Awesome New Things

YARDLEY, Pa., Apr 16, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) –
MediMedia Health, one of the most respected Medical Marketing providers
of advanced multi-channel communications and marketing strategies for
global medicines companies, has appointed Phil Deschamps as President
and CEO. Deschamps formerly served as President and CEO of GSW
Worldwide, a division of inVentiv Health, where he led worldwide
operations evolving that agency from a local Columbus based healthcare
agency to one of the world’s largest and most prestigious healthcare
agencies.

In his new role, Deschamps will oversee the operations of all business
divisions within MediMedia Health. He will have responsibility for
leading and building upon the foundation of proven, innovative,
intelligence-driven Non-Personal Promotion (NPP), medical communication,
and managed markets strategies the company has delivered to clients for
more than 30 years. More specifically, Deschamps will expand the
company’s service offerings and client relationships by developing
strategic analytics, digital channels, and integrated campaigns while
driving operational excellence. Deschamps will report directly to the
CEO of MediMedia USA, Bill Goldberg.

“I’m thrilled to have someone with Phil’s exceptional leadership skills
and marketing vision in this role,” said Goldberg. “Phil has a proven
track record of success in building impactful client solutions and in so
doing driving exceptional business growth. His passion, enthusiasm and
expertise for healthcare marketing, clients and people exemplify the
qualities we want MediMedia Health to be recognized for.”

The depth of Deschamps’ expertise stems from his 26 years in the Health
Sciences industry.

At the helm of GSW Worldwide, Deschamps grew the business three fold and
oversaw its expansion into digital and global services. Prior to that,
he served as director of neuroscience marketing at Bristol-Myers Squibb
(BMS) in Princeton, N.J., where he participated on several pre-launch
Global Marketing teams in the neuroscience and pain markets.

“I am absolutely thrilled to lead MediMedia Health to continue on its
successful path,” said Deschamps.

MediMedia Health recently announced its dynamic reorganization to
satisfy the demands of a rapidly evolving healthcare marketplace. “We
will leave no stone unturned to continue to evolve our leading services
to give our clients a competitive advantage in the support of their
brands,” said Deschamps.

About MediMedia Health

MediMedia(R) Health is one of the most respected providers of advanced
multichannel promotional health care-related marketing campaigns.
Committed to optimizing our clients’ promotional and marketing efforts,
the company delivers proven, integrated, intelligence-driven engagements
to health care professionals, patients and caregivers. For more than 30
years, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies have relied on our
innovative marketing programs to stimulate brand growth and patient
loyalty.
www.medimediahealth.com

SOURCE: MediMedia Health

MediMedia Health
Business and Media Contact:
Ray Joske, 267-685-2658
rjoske@medimedia.com

www.medimediahealth.com

Copyright Business Wire 2012

Financial Glossary

Words used in this article:

Health care reform will lead employers and workers to consider a different balance between pay and benefits like health insurance. Photo by Flickr user 401K

During trading today, the Health Care sector (XLV) showed little change while the SP 500 fell 0.1%.

The ETF, as a proxy for the sector, tracked closer to the overall market today than over the past month. Entering todays trading, XLV was down 1.2% over the last thirty trading days while the SP 500 climbed -2.6%. The ETF is trading at 0.6% of of its 50-day moving average but 104.5% above its 200-day moving average.

Endocyte (ECYT) rose 100.5% to close at $7.62, cross its 50-day moving average of $4.43 and 200-day moving average of $6.16.

CorVel Corporation (CRVL) rose 2.4% to close at $41.72, approaching its 50-day moving average of $42.53. It has also moved closer to its 200-day moving average of $46.28. MAKO Surgical (TMO) fell 2.3% to close at $41.55, moving closer to its 50-day moving average of $40.35. Also, the stock moved closer to its 200-day moving average of $52.51.

Telik (TELK) was a major gainer in the sector, rising 11.5% (+46 cents) to close at $4.46 with 10,912 shares moving. The stock traded in a range of $3.93 to $4.46.

Baxter International (BAX) was one of the sectors big losers, as its price dropped 6.8% (-$3.93) to close at $54.10. 12.9 million shares of the stock moved. The stock traded between $53.95 and $56.25. The stock has been losing steam over the last month, declining $5.68 (-9.5%) from a price of $59.78 on March 15, 2012.

Merrimack Pharmaceuticals (MACK) hit a new 52-week high today, reaching $7.87 to top the previous high of $7.05.

CHICAGO, Apr 16, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) –
Today, at the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare’s
Mental Health and Addictions Conference in Chicago, Magellan Health
Services of Arizona, a subsidiary of Magellan Health Services, Inc.

/quotes/zigman/91048/quotes/nls/mgln MGLN
+1.32%

, will receive the National Council’s Award of Excellence
in Service Innovation for its Programmatic Suicide Deterrent System.

“We are thrilled to accept this award from the National Council and
pleased to donate the $10,000 prize to the Suicide Prevention Resource
Center (SPRC),” said Richard Clarke, Ph.D., CEO of Magellan Health
Services of Arizona. “It is an honor to be recognized for this
innovative program and the collaborative effort between Magellan, the
Arizona Department of Health Services’ Division of Behavioral Health
Services, our provider partners and the many community leaders who make
this initiative a success.”

The Central Arizona Programmatic Suicide Deterrent System is a community
collaborative with public policy, law enforcement and mental health
leaders to change the culture of “don’t ask, don’t tell” that surrounds
suicide, empower provider agency staff and families with skills and
knowledge to intervene when a service recipient talks about suicide, and
create a framework to address this major public health problem.

In fiscal year 2007, the suicide death rate for those with serious
mental illness enrolled in the behavioral healthcare system in Maricopa
County was reported as 175 per 100,000. Since fiscal year 2009, this
rate has averaged 113 per 100,000 for those with serious mental illness
— a reduction of 42 percent — in the area Magellan serves (Maricopa
County, Ariz. and parts of Pinal County, Ariz.).

“Suicide is a preventable cause of death,” said David Covington, vice
president of adult and child/youth services for Magellan Health Services
of Arizona. “At highest risk of suicide are those who face life
challenges because of mental illness. In particular, the rate of suicide
for individuals with a serious mental illness is six to 12 times higher
than the rate of the general population.”

Five years ago, half of service providers who had the opportunity to
intervene when someone mentioned suicide did not — because they lacked
the training, skills and/or supports to do so. Today, through this
program, that number is down to just two percent.”

The program used a train-the-trainer model and to date more than 2,400
people have received Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training
(ASIST). The training has equipped participants with the skills and
knowledge to identify and intervene with those at risk of attempting
suicide and has given participants self-confidence in managing through
these tense situations.

In addition, for the approximately 1,300 people who are in Assertive
Community Treatment (ACT) programs, inpatient hospital rates have
declined 51 percent. This decrease can be attributed in part to trained
behavioral health professionals that now have significantly increased
confidence in engaging individuals at risk in direct conversations about
suicide instead of referring them to law enforcement and crisis
interventionists, who may be more likely to hospitalize.

For more information about the Programmatic Suicide Deterrent System,
visit
www.MagellanofAZ.com/suicide .

The SPRC is the nation’s only federally supported resource center
devoted to advancing the National
Strategy for Suicide Prevention. It provides technical
assistance, training, and materials to increase the knowledge and
expertise of suicide prevention practitioners and other professionals
serving people at risk for suicide. It also promotes collaboration among
a variety of organizations that play a role in developing the field of
suicide prevention.

About Magellan Health Services of Arizona

Magellan Health Services of Arizona is the Regional Behavioral Health
Authority for central Arizona, which includes all of Maricopa County and
part of Pinal County. In this role, Magellan serves as a critical point
of connection to the more than 80,000 individuals who have experienced
life challenges as a result of mental illness and substance abuse.
Magellan gives these individuals voice and choice to realize their
desired outcomes and supports them with caring, unrivaled customer
service that is sensitive to the diversity of our communities. For more
information, visit
www.MagellanofAZ.com
or call Magellan of Arizona at (800) 564-5465, TTY (800) 424-9831.
Information is available in English and Spanish.

About Magellan Health Services

Headquartered in Avon, Conn., Magellan Health Services Inc. is a leading
specialty health care management organization with expertise in managing
behavioral health, radiology and specialty pharmaceuticals, as well as
public sector pharmacy benefits programs. Magellan delivers innovative
solutions to improve quality outcomes and optimize the cost of care for
those we serve. Magellan’s customers include health plans, employers and
government agencies. As of December 31, 2011, Magellan served
approximately 31.1 million members in our behavioral health business,
15.6 million members in our radiology benefits management segment, and 6
million members in our medical pharmacy management product. In addition,
the specialty pharmaceutical segment served 41 health plans and several
pharmaceutical manufacturers and state Medicaid programs. The company’s
Medicaid Administration segment served 25 states and the District of
Columbia. For more information, visit
www.MagellanHealth.com .

SOURCE: Magellan Health Services, Inc.

Magellan
Chris Pearsall
860-507-1923 – Direct
cmpearsall@magellanhealth.com
or
Magellan
Mary Ehlert, MS, ABC
602-572-5810 – Direct
602-350-6432 — Cell
meehlert@magellanhealth.com
or
Magellan: Spanish Language Media
Ramiro Camarillo
602-572-8282 – Direct
rcamarillo@magellanhealth.com

Copyright Business Wire 2012

/quotes/zigman/91048/quotes/nls/mgln

Add to portfolio

MGLN

Magellan Health Services Inc.

US

: U.S.: Nasdaq

$
48.97

+0.64
+1.32%

Volume: 57,147
April 24, 2012 2:14p

P/E Ratio11.75
Dividend YieldN/A

Market Cap$1.32 billion
Rev. per Employee$583,208

Chin Implants: The Fastest-Growing Cosmetic Surgery Procedure

Forget breast implants: Chinplants are the fastest-growing plastic surgery trend among men and women. Nationwide, 20,680 people underwent chin implants in 2011, a 71 percent increase since 2010, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. The chin and jawline are among the first areas to show signs of aging, Malcolm Roth, the groups president, said in a news statement. We also know that as more people see themselves on video chat technology, they may notice that their jawline is not as sharp as they want it to be. Following chin implants, the fastest-growing procedures were: lip augmentation (49 percent increase); cheek implant (47 percent); laser skin resurfacing (9 percent); soft tissue fillers (7 percent); and facelift (5 percent). Darrick Antell, a New York plastic surgeon, told Fox News that his chin implant clients have included appearance-conscious business leaders: We know that CEOs tend to be tall, attractive, good-looking people. We now know that these people also tend to have a stronger chin, he said. As a result, people subconsciously associate a stronger chin with more authority, self-confidence and trustworthiness.

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Mistakes That Up Your Risk of Food Poisoning

We take every precaution to avoid food poisoning: We use separate cutting boards for meat and vegetables, we scrub our fresh fruit, and we disinfect just about everything. But when we focus so intensely on the major causes of food poisoningundercooked food, unclean surfaceslittle mistakes can easily slip through the cracks. Yet its these tiny blunders that can lead to a massive case of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.

Are you unknowingly putting yourself at risk? US News has gathered a list of common ways to give yourself food poisoning.

1. Not washing out your shopping bags. Reusable grocery bags may be good for the environment, but theyre not always good for you. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, only one in every six people washes out reusable shopping bags on a regular basis. This can turn your handy totes into a breeding ground for bacteria, with juices from raw meat mixing with ready-to-eat foods like bread and fruit, the academy says. To help keep your food safe in transit, be sure to regularly wash your reusable bags in the washing machine or with hot, soapy water. You should also take care to separate your groceries: Use one bag for meat, poultry, and fish, and another bag for vegetables. When youve finished unloading your bags, store them in a clean, dry location (the trunk of your car doesnt count). [Read more: Mistakes That Up Your Risk of Food Poisoning.]

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Do You Really Have Allergies?

Your nose is irritated, youre run down, and you feel awful. About 40 million Americans have indoor and outdoor allergiesbut are you actually one of them?

Hay fever is so seasonal that people usually recognize it, says George Green, a Pennsylvania-based allergist and chief of staff emeritus of the allergy section of Abington Memorial Hospital. Allergic patients usually talk more about sneezing, itching, and a runny nose. But some symptoms such as congestion and sinus pressure can be harder to pin down. If youve never been professionally evaluated, you may be using over-the-counter remedies inefficientlyor suffering for longer than you have to. Check out these common illnesses that can masquerade as allergies.

1. Sinusitis. Fifty-one percent of adults said they misdiagnosed themselves as suffering from allergies when the cause was really sinusitis, found a 2011 survey from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). Thats because congestion and facial pressure can signal an allergy or a sinus infection, says Linda Dahl, an otolaryngologist (a doctor specializing in the ears, nose, and throat) at Dahl Otolaryngology Center in New York City. Feeling consistently run down can also be a symptom of both health issues, says Lisa Liberatore, an otolaryngologist at New York Citys Lexington ENT. How to tell the difference? One hint is the color of your mucusicky but keep reading. Clear, liquid mucus often signals allergies, whereas yellow mucus tends to indicate infection, Liberatore says.

By the way, if you are diagnosed with a sinus infection, talk to your doctor about whether antibiotics are really needed. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2012 found that antibiotics arent always effective in treating sinusitis. Antibiotics treat bacterial infectionsnot virusesand the vast majority of sinus infections are viral, according to new guidelines released by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Whats more, adds the group, over-treating patients with antibiotics can foster the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Still, Liberatore, who tests her patients for bacteria, notes that antibiotics can be effective in some cases, as long as the correct antibiotic is prescribed. (She notes, for instance, that azithromycin and amoxicillin, the antibiotic used in the JAMA study, arent the best choices for a sinus infection because bacteria may already be resistant to them.) [Read more: Do You Really Have Allergies?]

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Follow US News Health on Twitter and find us on Facebook.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa., April 16, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ –
UPMC Health Plan today announced that it is donating $125,000 to Johnstown Area Regional Industries (JARI), a not-for-profit economic development service provider for the Greater Johnstown Area.

The donation will help support JARI’s efforts to provide a comprehensive suite of business development – most of which are given at no cost – to its clients and the community. JARI’s service area includes Cambria and Somerset counties as well as the City of Johnstown.

“UPMC Health Plan is happy to contribute to an organization that does so much to drive economic development in Southwest Pennsylvania,” said Diane P. Holder, President and CEO of UPMC Health Plan. “UPMC Health Plan has had an office in Johnstown for over 11 years and in that time, we have worked with local employers to deliver quality products and services designed to best fit their companies’ healthcare needs. Supporting JARI is a natural extension of that. It’s another way we can contribute to the economic health of this region.”

“We are pleased that UPMC Health Plan is showing this kind of commitment to our region and to JARI’s mission,” said Linda R. Thomson, President of JARI. “This is an investment in our community’s economic future and we greatly appreciate it.”

UPMC Health Plan’s Johnstown office is located at 1219 Scalp Ave.

About UPMC Health Plan

UPMC Health Plan, the second-largest health insurer in western Pennsylvania, is owned by UPMC, one of the nation’s top-ranked health systems. The integrated partner companies of the UPMC Insurance Services Division – which includes UPMC Health Plan, UPMC WorkPartners, LifeSolutions (EAP), UPMC for You (Medical Assistance), and Community Care Behavioral Health – offer a full range of group health insurance, Medicare, Special Needs Plan (SNP), Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Medical Assistance, behavioral health, employee assistance, and workers’ compensation products and services to nearly 1.6 million members. UPMC Health Plan’s local provider network includes UPMC as well as community providers, totaling more than 125 hospitals and more than 11,500 physicians throughout Pennsylvania and parts of Ohio, West Virginia, and Maryland. For more information, visit
www.upmchealthplan.com .

About JARI

Johnstown Area Regional Industries, known as JARI, is a not-for-profit economic service provider established in 1974. JARI’s staff of experienced professionals provides a comprehensive suite of business development services – most at no cost – to clients in its service area. Its primary service territory is the Greater Johnstown area, including Cambria County, Somerset County and the City of Johnstown.

SOURCE UPMC Health Plan

Copyright (C) 2012 PR Newswire. All rights reserved

Analysis system speeds discovery of health determinants, linking symptoms with causes.

Sunnyvale, CA (PRWEB) April 16, 2012

Aurametrix, Inc., a provider of health management solutions, today announced immediate availability of the Aurametrix personal health management system, a breakthrough analysis tool that accelerates the process of identifying variables that influence human health. The web-based solution is targeted for use by people who experience food sensitivities, allergies, or metabolic disorders, or who want to improve their diet and exercise to maximize their wellbeing.

By using innovative computational methods and rich data sources to correlate symptoms with health determinants, the Aurametrix solution represents a bold step toward providing individuals cost-effective personal health management systems that complement traditional diagnostics, said Russ Altman, professor of bioengineering, genetics, and medicine and chairman, Department of Bioengineering at Stanford University.

Functional disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), though rarely life-threatening, trigger a variety of symptoms that can take both a social and economic toll on individuals, said Irene Gabashvili, founder and CEO of Aurametrix. The Aurametrix personal health management system provides users unprecedented insight into health determinants based on automated analysis of local air quality and allergen levels, existing medical conditions, diet, exercise, and other variables. The system also draws inferences from aggregate analyses it performs every day. As the Aurametrix user community grows, so does the breadth and depth of the systems collective knowledge base, helping people connect the dots to better health.

Many ailments are difficult to diagnose because their symptoms can be triggered by a variety of factors in combination, including food types, stress levels, and environmental stimuli. Years of personal trial and error are often needed to link reactions with the underlying causes before diet and lifestyle adjustments can be made to alleviate the symptoms. The Aurametrix personal health management system is an easy-to-use, yet comprehensive analysis solution that lets people rapidly identify subtle cause-effect relationships that contribute, either positively or negatively, to their health. It helps individuals not only uncover conditions uniquely affecting their symptoms, but also fine-tune their diet and exercise levels over time so they can reach their optimal wellness plateaus.

About Aurametrix

Aurametrix, Inc. is a privately funded company headquartered in Sunnyvale, California using the latest advances in software and knowledgebase technology to provide next-generation web-based health management solutions. The Aurametrix personal health management system is a breakthrough analysis tool that lets people connect the dots to better health. For more information, please visit Aurametrix online at Aurametrix.com.

For the original version on PRWeb visit: www.prweb.com/releases/prwebAurametrix/Connect-the-dots/prweb9404391.htm

LONG BEACH, Calif., Apr 16, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) –
SCAN Health Plan was one of eight healthcare organizations honored by
the Los Angeles Business Journal (LABJ) for their
outstanding efforts in serving the community. The prestigious Healthcare
Leadership Award ceremonies are conducted annually by the LABJ to
recognize locally based companies whose community
outreach programs are making an impact on the quality of life for
Angelenos. SCAN has received this honor two years in a row.

“Our mission is to help seniors live independently at home and in their
communities as long as possible,” said Lena Perelman, director of
community outreach at SCAN. “One of the ways we carry out that mission
is through our community outreach efforts.”

SCAN brings to seniors in Los Angeles a growing array of unique
community outreach programs which, in 2011, reached more seniors than
ever before. The community outreach initiatives include SCAN Van, a
mobile resource center for seniors and caregivers; Trading Ages, a senior
sensitivity program; Senior Resource Centers; and a community-giving
program through which SCAN provides financial support to nonprofit
agencies that serve seniors.

SCAN also offers Classroom
in the Community, a health education program designed with an
emphasis on health literacy, to engage older adults in health
maintenance as well as encourage active and healthy lifestyles.

In addition to its unique programming, SCAN collaborates with local
partners to fill gaps in community services and provide resources where
they can do the most good. In 2011 SCAN joined with California Telephone
Access Program and HEARx to offer a series of on-site hearing checks
making it easier for Medicare beneficiaries who qualified to receive a
free adaptive telephone — on the spot. SCAN also partnered with the
Braille Institute to increase awareness of available free “low-vision”
services.

“As a health plan, SCAN provides solid health benefits and access to
needed care; however, we believe our responsibility extends further,”
added Perelman. “We are working to help improve the quality of life for
older adults and to support our communities as they endeavor to meet the
challenges that this growing population faces.”

SCAN and its fellow honorees were recognized last week at a special
luncheon at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in downtown Los Angeles. The
journal said that the awards are intended to “honor the accomplishments
of individuals and organizations that have made strides in helping
Angelinos receive better healthcare.”

SCAN Health Plan has been serving the Los Angeles area since the company
was founded in 1977 and since that time has been focusing on the unique
needs of seniors. The company currently has nearly 130,000 members in
California and Arizona. Further information may be obtained at scanhealthplan.com.

SOURCE: SCAN Health Plan

for SCAN Health Plan
Michelle Hokr
818-597-8453, x-5

Copyright Business Wire 2012

Posted at 03:48 PM ET, 04/16/2012

TheWashingtonPost

Jeffrey Thompson steps down from Chartered Health Plan
By Mike DeBonis

Thompson’s withdrawal from his health care firm comes six weeks after federal raids of his home and offices.
(C-SPAN)
The District businessman at the center of a federal investigation into campaign finance has stepped down from the leadership of his health-care firm, according to a statement from the company.

Jeffrey E. Thompson, 56, resigned Friday from the board of D.C. Chartered Health Plan, which holds a lucrative city contract to manage health care for low-income District residents. That contract, worth as much as $322 million yearly, is the city’s largest and accounts for nearly all of Chartered’s business.

David D. Wolf, a former executive vice president of CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, is replacing Thompson as chairman, the company said.

Thompson and his intersecting political and business interests have been under a microscope since March 2, when federal agents raided his home and offices. His name was later featured on subpoenas delivered to the campaigns of several D.C. Council members.

Thompson stepped down last month from the board of Thompson, Cobb, Bazilio & Associates, the accounting firm he established nearly three decades ago; partner Ralph Bazilio assumed Thompson’s former roles as chairman and chief executive. Thompson held no executive role at Chartered.

Thompson’s attorney, Brendan V. Sullivan Jr., has declined to comment on the investigation and other aspects of his client’s dealings.

Chartered has been under Thompson’s control since 2000, when he purchased the struggling firm at a bankruptcy sale. In the ensuing years, the company turned itself around and grew to become the city’s dominant health-care contractor. According to Chartered’s most recent regulatory filings, the company now handles the health care of more than 110,000 city residents.

Karen Dale, a spokesman for Chartered, said there have been no changes in the company’s ownership “at this time.”

Thompson notified the company’s board and management of his decision to step down Friday, Dale said, but gave no reason for doing so. The remaining board members voted over the weekend to install Wolf as chairman, she added.

“We’re delighted to have someone of Mr. Wolf’s caliber coming on board,” she said.

By Mike DeBonis
 | 
03:48 PM ET, 04/16/2012

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CHICAGO, April 16, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ –
The National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare (National Council) is presenting seven individuals and organizations with Awards of Excellence at its 42nd National Mental Health and Addictions Conference in Chicago today. The awards, the most prestigious in behavioral healthcare, recognize innovative and inspirational work happening in behavioral health organizations nationwide.

“The honorees have set themselves apart through exemplary service to some of our most vulnerable citizens, truly changing the lives of children, adults, and families with mental illness and addiction disorders,” said Linda Rosenberg, the National Council’s President and CEO. “Their tireless efforts have put many people struggling with mental illness and addictions on the road to recovery.”

Awards of Excellence winners include:

Central Arizona Programmatic Suicide Deterrent System in Phoenix is being recognized with the Excellence in Service Innovation award for its groundbreaking initiative to reduce to zero the number of suicides among people with serious mental illness enrolled in the region’s public health system. The project, a collaboration with Magellan Health Services of Arizona’s provider partners and the Arizona Department of Health Services/Division of Behavioral Health Services, led a collaborative with community leaders to change the culture around suicide, arm provider agency staff and families with skills and knowledge to intervene with those most at risk, and create a framework to address this major public health problem. Since 2007, the initiative has succeeded in reducing the suicide death by nearly 50 percent for those with serious mental illness.

The Children’s Crisis Treatment Center in Philadelphia receives the Excellence in Behavioral Healthcare Management award for its Health and Family Services in the Therapeutic Nursery program, which enables family members to become informed advocates on behalf of their children as they enter schools. Families of children in therapeutic nurseries are encouraged to participate in skill-building workshops that cover topics like anger management, parental self-care, the impact of grief and loss on children, and learning to advocate for special education services. The treatment center is devoted to serving the emotional needs of children beginning in early childhood to help them reach their full potential regardless of their challenges.

The Midwestern Colorado Mental Health Center in Montrose, CO is being honored with the Excellence in Health Information Technology award for the development of its Patient Tools technology that more successfully screens people for behavioral health concerns in a variety of settings. The hand-held electronic tablet uses trigger logic, screening metrics, assessment metrics, and key questions in a digital patient-client interview. The assessments are completed by the client and automatically scored, producing results within seconds. The innovative tablet has helped the center make tremendous progress in identifying and treating behavioral health illnesses that would otherwise have gone undiagnosed and untreated.

Susan Salasin, Director, Trauma and Trauma-Informed Care Program, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, receives the Excellence in Public Service award for her pioneering work on trauma and trauma-informed care during her federal career dedicated to recovery and healing for victims of crime and violence. At age 16 she was a victim of a violent crime. She has spent her career working to improve the lives of people with similar experiences. Among her many accomplishments, she initiated work on women and trauma as co-director of a Harvard collaborative study on women and depression, which revealed that women are twice as depressed as men.

Recipients of the Visionary Leadership award are:

Clayton Chau, M.D., Ph.D., Associate Medical Director, Orange County Health Care Agency, Orange County, CA, has been a driving force for almost 20 years in advocacy for people living with mental illness throughout California, particularly Orange County. He has built strong relationships with diverse communities in the county including refugees, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender population, ethnic minorities, government, and academia. In retelling his experience with depression, he has served as a role model who demonstrates that a person with mental illness can lead a productive, successful life. A Vietnam refugee, he has worked to set up an organization to help family members of those suffering from behavioral health disorders.

Dale K. Klatzker, Ph.D., MSW, President and CEO, The Providence Center, Providence, RI, has based his career on his belief that people with mental illness are best served in the community with a full continuum of care that addresses the whole person. His philosophy that good care equates to clients receiving the right amount of consumer-centered, recovery-focused care at the right time and for right duration; that providing a full continuum of community-based behavioral health services will improve care and decrease costly emergency room visits and unnecessary inpatient admissions; and treating the whole person by providing integrated and coordinated primary and behavioral healthcare has been the catalyst for innovation at both The Providence Center and Rhode Island. Klatzker’s strategic leadership has brought about positive change as a National Council board member and chair, Dale guided the organization’s ‘big tent’ approach to membership and its commitment to public policy leadership.

Dale Rinard, former President and CEO, TERROS, Phoenix, AZ, transformed the community-based behavioral health organization that was on the brink of financial collapse when arrived in 1995. During his last full year of leadership in 2010, TERROS served more than 30,000 people providing prevention, treatment and recovery services. In his 16 years as CEO, he grew the organization from 110 employees and a $5.5 million budget to a company with 450 employees and a $30 million budget. In 2007-08, he demonstrated visionary leadership by helping to form two new behavioral health networks, including the Crisis Response Network which established a live telephone crisis hotline service 24 hours a day. Though now retired, his influence, expectations and values are still alive in the organization he so expertly led.

The National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare is a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) association of 1,950 community healthcare organizations that provide treatment and rehabilitation for mental illnesses and addiction disorders to nearly 6 million adults, children and families in communities across the country.

For press passes to the awards ceremony or to speak to the honorees, contact: Mike Weaver at MikeW@thenationalcouncil.org or 240.676.7224.

SOURCE National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare

Copyright (C) 2012 PR Newswire. All rights reserved