Press Releases
Sinnissippi Centers Names New President/CEO
Current President/CEO Jim Sarver to retire after nearly 25 years of service
April 16, 2013
(Dixon, IL) Jeffrey Lovett, Chairperson of Sinnissippi Centers’ Board of Directors and Richard Palmer, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Alliance, Inc. announce that a new President and CEO has been named to replace the retiring James R. Sarver. Lovett and Palmer served as Co-Chairs of an Executive Search Committee that spent a number of weeks in a search for a new Chief Executive Officer.
“We are excited to welcome Patrick Phelan as Sinnissippi Centers’ new President/CEO,” says Lovett. “Patrick is a good match for the agency. He is the right choice to take the direction retiring President/CEO Jim Sarver has led the agency in, and move Sinnissippi into the next 25 years,” adds Lovett.
“Patrick’s expertise includes enhancing organizational capabilities and resources, developing effective staff and volunteer teams, forging powerful new business partnerships and community alliances, along with rolling out ambitious and successful new initiatives. He has a great outlook for the agency and the industry,” says Lovett.
“The Board and the search committee are fortunate to welcome such an outstanding leader to our organization,” says Palmer. “Patrick’s commitment, energy and enthusiasm for our mission is matched by his years of experience and leadership. He brings to our corporate structure over thirteen years of management and program development in a non-profit leadership environment, having built an early career focused on program and community development,” adds Palmer.
Phelan has served the past 14 years with the Children’s Home Association of Illinois in Peoria, Illinois, most currently as Vice President of Education and Community Programs. Previously he was Children’s Home’s Director of Behavioral Health Services and Clinical Coordinator among other positions. Phelan also currently serves as the Board President of the Community Behavioral Healthcare Association of Illinois.
“I was drawn to the opportunity at Sinnissippi,” says Phelan, “because the reputation of the agency across the state is very positive, there’s a great respect statewide for its leadership, its advocacy, and its reputation for developing new programs. I was also drawn to the great set of programs and the high quality of services that Sinnissippi maintains. Finally, I was very interested in the quality of life available in the communities Sinnissippi Centers is located in.”
“Taken together with the dedication and the kind of people the management and staff are, I believe this was the right choice for me and my family,” adds Phelan.
Phelan holds a Master of Clinical Psychology degree and will complete his MBA in the winter of 2013.
Phelan, along with his wife and son, are excited to be moving to their new home and will be moving to the area in early June.
“It’s almost cliché now to say that we face challenging times in the human services field in Illinois,” says Phelan, “but it’s true that we face many challenges now and in the future. Sinnissippi Centers is well positioned to meet that future and I am excited and ready to lead the agency through the challenges and the opportunities that we will face together in the coming months and years.”
The search for a new chief executive of Sinnissippi Centers was prompted by the imminent retirement, planned for June 2013, of current President/CEO Jim Sarver. Sarver has served Sinnissippi Centers for nearly 25 years.
“While the agency will be in very capable hands, at the same time we can’t help feeling that we will miss Jim Sarver,” says Jeff Lovett. “Jim has set a high standard for Patrick to follow and has been a part of a behavioral healthcare agency looked to from all over the state of Illinois as an agency upholding the highest standards of care and of being one of the most innovative behavioral healthcare agencies in the state.”
Rick Palmer echoes Jeff Lovett’s sentiments, saying, “While we are excited about the future of the organization with Patrick at the helm, we also recognize that with Jim’s retirement we are seeing the departing of an outstanding leader. We wish him well.”
Sarver’s legacy includes building Sinnissippi’s reputation of being on the cutting edge in the behavioral healthcare field in quality of service and innovation. Sarver has also lead the agency during the building of three new office buildings, the expansion of the Dixon office, and the building of all four of Sinnissippi Centers’ supervised living apartment sites.
Sarver has been active in many community service projects and community organizations both locally and at the state level. Sarver is a recent recipient of the Community Behavioral Healthcare Association of Illinois’ Lifetime Achievement Award, and Dixon’s Citizen of the Year Award for 2012. In total, Sarver has served the human services field for more than forty-three years, nearly 25 of those years with Sinnissippi Centers, Inc.
Your Own Medicine Cabinet Could be the Source for Illegal Drugs
Medicine Abuse Awareness Month Sheds Light on Continuing Problem
October 5, 2012
(Dixon, IL) Your own medicine cabinet could be the source of the second most abused illicit drug; a drug abused especially by youth and teens. October is National Medicine Abuse Awareness Month, a time to bring more awareness to the continuing problem of medicine abuse.
“While medicines are legal products that can help you feel better, they need to be used only as directed,” says Natalie Andrews, Director of Addictions Services for Sinnissippi Centers. “When abused, when taken for non-medical reasons, or in excessive amounts, these medicines can be dangerous.”
“Sharing prescriptions, taking someone else’s prescription, or taking a prescription medication at doses not prescribed by a doctor, is not only dangerous but is also against the law,” adds Andrews, “and abusing medications, including over the counter cough medicines, and getting behind the wheel of a car could get you arrested for Driving Under The Influence. Then there is the chance of dangerous side effects or interactions when medicines are taken by someone they are not prescribed for.”
According to the 2011 National Survey on Drug Use and Health conducted annually by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration:
• More than 6 million people age 12 or older have abused a prescription drug
• One 10 youth age 12 through 17, or 2.4 million children, report having intentionally abused cough medicine to get high.
• The most abused over the counter (OTC) medication is cough medicine.
Prescription drugs that teens are abusing most include
• Painkillers, like Oxycodone
• Depressants like sleeping pills or anti-anxiety drugs
• Stimulants, particularly Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) drugs.
For more information, visit www.sinnissippi.com and click on the link at the bottom right of the page entitled, National Medicine Abuse Awareness Month. And if you or a loved one is facing a drug or alcohol problem, be sure to seek treatment. Sinnissippi Centers offers treatment for substance use issues. Treatment works, recovery is possible.
For more information about programs and services, visit online at www.sinnissippi.com or call Sinnissippi toll-free at 1-800-242-7642. Sinnissippi has office locations in Dixon, Mt. Carroll, Oregon, Rochelle and Sterling.
Sinnissippi Centers Accredited for Three More Years by Joint Commission
Intensive site visit looks at many areas of operation.
October 1, 2012
(Dixon, IL) Sinnissippi Centers has received good news from The Joint Commission. Sinnissippi has been granted full accreditation status from the Commission effective May 2012.
“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.
“Far from being a formality, the reaccreditation site visit is an intensive review of an organization. The Joint Commission conducts a very thorough review of all operations of an agency. The surveyor assigned to Sinnissippi was on-site for almost a full week and visited all our main offices,” continued 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.”
A surveyor from The Joint Commission spent four days onsite at Sinnissippi Centers offices conducting interviews and gathering the information necessary for the accreditation process.
“Reaccreditation is ‘a big deal,’” explained Larry Prindaville. “Achieving it demonstrates Sinnissippi Centers’ commitment to providing high quality and safe care,” he said.
“In order to receive re-accreditation, Sinnissippi Centers must potentially comply with over 600 standards set forth by the Joint Commission in 14 priority focus of that include; assessment and care/services, infection control, information management, medication management, client safety and rights and ethics,” added Prindaville.
While surveyors cannot examine all of The Joint Commission standards during site visits, Sinnissippi management and staff did not know which standards would be reviewed during the May visit.
The award of accreditation by The Joint Commission is for three years and will end in May, 2015. Sinnissippi Centers was first accredited by the Joint Commission in 1997.
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
Celebrating Wellness and Recovery
Sinnissippi Centers Hosts Annual Wellness & Recovery Celebration September 13, 2012
September 10, 2012
(Dixon, IL) Sinnissippi Centers is committed to the health and wellness of the communities it serves. We recognize that children, adolescents, families, adults, and even communities experience struggles and difficulties over time. We know that no one is immune to life struggles and individuals and families can reach out to others and can recover.
In an effort to support others and celebrate wellness and recovery for all ages, Sinnissippi Centers is holding a special event, the Wellness and Recovery Celebration, which will be held on Thursday, September 13, 2012 at Sinnissippi Centers’ Dixon office from 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
“In 2011, Sinnissippi expanded what had been known as the annual ‘Recovery Celebration’ to include ‘Wellness’ across the life span for infants, children, families, and adults, says Jason Brown, Recovery for Life Project Coordinator. “We really wanted others to know that this event is for all those seeking wellness; such as a parent wanting to learn more about their child’s development or ways to support their child through a difficult time, a teen struggling with depression, or an adult recovering from an addiction and/or mental illness.”
“And that effort paid off,” adds Brown. “Last year we saw a doubling of attendance at the event and had more children and families than ever before. We expect an even larger crowd this year.
There will be plenty of fun activities for the whole family including a ball pit, face painting, crafts, family pictures, balloon shapes, bouncy houses, bean bag toss, and more.
“This is truly a celebration for all those seeking wellness and wanting to learn more about supporting individuals in their recovery from an addiction and/or mental illness, or families in their wellness and development,” says Amy Adams, Community that Cares Coordinator.
Other activities include a cookout, music, and during registration participants can sign up for door prizes. Special guest speakers will speak about their recovery and wellness within the family.
The schedule of events:
3:00 p.m. The event begins
4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Cookout
4:30 – 6:00 p.m. Recovery games
6:30 – 7:00 p.m. Guest speakers
7:00 – 8:00 p.m. DJ entertainment
8:00 p.m. Event concludes
The Wellness and Recovery Celebration will be held rain or shine. If inclement weather occurs, there will be alternate activities and/or activities will be moved indoors. There is no cost for admission or any of the activities at the event.
For more information on the Wellness and Recovery Celebration, contact Jason Brown or Andy Jackson at Sinnissippi Centers’ Dixon office at 815-284-6611, visit Sinnissippi Centers’ website at www.sinnissippi.com.
Over 100 Attend Training about Understanding Children, Youth, and Adult Needs
Community that Cares training attracts a diverse group of child and adolescent agencies
June 21, 2012
(Sterling, IL) There is no lack of care and concern for the welfare of children and youth and their families among service providers in the area. The evidence: The response to a recent training opportunity for providers of services to children 0 to 18 exceeded the expectations of training organizers.
The Community that Cares Project conducted a training that was open to providers from Carroll, Lee, Ogle, and Whiteside Counties on June 1, 2012 from 9:00am to 3:00pm at the First Church of the Nazarene in Sterling. 110 individuals representing a very diverse group of providers attended the training entitled Understanding Children, Youth and Adult Needs Through the Lens of Attachment. “We were hoping for a great turnout of providers, but the response we got went well beyond our expectations,” says Amy Adams, MS, NCC, QMHP, and Community that Cares Project Coordinator.
The Community that Cares (CTC) Project is a combined effort of over 54 community organizations, community groups and parents across four counties (Ogle, Carroll, Lee, and Whiteside) who have joined forces to build an integrated network of care for children. “This network, or children’s mental health system of care, includes universal screening, early identification of children's needs, early intervention, and comprehensive assessment and treatment,” adds Adams.
Adams was a presenter along with Gloria Martin, MS, LCPC, QMHP and Associate Director of Family Services at Sinnissippi Centers, one of the more than 54 partner agencies in the Community that Cares Project.
Comments from participants were very positive;
“I found the information that was presented to be very insightful when working with youth. It is important for those of us working with children that have been traumatized to know that there are special skills and strategies that we need to use to have better outcomes.”
“The presentation was educational, informative, and very relevant to my job as a school social worker. The most important message we need to get out to the public is the effects of trauma on the development of a child's brain and how that will affect their relationships with others. One of the reflections for the day was most pointed in helping us to think about the fact that children require secure relationships for optimal overall development and to learn to regulate their emotions, develop empathy, and organize their feelings. In the schools…..we are addressing the academic learning and the social and emotional learning but until adults can gain a better understanding of the brain development it makes it harder for children to be successful and confident in both areas of their education.”
“The single most important factor for improving outcomes [for children and youth] is providing secure relationships. Relationships provide key vehicles for change, growth, and brain development through the life span.”
The training on June 1st was the first of a planned three-part training opportunity. The next training is scheduled for October 11, 2012, and the third later in the fall, tentatively set for mid-November.
For more information on the Community that Cares Project, please contact Amy Adams at the Sterling Sinnissippi Office at 815-625-0013 ext. 120.
For more information about all programs and services that Sinnissippi Centers offers, call toll-free at 1-800-242-7642. Sinnissippi has office locations in Oregon, Rochelle, Dixon, Mt. Carroll, and Sterling.
Community that Cares Project Improving the Care of Children and their Families
Ambitious four-county project of over 50 partner agencies seeks to screen 40,000 children
May 3, 2012
(Dixon, IL) It has proven not to be cliché at all: It DOES take a village to raise a child. A village of parents, community service providers and others all working together, under increasingly challenging fiscal circumstances, to coordinate their services, resources, and collaboration to best serve children 0 to 18 and their families. It’s a village; a community, that cares about kids.
The Community that Cares (CTC) Project is a combined effort of over 54 community organizations, community groups and parents across four counties (Ogle, Carroll, Lee, and Whiteside) who have joined forces to build an integrated network of care for children. This network, or children’s mental health system of care, includes universal screening, early identification of children's needs, early intervention, and comprehensive assessment and treatment.
"Children’s mental health is made up of all areas of development; a child’s ability to learn, grow physically, communicate, problem solve, and thrive socially and emotionally," says Amy Adams, CTC Project Coordinator.
"The CTC Project, funded by the Illinois Children’s Healthcare Foundation, seeks to include all child and family serving providers in the partnership," adds Adams. “This is a wonderful opportunity for our community to improve the way we work together and the way we deliver services to children and families."
There are many advantages of an integrated network of care, such as; ensuring no child or family falls through the cracks, minimizing duplication of services and maximizing limited resources within our area. "Our vision is that all children from conception through the age 18 living in Ogle, Carroll, Lee, and Whiteside counties will be supported within their communities to reach their optimal level of social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development."
Beginning in January of 2012, several agencies began collecting data to address specific goals and a pocket of children began to be followed through the system to determine if they are improving and to further identify gaps within the current system.
Year 1 screening sites include the Ogle County Health Department, Carroll County Health Department, the Lee County Health Department, the Whiteside County Health Department, KSB Family Health Clinic, CGH Medical Center’s Main Clinic (Dr. Iyer and Dr. Cannal,), Sinnissippi Centers, Inc. outreach programs (Project Best Start, Early Childhood Mental Health Program, Family Centered Services, Family Care Coordinator Program, Intact Family Services, and Healthy Families Illinois), Sinnissippi Centers’ Addictions services, Sterling Schools K-8, and Dixon Schools K-8.
First Quarter 2012 data is currently being analyzed by the University of Illinois’ School of Medicine, but preliminary results suggest a total of 5,165 children were screened for developmental and/or social and emotional concerns. A total of 365 pregnant females were screened for depression which is a known risk factor of poor childhood outcomes. A total of 316 pregnant females were screened for substance use and domestic violence.
Of the 946 children ages birth to 5 who were screened, approximately:
6% evidenced concerns with social and emotional development
3% evidenced concerns within speech development
5% evidenced concerns with gross motor, fine motor, and problem solving,
4% evidenced concerns within personal and social development.
Of the 4,186 children ages 6-18 screened, approximately 1 out of 3 evidenced concerns regardless of which screening tool was administered. This included screens for the early detection of depression/anxiety, attention, and externalizing behaviors (aggression, acting out), as well as screenings aimed at identifying school age children who are experiencing difficulties with pro-social behaviors and motivation to learn.
The goal of universal screening is to identify children early in order to improve the outcome for children and families. According to the Children's Mental Health act of 2003, many mental health problems can be reduced or minimized with early intervention services. This includes interventions for children of all ages from birth to 18.
For more information on the Community that Cares Project, please contact Amy Adams at the Sterling Sinnissippi Office at 815-625-0013 ext. 120.
For more information about all programs and services that Sinnissippi Centers offers, call toll-free at 1-800-242-7642. Sinnissippi has office locations in Oregon, Rochelle, Dixon, Mt. Carroll, and Sterling.
Improving Recovery Through Technology
Sinnissippi Centers and The Human Service Center announce the start of the Mobile Wellness and Recovery Program
April 2, 2012
(Dixon, IL) Those in recovery from an alcohol or other drug issue know that every tool in their toolbox of recovery supports is vital and necessary and helps prevent relapse and enhances their recovery. Technology is one of those tools.
Sinnissippi Centers is pleased to be a partner with the Human Service Center in providing services through the Mobile Wellness and Recovery Program.
“The Mobile Wellness and Recovery Program (MW&R) is an effort of the Human Services Center of Peoria and Sinnissippi Centers, Inc to provide substance abuse treatment where access is a primary obstacle to obtaining services,” according to Kevin Buss, Sinnissippi Centers’ Clinician III.
“The MW&R is an engagement and skills training program that can provide behavioral health services to an individual through phone and internet technology,” adds Buss. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), a federal agency, is funding the project through a three-year grant.
“Through MW&R, adults, 18 years and older, who live in rural locations can access free, behavioral services that help individuals learn how to reduce or avoid alcohol and other drugs through a variety of e-therapy options, such as phone therapy, smart phone/tablet applications and web-based skills training. The MW&R team will assist individuals in using social networking sites, smart phone applications, and an extensive range of web-based resources to assist them in developing a sustainable and individualized recovery plan. Individuals can decide if they want to abstain or reduce their alcohol or other drug usage based on their presenting needs and life goals.” The MW&R program is not intended to replace traditional substance abuse care. It is intended to assist substance abusing individuals where access is the key barrier to begin to achieve a meaningful recovery.
The MW&R offers substance use treatment in the convenience and privacy of the home of the individual on their schedule, offering a flexibility not possible before by using technology available to most everyone. The effectiveness of this type of substance use treatment is supported by evidence-based research.
Features of the MW&R Program
• The Mobile Wellness and Recovery (MW&R) program focuses on rural populations
• The program is free.
• This service does not meet S.O.S. DUI guidelines for treatment.
• MW&R Program therapy is delivered by telephone and internet. The needs of the client direct the path of treatment using engagement strategies and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to explore reduction of use or total abstinence, and improved life functioning.
• MW&R provides flexibility for clients with convenient scheduling and no waiting lists. Training materials can be mailed if internet access is not available.
• The MW&R program will start with screening which will be the basis for referral.
• The MW&R program is a statewide program from Human Services Center, with Sinnissippi Centers providing screening and referral locally.
• The MW&R Program provides recovery training (1 – 6 months) and support (6 - 12 months).
• Clients are encouraged to investigate and utilize AA/NA support groups while active in the MW&R program.
• The program will involve screening via engagement to referral.
• Engagement can be ongoing as appropriate.
• Individuals involved in MW&R do NOT have to be Sinnissippi Centers’ clients.
• Involves multiple and ongoing behavioral and skill-based outcome measurements.
• May include medical navigation and wellness tracking in concert with primary care physicians.
• Focus of therapy based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and acquisition and implementation of life/coping skills.
• Supported by web-based skills training and (available) smart phone apps.
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 Mobile Wellness and Recovery please contact:
Kevin Buss, MFA, CRADC, QMHP
Clinician III
Sinnissippi Centers, Inc.
325 Illinois Route 2
Dixon, IL 61021
815-284-6611 ext. 280
kevinbuss@sinnissippi.com
Art for a Cause; The Sinnissippi Foundation
8th Annual Expressions Art Sale and Reception benefits the Sinnissippi Foundation
March 29, 2012
(Dixon, IL) Art for a Cause is one way to describe an upcoming April fund raiser at The Next Picture Show in Dixon.
The Sinnissippi Foundation and Sauk Valley Bank host the 8th annual Expressions Art Sale and Reception, which begins April 10, 2012 when art and silent auction items go on display and concludes Friday, April 20, 2012, with an evening reception from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. at The Next Picture Show in Dixon (113 West First Street).
“We couldn’t have a high quality event like Expressions without the dozens of sponsors, artists, businesses and organizations who donate silent auction items, The Next Picture Show staff and volunteers, and Sinnissippi Centers and Sinnissippi Foundation board members and staff volunteers,” says Jim Sarver, Sinnissippi Centers’ President and CEO.
"We are also very pleased to have Sauk Valley Bank return as co-sponsor of Expressions," adds Sarver. "They are an important partner in making this event a success. They have been a wonderful supporter of the Sinnissippi Foundation, but they have also demonstrated a commitment to the arts and to their local communities as well. It’s a pleasure to have them on board and a very natural fit for the local community oriented bank.”
“There will be two new features at Expressions this year,” adds Sarver. “First, through The Next Picture Show’s website, we will offer art for sale online at virtually the same time as it is available for purchase at the gallery.” This will allow those who have wanted to participate in the past in the sale but weren’t able to because of other commitments, to be able to participate by buying a piece of art online, via secure website, from the comfort of their home. The art will available for purchase on The Next Picture Show’s website from April 10 – 19, 2012. Art will not be available for purchase online April 20, 2012, the day of the reception portion of the event.
To purchase Expressions art online just go to www.thenextpictureshow.com and click on the link at the left side of the page to Expressions. “We are very pleased that The Next Picture Show is allowing the Foundation to be the first to use this new feature of The Next Picture Show’s website, even before they will be using it themselves. We had planned to find a way to add this feature to the event early on, and TNPS stepped up to make it happen.” Additional charges for shipping may apply for some buyers. Following Expressions, art from TNPS’s gallery will be available for sale online.
“Secondly, we are adding an exhibit of art from individuals in recovery from a alcohol or other drug issue. Photos will be exhibited with a brief note about the photo, the individual’s recovery, or other topics. “These pieces will not be for sale, but are a pure exhibit.
Artists whose have committed one or more of their works of art to the Expressions Art Sale include: Les Allen, Kathy Blunk, Larry Bond, Graydon Cafarella, Debra Cleary, Ellen Donaldson Allen, Tim Drane, Margery Franklin, Beverly Garcia, Shirley Guay, Rachelle Gunderson, Jan Harvey, Lisa Higby LeFevre, Steve Johnson, Charles Kerr, Rosalie Koldan, Pat Lathe, Bob Logsdon, Todd Lorenc, Thomas D. Mangelsen, Phil Mattox, Debb Munson, Rick Munson, Ann Marie Potts, Betty Predmore, Ken Reif, Sydni Reubin, Debbie Thompson, and Tristan Young.
Art and silent auction items will go on display Tuesday April 10, 2012 at the Next Picture Show. Art items can be purchased at any time once they go on display at the gallery and bids can be placed on the silent auction items. The sale and auction will conclude on at the end of the reception portion of the event on Friday April 20, 2012.
“There are a variety of ways individuals can get more information about Expressions. They can call the Foundation for information at 815-284-9380. They can also visit online at www.sinnissippi.com and click on the link at the lower left of the home page to view the event catalog of art and silent auction items.
They can also view the event and photos of art and silent auction items on the Foundation’s Facebook fan page. Just search for either Sinnissippi Foundation or Expressions Art Sale from your Facebook account.” The fan page is updated in real time as pieces of art and silent auction items are received, and the catalog is update regularly.
Proceeds from Expressions will help the Foundation continue its mission of providing for the urgent needs of individuals and families in the Sinnissippi Community. Some examples of that assistance include keeping families in their homes or helping a family obtain safe housing, keeping the heat on during the cold winter months, providing a much needed meal during the holidays with a holiday food basket, and supporting events that promote and celebrate recovery and wellness.
Proceeds will also support the Foundation’s ongoing mission of promoting the mental wellness of those same individuals and families, supporting community initiatives, and increasing the awareness of mental health and substance use issues while fighting the stigma that still exists around mental illness and substance abuse.
Breaking Ground, Among the First
Sinnissippi Centers, Inc. Among first Behavioral Health Care Agencies to have a PA
January 23, 2012
(Dixon, IL) Sinnissippi Centers broke new ground when the agency's first Physician Assistant (PA-C), Peggy Harris, began seeing clients. Sinnissippi is among the first behavioral health care agencies to have a PA on staff. Harris is also among only 40 PA’s to be certified as a PA-C and the only one in Illinois.
“While well accepted in the primary health care field, Physician Assistants (PA’s) are relatively new in a behavioral health care setting,” says Jim Sarver, Sinnissippi Centers’ President and CEO “Peggy is an energetic, professional, dedicated, and compassionate health care provider and a very welcome addition to the team at Sinnissippi,” adds Sarver.
"I discovered my love of health care while serving in Africa in the Peace Corps. Sometimes I would encounter individuals in need of medical attention, and having a basic first aid kit, I was often looked to as the only person who could provide medical aid."
Harris holds a Master's of Public Health from Tulane University, did work toward a Master's of Clinical Psychology at Benedictine University, and obtained her PA degree from Pacific University. Harris completed her residency at Cherokee Mental Health Institute, and served as a PA for eight years in a busy Statesboro, Georgia psychiatric practice.
In September of 2011 Harris sat for the first Psychiatric Certification exam for PA's and has received her Psychiatric Certification of Advanced Qualifications.
Harris works very closely with Sinnissippi's Psychiatrist Dr. Muhammad Azhar, and as a team they are able to increase the quality of care for child, adolescent and adult clients, and to ensure that clients are seen on a regular basis for their medications.
Harris offers regularly scheduled medication clinics to clients who have missed a medication review appointment. In Ogle County, Harris sees individuals on a regular basis in the Oregon and office.
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.
Join Community that Cares For Meal Following Parade October 31st
Community that Cares will provide meal at the Community House
October 20, 2011
(Mt. Carroll, IL) The Community that Cares Partnership’s Carroll County CARE team invites you to enjoy a meal immediately following the Halloween parade on Monday October 31st in Mt. Carroll. On the menu; hot dogs, chips and a sugar free beverage. Community that Cares will also provide free trick or treat goodie bags to children and they can also get a witch’s broom and a stress ball. Informational handouts and other information will be available on strengthening families from several CARE team partnering agencies. The Mt.Carroll Chamber of Commerce sponsors the parade and will be handing out glow sticks and will have a costume contest.
The parade begins at approximately 5:30 p.m. from the Mt. Carroll City parking lot behind the Pharmacy Center and ends at the Mt. Carroll Community House where the meal will be served. The parade begins following the ping pong ball drop.
Representatives from the Carroll County CARE team will be on hand if parents want to know more about the Community that Cares project, including the ongoing Parent Forum.
Community that Cares is a partnership of nearly 60 agencies in Carroll, Lee, Ogle and Whiteside Counties who are working together to strengthen families and youth. Funds for the Community that Cares project are provided through a grant from the Illinois Children’s Healthcare Foundation.
Each county, including Carroll County, has a CARE team that works to make sure Community that Cares is responsive to the unique needs of each county and to direct the project’s activities in each county.
Members of the Carroll County CARE team include: The All our Kids Network, the Carroll County Health Department, the Carroll County Juvenile Justice Council, the Carroll County Probation Department, Child and Family connections, the Community that Cares Parent Forum, Early Steps Right Steps, Jane Law (community member), Lutheran social Services of Illinois, Riverview Center, Sinnissippi Centers, and West Carroll Schools.
For more information on Community that Cares project, contact Community that Cares Project Director Amy Adams at 815-625-0013 ext. 120.
Symptoms of Mental Illness Often Ignored, but Treatable
Sinnissippi Centers to host no-cost confidential Mental Health Screenings on October 6
September 29, 2011
(Dixon, IL) It can be normal for anyone to feel periods of sadness, unhappiness, anxiousness, or changing moods at certain times during their lives. However, if these symptoms persist or begin to interfere with normal life, it may be a sign of a more serious problem.
As part of National Depression Screening Day, On October 6, 2011, Sinnissippi Centers will host no-cost confidential mental health screenings at its five main office locations in Dixon, Mt. Carroll, Oregon, Rochelle and Sterling. The screenings will be available between 2:30 – 4:00 p.m.
“These free and confidential mental health screenings will give participants the opportunity to talk to a health professional about their concerns,” explains Mary Scuffham, Sinnissippi Centers’ Director of Clinical Services.
“While a mental illness can occur by itself, it sometimes “co-occurs”, or happens at the same time as other medical illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, or Parkinson’s disease,” adds Scuffham. “Often health care professionals, and the patients themselves, mistakenly conclude that the symptoms are a normal part of these co-occurring problems. However, symptoms of mental illness are not a normal part of these medical illnesses. Mental illness is a treatable medical condition.”
During the mental health screenings, individuals will have a chance to complete a written screening form, receive educational materials and talk individually with a mental health professional. Referrals will be provided to those in need.
Mental health screenings will be available at all main office locations of Sinnissippi Centers; in Dixon (325 Illinois Route 2), Mt. Carroll (1122 Healthcare Drive), Oregon (125 South Fourth Street), Rochelle (1321 North Seventh Street) and Sterling (2611 Woodlawn Road).
For more information on the screenings call Sinnissippi Centers at 1-800-242-7642 or visit www.MentalHealthScreening.org
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 or visit online at www.sinnissippi.com
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