Our New Billboards Encourage Good Choices

You may have noticed our new billboards and DART bus ads around New Castle County! Brandywine Counseling developed these ads to prevent drug abuse, alcohol abuse, and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome by promoting good choices.

Did you know that:

• About 8% of Delawareans self-report using illicit drugs?
• 22% of Delawareans report alcohol abuse in the past month?
• 20% of Wilmington residents, and 22% of residents elsewhere in New Castle County, report binge drinking in the past month?

Wouldn't you like to see those numbers go down? We certainly do. We hope our billboards will reach people who are abusing drugs or alcohol, but especially young adults who are not yet addicted but may be at risk of developing a problem.

Life is competitive. Keep your edge. Stay Sober.

If you're a young adult with a social life who is pregnant or planning to be, we want you to know, loud and clear – alcohol harms the developing fetus. Don’t drink if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Say NO to that shot! An ounce of prevention can make a fetal difference.

Look for our billboards on Lancaster Avenue near Greenhill Avenue, and on Kirkwood Highway near Duncan Road. We know a healthier, safer Delaware starts with more people making good choices. Stay tuned to bcidel.org to see what we're doing to spread this prevention message, and how you can be a part of our effort.

Free Drug Prevention Seminar for Parents June 30

Your kid might NEVER DO DRUGS. Get educated, JUST IN CASE.

"Turned On By An Easy Score" is a free seminar for parents on talking to your children about street drugs. This powerful, exciting, and informative event will take place Wednesday June 30 from 6pm-7:30pm, at the Hilltop Lutheran Neighborhood Center.

It includes:

• How to talk to your kids about drugs
• Warning signs of adolescent drug use
• Prescription drug abuse
• New drugs/new paraphernalia
• Growing trends/arrest patterns
• Common drug mixtures
• How these drugs are obtained
• Why these drugs are used

Turned On By An Easy Score couples current, eye-opening information with theatrical performances by Theatrical Fusion Theater Company. Learn how you can take a stand against drug use and abuse. Learn to recognize signs and symptoms of drug use in a loved one, or anyone else, for that matter. For the community as a whole, and especially for parents to talk to your children (of all ages) about the dangers and consequences of drug and alcohol use.

Download a flyer here!

This program is presented by BCI in collaboration with the Wilmington Consortium and Theatrical Fusion. Registration appreciated but not required to 656-3224 or dara.boger[at]hilltoplnc[dot]org.

Consumer Satisfaction Survey Results

As many of you know, Brandywine Counseling is running mini-satisfaction surveys to help evaluate and improve our services to you. We're committed to quality, and your feedback will help us improve our services.

Thank you for your participation in last month’s surveys. Results were extremely positive. More than 90% of you were “very satisfied” or “satisfied” with the help you received, your wait time, the knowledge of staff, your dignity and respect, and your confidentiality and privacy. Here are some of the survey results:

Lancaster


Lancaster


Alpha


Newark


Alpha



We have read all of your comments as well. The management team will be using your feedback to identify our strengths and weaknesses, and take steps to address them.

We want to improve your satisfaction across all BCI locations. So we'll be running mini-surveys every month or so on different topics. In June, it’s administration and medication procedures. Thanks again for your participation. We hope this gives you a voice about issues that matter to you.

"Wow-ness" Center Heals HIV/AIDS, Now in Both Wilmington and Newark

Brandywine Counseling is happy to announce the expansion of our HIV Wellness Center to the Newark area. For over ten years, we've partnered with Christiana Care to offer a “one-stop shop” infectious disease clinic nested within BCI Lancaster. Many of the most chronically ill BCI patients have received readily available, high-quality health services, including primary HIV medical care, a Medication Adherence Program for those on antiretroviral therapy, and primary preventive counseling and medical care. Now, these life-saving services will be accessible to the 400 patients at our 24 Brookhill Drive location.

Access to medical care is crucial to the survival of an AIDS patient. Even more so for those who also experience drug addiction, mental illness, and other chronic conditions. We’ve seen many at our Lancaster Wellness Center climb out of the deepest, darkest abyss and get better. Sometimes, we can’t fully appreciate how remarkable these stories of recovery are, but here is a video that illustrates what it’s really about. It’s guaranteed to make you say, “Wow.”



The effects of AIDS can be reversed. We didn’t produce this video, it’s from South Africa’s Topsy Foundation, but its message holds true for our patients at the Wellness Center. Medical care brings people back to life. We are so delighted to work with Christiana Care to help even more Delawareans in need. Maybe we should call it the “Wow-ness” Center.

The Grand Opening of the Wellness Center at BCI Newark is Monday June 21. It coincides with an HIV and Hepatitis C testing event by our outreach team, including food, education, and incentives. Testing will be offered from 6 AM to 12 PM at Newark Monday June 21 and Friday June 25, and at Lancaster Tuesday June 22.


Thanks to Osocio for the link.

The First Time In So Long That I Could Remember Feeling Hope

Here’s another thank you note we received from a client at BCI Georgetown.

It was May 25, 2009, and I was three years into my relapse using all kinds of prescription pain medicine and barbiturates. I had already been to detox, a rehab, tried going back to Alcoholics Anonymous, private counseling, but had no hope. I just could not stop. My family was at the end of their rope with me, I had lost countless jobs, and friends. It was also my mother’s birthday, Memorial Day weekend, and I had a real knack for ruining any kind of family celebration. I had heard of this kind of despair, I had gone to AA when I was a lot younger, and stayed sober for many years. However, like the story goes, my life got better, and I began to put my sobriety on the back burner until my addiction came back and my life became a living hell.

I got a DUI that night and it is a true miracle I didn’t kill anyone. A couple days later in a drug induced stupor, I almost set our house on fire, and my mother put me out for the last time. I had nowhere to go, I checked into a motel and prayed to die. The next morning I woke up, and decided something had to be done, but still had little hope. I talked to a counselor, who convinced me to try another rehab. I really wanted to get sober again but didn’t think it was possible.

The second day I was at the rehab, I met the director, who was a friend of my father’s (he had also gotten sober through Alcoholics Anonymous). She asked me what had happened, and what I wanted to do once I got out. I told her I wanted to go to a halfway house for mothers and children, but didn’t think there were any in Delaware. She told me she wanted to check on something and she would get back to me. To my surprise, the next day she approached me and told me about a program in Georgetown, through Brandywine Counseling that she thought I might qualify for and could really help me and my twin 10 year old girls. I was really excited; it was the first time in so long that I could remember feeling hope.

On June 19, 2009, I left the rehab, and drove with my daughters to Georgetown. I was given an intake at Brandywine Counseling, and advised I could move with my girls into the Level 4 house through their Lighthouse Program. I started attending groups at the Lighthouse 3 days a week, along with group and individual counseling at Brandywine. I also started attending AA and NA meetings in Georgetown. Another girl and her daughter moved into the house from the Lighthouse Program and we became good friends. I got a job, got a sponsor, and started putting my life back together. It has not been easy, my car was repossessed and I have had to pay fines to clear up the damage from my past. Financially, things have been tighter than they have ever been in my life.

In March of this year, thanks to the employment counselors at Brandywine, I was able to enter back into the field of employment of cosmetology, which I love so much. My individual counselor always seems to find the positive in me, which I have a hard time seeing for myself. I have a great relationship with my daughters, and am rebuilding the relationship with my Mom. I have also been able to mend old friendships and made tons of new ones.

C.A.T.C.H. HIV Testing Week: June 21-26, 2010

C.A.T.C.H. (Community Agencies Together Combating HIV)

AIDS Delaware, Brandywine Counseling, Each1 Teach1, Latin American Community Center

Community HIV Testing Events
Free Food, Entertainment, Information, and Giveaways at most agencies
Picture ID required

Join CATCH and the movement to help end AIDS. Be 1 of the millions of Americans who will get tested before the next National HIV Testing Day June 27, 2010. HIV began 1 person at a time and it will end 1 person at a time. Early diagnosis & treatment saves lives. (Click flyer to view full size.)

Monday, June 21st Agency: Brandywine Counseling Newark Office
Time: 6:00am - 12:00 noon (For Clients Only)
Place: 24 Brookhill Drive, Newark, DE 19713

Tuesday, June 22nd Agency: Brandywine Counseling Lancaster Office
Time: 6:00am-12:00 noon (For Clients Only)
Place: 2713 Lancaster Pike, Wilmington, DE 19805

Tuesday, June 22nd Agency: Each1 Teach1 @ RoseHill Community Center
Time: 4:00pm - 8:00pm
Place: 20 Lambson Lane, New Castle, DE 19720

Wednesday, June 23rd Agency: AIDS Delaware @ Church of Ascension
Time: 5:00pm - 8:00pm (Receive Movie Tickets Only)
Place: 3700 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont, DE 19703

Thursday, June 24th Agency: Latin American Ctr. @ Sparrows Run
Time: 4:00pm - 8:00pm
Place: Sparrow Run, 5 Teal Circle, Newark, DE 19701

Friday, June 25th Agency: Brandywine Counseling Newark Office
Time: 6:00am - 12:00 noon (For Clients Only)
Place: 24 Brookhill Drive, Newark, DE 19713

Saturday, June 26th Agency: AIDS Delaware @ St. Ann’s Church
Time: 9:00am-12:00 noon(Receive Movie Tickets Only)
Place: 15 E. Green St., Middletown, DE 19709

BCI Is Helping In Every Area of My Life

Here's a thank you note we received today from a client at BCI Georgetown.

I would like to give BCI Staff a thank you for everything. I have been a part of the Lighthouse women's program and part of the outpatient part. I not only get help from my counselor but also other staff. I have been using drugs all my life. I never took my medication. BCI is helping in every area of my life. They have helped me get back on my meds. They have helped me open up and talk about my feelings. They are helping me with transportation to and from appointments, employment, housing, and just not giving up.

Thank you BCI

Kriner Sturmfels 5K Benefit Run/Walk & Family "Fund" Day

Saturday June 26, 2010

Kriner Sturmfels 5K Benefit Run/Walk & Family “Fund” Day at Junior Achievement

Come help raise money for the education funds for the children of Mike Kriner and Chris Sturmfels, who lost their lives in a traffic accident this past February.

5K Walk/Run

Registration begins at 8:45 am – 5K starts at 9:45 am

Overlook Pavilion - Wilmington Riverfront (between AAA and Barclays)

$20 pre-registration or $25 day of event

T-shirts and refreshments will be provided.

Prizes will be awarded to top finishers as well as random raffles for participants.

www.races2run.com

Family 'Fund' Day

10 am - 3 pm

Junior Achievement of DE - 522 S. Walnut Street, Wilm., DE 19801

$5 for individuals and $10 for families

FREE admission for 5K participants (bring bib)

Moon bounce, scavenger hunt, face painting, games,

raffles, food and lots of fun!

BCI Offers Anger Management Classes

One Day Anger Management Class

• Do you have a hard time managing anger?
• Has anyone ever told you your anger is an issue?
• Are you being court ordered to complete an anger management program?

If so, come to Brandywine Counseling’s One Day Anger Management Course and gain the skills you need to better understand your anger, and how to effectively manage and cope with intense emotions.

**This program meets court ordered requirements. It is open to any BCI client as well as the public.

When: The first Friday or Saturday of every Month, 8am till 4:30pm

• Friday July 9th (2nd Friday due to holiday)
• Saturday July 10th (2nd Saturday due to holiday)
• Friday August 6th
• Saturday August 7th
• Friday September 3rd
• Saturday September 4th

Cost: $150.00
Payment can be made between 6am and 12pm Monday thru Friday

Where: Brandywine Counseling
2713 Lancaster Ave.
Wilmington, DE 19805

Please contact your counselor for more details, or call the information line at (302) 656-2348 ext. 625.

All Addictions are Addictions of Present Hedonism

The Discovering Alcoholic has a fascinating post I wanted to share with you called Why Kids Don’t Wear Watches and Drunks Never Learn. It's based on this video about how your own personal perspective of time affects your work, health and well-being, including addictive behaviors.



TDA says:

Pay close attention to the last half where he talks about kids living in a world they create seperated from reality, where knowledge of consequences doesn’t necessarily change behavior, and why they don’t wear watches. I think another example he could have used is why drunks never learn. It’s this kind of stuff that reinforces my belief in the mental disease (faulty brain programming/training) aspect of addiction.

I think this also illustrates why it's such a challenge to reach people at risk of addiction with prevention messages. If all addictions are addictions of present hedonism, warning against the future consequences will be little deterrent. Perhaps we in the prevention field need to better understand the addict's perspective of time and tailor our messages accordingly. What do you think?

The Words We Use

Client? Patient? Consumer? Which one is right? We often debate this question among ourselves here at BCI, and there remains no clear consensus about how to refer to the people we serve. So I was intrigued to see that SAMHSA is asking the same question in What's in a Term? Considering Language in Our Field.

And, they want to hear what we think. SAMHSA Administrator Pamela Hyde says:

Let’s have a discussion about the terms we use. Let’s try to agree on terms we could use and terms we should absolutely not use.

Your comments and suggestions are critical as we move this conversation forward. In addition, how can we engage others about this without being disrespectful or making assumptions about bad intentions?

Send comments to dialogue@samhsa.hhs.gov. We will provide some feedback about what you think in a future edition of SAMHSA News. By communicating well together and with others, we will understand together “what’s in a term.”

There is so much terminology to consider:
Mental health or mental illness?
Behavioral health?
Disease?
Recovery?

What terms do you prefer?


(Thanks to Faces and Voices of Recovery for the tip.)