Integrated Care Initiative Coming to Northwest Detroit

Flinn Foundation helps make innovative mental health program possible

DETROIT, Nov. 28, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Development Centers Inc (DCI) has been designated to receive a $50,000 grant from the Ethel and James Flinn Foundation which will be applied toward the establishment of an Integrated Care Initiative program, one of the first of its kind in northwest Detroit.

DCI has been a leading provider of behavioral health and human social services in the city since 1983. The Flinn Foundation, established in 1976, is committed to improving the scope, quality and delivery of mental health services throughout Michigan, primarily in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb and Washtenaw counties.

This highly innovative pilot program will soon offer consumers a 'one-stop shop' approach for receiving a full range of therapies that can address the mental illness issues of the client as well as provide treatment for various associated medical challenges that often accompanies those who are suffering emotional disorders.

"Individuals receiving mental health services will frequently have chronic medical conditions such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia," cites Pat Foster RN, MSN, Quality Improvement Director for DCI. "These chronic medical conditions untreated effect the individual's quality of life as well as shortens their life expectancy. Our Integrated Care Initiative will be designed to help our consumers address these treatable conditions as well as identify needed services."

Such a dual-delivery approach will be brought about by a partnering arrangement between DCI and Advantage Health Centers, a Detroit based nonprofit that specializes in providing medical care assistance for the homeless. A hybrid program-delivery team is now being assembled that will be composed of Mental Health Case Managers as well as Certified Nursing Assistants and Nurse Practitioners. All program activities will be overseen by Dr. Theadia Carey, MD.MS, Medical Director for DCI.

"This program will dramatically enhance the level of comprehensive care available to the community." reports Dr. Carey. "DCI intends to address the needs of a targeted population of over 200 low-income adults who are without insurance or even a primary care physician. Many are presently receiving no medical care what so ever."

Remodeling activities to accommodate new physical exam rooms and lab spaces will soon be underway at 24424 West McNichols in Detroit, which will house the program operations slated to begin in January 2013.

"We are so thrilled to be moving forward with our Integrated Care Initiative," stated Nanette Wade, MPH, LMSW, Director of Adult Services for DCI. "Thanks to the generous funding from the Flinn Foundation, as well as an in-kind donation of equipment and furnishings through the Oakland Physicians Network Services group, our goal of offering a holistic-care option for the benefit of some of our most difficult to serve consumers is now becoming a reality."

Development Centers Inc (DCI) is a 501c3 nonprofit whose mission is committed to improving the lives of individuals, families and the community by meeting their behavioral health, human and vocational needs through a continuum of comprehensive prevention, intervention, treatment and training services.

Established in 1983, DCI has served thousands of Detroiters and residents of neighboring Wayne County through its extensive offering of innovative programs and expertise in working with developmentally disabled persons. You can learn more at www.develctrs.org

For more information please contact Henry Guthard, Director of Marketing for Development Centers Inc, at (313) 531-2500 ext 1220.

The Ethel and James Flinn Foundation is a Detroit based private foundation established in 1976 by Ethel "Peggy" Flinn and her brother, James "Jim" Flinn, Jr. Peggy passed away in 1994. Jim Flinn, Jr., who was diagnosed with schizophrenia in his early 20's, led a remarkable life until his passing away in 2007 at the age of 91.

The Foundation is committed to improving the scope, quality and delivery of mental health services in Michigan. Since inception, over $22 million in grants have been awarded. The Foundation's geographic focus is primarily Southeast Michigan, defined as the counties of Wayne, Oakland, Macomb and Washtenaw.

For more information, contact Andrea M. Cole, Executive Director and CEO of the Ethel and James Flinn Foundation at (313) 309-3436 or visit our website at www.flinnfoundation.org.

CONTACT:
Henry F Guthard
Director of Marketing
(313) 531-2500 ext 1220
[email protected]

SOURCE Development Centers Inc