November 2021

News November 18, 2021 By AMHC 0 Comments

AMHC Joins Workforce Board’s Recovery Friendly Employer Network

Aroostook Mental Health Services, Inc. (AMHC) has joined the Northeastern Workforce Development Board’s (NWDB) Recovery Friendly Employer network. “AMHC is excited to announce its participation,” said Brittany Ballard, Director of Human Resources. “A major goal of this project is for employers to formally recognize their support of recovery, and then decide how that can be implemented within our own workplace practices.”

NWBD recently voted to create a network and support system for employers that are recovery-friendly. “Addiction and the opioid crisis have hit Maine hard. People in recovery are struggling to find employment and businesses are feeling the impact of substance use disorder,” explains Joanna Russell, Executive Director of the NWDB. “To help turn the tide, employers can adopt a culture that openly supports recovery, which can improve both employee satisfaction and better our community.

By joining this initiative, AMHC reinforces its commitment to a healthy, safe, and stigma-free work environment to eliminate barriers to recovery for those impacted by addiction. “In early November employees were notified of our involvement,” shared Ballard. “Being designated a Recovery Friendly Employer is a great step in AMHC formally declaring the agency’s support for recovery.”

About NWDB’s Recovery Friendly Employer Network

As a member of the network, employers will have access to tailored advice, workshops, and resource materials. The NWDB will publish a formal list of employees in mid-January 2022. All businesses interested in taking part can visit the NWDB webpage (https://www.northeasternwdb.org/recovery-friendly-employers/) or contact Joanna Russell at 207-951-2549.

News November 15, 2021 By AMHC 0 Comments

AMHC’s Children’s Residential Treatment Achieves Three-Year CARF Accreditation

AMHC Children’s Residential team members proudly display the three-year accreditation certificate received by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). Supporting the application and implementation are (l to r): Clem Deveau, Shannon Gove, Cathy Sawtelle, Tiffany Duchesneau, Brian Walton, and Dan Clements (absent: Dr. Katherine Rice). The program serves youth ages 7-19.

Aroostook Mental Health Services, Inc. (AMHC) is pleased to announce that its Children’s Residential Treatment program has been issued a three-year accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). Located in Calais, the program is a ten-bed 24-hour clinical residential facility serving youth ages 7-19 that are experiencing behavioral and developmental challenges.

“In their letter, CARF shared that this achievement is an indication of our organization’s dedication and commitment to improving the quality of the lives of those we serve,” said Clem Deveau, LCSW, CCS, AMHC Program Director of Behavioral Health for Washington and Hancock counties. “We are proud of obtaining this high level of accreditation and grateful for the staff who work hard serving the youth in our care.”

CARF is an independent, nonprofit accreditor of health and human services. Through accreditation, CARF assists service providers in improving their services, demonstrating value, and meeting internationally recognized organizational and program standards. Accreditation is an ongoing process, establishing a provider’s commitment to enhance its performance, manage its risk, and distinguish its service delivery.

AMHC Children’s Residential program is currently accepting client referrals. Please contact them at 207-454-0269 for more information or to learn more about eligibility requirements.