Hamilton Center, Inc. News Archives | Page 3 of 22

Hamilton Center Awarded BHCHS Accreditation from TJC

Terre Haute, IN, January 13, 2022 – Hamilton Center, Inc. has once again been accredited by The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval^® for Behavioral Health Care and Human Services, demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a healthcare organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality patient care.

Hamilton Center underwent a rigorous, unannounced review in September 2021. During the survey, a team of Joint Commission reviewers evaluated compliance with the Comprehensive Accreditation Manual for Behavioral Health Care and Human Services, which contains the set of standards designed to evaluate a variety of behavioral health care settings including mental health services, addiction treatment, and services for children, youth, and families.

The Joint Commission’s standards are developed in consultation with healthcare experts and providers, measurement experts, and patients. They are informed by scientific literature and expert consensus to help healthcare organizations measure, assess, and improve performance. The surveyors also conducted onsite observations and interviews.

“As a private accreditor, The Joint Commission surveys healthcare organizations to protect the public by identifying deficiencies in care and working with those organizations to correct them as quickly and sustainably as possible,” says Mark Pelletier, RN, MS, chief operating officer, Accreditation and Certification Operations, and chief nursing executive, The Joint Commission.

“We commend Hamilton Center for its continuous quality improvement efforts in patient safety and quality of care,” he stated.

“Hamilton Center is committed to excellence in healthcare,” said Melvin L Burks, President and CEO of Hamilton Center, Inc.. “Our staff are committed every day to high standards of care, safety, and service for our consumers, and this accreditation is a validation of their efforts.”

For more information, please visit The Joint Commission website.

Hamilton Center, Inc. is a regional behavioral health system in Central and West Central Indiana with corporate offices located in Terre Haute, IN. Services are provided to children, adults, and families, with specialized programs for expectant mothers, infants, and people who may be struggling with stress, life changes, or relationship issues, as well as more serious problems such as depression, anxiety disorders, and serious mental illnesses.

New Citizens Program provides second chances

On December 17, 2021, Hamilton Center graduated another “new citizen” from a program that offers the opportunity to acquire job skills, employment, and a new way of life.

“The enormity and the complexity of skills I have developed are only comparable to the 4 years of college I completed while serving my sentence.” – Jason Wentz, Hamilton Center New Citizen Program graduate.

Hamilton Center’s New Citizen Program, first established in 2013, gives individuals who have been incarcerated the tools needed for a second chance at life. Throughout a one-year probationary period, participants train in different areas of the Corporation to gain skills and experience to secure a permanent career at Hamilton Center. In addition to job skills, participants gain life skills as they work through challenges of reintegration into their communities with a team of mentors that meet with them weekly.

“Once an individual has paid their debt to society, they should be imparted the opportunity to restore and build upon their lives.” – Melvin L. Burks, President/CEO, Hamilton Center, Inc.

The opportunity is life changing for someone who has been involved in the criminal justice system and is willing to turn his or her life around. The program offers support from Hamilton Center staff and community leaders to bring confidence and motivation to someone who is willing to become a new citizen.

“The New Citizen Program has made a lasting impression on my life, having provided me with the opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream of working both in IT and mental health. I have expanded my knowledge of computers and technology and received hands-on experience and training in the IT Department. I have not only earned a permanent position as an IT Support Representative, but I am continuing my training and working towards additional certifications in the field,” Wentz stated.

The New Citizen Program is about supporting those who have made decisions that could negatively affect the rest of their lives. Hamilton Center has made it possible for these individuals to have a second chance, to start a new life, and to travel down a supported path to success.

“I feel a sense of accomplishment, having set a goal, working diligently towards achieving it, and ultimately attaining it,” said Wentz. “I am humbled by the blessing I was given just getting a chance to prove myself, and I am beyond joyed to find myself in a position where I am helping people each and every day.”

Hamilton Center welcomes additional host sites and participants for the New Citizen Program. To learn more, visit www.hamiltoncenter.org/programs/new-citizen/, or call (812) 231-8323.

“Improved Access”, a focus at Hamilton Center

Grace Clinic Acquires Mobile Clinic through American Rescue Plan

Hamilton Center, Inc. is proud to announce the implementation of a new mobile primary care clinic. Grace Clinic Health Professional, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) Look-Alike supported by the federal government and Hamilton Center in Terre Haute, Indiana, will be expanding the clinic’s services to outlying and underserved areas. The medically equipped mobile vehicle will reduce obstacles many people experience with lack of transportation to access medical care. The mobile clinic will provide health screenings, primary medical care, and preventative care to children and adults.

Future expansion plans include COVID-19 testing and vaccination at some of Hamilton Center’s 24 hour service sites, vaccine-related outreach and education, services to racial and ethnic minorities and homeless families, and other vulnerable, underserved, and underinsured/uninsured populations. The mobile clinic launch is slated for later this month with hours mirroring that of Grace Clinic Health Professional’s clinic – 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Funded by the American Rescue Plan, a federal grant designed to help Americans recover from economic and health effects brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, Grace Clinic’s new mobile services will accommodate a larger footprint and ease the struggles of many for whom a trip to see their provider is challenging.

“Improving access to care for those who find it difficult to get to a medical clinic is a driving force of this new program,” said Melvin L Burks, CEO of Hamilton Center, Inc. “We are working to improve the overall health of our consumers and community,” he stated.

Since receiving FQHC Look-Alike status in 2020, Grace Clinic Health Professional’s focus is on providing primary medical care to those who have obstacles to services. In particular, the clinic works to bring integrated healthcare to those with mental illnesses and addiction issues as well as groups of people with other health conditions. In addition, the clinic maintains a sliding fee schedule, and no one will be turned away for inability to pay.

Hamilton Center, Inc. is a regional behavioral health system in Central and West Central Indiana with corporate offices located in Terre Haute, IN. Services are provided to children, adults and families, with specialized programs for expectant mothers, infants, and people who may be struggling with stress, life changes, or relationship issues, as well as more serious problems such as depression, anxiety disorders, and serious mental illnesses.

For an appointment at Grace Clinic Health Professional, call (812) 231-8377.

New Citizens Program provides second chances

“I am living a life I never wanted”, said a recent graduate of Hamilton Center’s New Citizen Program. “I’m living a life I never knew I could have,” said Mike Hambright.

On July 2, 2021, Hamilton Center graduated another “new citizen” from a program first established in 2013 to give individuals who have been incarcerated, the tools needed get a second chance at life. For the first seven years of the program, the organization focused on building the program internally. Participants completed a one-year probationary period where they trained in four different areas of the Corporation to gain skills and experience to secure a permanent job/career at Hamilton Center. In addition to job skills, participants gained life skills as they worked through challenges of reintegration into their communities with a team of mentors that met with them weekly.

Recently, the program has expanded to other corporations who expressed interest in participating. Wabash Valley Asphalt, now called Milestone Contractors South, was one of those companies that stepped up to bring the New Citizen Program to their business. For the past year, a new citizen has learned a skilled trade at Wabash Valley Asphalt. On Friday July 2, a graduation ceremony was held. The graduated New Citizen, Mike Hambright, was filled with pride and gratitude, not just for the opportunity to have a second chance, but also for the opportunity to grow, better himself and give back.

“For the last year I have been working with the committee from the Hamilton Center to be a better version of myself. They gave me an opportunity by working with a union company to give me a shot at a career. Since being with Milestone, I have been learning and growing in a skilled trade. Here I have a pension, and benefits. If not for the Hamilton Center’s New Citizens program I don’t know what I would be doing right now,” Hambright stated.

“I’ve decided to pursue the Union Career and continue to grow and better myself. Through this program, it’s given Hamilton Center, Milestone and myself an opportunity to give back to the community. I am proud of this accomplishment and look forward to guiding the next candidate and being a leader,” he said.

Since Wabash Valley Asphalt joined the program, Hamilton Center has also been proud to welcome other corporations to the partnership. Hamilton Center is grateful for the interest to those companies and others who play a significant role in helping reduce recidivism, including other employers who are willing to hire workers notwithstanding a criminal history.

“At some point in life, every one of us needs a second chance to recover from a mistake; and usually, we get that chance.” said Melvin L. Burks, Hamilton Center’s CEO. “These individuals have paid their debt to society and deserve a second chance,” he said. “Not only will they benefit, but it will strengthen families and our entire community.”

Hamilton Center welcomes additional host sites and participants for the New Citizen Program. To learn more, visit www.hamiltoncenter.org/programs/new-citizen/, or call 812-231-8323.

Mark McAnally, RN is Employee of the Year

Hamilton Center, Inc. honored Mark McAnally at the Employee Kickoff earlier this month. Mr. McAnally serves as the Infection Control and Employee Health Nurse for Hamilton Center as well as the chair of the COVID-19 committee. His passion and dedication have shown through his tireless efforts in ensuring the health and safety of Hamilton Center consumers and staff throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Mr. McAnally has been an invaluable asset in navigating the coronavirus pandemic,” said Melvin L Burks, CEO. “His leadership as the chair of Hamilton Center’s COVID-19 committee allowed us to successfully remain open, safely serving consumers throughout our communities.”

Hamilton Center, Inc. is a regional behavioral health system in Central and West Central Indiana with corporate offices located in Terre Haute, IN. Services are provided to children, youth and adults, with specialized programs for expectant mothers, infants, and people who may be struggling with stress, life changes, or relationship issues as well as more serious problems such as depression, anxiety disorders, and serious mental illnesses.

For information on Hamilton Center Services, call (800) 742-0787.

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Hamilton Center holds Annual Employee Kick-off

Hamilton Center holds Annual Employee Kick-off

July 16, 2021, Terre Haute, IN- Hamilton Center, Inc. hosted its annual Employee Kick-off on Friday July 16 from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Tilson Auditorium on the campus of Indiana State University. The event, in its 9^th year, celebrated Hamilton Center staff and the start of a new fiscal year, all while showing support to local businesses.

Hamilton Center, Inc. staff were out in force to take over downtown Terre Haute and eight area restaurants by wearing bright orange shirts. Downtown looked like a “sea of orange”, said an observer.

After a hearty breakfast at local downtown restaurants, Hamilton Center staff converged on Tilson Auditorium in a “sea of orange”. Mr. Melvin L. Burks, Hamilton Center’s CEO was the MC for the event; prizes were handed out to well-deserved staff.

“The Kick-off is meant to show appreciation to our staff and the board of directors, by acknowledging all their hard work in serving our consumers” said Melvin L. Burks. “This year, more than any other, our staff put their heart and soul into serving consumers. This event is a way for us to both acknowledge all of their efforts and to begin to focus on recovery from this public health crisis.” he added.

Hamilton Center, Inc. is a regional behavioral health system in Central and West Central Indiana with corporate offices located in Terre Haute, Ind. Services are provided to children, youth and adults, with specialized programs for expectant mothers, infants, and people who may be struggling with stress, life changes, or relationship issues as well as more serious problems such as depression, anxiety disorders, and serious mental illnesses. For more information about Hamilton Center, visit www.hamiltoncenter.org or call 812-231-8323.

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Hamilton Center holds Annual Employee Kick-off

Hamilton Center Recognizes Juneteenth

Continues to advocate for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Hamilton Center has declared June 19 an official paid holiday in recognition of Juneteenth. Juneteenth was declared as a national holiday by President Joe Biden and Congress, on June 17, 2021, in recognition of the end of slavery in the United States.

“President Biden took a historic step to begin healing wounds associated with the abolishment of slavery by establishing June 19^th as a National Holiday,” said Melvin L Burks, CEO of Hamilton Center, Inc. “Hamilton Center is pleased to see unified support in recognizing and celebrating this landmark event in our country’s history.”

The impact of the Juneteenth holiday is deeply personal to many individuals in our country, and its impact can be felt within the Hamilton Center family as well.

“As long as I can remember, my parents educated me on the unfair treatment of black people in this country,” Shannon Jackson, Executive Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. “Both of my parents grew up in Alabama during a time of the Civil Rights movement and told me stories about them not being able to use the same public facilities as white people just because of their skin color.”

“I first recognized the harsh treatment of persons of color as a sophomore in high school after watching ‘Roots’ in a history class,” said Natasha Newcomb, Executive Director of Addiction/Substance Abuse Services. “Seeing that movie brought my attention to the reality enslaved persons of color faced and the harsh mistreatment of a whole population of people.”

Hamilton Center values differences and the unique contributions those differences make to the organization and the quality of life in our communities. “We could not be more proud to continue Hamilton Center’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion by recognizing the value of all humans,” said Burks. “Juneteenth will continue to be a celebration that represents the undying spirit and faith of people; a celebration of the tenacity and perseverance of those who systematically continue to experience oppression and be denied opportunities.”

“We respect and support all employees and want to maximize each individual’s unique contribution to the organization which leads to discovering new and innovative business solutions to improve service delivery and quality of life of those served.”

Hamilton Center’s Diversity Statement

Hamilton Center, Inc. is a regional behavioral health system in Central and West Central Indiana with corporate offices located in Terre Haute, Ind. Services are provided to children, youth and adults, with specialized programs for expectant mothers, infants, and people who may be struggling with stress, life changes, or relationship issues, as well as more serious problems such as depression, anxiety disorders, and serious mental illnesses.

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Hamilton Center Recognizes September as National Recovery Month

Hamilton Center Serving Veterans and Families

Hamilton Center, Inc. Awarded SBHP Behavioral Health Center Designation

Hamilton Center’s Military Veteran Program (MVP) is a behavioral health and addiction treatment program aimed to provide supportive services in an evidence based treatment pathway to those who meet specific criteria for admission based on their military or veteran status.

Hamilton Center employs a Military Veteran Coordinator that assists active military, veterans, and family members throughout the treatment process. Darrin Chaney is a 21-year Veteran of the U.S. Army, 6 years active duty, and the remaining in active guard. Mr. Chaney provides assistance, support, and resources for military veterans and their families impacted by deployment, reintegration, mental health, or substance abuse issues.

Currently, Hamilton Center has trained over 300 staff members in Military Cultural Competency. This training provides an overview of military culture to include basics about its history, organizational structure, core values, branches of the service, mission, and operations, as well as the differences between the active and reserve components.

In addition to Military Cultural Competency, 141 therapists at Hamilton Center have participated in various trainings including military culture, the impact on children and families, appropriate screenings and assessments and evidenced based treatment.

In 2021, Star Behavioral Health Providers began offering community mental health centers an opportunity to apply for an SBHP Behavioral Health Center Designation. This designation is designed to establish a network of military-friendly behavioral health organizations. The designation assists service members, veterans, and family members who are seeking behavioral health care in identifying an organization as having a commitment to provide services to military-connected individuals, policies and procedures that show an understanding of military culture, and an assurance that clinicians have training in military culture and evidence based practices. Each Star designation reviews policy, procedure, staff training, community outreach, and data outcomes. The requirements build upon each other from one star to four stars.

Hamilton Center, Inc. is proud to have been awarded the Star Behavioral Health Providers One Star Designation. Hamilton Center is the first center to achieve this designation and looks forward to striving towards the Two Star Designation.

Hamilton Center recognizes the need for treatment of our military connected community members and is prepared to continuously professionally develop our clinical teams to serve those that have served our country.

Hamilton Center, Inc. is a regional behavioral health system in Central and West Central Indiana with corporate offices located in Terre Haute, IN. Services are provided to children, youth and adults, with specialized programs for expectant mothers, infants, and people who may be struggling with stress, life changes, or relationship issues as well as more serious problems such as depression, anxiety disorders, and serious mental illnesses.

For information on Hamilton Center Services call (800) 742-0787.

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Trauma Myths

Contributor: Sara Chambers, Program Manager

As the world begins to reopen, after 15 months of lockdown, mental health has become a high priority. What individuals were once able to sweep under the rug, repress, and compartmentalize has become insurmountable. The pandemic not only added to existing trauma, but has even been a root cause.

While we have come a long way in identifying trauma, we are continuously learning how it impacts individuals and their support systems. What we do know is anyone can experience trauma at any point in their lives.

One of the biggest trauma myths is that only military members can be exposed to trauma. Research has shown that while a higher percentage of military members do qualify for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), 7-8% of civilians are also diagnosed with PTSD at any point in their lifetime. Women are also twice as likely to experience PTSD as men.

The origin of trauma is all too often misunderstood. Many believe that trauma and PTSD only impact individuals that have had near death experiences. The truth is, trauma includes any incident that involves actual or threatened death or injury. If a situation feels life threatening or a person feels an extreme loss of control followed by fear for their ability to survive normally, whether that feeling is accurate or not, trauma can occur. We all perceive stressful events differently. In addition to how often the trauma occurs, life experience, age, physical ability and living conditions may also contribute to making an incident traumatic. No matter who you are, the human brain reacts to threats in a physiological way over which we often have no control. When we perceive trauma, our brains engage to try to protect us without wasting a moment to decide if the threat is legitimately life threatening or not.

It is also the same in regards to how PTSD is diagnosed. Not everyone that experiences trauma has PTSD. A person may experience anxiety, grief, or even acute stress disorder, but seek recovery or have resiliency factors that they utilize before PTSD develops. Other factors that may impact a person’s reaction to trauma can include the severity of trauma, level of stress associated with the incident, genetics, how often the trauma was experienced, and how long it lasted, the individuals personal trauma history and if they experienced childhood trauma, and the individual’s support system at the time of the incident.

Finally, the myth that trauma reactions will last forever and are incurable is false. The human brain strives for equilibrium; our bodies are designed to heal over time. New treatments for trauma are being developed every day. Society is beginning to understand what trauma means, and we are learning how to support each other during distress. Behavioral health professionals are continuing to pioneer new treatments and getting people back on track and enjoying life again.

To best serve individuals who are struggling with PTSD, we as a society must challenge these myths, as they exist in ourselves and in others. A first step can be in starting a conversation about mental health and seeking knowledge on how we can help each other.

If you have experienced trauma and are having a difficult time shaking that trauma out of your mind and life, you are not alone. Supportive groups, informational books, and helping professionals that care are available. It is possible to heal.

Hamilton Center, Inc. is a regional behavioral health system in Central and West Central Indiana with corporate offices located in Terre Haute, IN. Services are provided to children, youth and adults, with specialized programs for expectant mothers, infants, and people who may be struggling with stress, life changes, or relationship issues as well as more serious problems such as depression, anxiety disorders, and serious mental illnesses.

For information on Hamilton Center Services call (800) 742-0787.

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Moving Forward

Contributor: Dwight Weaver, Program Manager – Child & Adolescent Services

This time last year, it was hard to believe that this pandemic would cause such a disruption to our lives. That impact won’t be fully understood for years to come, but it is clear that our lives are forever changed.

As the pandemic seems to be coming to an end, it is imperative that we begin addressing the underlying mental health crisis that is still affecting children and families today. The compounded stresses and year of instability has led to an increase in the number of youth experiencing mental health issues.

As schools closed and transitioned to virtual learning, parents who typically went to work each day were now working from home while simultaneously teaching their children. This isolation from peers and social supports caused immense stress for our youth.

Now, as children and teens return to activities and communities reopen, our youth are beginning to regain some things lost to the pandemic. Even so, there is an acute need for mental health services to help our young people manage this transition. Moving forward we must adapt to their unique needs. Youth, who may still be learning how to appropriately express their thoughts and feelings, may have setbacks caused by the lack of social engagement. High school students have struggled with loss of traditions and milestones. All of these unique struggles can lead to negative feelings of loneliness, depression, and thoughts of suicide.

So how can we help our youth during this time?

Start with a conversation about resiliency. Resiliency factors can help us cope with changes, challenges, and complications that may arise in our life. The more resiliency we have, the better we are able to handle and overcome challenges in life. If we can support our youth with activities that build resiliency, then we can start the process of helping our youth overcome the difficulties of this past year.

Next, start moving forward. Normal may never be what it was before, but we can regain some of what was lost. Focusing on what we can control and encouraging our youth to re-engage in activities and reconnect with their communities, families, and friends promotes a healthy lifestyle and builds resiliency too. Both are effective in helping to overcome mental health challenges.

Finally, focus on mental health. Spend quality time with family and friends. The value of such small and simple activities cannot be overstated when it comes to your mental health. Build friendships, learn new skills, and socialize with peers in a positive learning environment. The solutions to the mental health challenges our young people face are within our reach.

Hamilton Center, Inc. is a regional behavioral health system in Central and West Central Indiana with corporate offices located in Terre Haute, IN. Services are provided to children, youth and adults, with specialized programs for expectant mothers, infants, and people who may be struggling with stress, life changes, or relationship issues as well as more serious problems such as depression, anxiety disorders, and serious mental illnesses.

For information on Hamilton Center Services call (800) 742-0787.