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Press Releases

Last Updated: Thursday, July 22, 2010

Caring and Dedicated Service to Others

19 Sinnissippi Employees Honored for 215 years of combined services
June 18, 2010

(Dixon, IL) Sinnissippi Centers was founded 44 years ago, in 1966.  From the very beginning, it has been the many individuals who chose to serve the agency that have made it into what it is today.

Recently, 19 of those individuals, employees of Sinnissippi Centers, were honored for their combined 215 years of service to the agency, for serving children, adolescents, adults and families who are facing addictions to drugs or alcohol, a mental illness or a behavioral healthcare issue.

“Our employees are the key to what we do each day in serving those who need us,” according to Jim Sarver, Sinnissippi President and CEO.  “I see their professionalism, their dedication, their caring for our clients, and their willingness to give of themselves to others on a daily basis.  They are the ones who have brought Sinnissippi Centers to where we are now and we are quite proud of them and we thank them for their service.”

The following employees were honored for their length of service to the agency at Sinnissippi’s Annual Staff Day:

35 years: Gloria Martin                 
30 years: Ann Prindaville        
20 years: Lyn Brokaw                 
15 years: Pam Browning, Letty Cervantez, Shirley Genz
10 years: Alice Andrews, Arnold Diehl, Ginnie Schauff, Burnell Wehmeyer
5   years: Kimberly Crump, Beth Dieterle. Tammy Kolve, Christina Lutz, Mackenzi, Newendyke, Jennifer Portner, Blaine Riesselman, Brigitte Vasquez, Joann Venghaus

Several other Sinnissippi Centers employees received recognition for their achievements and accomplishments in the past fiscal year (FY2010) including academic achievements, and awards and recognitions from other organizations.   

Expressions of Help for Others

Annual art event benefits the Sinnissippi Foundation
March 30, 2010

(Dixon, IL) What may seem like a simple act of generosity to those that give may actually make a very big difference in someone’s life.  That is the power that both art and giving can have on individuals.

The Sinnissippi Foundation and Sauk Valley Bank will host the 6th annual Expressions Art Sale and Reception, Friday, April 23, 2010, from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. at The Next Picture Show in Dixon (113 West First Street).

"We are fortunate to have a wealth of talented artists in our communities who have been generous enough to donate pieces to Expressions," states Andy Jackson, Sinnissippi Centers’ marketing coordinator. "Once again Expressions will feature a significant selection of art work from local and regional artists, with the sale of that art work benefiting the Sinnissippi Foundation."

"We are also very pleased to see the return of Sauk Valley Bank as co-sponsor of the fundraiser," explains Jackson. "They are an important partner in making this event a success.”

Proceeds from Expressions will help the Foundation continue its mission of supporting the mental wellness of individuals and families.

In addition to the sale of quality art work, silent auction items will be available for purchase.  The silent auction will conclude the evening of April 23rd.  Some of the items featured in the silent auction include:  A football autographed by the 2009 Green Bay Packers, an autographed Chicago Bulls pennant signed by Derrick Rose, and autographed photos of Chicago Cubs pitcher John Grabow and Chicago White Sox AJ Pierzynski.

Art and silent auction items will go on display Tuesday April 13, 2010 at the Next Picture Show.

To date, artists whose work will be featured in the Expressions Art Sale include: Ellen Allen, Salem Barker, Kathy Blunk, Thomas Broadfoot, Graydon Cafarella, Jan Deswick, Judy Dixon, Jane Cress Edgar, Beverly Garcia, Larry Gaskill, Hope Greene, Carolyn Handy, Treva Haney, Raphael Iaccarino, Charles Kerr, Stephen Lang, Pat Lathe, Bob Logsdon, Todd Lorenc, Phil Mattox, Joy Meyer, Doris Milne, Debb Munson, Rick Munson, Harry Nurmet, Ann Marie Potts, Betty Predmore, Jim Riesberg, Dan Royer, Tamara Shriver, Fran Swarbrick, and Debbie Thompson.

For more information on Expressions call Andy Jackson at 815-284-9380.

Shedding Light On A Growing Danger To Youth

A new awareness campaign targets prescription drug abuse
March 5, 2010

(Dixon, IL) As she describes the story of her son, Tamara Wolf re-lives every parent's worst nightmare of losing a son or daughter at an early age. What makes it even more difficult to bear is that Alex's death could have been prevented.

"On August 7th last year," as Tamara starts out, "we lost our son, Alex Martin Wolf to an accidental intoxication of Oxycodone. Alex had been prescribed a medication for anxiety and the interaction with the Oxycodone given to him by an acquaintance turned out to be deadly.”

"Alex was funny, smart, sensitive, and caring. But he also suffered from anxiety. Until you love someone who struggles with worries, fears and disruptive thoughts, you cannot begin to understand their daily struggle. He simply wanted to feel better. Alex always tried to do the right thing and be the best person he could be."

Alex's family is now trying to do the right thing. They realize it's too late for Alex, but the family hopes a new public awareness campaign on prescription abuse can make a difference in the lives of others. The campaign is entitled “Prescription Drug Abuse: A Prescription for Disaster.”

"In the moments we miss Alex the most, we know that this awareness campaign is the best thing we can do in his memory."

"We feel very deeply that there are two very important reasons to be straightforward and public about our son’s death. First, we want to dispel the stigma attached to mental illness and secondly, we want to destroy the belief system among teens and young adults, that abusing prescription drugs is safe, trendy, and legal."

According to Tamara, there is a great need for education and awareness about prescription abuse.

"There is a misperception that medications prescriptions by a physician are safer to abuse than illicit drugs. That's just not true. Medications prescribed by a physician need to be used as directed, not shared with others. Mixing those drugs with alcohol or illicit drugs can result in potentially deadly consequences."

According to national figures, as many as 1 in 4 teens knows a friend who abuses a prescription medication to get high, while every day 3,000 teens abuse a prescription medication for the first time with the intent of getting high.

Tamara and her family hope that by hearing Alex's story, parents will begin a conversation with their teens about drugs.

"We want to spare families the pain of losing a loved one this way. Parents must come to understand the easy accessibility of prescription pain relievers and the deadly consequences of their abuse.”

“Most parents say that 'will never happen to my kid.' The truth is not all parents are even aware that their kids may be taking prescription meds from the medicine cabinet."

Parents are urged to safeguard all prescription medications in their homes, set clear rules and talk with their teens about appropriate use of medications. Parents should also be good role models and properly conceal or dispose of old or unused medicines.

“It's too late to save Alex, but not too late for your son or daughter, or friend. If you’re abusing a prescription medication, get treatment.”

Sinnissippi Centers and the Sinnissippi Foundation are assisting the Wolf family with the “Prescription for Disaster” public awareness campaign, which includes radio, print and billboard messages.

Sinnissippi Centers is a behavioral healthcare agency serving Carroll, Lee, Ogle and Whiteside Counties. For more information about programs and services, call Sinnissippi toll-free at 1-800-242-7642. Sinnissippi has office locations in Dixon, Mt. Carroll, Oregon, Rochelle and Sterling.

Training’s Goal is to Improve Care

Sinnissippi Centers to host Co-occurring Substance Use and Trauma Training
August 20, 2009

(Dixon, IL) Reaching individuals who are experiencing a substance use disorder and trauma can be challenging for both the client and the behavioral health professional providing the care.

On September 11, 2009, Sinnissippi Centers will host a seven-hour training on “Treating Clients with Co-occurring Issues of Substance Use and Trauma” from 8:00a.m. to 3:00p.m.  Registration for the training will be limited to the first 50 registrants.

“The training is designed for healthcare professionals working with clients who exhibit substance use and trauma issues,” explains Natalie Andrews, Director of Addiction Services for Sinnissippi Centers.

The facilitator for the training will be Carl M. Dawson, M.S., M.A.C., L.P.C., who is a member of the Clinical Faculty of the School of Professional Psychology at Forest Institute in Springfield Missouri. He has worked and presented lectures in the field of addictions and addiction recovery for the past 30 years.

“One of the goals of this training is to give healthcare professionals information they can use to help their clients.”

“Co-occurring issues are fairly common, and, more often than not, an individual facing a substance use issue will also have a history of trauma. Substances may be used to cover the pain of unresolved past trauma experiences,” adds Andrews.

Registration for the training will be limited to the first 50 registrants. Cost for the training is $50.00 per person. A boxed lunch will be provided.

Continuing Educations Units (CEU’s) are available for those individuals with either their LCSW or LCPC. Other CEU’s are also available with this training.

For more information or to register, contact Natalie Andrews at Sinnissippi Centers Dixon office at 815-284-6611.

Sinnissippi Centers is a behavioral healthcare agency serving Carroll, Lee, Ogle and Whiteside Counties and provides substance abuse screening and treatment services.

For more information about programs and services, call Sinnissippi toll-free at 1-800-242-7642. Sinnissippi has office locations in Dixon, Mt. Carroll, Oregon, Rochelle and Sterling.

Gardenstock Music Festival to benefit community

Proceeds will support Sinnissippi Centers’ Garden Project
August 17, 2009

(Dixon, IL) When the last admission ticket is sold, the last button and t-shirt is purchased, the last band has played the last note of the evening, the impact of the first ever Gardenstock Music and Art Festival can begin to be calculated.

That’s because the Gardenstock Music and Art Festival, being organized by Bud and Lisa LeFevre of Dixon, is a fundraiser for Sinnissippi Centers’ Garden Project, which itself benefits local families by distributing the produce raised each summer to area families in need.

“The Garden Project, located at Sinnissippi Centers’ Dixon office, started when youth from our court involved program began planting and maintaining the garden,” according to Carol Novak, who oversees the Garden Project.

“The focus of the project has expanded beyond the original group and now includes a variety of Sinnissippi clients,” adds Novak. “The program provides high risk youth and others with a great leaning opportunity. They learn how to cooperatively plan and carry out the project, work alongside adult mentors and in the end ‘give back’ to their community.”

Gardenstock will take place Saturday August 22, 2009 at Distinctive Gardens, (2020 Lowell Park Road, Dixon, Illinois) from noon to 11:00pm.

Five bands will perform onstage at the event; Anne & Maggie Hilliard (Acapella Folk); Flying Fish (Acoustic Rock); Acoustic Circus (Acoustic/Bluegrass/Rock); Wrong Element (Electric Folk Rock); and Merlin (Electric Rock).

The Gardenstock Music Festival will have a picnic-like atmosphere. Individuals will bring their own blanket or chair and have the option of bringing their own food or beverages or purchasing those items onsite. Limited refreshments will be available for purchase from food vendors including Salamandra’s, Culver’s and Baker Street.

Admission is a minimum $3.00 donation. Buttons, T-shirts and other items will be available for purchase. More information on Gardenstock is available by visiting Distinctive Gardens online at: www.distinctivegardensinc.com or by calling Distinctive Gardens at 815-285-0014.

For more information about Sinnissippi’s Garden Project, contact Carol Novak at Sinnissippi Centers, 815-284-6611.

The Sinnissippi Foundation’s 17th Annual Golf Open another success

Thanks to event sponsors, golfers, and great weather.
August 17, 2009

(Dixon, IL) Perfect golfing weather was a welcome addition to the enjoyable atmosphere at the 17th Annual Sinnissippi Foundation Golf Open, held Thursday August 13th at Timber Creek Golf in Dixon, Illinois.

“The Golf Open was made possible through the generosity of so many businesses, organizations and individuals,” according to Sinnissippi Centers’ marketing manager Greg Gates.

134 golfers and over 100 sponsors who participated in the best-ball scramble which began at 12:30 p.m. and was followed by a dinner and awards ceremony,” adds Gates.

In past years it has been traditional to name a Sponsor of the Year at the golf open. However this year, two local businesses were presented with the honor; Sauk Valley Bank and Grot Imaging Studios each received a Sponsor of the Year Award for their support of the Foundation.

Proceeds from the annual Golf Open benefit clients and programs of Sinnissippi Centers as well as other worthwhile community projects.

Examples of some of the work The Foundation does include; the Nurses Education Assistance Fund and the CARES Fund, which assists Sinnissippi Clients with needed expenses.

Established in 1979, the Sinnissippi Foundation seeks to increase the ability of Sinnissippi Centers to provide quality, coordinated and responsive behavioral healthcare services to children, adults, families, and communities now and in the future.

The 18th Annual Sinnissippi Foundation Golf Open will be held August 12, 2010 at Timber Creek Golf in Dixon.

For more information about The Sinnissippi Foundation or the Golf Open, contact Sinnissippi Centers marketing manager Greg Gates at 815-284-9380.

SINNISSIPPI CENTERS RE-ACCREDITED BY NATIONAL ORGANIZATION

Behavioral healthcare provider re-accredited by The Joint Commission
August 2, 2009

(Dixon, IL) Sinnissippi Centers has successfully completed The Joint Commission’s re-accreditation process and has been granted full accreditation status for behavioral healthcare agencies from The Commission, effective May, 2009.

“Congratulations to all the staff, board members, the Re-Accreditation Committee and Management Team members for all they have done to contribute to the re-accreditation process,” says Jim Sarver, Sinnissippi President/CEO.

“The Joint Commission conducts a very thorough review of all operations of an agency once every three years. The surveyor assigned to Sinnissippi was on-site at our agency for almost a full week,” continues Sarver. “We are pleased to report that the surveyor offered generous praise for the caliber of work done at Sinnissippi and the commitment of our staff, especially in embracing the idea of performance improvement.”

While onsite at Sinnissippi Centers’ offices, The Joint Commission surveyor reviewed agency policies and procedures, conducted interviews with staff and clients and gathered all the information necessary for the accreditation process.

“Joint Commission accreditation is a significant accomplishment,” explains Larry Prindaville, Sinnissippi Centers Senior Vice President/CAO. “Achieving it demonstrates Sinnissippi Centers’ commitment to providing high quality, safe care,” he said.

“In order to receive re-accreditation, Sinnissippi Centers must comply with hundreds of standards set forth by The Joint Commission in fourteen ‘Priority Focus Areas’ that include; assessment and care/services, communication, infection control, information management, medication management, organizational structure, orientation and training, client safety, quality improvement expertise/activities, rights and ethics and staffing,” adds Prindaville.

“While surveyors cannot examine each and every one of The Joint Commission standards during site visits, Sinnissippi management and staff do not know which of the standards will receive intensive review.”

The award of accreditation by The Joint Commission is for three years and will end in May, 2012. Sinnissippi Centers has been continuously accredited by the Joint Commission since 1997.

Earlier this year during an audit of clinical records by the Administrative Service Organization of the Illinois Department of Human Services, Sinnissippi received an overall 100% score on the billing review and a perfect score on the clinical practice review.

Sinnissippi Centers provides behavioral healthcare to residents in Carroll, Lee, Ogle and Whiteside Counties, with office locations in Dixon, Mt. Carroll, Oregon, Rochelle and Sterling.

For more information about programs and services, call Sinnissippi toll-free at 1-800-242-7642 or visit their web site at www.sinnissippi.com.

Saving human service programming for Illinois’ neediest

Lack of adequate funding for behavioral health services threatens to keep care from those in need
June 16, 2009

(Dixon, IL) Imagine you were facing a 50-percent cut in your family income and you had to decide what you could and couldn’t provide for your children. What would that be like?

Now imagine the plight hundreds of agencies are facing in trying to continue providing services to thousands of their clients while being told their state funding will be cut in half starting July 1st. What would that look like?

The future of human service programs in Illinois are again in jeopardy, with many scheduled for deep slashes, as the state tries to cope with a projected $11.6 billion dollar deficit.

Earlier this spring, the Illinois General Assembly adopted a budget agreement that will provide only 50% of funding for human service programs. During the last week, agency heads from the Illinois Departments of Mental Health, Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, Children and Family Services, and Developmentally Disabled informed provider agencies of deep cuts in funding or elimination of funding altogether. In total, the state agencies of the Department of Human Services need to slash $2.20 billion from programs.

Locally, Sinnissippi Centers is facing a slash of $2.0 million dollars, or nearly 25% of the agency’s funding for the next fiscal year.

“This will have a devastating effect on the men, women and children that we serve,” explains Jim Sarver, president and CEO for Sinnissippi Centers. “These are truly the state’s neediest individuals. They simply cannot afford to pay full fee for these services. They need assistance from the state to receive these services. If the state budget is implemented as is, this vital assistance will not be available to help these individuals.”

During fiscal year 2008, Sinnissippi Centers served 7,294 individuals. Sinnissippi expects to serve a similar number of people during the current fiscal year, which ends on June 30, 2009.

“A reduction in funding from the state of Illinois will greatly reduce those that we and other human service providers serve here in Illinois,” states Sarver. “Who we serve and how services are provided will greatly change.” 

Those adults and adolescents who receive help from Sinnissippi Centers for a substance use disorder will go without treatment services.

“Without state funding, many individuals with a substance use disorder will not be served,” adds Natalie Andrews, director of addiction services for Sinnissippi Centers. “This includes the adolescent who is returning from inpatient treatment and needs follow up in the community they live in to help stay sober and clean.”

Individuals with a mental illness will also feel the affect of funding cuts, if they’re implemented.

“Whether it’s an adult or child client, mental health treatment services provide a valuable outreach to these individuals and their families,” explains Clyde Lipp, director of family services for Sinnissippi Centers. “The impact of these budget cuts on the youngest of our participants will be devastating for our communities. Early childhood is of critical importance for supporting families and ensuring social and emotional health and wellness. The research clearly documents the positive outcomes of early childhood programming for reducing the rates of child abuse and neglect and promoting healthy brain development.”

“During the first three years of life, the brain builds the foundation for healthy relationships, the capacity to manage stress, and the ability to express emotions in healthy ways. Young children who do not receive needed early intervention and mental health services have significantly higher rates of learning difficulties,
developmental delays, peer conflicts, and poor emotional control. They are also at higher risk for later delinquency, substance abuse, and mental illness.”

“Early intervention and treatment programs have been proven to reduce the rates of child abuse and neglect and promote healthy outcomes for children and families. Young children who do not receive necessary services now will have more problems in the future while causing unnecessary suffering and adding additional costs for the family and the community to deal with these problems later.”

One of the other line items that is being threatened with funding elimination is assistance to help pay for services provided by psychiatrists.

“Even if we are able to provide counseling, we won’t be able to have anyone prescribe medications so they will essentially go untreated,” adds Kim James, director of area offices for Sinnissippi Centers. “This mean the individual with Schizophrenia or Bipolar Disorder or Depression will continue to experience disturbing hallucinations, severe mood swings, be unable to work, unable to get help and may ultimately commit suicide or engage in illegal activities thus filling our jails with individuals who are ill, not criminals.”

Clients of Sinnissippi Centers aren’t the only ones who will be affected. Staff will also be impacted.

“We are now seriously looking at staffing needs for our individual programs,” states Sarver. “We have already notified one staff that he will be laid off. Will there be additional layoffs? I don’t think we have that answer yet.”

“What we know is that the Illinois mental health care and drug treatment system is in a slow motion bankruptcy because of the failure of the state to adequately fund care. Since 2002, behavioral health agencies in Illinois have experienced a 23% rise in expenses, while overall state human service funding has increased by only 3-7%,” adds Sarver.

It’s estimated that 100,000 human service professionals will lose their jobs if the so-called “partial” budget is implemented as planned.

If you would like to add your voice in support of adequate mental health and substance abuse treatment funding, contact the Governor’s office, Senate and House Leadership and your local legislators.

Governor Pat Quinn
207 Statehouse
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-0244
Email: http://illinois.gov/gov/contactthegovernor.cfm

Representative Michael Madigan
Speaker of the House
300 Capitol Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-5350
Email: mmadigan@hds.ilga.gov

Representative Tom Cross
House Republican Leader
84th House District
24047 West Lockport Street, Suite 213
Plainfield, IL 60544
(815) 254-0000
Email: tom@tomcross.com

Senator Christine Radogno
Senate Minority Leader
41st Senate District
410 Main Street
Lemont, IL 60439
(630) 243-0800
Email: cradogno@sbcglobal.net

Senator John Cullerton
President of the Senate
327 Capitol Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-2728
Email: john@johncullerton.com

Community care system in a “slow motion bankruptcy”

Lack of adequate funding for behavioral health services threatens to keep care from those in need
May 13, 2009

(Dixon, IL) Without tapping cash from a dormant state health fund and without money from some form of tax increase to stage a financial rescue, more than 3,000 adults and children in northern Illinois will not receive the mental health and substance abuse treatment they need, according to a new survey of behavioral health care providers.

The Community Behavioral Healthcare Association (CBHA) survey of the state’s top 80 mental health and drug treatment providers revealed that agencies – without an increase in state funding – will serve 16,000 fewer adults and children statewide, including 3,000 in northern Illinois.

“The Illinois mental health care and drug treatment system is in a slow motion bankruptcy because of the failure of the state to adequately fund care,” states Jim Sarver of Sinnissippi Centers.

“It is estimated that our agency will serve 878 fewer clients between now and July 2010 because of the current level of state funding. Of those 878 individuals, 585 are adults and 293 are children who will go without the necessary services; that is a steep human toll.”

“Sinnissippi is going to do what we have done during past difficult times; we will work together to engage client, staff, administration and our board to develop ways to address the ever changing fiscal environment we operate in,” adds Sarver.

Sinnissippi Centers is not alone in feeling the effects of this funding shortfall. The impact of the cuts will mean elimination or severe reductions in services to an estimated 3,000 adults and children through the five mental health centers in the Northern Illinois which include; Ben Gordon Center in DeKalb; Freeport Health Network’s Family Counseling Center in Freeport; North Central Behavioral Health Systems in the seven counties around La Salle Peru; Sinnissippi Centers, which serves Carroll, Lee, Ogle and Whiteside Counties; and Stepping Stones in Rockford.

“The Rockford community should know that we are taking every step to protect the services to individuals seeking mental health care, but the proposed cuts would result in the loss of services for adults and youth that we serve,” says Frank Ware, CEO of Janet Wattles Center. “We at Janet Wattles will work to insure that those requiring the most intensive care can still receive it and that emergency services are able to respond to those in psychiatric crisis.”

“I have people seeking service who can not get a first appointment until August,” states Dan Neal, CEO of Freeport Health Network’s Family Counseling Center. “How many of these people will be able to hang on that long without care? How can anyone accept that this is a humane and reasonable system of care?”

The Solution
“The State has about $49 million in a special mental health trust fund that continues to be a target for being swept into the general fund and used elsewhere in the state budget,” according to Sarver. “In addition, CBHA has recommended that the legislators consider a small increase in the tax on alcohol which would provide in the area of $254 million for mental health, substance abuse, and the state’s general revenue fund.”

Other funds could come from the federal government’s stimulus payment to Illinois, which would likely be made, at least in part, with an increase in the Medicaid rate for Illinois of 6.2 %. That would also place millions of dollars in the funding picture. At this time however, it is apparently planned that the state will allocate those stimulus dollars for other purposes. This may be capped with the tentative plan to cut up to 15% of the non Medicaid money from providers’ contracts for 2010.

“Even aside from the current national and state crisis, recent history tells the story of the growing gap in funding versus the need for behavioral healthcare.”

“If you look at the history of funding behavioral healthcare services in Illinois, there is a significant disparity. Since 2002, behavioral health agencies in Illinois have experienced a 23% rise in expenses, while overall state human service funding has increased by 3-7%,” adds Sarver.

“The loss of care is an ongoing tragedy that can still be avoided if Governor Pat Quinn and lawmakers decide to use the dedicated but dormant special funds for their intended purposes and allow providers to keep the Medicaid increases they have already earned instead of using them in the general fund, or, by passing some form of a tax increase.”

If you would like to add your voice in support of adequate mental health and substance abuse treatment funding, contact the Governor’s office and your local legislators.