Rotary Log for Meeting of January 19, 2017
By Al Lantinen
Photos by Tube Loch
As by now you’ve seen through Facebook, President James is on a Rotary mission to India. Just before leaving last week, he thanked us for the many donations he received to buy books for a library there. He also noted that John Bohenko is recovering at home from his recent surgery and is doing well.
Announcements followed. Sara Treacy invited volunteers to sign up for serving duty at the Salvation Army soup kitchen. Our weekly rotation starts March 29.
Joanie Dickinson reminded all to collect can tabs and offered jars for collection. She also encouraged us to notify her if we know of a student who would be interested in our Youth Exchange Program.
Leo Gagnon, Club social director, announced the next social evening is January 24, 5:30-7:30, at Braise restaurant (previously Radici.)
The board has presented a $5100 allocation from the Ray Jones Fund to the Portsmouth Historical society for restoration of 12 windows. This gift required a vote from the membership and was approved unanimously. Remember there is a hands-on project January 28 to paint exhibit space at Discover Portsmouth Center.
Barbara Miller introduced our speaker, Jay Couture, executive director of Seacoast Mental Health Center. She has 25 years’ experience in the mental health field and has been at SMHC since 2002. Barbara outlined the state system for community mental health regions and described in detail the services offered at SCMH. Two offices (Exeter and Portsmouth) recently provided services to 5200 clients which included 1300 children. Beside the expected mental health services, SHMC operates a group home in Greenland. The facility services adults not yet able to be in the community on their own. They also provide 24/7 coverage for local Emergency Rooms to help with emergency assessment and triage.
Interestingly, SHMC also offers training to concerned citizens and first responders. The program helps volunteers recognize the signs of mental illness and know area resources available to assist.
Medicaid covers a significant portion of their clients but they do accept private insurance. I was surprised to learn that more than 500 of their clients are covered as a result of the Medicaid expansion. Because reimbursement is based on 2006 levels, they also heavily rely on donations and grants to provide services. Imagine-no raise in 10 years!?
It is also of interest to know there are just 158 beds in the state’s only psychiatric hospital. The waiting list can be up to three weeks. Jay feels that appropriate early referral and use of community mental health services is very important. It can reduce the severity of the disease and make hospitalization less necessary.
One in five New Hampshire residents needs mental health services at some time. It behooves us to become educated and vocal about mental health care and treatment.
Respectfully submitted, Albert Lantinen
