Mindful MattersWINTER 2018

Prevention in the ClassroomsEmpowering Students with Skills to Make the Right Choices

When Rochelle Jones, Certified Prevention Specialist for GCB’s Clermont Recovery Center, began working in the public schools to teach prevention 24 years ago, she was lucky to “get one shot at it,” she says. “They might give me an assembly period, where I would address the entire student body, and that was considered ‘good enough.’ We’ve evolved quite a bit since then.”

Today, Rochelle not only regularly teaches prevention in about a dozen elementary (starting with third grade), middle and high schools in Clermont County, she also ‘trains the trainers,’ including teachers and Child Focus school based therapists in Clermont County. Her work has also expanded to the Clermont County Juvenile Detention Center, as well as after school programs at the library and even select apartment complexes.

The evidence-based drug and violence prevention program, Botvin LifeSkills Training (or LST) is designed to use developmentally appropriate and collaborative learning strategies taught through lecture, discussion, coaching, and practice to enhance students’ self-esteem, self-confidence, ability to make decisions, and ability to resist peer and media pressure. The curriculum is intended to be age-specific, with the total number of lessons ranging from five to 15 in a given academic year, depending on grade level.

The lessons are also aligned with many common core standards, making for a seamless integration and assimilation into many different categories (Health, Sociology, Language Arts, etc.), which

eliminates the need to find ‘extra’ class time to accommodate the entire program.

And while the approach to teaching prevention has evolved over the years, some things haven’t changed. “The issue – the reasons why children start using substances to begin with, are largely still the same,” Rochelle says. “Peer pressure; the difficulties of adolescence when emotions are high and impulse control is low. Scare tactics have been proven not to work; this evidence-based approach, on the other hand, has proven to be powerful.”

Susan Fithen serves on GCB’s Assessment Team at the Clermont Recovery Center (CRC) and grew up in the Clermont area. She was eight or nine years old and living with her mom and brother in an apartment complex that the Prevention Team regularly visited to facilitate after-school programs. “I stayed inside a lot, but always would go to the community room if I knew they were coming,” she says. “They focused on building our self-esteem and making good decisions. We regularly had homework help and positive adult interactions, which is more than a lot of the kids were getting at home, I suspect.”

As she grew older, she was exposed to pot and pills that were circulating in the schools. “I was armed with the tools to say ‘no,’ she says. “But not all my classmates did the same.” When her uncle died from alcohol poisoning shortly before she graduated, she made a conscious decision to pursue a career track that would enable her to help those living with addiction. She went on to complete her university practicum work with CRC’s Prevention Team, working side-by-side with some of the same members who she met when in grade school.

“I see kids I grew up with coming in for services,” she says. “It’s exciting to see them get help, but they could have been me. Prevention in the schools is more important now than ever before. “

What’s also different these days – “parental use is on the rise,” says Rochelle, “and it

clouds the children’s perception of harm, because it’s more prevalent. In any given middle school classroom, half of them know of someone who’s overdosed.”

“We’re helping them build a tool chest full of skills that will empower them to know what to do in a challenging situation, vs. what not to do.”

Rochelle Jones was recently awarded the Community Champion Award from the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Association of Ohio (ADAPAO).

The LifeSkills training model, which includes training materials and

workbooks, is quickly gaining momentum in Clermont County, as more and more

schools are seeing the value of the program. Pre/post survey results in

May of 2017 showed that middle and high school students increased their knowledge by almost 32 percent and

elementary students by almost 28 percent (above the projected 25 percent).

Student feedback on the survey included the

following comments:

“This is the most important thing I’ve learned in middle school.”

“Talked to my mom about this class and she loves that I’m in it.”

“This class made me think of the decisions of life and how they can

affect me and others.”

“My favorite thing to talk about was alcohol cause my dad’s an alcoholic.”

Susan Fithen

Rochelle Jones

GCB HOSTED 19TH ANNUAL THANKSGIVING FEASTMore than 300 clients with severe and chronic mental illness, addiction and related challenges were treated to a Thanksgiving feast at our Madison location on November 22. Thanks to all who came to serve, including Yvette Simpson, Steve Raleigh, Denise Driehaus and Hon. Pat DeWine.

EXPANDED NEW DISPENSARY OPENS IN CLERMONTClermont Recovery Center’s (CRC) new dispensary opened in late November, expanding the existing service area space from one dispensing window to three. The dispensary is now better able to accommodate the more than 400 clients who are enrolled in the Medication Assisted Treatment Program (MAT). The MAT is a treatment service which provides medication and counseling to individuals addicted to opiates. Made possible with grants provided by the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, the James Wasserman Memorial Fund, and the Joseph A. and Susan E. Pichler Fund of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation.

Veteran public safety officers from the University Hospital’s Psychiatric Emergency Services had just returned from a full-day in the field with GCB care managers. Each of the plain-clothed officers shadowed a care manager as they went about a normal work day, meeting with clients, all of whom receive a variety of mental health services.

The officers all met at least one person during the afternoon that they recognized from frequent visits to the hospital. Joe E. knew one of them well. “I’ve only witnessed this individual at his worst,” he said, “in handcuffs and raging. To see him functioning completely normally in the community, on his medication, was remarkable. We went grocery shopping at Meijer. We carried on a converation.”

The officers had participated in the CIT (Crisis Intervention Team) Program, sponsored by Mental Health America of Northern Kentucky and Southwest Ohio (MHA), and in partnership with many non-profits in the area who have clients with varying degrees of mental health issues.

The program launched in Memphis in the 1980’s, as a grassroots effort by moms whose children, all who experienced mental illness to some degree, had tragic interactions with law enforcement. Today,

there is a CIT program in every state, all coordinated at the county level. Developed as a community partnership between consumers, advocates, service providers and law enforcement, the 40-hour week-long training is typically offered locally up to six times a year.

The trainings include classtime presentations by partnership professionals on subjects ranging from Homelessness, Mental Illness and Developmental Disabilities, to Substance Use Disorders and High-Risk Behavior. The program is offered to first responders, including Fire & Rescue, dispatchers and law enforcement, as well as FBI and Homeland Security. Particpation can be voluntary as well as mandated.

The training exists primarily to promote safe and humane responses to those experiencing a mental health and/or addiction who are in crisis. The training also includes a role play session as well as community shadowing. The participants can spend the day with one of many agency partners, however, GCB accommodates the majority of individuals due to its size.

Lisa Monast is an Education Specialist with the MHA, as well as its CIT coordinator. “Lack of knowledge breeds fear,” says Lisa. “Shining the light on the issue of mental illness greatly increases the participant’s understanding and capacity for compassion. A different perspective might prevent the need for a hands-on approach, provided safety isn’t comprimised.”

Many local police departments have their own internal CIT teams, all of whom have taken the training and participate in on-going, advanced CIT training. Bonus results from training could include improved officer and consumer safety as well as improved interagency communication.

“Next time I see this situation in the E.R.,” says Joe, “our approach will be different. Instead of crowding him, which is standard procedure, we’re going to give him space - because now I know he’s paranoid and that is the best response.”

“Trying to discern someone’s behavor as illness-related vs. acting out is difficult,” Joe added. “This training gave me new insight.”

Neal Connor is a GCB team supervisor and CIT coordinator. “This experience not only allows officers to learn more about the issues our clients face, but also allows the officers and care managers the opportunity to share experiences and perspectives.”

The community shadowing helps officers understand what we do; we are a resource,” says Neal. “There is a bias on both sides, police as well as staff. Each side comes away with a new understanding on perspective.”

“Changing the outcome from jail to mental health services,” says Lisa. “That’s the success story.”

A Fresh PerspectiveA Safe and Humane Response to Those in Crisis

PARTNERING TO PROVIDE THE GIFT OF

“Trying to discern someone’s behavor as illness-related

vs. acting out is difficult. This training gave me new insight.”

University Hospital public safety officers

MISSIONTo ensure people with mental illness,

addiction, and related challenges lead healthy and productive lives

VISIONGCB is a national leader in improving

the mental and physical health of people throughout our ever-expanding community.

Pathway to Peace: The Patricia and Jessica Lutz Foundation was founded from a heartbreaking event that took the lives of Patricia and Jessica Lutz more than three years ago. The mother and daughter were spending quality time together on a fateful walk near their home in Colerain Township when they were hit and killed by a vehicle driving off the side of the road.

Patricia was much loved in the community, having worked in the local school system for almost 40 years, most recently as a guidance counselor at Glen Este and Amelia High Schools. She was devoted to her job and the kids, and always went the extra mile for anyone in need. Her daughter, Jessica, had recently moved home from Los Angeles to enter nursing school. The two women were very close, sharing a deep faith and compassion for others.

“How do we take this tragic experience and turn it into something positive?” says Joe Lutz, Patricia’s son and Jessica’s older brother. “In picking up the pieces, we were inspired to create a charity that would create a legacy, and honor the memory of these women in a significant and impactful way.”

Pathway to Peace: The Patricia and Jessica Lutz Foundation was born with a mission to keep the generous spirit of Patricia and Jessica alive by raising awareness and support for mental health treatment. Both women had a deep understanding of the unique challenges that come from men-

tal health issues. “The name of the charity originated from a line in the Serenity Prayer which reads ‘accepting hardships as the PATHWAY TO PEACE,’ says Joe. “We know that my mom and little sister were praying together on that fateful walk – so this line was particularly meaningful to us. Our mis-sion is to help guide people from hardship, onto a pathway to peace.”

“What impressed us most about GCB,” says Vince, Patricia’s husband of 42 years, “is that the majority of their staff is literally serving clients where the need is, in the community - on the street, in the jails, shelters, transitional housing - they are taking action where the action most needs to be!”

“When we were first approached by the family over three years ago,” said GCB President and CEO Jeff O’Neil, “we were really excited to hear about their vision. There’s a real synergy in missions between Pathway to Peace and GCB; we’re very thankful to them for believing in us.”

Since that first meeting, GCB has continued to grow to over 600 staff and 30,000 clients, including 8,000 with severe and persistent mental illness.

To date, Pathway to Peace, a 501c3 nonprofit, has donated $50,000 to GCB through various fundraising events. “We are very much a small, grassroots charity,” says Joe. “Every single dollar is raised from scratch, which is why it’s so important that

our goals align well with GCB’s. We see the power in what they do.”

“We are incredibly grateful for Pathway to Peace’s kindness and generosity,” said GCB’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tracey Skale. “Their support is making a difference to the population we serve; the most severely mentally ill who endure so many other different barriers.”

The family members, including Joe, Vince and Jenna Schrenk, as well as family friend and board member Donna Hoffman, have plans to grow the Foundation, with even more events being planned for 2018, including a charity golf outing in the spring and a charity walk in the fall. Further information can be found at pathwaytopeacefoundation.org

“We don’t always have the opportunity to connect with funders at this level,” says Jeff. “When they have a deep understanding of the challenges our clients face every day, as well as a true appreciation of the reality of what we do, it makes the partnership all the more meaningful.”

Pathway to PeaceTHE PATRICIA AND JESSICA LUTZ FOUNDATION

Don’t Miss the Pathway to Peace Charity Golf Outing on Saturday, June 16 at Pebble Creek Country Club – go to pathwaytopeacefoundation.org for more details.

30,000total number of persons served by ALL GCB programs

That number includes approximately 20,000 individuals in treatment and another 10,000 clients receiving prevention services as well

as those seeing our counselors in Primary Care clinics.

Over 92 percent of clients surveyed say they have high overall satisfaction with services at GCB.

92%OVER

GCB Voted a Top Workplace for

8 STRAIGHT YEARSGCB has been awarded a 2017 Top Workplaces honor by the Cincinnati Enquirer.

This year’s award marks the eighth year in a row for GCB, who is the only nonprofit organization in Greater Cincinnati to achieve this recognition. The Top Workplaces lists

are based solely on the results of an employee feedback survey that measures several aspects of workplace culture including Alignment, Execution, Connection, and more.

GCB EARNS HIGHEST LEVEL OF ACCREDITATIONSince the mid-1970’s GCB has achieved national accreditation through the Commission on the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). In spring of 2017, CARF awarded GCB the highest level of three-year accreditation in a total of 14 Behavioral Health and Opioid Treatment Programs. The surveyors noted many strengths, including GCB’s ‘on-going commitment of developing a strong model for integrated healthcare,’ and ‘the strong culture of recovery throughout the organization…clients feel that the staff members genuinely care about their well-being, go above and beyond to meet their needs, and provide lifesaving services.’

MEDICATION ASSISTED TREATMENT PROGRAM Admission to the Medication Assisted Treatment Program

(combines behavioral therapy and medications to treat substance use

disorders) showed an increase of 68 percent in the past fiscal

year, going from 250 active clients to 420 active clients.

COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT TO BENEFIT HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS GRANT This grant, started in 2014, has met or exceeded housing targets each year, helping 235 chronically homeless individuals and veterans across Hamilton County obtain housing. Retention is a major goal.

95%On average 95 percent remain housed after six months or more.

Welcome to the New Year!

Our goal in each issue of ‘Mindful Matters’ is to shine a spotlight on stories that reflect the real impact that your life-changing support is having on thousands of our neighbors who live with the challenges of mental illness every day. We want to bring you the people behind the scenes – not only the clients, but the volunteers, funders and partners – individuals just like you – who embody the mission of GCB – to ensure that peo-ple with mental illness, addiction and related challenges lead healthy and productive lives.

With your support, our programs and services work cohesively to bring help and hope to people in need. Your partnership is vital to this process.

In this issue, I hope you will be inspired by learning more about our efforts to teach prevention in the classroom, as well as our partnership training program for first responders, and much more.

Thank you for your continued compassionate and generous support!

MESSAGE FROM JEFF O’NEIL, PRESIDENT & CEO

Bill Culp Board Chair

Nick Hahn Vice Chair

Janeen Sharpshair Secretary

Patti Jacobs Treasurer

Tom Armstrong

Richard Boydston

Herb Brown Emeritus

Ashley Caldwell

Nick Collura

Connie Cunningham

Paula Dehan Member at Large

Dr. Larry Graham

Steve Harlamert Member at Large

Grant Hesser

Fred Heyse

Stacy Lynch

Brittany Lynn

Jamie Ramsey

Laurie Roessler

Susan Scherer

Lamont Taylor

Dr. James Thomas

Gloria Walker

GCB is pleased to welcome Ashley Caldwell as a new member of its Board of

Directors. Ashley is a Promo Planning Specialist at

The Kroger Company. She will serve a three-year term.

GCB BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Staff Expert Profile Board Certified in Addiction Medicine and Psychiatry

DR. KATHERINE (KATIE) SCHMIDT

Tell us about yourself – what was your path to GCB? Can you describe your role and how long have you worked here?

I double-majored in Biology and Environmental Science as an undergrad at UC, completed my medical degree at Wright State, and then my residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin. I worked at both the HealthSource of Ohio as well as the VA prior to joining GCB five years ago.

I started here as a general psychiatrist, and am now the Associate Medical Director of GCB and the Medical Director of the Clermont Recovery Center (CRC). I have extensive experience working with patients with schizophrenia as well as mood, anxiety, personality and substance abuse disorders. I am the supervisor of our Dual Diagnostic, Integrated Dual Disorder Treatment and Hearing Impaired Teams, as well as the Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Team, meaning my time is split between GCB’s Madison, Batavia and Amelia locations.

How did you become interested in your field?

I started out in the DAPP Program at UC majoring in Architecture, which was a compromise for my mom, because I was really interested in sculpting! Designing buildings didn’t seem meaningful to me, so I switched my focus to medicine after two years. I loved every aspect about medicine, and had a hard time deciding on a specialty. I ultimately chose psychiatry, because I liked really getting to know my patients.

What do you love about your work here at GCB?

I work with an amazing group of dedicated professionals who share my vision and passion for what we do. It’s a privilege for me that my patients allow me to get a glimpse into their lives. I love that GCB is an agency that puts their money where their mouth is! The right questions are being asked at every level - what is the experience like for a client? How can we make it better? This agency strives

to make a difference in all areas of our patient’s lives, including employment and housing. GCB is a visionary – they do things right, because it’s the right thing to do, and that’s why I love working here.

What about your field or clients do you think more people should know?

The biggest misconception is that mental illness is somehow a character flaw. That someone ‘can buckle down,’ and get over it – that kind of mentality helps drive the stigma. No one grows up saying they want to become addicted or mentally ill. These are conditions, not choices that people have made.

And people can get better! I’ve seen clients on the Medication Assisted Treatment program go from being unemployed and behind on their bills, to getting full-time jobs, paying their fines and buying Christmas gifts for their kids for the first time in years. Treatment can be very powerful.

What are the biggest trends in your area of expertise?

As an Opiate Treatment Center, GCB is still very much on the front line of the opioid epidemic. From our view in the trenches, the tide has yet to turn. We see everyone from stockbrockers and attorneys, to construction workers and homeless people. And they all know someone who’s overdosed, making it very real.

What is life like outside of work?

I am a Turpin grad, and still live in the Anderson area. My husband is in risk management, and we have three children, ages 14, 11 and 6. I like to garden, and still enjoy sculpting and drawing!

Katherine (Katie) Schmidt, MD, was recently selected as the winner of NAMI’s 2017 Exemplary Psychiatrist award.

MERCY HEALTH AND GCB JOIN FORCES TO FIGHT ADDICTIONAs of November 28, GCB began a partnership with Mercy Health by becoming one of ten providers that will help to ensure that patients receive needed care and ongoing treatment in a coordinated and timely fashion. This relationship was established to develop care coordination programs to expand access to and continuity of care between Mercy Health hospitals, providers and treatment centers. The CRC is also the recent recipient of an in-kind donation of a service van, thanks to the generosity of Mercy Clermont.

1501 Madison Road Cincinnati,OH 45206

TALK TO US!Questions, comments, suggestions? Please contact our Community Relations Manager, Jill Wallace-Cooper at jwcooper@gcbhs.com or 513-354-7197.

GCB LOCATIONSMain Office Primary Clinic 1501 Madison Road Cincinnati OH 45206 513-354-5200

North Office 7162 Reading Road Cincinnati OH 45237 513-354-7200

Transitional-Aged Youth (TIP) 1074 Wasserman Way Batavia OH 45103 513-354-1300

CRC 1088 Wasserman Road Batavia OH 45103 513-735-8100

Amelia 43 E. Main Street Amelia OH 45102 513-947-7000

Milford 512 High Street Milford OH 45150 513- 947-7000

Price Hill 3730 Glenway Avenue Cincinnati OH 45205 513-381-6300

Northern KY 434 Scott Boulevard Covington KY 859-291-1121

www.gcbhs.com

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