Chester County Department of Mental Health/Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities

601 Westtown Road, Suite 340, West Chester, PA 19380-0990 • www.chesco.org/mhidd

Minding Your Health

For mental health crises

call

Valley Creek

Crisis Intervention

610-280-3270

Toll Free

877-918-2100

Inside this issue:

COAD to deliver MHFA Trainings

Be Alive & Thrive at the Exton Square Mall this month!

Spotlight on Friends in Recovery Group

Photos from West Chester University event MH/IDD regularly posts on the Dept. of Human Services page

Chester County Commissioners — Terence Farrell, Kathi Cozzone, Michelle Kichline

MH/IDD Administrator—Gary Entrekin, MH Deputy Administrator—Caroline Smith

October 2015

Employment Highlighted for Those with Disabilities

This year marks the 25th anniversary for National Mental

Illness Awareness Week, always observed during the first

full week in October. The week is an opportunity to high-

light mental health, and learn more about the issues

surrounding serious mental illnesses. The National Alli-

ance on Mental Illness sponsors this annual observance

and offers suggestions for groups and individuals to rec-

ognize the week with activities, as well as books to read

and movies to watch on the topic.

See page 4 for some facts about mental health. Learn

more at www.nami.org.

Businesses that hire individuals with disabilities know that their situation is a win-win, but dur-ing National Disability Employment Month, Chester County continues to spread the word about the advantages of a diverse workforce.

On Tuesday, October 6, the Chester County Commissioners presented a Proclamation to support this month-long national observance, citing many benefits for individuals, businesses and communities.

The Proclamation says, in part, “Fostering a work environment that is flexible and open to the talents of all qualified individuals, including those with disabilities, promotes workplace success for everyone.” The document also stressed the important relationships and social connections made at work.

At the presentation, Gary Entrekin, Administrator for Chester County MH/IDD, recognized the Chester Coun-ty Intermediate Unit’s (CCIU) County Cup cafés for their successes employing young people with disabili-ties, and for the expansion of the business. The County

Cup, which opened its first café at the Government Services Center in West Chester in December, 2012, is opening its fourth and fifth locations this year. Student workers and volunteers from the CCIU Discover program, with guidance from CCIU job coaches, support the day-to-day operation of the café.

For more information on the CCIU Discover Program go to www.cciu.org.

L to R— Commissioner Terence Farrell, MHIDD Administrator Gary Entrekin, CCIU Executive Director, Dr. Joseph O’Brien, Laurie Masino, Rafael Lugo, Matt Hache,

Commissioners Michelle Kichline and Kathi Cozzone.

Chester County’s Mental Health First Aid Now Offered Through COAD

Page 2

For nearly 50 years, COAD (formerly the Coun-cil on Addictive Diseases) in Exton has been providing outreach and education program-ming to address various aspects of behavioral health. Now the non-profit organization will be delivering Chester County’s Mental Health First Aid programs as well.

COAD’s Executive Director, Jacquelyn Taylor, said she is excited about the opportunity, espe-cially since Mental Health First Aid fits her agency’s mission so well. The program is just one of the behavioral health trainings currently offered by COAD, which is an affiliate of Hol-comb Behavioral Health Systems.

Taylor, who began her career in the juvenile justice system, started at COAD in November 2008 as the Director of Student Assistance Pro-gram (SAP), and became the Executive Director in 2012. Under her direction, COAD serves as a Commonwealth Approved Trainer of student

assistance programming, with Taylor as the lead trainer. She is also certified to instruct Mental Health First Aid in the youth, adult, and law enforcement mod-ules.

“Mental Health First Aid is increasing the comfort lev-el, as well as the knowledge base, around this important topic. It’s a key component in creating an empowered and in-formed community, and helping to develop resilience in individuals of all ages,” Taylor said.

The next MHFA training is being held next week. To find out about this and other upcom-ing trainings offered through COAD, go to www.chesco.org/mhidd.

Returns to Exton Square Mall on October 17

For the second year, an “out of the box” event will focus on

mind-body wellness and suicide prevention. Be Alive &

Thrive is a collaboration of the Chester County Suicide

Prevention Task Force, local stakeholders, and the Exton

Square Mall.

From 10 AM until 5 PM, at the Boscov’s court on the lower

level of the Exton Square Mall, Be Alive & Thrive has a full

schedule of activities, including music and dance perfor-

mances, art projects and games with prizes. In addition,

Main Line Health Center, located at the Exton Square Mall,

will provide health screenings, nutrition information and

Reiki relaxation treatments throughout the day. A ceremony

to remember those lost and celebrate life will be held in the

afternoon.

Two 90 minute sessions of the nationally acclaimed QPR

(Question, Persuade, Refer) suicide prevention training will

be delivered by certified instructors. Participants don’t need

to register, but do need to attend the full session to receive

a certificate from the program.

Be Alive & Thrive will also be an opportunity for individuals

to join one of the popular Community Conversation sessions

about Mental Health. Community Conversations, developed

buy the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Admin-

istration, have been held throughout the country and Ches-

ter County, and are part of the President’s National Dialogue

on Mental Health. The free day-long event will conclude

with a musical, Liv Live Concert, beginning at 3 PM.

For a complete schedule of activities, go to these websites:

www.extonsquare.com or

www.chestercountysuicideprevention.com.

Jacquelyn Taylor

Like other counties across the commonwealth,

Chester County is feeling repercussions of the

Pennsylvania budget situation.

Chester County’s MH/IDD Administrator is

working to keep service providers in the loop

during this time. All contracted service provid-

ers should have received a letter outlining the

status of the budget and contract payments. If

your agency did not receive this communica-

tion, please contact MH/IDD.

We understand the seriousness of the situa-

tion, but must ask for your patience until the

issue is resolved.

For Mental Health Providers — Newsflash!

Finding support, trust, and a comfort among friends is crucial for individuals recovering from a serious mental illness. The members of a new group developed by Human Services, Inc., are finding all of that, and much more.

Since April of this year, the Friends in Recovery group has been meeting once a month at the Human Services, Inc. site at 410 Boot Road in Downingtown. The gathering is centered around lunch and various topics of discussion.

“My vision was for the individuals receiving services at HIS (Human Services, Inc.) to have a voice about their recovery and to be able to make suggestions about our programs. This is their forum and it can take any direction that they want,” said Marcia Debes, who organized the group at Human Services, Inc.

At the September meeting, the group celebrated National Recovery Month by sharing their personal stories of recov-ery and hope. The atmosphere was welcoming and warm.

Lavina, who attends Stepping Stones Clubhouse in Coatesville, stood as she talked about the “nervous break-down” she experienced as a young woman. But, she noted, her journey has also included taking college courses, gain-ing insight and finding hope.

“My Personal Medicine includes taking walks and associ-ating with others who are friendly and enjoy the things I enjoy,” she said.

Arlene spoke about the difficulties she encountered going through hospitalization and finding the correct medication, as well as making peace with her family.

“Sometimes even the people close to you don’t under-stand anxiety, panic or depression. But I’ve had such great support from the Transition (psychiatric rehabilitation pro-gram) staff. They have been like family,” Arlene said. “This is a new (Jewish) year though, and I’m making peace with my family. It hasn’t been easy, but it is happening,” she said to a round of encouraging applause.

Others shared stories of finding employment after experi-encing homelessness, volunteering to help others and fill-ing their days with productive, positive activities.

“I had people tell me (my illness) was all in my mind,” Arlene said with a smile. “Yes, it is. But I’ve picked myself up and it’s getting better.”

For information about the group, contact Marcia Debes at marciadebes@hsi-cmhs.org.

Members of the Friends In Recovery Group from Human Services, Inc.

Spotlight on: Friends in Recovery Page 3

Mental Illness Awareness Week What do you know??

Depression is the leading cause of disability world-wide

1 in every 5 adults experiences a mental illness each year

Half of all chronic mental illnesses begin by age 14

More than 6 million adults have co-occurring mental health and addiction disorders

Nearly 60% of adults with a mental illness didn’t receive mental health services in the

previous year.

West Chester University’s “Take A Mental Health Day” drew more than 400 students to learn about the importance of good mental health! The event was held at Sykes Student Union on September 10.

Chester County MH/IDD, Embracing A World Of Difference

Every Mon.—Parent Support Group; for parents whose families are affected by alcohol, drug abuse and related be-

haviors of their children. 7:00-9:00 PM at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 10 West Pleasant Grove Road, West Chester.

Contact: Lyle or Deidre 610-793-3446.

Every Tues. — Depression/Bipolar Support Group; for those in recovery from affective disorders - 7:00-8:00 pm at the

Peer Support Center, 825 Paoli Pike, West Chester. Contact—610-429-1702.

Every Tues.—Transition Age Depression/Bipolar Support Alliance; for 14-25 age group – 6:30-7:30 pm at the Peer Sup-

port Center, 825 Paoli Pike, West Chester. Contact – 610-429-1702 or call Adessa at 484-706-2110.

1st Thur. — Let’s Do This Together, support group for parents who have children with bipolar and other behavioral

health needs. 7:00 pm at the Government Services Center, 601 Westtown Road, West Chester. 484-241-7860.

4th Thurs. — Parents Helping Parents — For parents with children who have special needs. Dinner is provided - 5:30-

7:00 pm at Devereux Community Services, 1041 W. Bridge St., Phoenixville. Contact - adannunz@devereux.org or 610-

933-8001.

Every Tues.—Celebrate Recovery; faith-based support for mental health and substance abuse; 6:00-8:15 pm at

Hopewell UMC, 852 Hopewell Rd., Downingtown. Contact - 610-269-1545. Every Thurs.—6:45-8:45 pm at Westminster

Presbyterian Church, 10 West Pleasant Grove Road, West Chester. Contact - 610-399-3377x109.

Every Tues. & Thurs. — Double Trouble; for those recovering from addiction and mental health problems - 3:30-5:00

pm at the Peer Support Center, 825 Paoli Pike, West Chester. Contact – 610-429-1702.

Every Thurs.— Parent Support Group; for parents whose families are impacted by alcohol & drug abuse of their chil-

dren- 7:00– 9:00 pm at the First Baptist Church, 415 W. State St., Kennett Square. Contact - 484-888-9682.

Every Thurs.—Nicotine Anonymous— All are welcome. 7:00-8:00 PM at Peer Support Center 825 Paoli Pike, West Ches-

ter. Contact John for information - 610-429-1702 or 610-696-0813.

Every Tues.—Parent Support Group; parents whose families are impacted by alcohol, drug abuse and related behav-

iors of their children—(two locations) 7:00 - 8:00 pm, Upper Octorara Presbyterian Church, 1121 Octorara Trail (Rt. 10)

Parkesburg. Contact - betsy.kaciescaus e@gmail.com. 7:00-9:00 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 10 West Pleasant

Rd., West Chester. Contacts: Lyle or Deidre 610-793-3446

Every other Thursday — Eating Disorders Support Group; for both genders aged 13 and older, family members and

supporters - 6:30 - 7:30 pm at the Brandywine Hospital, 201 Reeceville Rd., Coatesville. Go to -

www.brandywineeatingdisorders.com.

2nd Mon. — Adult MH Subcommittee of the MH/IDD Board Meeting - 5:30-7:30 pm at the Peer Support Center 825

Paoli Pike, West Chester. Call to confirm meeting - 610-344-6265.

2nd Tues. — Chester County Children’s Subcommittee of the MH/IDD Board Meeting - 9:30–11:00 am at Government

Services Bldg., 601 Westtown Rd., West Chester. Call to confirm meeting - 610-344-6265.

2d Tuesday- CHADD (Children and Adults with ADHD). Support, Education and Advocacy. Meetings 7:00-9:00 at Kesher

Israel Congregation. Pottstown Pike, West Chester. www.ccmlchadd.com or 610-429-4060.

1st Wed. — NAMI; West Chester Family Support Group - 7:00 -9:00 pm at the Peer Support Center, 825 Paoli Pike,

West Chester. Contact - 484-947-5643.

2nd Wed. — Chester County Suicide Prevention Task Force - 3:00 – 4:30 pm Government Services Bldg. 601 Westtown

Rd., West Chester. Contact - ccsptaskforce@gmail.com.

2nd Wed.— Survivors of Suicide ( S.O.S.) - 7:30 pm, Willistown Room, the Paoli Memorial Hospital in Paoli. Please con-

tact - 215-545-2242.

1st Thurs. — Southern Chester County Family Support Group; sponsored by Chester County NAMI 7:30-9:00 pm at

Friends Meeting House, Rt. 82, Kennett Square. Contact - 484-947-5643.

2nd Thurs. — Northeastern Chester County Family Support Group; sponsored by Chester County NAMI. 6:30-8:00 pm

at Phoenixville Medical Arts Building - 601 Gay St., Phoenixville,Penn Psychiatric Center - Suite 6. For information, contact

Ginger Murphy at 610-348-9758.

3rd Thurs.— NAMI; PA Chester County General Meeting - 7:00 pm at Christ Memorial Lutheran Church in Malvern.

Contact - 484-947-5643.

4th Thurs. — MH/IDD Advisory Board Quarterly Meeting - 6:00 pm at the Government Services Bldg., 601 Westtown

Rd., West Chester, Room 149. Call to confirm meeting - 610-344-6265.

Chester County Mental Health Stakeholder Meetings — For resources check out www.referweb.net/chesco