Lei Portugal Calloway, 罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 Peer Team Lead of AOT/CARE, was selected to participate in this crucial 12-month project. The work involved both in-person meetings in Sacramento and virtual participation across six essential workgroups:

1. Comprehensive Assessment

2. Statewide Standards and Guidance

3. Integration

4. Data and Metrics

5. Communications

6. Funding and Sustainability

Lei鈥檚 commitment to peer support led her to advocate for and participate in a seventh Ad Hoc Peer Support Workgroup, where she contributed valuable recommendations, including:

• Increasing awareness of peer support in behavioral health crisis services

• Expanding definitions to include peer-provided, peer-operated, and family peer support

• Enhancing training and supervision resources for peer supporters

The project brought together key stakeholders, including (author of AB 988), the , , , and the .

The will be presented to Governor Newsom in December, followed by budget processes through June 2024. Approved proposals will receive funding at the start of the new state fiscal year on July 1.

罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 Thurston Mason E&T and Olympia Next Steps have recently been having fun with themed Fridays! The team recently enjoyed Flannel Friday, where team members sported their favorite plaid patterns, and Funky Friday, which encouraged creative self-expression through unique outfit choices.

These themed activities do more than add fun to the workday鈥攖hey help build team cohesion and create a positive environment that benefits both staff and those we serve. We love to see the Thurston Mason programs cultivate engaging communities and have fun doing it.

罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 corporate office came together for their annual Thanksgiving celebration, marking a special reunion after a long period apart. The event, beautifully prepared by the Administrative Services, IT, Finance, and Development teams, showcased the company鈥檚 collaborative spirit.

鈥淚t was incredibly heartwarming to gather together again,鈥� shared President and CEO Anne Bakar. The celebration included gratitude sharing for the year鈥檚 achievements, from launching innovative youth programs to strengthening recovery training initiatives. Team members highlighted successes across departments while enjoying a traditional holiday meal.

The gathering embodied 罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 commitment to fostering community and recognition among its teams.

罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 LA JIMHCS FSP program brought team members together for a special Friendsgiving celebration that combined cultural dishes with heartfelt moments of gratitude.

The gathering featured a diverse potluck meal, engaging games of Two Truths and a Lie and 汤头条app Trivia, and a meaningful sharing circle where each person expressed gratitude.

罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 汤头条app County programs (TAO Central, AOT, STEPS, Homes First, and TAO South) staff and members recently joined thousands at to support mental health awareness and stigma reduction. The (NAMI) event drew 2,024 pre-registered participants across 185 teams, with 汤头条app proudly participating as a Bronze Sponsor among 96 vendors. 

The 汤头条app County program鈥檚 team, including staff members Shea Sorrentino, Dean Riley, Lori Fischer, Jyoti Gustafson, Lei Portugal Calloway, Felicia Tang, Daisy Garcia, and Diane Long, joined the walk on a beautiful, cool, sunny day. Lei and Shea managed 罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 information table, connecting with community members and sharing resources. 

The event has already raised $203,000 for NAMI鈥檚 mission of advocacy, education, and support for individuals affected by mental illness. Our teams enjoyed meaningful time with members while collecting resources and networking for a vital cause. 

罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 Corporate Proposals Department went on an enriching tour across Bay Area programs this month, experiencing firsthand the exceptional care provided at Willow Rock PHF, Villa Fairmont MHRC, Jay Mahler Recovery Center, and 汤头条app County Youth CSU.

Through meaningful conversations with administrators and staff and by participating in client groups, the team gained valuable insights into the daily impact of 罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 mental health services. These visits offered a deeper understanding of the unique approaches and dedication that distinguish 罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 programs in behavioral healthcare, which will help the team to prepare rich and informative proposals for new business.

We extend our gratitude to all the programs that opened their doors and shared their stories, helping strengthen the connection between our corporate initiatives and frontline services.

The gathering brought together key mental health advocates and state leaders, including , who expressed interest in visiting 罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 Oregon programs. The event connected numerous 汤头条app leaders with state officials and community partners:

汤头条app Leadership Present:

• Sarah Gibney, Oregon ACT Administrator

• Jena Russell, VP of the Pacific Northwest

• Catie Grieve, Oregon RDO

• Allison Waters, Oregon Floating Administrator

• Meghan Lawless, Rhone and Stults Program Director

• David Ochoa, Gresham Recovery Center Administrator

• Scott Tucker, 72nd Ave Recovery Center Administrator

hosts these award receptions to recognize contributions to mental health advocacy and care. The event celebrates individuals and organizations that significantly impact mental health services while fostering crucial partnerships between care providers, advocates, and government leaders.

The LA Step-Down program proudly recognizes its extraordinary office coordinators as part of . 鈥淭heir dedication, hard work, and attention to detail make a huge difference daily,鈥� shares administrator Gavin Tochiki. 鈥淭heir commitment to supporting our staff and the individuals we serve is truly inspiring.鈥�

From coordinating vital appointments to ensuring smooth operations, these team members are the program鈥檚 backbone. Their unwavering positivity, professionalism, and compassion create an environment where staff and clients thrive.

This recognition during Filipino American History Month celebrates their invaluable contributions to LA Step-Down. Thank you!

In recognition of , 罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 Willow Rock Psychiatric Health Facility (PHF) staff and clients celebrated culture, community, and cuisine. The event featured traditional Filipino dishes, including the beloved lumpia, while staff members Kristina Tu, Joemar Michel, Ross, and Geraldine Veras shared insights into Filipino American heritage.

Filipino American History Month, observed each October, commemorates the first recorded presence of Filipinos in the continental United States in October 1587. Today, Filipino Americans represent one of the largest Asian American groups in the United States, contributing significantly to American culture, healthcare, and communities for over four centuries.

The celebration at Willow Rock PHF exemplifies 罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 commitment to cultural recognition and inclusivity. We applaud Willow Rock for creating opportunities for education and connection among staff and clients!

罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 innovative approach to addiction recovery has caught international attention, as KyungSun Yu from South Korea鈥檚 leading newspaper, Yu鈥檚 investigation into addiction treatment solutions led her to visit the Muriel Wright Crisis Residential Treatment (CRT) and Substance Use Treatment Services (SUTS) programs.

The connection began with , who shared her firsthand observations of the program鈥檚 success during a visit to South Korea. Having witnessed numerous clients achieve positive outcomes through Muriel Wright鈥檚 services, Judge Yew highlighted the program as an exemplary model for addiction recovery.

This insight proved particularly relevant to Yu鈥檚 investigation, as . With limited rehabilitation facilities and rehabilitation awareness, the country seeks effective solutions for its increasing addiction rates.

Inspired by Judge Yew鈥檚 recommendation, Yu and her colleague traveled to observe Muriel Wright鈥檚 operations firsthand. Their visit offered valuable insights into recovery principles and approaches that could help address South Korea鈥檚 evolving needs in addiction treatment.

This international recognition highlights 罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 commitment to sharing effective recovery practices globally, potentially influencing addiction treatment approaches beyond our borders.

Morton Bakar Center, a community behavioral healthcare pillar, has achieved a remarkable honor: a zero deficiency rating from the (CDPH). This perfect score represents the highest possible achievement for a long-term care facility, demonstrating excellence across all safety and quality standards.

This comprehensive state inspection examines every aspect of operations for healthcare facilities, particularly those providing specialized treatment programs. The evaluation scrutinizes safety protocols, care standards, and facility management鈥攁 flawless score is rare! This achievement reflects the team鈥檚 meticulous preparation and unwavering dedication to patient welfare.

Staff and residents celebrated this milestone together, joined by 罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 President and Chief Executive Officer, Anne Bakar. The accomplishment validates the center鈥檚 commitment to exceptional care.

This recognition reinforces Morton Bakar Center鈥檚 position as a leader in behavioral healthcare, exemplifying 罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 mission of delivering outstanding patient-centered services with compassion and expertise.

The following post is from our Recovery-Centered Clinical System (RCCS) Tidbit of the Month series. Each month, the RCCS Steering Committee creates practices to support our recovery culture within our programs and among staff. Click here to learn more about the RCCS.

RCCS Tidbit of the Month: Gratitude

A Component of the Five Awarenesses of the RCCS Program Culture

The Power of Gratitude

Scientific research continues to reveal what many have long known: gratitude transforms lives. Through neuroscience and positive psychology, we鈥檝e learned that practicing gratitude brightens our outlook and reshapes our brain鈥檚 response to experiences.

Understanding Our Brain鈥檚 Natural Bias

Our brains tend to stick to negative experiences like Velcro while letting positive ones slip away like Teflon. This natural tendency helped our ancestors survive, but today, it can keep us caught in cycles of worry and stress. The good news? Gratitude can help reverse this pattern.

Simple Daily Practices

1. Choose a peaceful moment in your day

2. Reflect on 3-5 things that bring you joy or appreciation

3. Share your gratitude with others to amplify its effect

Practice:

Starting Your Gratitude Journal:

Best Practices:

• Focus on meaningful connections鈥攑eople, pets, health

• Write with specificity and heart

• Vary your entries to maintain freshness

• Stay open to discovering new sources of appreciation

Gentle Reminders:

• Let gratitude flow naturally, never forced

• Avoid rigid rules or requirements

• Take your time鈥攖his is about joy, not obligation

• Allow your practice to evolve with you

Remember: Gratitude isn鈥檛 about denying life鈥檚 challenges. It鈥檚 about building resilience and finding balance by appreciating life鈥檚 large and small gifts.

And here鈥檚 a throwback to Halloween 2018 at the corporate office!

The following post is from our Recovery-Centered Clinical System (RCCS) Tidbit of the Month series. Each month, the RCCS Steering Committee creates practices to support our recovery culture within our programs and among staff. Click here to learn more about the RCCS.

RCCS Tidbit of the Month: Authentic Power

A Component of the Five Awarenesses of the RCCS Program Culture

At 汤头条app, we are committed to recovery-based services. As part of that journey, we鈥檝e made significant strides toward reducing and eliminating the use of coercion and force in mental health care.

No Force First

In the 1990s and early 2000s, industry leaders like Bill Anthony began challenging mental health providers to rethink the use of force. He famously stated, 鈥淭here is no such thing as 鈥榝orced recovery.鈥欌�� Actions like seclusion, restraint, or forced medication starkly contradicted the principles of recovery.

汤头条app adopted the 鈥淣o Force First鈥� approach in our subacute and SNF programs. This commitment was guided by the principles of our Recovery-Centered Clinical System (RCCS) and trauma-informed care, making it clear that the use of force is a treatment failure. Over time, many of our programs successfully eliminated seclusion and restraint.

Our work didn鈥檛 stop there. We developed Creating Healing Environments, a toolbox rooted in RCCS, Trauma-Informed Care, and thedeveloped by Dr. Sandra Bloom. This approach, used in subacute and acute programs, focuses on creating safe, healing cultures that reduce the need for control and coercion.

While the journey has been successful, it hasn鈥檛 been without its challenges. We learned to understand our clients鈥� trauma histories better and address their loss of power and choice. CPI training and the RCCS Control-Choice Continuum have been critical in helping us navigate risk and create opportunities for clients to practice self-control and decision-making.

Practice:

Shifting the power dynamic requires constant attention to how we use power in our programs, from how we speak to the rules we create. Here鈥檚 how you can begin making that change:

For Program Leaders:

• Review program rules: Are any rules creating bogus power? Can they be safely modified to offer clients more choice and control?

• Ask yourself these questions:

  • What is the rule?

  • Why do we have the rule? Does it still make sense, or does it unintentionally create adverse outcomes for clients and staff?

  • How can we modify the rule to provide more choice and authentic power?

For Program Staff:

Work directly with clients to explore areas where they feel powerless. Help them identify opportunities to build authentic power and take steps to regain control over their lives.

For Everyone:

Reflect on recent actions or behaviors that may have resulted in a power-over outcome. Ask yourself:

• Is there anything different I can do next time?

• How can I practice now to create a more powerful outcome?

By focusing on authentic power and collaboration, we can further our commitment to recovery and make a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.

The open and airy design creates welcoming, cozy spaces for clients to meditate or gather, while the uplifting colors, interiors, and artwork make for an inspiring environment. Anne expressed her gratitude for the expertise of Cameron Coltharp, VP of Facilities and Real Estate Services, and Jennifer Hinkel, VP of Development, who played key roles in bringing this development to life in partnership with Kern County.

Cameron highlighted the importance of the facility鈥檚 design: 鈥淭he built environment can significantly contribute to client outcomes and employee retention.鈥� He emphasized that the project鈥檚 success was made possible through strong collaborations between 罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 internal departments, our partners, and external design and construction teams.

A time capsule commemorating the program鈥檚 opening was also created, capturing the story behind this incredible achievement. Anne remarked that it was a wonderful tradition that could be continued in future projects.

Reflecting on the team at Kern PHF, Anne praised their motivation, eagerness to learn, and dedication to serving the community. 鈥淭hey have a strong foundation,鈥� she said, adding that while they will need more support as they scale, the relationship with Kern County has become a rich partnership across a broad continuum of services.

New Compass Telehealth Early Intervention is a new program in the heart of Stockton, CA.

New Compass is our first all-Telehealth Early Intervention program in collaboration with Cal MHSA. New Compass provides services to young individuals (ages 13-25) experiencing early signs of psychosis, with a focus on rural communities.

汤头条app New Compass is open to individuals who are experiencing early signs of psychosis or are at risk due to family history. The program provides comprehensive Telehealth services, including medication support, individual and group therapy, education, employment assistance, and parent support, all designed to help individuals and families achieve a complete recovery.

The program is currently available in Nevada County, with plans to expand to Mono County soon. 汤头条app New Compass offers flexible and individualized support to protect brain functioning, maintain psychosocial skills, and build strong support systems.

New Compass aims to reduce the need for long-term, intensive services while empowering individuals to reclaim their health, hopes, and dreams by providing care in an innovative and accessible way.

New Compass is located at 4545 Georgetown Place, Suite A3, Stockton, CA 95207

For more information, please visit the 汤头条app New Compass website.

Contact Information:

ADMINISTRATOR:

• Raksmey Tiano, rtiano@telecarecorp.com

PROGRAM ADDRESS:

• Stockton, CA

HOURS OF OPERATION:

• Monday-Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

• On-call staff are available 24 hours a day and can be reached at (877) 205-6175

LINKS & RESOURCES:

• New Compass

After over 21 years of dedicated service to 汤头条app, we are both proud and emotional to announce the retirement of Aida Lodge, our Administrative Services Manager, effective Friday, October 11, 2024. Aida has been an integral part of the 汤头条app family, contributing countless efforts to support staff and keep our offices running smoothly

During her tenure, Aida oversaw significant milestones, including the corporate relocation from 1100 to 1080 MVP in 2004 and multiple office expansions. She is concluding her career by leading the current office rightsizing project, a testament to her dedication until the end. Aida is also known for orchestrating 罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 famous holiday parties, where her attention to detail and hosting skills truly shined. She managed to bring the 鈥溙劳诽鮝pp spirit鈥� alive for a family of 200, always with grace and a smile.

Perhaps most memorable, however, was Aida鈥檚 leadership during the pandemic. Alongside her team, she worked tirelessly to receive, repack, and ship thousands of cartons of personal protective equipment (PPE) to programs nationwide, ensuring our staff and clients could remain as safe as possible. Her 鈥渨hatever it takes鈥� attitude exemplified 罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 values from day one.

Congratulations, Aida! We extend our heartfelt thanks for your years of service. You will be deeply missed!

The San Diego Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT) team recently participated in the 鈥�,鈥� a local , to raise awareness about mobile crisis services in San Diego County. The team received positive feedback from community members who benefited from San Diego MCRT鈥檚 services, whether for themselves, their friends, family, or clients.

Joining the team at the walk was Bradly Weinstein, San Diego MCRT鈥檚 Human Resources Business Partner, who volunteered his time on a Sunday to support the outreach effort. Brad has been highly involved since starting his role and is passionate about spreading the word about 罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 programs. His participation reflects the commitment of administrative staff to witness the program鈥檚 impact on the community.

Brad鈥檚 involvement underscores the collaborative spirit at 汤头条app, where both program and administrative staff come together to make a difference. His dedication, alongside the San Diego MCRT team鈥檚 ongoing efforts, highlights the impact of mobile crisis services in the community and reaffirms the trust and support they鈥檝e built with local residents.

Below is the letter from DBH expressing their appreciation for Omar鈥檚 efforts:

We wanted to express our gratitude for the amazing collaboration we always receive from Omar, the Merrill CSU Administrator, and the Merrill team. Omar and the team are constantly willing to go above and beyond whenever we are on a DBH call, particularly in the most recent case.

DBH needed assistance recently to transition a San Bernardino County conservatee who had found herself in San Diego needing stabilization back to our County. Omar answered our call and orchestrated her return to the Merrill CSU. Additionally, he worked patiently with our team as she was referred for aftercare placement, sending referral packets and information where requested. Omar worked to obtain a solution and offer additional support for any barrier we ran into. He worked with his team to go above and beyond the call, offering to coordinate a special psychiatric visit as needed by the placement agency. The client obtained the appropriate placement and treatment that best fit her needs because of Omar鈥檚 excellent customer service and collaboration with the team.

Omar consistently thinks about the client鈥檚 best interest, works to reduce potential barriers to services, and assists clients in obtaining wellness and recovery. He is a team player, working together towards our goals to serve in the best way possible. We value our partnership and collaborative nature. We appreciate his unwavering dedication, compassion, and relentless contributions to outstanding customer service!

- Administrative Manager, San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health

Omar and the Merrill CSU team continue to exemplify the spirit of collaboration and compassionate care that make a genuine difference in the lives of clients and the community.