Recently the LIFE/Incredible Years Program with Dickinson Center, Inc. Children’s Prevention Services, in conjunction with Johnsonburg Elementary School, held its annual Kindergarten Readiness “Moving On” Ceremony.
Read MoreResources for Families
Not at all incapable, individuals with disabilities simply may need some modifications, whether in school, at work or at home, to help them be successful through their daily lives.
Read MoreMay is Mental Health Awareness Month
When you or someone you love is dealing with a mental health concern, sometimes it’s a lot to handle. It’s important to remember that mental health is essential to everyone’s overall health and well-being, and mental illnesses are common and treatable.
Read MoreApril is Autism Awareness Month
According to the CDC (2014) 1 in 68 children are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Newer research survey suggest 1 in 45 children. It affects more boys than girls at a rate of 5 to 1 which is why the color blue was chosen for Autism Awareness.
Autism Spectrum is a neurodevelopmental disorder which causes significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges. To present day there is no known cause or cure for Autism. There are numerous theories about the causes of Autism, but none which have been proven.
How does Autism affect our local communities?
Here are some numbers from 2011:
- In Elk County, there were 119 individuals who have an autism diagnosis who received some sort of autism service.
- In Cameron County, there were 18 individuals who have an autism diagnosis who received some sort of autism service.
- In Potter County, there were 59 individuals who have an autism diagnosis who received some sort of autism service.
- In McKean County there were 175 individuals who have an autism diagnosis who received some sort of autism service.
Dickinson Center recognized the need for evaluation and treatment for Autism in this rural area, and the program has grown over the many years. Early identification and intervention for the disorder increases the opportunity for improvement in severity of symptoms, and reduces the life long cost of care by 2/3.
$86,000 for Suicide Prevention in Elk & Cameron Counties
Dickinson Center, Inc. (DCI), a member of the Journey Health System, was awarded $86,000 from the AJ & Sigismunda Palumbo Charitable Trust to support their Signs of Suicide® Prevention Program in Elk and Cameron counties.
Read MoreIdentifying Symptoms of Schizophrenia
“Schizophrenia” is one of those words that conjures up fear in the imagination, but most people don’t really know what it means or how to recognize it.
Read MoreIdentifying Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders are the most common types of mental disorders in the United States. About 40 million adults suffer from some type of anxiety disorder - that’s about 18% of the population.
Read MoreIdentifying Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
Dickinson Center, Inc. strongly encourages community members to reach out if they have any concerns about their risk of suffering from this illness; our team is here to ensure that you receive any care you need and you can live your life like any other individual.
Read MoreCameron County High School, Dickinson Center, Inc. host dating violence assembly
A startling statistic highlighted the severity and prevalence of the issue of dating violence during a recent assembly at the Cameron County Junior/Senior High School.
Read MoreFebruary is Trauma Informed Care Month
What is Trauma-Informed Care?
- An appreciation for the high prevalence of traumatic experience in persons who receive mental health, physical health, and substance abuse services.
- A thorough understanding of the profound neurological, biological, psychological, and social effects of trauma and violence on the individual.
We need to presume the clients we serve have a history of traumatic stress and
exercise “universal precautions” by creating systems of care that are trauma-informed.
(Hodas, 2005)
What is trauma?
Trauma is the experience of violence and victimization including sexual abuse,
physical abuse, severe neglect, loss, domestic violence, and/or the witnessing of
violence, terrorism or disasters. ~ (NASMHPD, 2006)
Dickinson Center, Inc. embraces the trauma-informed care model.
Trauma-Informed Care is all about “changing the culture of an organization.”
Principles of a Trauma-Informed Care Organization:
- Secure environment with supportive care
- Consumer voice, choice, and advocacy
- Calm
- Healing
- Safe
- Hopeful
- Honest
- Cultural competence
- Trusting relationships
- System-wide understanding of trauma prevalance, impact, and trauma-informed care
- Recovery, consumer-driven and trauma-specific services