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In the News 2004November 22, 2004 - Assemblywoman Joins Steininger Advisory Council October 8, 2004 - Annual Golf Tournament Exceeds Fundraising Goal... September 10, 2004 - Charity Golf Tournament Raises Needed Funds... August 18, 2004 - Former Judge Joins Steininger Advisory Council... June 14, 2004 - Rallying Legislators forChange... April 26, 2004 - Steininger Participates in Intl. Exchange Program... April 19, 2004 - SteiningerCelebrates May is Mental Health Month... Steininger Behavioral Care Services Welcomes
With a Broad Understanding of Diversity Issues, Ms. Cruz-Perez Cherry Hill, NJ, November 22, 2004 – Steininger Behavioral Care Services (Steininger) has appointed Camden County Assemblywoman Nilsa Cruz-Perez to its Advisory Council of its Board of Trustees. The first Hispanic woman in New Jersey history to be elected to the State Legislature, Ms. Cruz-Perez is well recognized for both her political accomplishments and her commitment to civic causes. A member of the New Jersey General Assembly since 1995, she has received numerous awards for her community involvement, including the Camden County Prominent Hispanic Award, Planned Parenthood of Southern New Jersey Public Affairs Award, Camden City Partnership of Hope Award, Camden County Girl Scouts’ Community Leader Award, Puerto Rican Congress Recognition Award, and Aspira’s “Leadership Through Education” Award. “Nilsa Cruz-Perez brings a unique perspective to our Advisory Council,” said Dr. Leonard Altamura, Steininger President and CEO. “With her firsthand knowledge of diversity issues, she will help us better understand the needs of our increasingly multi-ethnic, multi-cultural population, especially the Hispanic community, and enable us to improve the mental health services we provide to all the groups we serve.” “It is a privilege to be able to contribute to Steininger’s mission to provide the highest quality behavioral care services. As a member of the Advisory Council, I have the great opportunity to help Steininger develop and strengthen the company’s relationships within the community,” commented Ms. Cruz Perez. As a member of the New Jersey General Assembly, Ms. Cruz-Perez has served on the Education, Housing, Environment, and the Regulatory Oversights Committees. She is currently Chairwoman of the Consumer Affairs Committee, Vice Chair of the Military and Veterans Affairs Committee and a member of the Housing & Local Government. She is also an Assistant Majority Leader. The author of numerous bills that have become law, including a law that changes membership of the Executive Commission on Ethical Standards and Joint Legislative Committee on Ethical Standards. Ms. Cruz-Perez’s current legislative priorities include: a bill that upgrades an assault committed against commercial vendors and merchants; prohibit sale of tobacco products in vending machines and establishes requirements for retail sale of tobacco; authorizes free admission to State parks and forests and free hunting, fishing and trapping licenses for retired members of NJ National Guard and a bill that would establish a Child Labor Law Enforcement Fund. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Ms. Cruz-Perez attended the University of Puerto Rico where she majored in Political Science. In 1981 she enlisted in the U.S. Army, and while in the military, continued her education at the U.S. Quartermaster School, Big Benn Community College, Temple University (overseas division), and Maryland University. Following her honorable discharge from the Army, Mrs. Cruz-Perez relocated to Camden and served as Executive Assistant to the Vice-President of Cooper’s Ferry Development Association, and later as Executive Assistant to Camden City Mayor Arnold Webster. For three years she was also a member of Camden City Zoning Board of Adjustment. Currently a member of the Advisory Commission on Hispanic Affairs, Ms. Cruz-Perez is on the Board of the Volunteers of America, and a Trustee of the U.S. Battleship New Jersey. Ms. Cruz-Perez is the mother of two sons and a daughter. She resides in Camden with her husband, Luis Camacho. About Steininger Behavioral Care Services A private, not-for-profit organization, Steininger Behavioral Care Services is Camden County’s premier provider of rehabilitative mental health services. Its mission, Self-reliance Through Caring Service, is threaded through every facet of the company’s therapeutic offerings to ensure that clients receive the individualized attention and reassurance they need for successful rehabilitation. With programs throughout Camden County and all of Southern New Jersey, Steininger is continually adapting and evolving to meet the behavioral care needs of a larger and increasingly more diverse population. Steininger’s administrative offices are located at 499 Cooper Landing Road, Cherry Hill, NJ. Information about Steininger may be found at www.sbcs.us.
Annual Golf Tournament Exceeds Fundraising Goal Proceeds Benefit Improved Mental Health Services Throughout Camden County Cherry Hill, NJ, October 8, 2004 – Local businesses and over 300 individuals contributed more than $50,000 to support mental health initiatives at the Steininger Behavioral Care Services’ Fourth Annual Charity Golf Tournament – held on Monday, September 27, 2004, at Little Mill Country Club in Marlton, NJ.All proceeds will go towards expanding mental health services in Camden County. Key tournament sponsors included Commerce Bank, Kennedy Health System/Behavioral Health Services, UMDNJ/SOM Department of Psychiatry, Allied Office Products, and Archer & Greiner, P.C.US Attorney General for Southern New Jersey, Lee Solomon, served as the event’s honorary guest and delivered the evening’s keynote remarks. “This event exemplifies what an enormous difference we can make working together,” said Len Altamura, President and CEO of Steininger. “Lee Solomon spoke eloquently about his family’s own experience with mental illness and how important it is to have access to quality, professional care,” added Altamura. “We sincerely appreciate each of our corporate sponsors and individual participants.Their commitment enables us to continue to provide the best in mental health services to our community,” said Brian Whilldin, Golf Committee Chairman and member of the Steininger Board of Trustees.Whilldin continued, “We are already looking forward to next year’s tournament.” The day’s events included lunch, golf, cocktails and dinner, along with remarks, a live auction, and the presentation of awards and prizes. Winners of the tournament were the foursome of Brian Whilldin of Cherry Hill, Amy Whilldin of Cherry Hill, John Monday of Glen Mills, and Gene Ciemny of Atlantic City. For information about Steininger or to be placed on the notification list regarding next year’s outing as a sponsor or participant, please contact Jim Monaghan at 856-482-8747 Ext. 139. About Steininger Behavioral Care Services A private, not-for-profit organization, Steininger Behavioral Care Services is Camden County’s premier provider of rehabilitative mental health services. Its mission, Self-reliance Through Caring Service, is threaded through every facet of the company’s therapeutic offerings to ensure that clients receive the individualized attention and reassurance they need for successful rehabilitation. With programs throughout Camden County and all of Southern New Jersey, Steininger is continually adapting and evolving to meet the behavioral care needs of a larger and increasingly more diverse population. Steininger’s administrative offices are located at 499 Cooper Landing Road, Cherry Hill, NJ. Information about Steininger may be found at www.sbcs.us. Mental Health Services In Camden County Cherry Hill, NJ, September 10, 2004 – Join Flyer legend and Hockey Hall of Famer Bernie Parent, Deputy United States Attorney (Southern Vicinages of New Jersey) Lee Solomon, United States Congressman Rob Andrews and others on Monday, September 27, 2004, at the 4th annual Steininger Behavioral Care Services charity golf tournament, at the Little Mill Country Club in Marlton, NJ. Tournament proceeds will benefit mental health services provided by Steininger throughout Camden County. “Following the success of last year’s tournament, we look forward to having a large crowd of both golfers and supporters who want to help Steininger continue to provide services and support to families and individuals who suffer with mental illness,” said Brian Whilldin, Golf Steering Committee Chairman and member of the Steininger Board of Trustees. “ By supporting the efforts of Steininger, we are working toward creating a better life for all people in Camden County.” About Steininger Behavioral Care Services A private, not-for-profit organization, Steininger Behavioral Care Services is Camden County’s premier provider of rehabilitative mental health services. Its mission, Self-reliance Through Caring Service, is threaded through every facet of the company’s therapeutic offerings to ensure that clients receive the individualized attention and reassurance they need for successful rehabilitation. With programs throughout Camden County and all of Southern New Jersey, Steininger is continually adapting and evolving to meet the behavioral care needs of a larger and increasingly more diverse population. Steininger’s administrative offices are located at 499 Cooper Landing Road, Cherry Hill, NJ. Information about Steininger may be found at www.sbcs.us. About Commerce A staunch commitment to active involvement in the local community is another vital element of the Commerce philosophy. Over the years, Commerce Bank’s Corporate Giving Program has contributed more than $30 million to help improve the quality of life of the people living in the communities served by the bank. Commerce has provided funding and financial assistance to various non-profit organizations, educational institutions and community, civic and health-related programs, many of which focus on children and families. Commerce Bank was selected as “one of New Jersey’s outstanding corporate philanthropists” for 2003. Community Leader Known for His Government Cherry Hill, NJ, August 18, 2004 - Steininger Behavioral Care Services (Steininger) announces the appointment of former superior court Judge Richard S. Hyland to the Advisory Council of its Board of Trustees.A respected community leader having judicial experience in dealing with mental health issues, Mr. Hyland strengthens Steininger’s ability to realize its mission to enable individuals with mental illness to achieve “Self Reliance through Caring Services”. “It is an honor to have Judge Hyland serve on our Advisory Council. He will enhance our decision-making, and make our objective to provide high quality behavioral care services more attainable,” said Dr. Leonard S. Altamura, Steininger President and CEO. “It is a privilege to be able to help Steininger in the pursuit of its goals.I have been impressed with their leadership, and with their commitment to meeting the mental health needs of the community,” commented Mr. Hyland. Currently of counsel to the Cherry Hill office of Montgomery, McCracken, Walker and Rhoads, Mr. Hyland is involved in all phases of trials and appeals, including complex commercial and tort litigation, and alternative dispute resolution. He previously served aspresiding Judge of the Camden County District Court and as a Judge of New Jersey Superior Court from 1978 to 1988 and presided over civil and criminal trails. He has been awarded the designation as a Certified Civil Trial Attorney by the Supreme Court of New Jersey. Mr. Hyland is a member of the Camden County, Burlington County, New Jersey State, Association of the Federal Bar and American Bar Associations, and is a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation.He served as Secretary and as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Camden County Bar Association. He was appointed by the New Jersey Supreme Court as a member and later served as Chairman of the Camden County Ethics Committee. A former member of the Joint Appropriations Committee and Chairman of the State Library Committee of the New Jersey General Assembly while serving in the Legislature, Mr. Hyland also served as Counsel to the South Jersey Port Corporation, as well as adjudicating civil commitments. The author of many reported trial court opinions, he was appointed by the New Jersey Supreme Court as a certified mediator in civil cases. He is co-founder, Counsel and former Director of the Big Brothers of Camden County, a past Director and Officer of Camden County Child Guidance Center, and a member and former Director of the South Jersey Chamber of Commerce. He was the founder and former President of the Brehon Law Society of Southern New Jersey, a non-denominational association of Irish-American lawyers. Mr. Hyland earned his Bachelor of Science (B.S) degree from St. Joseph’s University, and his law degree from the University of Pennsylvania Law School.A former professional musician who was featured as first saxophonist with the Cherry Hill Wind Symphony, he presently performs informally with various jazz ensembles in the Philadelphia area. About Steininger Behavioral Care Services A private, not-for-profit organization, Steininger Behavioral Care Services is Camden County’s premier provider of rehabilitative mental health services. Its mission, Self-reliance Through Caring Service, is threaded through every facet of the company’s therapeutic offerings to ensure that clients receive the individualized attention and reassurance they need for successful rehabilitation. With programs throughout Camden County and all of Southern New Jersey, Steininger is continually adapting and evolving to meet the behavioral care needs of a larger and increasingly more diverse population. Steininger’s administrative offices are located at 499 Cooper Landing Road, Cherry Hill, NJ. Information about Steininger may be found at www.sbcs.us. Rallying Legislators for Change Trenton, NJ, June 14, 2004 - Consumers, providers, and family members affected by the flat funding of New Jersey mental health services over the past few years descended on Trenton for the annual Mental Health Rally on June 14th.Over 2,500 people gathered on the steps of the Capitol and listened to speakers decry the lack of sufficient increases in funding which has led to difficulties in hiring and retaining qualified staff and has limited the ability of community programs to serve the increasing numbers of children and adults who need help. Steininger collaborated with CPAC and NAMI to send a busload of people to the rally. In response to this and other advocacy actions, the legislature is now likely to pass a budget that includes a 4% COLA for community mental health providers. Everyone who attended the rally came away with a sense of satisfaction in exercising their freedom of speech and advocating for improved mental health funding in New Jersey. Next year we would like to see even more people participate in the rally – especially consumers - so mark you calendars and get you protest signs ready! About Steininger Behavioral Care Services A private, not-for-profit organization, Steininger Behavioral Care Services is Camden County’s premier provider of rehabilitative mental health services. Its mission, Self-reliance Through Caring Service, is threaded through every facet of the company’s therapeutic offerings to ensure that clients receive the individualized attention and reassurance they need for successful rehabilitation. With programs throughout Camden County and all of Southern New Jersey, Steininger is continually adapting and evolving to meet the behavioral care needs of a larger and increasingly more diverse population. Steininger’s administrative offices are located at 499 Cooper Landing Road, Cherry Hill, NJ. Information about Steininger may be found at www.sbcs.us. Guidelines for Helping Children Cope with Disclosure Cherry Hill, NJ, May 17, 2004 - The recent disclosure in the media about the military’s abuse toward Iraqi prisoners of war and subsequent retaliation by the beheading of an American citizen raises anxiety, fears and uncertainty about the future. Children may be especially vulnerable due to their cognitive development and limited life experiences. No matter how frightening some feelings are it is more frightening if no one addresses them. If adults are silent, the children who depend on them may experience the added fear that we are not able to take care of them. Adults are in a position to create an atmosphere of security, stability and support, which will provide a cushion against the full impact of this disturbing news. Thus, it is important that adults first acknowledge their own feelings and find suitable ways to lessen their own anxiety. Remember, these reactions are a normal response to extraordinary events. People have different ways of coping and need to do what is best for them. Identify your individual ways of coping: increase knowledge, connect with others, engage in nurturing activities, and honor your spirituality. To assist children, adults can:
About Steininger Behavioral Care Services A private, not-for-profit organization, Steininger Behavioral Care Services is Camden County’s premier provider of rehabilitative mental health services. Its mission, Self-reliance Through Caring Service, is threaded through every facet of the company’s therapeutic offerings to ensure that clients receive the individualized attention and reassurance they need for successful rehabilitation. With programs throughout Camden County and all of Southern New Jersey, Steininger is continually adapting and evolving to meet the behavioral care needs of a larger and increasingly more diverse population. Steininger’s administrative offices are located at 499 Cooper Landing Road, Cherry Hill, NJ. Information about Steininger may be found at www.sbcs.us. Steininger Behavioral Care Services Participates in International Exchange Visit Facilitated By Steininger Membership in International Initiative Cherry Hill, NJ, April 26, 2004 – Supporting its mission to provide the highest quality rehabilitative services, Steininger Behavioral Care Services (Steininger) has arranged for one ofBritain’s leading mental health professionals, Mr. Paul Mullin, Chief Executive for the Bedfordshire and Luton Community NHS [National Health Service] Trust, to meet with its Board of Trustees and Senior Management. During his May 17th and 18th visit, Mr. Mullin will discuss Britain’s national health and social care system, providing insights into how it compares and contrasts with that of the United States. He will also speak about his organization’s mission and operations. He will be the Guest Speaker at a dinner on May 17th that will be attended by local legislators and other community leaders. Mr. Mullin will also address mental health issues at a luncheon sponsored by the Camden Rotary Club on May 18th. Mr. Mullin’s trip to the US is being facilitated by the International Initiative for Mental Health Leadership Exchange Program, an organization whose mission is to promote the development of organizational and management best practices through collaborative and innovative arrangements between mental health service providers. The organization strives to ensure that mental health consumers throughout the world are able to access providers with the knowledge and competence most likely to support their recovery.Both Steininger and the Bedfordshire and Luton Community NHS Trust are members of the International Initiative for Mental Health Leadership, which was founded by the National Institute for Mental Health in England (NIMHE), the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration of the United States (SAMHSA), and the Mental Health Director of the Ministry of Health New Zealand (MOHNZ). “A dynamic leader, Paul oversees a professional staff of over 1,600 members at an NHS Trust whose services and projects are increasingly recognized for delivering excellence,” comments Steininger President and CEO, Dr. Leonard Altamura. “Paul’s comments about Britain’s national health system will also be insightful given the current medical care crisis here in our country.” Mr. Mullin’s career in the field of health care services has spanned strategic planning, performance improvement, and clinical and corporate governance responsibilities. He was appointed CEO of Bedfordshire and Luton Community NHS Trust in April 2002. Prior to that he was an NHS Executive chartered with overseeing Emergency Care and Senior Services for the city of London. He also has held Executive-level positions with the Forest Healthcare NHS Trust and Whipps Cross University Hospital. Mr. Mullins earned his Master of Science degree in Research and Policy from Oxford University. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, where his studies focused on Sociology and Social Administration. About Steininger Behavioral Care Services A private, not-for-profit organization, Steininger Behavioral Care Services is Camden County’s premier provider of rehabilitative mental health services. Its mission, Self-reliance Through Caring Service, is threaded through every facet of the company’s therapeutic offerings to ensure that clients receive the individualized attention and reassurance they need for successful rehabilitation. With programs throughout Camden County and all of Southern New Jersey, Steininger is continually adapting and evolving to meet the behavioral care needs of a larger and increasingly more diverse population. Steininger’s administrative offices are located at 499 Cooper Landing Road, Cherry Hill, NJ. Information about Steininger may be found at www.sbcs.us. Steininger Behavioral Care Services Celebrates May is Mental Health Month Cherry Hill, NJ, April 19, 2004 – Steininger Behavioral Care Services, Inc. (Steininger) will celebrate May is Mental Health Month by calling on government, both state and federal, to fulfill its promise to the community mental health system and provide sufficient funding so that community mental health organizations may continue to provide services to our most vulnerable citizens. Decades of under-funding is strangling the ability of organizations to provide services due to increased demand spiraling operational costs and the inability to recruit and retain qualified staff at adequate salaries. “Forty years ago, this country made the wise decision to move people with mental illness out of antiquated psychiatric institutions and into community-based services where the individual lives,” says Steininger President/CEO, Leonard Altamura. “However, the billions of dollars that government has saved has not followed people with mental illness into the community. Lack of adequate services can lead to homelessness, imprisonment, substance abuse, suicide, shattered lives and crumbling families.” In New Jersey, community care organizations, such as Steininger, provide services through contracts with the state. These providers have received a total increase of less than 6 percent over the last five years, with no increased funding last year. During that time period, insurance, transportation and medical costs have skyrocketed and demand for services has dramatically increased. State employee contract raises during that period totaled 14 percent. As a result, the community treatment providers must pay meager wages – as much as 30 percent lower than identical positions in state government – and are unable to recruit staff and retain staff. As employees leave for better paying jobs, they leave behind unfilled positions and mental health consumers struggling to find services. “How can we expect individuals with a Master’s Degree to remain in their position year after year when they only earn $32,000 and have little hope of an increase?” Said Dr. Altamura. “Mental health employees are very dedicated to the work they do, but it is a difficult job with inadequate compensation." Steininger is calling for a 4 percent increase in contracts to allow for salary increases and to cover the cost of doing business, such as paying for insurance. Increases in Medicaid rates, which have not risen in decades, and the elimination of burdensome and wasteful regulations also are necessary to keep the system afloat. “Caring for our mental health has become imperative to our overall health,” said Dr. Altamura. “Mental illness is something that affects almost everyone in some way, yet people with severe mental illnesses must not only combat the obstacles their illness presents, but they also more often than not face stigma and discrimination in the community. We wouldn’t impose such unjust hurdles on people because they had heart disease or cancer, so why are people discriminated against because of an illness that affects their brain?” Mental Health Month, a national health observance founded in 1949 by the National Mental Health Association, focuses the nation’s attention on the importance of mental health and the realities of mental illness. This year’s theme, Mental Health Matters — In Your Life, seeks to reinforce the message that people should care for their minds as well as their bodies in order to keep them productive, healthy and happy in all aspects of life: at work, at home and at school. Mental Health Month activities include Childhood Depression Awareness Day (May 4), Children’s Mental Health Week, National Anxiety Disorders Screening Day and Older American’s Mental Health Week. About Steininger Behavioral Care Services A private, not-for-profit organization, Steininger Behavioral Care Services is Camden County’s premier provider of rehabilitative mental health services. Its mission, Self-reliance Through Caring Service, is threaded through every facet of the company’s therapeutic offerings to ensure that clients receive the individualized attention and reassurance they need for successful rehabilitation. With programs throughout Camden County and all of Southern New Jersey, Steininger is continually adapting and evolving to meet the behavioral care needs of a larger and increasingly more diverse population. Steininger’s administrative offices are located at 499 Cooper Landing Road, Cherry Hill, NJ. Information about Steininger may be found at www.sbcs.us. Steininger Behavioral Care Services Announces New Web Site Cherry Hill, NJ, April 12, 2004 – Steininger Behavioral Care Services is pleased to announce the launch of its new web site, www.sbcs.us. The site provides easy access to information about the full range of Steininger rehabilitative and mental health services that are available to individuals and families residing in Camden County and the Southern New Jersey area. In addition, it includes links to other important resources elsewhere in the community and on the Internet. The site also offers timely news about issues, trends and developments in behavioral healthcare. “People want and need accurate information in response to their concerns, especially in matters of mental health,” says Steininger Vice President of Clinical Operations, Pat Cacacie. “Our new web site provides an immediate, user-friendly way for them to get that information at any time, day or night. It is an essential part of our commitment to enhance the quality of the behavioral care services we provide for our community.”Among the information that individuals who visit the web site will find are answers to “Common Questions” and comprehensive descriptions of Steininger’s broad range of support services, including Crisis Screening and Emergency Contact numbers.By clicking on the “Events” page, visitors can learn about local seminars relating to mental health topics, and find links to area Support Groups. Also included is information about job opportunities within Steininger, and suggestions for ways in which individuals can contribute to Steininger’s mission to “maximize the self-reliance of individuals and families through quality, caring, behavioral health and community service.” About Steininger Behavioral Care Services A private, not-for-profit organization, Steininger Behavioral Care Services is Camden County’s premier provider of rehabilitative mental health services. Its mission, Self-reliance Through Caring Service, is threaded through every facet of the company’s therapeutic offerings to ensure that clients receive the individualized attention and reassurance they need for successful rehabilitation. With programs throughout Camden County and all of Southern New Jersey, Steininger is continually adapting and evolving to meet the behavioral care needs of a larger and increasingly more diverse population. Steininger’s administrative offices are located at 499 Cooper Landing Road, Cherry Hill, NJ. Information about Steininger may be found at www.sbcs.us. Newly Launched Children’s Steininger Clinicians Respond to Calls From Four Families on First Day Cherry Hill, NJ, February 18, 2004 – In its first week of operation, the Children’s Mobile Response and Stabilization Program is already providing immediate benefits to families in the community. Administered by Steininger Behavioral Care Services, the mobile outreach service is the result of a $1.1 million grant awarded to Steininger by the New Jersey Department of Human Services, and the Partnership for Children in October 2003. It provides immediate, on-site support to youth and their families who are in emotional trauma, and where the child’s behavior puts them at immediate risk of losing their current living arrangements. “There is a pressing need for these services, as evidenced by the fact that Steininger received four calls on the very day February 9th the program went live,” says Department of Human Services Southern Region Children’s Services Coordinator, Marilyn Corradetti, M.Ed. “None of the organizations in the fifteen New Jersey counties who provide this type of program have ever had a request for assistance so quickly,” adds Ms. Corradetti. The program’s goals are to minimize the relocation of children out of their family environment, and prevent escalation of risk and crisis in the home and community. The family-oriented program also helps to avoid inpatient hospitalization. The Partnership for Children boasts a 95% success rate of keeping families together utilizing Mobile Response throughout the state. According to Karen Durbin, the program’s director, the Children’s Mobile Response Program is planned to be a statewide initiative, although “Camden County, together with Essex County, are really the first urban, high-need counties to be selected.” During the program’s first week of operation, Steininger responded to calls for assistance from 12 families, in one instance dispatching experienced intervention workers to Family Court to assist in an out-of-home child placement case. The team of clinicians successfully resolved the crisis, working out a plan with the family to provide behavioral assistance and in-home family therapy. To utilize program services, any parent, service provider or other invested party can call a toll free number (877) 652-7624 to obtain access, regardless of insurance. A staff of twelve qualified Steininger clinical professionals is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide immediate assistance at the location of the crisis. All children or youth under the age of seventeen residing in Camden County are eligible for Mobile Response and Stabilization intervention. If the crisis is not resolved and/or the child remains unstable after 72 hours, services will be continued through a network of mobile stabilization services. One of the responsibilities of the Mobile Response clinicians is to work with the family to develop a plan of services that identifies appropriate interventions to minimize risk, aid in crisis stabilization, and assure the child will be able to remain in, or return to, his or her present living arrangement. About Steininger Behavioral Care Services A private, not-for-profit organization, Steininger Behavioral Care Services is Camden County’s premier provider of rehabilitative mental health services. Its mission, Self-reliance Through Caring Service, is threaded through every facet of the company’s therapeutic offerings to ensure that clients receive the individualized attention and reassurance they need for successful rehabilitation. With programs throughout Camden County and all of Southern New Jersey, Steininger is continually adapting and evolving to meet the behavioral care needs of a larger and increasingly more diverse population. Steininger’s administrative offices are located at 499 Cooper Landing Road, Cherry Hill, NJ. Information about Steininger may be found at www.sbcs.us. Letter to the Editor - System Reform Cherry Hill, NJ, February 17, 2004 - Steininger Behavioral Care Services, Inc. is the provider of mental health services within the Camden County jail. The recent tragedy in that facility has once again raised the issue of whether it is appropriate public policy to put non-violent, mentally ill offenders into the corrections system. This letter is a response to that issue. People with mental illness are falling through the cracks of this country's health and social safety net, and are landing in the criminal justice system at an alarming rate. Each year, an estimated ten million people are booked into U.S. jails, and studies indicate that approximately 15% suffer with a mental illness. This would compare to only 5% in the general population. Especially in local jails, persons with mental illness may be incarcerated because they publicly displayed symptoms such as: delusions; immobilizing depression; or suffering other consequences of rejected or inadequate treatment. If these citizens were assessed to be of danger to themselves or others, they would be appropriately hospitalized at a psychiatric facility. However, if they are not considered dangerous, they may well find themselves jailed on minor charges. Whereas some of these individuals have no family, others have exhausted the resources or the patience (and often both) of their loved ones. Our work with family members has taught us that they, fearful for their safety or because they are simply out of options, ask the police to intervene. Similarly, other community residents may complain to police of nuisance or other non-violent acts by the mentally ill, once again forging a pathway to incarceration rather than treatment. I believe firmly that the most effective way to deal with these individuals is to divert them away from the criminal justice system, when appropriate, prior to criminal charges being made. When and if they do come into contact with the criminal justice apparatus, they should find a full diversion system in place. Based on the report of the "Criminal Justice / Mental Health Consensus Project", sponsored by the Council of State Governments (see www.consensusproject.org), diversion requires a coordinated and extensive collaboration among the municipalities, jails, court systems, providers, families and others to work. Steininger has been a part of a local effort to initiate a diversion program for more than a year. Along with other local providers and advocates, we are pressing for reforms to the legal system that would divert or otherwise protect the vulnerable mentally ill once they engage the criminal justice system. Mental health courts, diversion programs, and outpatient commitment are all different legislated methods successfully used to deal with this issue in other parts of the country. We invite New Jersey's legislators to consider legislative solutions so that the recent horror leads to real reform, and not just finger pointing. Leonard S. Altamura, DSW, LCSW Steininger Behavioral Care Services Insurance Executive Brings Needed Finance & Cherry Hill, NJ, January12, 2004 – Steininger Behavioral Health Care Services (Steininger), the premier provider of rehabilitative mental health services for residents of Camden County and environs, announces the appointment of Gregory C. Grimaldi to its Board of Trustees. A resident of Medford, NJ, Mr. Grimaldi, is Regional Vice President with Commerce Insurance Services, a division of Commerce National Bank in Cherry Hill.“Greg will add tremendously to our Board. His ‘hands on’ understanding of health care issues, strong financial background, and ties to the local community will help strengthen our ability to provide responsive, quality mental health care services,” said Dr. Leonard Altamura, Steininger President and CEO. Prior to his current position with Commerce Insurance Services, Mr. Grimaldi was a Principal at Associated Insurance Management in Haddonfield, an Employee Benefits Brokerage and Consulting Firm. His background also includes working for eight years at Horizon Blue Cross/Blue Shield of New Jersey, where he was responsible for marketing to and managing major group accounts. Also, he has worked as a Cost Accounting Manager for the International Division of Campbell Soup Company, working in Guanajuato, Mexico. While there he was a staff member of the company’s internal Audit Department. Mr. Grimaldi is a Certified Public Accountant and Registered Health Underwriter. Mr. Grimaldi’s many civic and professional organizations include the Medford Education Foundation, for which he is a Trustee. He is on the Golf Committee for the Cherry Hill Lions Club, and serves on several committees for the Medford Pines Homeowners Association. A former Board member for the Greater Camden Association of Life Underwriters, Mr. Grimaldi was both Advertising Chairman and Community Services Chairman. He has served as co-chairman of the Golf Committee for Bancroft Neurohealth in Haddonfield, and is a member of the Southwest Chapter of the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants. Additionally, he is a Trustee of the State Insurance Committee. Mr. Grimaldi graduated from the University of Delaware with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. About Steininger Behavioral Care Services A private, not-for-profit organization, Steininger Behavioral Care Services is Camden County’s premier provider of rehabilitative mental health services. Its mission, Self-reliance Through Caring Service, is threaded through every facet of the company’s therapeutic offerings to ensure that clients receive the individualized attention and reassurance they need for successful rehabilitation. With programs throughout Camden County and all of Southern New Jersey, Steininger is continually adapting and evolving to meet the behavioral care needs of a larger and increasingly more diverse population. Steininger’s administrative offices are located at 499 Cooper Landing Road, Cherry Hill, NJ. Information about Steininger may be found at www.sbcs.us. |
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