2003 News Stories

January

Hamilton Center, Inc. Seeks Grant For Smoking Cessation Program - January 2003

Hamilton Center, Inc., Parke County, is preparing a grant proposal to fund a smoking cessation program for Parke County residents. In an effort to show a need for Parke County, we are asking people to call the office should they have an interest in participating in the program. Should funding be secured, the program will be free to the general public and begin in March 2003. Please call (765) 569-2031.

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Hamilton Center, Inc. Opens Office In Bloomfield - January 2003

Hamilton Center has opened a new office in Bloomfield, Indiana. The office, which is located at 132 E. Main Street, Suite 4, will provide individual and family counseling services for children, adolescents and adults. Initially the office is opened part-time - Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. A psychologist and three master’s level therapists will be providing counseling services.

In addition, beginning in mid February, an adult intensive outpatient program for alcohol and drug problems will begin meeting three nights a week for three hour sessions.

Expanded hours of services will be available as the need increases.

"We are so pleased to be able to provide services in Bloomfield," said Kent Houchins, Program Manager for Greene County Services. "Consumers from eastern Greene County will now have access to services close to home."

For an appointment at the Bloomfield or Linton office, call (812) 847-4435.

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Eighth annual Mini Medical School starts Feb. 4

The Terre Haute Center for Medical Education offers a chance to learn about common health concerns during the eighth annual Mini Medical School, February 4 through April 15 at the Holiday Inn, Interstate 70 and U.S. 41.

Mini Medical School provides an interactive forum to discuss medical training, procedures and concerns. The public may chose to attend, one, some or all of nine weekly sessions, each focusing on a different topic.

Each two-hour session will begin with a 40-50 minute discussion by a panel of health care providers. Physicians will work together to present a picture of how a patient’s symptoms lead to a diagnosis and how the initial diagnosis is distinguished from other diseases that may share similar symptoms. The moderator will then present questions from the audience. The forum is not intended to provide diagnosis of specific diseases, but rather to suggest the paths needed for consumers to resolve their medical questions.

Sessions are scheduled for 7-9 p.m. each Tuesday, except February 25 and March 25. Sessions are free but reservations are recommended due to limited seating. For more information, or to make a reservation, call the Office of Community and Professional Programs at Indiana State University at (812) 237-4011 or 1-800-234-1639. Information is also available at web.indstate.edu/thcme/MiniMed/MiniMed.html.

Sponsors for this year’s Mini Medical School are Affinity Stress Center; Eli Lilly; Hamilton Center, Inc.; Holiday Inn; Indiana State University; Ivy Tech State College; Pfizer, Inc.; Union Hospital Health Group; and West Central Indiana AHEC.

Sessions and their scheduled topics:

February 4 – Chest Pain
February 11 – Shortness of Breath
February 18 – Joint Pain
March 4 – Abdominal Pain
March 11 – Forgetfulness and memory problems
March 18 – Depression
April 1 – Menopause and Related Women’s Health Issues
April 8 – Diabetes
April 15 – Holistic/Alternative Medicine

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Hamilton Center Early Head Start Exceeds Congressional Guidelines

Qualified Teachers Getting Kids Ready For SchoolHamilton Center, Inc. Early Head Start in Terre Haute, IN is exceeding Congressional mandates on teacher quality. As part of the reauthorization requirements for 2003, 50 percent of all Head Start teachers nationwide must have an associate’s degree, or better, from an accredited institution. At Hamilton Center, Inc. Early Head Start, 100 percent of
teachers and home-based educators have at least a bachelor’s degree, doubling the Congressional mandate.Recognizing that Head Start’s success can be attributed to a variety of factors, the program also uses a nationally recognized early learning curriculum and has developed community partnerships to best serve its children.“The innovative teaching techniques and high quality of teachers at Hamilton Center, Inc. Early Head Start is emblematic of Head Start centers all across America,” said Sarah Greene, President of the National Head Start Association. “These everyday success stories illustrate the deep commitment to excellence in the Head Start Community.”Hamilton Center, Inc. Early Head Start uses the Hawaii Early Learning Profile and Partners for a Healthy Baby curriculum to educate its students.The program has also developed active partnerships with the local Head Start center; local special education services and therapeutic play group and program; the local children’s museum; and Vigo Public Library.

The National Head Start Association (NHSA) is a private not-for-profit membership organization representing more than 923,000 children, upwards of 180,000 staff and more than 2,400 Head Start programs in America. NHSA provides a national forum for the continued enhancement of Head Start services for poor children ages 0 through 5, and their families. It is the only national organization dedicated exclusively to the concerns of the Head Start community.

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April

Hamilton Center’s Remodeled Inpatient Unit Enhances Environment and Programming - April 2003

Remodeling is almost complete on Hamilton Center’s inpatient unit located on the second floor of the corporate office building in Terre Haute.

All 16 patient rooms are now single occupancy, providing a more private environment for clients. This change simplifies the admissions process as well, minimizing issues such as client personality and gender differences.

The unit now has enhanced lighting and security features, as well as improvements to the existing dining area and recreational-therapy room. The patient rooms have been fitted with new drapery and bedspreads, and the look of the entire unit has been updated with fresh paint and new flooring.

The addition of a group room provides a place for patients to participate in educational groups that address self-esteem, coping-skills, anger-management, and relapse-prevention issues. A small library/sitting room also was added that allows clients a quiet place to read or talk with visitors.

Programming on the unit has been enhanced with an increase in addiction and group therapy sessions available to clients. Converting space formerly used for storage allowed for additional staff offices and a conference room. The unit has a new program manager who oversees all staffing and therapeutic-recreational activities on the floor, as well as a new director of nursing.

Tours of the facility are available on a limited basis and can be arranged by contacting Martha Woods in public relations at 812-231-8152.

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April is Child Abuse Prevention Month - April 2003

In 2000, almost one million children did not know what it was like to be “safe and sound” in their homes. Tragically, three children—of all races, genders, and socioeconomic backgrounds—die each day as a result of abuse or neglect.

During April’s annual observance of Child Abuse Prevention Month, Hamilton Center, Inc. would like to call attention to the importance of preventing these tragedies and all forms of child maltreatment, as well as to the role each of us can play in these efforts.

“We need to raise the public’s awareness of the devastating effects of child abuse,” said Anita Lascelles, Director of Early Intervention Services at Hamilton Center, Inc. “We need to help empower and encourage people to become involved and support families and parents so that we can prevent all forms of child abuse and neglect from reaching our Nation’s children.”

There are many things that individuals can do, during April and throughout the year, to keep the children in their lives and communities from becoming statistics. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Children’s Bureau, Office on Child Abuse and Neglect, working with its National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information, has teamed up with Prevent Child Abuse America to create a packet of information and resources about child abuse and neglect prevention with the theme of “Gateways to Prevention”. It contains strategies for how each one of us can get involved in preventing child abuse, and gives statistics on this national problem. The packet is available from www.preventchildabuse.org (Prevent Child Abuse America) or www.calib.com/nccanch. For Indiana statistics see www.pcain.org (Prevent Child Abuse Indiana).

Everyone can provide a Gateway to Prevention, and everyone can play a role in preventing child abuse. Raise the issue. Reach out to kids and families in your community. Join community prevention efforts. Take action to help ensure that the children in your community are safe and sound.

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May

Hamilton Center, Inc. Awarded Accreditation from Joint Commission - May 2003

Hamilton Center, Inc. has achieved accreditation from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. The organization was first accredited in 1977.

Founded in 1951, the Joint Commission is dedicated to continuously improving the safety and quality of the nation’s health care through voluntary accreditation. The Joint Commission’s on-site survey of Hamilton Center, Inc. occurred in April 2003.

“In becoming accredited, Hamilton Center, Inc. was evaluated against a set of national standards by Joint Commission surveyors experienced in the delivery of behavioral health care services,” says Mary Cesare-Murphy, Ph.D., executive director, Behavioral Health Care Accreditation Program, Joint Commission. “Achieving accreditation demonstrates Hamilton Center’s commitment to provide high and safe quality care.”

Galen Goode, CEO says that accreditation shows that “our entire organization makes significant investments in quality on a day-to-day basis. We seek accreditation for our organization because we want to be the best and we view obtaining Joint Commission accreditation as another step toward excellence.”

He notes that accreditation is attainable only through cooperation and communication among staff members. “Everyone at Hamilton Center plays a vital role in working to meet the standards. It gives them a feeling of confidence and pride to work in an accredited organization,” says Goode. “They also appreciate the educational aspect of the survey and the opportunity to interact with the Joint Commission surveyors.”

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NAMI Meeting Scheduled for May 14, 2003

The next meeting of the Wabash Valley National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) is scheduled for Wed. May 14th at 7:00 pm at Hamilton Center, Inc., 620 8th Ave., Terre Haute. Consumers, family members of persons with mental illnesses, professionals and others interested are invited to attend. All meetings are held the second Wednesday of each month.The May 14th meeting will feature Kelly Meyer, Program Director for NAMI Indiana. She will discuss membership and volunteer opportunities for consumers and their families. NAMI is a not-for-profit grassroots organization dedicated to improving the lives of people afflicted by serious and persistent mental illness. NAMI affiliates consist of families, consumers, and professionals dedicated to helping families through a network of support, education, advocacy and research. For further information call Betty Porter, President of the Wabash Valley NAMI at (812) 232-6015 (ask for Betty).

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July

Hamilton Center Inc. To Begin Major Remodel - July 2003

Hamilton Center Inc. will begin construction July 15, 2003 on a major renovation of its Greencastle office, according to Margie Anshutz, director of Marketing and Business Development for the organization.The estimated cost of the project is $185,000, and the target completion date is September of this year. Hamilton Center purchased the building in 1999 but has occupied only half of it while renting out the other half. It is located at 239 Hillsdale Ave., directly behind the site of the former Putnam County Hospital.Expanding into the entire building allows for additional office space and improvements, including public restrooms, a large room for group counseling sessions, a remodeled reception area, new entrance, and new carpet, paint and roof.“The remodeled facility will enhance our current services and provide an improved professional and therapeutic environment for our clients,” said Galen Goode, CEO of the organization.

The program manager for Hamilton Center’s Putnam County services, Bill Nunn, Ph.D., said, “Putnam County has been very supportive of our office. Our investment in the facility will reinforce our commitment to the community by allowing us to expand existing services.”

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August

NAMI Meeting Scheduled for August 13, 2003

The next meeting of the Wabash Valley National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) is scheduled for Wed. August 13th at 7:00 pm at Hamilton Center, Inc., 620 8th Ave., Terre Haute. Consumers, family members of persons with mental illnesses, professionals and others interested are invited to attend. All meetings are held the second Wednesday of each month.The August 13th meeting will feature William Shriner, MD, Medical Director at Hamilton Center, Inc. He will be discussing psychiatric medications. NAMI is a not-for-profit grassroots organization dedicated to improving the lives of people afflicted by serious and persistent mental illness. NAMI affiliates consist of families, consumers, and professionals dedicated to helping families through a network of support, education, advocacy and research. For further information call Betty Porter, President of the Wabash Valley NAMI at (812) 232-6015 (ask for Betty).

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October

Hamilton Awards Presented
Three Awards Presented at Annual Dinner of the Board of Directors

Hamilton Center, Inc. is pleased to announce the recipients of this year's Hamilton Awards. The awards were presented on October 28, 2003 at the Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors at Hulman Center, Terre Haute, IN. Officers of the Board presented the awards. Clark Flatt, President and CEO of the Jason Foundation provided the keynote address to an audience of close to 400 people. The Jason Foundation is an initiative promoting awareness and prevention of youth suicide.

Hamilton Awards, which are selected by the Executive Committee of Hamilton Center’s Board of Directors, are presented annually. Winners have significantly contributed to the cause of mental health and/or the care of people with mental illnesses, addiction problems, or developmental disabilities. Hamilton Awards have been presented annually since 1981 and are named in honor of Katherine Hamilton, a woman who was devoted to the cause of mental health and improving the care of those in need.

Community Award winner:
Mrs. Kathy Mobley is a teacher for children with emotional disabilities at McCormick’s Creek Elementary School, Spencer Indiana. She was nominated for the way she has touched the lives of children, parents and teachers by working tirelessly to find strategies that work to help students. She uses teaching methods that are not only effective but also are interesting to students. She focuses not only on academic standards, but also character development, life skills and conflict resolution. In the words of the nominator, “Mrs. Mobley brings life to children, inspiration to her colleagues and is a true example of what a teacher should be.”

Volunteer Award winner:
Kevin Orpurt is a meteorologist at Action 10 News WTHI, Terre Haute, IN. He has donated his time to benefit the community by being involved with events such as Share your Thanksgiving, The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, and many other health and human service initiatives. For years, Orpurt has been the master of ceremonies at the Vigo County Mental Health Association’s Night Under the Mistletoe. He was given a Hamilton Award for his devotion to the community and to those in need.

Staff Award winner:
Janet McBride, MSW, LCSW is the Program Manager of Hamilton Center’s office in Vermillion County, Clinton Indiana. McBride has worked at Hamilton Center for 20 years where she started as an Activity Therapist. After a short hiatus, in 1988 she was rehired as a clinical therapist in outpatient services. Then, in 1990, she was promoted to program supervisor of Parke county services, and in that same year was transferred to program supervisor of Vermillion County services where she remains as the manager of that office today. She was nominated for being a strong advocate for the youth of Vermillion County. She has spearheaded many programs that benefit children including smoking cessation programs, tobacco education programs, physical and domestic abuse education, and many more. In the words of the nominator, McBride is a “shining star” on the Local Coordinating Council for a Drug Free Indiana where she has served in several leadership roles. She started a program for incarcerated men with drug problems at the Vermillion County jail and has been responsible for facilitating groups of elementary students at Central and Ernie Pyle who have been identified with behavior problems associated with alcohol, tobacco or other drugs in the family.

The nominator describes her as a great collaborator, consultant and mentor who has improved the quality of life for hundreds of people in Vermillion County.

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NAMI Meeting Scheduled for November 12, 2003

The next meeting of the Wabash Valley National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) is scheduled for Wed. November 12th at 7:00 pm at Hamilton Center, Inc., 620 8th Ave., Terre Haute. Consumers, family members of persons with mental illnesses, professionals and others interested are invited to attend. All meetings are held the second Wednesday of each month.

The November 12th meeting will feature Tracy Richardson, Director of Music Therapy at St. Mary of the Woods College. She will be discussing how music can enhance one’s quality of life.

NAMI is a not-for-profit grassroots organization dedicated to improving the lives of people afflicted by serious and persistent mental illness. NAMI affiliates consist of families, consumers, and professionals dedicated to helping families through a network of support, education, advocacy and research. For further information call Betty Porter, President of the Wabash Valley NAMI at (812) 232-6015 (ask for Betty).

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Hamilton Center Inc. Acquires St. Vincent’s Westside Counseling Office

Hamilton Center Inc. is pleased to announce the addition of Hamilton Center Inc. Westside Counseling, to its regional behavioral health system effective immediately. This office, formerly part of the St. Vincent’s Stress Center, is located at 602 N. High School Road (near the 10th Street West exit off of 465 North), Indianapolis.

The office, originally started 20 years ago by Dennis Anderson, M.D., will retain the core clinical staff including Dr. Anderson, and add two social workers. The office will employ three psychiatrists, one clinical psychologist, one clinical therapist, six social workers and four support staff. Program manager John Sullivan, a licensed clinical social worker, will supervise the staff.

“We are very pleased to be a part of the Hamilton Center system”, said Sullivan. “Hamilton Center is a leading community mental health center in the state which has been providing quality, progressive patient care for over 30 years.”

Sullivan will report to Robert Fazekas, Psy.D., director of satellite services for Hamilton Center. “We are so pleased that the staff has stayed together during the transition,” said Fazekas. “They are top notch clinicians with extensive experience in serving Central Indiana communities.”

Currently the office serves approximately 2,000 clients including children, adolescents, adults and families. Services include the full continuum of behavioral health and addiction outpatient services, including individual and family therapy, intensive outpatient programs (IOP), partial hospitalization, and psychiatric services.

“This office will further expand Hamilton Center’s presence in Central Indiana and will increase the number of clients the organization serves by approximately 20%,” said Galen Goode, CEO of Hamilton Center.

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Hamilton Center Annual Meeting & Hamilton Awards Dinner October 28, 2003

Hamilton Center Inc.'s Board of Directors announces their Annual Meeting and Hamilton Awards dinner Tuesday, Oct. 28, at Indiana State University’s Hulman Center, 200 North Eighth Street, Terre Haute. Cocktails begin at 6:15 p.m. with dinner at 7:00 p.m. Reservations can be made by calling Hamilton Center at (812) 231-8317. The dinner is $20 per person. Clark Flatt, President and CEO of The Jason Foundation will give the key note address. The Jason Foundation is a national youth suicide prevention and education initiative named in memory of Flatt’s son. Hamilton Awards will be presented to businesses, organizations, and individuals that have significantly contributed to the cause of mental health and/or care of persons with mental illnesses, developmental disabilities or substance abuse problems. An award also will be given to a Hamilton Center staff member who has demonstrated a personal commitment to the cause of behavioral health and advanced the mission of Hamilton Center through service above and beyond the normal duties of his/her position.

For further information, call (812) 231-8317.

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November

Hamilton Center, Inc. Announces 2003-2004 Officers of the Board of Directors

Hamilton Center, Inc. is pleased to announce the new 2003-2004 Officers of the Board of Directors.

Serving as President is Louise A. Anderson, MSN, RN, Director of the Nursing Division of the Vigo County Health Department. Anderson is serving her second three-year term on the Board.

Serving as Vice President is Diana Lancaster, Attendance Officer/Court Liaison from Clay Community Schools. Lancaster is serving her fourth three-year term on the Board.

Serving as Secretary is Doug Samuelson, Manager, Bulk Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Eli Lilly & Company, Clinton Laboratories. Samuelson is serving his second three-year term on the Board.

Serving as Treasurer is Tom Harris, PhD, CPA, Department of Accounting/School of Business, Indiana State University. Harris is serving his second three-year term on the Board.

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Hamilton Center Inc. To Sponsor Adoption Support Group

Hamilton Center Inc. (HCI) is beginning an adoption support group that will have its first meeting Dec. 2 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the lower level of the Vigo County Public Library. Persons who have adopted or are interested in adopting should attend. Interests of the group will be discussed in an effort to identify and address the issues and needs of those in the community regarding adoption.

Tuovia Amerman, a licensed clinical social worker in HCI’s division of Child and Adolescent Services (CAS), and Peggy Smothers, a case manager in CAS, will lead the group.

For additional information about the adoption support group, please call 812-231-8453 or 812-231-8206.

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December

Hamilton Center, Inc. Announces Board Members

Hamilton Center, Inc. is pleased to announce the addition of two members of the Board of Directors.Cary W. Sparks, representing Vigo County, is a Senior Vice President and Trust Officer of First Financial Bank, Terre Haute, IN. Sparks is a graduate of Purdue University and has 31 years of experience in banking. He is a board member of the Estate Planning Council of Central Illiana, Inc., and is a Certified Trust and Financial Advisor. His community involvement includes past president and board member of the Terre Haute Exchange Club, board member of the Western Indiana Community Action Agency, member of the finance committee of Memorial United Methodist Church and member of the Board of Associates of Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. Sparks served two terms on Hamilton Center’s board of directors six years ago and was past president.

Lou Bonomo, representing Vermllion County, is a Certified Public Accountant and Partner of Kemper CPA Group, LLP, Clinton, IN. Bonomo is a graduate of Indiana State University. His community involvement includes the treasurer of the Breakfast Optimist Club of Clinton, the Vermillion County Community Foundation, and West Central Community Hospital Foundation. He is a member of the Ivy Tech State College accounting program advisory committee, the finance committee of Wayside United Methodist Church, Vermillion County Chamber of Commerce, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Indiana CPA Society and the Institute of Management Accountants. Bonomo served two terms on Hamilton Center’s board of directors six years ago.

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