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From the COO
RPC Family, September is Suicide Prevention Awareness month, which is dedicated to bringing awareness of the stigma around mental health. We want everyone to have access to resources and feel safe when struggling. Recently 988 has been designated to route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network - making it easier for people to remember and reach out for help. The Lifeline is staffed with trained counselors to listen, understand, provide support and connect to resources.
Last week, Iwas excited to testify in front to the State Budget Committee advocating for more resources for mental health in the state of Missouri. Ijoined my peers fromall healthcare systems in the state to tell the story of our patients and our staff, bringing to life the impact that mental health struggles have on patients and families. As a group, we advocated for additional funding and better placement options for our patients. I'malso proud of our teamreceiving the "We ShowUp" Teamof the Month for September, which is voted on by Research Medical Center's Senior Team. Amazing recognition of everyone's hard work. (More on that later in the newsletter.) I'd like to also thank many of you who volunteered for education, videos, informational booths and walks spreading the message around suicide prevention awareness. Yet another example of our teamShowing Up for the community. Thank you!
September2022
UPDATESFOR THESTAFFOFRESEARCH PSYCHIATRIC CENTER
Clinical Corner
Spotlight:JustinaWeber,ManagerofOutpatientServices
Justina Weber, Manager of Outpatient Services at RPC, has been with HCAfor 10 years this month! Justina started as a Mental Health Tech at RPC in 2012. She has spent time working on the acute inpatient unit with a variety of populations. Justina has worked in our Intake Department completing crisis assessments and supervising a teamof clinicians and nurses. Justina has experience working with clients at The Transgender Institute of KC, Hope Haven Domestic Violence Shelter, and has volunteered with Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) to support children and youth who have experienced abuse or neglect.
Justina was also featured in RMC's #RMCFamilyFriday social post and was the tour guide for the Kansas City MomCollective InstagramTakeover.
In her free time, Justina enjoys attending live music performances, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. Justina enjoys being a part of the RPC teamto help improve the lives of those we serve.
Team Updates
WelcomeourNewColleagues
Shaun Williams, MHTII Olivia Geither, MHT PRN Falon Little, RN
EmployeeoftheMonth:JeannieTrytsman
Jeannie, RPC Executive Assistant, has been part of the RPC family for a short time. However, she has made a big impact. Jeannie is always positive and willing to jump in wherever is needed. She has the Administration Office running smoothly and a resource for everyone in the building. Jeannie genuinely cares about our patients and supports us to ensure that RPC is providing excellent care. Her bright smile and positive outlook bring joy to all. Congrats Jeannie!
"WeShowUp" TeamoftheMonth
We are honored to announce that Research Psychiatric Centerwas named as the "We Show Up" Teamof the Month forSeptember. The RMC Senior Teamrecognized the hard work of RPC for the following reasons:
Providing 30+ years of mental health services to the KC community including inpatient acute care, outpatient group therapy, and helping acute patients to transition back to their daily life.
Participating in community efforts to support mental health awareness, including walks for Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, including Suicide Awareness Survivor Support Annual Remembrance Walk and SPEAKUP2022 Walk.
Providing offerings to patients to support mental wellbeing, including art classes, yoga, gymactivities, pet therapy, evidence based therapy groups, and a clothing closet supplied by staff.
Combatting the shortage of mental health services in Kansas City by seeing more than 4,000 adolescent and adult patients, offering patients a chance to be connected to the right level of care faster.
Supporting each other through Adopt-a-Family, holiday celebrations (pumpkin carvings and chili cookoffs), food trucks, and free monthly education for professional credit.
Thanks to all of you (mental health techs, nurses, doctors, therapists, food and nutrition services, EVStechs, and more) for showing up for our RPC patients every day!
Patient Testimonial
MyMentalHealthJourney:Linda'sStory
Patient Testimonial
MyMentalHealthJourney:Linda'sStory
We are honored to highlight our Research Psychiatric Center colleagues and a patient who bravely and proudly opened up about her mental health journey in hopes of helping others seek the care they need during #SuicidePreventionAwarenessMonth.
"I'mglad Ididn't followthrough on the decision Iwanted to make, and that instead Igot the help Ineeded and nowIamliving life in a whole other view. I'mexcited for every day. KCKEven though some days might be a little worse than others, I'mexcited I'mstill here and still living my life."
Watch Linda's testimonial and hear about her journey fromcontemplating suicide to finding a newoutlook on life thanks to our colleagues at RPC!
Mental Health Expertise StigmaandMentalHealthPodcast
On this month’s "On Air With Ashley" podcast, we explore the topic of stigma around seeking help formental health forSeptember's Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. In a panel discussion hosted by Shannon Griggs Failes, COO of Research Psychiatric Center, we discuss stigmas that often play a part in preventing men, members of the Latinxcommunity, and new/postpartummothers fromseeking help for their mental health struggles. Watch the video to learn howour RPC colleagues believe we can change the narrative of stigma and help people find the confidence and courage to improve their mental wellbeing. Thank you to Steve Ruiz, Jason Ulanet and Justina Weber for their valuable and important insight into mental health.
MourningtheDeathofaPublicFigure
Mourning the death of a public figure is very normal. In fact. it can feel as if a family member has died, and it may also bring up feelings of grief froma past death. If you are mourning the loss of a public figure, you are most likely not alone. Jason Ulanet, therapist with Research Psychiatric Center, offers tips in this short video following the death of the Queen of England.
Showing Up for Our Community
RPC ShowsUptoBrooksideFarmer'sMarketandRemembranceWalk
Thank you to RPC staff for showing up for our community. This teamhosted a booth at the Brookside Farmer's Market on this past Saturday, providing information about inpatient and outpatient programming and resources for adults and adolescents. On September 11, it was the Suicide Awareness Survivor Support (SASS) 19th Annual Remembrance Walk, and on Sunday it was the Speak Up Walk. Thank you to everyone at RPC for their continued dedication and support to mental health awareness.
Research Medical Center is committed to improving more lives in more ways. We are proud to partner with the Kansas City Metro Police squad in support of the DEA's National Prescription Drug Take Back Day in the fight against opioid misuse. Take action by turning in your unused and expired medication for safe disposal.
Learn more on which medications they will accept as well as other details on our Facebook Event
Date: Saturday, Oct. 29 Time: 10:00am- 2:00pm Location: Research Medical Center - Brookside Campus, Lot B
CrushtheCrisis:DrugTakeBackDay
Patient
Education
CompletedCodeofConductTraining?DuebyOctober31st!
All colleagues are required to complete the RMC Code of Conduct Training annually, with this year's deadline of October 31 This includes newcolleagues who were hired before September 1 Staff that do not complete it on time, will be suspended and removed fromthe schedule until it is complete. Please access this assigned training through HealthStream.
SocialWorkCEU LunchandLearn
ClothingDriveinSeptember
There was not a Lunch and Learn for September, but stay tuned because on Oct 20: Andrea Raya, LMSW, Rose Brooks Bridge ProgramManager will present "The Stages of Healing: The Recovery of the Lost Self." Stay tuned for more information!
Mental Health Podcasts
Mental health impacts everyone Every day, people are online actively asking questions and seeking answers about mental health Psych Hub and HCAHealthcare, in collaboration with Columbia University’s Department of Psychiatry, have partnered to create a podcast series called “You Ask, We Answer” to bring people credible online mental health education. Click here to access all the podcasts on Spotify, Stitcher or download fromany podcast platform Here are a fewnewones to take a listen to on your phone fromSpotify: What is Addiction?
HowDo You Cope With What You Can't Control?
HowDo IHelp My Child Cope with Anxiety?
In the News
KCTV5: RPC Therapist
Justina Weber joined former patient Linda Clavijo to discuss the importance of caring for your mental health, in recognition of National Suicide Prevention Month. Watch here.
KMBZ Radio: Jason Ulanet, licensed clinical social worker with Research Psychiatric Center, provided KMBZradio listeners mental health tips and resources to help prevent suicide in our community. Listen here.
KCMC: Did you miss RPC's InstagramTakeover with the Kansas City Mom Collective? Thank you to Justina Weber, Manager of Outpatient Services, for being the best tour guide and giving viewers an inside look of RPC Check out the tour videos here
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