The Kim Foundation Blog -- Working to Reduce Mental Illness Stigma » Education

Not Alone Radio Program, May 15: Toni Hoy, Author

D. Waggoner — Wed, 16 May 2012 15:04:51 +0000

Toni Hoy has written a poignant book called “Second Time Foster Child”, that I think is a must read for every parent with a child in need of mental health services, as well as every therapist, social worker, member of the legislature, the juvenile justice system, and the departments of health and human services.

Mrs. Hoy and her husband adopted two brothers out of the foster care system promising to give them a forever home. Because one boy developed severe mental health needs, and the family ran out of insurance benefits and the boy was once again became a ward of the state. The results were exactly the same issues that other parents are facing today: If you can’t afford treatment, then do you give your child away in order that he might receive treatment? If you don’t trade your child for treatment, could his illness become so violent that someone will be hurt? If you choose to trade away your child in exchange for treatment, you will be charged for neglect and your name placed as a child abuser? Or, if you choose not to trade your child away, and bring him home, you risk being charged with child endangerment for failure to protect your other kids.

Medicaid mandated care under EPSDT, this is an entitlement for children, as is public education; however, many states design their own Medicaid laws to circumvent this opportunity for early intervention and healing for children. Isn’t it time for an honest look at how the system operates?

To learn more about Mrs. Hoy’s experiences with mental health insurance benefits and her book “Second Time Foster Child” listen to the May 15 Not Alone podcast by clicking on the play button below or downloading the file and listening later. To listen to any of the past Not Alone broadcasts, visit The Kim Foundation Not Alone podcast page.

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May 15, 2012 – Toni Hoy, Author

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Airing every Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. (CST on station KCRO, channel 660 AM based out of Omaha, Neb.), Not Alone is a live talk radio program focused on behavioral health and recovery. Developed by The Kim Foundation through the support of C&A Industries, Inc., Not Alone works to reduce the stigma often associated with mental illness. The show seeks to assure individuals, families, and communities that they are not alone, mental illness affects us all, hosting a variety of guest from across the country.

Ted E. Bear Hollow Holds Informative Events

D. Waggoner — Mon, 14 May 2012 19:41:05 +0000

Nebraska is fortunate to be home to several organizations that extend a helping hand to children experiencing loss and grief. These organizations are of immense value to our communities, as they help youngsters of all ages understand loss and grief in age appropriate words, and to experience comfort in their loss. Sadly, many children and teens never experience these steps to healing, and carry a never healing scar from their loss for years to come.

The Kim Foundation was invited to an open house at Ted E. Bear Hollow this past week called Hope at the Hollow Hour where we got to share in the activities and experiences utilized by more than 650 Omaha area children and families this past year. Youngsters are given permission to talk about their loved one and to grieve in their own way. Teens had decorated masks with words of bravado on the outside presented for the world to see; on the inside of the mask we read the profound words of pain and uncertainty these teens kept hidden in their hearts. Pre-schoolers looked at objects that were living and that were not, and learn that all living things, flowers, birds, and people, stop living at some time. This is all done in words at the young child’s level of communication.

We learned that children are deeply affected by death and adults often feel helpless in comforting them. Some children are at high risk for maladaptive behavior and other problems, but having a safe place to find support and understanding, and to realize that other people are grieving too, enables the healing process. Ted E. Bear Hollow helps children, as well as adults, learn healthy coping mechanisms. And best of all, the services are a gift from others; there is no cost to grieving families.

As we remind our friends, you are not alone, there are others who understand and will walk with you as you seek help, hope, and healing! If you know of a youngster who has experienced a recent loss, we urge you to attend one of Ted E Bear Hollow’s Hope at the Hollow Hour sessions soon for helpful information.

Hope at the Hollow Sessions

Wednesday, June 6 — 6 p.m.
Thursday, June 7 — 7:30 a.m
Wednesday, July 25 — 4:30 p.m.
Thursday, July 26 — 11:30 a.m.
Wednesday, August 15 — 8 a.m.
Thursday, August 16 — 5 p.m.

Hope at the Hollow is held at 7811 Farnam St. Omaha, NE 68114. Call 402.502.2773 to reserve your spot.

Crisis Intervention Team Training

J. Hebenstreit — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 15:41:41 +0000

Recently I had the unique experience of participating in the Heartland Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training with the Omaha Police Department, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department, and several other area law enforcement agencies. The commitment, compassion, and eagerness to improve their skills that these men and women showed throughout the week is commendable. Each officer volunteered to go through this 40-hour training and received a certification upon completion of the course.

CIT training began in Omaha in 2006 and has continued to expand through the years. Currently, there are two graduating classes each calendar year. This training enhances law enforcement’s response toward individuals who are experiencing mental health issues. It helps them recognize common forms of mental illness and also teaches them to utilize the most effective means of communicating with people experiencing a crisis.

Through classroom learning, consumer and family panels, role-playing in scenarios and simulation exercises, officers are trained to deescalate an individual in crisis, and have a better understanding of what the individual is experiencing as their crisis unfolds. Being able to participate in this training caused me to form a deeper appreciation for both what the officers experience on a daily basis, as well as the strong impact mental health issues have on an individual’s entire life.

Another component of the training was a day of site visits to treatment facilities in the Omaha area. Each of the facilities my group visited went out of their way to open their doors to us, allow us to visit with consumers, patients, and clients to better understand their experience with law enforcement, and let the officers know the best practices that create a strong collaboration between these entities and law enforcement in order to best serve individuals with mental health issues.

CIT training is a crucial step in strengthening the relationship between law enforcement and the individuals they serve in their communities. These trained officers can now more effectively respond to incidents involving individuals in crisis, and better serve them by having a stronger understanding of what they are experiencing and what treatments are available to them. The officers who volunteered for this training are now more equipped to serve those in crisis, as their compassion, knowledge, and training have come together to enhance their experience as an officer.

Julia Hebenstreit, The Kim Foundation Administrative Director

About Julia Hebenstreit, Administrative Director, The Kim Foundation
Julia has a B.S. in Journalism (PR/Advertising) from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and a J.D. from Creighton University. She has served as Vice President of the Nebraska Chapter of Grant Professionals Association since 2008, is part of the Women’s Fund Circle, is a member of the Omaha Chamber’s Young Professionals group, is a member of St. Cecilia’s Women’s Guild, and is a Goal Buddy for Partnership for Our Kids. Julia joined The Kim Foundation as Administrative Director in December 2011.

Not Alone Radio Program, April 17: Crisis Intervention Team Training for Law Enforcement

D. Waggoner — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 15:24:31 +0000

Our guests on Not Alone this week included Officer Leigh Culver with the Omaha Police Department, Nancy Engquist with Community Alliance, and Steve Spelic with Alegent Health Services. Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Training for Law Enforcement has been a successful program since its inception in Memphis, Tenn. in 1988. It began in Omaha six years ago through a coalition of community mental health care advocates, providers, consumers and family members.

CIT training is a 40 hour class for law enforcement to learn how to work with people in mental health crisis. Consumers and family members are very much a part of the training; explaining to officers the turmoil they experience during times of crisis and how officers might offer calm and reassurance, rather than adding to the trauma being felt. Officers volunteer for these classes, and are pleased with the opportunity provided to become more knowledgeable, and more reassuring to people in need of assistance.

Members of the medical profession, legal profession, therapists, police officers, family members, and most importantly consumers of care, all volunteer their time to participate in this week-long training. It is a very successful example of a community identifying a need, and supporting one another in order that a positive change in our system of care might be successfully implemented.

We noted with pride that the classes, originally designed for the police and sheriff’s department in Douglas and Sarpy counties have now included members from probation, corrections, and the Nebraska Humane Society, as well as law enforcement from Norfolk, Council Bluffs, and Sioux City, plus many other cities and towns in Iowa and Nebraska. The program is successful and continuing to expand.

To learn more about the Omaha CIT program, listen to the April 17 Not Alone podcast by clicking on the play button below, or downloading the file and listening later. To listen to any past Not Alone broadcasts, visit The Kim Foundation Not Alone podcast page.

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April 17, 2012 – Crisis Intervention Training for Law Enforcement

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Not Alone Radio Program, Mar. 13: Social Work Students

D. Waggoner — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 21:17:20 +0000

It is always a positive when we interview students. They are excited about their career choice and eager to graduate and begin work. Their enthusiasm and belief in the future is contagious and heart-warming. Our guests on Not Alone, Zaki Phillips, a graduate student at UNO School of Social Work, and Nathan Howland, an undergrad at UNO created just that atmosphere. Both men have practical experience working in their chosen field. Zaki wants to work with youth, and help them find physical outlets for their emotional turmoil. He has dreams of athletic centers where troubled youth can find a safe environment for working out their angst. Nathan understands the reasons so many of today’s youth turn to drugs and alcohol for solace, and wants to help them find a healthy life outside the walls of addiction. Better yet, Nathan would like to be there for youth before the addictive patterns are formed. Dr. Theresa Barron-McKeagney, with the Grace Abbott School of Social Work at the University of Nebraska Omaha campus reminded us that social workers are people trained to help people help themselves to a more fulfilling life.

To hear more from these social work students, listen to the March 13 Not Alone podcast by clicking on the play button below, or download the file to listen later. To listen to any of the past Not Alone broadcasts, visit The Kim Foundation Not Alone podcast page.

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March 13, 2012 – UNO Grace Abbott School of Social Work

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Not Alone Radio Program, Feb. 21: R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

D. Waggoner — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 22:37:51 +0000

It is always such fun to have the R.E.S.P.E.C.T. professional theater group join Not Alone. They have such enthusiasm as well as a sincere commitment to helping young people move toward a healthier and happier life.

Recognizing February as Dating Violence Awareness Month, the R.E.S.P.E.C.T. team returned to Not Alone presenting Cracked But Not Broken, a drama about a high school sophomore, Chelsea, who was being bullied and controlled by her boyfriend, Jess, and how her best friend, Andrea, tries to help Chelsea. Part of the program message involves issues of growing up and learning to date, part involves understanding that each individual has the right to set their own social boundaries.

We were told by the actors that often students will ask questions about bullying relationships because their Mom or Dad is in such a relationship, and, of course, the kids observe these unhealthy situations among friends at school. The R.E.S.P.E.C.T. actor/educators gave suggestions after the Not Alone performance for parents in opening conversations with their student about safety in dating.

The actors portrayed their character so successfully, we were a little amused, yet gratified, to note twice during the radio broadcast, men who work for KCRO heard the yelling coming from our studio, became concerned, and came over to look in the window to check on our well-being. How is that for a convincing performance! Check their website at RESPECT2ALL.org to see some of the other presentations available for schools, churches, and summer programs. We think they do a great job for all age levels.

To learn more about R.E.S.P.E.C.T. and to listen to the performance of Cracked But Not Broken, click on the play button below or download the file and listen later. Unfortunately, Not Alone did not record properly this week, so when listening to the podcast, you may notice a series of technical problems for which we apologize. To listen to any of the past Not Alone broadcasts, visit The Kim Foundation podcast page.

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February 21, 2012 – R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

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Not Alone Radio Program, Oct. 4: Sharon Bracken, author of Eli the Bipolar Bear

D. Waggoner — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 22:01:24 +0000

Due to a last minute program switch at Not Alone, we were able to re-run one of our most requested ‘favorites’: an interview with Sharon Bracken, author of Eli the Bipolar Bear. Recently, we’ve been talking about children’s needs in order to understand emotional and behavioral issues. Listeners know that children need information in words they can understand. To that point, Eli was written because the author’s son had been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and the family needed help in explaining Bipolar Disorder to him. A need many families can relate to.

Not Alone recently interviewed another wonderful author Julia Cook, from Fremont, Neb. who has written amazing books for children regarding a variety of social issues, including divorce, (The D Word); ADHD, (It’s Hard Being a Verb); anger management, (Soda Pop Head); and her latest book, Grief is Like a Snowflake, which talks to children about grief and the reality of losing someone we love.

Realizing the need for books of this nature, written specifically for children, The Kim Foundation is raising money to purchase children’s books to donate to public libraries and elementary school libraries throughout Nebraska, especially in rural communities. If you would care to join us, please send your donation to The Kim Foundation and mark your check for The Book Project. We know these books will help children and parents face their journey with the right tools, and the right words. Thanks for your help!

To listen to the re-broadcast Not Alone program featuring author Sharon Bracken, click on the link below to listen to the October 4 Not Alone broadcast or download the file and listen later. To listen to past broadcasts, visit The Kim Foundation Web site Not Alone podcast page.

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Sharon Bracken, author of Eli, the Bipolar Bear – Track 1

Sharon Bracken, author of Eli, the Bipolar Bear – Track 2

Sharon Bracken, author of Eli, the Bipolar Bear – Track 3

Understanding EPSDT and How it Affects Health Care Services

D. Waggoner — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 15:25:44 +0000

Many Nebraska mental health care providers are asking “What is EPSDT, and how can it serve my clients?” It is not a new program; rather it is something that was established by Medicaid in about 1967. It is the child health component, known as the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment program. Quoting from the Health Resources and Services Administration, “Federal law – including statutes, regulations and guidelines – requires that Medicaid cover a very comprehensive set of benefits and services for children, different from adult benefits. Since one in three U.S. children under age six is eligible for Medicaid, EPSDT offers a very important way to ensure that young children receive appropriate health, mental health, and developmental services.”

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services state that the EPSDT service is “Medicaid’s comprehensive and preventive child health program for individuals under age 21.” The CMS continues, “In addition, Section 1905(r)(5) of the Social Security Act (the Act) requires that any medically necessary health care service listed at Section 1905(a) of The Act be provided to an EPSDT recipient even if the service is not available under the State’s Medicaid plan to the rest of the Medicaid population.”

On March 18, 2011, NAMI National hosted a teleconference with guest speaker Jane Perkins, legal director of the National Health Law Center. Jane is considered the leading expert on EPSDT. Ms. Perkins stated that “States must apply the federal definition of “medical necessity” and that this broad definition cannot be narrowed by state rules. The federal definition of medical necessity is defined in the federal statute which states “If a practitioner of the healing arts deems that a treatment is medically necessary to correct or ameliorate a condition, the state must provide it, whether or not it is covered under any other state plan.”

Ms. Perkins listed services not covered under EPSDT, which include respite, habilitative care, and home modification. She defined habilitative treatment as ‘to teach a skill they never had.” This is an important delineation when formally requesting services under the EPSDT provision, continued Ms. Perkins, as the law does include rehabilitative care. Ms. Perkins stressed the importance of wording when requesting services under EPSDT. Such wordings include EPSDT and correct or ameliorate.

Toni Hoy, author of “Second Time Foster Child,” has used EPSDT as the basis for the Hoy Family federal lawsuit against the state of Illinois, filed in November, 2010. The suit is pending in the Northern District Federal Court.

Jane Perkins is hosting a 16-month workgroup on EPSDT; The Kim Foundation urges readers to visit her website at www.healthlaw.org. Her email is perkins@healthlaw.org.

Not Alone Radio Program, Mar. 22: Jeff Wolfsberg

D. Waggoner — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 16:43:34 +0000

Our guest this week was a very positive gentleman, Jeff Wolfsberg, one of the most influential drug educators and speakers regarding teens and substance abuse in the world today. Jeff talked to parents and professionals about “addiction-proofing” our youth. His message to youth includes establishing a clear vision of family health and wellness, as well as encouraging teens to find their value and worth in ways other than self-harming. He presented a positive message for students suggesting skills for developing friends who will encourage them to be who they are, who support them, and he urged everyone to be careful of people who are all about negativity. His message applies to all of us!

Click on the button below to listen to the March 22 Not Alone broadcast featuring Jeff Wolfsberg, or download the file and listen later. To listen to past broadcasts, visit The Kim Foundation Web site Not Alone podcast page.

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Jeff Wolfsberg, drug addiction specialist – Track 1

Jeff Wolfsberg, drug addiction specialist – Track 2

Jeff Wolfsberg, drug addiction specialist – Track 3

Help Lines and Support Groups Available for Shoplifters and Gamblers

D. Waggoner — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 16:36:47 +0000

The Kim Foundation believes in promoting opportunities for more meaningful mental health care for everyone. Promoting local programs that create hope for recovery and help in developing the tools and skills needed for change has become part of our vision. Understanding that many people struggle to change harmful behaviors, we’d like to recognize two fairly new programs addressing compulsive behaviors.

The Kim Foundation has previously showcased projects for those who compulsively over-eat, compulsively shop for unnecessary items, or compulsively hoard items that are serving no useful purpose in their homes. Recently, two respected colleagues shared we me new opportunities that are designed to heal and change those who compulsively shoplift and compulsively gamble.

Jeri Schaben, with the Douglas County Community Mental Health Center told us that there are approximately 7,000 shoplifting arrests per year in Douglas County. That’s about one in every 11 people living in the county! Most are law abiding citizens, except for this addiction, and most want to quit, but can’t! Shoplifters report that they steal 48 times for every one time they are caught.

Jeri also shared that there is a new self-help group in Omaha — Compulsive Shoplifters Anonymous. Its goal is to help individuals who want and need assistance to stop their addiction.

Sidney Kauzlarich, M.D., the Medical Director at Douglas County Community Mental Health Center is encouraging individuals to participate. Dr. Kauzlarich stated, “Recovery groups for compulsive shoplifters can be extremely effective in curbing or stopping the behavior. The groups provide support in identifying basic issues that cause the compulsive behavior.” Studies find that those who attend Compulsive Shoplifters Anonymous meetings for more than one year virtually stop their behavior.

Congratulations to members of Omaha’s Compulsive Shoplifters Anonymous (CSA), for recognizing their addiction, and taking that first positive action toward stopping. CSA meets every Thursday from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. at Bergan Mercy Medical Center in the downstairs conference room. For information, contact Jeri Schaben at Douglas County Community Mental Health Center – 402-444-5200.

Another friend, Beth Hansen, MS, LMHP, CCGC, with One World Community Health Center in Omaha, reminded us about the help lines available for those with compulsive gambling behaviors, 1-800-522-4700 from the Nebraska Council on Compulsive Gambling, and 1-800-Bets-Off, which is the Iowa gambling treatment program.

Beth reports that often times, those addicted will call the toll free number, but lose heart and disconnect the call when a counselor answers. Some people will call several times before they actually develop the confidence to talk with someone. This includes friends or family members who will call, then feeling shame or frustration, and will also simply hang up the telephone. When they do build up the confidence to talk, callers are usually pleased with the kindness and the information that trained counselors are able to provide.

People who have stolen money from loved ones or business associates in order to perpetuate their compulsion, people who have lost jobs and families because of their habit, and people facing incarceration because of the financial damage they have caused, can all find some degree of help from addressing their addiction with a trained professional or contacting one of the help lines listed above. Gamblers deserve the opportunity to begin life again without the addiction that has cost them so dearly.

This season of the year is about repentance, about spiritual discipline, and a recommitment to self improvement; every day becomes a good time of year to help any person with an addiction who is looking for a new beginning.