DHSS Press Release |
Date: November 27, 2007 DHSS-134-2007 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Jay Lynch, Communications Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 Email: jay.lynch@state.de.us |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
COMMUNITY SERVICE EXPANSION CONTINUES FOR DPC PATIENTS
DSAMH to Open More Group Homes and Supervised Apartments for Patients with Mental & Behavioral Health Conditions
New Castle, DE - In keeping with the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health's (DSAMH) commitment to reduce reliance on institutional care and expand community-based services for Delawareans living with mental illness, DSAMH plans to expand its existing community services programs and close one unit currently operating at the hospital by February 1, 2008.
To date, DPC has placed almost 200 patients in community based housing, including seven supervised apartments and 14 group homes throughout the state, in addition to the 240 patients currently served in its hospital on the Herman Holloway Sr. Campus in New Castle.
The Supervised Apartment Program provides on-site staff availability and support 24 hours a day to the patients. The goal of the program is the development of skills needed for independent living and the promotion of mental health stability so they can move on to fully independent community living. In the Group Home program patients are supervised 24/7 and follow a schedule, where they take part in day programs, join in household chores, receive psychiatric treatment, medication management assistance, crisis intervention, life skills training, and staff to assist residents with their personal needs and social skills.
"People living with serious mental illnesses can and do recover," says Renata Henry, Director, Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health. "Community treatment is designed to help patients stay out of the hospital and to develop skills for living in the community, so that their mental and behavioral health conditions are not the driving force in their lives. Almost 200 patients formerly served in our hospital setting over the last 20 years are enjoying great success in the community. "
As a result of the placement of 35 DPC patients into community settings, DPC will close one of its seven operating units. The Division will redeploy staff at the remaining units according to clinical needs.
The Community Based Services approach places a strong emphasis on activities which are integrated into the normal life of the patient and the community. Through this process a patient learns and practices coping strategies which help to offset the effects of their condition and allow a person to live more independently. The services may be provided within a facility or they may be provided off site, integrated into the normal community settings of the individual. Coordination with other mental health treatment services, both inpatient and outpatient, is provided.
"DPC has been building community partnerships and providing a unified approach to community based services that promote recovery for people with mental and behavioral health conditions while reducing our reliance on institutional care," explained Henry. "Our intent is to expand the existing community infrastructure and enhance and sustain recovery-supporting services as well as continue to improve Delaware's mental health service delivery system."
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
