Larry's Corner
At this time every year, I reflect on our achievements and feel a deep sense of pride in being associated with a staff that cares about the work we do and about the people who come to us for help.
One of my most memorable times of the past year was Mosaic, our community event that showcased the incredible work of our North Range teams and hosted Paul Schmitz, who spoke of Collective Impact. In July, we joined forces with our partner healthcare organizations and launched our new Regional Organization 2, Northeast Health Partners, for Health First (Medicaid) members. And in late summer, we celebrated our 10th anniversary of the merger of Island Grove and North Range, a partnership that helped lead the integration of substance use disorder and mental health treatment in Colorado.
Next year will be another year of change, highlighted by construction of a new facility in southern Weld County, as well as continued enhancements on how we provide care — when, where, and how people need it — in our outpatient offices, crisis system, medical clinics, schools and daycares, agencies, and homes.
Thank you to our community partners and supporters who stand beside us in this journey.
Thanks,
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By the Numbers
- Trained 3,996 individuals in suicide prevention (QPR & Safe:Teen).
- Trained 399 individuals in Mental Health First Aid.
- Served 69% adults, 31% children/youth; 28% in integrated care settings.
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Libraries can change lives, and the High Plains Library District is no exception. The Library District “connects communities to information, inspiration, and entertainment for life.” No longer just a place to get books or movies, or use the free WIFI, libraries are where you’ll find specialty items such as projectors, laptops, and telescopes to check out – and a full calendar of events for people of all ages and needs. Libraries reach far beyond their walls to enhance lives and have become an important platform for dialogue around topics that are sensitive and uncomfortable to discuss, yet critical to the overall health of communities.
We are happy that our collaboration with High Plains is stronger than ever. The North Range AmeriCorps HIPPY (Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters) program teams up with several High Plains libraries to offer multi-language story times for children. North Range clinicians have presented to library staff on topics such as compassion fatigue and de-escalation. Many High Plains staff have taken Mental Health First Aid and Question-Persuade Refer (QPR), a suicide prevention training.
Our most recent collaboration was the November 4th High Plains annual Signature Author series event, “An Unconditional Love Story,” featuring David Sheff, author of the best-seller Beautiful Boy, a memoir of his journey through his son’s addiction and recovery.
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"We don't know how pervasive addiction is because addicts and families already keep it secret ... When we choose to no longer hide our own child's addiction, we can feel tremendous relief ... We can learn we are not alone."
- David Sheff
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Prejudice — or stigma — against those with mental illness or a substance use disorder is common and harmful. Often, those who need treatment don’t seek help because of that stigma. While there are many ways to break stigma and talk more openly about behavioral health, we can start by thinking about the words we choose to describe it.
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Say This
He has bi-polar disorder.
Her son died by suicide.
She has a substance use disorder.
She's living with mental illness.
I am in recovery.
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Not This
He's bi-polar.
Her son committed suicide.
She's an addict.
She's suffering from mental illness.
I am clean.
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When we describe people or ourselves with labels, we are disrespectful and perpetuate negative stereotypes and stigma. The person who dies by suicide is not committing a sin or a crime — the act of suicide is almost always the result of unbearable anguish, mental illness, or trauma.
Words are powerful.
Let’s make it easier, not harder, for people to seek care.
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In August 2018, North Range Behavioral Health launched Wings, a residential and intensive outpatient treatment program for women struggling with substance use disorder. Wings is designed for expectant mothers and mothers with children under the age of 5.
Kathryn Warner, Wings Program Director, says she repeats the oft-quoted flight attendants’ orders: “In case of an emergency, put your own mask on first.” While working with mothers who battle addiction and mental health issues, treatment, says Warner, is like the oxygen in the drop-down mask. It is lifesaving.
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This approach, commonly known as two-generation, intergenerational, multi-generational, or whole-family strategies, simultaneously address the needs of parents and children to improve outcomes for the whole family. Two-generation approaches draw from findings that the well-being of parents is crucial to their children’s social-emotional, physical, and economic well-being. And at the same time, parents’ ability to succeed in school and the workplace is substantially affected by how well their children are doing. (ncsl.org)
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Mental Health First Aid Classes
Adult - December 10th, in Frederick
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Colorado Gives Day
It’s that time again!
Please remember North Range on Colorado Gives Day, December 4th.
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- Early Childhood Programs: training, outreach, and preparing children for success in school.
- Frontier House: Transportation to/from work sites, employment certifications, and training.
- Mental Health First Aid: Purchase of instructional materials.
- Recovery Support/Residential Services: Housing renovations and quality residential programming.
- Suicide Education and Support Services (SESS): Critical outreach, support, and prevention training.
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Strengthening Families 10-14
Strengthening Families 10-14 is a 7-week program to help families with children ages 10-14. You’ll learn to communicate more effectively and solve problems as a family. A new class — in both Spanish and English — begins January 15 th, from 5:30-8:30pm, at Prairie Heights Middle School.
970.347.1389
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Kudos to Jennifer Wallace, director of North Range’s Youth and Family Intensive Services, who received the Youth Services Professional Award November 9th at the 10th Youth & Family Connections Annual Heroes event. Her teammates and supervisors nominated her because of her day-to-day approach, creativity, and can-do attitude.
Way to go, Jenny!
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In September, Frontier House launched its new housing program, Pioneer House. This program meets Clubhouse International Standard #29: The Clubhouse is committed to securing a range of choices of safe, decent and affordable housing including independent living opportunities for all members.
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