A Safety Net of Recovery and Stability

Brandywine Counseling’s Safety Net Services program, now in its third year, is making a difference for Delawareans with high HIV risk and severe substance abuse and mental health issues. Safety Net is an umbrella program offering treatment and pre-treatment to people at various stages of readiness for help, who would otherwise be “lost in the cracks” of social services. The focus is specifically on reaching women and ex-offenders, two of Delaware's highest-risk populations.

In the past year, Safety Net has assisted with over 2500 outreach contacts and 248 HIV tests. Many of our referrals come from the BCI Outreach team, who upon identifying a contact from the target population, will introduce them to the Safety Net Intervention Specialist. The Intervention Specialist will then offer services, see the client through the admission process, and remain in contact throughout their treatment experience. Many referrals also come from the Emergency Room at the Wilmington Hospital, made possible by the unique partnership of BCI with Christiana Care. Both sources have proven to be very successful “front doors” to treatment admission. In the past year, we’ve seamlessly transitioned 74 clients to addiction and mental health treatment, with a total of 148 active clients in the Safety Net program.

Six months after admission, we measure several indicators of recovery and stability. Safety Net participants show good progress on all measures. 56% report no drug use, 80% report no alcohol use, and 52% report no alcohol or drug use. Many reporting HIV risk at admission report reduced risk, with 66% who reported high-risk sexual activity reducing or eliminating risk, and 66% of injection drug users ceasing use. Three-quarters of the clients not housed at admission are now housed. Of the clients reporting no income at admission, 39% now have income. Clients also improved their support system and social connectedness. Half of those without a support network at admission have developed one. 95% of clients have no new arrests. 90% of the clients on mental health medications are compliant with their medications.

Overall, Safety Net Services has enabled many Delawareans with severe addiction and mental health issues to achieve recovery and stability. Our approach is holistic, simultaneously addressing multiple critical issues. The result is a newly created network of services that effectively assists clients into substance abuse treatment and provides a safety net before, during, and after treatment engagement.

Safety Net Services is funded through a grant from the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Substance Abuse Treatment.

3 Years of Needle Exchange in Delaware: Saving Lives and Saving Dollars

The pilot Delaware Needle Exchange Program has had three very successful years. Over 700 people are enrolled, and over 38,654 needles have been exchanged. These potentially infectious syringes have been incinerated and destroyed. Not only have new infections been prevented, but participants have been successfully connected to substance abuse and HIV treatment services. Here are some more highlights, which we are also sharing with legislators today at the Joint Finance Committee budget hearings.

• 150 people have been referred to drug treatment, with an incredible follow up/success rate of 60%. Referrals have been made to methadone treatment, outpatient and inpatient drug treatment, and detoxification.


• Over 1200 people have been tested for HIV on the van. More than half were not needle exchange participants, but took advantage of the service being brought to their neighborhood. Testing has identified new HIV positive infections, as well as positives who know their status but are not in treatment. We are linking them to medical care and case management, which further reduces their risk of transmitting the virus.


• We have begun Pregnancy Screening on our van. Our goal is to reduce the infant mortality rate in Delaware by connecting drug abusing pregnant women to treatment immediately. This will ultimately save both the mother and the baby’s life. Delaware has an extremely successful record of preventing HIV infection among infants born to HIV infected mothers, with only one HIV-positive birth in the last 4 years. Expectant mothers with HIV in Delaware have access to comprehensive, high-quality care; yet, it remains imperative that we encourage them to be tested for HIV and to seek drug treatment.


• The needle exchange has made a difference for so many individuals in the past three years. Here is just one of those stories:
  
  "Cecilia" is a 24 year old Hispanic female who joined the needle exchange a little more than a year ago. She was an active drug user but was not ready for treatment. One day, after she had been with us about 6 months, Cecilia came on the van, tired and crying. She had finally had enough of the drug using lifestyle. We made her an appointment at the methadone clinic. She was having trouble signing up for Medicaid to handle her payments, so we helped her with that, and she was successfully admitted. At time of admission, she had a pregnancy test and found out she was 4 months pregnant. She stayed in treatment and gave birth to a healthy baby. Today Cecilia is still active in treatment and is also employed.


• Lastly, we would like to share with you the cost benefit of needle exchange. Delaware’s program receives $211,000 from the Division of Public Health each year. We know from a recent CDC study that preventing one new HIV infection saves $221,365 in treatment costs. So, the prevention of one new HIV infection pays for the Needle Exchange Program for one year. In three years, Delaware’s needle exchange has prevented an estimated 10-12 new infections by connecting nearly 20 people to HIV care. Therefore, we saved an estimated $2 million that would have been spent on treating those individuals - and that is a modest approximation that does not include the infections prevented when someone is admitted to substance abuse treatment.

The success of the needle exchange is thanks to the inclusive and considerate work of our program staff at Brandywine Counseling, along with incredible support from the City of Wilmington, neighborhood associations, the Faith Community, the Division of Public Health and the Wilmington Police. This is an excellent example of what can happen when a community mobilizes.

We must keep up the work we’re doing. This epidemic remains a challenge, but we are making progress. 3,489 people are living with HIV/AIDS in Delaware. The Black community accounts for 20.9% of the state’s population, but 66% of our HIV/AIDS cases. While the number of new infections each year has declined, in Delaware, 1 in every 83 Blacks has HIV/AIDS.

Delaware’s Needle Exchange remains dedicated to the following goals:

• We must encourage HIV testing for all those who are at risk.
• We must encourage all of those that are infected to seek treatment.
• We must encourage those not infected to take measures to ensure they remain uninfected. Until then, many will continue to pass the virus without knowing it.

Advocating for Recovery at Legislative Hall

Delaware's Joint Finance Committee is holding its annual hearing this week on Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services, in preparation for making difficult decisions for this year's State budget. BCI Counselor Silver Debrick is testifying today to bring to their attention the needs of Delaware's citizens regarding treatment and recovery. Here is what she had to say.

Good afternoon and thank you for allowing me to speak on behalf of addiction services in Delaware. I am Silver Debrick, and I am a Dual Disorder Counselor of Brandywine Counseling, Inc., an addiction, mental health treatment and prevention agency celebrating 25 years of service to addicted persons and their families in the State of Delaware. I would like to thank you for your support in the past and to remind you why funding for these services remains essential.

Brandywine Counseling offers “Same Day Intake” for heroin addiction. We provide a patient their first dose of potentially life-saving methadone treatment the same day they walk in the door, with no wait time or waiting list. Many people have admitted that same day medication enabled them to stick with treatment rather than be back on the streets seeking heroin. Today, 40% of our methadone patients, nearly 450 people, have at least 90 days abstinence. We do not turn anyone away who needs our services.

Brandywine partners with other Delaware service providers, including Christiana Care, Detoxification, and community-based peer support. We strive for consistency, efficiency, and nonduplication of efforts to serve our common population. One successful collaboration is our on-site outreach at Wilmington Hospital, which has enabled us to reach a population that was previously “falling through the cracks.” In just over a year, 114 people have entered treatment thanks to this partnership. Drug use is known to increase one’s risk of chronic disease, including heart disease, cancer, or kidney damage. By helping these people enter treatment earlier, we help them avoid these health problems, while decreasing costs to hospitals and taxpayers.

Brandywine also continues to partner with the State of Delaware to better serve Delawareans with co-occurring substance abuse and mental illness. Co-occurring disorders are becoming more the rule than the exception for drug-dependent people. Nearly 4 in 10 people who come through our door have a Co-Occurring Disorder. Our team is prepared to provide them individualized, person-centered, culturally competent assessment and treatment, with minimal wait time. This includes our clinical staff, many of whom have obtained our Co-Occurring Professional Certification; as well as our physicians, psychologists, and psychiatrist Dr. Carol Tavani.

Another vulnerable population Brandywine serves is women with children. Our residential program, the Lighthouse, is filled to its 10 bed capacity. We have 2 moms who have been awarded regular visitation with their children, and another mom who has regained custody of her children while at the Lighthouse. The Lighthouse is keeping these families together. It helps women find the courage to break the generational cycle of addiction and transform their lives to become productive citizens and good mothers. That is why we welcome them upon arrival with a big hug and a smile and say "Welcome to the Light!"

Treatment produces so many individual success stories. We help each person set goals, work toward them, and celebrate when they reach them. Here are just a few examples.

• One gentleman from Georgetown entered our vocational program. He just got employed with a cellphone company. When he came in to see his counselor, he was in a suit and tie and was beaming with pride!
  
  
• Another young lady named Dawn was living on the streets in Wilmington one year ago. She was addicted to heroin and was sleeping on a bus stop bench in the middle of winter. Today, she has one year clean, she has a place to live, and she is the mom of healthy 9 month old twins.
  
  
• A young man named Kevin took part in our recovery coaching program. He received peer support that helped him build a strong support network, stay clean, and reconnect with his family. He says, “I feel like a productive member of society today. I feel like a normal human being. Most of all, I have my family back today, and just 8 months ago, they wouldn’t even want me in their house.”

Lastly, I would like to remind you that when we treat and prevent addiction, we reduce the consequences of addiction, which often receive much more attention. Addiction is the leading factor in 40% of homelessness, 38% of child abuse and neglect, 50% of domestic violence disputes, 50% of auto accidents and 62% of aggravated assaults. If we as a society recognize addiction as the underlying cause of these concerns, we will see how necessary treatment and prevention are. I ask that you continue to support addiction treatment and prevention services.

Thank you.

In Memory of Mike Kriner and Chris Sturmfels

We were saddened to learn of the passing of our colleagues Mike Kriner and Chris Sturmfels of Connections CSP on February 25. Many of us at BCI had the opportunity to know them and to observe firsthand their steadfast dedication to their work on behalf of individuals in need. This is truly a loss for Delaware's substance abuse and mental health treatment community. We will miss them as professionals and for the special people they were. Please visit Connections' Web site to read a tribute to Mike and Chris. We send our heartfelt condolences to their families.

"Welcome To The Light!"

BCI's Lighthouse Program for women with children continues to grow in leaps and bounds! We will be filled to our 10 bed capacity within the next week or so. Our treatment schedule has added new topics like Developing Positive Values, Manners Matter, and Decisions In Action.

Several women have enrolled and are attending GED classes via Sussex Technical School. We have 2 moms who have been awarded regular visitation with their children, and another mom who has regained custody of her children while at the Lighthouse. The Lighthouse is keeping these families together. It helps women find the courage to break the generational cycle of addiction and transform their lives to become productive citizens and good mothers.

That is why Program Director Natascha Hughes welcomes new residents upon arrival with a big hug and a smile and says, "Welcome to the Light!" Funding from the State of Delaware for this program continues to be essential, as does your support. Thank you to all who have contributed to the success of these important services.

Georgetown's New Programs Take Off

We are doing some exciting things here at BCI Georgetown that we wanted to share with you.

First, we are taking off with our expanded homeless program, thanks to a 5 year CSAT grant. Since December, our case managers have been getting out in the community and engaging homeless individuals in need of treatment. We have been able to transport them to appointments, and help them with housing and employment. We are all very excited about that.

Our new vocational program, funded by a First State Community Action grant, is also making a difference. Vocational Counselor Tammy Williams has had a number of her clients find employment, and when they come in to see her, the change in their self esteem is evident to us all. One gentleman in particular just got employed with a cellphone company. When he came in to see Tammy, he was in a suit and tie and was beaming with pride! Very cool!

We are also excited to announce that we will be starting a Co-Occurring Disorders group the first week of March 2010 which will run every week for an hour and a half. We have many other plans in the works for our growing office here in Georgetown. Stay tuned to bcidel.org for continued updates.

BCI Thanks David Oppold for 15 Years of Board Service

Longtime Brandywine Counseling Board member and past President David Oppold has retired from board membership after fifteen years of dedicated service.

“My time on the Board, serving first as Vice President and for the past twelve years as President, has been most rewarding,” said Rev. Oppold. “I have seen the amazing growth and cutting edge services created by this organization. I will continue to hold a special place in my heart for Brandywine Counseling.”

David was instrumental in BCI’s purchase of the 2713 Lancaster Avenue building, and also in pushing for HIV/AIDS treatment at our sites. BCI thanks David for his many contributions to our organization, and wishes him well in his future endeavors.

DSM-5 Draft: Call It "Addiction," Not "Dependence"

The guidebook doctors use to diagnose behavioral health problems is being revised to eliminate the term "dependence" and replace it with "addictions and related disorders." The change is one of many proposed in the American Psychiatric Association's (APA) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). According to the APA, the revision is intended to differentiate between normal withdrawal from a prescribed medication, and harmful behavior associated with non-prescribed substances.

You can read the full article from Join Together here. And here are some thoughts from the Discovering Alcoholic, who is skeptical the changes will benefit people seeking treatment.

What do you think about this proposed change in language? You can comment to the APA through April 20 through their Web site.

Celebrating Shay Lipshitz’s 19 Years with BCI

Brandywine Counseling gives thanks to and celebrates the career of a longtime member of our team, Shay Lipshitz, as she leaves BCI for new endeavors.

Sheera Lipshitz, or “Shay” as she likes to be called, had many accomplishments in her 19 year career with Brandywine Counseling. She started as an outreach worker in 1991, providing education and intervention in high risk communities about drug abuse, safe sex, and HIV/AIDS. She then joined the Assertive Treatment Team, providing counseling and case management to severely and persistently ill I.V. drug addicts. She helped to develop BCI’s original program for pregnant women, Diamond Deliveries. This partnership with Wilmington Hospital provided supportive services to drug-addicted women with high risk pregnancies in their homes. In 1994 she returned to the Assertive Treatment Team as Project Director.

In 1997 BCI opened its Riverfront Site and Shay became Site Supervisor, overseeing the methadone program, transitional housing, transportation, and all BCI’s case management programs. In 2003, BCI expanded into Sussex County and Shay became Site Supervisor at the Georgetown Site, overseeing the Project Renewal homeless program. In 2007, when BCI was awarded state funding to start the Lighthouse residential treatment program, she oversaw the project from startup to opening within a 4 month period, including completely renovating an old shelter home, and forming partnerships with social service providers and the faith community.

Shay received her MHS in 1995 from Lincoln University and has been a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor since 1992. She was the project director on 3 grants from the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT). She served on the Homeless Planning Council; the Division of Drugs, Alcohol & Mental Health DUI Appeals Committee; and the Delaware HIV Consortium Policy Committee. She received the Kelly/Pazzaglini Memorial Institute Scholarship Award in July 1999 and the Brandywine Counseling President’s Award in 1999. Shay brought to BCI her experience providing women-specific treatment, treatment for pregnant women, and ability to implement non-traditional services. She knew that environment plays a crucial role in recovery from substance abuse and addiction. She also brought a passion for helping others in need and was quick to roll up her sleeves and get her hands dirty to get a job done.

Shay is a strong advocate for treatment and recovery because she knows personally that treatment works. She believes addiction is a deadly disease that left untreated kills more than the person, and destroys families, homes, health, dreams, hope and dignity. She takes joy in keeping families together that otherwise would have been separated, and watching the faces of children who are spared the suffering that comes with active addiction.

Our BCI family is grateful to Shay for her many years of service, for touching the lives of countless individuals affected by addiction, and for being a part of our lives. We will miss her and wish her all the best in her future pursuits.

Expanded Oxford Houses Promote Recovery in Delaware

Today's News Journal gives us an update on the expansion of Oxford Houses in Delaware. Over the past year, the number of the houses has risen from 9 to 28. Jim Martin is the man behind the expansion and a success story himself. The houses are addressing a great need for recovery housing in our state, and yet still not meeting all the demand. And generally, the residents make good neighbors, too.

If you are interested in moving to an Oxford House, click here for a directory of locations, vacancies, and contact information.

United Way Made Their Goal

United Way of Delaware announced yesterday they made their 2009 campaign goal of $20.5 million.

United Way President Michelle Taylor said, "These would be strong campaign results in any year, but they are truly inspiring considering the current economic situation. This success is a testament to Delaware’s giving spirit."

Campaign co-chair Diane Gulyas said, "This was a challenging year for Delaware, but businesses and individuals stepped up to meet the need of their neighbors. Thank you to everyone who participated in this campaign. Together, we are truly improving lives."

Thank you so much! Your generosity helps ensure our outreach team will continue to be out on the streets, opening windows of trust.

Patient Care So Good, It Makes Joint Commission Smile

Brandywine Counseling has passed our Joint Commission survey with glowing reviews. They visited all our treatment programs during the last two weeks and found outstanding patient care. Our surveyor Elaine remarked that she smiled through the whole process, and called BCI a well-oiled machine. Patients and families, you can be confident you'll get some of the best treatment in the nation here. Great job, staff!

Chris Zebley Honored with Surprise Party

Nurse Practitioner Chris Zebley was given a surprise party yesterday to celebrate his 2010 American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) Nurse Practitioner Award for Excellence. Staff from BCI and Christiana Care attended and Chris was presented with a plaque. Congratulations, Chris! Your performance inspires us all and your success is well deserved.

2010-11 Officers Elected

The Brandywine Counseling Board of Directors elected officers for 2010-2011 on January 19, 2010:

Carole Franzoni, President
Lisa Sherwood, Vice President
Karla Fleshman, Secretary
Jean Meussner, Treasurer

The Board of Directors is comprised of volunteers who support the mission of Brandywine Counseling by serving as our “eyes and ears” in the community, and sharing their time, advice, and expertise. Brandywine Counseling congratulates our new officers. We thank you for your service and look forward to working with you to serve people with addiction, mental health, and HIV-related challenges.