Photos From the Keepin' It Real Block Party
Click here to view our album of photos from a fun event for a good cause.
An inside look at the work we do at Delaware's largest non-profit addiction treatment agency. Featuring a Daily Message for people in recovery, staff spotlight, and conversation about addiction and recovery.
Labels: aids, criminal justice, delaware, hiv, outreach, treatment, women
John Baker of AIDS Delaware has written an editorial to draw attention to the need for more housing for people with HIV/AIDS in our state. "A Wealthy State Fails to House Its Sick" describes how we could fill the need for hundreds of beds if the state would fund a plan that has been brought before the legislature. The cost of this plan would be offset by reducing the burden on our emergency rooms and hospitals. Studies show that the stability that comes with housing enables patients to improve their health.
Labels: brandywine, delaware, lighthouse, treatment, women
Labels: addiction, brandywine, delaware, lighthouse, treatment, women
Two excellent pieces on the program:
Labels: delaware, lighthouse, treatment, women
Today we celebrated a very special event for Delaware, the opening of the first women's and children's residential treatment program. This morning's ceremony was wonderful. We'd like to say thanks to Governor Minner, Renata Henry, Jack Kemp, and Bishop Major Foster and his staff from Philadelphia Pentecostal Church and Delmarva Clergy United in Social Action.


Labels: delaware, lighthouse, treatment, women
Labels: delaware, lighthouse, women
Today is the first anniversary of Delaware’s pilot Needle Exchange Program in Wilmington. Some stats courtesy of John Kennedy from the Division of Public Health:
Labels: aids, data, delaware, hiv, needle exchange
Over the past year, the BCI Alpha Program has been using motivational incentives as part of the Advancing Recovery project. We’re about to start our second evidence-based practice, telephone continuing care. The incentives project is not going away; in fact, we’re rolling out a new and improved procedure next month.
Labels: addiction, brandywine, delaware, process improvement, recovery, treatment
Labels: brandywine, delaware, lighthouse, treatment, women
Happy New Year, BCI Blog readers! As we move into our second year, we’ll continue to bring you an inside look at how we provide treatment to people who need it, and show you how you can be a part of the work we do.Labels: brandywine, delaware, treatment
Delaware's first Women and Children's Residential Addiction Treatment Program, dubbed The Lighthouse Program, opened December 10 in time for the holidays. Two guests are prepared to move in by the end of the week, and referrals are now being accepted.
Labels: delaware, lighthouse, treatment, women
Brandywine Counseling, Inc. (BCI) recently wrapped up Project Hope, a 5 year CSAT-funded project that provided integrated substance abuse treatment, mental health treatment, and medical care to substance abusers with or at risk for HIV/AIDS in Wilmington, Delaware. Project Hope was successful on many levels.
Project Hope continued BCI’s partnership with Christiana Care Health Services to provide integrated nested services. Also known as a “one stop shop,” this approach proved very effective for a chronically ill population with multiple needs. Nesting services in a single clinical home within our on-site infectious disease clinic increased communication among clinicians, increased the comfort and safety of patients, and strengthened confidentiality. We first used this model in 1999 as part of the Aegis program for minority women. In 2002, Project Hope expanded the approach to serve both men and women.
Most Project Hope clients were between 35 and 45 years old with no employment history, little education, and multiple treatment failures. Half of the client population was triply diagnosed with substance abuse, mental health and HIV diagnoses. With this in mind, Project Hope’s achievements are impressive.
These achievements may seem modest for many substance abuse programs, but they are remarkable for a program treating the triply diagnosed. In sum, Project Hope demonstrated the effectiveness of integrated nested services for the dually and triply diagnosed.
Though Project Hope has now ended, all clients continue to receive appropriate treatment from other BCI programs. In 2007, BCI received a new CSAT grant to provide treatment and pre-treatment services. Safety Net Services will continue the engagement, linkage activities, and case management found effective with Project Hope.
On a personal note, Project Hope was one of the first federal grant proposals I wrote for BCI. I remember working with Shay Lipshitz to put it together, and trying to translate her vision for the program into a coherent written plan. We knew that if we were successful, we could make a difference for people who really needed these services. As a grant writer, it’s especially gratifying to see a project through from conception to reality. So to the staff who provided these services, I say thanks for a job well done.
Labels: aids, brandywine, delaware, hiv, treatment
Labels: addiction, brandywine, delaware, lighthouse, treatment, women
Delaware will observe World AIDS Day tomorrow, December 1.
Labels: aids, client information, delaware, hiv
Labels: addiction, aids, brandywine, delaware, hiv, needle exchange, treatment
Delaware's Division of Public Health has announced they are adopting a new finger prick HIV test. The Unigold test will replace the OraQuick oral swab due to its quicker results, longer shelf life, and cost savings.
Yesterday I attended the 1212 Corporation’s first annual banquet and fundraiser at Cranston Fire Hall in Wilmington. About 100 people including many Brandywine staff enjoyed food, fellowship, and guest speakers.
Labels: addiction, client information, delaware
United Way of Delaware kicked off its 2007 campaign September 19. This year's fundraising goal is $22 million. The charitable donations collected are distributed to over 100 member agencies including BCI.
Labels: addiction, aids, brandywine, delaware, hiv, outreach, treatment
Today the Delaware Needle Exchange Program signed up its 100th participant. Over 700 syringes have been exchanged since startup back in February.
Labels: aids, delaware, hiv, needle exchange
Brandywine Counseling will be opening Delaware’s first Women and Children’s Residential Treatment Program. The program will be located in Ellendale and will serve up to 15 women and 20 children per year from throughout the state. Funding for the program was awarded by the Delaware Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health.
Labels: brandywine, delaware, lighthouse, treatment
The BCI NSAFE Program is once again putting together a team for the Delaware AIDS Walk on September 30. They need our help to recruit walkers and raise money to support HIV/AIDS services in Delaware.
Labels: aids, delaware, hiv, needle exchange