High Point Partial Care clients recently got to see “the light at the end of the tunnel.” That was how a High Point counselor described the effect on clients of a two-day “In Our Own Voice” program provided by National Alliance on Mental Illness. The NAMI presenters recounted their own histories of mental health problems and how, having come through treatment, they now lead full and rewarding lives.

The presentations included videos that explained the symptoms of various forms of mental illness, but the greatest benefit to High Point’s clients came from the personal stories of presenters. With counseling and in some cases medications, they have started families and careers.  One presenter detailed her on coping skill, which include a holistic combination of diet, health and meditation.

One NAMI presenter described her co-occurrence fall into heroin addiction. Another spoke of her bi-polar disorder, but she is not stable and working a farm with her husband as well as going to school. Her studies are in the mental health field and she intends to help fill in some of the cracks in the treatment system that can make it difficult to access appropriate care.

Nearly all the clients were inspired by the presentations. One client shared about what she needs to do for herself: be attuned each every day to her one’s moods and vigilant about her medications.

Treatment at High Point includes a host of groups, case management, medication management, which are often complemented by programs such as the one NAMI presnted at the Flemington facility.

Three members of the High Point staff were recently invited to be interviewed on the Mental Health Podcast, which is hosted by Larry Cartwright of National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) of Hunterdon. High Point Program Director Anna Vitale, Marketing Director Daniel Meara and Outreach Coordinator Sarah Nehrings covered the programs many strengths and how it acts as a second family for the clients it serves.

The hosted asked Daniel to provide an overview of High Point and the people it services.  He described its mental health and addiction programs and that some clients will have co-occurrence, a combination of drug use and mental health problems. He covered the Medication Assisted Treatment High Point provides for clients with an addiction and that the facility has a medical director and APN to monitor and adjust medications.

Daniel noted that High Point belongs to a family of programs located around New Jersey. The three affiliated programs are Unity Place of Monmouth County, Unity Place of Cherry Hill and Unity Place of Hammonton. All four programs have in common that they provide a far-reaching transportation service to clients.

Among the key elements of High Point, Daniel stressed, is that High Point has no waiting list for new clients. This is critical as many people with an addiction or mental illness will only have a short window of time when they are open to entering treatment.

Anna went gave deep dive into the two distinct populations that High Point serves: mental health and addiction. She went into the origins of co-occurrence and the fact that sometimes the drug use is the beginning of the issue, and sometimes mental illness leads to self-medication.  It can take a while to unravel the root of the problem.

The mental health clients attend High Point’s full-day program. The diagnoses of pervasive mental illness include schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. The goal in these cases is to stabilize the client within the community and wrap them with services according to their individualized needs. For these individuals, the days include groups and other supports including case management.

High Point, Anna noted, is like a second family to these and all the clients. Some clients, Anna noted, have little family support because of the degree of their mental health problem.

Upon admission, Sarah described a client can expect during their first days at High Point. She said the person will undergo an intake assessment to determine the right level of care and triage their needs. Sarah or her colleague in Outreach the person on their arrival and help them become acclimated to the environment.  She discussed the fact that High Point will work with family members if that that is what they require.

The host, Larry Cartwright, asked about cases that have no family.  Anna said in those cases the client is linked to other resources in their community. In some cases, their mental health issues or addiction have caused them to become estranged from their family, High Point will work with families to mend bridges between the client and his or her family.

Anna stressed that High Point will not turn away anyone looking for treatment and will assist with filling out forms, such as Family Care, so they will have coverage for their care.

To hear to full podcast, go to: http://www.hunterdonchamberradio.com/Radio_Shows/Mental_Health_Matters/Mental_Health_Matters-2019-03-18_07.mp3

Recovery from a mental health problem or drug addiction entails many elements, employment certainly being a critical one. Work is both necessary to pay one’s bills and give one a sense of fulfillment. With this in mind, High Point Partial Care recently invited Amy Vadala, Career Services Therapist at Pathways to Employment of Hunterdon County, to give a presentation to High Point’s clients.  The program, which is free and is funded by a state grant, provides assistance with job placement, assistance with resume writing and job interviewing and even transportation to a work site.

Separate presentations were given to High Point’s mental health clients and substance use clients, as the two groups have somewhat different employment needs and face different obstacles.  Amy answered questions about SSD and SSI limits on employment and provided information about letters of accommodation for individuals with a disability or a medical condition.

Several clients expressed concern about the stress that accompanies most jobs. They were assured that, were they to begin a job, the agency would  help them find ways to ease stress and would make the employer aware of the client’s mental health issue.

The array of jobs in which clients can be placed includes customer service positions, sales, information technology, restaurant work and teaching or teacher’s assistants. High Point Clients living in other counties will be referred to the employment agency in their home county. Those interested in furthering their education will be connected with the NJ Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services.

High Point Partial Care is known for the outstanding addiction and mental health care it provides, but it does not stop there. High Point staff are concerned about all areas of the clients’ health.  Through our partnership with Zufall Health, a federally qualified health center based in Somerset, High Pont can now refer clients for medical and dental care and, most recently, to be tested for HIV.  This is in keeping with High Point taking a person-centered, holistic approach to client care.

Zufall’s Ricardo Salcido (pictured) is coming to High Point this week to do the first round of testing on clients who expressed interest in doing so.  In January, Ricardo came to the facility to give a presentation on HIV to the clients in High Point’s Substance Use Program. Mental Health clients will have their own presentation and then be scheduled for testing. 

During his presentation last month, Ricardo engaged the clients about HIV and the importance to their overall health being tested. He explained how advances in medicine have meant that a positive result is not life-threatening, provided the patient begins on protocol of treatment. There are a number of medications to control HIV, and it is important to match the right medicine to the individual. At the time, many High Point clients showed they were well-versed in the history of HIV and how treatment for it has progressed. 

This HIV testing program at High Point reflects how the staff cares for our clients, certainly focusing on addiction and mental health issues but helping to address general health wherever possible.  To find out more about High Point, call (908) 788-5979.

High Point Partial Care is dedicated to helping its clients to become to as independent as possible from addiction or mental Illness. With this in mind, High Point is joining in the celebration of African American History Month by recognizing one of the greatest icons in the struggle for Civil Rights:  W.E.B. DuBois. Of De Bois and his role in history, Dr. King said, “history cannot ignore W.E.B. Dubois because history has to reflect the truth and Dr. DuBois was a tireless explorer and gifted discoverer of the social truths.”

Dr. DuBois was a talented and passionate writer, teacher and researcher who used his gifts to advance African Americans and defy Jim Crow. He stood his ground against Booker T. Washington, who urged blacks to rise above racism though work and economic advancement. Dr. DuBois understood that this was not a reasonable expectation given that educational and employment opportunities by and large foreclosed such advancement for Blacks.

Dr. DuBois went on to found the Niagara Movement, an organization devoted to upholding the Civil Rights of African Americans. This organization was a precursor to the NAACP, which Dr. DuBois helped create and whose magazine, “The Crisis”, he edited.

These are only some of the hallmarks of Dr. DuBois’s career. His books and scholarship continue to be read and revered. His life and achievements add considerable luster to African American history and deserve the respect of all Americans.

High Point Partial Care is honoring Martin Luther King as we mark the anniversary of his birth this week. In his most famous speech, he dreamed of children of all races joining hands, of the progeny of slave owners and slaves sitting down together “at the table of brotherhood.” Many of his supporters followed his example and have taken up causes that divide people. His example is needed as much today as ever.

Dr. King dedicated his life to equality and freedom for all Americans and urged the country to live up to its ideals. In the face of terrible bigotry and threats to his life, he upheld the doctrine of non-violent protest. He proffered an open hand to one clenched in a fist.

At High Point, we know the call for equality and freedom extends to individuals with addiction or mental illness. They, like minorities, have faced discriminatory practices. And over the course of the drug war, laws were enacted and enforced that disproportionately affected African-Americans and other minorities.  Advocates have followed Dr. King’s example and worked tirelessly to change these laws, not with violence but with appeals to our common humanity. Their efforts have allowed more people to access treatment and promoted acceptance of addiction as primarily a public health issue.

In that renowned speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, Dr. King spoke of reaching the mountaintop collectively. He understood that even someone as eloquent and dedicated as he was could not advance a cause single-handedly. He enlisted and inspired many thousands during his lifetime and, remarkably, continues to do so to this day.

High Point Partial Care in Flemington opens 2019 with the launch of its new website. The new website will be an important way for High Point to strengthen its connection to Hunterdon community and the surrounding counties throughout northwest New Jersey.

High Point is known for the excellence of its mental health and addiction care in provides clients, providing client-centered, trauma-informed care. The facility provides medication assisted treatment to where appropriate for clients with substance abuse. The staff is dedicated, caring, and professional.

High Point is fortunate to have recently welcomed Anna Vitale as its new Program Director. Anna notes that “our clients receive a wide range of clinical and wrap-around supports that address the individual’s treatment needs.”

From the program director to each of the counselors to support staff, everyone at High Point puts the client first. The High Point model stresses a team effort, one that brings to together all staff to create the greatest chance of success for the client. Even the van drivers who deliver clients to the facility are part of the collaborative approach. Clients know that High Point care begins from the moment they set foot on the van and continues until they are dropped off. 

Each day begins with a meeting of all staff to review the current cases, determining which clients may need more attention or a higher level of care and which have progressed and are ready to be stepped down a level or discharged.  In cases of discharge from High Point, the program director and the client’s primary counselor develop a discharge plan that will give the person the best opportunity for successful recovery.  Factors such as aftercare, housing, education, employment, transportation are taken into account.

High Point’s new website will help make more people aware of the agency’s quality behavioral health care. But no matter how our clients discover High Point, what stays with them is the commitment of the staff that has helped so many change their lives for the better.