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1. Our Programs Commit to Reducing the Use of Restraints

   Our mission is to provide high-quality compassionate behavioral healthcare to individuals by utilizing evidenced-based practices, and rendering exclusive therapeutic residential treatment services in a safe, caring environment leading to independence, and opportunities to grow and develop personal connections in a natural setting.  This mission statement has not changed since our inception in 2007.  So you can imagine my surprise to learn that one part of our program, the use of restraint, is not an evidence-based practice.  While Crisis Prevention Institute(CPI) has a state approved program for the use of restraint, there is no evidence that it helps lead our consumers to achieve their goals.

   Members of our team recently took part in NC Division of Mental Health’s conference on Six Core Strategies to Reduce Restraint and Seclusion.  All North Carolina Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities are expected to take part in this initiative which NC has named Every Day Matters.  At first, admittedly I felt this was just another hoop we would have to jump through as a state requirement.  However, as the presentations went on the intent really began to resonate with me.  It reminded me of the reason I became involved, not only in mental health but with children.  That reason was to help children with mental illness.  I began to ask the question “How does restraining a child help them?”  My answer is it does not.  It helps the staff to control the situation.  Being restrained does not translate into a skill that will help a child outside of our program.  Having answered this question, I was still a bit skeptical.  I have worked with this population for over 10 years.  I thought we couldn’t possibly have a program with little to no restraints with our kids.  Then we were presented with the data.  Not only have other programs across the United States that are comparable to ours ran programs with little to no restraints, they have done so successfully.  My next question was, if they can do it why can’t we?  So I challenge you all to join us as we adopt the Every Day Matters movement to reduce the use of restraints.  We will introduce new strategies and tools to help us along this journey.  The biggest tool our staff and consumers can utilize is an open mind as we begin this important improvement to our program and I look forward to the challenge!

2. From the Desk of the CEO

   As we enter the last quarter of the year, we have begun to set goals for the upcoming year while reflecting on our accomplishments of this year.  I am pleased with the growth of our program through the years and look forward to seeing further achievements in the future.  We continuously strive for improvement, not only in the service that we provide for our young men and women and their families, but also for our employees.  Without the dedication, hard work and commitment from our employees we would have been unable to make the difference that we have pledged to make in the lives of the young people in our care.  In closing, thank you to our parents, guardians and stakeholders for entrusting with your loved ones and thank you to our staff for being a part in making a difference!

3. First Responders

   The primary role of a “First Responder” is to ensure that potential crisis situations are de-escalated early by employing the least restrictive intervention measures possible. As a “First Responder,” they have to uphold the “First Responder Motto” which states:

   1. Follow all company rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
   2. Ensure that clients’ rights are respected and protected.
   3. Work to create an environment that will be positive for all clients.
   4. Maintain the highest regard for client and staff safety.
   5. Always employ the least restrictive intervention when de-escalating negative behaviors.
   6. Only restrain clients as a last resort.
   7. Conduct myself as a professional at all times.
   8. Monitor client behavior and respond early and appropriately to avoid the crisis.
   9. Work as a team with my fellow staff members.
   10. Faithfully discharge the First Responder duties with pride, excellence, and commitment to “Mending Young Hearts, Minds and Souls for Reintegration Into Society.”

   Dan Lonigro, Global Professional Instructor from Crisis Prevention Institute, Inc. was impressed with the outcome of the candidates progress and competencies throughout the training. “It is clear to me that your in-house training program has paid off. You have a great group of First Responders.” said Mr. Lonigro.

   The overall performance statistics for this year’s graduating class is an average of 97.3%. The thirteen candidates are

   William Campbell Patrick Clark Theron Harrington Terry Harris David Hinze Willie Johnson Karim Lane Monty Litte Nicole Mason Alton McCallum Syretta Owens Cragie Southerland Angela Winfield

   The first graduating class of “First Responders” 2012

   The graduation for the thirteen candidates was held at the John D. Fuller, Sr., Recreation Center in Fayetteville, NC, on June 8, 2012. They were honored for completing the rigorous requirements for graduate status.

   Jonathan Glover, VP of Business Affairs/Human Resources, was the MC for the program, which he described as being “on fire.” The graduates’ families were present to share this experience. There were tributes throughout the event. The procession was outstanding and it concluded with the graduates, in full gear, marching in unison. Speeches, songs, dedications, and a delicious assortment of food completed the celebration.

   Nothing develops into excellence without the support of outstanding people. An appreciation goes out to the following individuals who worked diligently in the background to make this event successful: Hillary Rumppe, Foster Dean, Debbie Atkinson, Linda Petruolo, Keeta Graham, and Tracy Taylor.

   Congratulations to the Graduation Class of 2012 First Responders!

4. Annual Conference & Exhibition in Pinehurst

   

   On December 6, 2011, The North Carolina Council Community Mental Health, Development Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Programs (NCCC MH/DD/SA) held their annual Conference & Exhibition in Pinehurst, NC. The NCCC MH/DD/SA seeks to identify effective and innovative community programs that have been instrumental in serving individuals with disabilities in North Carolina.

   The NCCC MH/DD/SA provides an excellent venue in which providers can network and exchange information about what their company offers. This event housed over 800 vendors from all areas of North Carolina including outside states. Premier Health Services, Inc., /Cornerstone Treatment Facility, Inc. and CTFP, Inc. had an exhibit that displayed the company’s mission and vision along with listing the services we provide with the several locations throughout North Carolina. The NCCC MD/DD/SA Conference & Exhibition was an excellent opportunity to increase awareness of the opening of our new facility, Jackson Springs. Overall our marketing efforts were successful in displaying our brand to our target market, the Local Management Entities (LME’s). Premier Health Services, Inc. /Cornerstone Treatment Facility, Inc. and CTFP, Inc. were proud to participate in this statewide event.

   Our agency also participated in the Sand Hills Community College Health Fair. This health fair was an excellent opportunity to recruit graduating nurses and offer employment opportunities for positions at our facilities. We presented an exhibit at the health fair displaying the firm’s employment opportunities. The exhibit was a success as we offered awareness of opportunities in the firm’s newest facility, Jackson Springs.

5. New Facility Opening

   

   We are still growing! We have opened another facility, Jackson Springs Treatment Center in Moore County, NC. Jackson Springs Treatment Center is a state of the art 12- bed Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF) which is working on becoming licensed to handle 18 youth in the near future.

   The facility has three units, so the consumers are totally separate. This enables consumers to receive services in smaller groups. Jackson Springs Treatment Center also has space to accommodate in-house training for new employees and continuing education. To read more on the opening of Jackson Springs Treatment Center, click on the link below.

   http://www.thepilot.com/news/2011/nov/23/youth-psychiatric-treatment-center-create-40-jobs/