Donor
Newsletter
CSI Playing Key Role
In Maine's Disaster Response
In the wake of Hurricane Katrina's devastation of the
Gulf Coast and the much-criticized federal response, how is Maine
preparing for disasters?
“Counseling Services, Inc. is taking a lead mental
health role,” explained Jennifer Goodwin, Director of CSI's Crisis
Response Services. “We are one of three pilot sites across the state
formalizing local infrastructures for response. Maine’s Department of
Health and Human Services received a grant to initiate this process
statewide.” CSI has trained personnel, ready and willing to assist victims
who relocate to Maine, as well as first responders who might need
counseling. Goodwin said, “We've submitted plans and proposals to the
state as requested, and we’re ready if we’re asked.”
Goodwin and her team have been preparing for
disasters — both natural and man-made — since immediately after 9-11. At a
New York City summit, Goodwin conferred with other crisis response teams
to increase Maine’s capacity for appropriate response. “Since then we have
developed strong working relationships with the various players in the
disaster response community,” she said.
The IMPACT Team
One key element in CSI’s Crisis Response Services is
the IMPACT Team, headed by Sylvie Demers. IMPACT — which stands for
“Incident Management Planning, Prevention, and Community Trauma Team” —
includes 40 trained crisis workers and 150 community volunteers, including
counselors, teachers and the like. Each is certified in the Post Traumatic
Stress Management model. After a disaster like Katrina, these trained
volunteers are ready to fan out into the community to work directly with
those affected by the tragedy.
Post-traumatic stress disorder is defined in terms of
the trauma itself as well as the person's response to it. “When first
responders come back to Maine from the front lines of an emergency like
Katrina, they need debriefing and support which we can provide,” Demers
explained. A list of qualified team members has already been submitted to
the Maine Emergency Management Agency. If and when first responders return
to Maine, CSI’s IMPACT team will travel wherever necessary to debrief and
counsel them.
-30-
New Westbrook Facility
Blends Alternative, Established
CSI’s newest mental health clinic opened Oct. 17th at
12 Westbrook Common in Westbrook. Watch the mail for your invitation to
the Grand Opening, which will be held in January.
Our new Westbrook facility
serves all of Cumberland County with individual, group and community
support counseling for adults and children, both in the office and in
clients’ homes. It is also the home of CSI’s new Healthy Lifestyles
Program, which offers exercise and nutrition assistance to clients who are
struggling with their weight.
Implementation Project Manager Jennifer Minthorn
said, “Our case managers help clients pick out right foods, and we can
arrange for them to consult with a Hannaford nutrition coordinator at no
cost. The nutritionist can explain the newly-revised food pyramid, analyze
their individual needs and even go through the store with them to help
pick out appropriate foods.”
Westbrook offers both office treatment and in-home
visits. In-home visits are especially pertinent, Minthorn explained.
“Persons taking psychotropic medications often experience significant
weight gain, which can complicate their treatment.” Because of social
issues, many of these clients are not physically active, so they sit at
home and eat. “This compounds both their self-esteem and weight issues. So
the Healthy Lifestyles Program addresses all these issues with a
variety of approaches.”
Healthy Lifestyles
blends traditional counseling, evaluations and medications management with
alternatives that were once considered fairly exotic. Wellness therapies
like massage, acupuncture, healing touch and reiki are offered. These
complementary therapies have proven effective, especially for people with
a history of trauma, depression and anxiety.
Westbrook’s clinical staff is now seeing clients. For
a referral, contact CSI’s Admission Service at 282-1500.
-30-
If You Only Knew…
Would you like to better understand how CSI serves the people of York and
Cumberland counties? Do you know how much we are able to accomplish thanks
to your financial support? Want to help us spread the word about the good
work we do?
A
new video, narrated by WCSH NewsCenter 6’s Sharon Rose, offers a
comprehensive overview of CSI’s many services, as seen through the eyes of
our staff, board and clients. Soon we’ll post the streaming video on our
website. Look for it on our website at
http://www.counselingservices.org/.
-30- |
