Greater Bridgeport HIV/AIDS Care Consortium Recognizes 2 RNP Officials
October 7, 2008 Bridgeport, CT
The Greater Bridgeport HIV/AIDS Care Consortium awarded Joanne Montgomery and John Hamilton during their 19th Annual AIDS Walk.
Joanne Montgomery received the award for surpassing her call and duty in caring for people living with HIV/AIDS and substance abuse. The passion and knowledge that she transpires to all that she comes in contact with is amazing. Providers and consumers know that when in need of guidance, whether making a right referral or getting funds, Joanne is the person to call.
John Hamilton was recognized for his outstanding leadership and valuable contribution to the Greater Bridgeport HIV/AIDS Care Consortium.
Aug. 14, 2008 The Golf Club at Oxford Greens, Oxford, CT
Regional Network of Programs, Inc. hosted a charity golf tournament at The Golf Club at Oxford Greens on August 14, 2008. The tournament was participated by 132 golf players from different counties. The highlight of the event was the Audi T4 car from AUDI of Fairfield for the winner of the Hole in One Contest. John Hamilton, RNP's CEO, gratefully acknowledged the presence and participation of all the guest players, sponsors, staff and volunteers.
August 4, 2008, 392 Prospect Street, Bridgeport, CT
Regional Network of Programs, Inc. officially opened a new co-occurring treatment program in Bridgeport, CT. The Honorable Mayor of Bridgeport, Bill Finch, together with Beverly Newell, RNP's Board of Directors President, led the ribbon-cutting ceremony on August 4, 2008.
The new program is named NEW PROSPECTS and is designed to cater to adult men and women with high severity of substance use and low to moderate severity of mental health symptoms. The program accepts referrals State-wide with exclusive funding provided by DMHAS in order to increase access to such necessary services as a means to effectively address overflow experience in emergency rooms and hospitals.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by several RNP staff and representatives from different agencies. Among the guests who graced the occasion included Leticia Colon, Councilwoman of Council District 131st, Lauren Siembab of DMHAS, Sam Moy and Diane Michaelson of ABH, James Piscotta of GBCMHC, George Zamary of Office of Adult Probation, Charlene Lee of Liberation Programs, Thomas Butcher of Ryan White Office, Kim O'Rielly of SWRMHB and several others.
RNP Employees Attend Training on "Workplace Violence and Crisis Management"
July 23, 2008, Tower 3, Scinto Auditorium
John Schultz, Quality and Risk Management Director, presented an informative training about "Workplace Violence and Crisis Management" last July 23, 2008 at the Scinto Auditorium from 10 am to 12 noon and from 12 noon to 2 pm.
John defined Workplace Violence as any act in which a person is abused, threatened, intimidated or assaulted in his or her employment and this includes threatening behavior, verbal or written threats, verbal abuse, harassment, and physical attacks. Rumors, swearing, verbal abuse, pranks, arguments, property damage, vandalism, sabotage, pushing, theft, physical assaults, psychological trauma, anger-related incidents, rape, arson and murder are all examples of workplace violence.
This one-day training also tackled
the following topics: Recognizing the warning signs, Crisis Management and de-escalation techniques, and Proper reporting procedures and incident debriefing.
Promoting Recovery with Recovery Support Services Conference
May 22, 2008, Holiday Inn, North Haven, CT
The Connecticut Certification Board (CCB) presented the Second Annual CCB Conference last May 22nd and 23rd at the Holiday Inn, North Haven, CT. The theme of the conference was Promoting Recovery with Recovery Support Services and this conference was in partnership with the Connecticut Community For Addiction Recovery, Focus on Recovery - United and the Yale University Program for Recovery and Community Health. The primary goal of the conference was to enhance information sharing around recovery support services and raise awareness about the important role recovery support services play in promoting recovery from substance use and mental disorders. The conference was designed and organized in partnership with the recovery community and the conference partners. Regional Network of Programs, Inc. was one of the proud sponsors of the conference together with DMHAS, The National Alliance of Advocates for Buprenorphine Treatment, The Connection, Inc., MCCA, Reckitt Benckiser, The Wheeler Clinic/CT Clearing House, Alcohol Anonymous, CASA/MAAS, Mountainside and Harbor Health Services. John Hamilton, RNP's CEO, was one of the panelists in the afternoon session that tackled the topic about Integrating Recovery Support Services into Systems.
Dr. Danielle Moreggi Lectures on "Co-occurring Disorders"
April 11, 2008 RNP Conference Room, Shelton, CT
Dr. Danielle Moreggi, Ph.D., CCDP, of Connecticut Certification Board, delivered a course on "Co-occurring Disorders" to RNP staff as one of the highlights of the Training Institute. Dr. Moreggi discussed the significance of the course which is designed to specifically address how to diagnose and treat the symptoms and disorders associated with trauma. Participants learned ways to assess trauma during a clinical interview and the evidence based practices associated with the treatment of trauma related disorders such as PTSD, as well as, the Dissociative and Somatization Disorders identified in the DSM-IV.
CCB and RNP initiative aim to support all employees towards certification and increase workforce capacity. The current number of certifications that was assumed to be obtained based on the number of registered participants in the RNP catalogue was 60.
Joanne Montgomery Discusses AIDS/HIV With "No Holds Barred"
April 5, 2008 RNP Conference Room, Shelton, CT
RNP initiated an informative training about HIV/AIDS for non-medical Counselors, Clinicians, and Case Managers. The training was held on March 29 and April 5, 2008 at CHS and Shelton Corporate Office, respectively.
Joanne Montgomery, CAC, SCCD, Director of Medication-Assisted Treatment and HIV/AIDS Services conducted a training on HIV/AIDS for non-medical Counselors, Clinicians and Case Managers who provide behavioral health care to persons who are, or who may be at risk of HIV infection. The HIV curriculum material reviewed in this course was presented within the context of the Health Belief model, which could easily be translated into effective patient education and the promotion of positive changes in health practices—including a reduced risk of acquiring or transmitting the virus that causes AIDS.
