| 7/13/2010 |
| Monarch Provides Ongoing Services for PBH Area |
Assertive Community Treatment Teams operated by MHA transferred to Monarch
Albemarle, NC – At the request of PBH, on June 24, 2010, Assertive Community Treatment Teams (ACTT) operated by Mental Health Association of North Carolina (MHA) were transferred to, and are now operated by Monarch. Many staff members who supported consumers through MHA’s ACTT have become employed by Monarch. This allows most individuals receiving services and supports to continue treatment with familiar faces, easing the transition for everyone involved. Monarch is the only human services provider to offer ACTT services in the PBH area which includes Rowan, Davidson, Cabarrus, Stanly, and Union Counties. A total of 32 employees and 240 individuals receiving services from ACTT have been affected by this transition.
ACTT provide intense services targeted at treating people with SPMI (Severe Persistent Mental Illness). SPMI diagnoses include Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, Schizoactive Disorder, Psychotic Disorder, Delusional Disorder, and Major Depressive Disorder Severe. Many individuals receiving services through ACTT have other diagnoses such as substance abuse disorders, personality disorder, and/or mental health disorders. ACTT are carefully structured to provide the most comprehensive and effective outpatient treatment possible. Team members include a Master’s level Team Leader, Therapist, Vocational Specialist, Substance Abuse Specialist, Peer Specialist, RN (Registered Nurse), Psychiatrist, Case Manager, and Social Worker. The community based format of ACTT allows team members and doctors to visit individuals in their homes, at work, at assisted living facilities, at homeless shelters, at group homes, etc.
The effectiveness of ACTT services is due in large part to the quality of the staff and the less than 1:10 ratio of one employee for every 10 individuals being served. The goal of ACTT is to prevent hospitalization and to find ways for individuals to utilize natural supports within their communities allowing for better quality of life and independence. For more information about Monarch’s ACTT program and how to access services, please go to www.monarchNC.org or call 1-800-230-7525.
PBH is a public authority organization established in 1974 that is a political subdivision of the state of North Carolina, established under General Statute 122C. As a public authority, PBH is managed by a Board of Directors that are appointed by the County Commissions from each of the five counties listed earlier. The Board is composed of a County Commissioner from each Constituent County, consumer and family representatives, as well as citizens at large. For more information, please go to www.pbhcare.org.
Monarch provides support and resources to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental illness, and substance abuse issues throughout North Carolina. Monarch is a nonprofit and is an affiliated chapter of The Arc of North Carolina and The Arc of the United States. To learn more about how Monarch helps “dreams take flight” for people living in our communities, please call 1-800-230-7525 or visit online at www.MonarchNC.org.
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