is in a much better place overall. “I’ve found the perfect mix of medication, exercise, and healthy eating, and I’m now able to get places and make new friends.”

Jeremy says his care managers have played a major role in his recovery. He says that everyone he has worked with through ACCS has put their all into making sure his needs are met; and if they can’t help him directly with a problem, they find an indirect way to solve it. The care and compassion that Jeremy has found at ACCS was something he never thought he’d find when he was laying in the hospital, wishing he was dead. But now that he’s found the support system offered by ACCS, he never wants to imagine his life without it.

“It’s really helped me, having positive people around me, bringing out my positive qualities and reassuring me it’s going to get better,” Jeremy says. “It’s an amazing thing to have.”

BHN Receives $10,000 Grant From PeoplesBank

Wed, 11 Dec 2019 23:30:00 GMT

Springfield— Ji8��Ƶ, Inc. (BHN) has been awarded a $10,000 grant from PeoplesBank to be used for BHN’s Money School program, a financial independence initiative for survivors of domestic or sexual violence who are also recovering from addiction.

PeoplesBank’s grant to BHN will support the operation of the Elizabeth Freeman Center’s Money School program. Money School is an award-winning, trauma-informed financial independence initiative designed to create long-term safety and economic security for survivors.

According to Matthew Bannister, VP of Marketing & Innovation at PeoplesBank, “Financial literacy is a skill that is lacking today in so many areas of society, so it is gratifying to see BHN addressing this issue with a vulnerable population. We applaud BHN’s efforts in this area, and in so many other important areas, too. They provide great services to our communities.”

Participants are given individually-tailored financial and career mentoring as well as intensive advocacy and support for their substance use recovery and healing in the aftermath of domestic or sexual violence. The program helps survivors achieve and maintain safety, economic independence, and family wellbeing for themselves and their Ji8��Ƶ.

Kathy Wilson, President & CEO of BHN, said, “Much of our work at BHN has to do with supporting and engaging with people as they overcome obstacles and plan a better future for themselves. The Money School program has been particularly effective in helping women to take control of their finances, one of the most difficult challenges for anyone when navigating the long-term impact of domestic violence. We deeply appreciate the resources being provided by PeoplesBank in this vital program that is changing the lives of the women served."

About PeoplesBank : PeoplesBank is a leader in innovation, corporate responsibility, environmental sustainability, and employee engagement. Our three LEED® certified offices are environmentally friendly, and we have financed more than $171 million in wind, hydroelectric, and solar energy projects. As the largest community bank in the market, we have a unique ability to help the communities we serve through volunteer efforts and millions of dollars in donations to charitable and civic causes. Our associates devote an average of 10,000 hours to volunteer work each year, and 48 of the bank’s officers serve on the boards of directors and committees of 115 nonprofit organizations in the area. As a mutual bank, PeoplesBank is responsible to its depositors, employees, and the community. This organizational structure allows us to focus on the long-term viability of the bank and the best interests of our customers.

Those We Serve: Adam

Tue, 10 Dec 2019 22:50:00 GMT

For years, recovering from his substance use disorder seemed like an impossible dream for Adam. He had used alcohol and crack cocaine for over a decade, and though he had participated in several addiction recovery programs in an effort to end his substance use, he relapsed after each one. However, during his time at BHN’s Northern Hope Center nine months ago, Adam says he achieved a “moment of clarity” that finally gave him the motivation he needed to take control of his substance use.

At the Northern Hope Center, Adam took part in an intensive 30-day recovery program that included individual and group counseling and medication to help with his substance withdrawal. In past recovery programs, Adam says, he had been afraid to admit to himself that he had an addiction and put little personal effort into his recovery. However, his stay at Northern Hope was different. During his time there, Adam came to terms with the negative impact his substance use was having on his own life and the lives of those he cared about. His life revolved around his desperation for a high, which caused him to become estranged from his parents and weakened his relationship with his girlfriend.

“At the center, they had a quote on the window that said, “Why can’t we give up one thing for everything, but we can always give up everything for one thing?’” Adam said. “That really resonated with me, because, before coming here, I was willing to throw my life and my family away like they were garbage just to get drugs.”

His realization of the destructive effects of his substance use gave him the motivation and determination that he needed to successfully complete the recovery program at Northern Hope. “Since the day I came to Northern Hope, the thought of drinking or using drugs hasn’t crossed my mind,” Adam said. Immediately following his stay at the center, Adam checked himself into a recovery home to continue his addiction rehabilitation. Since leaving the home a few months ago, Adam’s life has completely transformed, and he now works full-time and has rebuilt his relationship with his girlfriend. He is also taking part in BHN’s Adult Court Clinic program, which has helped to prevent him from relapsing by requiring him to attend therapy groups and undergo drug testing.

A large part of Adam’s continued recovery has also involved him sharing his story with others who are struggling with substance use disorders. “My sobriety depends on helping others,” Adam said. “They say you can’t keep what you’ve learned without giving it away, and it’s true.” In the past several months, Adam has spoken to groups at Northern Hope and at Alcoholics Anonymous meetings with the hope that he can change someone’s life in the way that his stay at Northern Hope changed his.

“It wasn’t that long ago that I was sitting in the chairs at Northern Hope,” Adam said. “And I hope that to hear someone come in and share how their life has changed can be really inspiring to others.”

Though Adam owes a large part of his successful recovery to his own determination and his perseverance through the difficulties of his rehabilitation, he is immensely grateful to Northern Hope and its staff, who provided him with unwavering support throughout his stay at the center. Their compassion and genuine desire to help individuals in their recovery saved his life, Adam says, and without their assistance, he may have easily given up on his dream of achieving recovery.

“I would recommend Northern Hope to anyone who is tired of running the streets and burning their life to the ground,” Adam said. “The staff bend over backwards to help you, even though you’re a complete stranger, and treat everyone with respect. And when they see you willing to help yourself, they help you even more to stay motivated in your recovery. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for Northern Hope.”

Those We Serve: Jose

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 20:57:00 GMT

José knew he needed help. His life was in danger in his native Puerto Rico, and he had been turned away by his relatives in Queens. After leaving Puerto Rico and spending several years in Florida, José came to Western Massachusetts alone, homeless, and addicted to cocaine. However, in only a few weeks, José completely turned his life around with the help of BHN.

José credits Rosalin, a Care Coordinator at BHN’s Hope Center, with helping him throughout his recovery. Rosalin connected José to The Living Room, a space where those in crisis are able to stay and connect with peers instead of being hospitalized. After only two days in The Living Room, Rosalin helped José find a place to live during his addiction recovery. She also took him to his doctor appointments and ensured he received medication for his epilepsy. “She’s like my mom here,” José says fondly. “She always goes the extra mile for me.”

On top of taking care of his health, José says Rosalin also gave him the motivation to transform his life for the better. Now living at an addiction recovery center, José is 40 days clean, and doesn’t intend to return to his drug habits – “I feel good now, and I want to stay that way.”

José was forced to leave Puerto Rico when his girlfriend became pregnant at 18 and her father tried to kill José, but mistakenly almost killed José’s brother instead. Fearing for his life, José came to the United States, where he began using cocaine to cope with the loneliness and the guilt of his brother’s near-death experience, and it controlled his life for seven years. José’s mother, his only real family, remains in Puerto Rico, but she plans to visit Jose at the end of the year. “Even though she’s in Puerto Rico, she knows when I’m bad; I don’t know how,” he says. “Now, I feel like I can call her and say ‘Mom, don’t worry about me— I’m good.’”

The services José received from Rosalin and BHN have helped him see the world in a different way and inspired him to work toward a brighter future. Now 25 years old, he hopes to continue his education and study IT or become a counselor like Rosalin – “I want to help other people, like Rosalin did for me.” José intends to continue using BHN’s services throughout his recovery so he can accomplish his goals for the future and continue making positive changes in his life.

“I trust in Rosalin, and I trust in my therapist – they do an awesome job,” he says. “If Rosalin hadn’t picked me up and taken me to The Living Room, I don’t know where I’d be.”

Those We Serve: Evan

Mon, 02 Dec 2019 22:50:00 GMT

Evan and his family are served by BHN's Family Support and Training Program, where Family Partners work alongside parents and caregivers to assist and empower them to access care on behalf of their Ji8��Ƶ.

Telling Our Stories: Mandy

Sat, 30 Nov 2019 20:12:00 GMT

Those Who Serve: Robin

Wed, 27 Nov 2019 21:15:00 GMT

After five suicide attempts and the same number of hospital stays, Robin felt as if she would never find the help she needed to overcome her mental illness. At each hospital she tried, Robin felt isolated and uncomfortable, which made it impossible for her to achieve recovery. Months of failed hospitalizations made Robin indifferent to each facility she attended, and she began to give up hope that she would find a place that would make a difference in her life. Then she found BHN.

Robin had never heard of BHN’s Community Crisis Stabilization program, also known as Respite— “I never knew there was a place like this, other than a hospital.” But immediately after walking in the door, Robin knew that this program would be different than any of her hospital stays. In Respite, individuals live with a small group of peers and meet with counselors each day throughout their recovery. For Robin, living in Respite during her recovery instead of a hospital felt much more natural—like she was living at home.

“In a hospital, you’re isolated, and you can’t wear your regular clothes,” Robin says. “It’s different than Respite, which is meant to help you heal and rest.”

Throughout her five-month stay in Respite, Robin learned how to manage her depression and anxiety from her counselors in individual sessions and in therapy groups. The small group of peers who lived with her became like her family, Robin says, and they spent time together doing activities to take their minds off of their mental illnesses, such as arts and crafts, card games, and cooking. Robin received continuous support and motivation from both her counselors and her peers, and never felt as if she was being judged.

“In Respite, I was able to feel normal,” Robin says. “Mental illness can make you feel as if you’re not good enough, but there was no negativity here. Everyone was positive, and the staff tries to keep you in the best of spirits to make your recovery easier.”

In the final weeks of her Respite stay, Robin trained to become a peer specialist so she could give back to the program that helped her so significantly and reach out to others who had gone through experiences similar to her own. As a peer specialist, she still feels like she’s part of the Respite program and continues to benefit from the same support she received throughout her stay there.

Now, having worked as a peer specialist for several months, Robin is still stunned by the dramatic changes she was able to make in her life with the help of BHN’s Respite program.

“I could have probably done ten more hospitalizations and they wouldn’t have had the same impact on my life as Respite did,” Robin says. “Respite was probably one of the best things that ever happened to me. It gave me a whole new outlook on life.”

Telling Our Stories: Maria

Tue, 26 Nov 2019 19:54:00 GMT

Dr. Maria Almario is a psychologist and Clinical Supervisor for BHN's School Street Clinic, who is also an expert in human trafficking and consultant to the United Nations.

Those We Serve: Miguel

Tue, 19 Nov 2019 22:37:00 GMT

Therapy was never something Miguel had considered before he came to BHN. So, when he was referred to counseling services after receiving help at BHN’s Crisis Center, Miguel didn’t think talking to a therapist would ease his anxiety, depression, or emotional instability. But after receiving counseling services for the past nine years, Miguel can confidently say that BHN has had a deeply meaningful impact on his mental wellbeing.

At BHN The Carson Center, Miguel regularly meets with his therapist, who has given him the skills and resources he needs to take control of his mental health. Before he began receiving counseling services, Miguel says he struggled to control his emotions, especially his anger and anxiety. He often had emotional outbursts and would take his anger out on other people because he didn’t know how to control spikes in his emotions. With his therapist’s help, Miguel has learned different techniques to help work through his emotions in a healthier way.

Self-calming strategies, such as counting from one to ten to lessen anger and panic or turning on a sink to be soothed by the sound of running water, have been instrumental in Miguel’s ability to maintain control over his emotions. After learning about these techniques, he has even felt empowered to create his own calming methods.

“I’ve learned so many skills here to help me to decrease my anxiety, and now I can use these skills to do it myself,” Miguel says.

Counseling has also helped Miguel improve his ability to communicate with others, which is something he struggled with in the past due to his shy nature. “Before, I felt like I was in a bubble,” Miguel says. “Now, I’m coming out of that bubble to communicate with people, little by little.” He is also less affected by other people’s moods, which used to impact his mood and fuel his emotional outbursts. With therapy, he has learned how to walk away from negative people or stressful situations in order to maintain emotional balance.

BHN’s services have allowed Miguel to make profound changes in several aspects of his life. With the help of his therapist, Miguel has learned how to curb the intensity of his emotions and manage his anxiety and depression. Though, at first, he didn’t believe therapy was for him, at BHN Miguel discovered a system of support and compassion that has provided him with a powerful sense of self-determination.

“I feel good coming here because I feel safe to talk about my anxiety and depression,” Miguel says. “Coming here has helped me take control of my emotions and anxieties. They’ve helped me a lot, and I’m doing much better.”

Those We Serve: Sam

Tue, 12 Nov 2019 22:35:00 GMT

Before she began using BHN’s services, Sam felt as if she was trapped in a black hole— “I was an addict, and I felt like my life was over.” However, once she was introduced to BHN The Carson Center’s Adult Community Clinical Services (ACCS) program, Sam was given the tools and assistance she needed to turn her life around.

The ACCS program helped Sam take control over her life by coordinating her mental health care and addiction recovery plan and providing her with a care team to aid her through her recovery. Sam says the support of her care team—particularly her case worker, Amy Gendron— was a key part of her ability to maintain sobriety. “Amy was always there for support, and to talk me through a lot of things,” Sam says, her voice strained with emotion. “The staff here has been amazing to me.”

After being assaulted last year, Sam had difficulty staying sober as she struggled with the trauma caused by the assault. However, Sam says her care team went above and beyond to help her avoid falling back into her alcohol addiction. They helped her remain in the community as much as possible during her recovery rather than sending her to a recovery center, which Sam greatly appreciated. “I’ve been in respite a couple times, but willingly,” she says. “And that’s because of my team, and how they’ve talked to me about what good would come of it.”

Throughout her two years with the program, Sam’s care team has ensured she has transportation to wherever she needs to go, whether to her Alcoholics Anonymous meetings or doctor’s appointments to receive medication for her bipolar disorder. Her team also helped her throughout her pregnancy last year and secured transportation for both Sam and her baby after she gave birth. Sam’s outreach worker, Jackie, also comes to Sam’s house almost daily to meet with her because it’s easier for her with her baby at home.

Though there have been a few hiccups in her recovery, Sam says her ACCS team has given her the support she needed to completely transform her way of thinking, which has paved the way for her to make positive changes in her life. “I’ve been able to really start advocating for myself,” she says. “They’ve shown me how to not be so afraid of my mental health diagnosis and how to take control of my life—to get what I want out of life.”

With her care team’s unconditional support, Sam says she was able to escape the black hole created by her alcohol addiction and work toward improving her life. “They have helped me come a very long way from where I was,” she says. “The people that I’ve worked with at ACCS are a very special group of people, and I don’t know where I’d be without them.”

BHN In the Media: Better Health

Wed, 06 Nov 2019 17:12:00 GMT

Carmen Ortiz-Mendoza, Outpatient Clinician at BHN's School Street Counseling Institute, wrote an article for The Republican's Better Health special section

BHN’s VP of Integration Receives Statewide Award

Wed, 30 Oct 2019 20:21:00 GMT

Photo credit: Association for Behavioral Healthcare

Springfield— Jessica DeFlumer-Trapp, Vice President of Integration at Ji8��Ƶ (BHN), recently received the Excellence in Care Integration Award at the Association for Behavioral Health’s (ABH) annual “Salute to Excellence” event.

In the two years that Jessica has served at BHN, she has been guiding the organization’s dramatic growth in medical integration and care management. Strategies to integrate behavioral and physical health are at the forefront of healthcare in BHN’s service area and in the nation. As BHN’s Vice President managing behavioral and physical health integration, Jessica is guiding new initiatives related to integration and population health. Jessica was recognized by ABH for her ability to understand trends at the macro level as it relates to the evolving landscape in behavioral health, and bring concept and strategy to the implementation level.

Prior to her current position, Jessica, a South Hadley resident, served as BHN’s Senior Program Manager of Population Health where she charted the overall course of BHN’s population health initiative, working closely with those in the areas of care management, pharmacy, health and wellness.

Those We Serve: John

Tue, 29 Oct 2019 21:32:00 GMT

John had searched for over a decade to find a therapist who felt like the right fit for him. He had gone through a string of various counselors over the years, but none of them clicked with John, and some even harmed his mental health more than they helped. When he was encouraged by a friend to try BHN, John assumed his experience at BHN would merely be another failed attempt to find the right therapist. Fortunately, he was wrong.

After receiving counseling at BHN’s Center for Development for over a year, John can confidently say that his lengthy search to find the right therapist has finally come to an end. His experience at BHN has already made more of a difference on his mental health than anything he had tried in the past. With the help of his counselor, John has started to overcome his past traumas and gain a more positive outlook on his life.

From a young age, John faced difficulties in managing his mental health, and several traumatic events later in his life only intensified his struggle. While in high Ji8��Ƶ, John faced persistent bullying, which took a toll on his mental health, so he turned to smoking and drug use as a way to cope. As he grew older, John says he became cold and hostile and was afraid to trust others. When his wife passed away after a battle with cancer, John retreated even further into himself and hid behind hostility while inwardly struggling with depression.

Eventually, John realized he wanted to make a change in his life. He was able to overcome his substance use disorder, but he knew he needed help to improve his mental wellbeing— he just needed the right partner. And at BHN, John was able to find the support he needed to begin to transform his life.

With the help of his counselor, John has started working through his past traumas and learning how to better control his emotions. His counselor has encouraged him to be honest with his emotions instead of bottling them up as he did in the past, which has been immensely helpful for John. Though he has been hurt in the past, John’s counselor has helped him start to trust other people again and not to fear close relationships. His emotional support dog, Stewie, has also been instrumental in helping him regain his ability to be emotionally vulnerable. With the knowledge he has gained in counseling, John now defines himself by who he is today, rather than fixating on his difficult past.

“Today, I choose to be who I want to be in life,” John says. “I don’t care what others think of me.”

Today, John is a much different person than who he was only a year ago. After years of isolating himself and bottling up his emotions, John has developed a much more positive outlook on life and has begun giving back to the community by regularly donating blood. Though his years-long search for a therapist once seemed hopeless, John is extremely grateful that his search ultimately led him to BHN’s counseling services— and he hopes that other people can find the same success that he did.

“I want more people to be able to have better mental health,” John says. “I’m no different from any other person just because of my mental illness, and I want other people to feel that way, too."

Those We Serve: David

Tue, 22 Oct 2019 21:29:00 GMT

After years of struggling to cope with his traumatic childhood, David was skeptical that BHN would be able to help him with his mental health. However, after receiving services from BHN for roughly seven years, David can confidently say that BHN has had a larger impact on his mental health than he ever imagined.

When he came to BHN for a mental health evaluation, David was diagnosed with anxiety, depression, and PTSD, largely brought about by the trauma he experienced as a child. His father was often hospitalized due to a rare neurodegenerative disease and died when David was only 19. In addition, his mother abused him throughout his childhood. David’s PTSD diagnosis surprised him – “When you think of PTSD, you think of people that served in the military, and I never did,” he says.

PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is a mental health condition that can develop in individuals who experience or witness a traumatic event. Individuals with PTSD often have intense thoughts and feelings related to their trauma, which can take the form of flashbacks, nightmares, or debilitating anxiety. They can also experience emotional numbness or trouble thinking and concentrating, along with a wide range of other negative physical and mental changes. The symptoms of PTSD can interfere with daily life, but for individuals like David, there are many therapeutic techniques that can help them cope with the disorder.

At BHN’s Carson Center, David’s therapist, Martha Klaczak, introduced him to eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy, better known as EMDR. EMDR helps people with PTSD re-process their trauma by having them relive traumatic memories in short segments, in effect weakening the psychological impact. At first, David doubted the effectiveness of this kind of therapy – “It almost sounded hokey to me when Martha explained it,” he recalls, but his sessions with Martha allowed David to gain some control over his past trauma. After a few years, David was even able to partially rebuild his relationship with his mother before she passed away.

Martha also introduced David to the Carson Center’s Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, skills group. In this therapy group, David learned techniques to manage distressing emotions and avoid conflict in relationships. While other people have cycled in and out of the group, David has remained for the past three years and has benefitted immensely from the lessons taught by the group’s instructors.

Both Martha and the DBT skills group have served as powerful support systems for David over the past few years, especially when his mother was in the hospital before her death. “It was probably one of the toughest times I went through,” David says, fighting back tears. “If it wasn’t for Martha, the group, and Ella, my psychopharmacologist, I don’t think I would’ve been able to hold it all together. I definitely would have come unglued.”

Though David has used the services of other therapists in the past, he says he’s never met anyone like the staff at BHN, and they have been a pivotal part of his recovery. “Everybody here is amazing to come into contact with. Without BHN’s Carson Center and everybody here, I’m not sure where I’d be in life.”

This Is Me - End The Stigma

Tue, 15 Oct 2019 21:23:00 GMT

Carmen Quinones recognizes the therapeutic role art can play in people’s lives. As an artist herself, she is able to overlook her anxiety and live a calmer, happier life.

It was this view of art that inspired Carmen, the assistant program director for Ji8��Ƶ’s Adult Community Clinical Services program (ACCS), to organize the “This is Me—End the Stigma” art show. Many ACCS program participants use art as a powerful form of self- expression and a way to cope with mental illness, and Carmen wanted to give them an opportunity to offer the world a glimpse of their true selves and use their art to tell people, “This is me, and this is what I can do.”

Michelle Sutton, one of the individuals involved in the art show, uses photography as a form of healing and recovery. After being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, and later breast cancer, photography became a way for Michelle to stop and appreciate the small things around her. Her multiple sclerosis prevented her from doing many small, everyday things – “It caused my whole life to come to a stop – I couldn’t function.” Taking photos, however, became a form of therapy for her.

Artist Michael Bruneau, a BHN Adult Community Clinical Services program participant, holds a dream catcher he created.

(Photo submitted)

Several of Michelle’s photos have deeply personal significance, such as a seemingly inconsequential photo of a fence. However, the photo captures the view from her bedroom, a sight that served as a form of hope for Michelle when she was often confined in bed throughout her recovery. It said to her, “This is where you are – you’re going somewhere, and you’re not stuck in this spot.” In Michelle’s experience, her physical and mental illnesses have caused people to treat her differently; but having her photos hung for the public to see was an empowering experience, she says, and made her feel seen and understood.

Michael Bruneau, another ACCS participant, created a piece representative of his increasing ability to cope with his anxiety and limited mobility: three dream catchers hanging from a piece of wood. Creating dream catchers has been a significant part of Michael’s life for the past few years and has helped him through a dark place, he says. Though he’s always loved art, Michael was forced to stop painting and drawing when he developed age-related hand tremors. Largely housebound and without a creative outlet, Michael became socially isolated and his anxiety spiked. However, after BHN helped him move into fully- accessible housing, Michael was introduced to the art of creating dream catchers by one of his neighbors, Angela.

“I didn’t think I would be able to make dream catchers,” Michael says. “But I started working on them, little by little, and once I finally made one, I felt proud of myself. I felt some relief.” Michael says he’s glad he refused to give up on art and found a new art form to pursue despite his physical limitations: “It drives my spirit, and I get joy from it,” he says. “I had goosebumps seeing my art on display, and I couldn’t have done it without other people.”

Those We Serve: Dawn

Tue, 08 Oct 2019 21:13:00 GMT

Dawn Audet has been working with Ji8��Ƶ with disabilities through the Westfield Ji8��Ƶ system for over 15 years and has several Ji8��Ƶ with developmental delays herself. Throughout her extensive experience in this area, one program she’s come across for Ji8��Ƶ with disabilities has stood out above the rest: Kamp for Kids™.

BHN’s Kamp for Kids™ offers Ji8��Ƶ with and without disabilities a unique and fun summer camp experience. From July through August, Kampers are given the opportunity to explore a variety of engaging activities—from arts and crafts, to sports, to outdoor education—in an environment that promotes inclusion and personal growth. Dawn was introduced to the program through a student with disabilities she worked with in the Ji8��Ƶ system, and instantly fell in love with Kamp.

“This is the perfect environment, where kids can learn important skills but still have fun,” Dawn says. “They learn a lot through Kamp that can’t be taught at Ji8��Ƶ.”

After her first experience at Kamp, Dawn signed up her four youngest Ji8��Ƶ to attend—three of whom have autism, and one who has bi-polar disorder. After their first summer at Kamp, her Ji8��Ƶ were equally enthusiastic about the program as Dawn and couldn’t wait to return the following year. “They ask me in December when Kamp is going to start,” she says. “And I look forward to it, too.”

Then, when Dawn and her family moved hundreds of miles away, she and her Ji8��Ƶ felt as if they were missing a key piece in their lives without Kamp— so much so that Dawn made the decision to return to Westfield so she and her family could continue attending Kamp for Kids™. None of the programs in the area she moved to compared to Kamp, and her Ji8��Ƶ struggled without the opportunities for growth and personal expression that Kamp offered them. Dawn, too, was unable to find a program that was as fulfilling to work at as Kamp.

With Kamp’s help, Dawn’s Ji8��Ƶ have been able to strengthen several areas of their development, particularly their social skills. Dawn says her Ji8��Ƶ have difficulty trusting adults they’ve never met due to their past traumas, and Kamp has given them the opportunity to meet several adults who have helped them rebuild their trust. Her Ji8��Ƶ also formed connections with other Kampers, which has helped them work on their social skills involving people their own age. But the most important aspect of the program in Dawn’s opinion is that Kampers are allowed to have fun while they learn, unlike many camps offered for Ji8��Ƶ with disabilities.

“Most of the camps offered are academically-focused,” she says. “But it’s their summer too—they should get to enjoy it.”

BHN's Project FIT Featured by MA Health Policy Commission

Tue, 08 Oct 2019 15:50:00 GMT

Through the HCII Targeted Cost Challenge Investment (TCCI) Program, Ji8��Ƶ’s (BHN) Families in Transitions (“Project FIT”) initiative supported families affected by substance use disorder and/or mental illness who were experiencing homelessness or were at risk for homelessness. Project FIT provided families with high-touch care coordination for behavioral health, primary care, housing support, and vocational services.

One family enrolled in Project FIT included a mother with behavioral health needs and her two young Ji8��Ƶ living in a shelter. While at a pediatrician visit for her Ji8��Ƶ, the mother began experiencing acute pain and was transported, then admitted to the hospital. The mother was admitted for several days with her Ji8��Ƶ.

Since her Ji8��Ƶ were not in the shelter during her hospital stay, the mother lost custody of her Ji8��Ƶ and lost her space at the shelter. The mother was referred to Project FIT, and the team connected the mother to medical and behavioral health treatment, and worked with her to stabilize her medical and behavioral health needs. The team also helped her to be an advocate for her family in discussions with DCF and the shelter system so that she could be reunited with her Ji8��Ƶ in a shelter placement.

Those Who Serve: Rosemary

Tue, 01 Oct 2019 21:06:00 GMT

If you’re looking for a classic success story— somebody who has worked their way up the ladder— look no further than Rosemary Cruz. Now a manager at BHN’s corporate office in Springfield, Rosemary began as a receptionist at BHN 21 years ago. Through her years of hard work, dedication, and “passion for human interaction” as she puts it, Rosemary is an authentic example of the American success story.

Born and raised in New Jersey, Rosemary moved to western Massachusetts roughly 30 years ago to begin her career in a field that exposed her to working with people. In 1996, Rosemary joined BHN as a corporate receptionist/administrative assistant in Springfield. During her three and a half years in this role, Rosemary learned as much as she could about BHN’s mission and values through her daily interactions with employees of all different backgrounds. Ultimately, it was this “interaction with people that drew me in.” Eventually, there was a job opening for a Human Resources Assistant position, which she applied for and was accepted. According to Rosemary, “The front desk worker in me has always enjoyed meeting new people and helping out whenever I could, so HR seemed like the right fit for me.” Over the next several years, Rosemary earned a series of promotions within BHN’s HR department, which took her from HR Assistant, to HR Generalist, to HR Specialist, before accepting her current role as Benefits Manager in 2015.

So, how did she do it? Her appetite for learning may be the secret to her success. In her words, “I welcomed training opportunities and had a willingness to learn all there was to know about HR…these learning opportunities ultimately led to promotions over the years at BHN.” In addition to learning about BHN’s many roles and functions, Rosemary was also intrigued by events happening in the HR field. For example, during her time as an HR assistant, she describes her interest in learning more about employee benefits and leave administration after recognizing that these two areas were changing and evolving as a result of changes in law and policy on a national scale. Looking back and reflecting on her past experience, Rosemary believes that the more ‘tedious’ tasks assigned to her when she was first starting out empowered her to learn about the organization from the ground-level up to its overall mission.

In her current role as Benefits Manager, Rosemary is responsible for the day-to-day operations involving benefits and leave administration, worker’s compensation, employee accommodations, workplace wellness initiatives, management training, and employee relations. She oversees a team of 11 HR employees providing a wide array of services to BHN staff and prospective employees. Rosemary spends much of her time on employee benefit packages due to their complexity. “Past experience has shown that employees find their benefit package difficult to understand, especially with complex deductibles and co-insurance in addition to co-pays on certain plans,” she says, which, in her words, “can make the health selection process stressful.” In order to simplify the process, Rosemary and her team take the time to sit down with employees to walk them through their benefit package, breaking down each part of the plan in a way that makes sense. As a result, she and her team “have found that [employees] are becoming better educated consumers around making healthcare choices for themselves and their families.” Additionally, at the end of each year, her team reviews all of their current packages, measuring ways to remain competitive within the market.

Though she attributes much of her success to her “thirst for learning,” perhaps of equal importance is her natural ability to develop meaningful human connections. When asked about what her favorite part of her current role is, without hesitation she answers, “The opportunity to connect with our employees each and every day.”

BHN in the Media: Better Health

Tue, 24 Sep 2019 14:46:00 GMT

Having the different aspects of their healthcare scattered among various medical providers can reduce the effectiveness of an individual’s overall care and significantly raise their medical costs.

For over a decade, linking individuals’ physical and behavioral healthcare has been at the heart of Ji8��Ƶ’s mission. For the past two decades, the rate of co-occurring medical and behavioral health conditions has increased dramatically around the globe, especially among Ji8��Ƶ, teens, and the elderly. In order to more effectively treat individuals with co-occurring conditions, BHN is among a growing number of nonprofits working to implement a “whole health” model by partnering with primary care providers to ensure that all of an individual’s conditions, medical or behavioral, are considered when creating a treatment plan. This approach largely centers on integrating behavioral health services into primary care locations to make it easier for doctors to connect patients to these services.

“For the past ten years, we’ve been looking at how to be an integral part of healthcare as a system,” said Kathy Wilson, the chief executive officer and president of BHN. “Now, we work with healthcare providers as partners. Doctors need us, and we need them. We make sure we focus on the whole person, and not just the disease.”

The whole healthcare model is based on the Institute for Healthcare Improvement’s “Triple Aim” framework, which proposes a three-pronged solution to modify the current healthcare system: 1) improving patient experience in terms of quality and satisfaction; 2) improving the population’s overall health; and 3) reducing individual healthcare costs. The Institute also promotes the expansion of primary care to include behavioral healthcare and social services to ensure individuals’ needs are effectively met at the lowest possibly out-of-pocket cost.

For the past few years, Massachusetts has been supporting an initiative to incorporate the Institute’s ideas into the state’s healthcare system, which has helped BHN secure support and funding to develop programs and services that embrace a more effective and worthwhile structure of healthcare, Wilson said.

Under Wilson’s direction, BHN has focused its efforts on implementing the Triple Aim framework into its services. The agency has developed several programs that involve medical organizations, such as Baystate Health and Holyoke Health Center, in individuals’ care. At each partner site, BHN employees are available to help patients who share concerns about their mental health or substance use with their doctor.

“A doctor may determine that their patient needs a behavioral health specialist to work on things that are contributing to the patient’s challenges managing their physical health,” Wilson said. “So we begin to wrap a team of people around them to try and treat the whole individual rather than just one aspect of their health.”

Care teams involve staff members from both the primary care provider and from BHN, and can include clinicians, recovery coaches, care coordinators, nurses or medical assistants, depending on the patient’s needs. BHN’s behavioral health specialists can assist individuals in managing a variety of behavioral conditions, including substance use disorders or mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety.

When a doctor at one of the sites — Baystate Health, for instance — decides that their patient needs additional behavioral healthcare, they direct them to one of BHN’s on-site behavioral health specialists, said BHN Vice President Jessica DeFlumer-Trapp. The specialist then conducts a brief evaluation and decides what course of action will be most helpful in improving the patient’s behavioral health, whether it’s providing them with a referral to one of BHN’s programs or supplying them with community resources and self-therapeutic techniques.

“Sometimes it’s as simple as having a therapist at the doctor’s office for a couple of days each week so the doctor can refer patients to them,” DeFlumer-Trapp said. “And sometimes it’s as intensive as having the behavioral health specialist serve as a member of the doctor’s team and work directly with the primary care provider in a patient’s treatment.”

BHN has also developed a range of programs outside of these primary care sites that blend together patients’ physical and mental healthcare. Behavioral health specialists, such as outpatient clinicians, home health aides and care managers, work together to act as a “wraparound” support system for individuals that addresses any gaps in their treatment plans. For individuals with substance use disorders, BHN offers detox programs and residential recovery homes. BHN has also implemented services based on the state’s Children’s Behavioral Health Initiative that address Ji8��Ƶ’s behavioral health needs at all ages, both at home and at Ji8��Ƶ.

According to DeFlumer-Trapp, BHN’s increasing focus on integrating behavioral healthcare with physical wellness has developed in response to changes in how healthcare is viewed in the professional world.

“Behavioral health has been evolving over a long period of time,” she said. “BHN decided about ten years ago to focus its energies on how it could integrate services and help people care for their whole selves, long before most other agencies were thinking about that idea. So, we strategically began to identify partners and work with primary care sites to see how we could do things differently together.”

Changes to the current healthcare system are especially critical for those with co-occurring mental health and medical conditions. Studies have shown that individuals with a behavioral health condition die an average of 25 years earlier than the rest of the population, DeFlumer-Trapp said.

“These deaths are typically because of their physical health conditions, and not because of the things that people would think,” she said. “It’s not suicide, and they’re not necessarily dying because of their mental illness. Sometimes they are dying because of substance use disorders — things like overdoses, or infections they get as a result of being a long term drug user. But the overarching piece is that many people have really significant chronic co-morbid medical conditions with their behavioral health conditions.”

In many cases, an individual’s mental illness or addiction contributes to the development of a medical condition such as diabetes, hypertension or heart disease, DeFlumer-Trapp said. For example, older medications once used to treat mental illnesses have been linked to the development of metabolic conditions such as diabetes. Other individuals turn to smoking or alcohol as a coping mechanism for their mental health condition, which can cause them to develop a wide range of chronic physical illnesses. Studies have also found that mental illness can increase an individual’s likelihood of becoming obese, which consequently boosts their risk of developing additional medical conditions.

For many individuals with a mental illness, poverty also contributes to medical conditions that they have difficulty managing. Social determinants of health, or economic and social conditions that affect an individual’s ability to manage their health, play a significant role in the lives of many low-income individuals with co-morbid conditions. According to DeFlumer-Trapp, behavioral health conditions disproportionately occur in low-income individuals, and their limited access to resources or the environment they live in can further complicate individuals’ overall health.

“We know that the foundation of better healthcare is making sure you can meet everybody’s needs,” DeFlumer-Trapp said. “So we bring in additional programs and work collaboratively with community organizations to make sure that, when people have issues beyond what you think when you think of healthcare, there are support groups for them and they have access to anything and everything they might need in order to be able to get them further up the hierarchy of needs. When a person shows up for help, a primary care provider might bring in someone who can help the person access community resources. That may involve giving people information about how to access the local food bank, or connecting them to a housing authority or a resource to help them apply for subsidized housing. When a person isn’t getting their basic needs met, it’s really hard for them to do things like eat healthy and exercise, which can impact their physical health.”

According to Steve Winn, BHN’s Chief Operating Officer, in addition to screening for physical or behavioral illnesses, BHN now evaluates individuals to determine the impact that these societal factors may have on their health. “The social determinants of health include things such as housing, employment and nutrition,” Winn said. “If those kind of things are a problem, a person isn’t going to be able to focus their attention on improving their health. They aren’t going to be going to therapy, they aren’t going to be keeping their appointments and they aren’t going to be able to take care of themselves. An individual with diabetes needs to eat healthy foods, exercise regularly and take medication to remain healthy; but if they are homeless and struggling with untreated depression, it may be difficult for them to fulfill all of these requirements. Unfortunately, many of the people that we work with don’t have the resources to take control of their health. So we offer ways to help them overcome the social determinants that may limit them. We can help someone struggling to find housing, or connect someone to job training to help them get employed. For someone who needs to exercise, we can help them get a gym membership or provide them with bus passes to help them travel to a safe place to exercise, like a park. We have lots of partners in many different areas.”

The current healthcare model, which forces individuals to receive services for different health conditions at multiple care providers, is also needlessly expensive for those with both a medical and behavioral health condition, Winn said. Studies show that medical costs are dramatically higher for individuals who have a behavioral illness in addition to a medical condition. One study found that the treatment of individuals with both behavioral and medical conditions cost Americans a total of $406 billion in additional healthcare costs in 2017.

The high cost of receiving behavioral healthcare in addition to treatment for physical conditions can act as a barrier for individuals to seek treatment for their mental condition. The whole health model utilized by BHN helps to reduce these costs by focusing on treating the whole individual rather than treating their different health conditions in isolation. Wilson stated that whole healthcare is very empowering for individuals who may have traditionally felt helpless in their own health management. Introducing individuals to the resources and medical providers they need to improve their health allows them to take control of their health in ways they previously were denied.

“Integrated care requires individuals to take a look at more than just taking a pill every day,” Wilson said. “It’s really trying to manage people’s behavior and give them some controls over their health. If you’ve never been taught what nutritious eating for diabetes looks like, we’ll come to your house and get you the information you need to know to make your eating healthier. It’s really about changing behaviors.”

BHN’s work in whole healthcare over the past decade is only the beginning of the agency’s mission of playing a role in reshaping the state’s healthcare system, according to Wilson. Wilson plans to continue partnering with healthcare organizations in the future to ensure individuals receive the most effective and affordable treatment possible. BHN aims to improve as many individuals’ lives as it can — and the whole healthcare model makes that goal much more attainable.

“It’s really all about working collaboratively on improving healthcare to help individuals change their lives in a way that gives them the kind of life that they deserve,” Wilson said. “Our vision is to create partnerships and secure funding that allow us to create opportunities for people to get the kind of treatment they need.”

Westfield Bank Holds Fundraiser for Kamp

Tue, 17 Sep 2019 21:03:00 GMT

Earlier this summer, Westfield Bank held a fundraising event to collect money and supplies for BHN’s Kamp for Kids™ program.

Lauri Lavell, vice president of Westfield Bank, organized “Jeans Day,” in which employees at any of Westfield Bank’s locations could make a donation to Kamp in order to wear jeans to work for the day. Thanks to Lavell’s efforts and employee donations, Westfield Bank was able to raise over $300 and collect dozens of toys and supplies for the Kampers, including stuffed animals and art supplies.

Lavell, who previously served on the board for BHN The Carson Center and still attends Kamp’s annual Welcome Day celebration each summer, was thrilled to have the opportunity to make a donation to a place that means so much to her. She plans to organize another “Jeans Day” next summer to raise additional funds for Kamp and provide the program with more of the items on its wish list.

“Kamp is just such a worthwhile place for kids, and I definitely wanted to support it,” Lavell said. “The counselors there and the director work very hard to give kids an opportunity to experience Kamp, so it’s very important that we support their efforts. ”We are incredibly grateful for Lauri’s work and for the donations from Westfield Bank’s thoughtful employees. Their donation will help ensure that Kamp for Kids is able to fulfill its mission of providing Kampers with an unforgettable camp experience.

Honoring Fallen Westfield Police Officer with New Sensory Space

Tue, 17 Sep 2019 19:00:00 GMT

Jose Torres, a Westfield police officer and beloved member of the community, was killed in the line of duty in a tragic accident in 2012. His family, including his wife, Kara, and two sons, Jay and Christopher, are honoring Jose’s legacy in a meaningful way with a donation to help fund a new sensory space for Ji8��Ƶ served at BHN The Carson Center.

The Westfield police station is just up the street from BHN The Carson Center, and Jose often spent time at the center assisting therapists with participants. Kara says the donation to the center seemed like a natural way to honor Jose’s name and legacy. “He was always a person who was aware of anxiety issues,” she says. “Jose helped so many kids in town, and we hope that the sensory space can continue his legacy, and maybe even help some of their kids.”

In the past decade, mental health professionals have gained awareness of the benefits of treating many types of mental illnesses as full-body issues, and BHN The Carson Center had not previously had the funding to create a space to provide this new kind of treatment.

With the grand opening and dedication of the sensory space anticipated to take place this fall, Program Director Alice Barber is excited to offer cutting-edge services to BHN The Carson Center’s roughly 700 participants – “We have hundreds of kids who could potentially be immediately helped by this.” Part of the Torres family’s donation will also be used to further train the center’s therapists in sensory-based therapy. Ultimately, Alice hopes to “bring the best possible treatment to kids who may not otherwise have access” – a perfect marriage between Jose’s legacy and BHN The Carson Center’s work.

For many individuals with anxiety or depression, or those who have experienced trauma, recovery that focuses only on the “neck up” doesn’t make a lot of sense, Alice says, as many mental illnesses are full-body experiences. Many Ji8��Ƶ she and other therapists treat have physical reactions to their anxiety or traumatic experiences: they crash into things, run or jump around, or develop aversions to touch. With these rooms, Alice aims to provide a way for these individuals to work through their trauma and anxiety and focus on their whole bodies, rather than just their brains.

Two rooms at BHN The Carson Center are being developed for the Sensory Space. One room will provide space for more active movement, and will be filled with beanbags, hula hoops, yoga balls, a small trampoline, and other objects participants can use. The other space will be a “cool down” room with calming lighting and music, an art corner, a rocking chair, and other soothing features.

The Torres family’s donation is only the beginning of BHN The Carson Center’s goal of fully integrating this full-body, child-led therapy into BHN’s services. More funding is necessary for additional staff to receive training in these new therapeutic techniques so more Ji8��Ƶ can be served. Addition of a sensory integration expert to better educate staff about the role of this therapy in Ji8��Ƶ’s mental health care would be a next step to further honor the legacy of Officer Jose Torres.

Healthcare Heroes Profile: Katherine Wilson, BHN President & CEO

Thu, 12 Sep 2019 20:27:00 GMT

It’s probably fair to say that the discussions had at the dining room table when Katherine Wilson was in high Ji8��Ƶ were not like those going on in most households in the mid’-60s.

Indeed, Wilson’s father was a physician, specializing in family medicine. Beyond the work at his practice, he was one of the pioneers of a sort when it came to the broad subject of healthcare management.

“From having a solo private practice, he got into the development of systems of delivery of healthcare,” she recalled. “He started an HMO, he was the first medical director of Community Health Center … my father was a big part of the systems that are now in place.

“We had discussions around the kitchen table about healthcare,” she went on. “His interest was in healthcare management, and he was progressive in his thinking at a time when they didn’t have community health centers and they didn’t have HMOs; he did a lot of work with the community physicians and community hospitals.”

One might say that Wilson, certainly inspired by not only those dinnertime talks, but later work at her father’s practice and in one of the first community health centers, has a made a career — a long and very successful career — of working innovatively and in partnership with others to find new and better ways to manage healthcare, and especially mental and behavioral healthcare, in this region and across the Commonwealth.

She’s done this in a variety of settings, most notably, for the past 30 years, as president and CEO of Ji8��Ƶ Inc.

Created in 1992 through the merger of four entities — the Child Guidance Clinic of Springfield, Agawam Counseling Center, Community Care Mental Health Center, and the Hampden District Mental Health Clinic — BHN now serves more than 40,000 individuals annually in a service area that stretches across the four western counties.

There are 40 locations in all and more than 2,000 employees. Together, they provide and manage services that come in a variety of forms, from detox centers and ‘step-down’ facilities to a wide variety of counseling services for adults, youth, Ji8��Ƶ, couples, and families; from a 24-hour crisis-intervention service to a host of developmental and intellectual disability services.

Wilson has spent the past three decades building and shaping BHN into a $115 million network that continues to expand and find new ways to provide care and a support network to those in need. In recent years, she has been at the forefront of efforts to better integrate general healthcare with behavioral healthcare, particularly in the Medicaid population, with the goal of driving down the ballooning cost of care nationally (more on that later).

And certainly this work to build and manage BHN goes a long way toward explaining why Wilson was chosen as a Healthcare Hero for 2019 in the Lifetime Achievement category. Actually, she is one of two who tied for the high score. The other winner is Frank Robinson, vice president of Public Health at Baystate Health (see story, page 19). Suffice it to say, these two won’t have to introduce themselves when they meet at the Healthcare Heroes gala on Oct. 17. They both worked for the Department of Mental Health in the late ’70s, and both worked to create community programs for residents of Northampton State Hospital and Belchertown State School after those institutions were ordered closed. And they’ve been working in concert on many initiatives ever since.

But there is more to this honor than the vast portfolio of programs and initiatives that is today’s BHN. Indeed, it’s also about a lifetime spent advocating for those with mental illness, substance-abuse issues, or developmental disabilities, anticipating and then meeting their needs, and then asking the difficult but necessary question, ‘what else can be done?’

It’s a philosophy, or mindset, perhaps best summed up with these words from her nomination form, submitted by her daughter, Amy Greeley, formerly a nurse manager at BHN:

“Kathy exemplifies a unique combination of innate compassion and fervent determination that’s led to the helm of a regionally renowned institution. It’s from a position from which she never stops working for greater, more advanced, and even more accessible services for all who need them.”

“In a society where, even today, stigma may still surround mental illness and those it affects, Kathy not only keenly understands, but goes to every length to help others understand as well. Kathy Wilson has changed innumerable lives for the better, and she’d be the first to say her work is far from finished.”

Care Package

It’s called the ‘Living Room.’

As that name suggests, this is a warm, home-like place where anyone age 18 or older can come to “regroup and get help,” said Wilson.

Elaborating, she said the facility, one of many that BHN has carved out of old, mostly unused or underutilized manufacturing buildings in the Liberty Street area, is one of the latest additions to the agency’s portfolio. It was designed for people in a developing crisis, a current crisis, or a post-crisis situation, and is a place where people “can find help from others who have had similar experiences and who can provide support, encouragement, and guidance,” according to a brochure on the facility.

The Living Room, as noted, is just one of dozens of facilities under the BHN umbrella, and its creation speaks to Wilson’s ongoing work — and mission — to continually find new and different ways to meet unmet needs and build support networks for those who desperately need them.

And, as mentioned, this has been her career’s work — going all the way back, in some ways, to those discussions at the dining-room table.

Retracing her route to the corner office at BHN, Wilson said that, after working at her father’s practice and other health settings while in high Ji8��Ƶ and college, she eventually decided that psychology, not healthcare, would be her chosen field; she earned a bachelor’s degree in that field at Denison University and a master’s in clinical psychology at SUNY Plattsburgh.

After a very short stint as a psychotherapist, she applied for a job with the Department of Mental Health, and was hired as a planner during that critical time when Northampton State Hospital and Belchertown State School were ordered to close.

“It was my responsibility to identify individuals from both institutions, look at what their needs were, and see what we could create in the community,” she recalled, adding that she worked to develop some of the group homes that are in use today. “I also worked with agencies that began to adopt the agenda of creating community programs to support people, such as the Community Care Mental Health Center in Springfield, which created day programs so individuals could get some of their rehabilitation in a clinical setting.”

The consent decrees that shuttered the institutions in Northampton and Belchertown coincided with national initiatives imbedded within the Community Mental Health Act, established by President John F. Kennedy. It made federal funds available to create more community systems of care, said Wilson, adding that, locally, a consortium of agencies was created to administer this flow of federal money.

Called the Springfield Community Mental Health Consortium, it administered a number of initiatives, including hospital supports, group-living environments, outpatient systems of care, emergency services, and more, said Wilson, who transitioned from working for the state to being employed with the consortium as a planner.

“It was my responsibility to help establish the Community Mental Health Center range of services,” she explained. “Now that we had more people in the community living with mental illness, we needed to create the system of healthcare support.”

When the Reagan administration closed the tap on federal money for these services, with funding to be secured through state-administered block grants instead, the agencies that were part of the consortium broke apart and continued to do their own work, said Wilson, who then went to work with Child Guidance Clinic of Springfield, first as Business and Finance director and then executive director of the Child Guidance Clinic of Springfield.

As funding for mental-health programs became more scarce, Wilson said, she and the directors of three other agencies — Agawam Counseling Center, Community Care Mental Health Center, and the Hampden District Mental Health Clinic — decided that the best strategy was to merge those entities into one corporation.

“We got together and said, ‘survival means you have to get bigger, you need to have a stronger base at the bottom to support what we do, and this will give us a platform for growth,’” she recalled, adding that this new entity would become BHN.

And over the years, it would continue to get bigger and widen that base of support, as those administrators knew it had to, through additional mergers and the addition of many new programs.

Room to Grow

As president and CEO of BHN, Wilson wears a number of hats and logs tens of thousands of miles each year traveling back and forth to Boston for meetings on a range of topics and with a host of groups and individuals.

As for those hats, Wilson said she is the face of BHN and, for many, a first point of contact. She also considers herself a problem solver and a “convener,” a strategist, a mentor for many, and even an interior designer.

“I’m often the one that picks the colors for the walls,” she said, referring to the seemingly constant work to open and renovate new facilities, not only at what has become a ‘BHN campus’ off Liberty Street in Springfield, but across the region, while also noting that much goes into to picking those colors.

All those skills have been put to use over the past 30 years, an intriguing time of growth and evolution for BHN as it responds to emerging needs within the community, said Wilson, who cited, as one example, profound expansion into addiction services.

“One of the areas we identified maybe 10 years ago is that we were seeing many more of the parents of the Ji8��Ƶ we were seeing at the Child Guidance Clinic, and many more adults coming in to adult outpatient clinics having mental-health issues co-occurring with substance use,” she explained. “And we said, ‘we can’t just treat mental-health problems without acknowledging the fact that there is a substance-use disorder concurrently, and that we really need to think about building a system of care that serves that population.’”

As a result, BHN collaborated with Baystate Health, which had a community-based system of care that included a detox and some community group-living environments for post-detox care, said Wilson, adding that Baystate asked BHN to manage those facilities and eventually transfer them into its system of care.

“We inherited Baystate’s system of community services for those with addiction,” she said. “And once we did that, we got established with the Department of Public Health and its Bureau of Substance Abuse Services, and we became known as an agency that could handle co-occurring treatments as well as individuals whose primary diagnosis was addiction, and from there, they helped us grow a system of treatment for people with substance-abuse disorder, and that really took off because the state was making significant investments in that world.”

That system now includes two detox operations, two step-down facilities, and a number of beds in what are called ‘residential recovery,’ or group-living facilities, she told BusinessWest, adding that this is just one example of how BHN continues to grow and evolve.

And it’s also just one example of how Wilson has led efforts to improve access to a wide array of care at a time when more people need access. The creation of the Northern Hope Center and Recovery Services in Greenfield, blueprinted in response to needs created by the opioid crisis in Franklin County, is still another case in point.

And these initiatives provide ample evidence of the additional emphasis placed on integrated healthcare and behavioral healthcare with the twin goals of improving population health and bringing down the cost of care, said Wilson, adding that BHN has been at the forefront of these efforts.

“This is what the federal government wants its funding to support, particularly for the Medicaid population,” she explained. “This is the population whose behavioral health — addictions or mental health — really interfere with their managing health.

“You have this small group of people that is driving high costs to Medicaid and both commercial and private insurance,” she went on. “So the move these days is for physicians and healthcare systems to work with behavioral-health systems of care and provide wrap-around services for individuals to see if you can manage the behavioral health, because that will help bring the cost of healthcare down.”

BHN adopted this rather profound operational shift several years ago, said Wilson, adding that, overall, it is part of her job description to keep the agency on the cutting edge of trends and developments in healthcare, while also making sure it remains viable and able to function properly in the years to decades to come.

That means continuing to find more ways to grow the network (the ‘N’ in BHN), building upon its base of support, and developing new methods for providing all-important access to care.

When asked about her most significant accomplishment, she quickly changed the subject of that question to ‘we,’ meaning BHN, but in doing so still managed to sum up her career’s work.

“I think we’ve created excellent, value-based, top-of-the-line service delivery for people who need access, sometimes very quickly, to good treatment,” she noted. “I have excellent medical leadership on both the addiction and behavioral healthcare side, and we hire really good, skilled, competent people. So I think people who are not used to getting good access to care now get it.

“Also, we’ve hired so many people that we have helped come from an addiction to sobriety, reunification, and now they’re BHN employees,” she went on. “To me, that warms my heart to know that people have been able to turn their lives around with the help of BHN.”

Change Agent

Which brings us back to that passage from Wilson’s nomination form. There are a number of key phrases within it that explain why she will be at the podium on Oct. 17 to receive her Lifetime Achievement award.

There’s the part about battling the stigma attached to mental illness, something she’s been doing for more than four decades. There’s also that point about how she would be the first to acknowledge that her work isn’t finished — because it never is.

But perhaps the words to remember most are those concerning ‘changing thousands of lives for the better.’

Indeed, while Wilson manages people, programs, and facilities for BHN, changing lives is what she does for a living.

And that’s why she’s a Healthcare Hero.

Those We Serve: Yarn Buddies

Tue, 10 Sep 2019 20:58:00 GMT

Individuals served at BHN The Carson Center’s Adult Community Clinical Services, or ACCS, program are dedicating their time to an important cause – creating items out of yarn to donate to local non-profits.

Calling themselves “The Yarn Buddies,” the group meets weekly to work on various knitting, crocheting, and needlepoint projects, both for their own enjoyment and for the benefit of the Westfield community. The group was started about eight years ago by Kathy Coache, an administrative assistant at ACCS who previously owned a knitting and crocheting shop. Initially, the group was only meant to provide an outlet for mindfulness and relaxation. But with the vision of one of the group’s regular members, Diane Gore, The Yarn Buddies soon took on the role of helping the community.

Diane is very passionate about making donations to those in need, and her dedication to helping the less fortunate led the group to begin making regular donations of a wide range of items made by the group. The group’s central project is the creation of ‘comfort dolls,’ which they distribute to local organizations, such as women’s and homeless shelters. The group has also made blankets for nursing homes and homeless shelters; mats for the homeless to sit on; and hats, mittens, and scarves for Ji8��Ƶ in the winter.

The work done by The Yarn Buddies has already touched dozens of people in the Westfield community. The group’s comfort dolls are very popular among Ji8��Ƶ, and the knowledge that their work is helping those in need has kept the group going strong for many years.

“You never know when a child is going to come in to one of these places,” Kathy says. “This is something that can really make a difference for them.”

LGBTQ+ Empowerment Focus of HNE $50,000 Grant to BHN

Sat, 07 Sep 2019 00:25:00 GMT

Local elected officials and representatives from BHN and Health New England pose with a $50,000 check from Health New England that will support the BHN Empowerment Project.

As one of four local nonprofit organizations selected to receive a $50,000 grant from Health New England’s inaugural “Where Health Matters” program, Ji8��Ƶ (BHN) will expand its Empowerment Project (EP) services to LGBTQ+ youth in greater Springfield.

With Health New England’s grant funding, BHN will institutionalize and expand EP services in order to serve approximately 100 LGBTQ+ youth in greater Springfield, including guardians and siblings. The goal of the expansion is to improve behavioral health outcomes by increasing access to best practice behavioral health treatment for LGBTQ+ youth, increasing the number of LGBTQ+ youth receiving behavioral health treatment, and increasing the number of community partners trained to work effectively with the LGBTQ+ population.

BHN Recovery Staff Receive Awards

Sat, 07 Sep 2019 00:17:00 GMT

Christopher Barrett was one of three BHN employees recognized for their work in the recovery field by WMSAPA.

Three employees from BHN – Mike Currie, Christopher Barrett and Peter Crumb – were recently recognized for their work in recovery at the Western Massachusetts Substance Abuse Providers Association (WMSAPA) annual meeting.

Currie, a Peer Support Specialist for Franklin County Family Drug Court's MISSION-Hope Program at BHN, and Barrett, a Senior Counselor at BHN Hope Center in Springfield, both received the Outstanding Service in the Field Award. Crumb, a Peer Specialist at The Living Room, received the Lifetime Achievement Award from WMSAPA.

Those We Serve: Ethan

Tue, 20 Aug 2019 20:54:00 GMT

Ethan is a young man with severe epilepsy. He is fun-loving and bright, but the severity of his condition means that he is unable to participate in many extracurricular activities. His mom had signed him up for summer camp at Kamp for Kids™ before, but always pulled his application before the programs began. The Kamp administration reassured her that it has the supervisory and medical staff necessary to keep her child safe. Ethan’s mom dropped him off in the morning, and he participated actively for about an hour before having a grand mal seizure.

Ethan received care from the nurse according to his seizure plan and was sent to the hospital by ambulance. His mom held him out of Kamp for a day to recover, but he pleaded with her to attend Kamp, saying it was the most fun he’s ever had. She compromised by letting him attend for half days and take frequent breaks to cool down inside. Instead of letting this get him down, Ethan turned these accommodations into benefits. He brought his friends inside with him each day for lunch club and used his indoor time to make art projects for friends and staff. He made the most of his time at Kamp.

Even though his time at Kamp was cut short, Ethan treasured his Kamp experience. His mom thanked the counselors for making Ethan’s summer special, and says that he’s already talking about going to Kamp for Kids™ next year.

Those We Serve: Mike

Tue, 06 Aug 2019 20:49:00 GMT

Mike is a teenager with autism. He uses a tablet with adaptive software along with limited sign language to communicate. Mike enjoyed his first year at Kamp for Kids, but had difficulty adjusting to the Kamp schedule, and as a result did not participate in many activities.

In his second year, his counselor set a goal for Mike to attend every activity (Recreation, Arts & Crafts, Nature, Group Quality Time, and Spray Park) at least once. Mike took to some activities more quickly than others. He was happy to walk with his group on the Nature Trail, and liked playing ball games in Rec – especially basketball. He particularly enjoyed painting during Art time, smiling with glee as he asked his counselors to say the names of the paint colors he was using. He was overjoyed one rainy day when he was able to join the whole camp to watch his favorite movie, Shrek. His counselor was proud of the progress that Mike made since his first year, but couldn’t seem to get Mike into the Spray Park. It seemed like a natural fit, since Mike loves water. At times, he even asked to go into the Spray Park, but when it came time to change into his swim trunks, he changed his mind.

On the morning of the last day of Kamp, Mike’s counselor was ready to mark his goal down as “mostly complete.”

After all, Mike made significant progress from his first summer. As the rest of the group was changing into their swimsuits, Mike pulled out his tablet and pressed one final icon. The tablet’s speakers called out, “Spray Park.” Mike changed into his swim trunks and joined his group. He ran around laughing, inviting other campers and counselors to join him as he stood beneath buckets that dumped water all over him. He ran beneath rings that sprayed jets of water from every angle. He looked as thrilled as any of the staff had ever seen him.

Located at Camp Togowauk in Westfield, BHN The Carson Center’s Kamp for Kids offers Ji8��Ƶ and young adults – both with and without disabilities – an opportunity to experience growth, inclusion and fun in a summer camp setting. Kamp’s focus is on personal achievement and building friendships, while having fun in a safe, non-competitive environment. Founded over 40 years ago by Judy Hoyt as the first and only camp of its kind in the region, Kamp has served more than 6,000 youth from various backgrounds.

Those We Serve: Gabriel

Tue, 16 Jul 2019 20:39:00 GMT

Located at Camp Togowauk in Westfield, BHN The Carson Center’s Kamp for Kids™ offers Ji8��Ƶ and young adults – both with and without disabilities – an opportunity to experience growth, inclusion and fun in a summer camp setting. Kamp’s focus is on personal achievement and building friendships, while having fun in a safe, non-competitive environment. Founded over 40 years ago by Judy Hoyt as the first and only camp of its kind in the region, Kamp has served more than 6,000 youth from various backgrounds.

When Gabriel arrived at Kamp for Kids™, he was anxious. He’d never been to summer camp before and didn’t know what to expect. He found himself surrounded by faces he didn’t recognize. Gabriel couldn’t communicate verbally with his camp counselor due to his autism, and his anxiety prevented him from forming the signs he used at home and Ji8��Ƶ. Overwhelmed, Gabriel began to cry. He heard his counselor mention something about music and games, but he couldn’t fully process her words over the stress he was feeling. After a few minutes, he managed to follow his counselor to what she called the Quiet Room: a cozy room with soft carpets on the floor and walls filled with soft toys and pillows. In this comfortable space, he was able to relax a little bit, but leaving the Quiet Room was still too stressful for him. He spent almost his entire day inside and cried as he boarded the bus.

Gabriel’s second day was different right from the start. When he got off the bus, he had two counselors waiting to greet him. As they told him what activities he would be able to try that day, they held up a visual schedule for him to look at, complete with the names and pictures of each activity. They reinforced their speech with sign prompts that he was familiar with and responded to the signs he gave them. If he became anxious about the scheduling of a preferred activity, his staff would use “First/Then” statements to help him stay on track. A counselor-in-training even joined him throughout the day to sing his favorite camp songs!

By the end of his time at Kamp, Gabriel was one of the most popular campers in his group. During Rec time, everyone wanted to be on Gabriel’s team and cheered him on as he played. On the Arts & Crafts porch, campers loved to sit next to him as he colored in his masterpieces. On occasion, he still became a bit overwhelmed and would signal to his counselors that he needed a break in the Quiet Room or on the swing-set. After a few minutes, he would re-join his group and continue with his day.

At most summer camps, Gabriel’s first day would have also been his last. They simply would not have been able to provide him with the individual support that he needed to thrive. Kamp for Kids’ favorable staffing ratios and extensive staff training allow Kamp to provide services to Ji8��Ƶ who need more support.

Telling Our Stories: Scott

Fri, 05 Jul 2019 19:19:00 GMT

Those Who Serve: Nick

Tue, 25 Jun 2019 23:44:00 GMT

The current opioid epidemic in the United States has not only broken numerous records, it has also shattered society’s preconceptions about what drug addiction looks like. Prior to the current crisis, illicit drug abuse was largely contained within urban centers, disproportionately affecting communities of color and those of lower socio-economic status, such as the surge in crack cocaine use during the 1980s and 90s. However, a significant shift occurred during the late 1990s and into the 21st century, when healthcare providers began prescribing opioid painkillers at increasing rates. According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), in 1999 drug overdose death rates for urban areas were higher than in rural areas, at 6.4 per 100,000 population versus 4.0 per 100,000. By 2004 the rates converged, and by 2006 the rural rate, 11.7 per 100,000, was slightly higher than the urban rate, 11.5 per 100,000. Today, the opioid epidemic is increasingly white, rural, and middle class.

Nicholas Licitra, a drug addiction counselor at Ji8��Ƶ’s (BHN) Carlson Recovery Center in Springfield, embodies the shifted profile of what drug addiction looks like. Nick grew up in Enfield, CT, a small, suburban New England town where 90 percent of its residents are white and median household income is around $70,000. Nick lived with his parents, who were happily married, and a younger sister. By the time he was 12, Nick began using marijuana, and by his early teen years, he started selling. Nick recalls, “I had money brain. I realized that if I started selling drugs, I could save some for myself and use them for free.” He eventually moved on to hallucinogens before finally settling on prescription painkillers, which he started using himself. During his late teens and early 20s, Nick went in and out of detox programs. At 27, Nick was arrested for the first time. “This should’ve been my wake-up call, but unfortunately I didn’t wake up,” he remembers. Not too long after being released, Nick was arrested a second time — this time it was more serious. The police found weapons along with drugs, and Nick was charged with a federal offense. “This time,” he says, “the wake-up call was real.” During his two-week stay in jail, Nick went through a “spiritual awakening,” at one point getting on his knees to pray.

When Nick was released, his parents gave him 24 hours to come up with a plan to turn his life around. He took his first step by volunteering at a local food bank. “At first, I just did it to make my parents happy. But the more I did it, the more I realized that I liked the feeling I got from helping people out,” he says. Nick capitalized on the momentum he gained from volunteering and decided to go back to Ji8��Ƶ and get his degree in Human Services. This led to an internship at a drug addiction treatment facility in Holyoke, where he was eventually hired as a full-time employee. Nick continued his work as a counselor for three years, but in 2015, parted with the organization due to the mental strain associated with being an addiction counselor. “When I left, I was so mentally exhausted dealing with these types of individuals every day. It made me rethink if I could really handle being a counselor in the future.”

Soon after leaving the organization, Nick’s girlfriend at the time found a job opening at BHN’s Carlson Recovery Center and encouraged him to apply. When he did, he was asked to interview and was hired as a counselor the same day. “I never had an appreciation for the work drug counselors do until I became one — it’s a ton of work and really takes a toll on an individual. But the results can be incredible — I leave work every day with a sense of satisfaction.” Eventually, Nick was promoted to case manager, where he oversees all inpatient after-care services. In his words, “I transition them from detox to the next steps in their recovery process.”

Now almost 10 years sober, Nick sees his own journey and struggle with addiction as an important piece in his success in this field. “I love being on the front lines. These people are just like I was when I was using. I treat them just as I would treat a friend, like someone I know.” This builds trust and allows his clients to open up to him, and in return, they receive better care. “Being on the other side of the treatment process now, I see how things are run from the ground level, and I learned quickly that I wanted to put myself in a position to change things.”

When asked about the opioid epidemic as a whole, Nick’s experience on the ‘other side’ has informed him of the reality of the seriousness of the current crisis: “The death toll is shocking, and things are getting even worse.” Specifically, the current system of addiction treatment, according to Nick, needs a major overhaul. “So many programs are just a revolving door – people come in and out and there’s no system to keep them accountable. Ultimately, we need to change the way we think about addiction and treatment.” Though much progress is yet to be made, it’s clear that Nick’s passion and insight positions him to play a major role in building a better future for each life he touches.

Those Who Serve: Carmen

Tue, 21 May 2019 23:38:00 GMT

Assistant Program Director for BHN’s Adult Community Clinical Services Program Carmen Quinones, the Assistant Program Director for ACCS, is no stranger to artistic expression. “My father was an artist, so art was always a part of our household — I’ve been drawing since I could talk.”

Carmen joined BHN two years ago as a Care Coordinator for the Adult Community Clinical Services program in Westfield (formerly known as the CBFS program), bringing her passion for art with her. Eventually, a number of local art exhibits caught her attention, citing exhibits hosted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness and Holyoke Community College, as sources of inspiration. As May approached, Carmen saw an opportunity to align a possible art exhibit with May Mental Health Month.

On May 11 last year, the walls within The Mill at Crane Pond in Westfield came to life when Carmen organized the art exhibit featuring paintings, photographs, sculptures, and other forms of art created by program participants and employees. In the words of the Carmen, “We have a lot of talented program participants and staff [and] it was very rewarding seeing how proud our participants were showcasing their artwork.”

The process of turning her idea into a reality was no small feat — “It was an intense process,” she recalls, “we didn’t expect as many pieces as we got; they kept flooding in past the deadline.”

Yet, the process also revealed the depth of Carmen’s generosity. She cites one participant who spent hours creating paintings for the exhibit, but couldn’t afford the supplies to display and frame them — “I ended up taking all 8 of her paintings home with me and spent a couple hours framing them myself.” Another participant had been passionate about photography during his childhood and teenage years but gave it up as an adult. “He had tons and tons of old photographs in his attic, and this exhibit gave him an opportunity to showcase his work for the first time in decades. His reaction meant the world to me — he was so proud to display his work again.”

Naturally, the exhibit’s resounding success led to questions about future exhibits within BHN, to which Carmen responds, “I’m still recovering from this one!” “It was very rewarding to see how program participants felt as a result — they were so happy and so proud to showcase their work,” she continued, “it’s no secret our walls are boring, blank canvases waiting to be filled — everyone was so excited to see the walls come alive with color.”

In the end, Carmen’s art exhibit became a symbol of something larger than the display of art — “I think it just goes to show that anything is possible with some inspiration and determination.”

Those Who Serve: Maria

Tue, 14 May 2019 23:34:00 GMT

Dr. Maria Almario, Psychologist A Local & Global Resource: Helping Youth Overcome Anxiety, Working to End Human Trafficking.

During the day, Dr. Maria Almario, a psychologist at BHN’s School Street Counseling Institute (SSCI), counsels adults struggling with a variety of mental illnesses. Maria works primarily with individuals who are bicultural, biracial, and face an English-Spanish language barrier. This work in itself can be challenging for many. Yet her work does not end here. In the evening, Maria fulfills her passion for working with Ji8��Ƶ by counseling kids from various cultural and racial backgrounds who struggle with anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and other mental illnesses.

Outside of her daily role as a psychologist, Maria is also a faculty member for BHN’s Multicultural Psychology Internship Program for master’s-level psychology students. Yet, as you may have guessed, there is still more keeping Maria busy — a deeply-rooted passion for ending the global epidemic of human trafficking and sexual violence.

Originally from Bogotá, Colombia, Maria identifies as half Colombian and half Jewish, a cultural identity she admits is “complex.” Throughout her childhood, Maria visited the United States where she completed a large part of her education. After receiving her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of West Florida, by 2006 Maria started getting involved with global issues in search of her passion, which began with her participation in “Global Village,” a program run by the United Nations in Kent, England. Here, Maria and her peers were not only introduced to key international issues, but, in her words, “We were seeking solutions to these issues.” By 2007, Maria completed her master’s degree in Counseling Psychology. During her academic study of psychology, Maria focused on mental health in response to trauma, and took an interest in issues involving women; particularly domestic violence and human trafficking.

While in Kentucky, Maria found an outlet for her passion and interest in women’s health issues as a volunteer at the Blue Grass Rape Crisis Center located in Lexington. As a volunteer, Maria worked mainly with minorities — particularly Mexican Americans — and looked at “environmental stressors” contributing to violence against women. Over time, she moved up within the organization from volunteer to special populations counselor/immigrant outreach specialist to long-term therapist.

Additionally, she helped develop several initiatives including Project Safe, which provides services to persons with disabilities who have experienced sexual trauma, and ‘Dia de la Mujer Latina’ which strives to provide physical and mental health services to the Latin community. Looking back, Maria credits the Blue Grass Rape Crisis Center for introducing her to issues of human trafficking.

After working for various initiatives and organizations in New York City, including the United Nations, Maria went on to obtain a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Kentucky in 2015.

During her doctoral program, Maria constructed a human trafficking screening and intervention methodology called the Inclusive Human Trafficking Checklist, an instrument used to identify and analyze complex cases of human trafficking. She has consulted on the application of this instrument for organizations such as the United Nations Association, the Office of the Federal Public Defender in the United States, Casa de Igualdad in Colombia and the European Youth Council, to name a few. This past February, Maria served as a panelist at the United Nations Global Engagement Summit in New York. She is also the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions, such as the Human Trafficking Awareness Governor’s Award of Kentucky. Maria joined BHN in 2016, though she still consults for several national and international organizations.

As for her work at BHN, Maria’s training, experience, and passion form a synergy that results in effective and compassionate care for the individuals with whom she meets and works. “I deal with many different identities, so the core of my work [at BHN] is to provide a space that embraces multiculturalism,” she says, adding, “Much of this [multicultural] population is labeled a certain way, which they realize, and it’s discouraging to them. My job is to help them overcome this label.” In order to overcome the emotional toll her line of work can take, Maria states, “I try to make a community wherever I am, where we can laugh together when things are lighter but also talk about the tough stuff.” Maria also finds solace in pursuing her “higher mission” within the context of human trafficking and women’s health. Though she has already accomplished so much and improved the lives of many, Maria is well-equipped for whatever lays ahead.

Telling Our Stories: Joana

Tue, 30 Apr 2019 23:50:00 GMT

Telling Our Stories: Nancy

Tue, 23 Apr 2019 23:41:00 GMT

Telling Our Stories: Reginald

Fri, 22 Mar 2019 23:36:00 GMT

Those Who Serve: Nancy

Wed, 09 Jan 2019 00:27:00 GMT

Like many of BHN’s employees, Nancy Hale’s personal experience in overcoming hardships is what led her to work with individuals with similar experiences. An author in her free time, Nancy has already published one book and is currently writing a second. Her first book, My Journey: A Military Wife’s Story of Faith, Hope and Courage, is a true story about her life after the tragic death of her husband. The book serves as an inspiration for individuals grieving after the loss of a loved one. In addition to her writing, Nancy’s work as a counselor at BHN’s Liberty Street Clinic allows her to use her own journey, on top of more than 20 years of experience, in order to help others.

Born in Springfield, Nancy was raised in Athol where she met her late husband, Chet, a United States Navy Seabee. Their story is one of love at first sight. With the Vietnam War raging on at the time, it was only a matter of time before Chet would be called to serve. At the age of 19, Nancy and Chet married, and, almost immediately after, moved to Mississippi where Chet was stationed. While living in Mississippi, Nancy became pregnant with their first child — three months later, Chet was sent to Vietnam.

Over the next several years, Nancy and Chet welcomed the birth of their two sons and Chet completed a second tour in Vietnam before transitioning out of the Navy in the late 1960s. Back in Athol, Chet struggled to find work over the next several years and, in 1972, decided to reenlist as a Navy Seabee and was assigned to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Nancy and their two sons followed Chet to Cuba. Though life was different there, they lived an enjoyable life together until Chet was killed in a motorcycle accident while Nancy and their two sons were driving behind him. Within a 48-hour whirlwind, Nancy and the boys returned to Athol, which, as Nancy says, “broke all the rules of grieving and moving on.”

Nancy recalls noticing how “apparent the silence was without Chet.” During his tours in Vietnam, Nancy and Chet sent dozens of letters to each other — after Chet’s death, Nancy would write letters as if Chet was still alive in order to distract from the silence. It was at this point that writing became a therapeutic outlet and healthy way of grieving for Nancy.

Yet, in Nancy’s own words, “my journey didn’t end when Chet died.” Not long after, one of Chet’s closest military friends, Ron, came into Nancy’s life. “It felt safe to be with him, because he and Chet had been such good friends…We shared the common bond of knowing how special Chet was.” Forty-three years later, she and Ron remain happily married.

As their sons approached adulthood, Nancy returned to Ji8��Ƶ and finished her undergraduate degree in psychology from Bridgewater State in 1989, and went on to complete her master’s in education and counseling. Throughout her education and professional practice, Nancy notes, “It was evident that people grieved in their own ways and that there were no correct rules for grief.” As for her work at BHN, Nancy says, “My experience has helped a lot of individuals deal with loss and grief. When you have a traumatic experience and work through it in a healthy way, you can shed light on it for other people,” she continues, “Life experiences teach you more than textbooks can.” Her therapeutic approach focuses on self-empowerment and being mindful of staying in the present. “If you live in the past, you become depressed; if you live in the future, you become anxious — it’s important to stay in the moment. I teach people to use the resources and skills they have within themselves. My job is to show them what they’re capable of, and ultimately the goal is to have them progress to the point where they don’t need me anymore.”

Nancy’s second book, Write As If You Knew the Zip Code to Their Heart, is a workbook on how to utilize journaling as a way to heal from past trauma and pain.

Those Who Serve: Ruby

Wed, 12 Dec 2018 00:21:00 GMT

Hearing Ruby Sanders’ story and path to BHN is, at first, overwhelming. She has lived through events that hopefully few will ever experience in their lifetimes. But after years of persevering through adversity and defying the odds against her, Ruby is thankful for every challenge along the way that has brought her to where she is.

Ruby grew up in Springfield’s North End neighborhood where, from a young age, she faced difficult decisions. Ruby recounts, “I grew up rough, in the projects. I started hanging out with the wrong crowd which led me down a dark path, a dark time in my life.” From a relatively young age, she fell victim to substance use and began selling. Eventually, she was arrested for trafficking cocaine and was incarcerated. While she was serving time, her grandfather passed away— someone who had helped raise her and to whom Ruby was healthcare proxy. “That really shook me up. I felt so bad about not being there— not being with him when it happened, missing his funeral.” In essence, this was the wake-up call Ruby needed. While serving time, “I asked myself, ‘is this where I really want to be in my life?’” When she was released, Ruby immediately enrolled in a nine-month recovery program and has now been sober for eight years.

Three years ago Ruby joined BHN, and hasn’t looked back since. As a Peer Support Specialist for the Recovery with Justice and MISSION-CREST programs, Ruby works with individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. Through case management and peer supports, the programs offer an alternative to incarceration. The ultimate goal is to help these individuals ‘graduate’ from the program and live independent lives free from addiction. When Ruby first started, only one individual had graduated from the program. She took it upon herself to change that.

Over the past couple of years, Ruby and her team have seen hard-won success, graduating 35 individuals with many more on track to graduate soon. When individuals complete the program, Ruby hosts a graduation party to celebrate their successes. However, Ruby began to wonder what happens to individuals who graduate and, drawing from her own experience, realized how tempting it is to slip back into old behaviors without the support system the program offers. With this in mind, she spearheaded an alumni group for graduates of the program, which she describes as an “after-care” group. “It’s a matter of keeping them engaged,” she explains. The alumni group participates in workshops centered on maintaining sobriety and healthy living and hears from guest speakers; individuals check in with Ruby once a week to receive advice, assistance, resources, and referrals. When describing her passion for this work, Ruby says, “I get to see someone when they first come in at their worst. Months down the road, I see a completely different person; their hope is restored and they finally have control of their life.” Ruby also spends time speaking to various recovery groups in the local community, sharing her story with them.

Adversity has continued to be a theme in Ruby’s life—just last year her youngest son, two years old at the time, was diagnosed with cancer after a tumor found behind his left eye left him blind in that eye. At the same time, several close friends and her stepfather passed away. Fortunately, her colleagues at BHN were there to help. “BHN has been incredible in helping me deal with these challenges,” she says. “When I found out about my son’s cancer, there were so many employees at BHN who donated their vacation time to me so I could take care of my son.” Her son is now in remission and recovering well. Ruby’s key is to keep busy. She wrote a book about recovery and is currently writing a second— an autobiography. “The past year has really tested me, but it showed me how strong I can really be.”

Telling Our Stories: Ruby

Wed, 28 Nov 2018 00:18:00 GMT

Telling Our Stories: Tony

Mon, 26 Nov 2018 00:30:00 GMT

Telling Our Stories: Todd

Fri, 23 Nov 2018 00:23:00 GMT

Telling Our Stories: Jose

Tue, 30 Oct 2018 23:13:00 GMT

Those Who Serve: Lorelei

Tue, 30 Oct 2018 23:10:00 GMT

Two images come to mind when one gets to know Lorelei Pellegrini, a Registered Nurse at BHN’s Adult Clinical Community Supports (ACCS). One is of a humble caregiver. The other, held universally by her co-workers, supervisors, and individuals she serves, is a real-life superhero. Without question, Lorelei makes a lasting impression on all who have the honor of knowing her.

Lorelei’s passion for healthcare can in large part be attributed to the environment in which she grew up. She comes from a family of 12 nurses, “and everyone else is a social worker,” she says. “We’re a service family.” Born and raised in Westfield, her career in healthcare started as a home health aide in a group home. After ten years, the home shut its doors and Lorelei needed to decide her next career move. “I realized that I wanted to be more of a decision maker,” and enrolled in nursing Ji8��Ƶ. During her education, she found she preferred the deeper one-on-one healing connections she was able to make in community settings, rather than in a hospital environment. Soon after graduating, Lorelei accepted a position with BHN’s ACCS program.

At ACCS, Lorelei quickly noticed a concerning trend that inspired her to go above and beyond her nursing duties. “I started to really become aware of how prevalent food insecurity is,” she says. She herself had experienced a brief period of food insecurity, so witnessing dozens of individuals who were uncertain of where their next meal would come from inspired her to take action.

In August 2016, Lorelei asked for permission to set up a food pantry for individuals served by ACCS. “All it took was an email,” she states, “and within a week, it was set up and fully functioning.” In the words of one of her colleagues, “I showed up to work one morning and there was a massive pile of food outside.” Soon after its start, Lorelei contacted her sister, an assistant at a local organic farm, and asked if the farm would be willing to donate fresh fruit and vegetables to the food pantry. Her sister was immediately on board. In three months, the farm donated 38 cases of healthy food to ACCS.

In providing this ready access, Lorelei has removed much of the taboo associated with food insecurity. “Food insecurity in our culture is seen as something to be embarrassed about.” Individuals with mental health challenges often “don’t trust the system and are wary of providing their personal information to food programs,” which often require social security numbers and other sensitive information. By providing an anonymous venue, Lorelei’s food pantry bypasses this issue, resulting in greater utilization. She also notices a marked difference in participants’ attitudes about healthy food choices. “I now have people coming up to me who are so excited to share a recipe that they loved or a new type of food they hadn’t tried before.” In the fight against food insecurity, it’s clear Lorelei’s food pantry serves as an innovative example for others to follow.

Those Who Serve: Agatha

Tue, 23 Oct 2018 17:17:00 GMT

Agatha Landford started her journey at BHN as a part-time home health aid for one of BHN’s emergency residences; 15 years later, she’s now in charge of that very same residence. In addition to hard work, it’s her inherent ability to put others before herself that has brought her to where she is today.

The emergency developmental residence in Amherst, with a capacity of four beds, takes in individuals who have a developmental disability and who require immediate intervention. Because of this, “People come and go,” according to Agatha. Now the Residential Supervisor for the emergency residence in Amherst, Agatha oversees the intake and continued care of individuals who come to the residence. Due to the high turnover rate, it may be tempting for care providers to distance themselves emotionally from clients, focusing only on the checklist of items they must complete each day. Agatha, however, is different.

Growing up, Agatha wanted to become a nurse. “I’ve always been a nurturer, I love taking care of people,” she says. When her path led her to social work, she took a part-time position with BHN as a home health aid at the emergency residence in Amherst. Immediately, her peers saw something special in her. Over the next several years, she was promoted to full-time, then to lead-staff, then to her current role as supervisor. Agatha has many memories and stories of people she’s served over the years, and her most memorable experiences reveal the qualities that have fueled her success. One example is an individual she had grown close with — so close that she was considered family. According to Agatha, “His mom would come out to visit me when I worked on Sundays. Every Sunday she would bring food and say how happy she was with the work we were doing to take care of her son. We invited her and the rest of their family to the residence for dinner each week.” Perhaps most importantly, “We made a home for them.” When the individual’s mother passed away, Agatha attended the funeral with him and helped him through the grieving process.

As a nurturer, Agatha’s priority is serving the needs of others. With so much success doing this over the years, the challenge she faces now is finding time for self-care. “I admit that I don’t spend enough time taking care of myself, I’m still learning how to do that,” she says. When she does remember to take care of herself, Agatha loves music, and if she’s having a particularly difficult day, she gets in her car and drives without a destination, singing along to her favorite songs. Agatha sees herself doing this work for quite a while. “My mindset has always been, ‘If I’m going to do this, I’m putting my all into it.’” For Agatha, it’s more than just a residence, “It’s a home. We’re a family,” – a family that will continue to grow under Agatha’s leadership.

Telling Our Stories: Jennifer

Sat, 20 Oct 2018 19:26:00 GMT

Those Who Serve: Tony

Tue, 16 Oct 2018 21:05:00 GMT

On the surface, Antonio Pereira’s calm composure may lead you to believe that the work he does is simple— it is quite the opposite. As a Housing Specialist for BHN The Carson Center’s Adult Community Clinical Services (ACCS) program, “Tony,” as he is known, deals with a diverse array of constantly moving parts, personalities, and problems. Though Tony’s role on paper is to match clients with housing, in reality he plays a much larger role in the lives of individuals with whom he comes in contact.

After graduating from Ji8��Ƶ in Massachusetts, Tony moved to Vermont to work for a local defense contractor, eventually returning to Massachusetts to work in shipping and receiving. During this time, he spotted an ad for a part-time position with a local mental health agency. Feeling unfulfilled in his current job, Tony decided to apply and was hired at BHN, working to find housing for members of the homeless community. Saying, “This work really grew on me,” Tony felt he had found his true calling, and after working both jobs for several years, he left his shipping-receiving job to become BHN’s full-time housing coordinator, where, for more than a decade, he has established himself as an indispensable resource for individuals in desperate need of housing and other vital resources.

Housing Specialists for BHN’s ACCS program oversee 33 residential apartments subsidized by the Department of Mental Health in Westfield, Agawam, and West Springfield. In part, Tony acts as a liaison between BHN and various housing authorities and manages relationships with local landlords, city halls, health departments, and the broader community. Because of his contacts in the community, Tony takes an individualized approach when matching individuals with housing, taking into account their needs—affordable food, public transportation, health care—and determining the right location. Tony also works with individuals to identify additional resources such as fuel assistance and emergency food and fuel vouchers. With this, it becomes evermore clear that Tony does not operate strictly within the boundaries of a job description.

On a personal level, Tony’s empathy has driven him to go above and beyond, saying, “I don’t see this as a job or a business transaction— I see this as human-to-human interaction.” When he first entered the field on a part-time basis, he quickly learned about the people he was serving. “It was a real challenge at first— this is a population that is widely misunderstood by the general public. Eventually, I learned that the best way to connect is by putting myself in their shoes and demonstrating an ability to listen and understand what they’re going through.”

One of the first individuals Tony served was a woman who was living alone outside by the Westfield River. Tony personally brought her lunch every day by the river before he found her an apartment. Once in the apartment, he drove her to medical appointments and connected her with community resources. This is just one of countless success stories Tony has created, highlighting “how rewarding it is to see someone graduate from the program to become a fully independent, working individual.” With many years of hard work behind him, when looking toward the future, Tony says with a smile, “I see myself doing this for a long, long time.”

behavioral-health

BHN Residential Services Job Fair

BHN Leadership Promotions: Congratulations to Jessica DeFlumer and Lisa Yin

BHN Named One of The Boston Globe’s “2024 Top Places to Work in Massachusetts”

BHN is ranked #10 out of 25 organizations in the Commonwealth, one of two in Western Massachusetts that made the list.

BHN Announces Two New Additions to Executive Leadership Team

Navigating the Holidays: Early Recovery & Sleep Support Groups

How You Can Benefit from Our Support

Early Recovery Group

CBT Sleep Improvement Groups

2024 Annual Report: Stronger Together

Ji8������Ƶ Expands Services in Greenfield

Stronger Together: Make a Lasting Impact This Giving Tuesday

Giving Opportunities

CMHC: A Successful Model of Team-Based Care

Social Skills Lessons for Children with Autism

BHN Continues Springfield's Project HOPE 2.0 to Support Homeless Individuals

Survivors of Suicide Loss Day Event, Nov. 23

Empowering Health Literacy: BHN's Care Management Program

“It is important to meet them where they are and work on what they want to focus on. It is about respecting the person’s choice. Our goal is to educate people, advocate for them, and remove barriers to treatment.”

ADHD Awareness Month

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

An average of 24 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner in the United States — more than 12 million women and men over the course of a single year.

Victim Resources

Perpetrator Resources

Upcoming Events

National Recovery Month: Stories of Hope

Empowering Spanish Bilingual Psychologists: The MPIP Experience at BHN

October Job Fairs at BHN

Residential Services Programs

Child & Family Programs

Shining Light on National Suicide Prevention Month: Understanding, Support, and Resources

BHN's Observance of International Overdose Awareness Day

Every 11 minutes someone in America dies from an opioid overdose.

Recovery is real and possible. 7 in 10 of adults who have had a mental health or substance use condition are in recovery.

Celebrating Success: BHN's Integrated Behavioral Health Program

National Night Out

Activity-Based Children and Youth Groups

Program Spotlight: Recreation

BHN Launches Mobile Methadone Program in Ware, MA

Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

Celebrating Disability Pride Month

Department Spotlight: Medical Records Team

Remembering Susan O'Connor

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Donor Spotlight: Roger Anderson

Those We Serve: Maya's Story

BHN Celebrates Nurses Week 2024

Those Who Serve: Tiffany Rufino

Anthia T. Elliott, MOVA Advocate of the Year Awardee

Those Who Serve: Michael’s Story

Those We Serve: Michele's Story

BHN Staff Panelists at ASAM National Conference

Voices of Those We Serve: Stephen's Story

Understanding Autism in Adults

Strategies for Addressing Challenges

Counseling Awareness Month

What is most fulfilling about being a counselor?

Recognizing Executive Assistant Sue Hearn

BHN Voted Best Outpatient Mental Health Service

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

Those Who Serve: Amonie

BHN Video Sessions Transition to Zoom Telehealth March 12, 2024

Social Work Month Staff Reflections

Donor Spotlight: Joan Corell

Those Who Serve: Ken Albano

Celebrating Ken Albano's 35 Years of Service to BHN

Eating Disorder Awareness Week

BHN Informs National Policy on Methadone Treatment

BHN’s Patient-Centered Approach to Methadone Access is a Model for the Nation ﻿

Employee Spotlight: DeJuan Brown, Facilities Director

Those We Serve: April

Open Jan. 29 - MA-Repay: Human Services Loan Repayment Application

The Benefits of Therapeutic and Peer Mentoring

Mass Drug Courts: Treating Disorders that Lead to Persistent Crime

BHN Announces Vice President of Care Management, Randie Caetano Cadigan

Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder

How SAD is Diagnosed

How SAD is Treated

BHN Named One of Boston Globe’s “2023 Top Places to Work in MA"

Ji8��Ƶ Expands Services in Greenfield

BHN’s Patient-Centered Approach to Methadone Access is a Model for the Nation