Page 13 - 302 Health

“Support groups for ADHD and sub- stance abuse are widely available,” he notes. “But it’s very possible someone can have early psychosis symptoms and never encounter another person in their school, work or community who has it as well. These multifamily groups can be a relief. They’re all in the same boat and can be- come a resource to each other.”
Delaware CORE plans to make youth peer support another key component of services available. Once it has formalized the peer role and training curriculum, this support will be offered in DPBHS pro- grams throughout the state.
AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE
Patients generally stay in the program for one to two years. The federal grant cov- ers all services except medication; how- ever, even then, it has a partner at a state pharmacy program that can provide help if they need it.
President Trump’s current proposed budget has eliminated the final year of the Healthy Transition grant, which
Delaware CORE falls under, Derr says. Assuming it passes, this means the gov- ernment funding will cease Sept. 30, 2018, and the team will potentially need to retool its operations.
The program would have to pursue re- imbursement through Medicaid, Webb says. This could be problematic, though, because a few effective pieces of the pro- gram aren’t currently reimbursable. In particular, he points to their community, physician and school outreach that edu- cates people on early psychosis.
Despite the looming financial obstacle, Webb and the rest of the Delaware CORE leaders remain hopeful they will continue to serve the public and help young people and their families in need across the state.
“We have made headway where people can control their symptoms while main- taining their functioning,” Webb says. “The program lays the groundwork for making this a possibility.”
For more information about
Delaware CORE, visit delawarecore.com or call (888) 284-6030.
Youth Advisory Council
The Delaware Division of Prevention and Behavioral Health Services (DPBHS) has al- lied with the Delaware Division of Vocation- al Rehabilitation to form the Delaware-wide mental/behavioral health Youth Advisory Council (YAC).
A part of Delaware CORE, YAC provides people between 16 and 25 years old, who have experienced the mental/behavioral health system, the opportunity to learn and develop leadership skills and give back to their communities, says Geeta Kotak, youth coordinator of DPBHS. “Youth and young adults will learn that their voices matter and will be provided guidance on how to express their opinions and be heard.”
CORE project director Gwen Derr says the chance to dim the stigma of early psychosis and mental disease in general makes this component of the program very powerful.
“We’re developing something
where youth feel comfortable helping each other and getting the word out,” she says.
To become a member of the council or for more information, email geeta.kotak@state.de.us.
Vacation SELFIES
We may not be recognized for vacation selfies, but Emma thinks we are.
With our help, Emma can be there for good times and bad photos.
Delaware Palliative helps alleviate symptoms and stress with care delivered in your home. We add an extra layer of support to the curative care you are already receiving.
Call us to see how palliative care
can improve your
quality of life. delawarepalliative.org 800-838-9800
OVER 50 YEARS OF SUPERIOR CUSTOMER SERVICE
IT Data Cabling
Voice Systems Business Machines
Computer Networking
®
Dover, DE | Salisbury, MD | Wilmington, DE www.hilyards.com 800.247.2201
302Health issue 2.2017-18 11