tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040100446832714752024-03-06T01:51:38.581-05:00Hull House NCKay Paksoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05218237519167222448noreply@blogger.comBlogger825125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-204010044683271475.post-920023989995872592011-12-08T13:51:00.000-05:002011-12-08T13:52:27.501-05:00Federal Judge Protects the Right of More Than 2,000 North Carolinians to Remain in Their Own HomeFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE<br /><br />Contact: Vicki Smith<br /> Executive Director<br /> Disability Rights North Carolina<br /> Phone (919) 856-2195<br /> E-mail: vicki.smith@disabilityrightsnc.org<br /><br />Thursday, December 8, 2011<br /><br />Federal Judge Protects the Right of More Than 2,000 North Carolinians to Remain in Their Own Home<br /><br />Raleigh, NC – U.S. District Court Judge Terrence Boyle today stopped the State of North Carolina from implementing policy on Medicaid personal care services that he said treats people with similar needs differently and puts North Carolinians “who have been successfully living in their own homes…at risk of segregation, in the form of institutionalization.” The Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) prohibits the unnecessary segregation and unjustified institutional isolation of persons with disabilities. The State is required to provide federally-funded services in “the most integrated setting appropriate to the needs of the individual,” and the Medicaid Act requires that recipients not be treated differently when they have similar levels of need. <br /><br />In his order granting a preliminary injunction and class certification, Judge Boyle found that plaintiffs offered sufficient evidence that the State’s policy on personal care services violates the Medicaid Act’s requirement to provide comparable services and the ADA’s integration mandate. The policy under review allowed individuals in facilities such as Adult Care Homes to be eligible for personal care services by meeting one set of eligibility requirements and required individuals in the community to meet a far higher standard of need. Under the policy, individuals who would not be eligible for personal care services while living in the community would get the care they needed by entering an Adult Care Home.<br /><br />Judge Boyle also ruled the plaintiffs were likely to be successful on the claim that the letters sent to the plaintiffs to deny them services failed to comply with due process because the letters “contained verbatim language that failed to provide detailed reasons for the proposed termination” and that this was unlikely to be sufficient for a service that “could be quantified as a ‘brutal need.’” The Due Process Clause of the Constitution requires adequate notice be provided when a Medicaid service is terminated.<br /><br />In granting the preliminary injunction and motion for class certification, Judge Boyle recognized that the “[l]ack of in-home PCS could result in either serious physical or mental injury or forced entry into institutional settings for many of the named Plaintiffs and members of the class….” <br /><br />“We are thrilled with Judge Boyle’s decision. He confirmed our position that the State’s policy pushed people toward institutional settings,” says Vicki Smith, Executive Director of Disability Rights NC. “It is our hope that this decision will encourage the State to develop policies that articulate a clear priority to keep people in their homes and community. Such policies will be cheaper and lawful – a double win for the NC taxpayers.”<br /><br />Plaintiffs were represented by Disability Rights NC, Legal Services of Southern Piedmont, and the National Health Law Program. <br /><br /><br /># # #<br />Disability Rights North Carolina is the state’s federally mandated protection and advocacy system for people with disabilities and is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with offices in Raleigh and Asheville. One of the P&A’s primary federal mandates is to protect and advocate against the abuse and neglect of people with disabilities.Kay Paksoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05218237519167222448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-204010044683271475.post-22110885920287861552011-12-07T13:35:00.001-05:002011-12-07T13:38:09.939-05:00Occupy Statement<span style="font-style:italic;">NASW-NC has been working with our National office and many other state chapters to develop a position on the Occupy Movement. The following was approved by our state chapter's board of directors on Dec. 3rd.</span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />National Association of Social Workers, NC Chapter<br />Position Statement re Occupy Wall Street </span><br /><br />As an organization that is committed to social and economic justice and unimpeded access to services for all, the NC Chapter of NASW acknowledges the Occupy Wall Street movement. These protests serve to address America’s “new economy” as a tale of skewed wealth with declining wages, rising debt, and the risk of deep and persistent poverty for many. <br /><br />Social Workers know that joblessness and economic insecurity contribute to the incidence of mental illness, family violence, suicide, substance abuse, crime, and diminished capacity for healthy family and community functioning. It is this knowledge and experience that gives the social work profession a special responsibility to advocate for income, employment, and social support policies that promote the economic justice and social well-being of all members of society. The NASW-NC Chapter supports social, economic, and political actions to end poverty.<br /> <br /><span style="font-style:italic;">(note: this document is based on NASW's public policy statement on social justice as it appears in Social Work Speaks and the NASW Code of Ethics.)</span>Kay Paksoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05218237519167222448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-204010044683271475.post-62286968663900528982011-12-06T08:58:00.002-05:002011-12-06T09:00:28.537-05:00Mental Health Parity Law Brought No Cut in BenefitsMental Health Parity Law Brought No Cut in Benefits<br />By Emily P. Walker, Washington Correspondent, MedPage Today<br />Published: December 02, 2011 <br /><br />WASHINGTON -- Most employers that offered mental health and substance use insurance coverage before the mental health parity law have continued to offer the same coverage, according to a new government report.<br /><br />The <a href="http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d1263.pdf">report</a>, from the Government Accountability Office (GAO), examined the extent to which employers provide mental health and substance use treatment to their employees and how that coverage has changed since the passage of the 2008 <a href="http://www.medpagetoday.com/Psychiatry/GeneralPsychiatry/11169">Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act</a>.<br /><br />That law requires that if a group health plan covers treatment for mental illness or drug or alcohol abuse, the limits and financial requirements for those services can be "no more restrictive" than those that apply to medical and surgical benefits. The law does not require employers to provide mental health and substance use coverage.<br />Historically, private health insurance plans had provided lower levels of coverage for mental illnesses than for physical illnesses.<br /><br />According to the GAO report, from 2007 to 2010, about 38% of Americans older than 12 who needed treatment for substance use disorders didn't receive it because of lack of coverage and prohibitive costs.<br /><br />The GAO surveyed 168 employers with at least 50 employees about their most popular health plans for the year of the survey and what the most popular plan was in 2008, a year before the mental health parity law went into effect. The survey also examined what sort of benefits were excluded in 2008 and not excluded in 2010.<br />In addition, GAO interviewed employers on why they added, changed, or eliminated mental health and substance use coverage after the passage of the law.<br />In all, 96% of employers who responded to the survey said they offered mental health and substance use coverage in 2008 and still offered it in their most recent plan year (either 2010 or 2011).<br /><br />Just 2% of respondents said they nixed the mental health and substance use coverage in order to cut down on the costs of providing insurance to employees.<br />Employers reported covering the same diagnoses in 2010 that they did in 2008. Most employers reported covering five broad diagnoses -- mental disorders due to a general medical condition, substance-related disorders, schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, mood disorders, and anxiety disorders -- in both 2008 and in 2010.<br /><br />The most common change employers reported in their mental health substance use benefits from 2008 to 2010 was enhancing those benefits by removing limitations, such as the number of office visits allowed. A number of experts interviewed for the GAO report said it was common for employers to remove treatment limitations and annual dollar limits after the passage of the law.<br /><br />The report also found that beneficiaries in need of mental health services generally paid lower-out-of-pockets costs after the passage of the parity law.<br />Most employers surveyed by GAO said making changes required by the law wasn't difficult.<br /><br />However, it wasn't clear whether the passage of the law has had a positive impact on improving access for those with mental illnesses and substance use issues.<br />The GAO reviewed 30 studies on the issue, and 17 of those found that coverage or enhanced coverage through the parity law had an effect on access to or use of mental health and substance use services, while 13 studies found there was little or no effect.<br /><br />Five studies found that plans with comprehensive coverage were linked with greater use of mental health services. For instance, one large company reduced copayments and made an effort to destigmatize mental illness, which led to an 18% increase in the likelihood of enrollees initiating mental health treatment.<br /><br />And studies are just as varied on whether the mental health parity law has so far improved mental health, the report noted.Kay Paksoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05218237519167222448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-204010044683271475.post-71943077380416095872011-11-10T11:16:00.001-05:002011-11-10T11:17:54.985-05:00NAMI Report:"State Mental Health Cuts: The Continuing Crisis"NAMI North Carolina <br />Press Release<br />November 10, 2011<br />NAMI Report:"State Mental Health Cuts: The Continuing Crisis" <br /><br />FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:<br />Contact: Jennifer Rothman, 919.788.0801 / 800.451.9681, jrothman@naminc.org<br /> <br />NAMI Report Shows NC Avoided Deep Cuts to Mental Health Funding<br />NAMI North Carolina Calls on State Leaders & Congressional Delegation to Protect Mental Health from Further Spending Cuts, Including 'Super Committee' Deficit Reduction<br /> <br />RALEIGH, N.C. (Nov. 10, 2011) - The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) North Carolina today announced that North Carolina ranks 24th among all states in terms of mental health care budget cuts made between fiscal years 2009 and 2012, according to a national report issued today by NAMI. In light of this new report, NAMI North Carolina urges the General Assembly and members of Congress to continue protecting North Carolinians living with mental illness from additional spending cuts, which will only exacerbate challenges to the mental health system.<br /> <br />"North Carolina's mental health system is at a crossroads," said NAMI North Carolina Executive Director Deby Dihoff. "While state leaders in North Carolina have worked hard to minimize cuts to mental health, the budget battles are far from over. We know that any further cuts will endanger our state hospitals and our community mental health system, which have both undergone tremendous turmoil and upheaval in recent years. We need a time of stability for the managed care approach to take hold and strengthen our system."<br /> <br />"North Carolinians need to contact members of Congress and state legislators to ask that mental health care be strengthened in the upcoming budget and protected from any cuts aimed at deficit reduction," continued Dihoff. "North Carolina's mental health care system is already at a breaking point, and if the congressional 'Super Committee' recommends further Medicaid or Medicare cuts this month, additional pressures will come into play. We can't balance the budget by compromising health care for our state's most vulnerable citizens."<br /> <br />According to the new NAMI report, "State Mental Health Cuts: The Continuing Crisis," North Carolina cut $7.3 million from state mental health care between fiscal years 2009 and 2012-a decrease of 1.2 percent. While the state made serious cuts to mental health spending, $48.2 million between fiscal years 2011 and 2012, the numbers don't tell the whole story. $45 million of those cuts were directed to the Local Management Entities, which were directed to take these one-time cuts largely out of their fund balances. Leaders in North Carolina made an effort to ensure that these cuts did not, in large part, affect service delivery. But North Carolina would like to join the majority of states, which increased their funding to mental health in the period from 2011-2012.<br /> <br />According to the NAMI report, during this same four-year period between fiscal years 2009 and 2012, South Carolina had the highest cuts totaling 39.3 percent of its budget, while North Dakota actually increased its mental health care spending by 48.l percent. <a href="http://www.nami.org/Template.cfm?Section=State_Budget_Cuts_Report&Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=129446">See the report for full state-by-state data</a>.<br /> <br />The NAMI report also outlines Medicaid pressures that threaten mental health care nationwide. Following the June 2011 loss of "enhanced" federal Medicaid matching funds that were part of economic stimulus legislation, states have had to fill the shortfall. North Carolina experienced an estimated loss of $343 million in enhanced funding. North Carolina's Medicaid program is now facing a nearly $140 million shortfall. <br /> <br />"We need to protect state and federal Medicaid revenues budgeted for mental health because for every dollar the state puts in, we receive two dollars from the federal government," continued Dihoff. "A recent report by the North Carolina Budget and Tax Center noted that if federal matching dollars are lost, it will cost North Carolina more than 13,000 jobs, and $613 million in labor income. State Medicaid funding means better health care for those with disabilities and a better economy." <br /> <br />NAMI North Carolina has developed a Public Policy Agenda outlining mental health priorities to guide state and federal policymakers as they make budget recommendations and consider funding allocations for mental health. NAMI North Carolina supports priorities that promote sustainable stability for North Carolinians living with mental illness such as additional community hospital beds and housing. To read the NAMI North Carolina Public Policy Agenda, click <a href="http://naminc.org/nn/policy/PPagenda.pdf">HERE</a>. <br /> <br /><br />The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) North Carolina is a grassroots non-profit organization providing support, education and advocacy for people living with mental illnesses and their families and friends. We are governed by a Board of Directors elected by membership and are 501(c)(3) accredited. NAMI NC is a part of NAMI which has over 210,000 members in 1,200 affiliates across the country. For more information, please visit <a href="www.naminc.org">www.naminc.org</a>.Kay Paksoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05218237519167222448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-204010044683271475.post-40737812999586943042011-11-10T09:55:00.000-05:002011-11-10T09:56:30.883-05:00Thompson: Infant mortality rate threatenedThe Daily Reflector <br />Greenville, NC<br />11/10/11<br /><br /><br />In a rare breath of good news, the governor’s office announced last week that North Carolina’s infant mortality rate in 2010 was the lowest in the state’s history. Fewer families endured the indescribable pain of losing a young child, a significant accomplishment for a state with a very poor track record preventing infant deaths. Unfortunately, the budget passed by state legislators last summer will likely undermine progress, particularly for eastern North Carolina and African-American families.<br />In 1988, North Carolina had the worst infant mortality rate in the country. Prodded by the shame of such a distinction, Republican Gov. Jim Martin and the Democratic state Legislature teamed up to implement a variety of public health programs to improve health outcomes for pregnant women and young children.<br />North Carolina’s infant mortality rate is now much closer to the middle of the pack in relation to the other 49 states.<br />The news, however, is not all good. African-American infants are still more than twice as likely to die as white babies, and eastern North Carolina counties suffer from disproportionately high mortality rates. This disparity will likely be exacerbated by the recent decisions of state legislators, who cut not only specific infant mortality prevention programs, but also broader health services for women and children.<br />Of specific importance to Greenville is the East Carolina University High-Risk Clinic, which serves as a regional hub for the treatment and support of high-risk pregnancies. In 2011, the Legislature chose not to renew the grant for the clinic.The elimination of state funding has led to the closure of two outreach clinics, the loss of key staff including the head nurse, and the doubling of wait times for patients. Since the success of prenatal services depends on providing the right care, at the right time and at the right place, these reductions in capacity and services will have a detrimental impact on infant mortality in the eastern part of the state.<br />Furthermore, the decision to cut the ECU High-Risk Clinic was penny-wise and pound-foolish. Just one pre-term birth is more expensive than the entire state allocation for the clinic, which was $325,000, a relatively small amount in a $19.7 billion budget. The cost of these preventable pre-term births will largely be shifted to the state’s Medicaid program, which was cut more than $350 million.<br />The Legislature’s budget decisions become even more troubling when the problem of infant mortality is viewed with an appropriately broad lens. After all, the infant mortality rate is a broad indicator of women’s and children’s health across the state.<br />In addition to prior pre-term births, diabetes and pre-existing health conditions are some of the major factors that lead to a high infant mortality rate. That’s why deep cuts to our state’s Medicaid program and the elimination of the Health and Wellness Trust Fund will have such a substantial impact on the infant mortality rate, especially in eastern North Carolina where rates of diabetes and obesity are already high.<br />We can do better. Gov. Martin, a Republican, and the Democratic legislature of 1988 showed that the two political parties can come together and prioritize the health and safety of North Carolina’s children. With the legislature back in session this week and again after Thanksgiving, it’s a perfect time for North Carolina’s current crop of elected officials to follow their example, put children first and fully fund the ECU High-Risk Clinic.<br /><br />Rob Thompson is executive director of the Covenant with North Carolina’s Children, a coalition advocating policy that benefits children and families in North Carolina.Kay Paksoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05218237519167222448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-204010044683271475.post-48877932558737794782011-11-06T19:17:00.000-05:002011-11-06T19:18:05.782-05:00Mental health services start freshby Kellen Moore <br /><br />Tuesday was a fresh start for mental health services in Watauga County, as Daymark Recovery Services opened its doors at the sites of the former New River Behavioral HealthCare.<br /><br />And on day 1, Daymark CEO Billy West had one message for clients and the community: “Bear with us.”<br /><br />Although hundreds of details large and small were still being finalized even as business started Tuesday, Daymark staff reported a fairly calm transition.<br /><br />“I think we're able to handle a lot of complicated things very well,” said Murray Hawkinson, site director for Watauga County.<br /><br />Watauga County commissioners agreed Tuesday morning to lease former New River office space in the Human Services Building on the Poplar Grove Connector Road to Daymark for $5 per square foot per year.<br /><br />With 13,775 square feet of space being used, Daymark will pay $5,739 per month in rent as well as $5,643 per month in janitorial and operating expenses, County Manager Deron Geouque said.<br /><br />The rent is far below the fair market value of $10 to $12, but the board agreed to the reduced rate to minimize any disruption of services. The lease runs through June 30, 2012, and will be renegotiated then.<br /><br />The rate is higher than the $3 per square foot that other members of the New River Service Authority board agreed to offer last week.<br /><br />Inside the leased space, a skeleton crew was already operating Tuesday.<br /><br />About half of the newly hired Daymark employees are attending orientation sessions Tuesday and Wednesday, and the other half will attend Thursday and Friday, West said.<br /><br />The organization is still working to hire more physicians, and West said he did not know the exact number of employees that were in place as of Tuesday but was certain it was enough to keep the offices functioning.<br /><br />In addition to staffing and space considerations, Daymark has been working to ensure that information technology systems are in place.<br /><br />Computer systems and data lines are also being installed this week in the offices, West said, and Daymark also has had to purchase a new server to handle the data.<br /><br />In a perfect transition, those data lines would have been connected and tested a month before the service provider opened, but Daymark didn't have that luxury, West said.<br /><br />Telephone crisis lines are also continuing to function, although they may still refer to “New River Behavioral Healthcare” in automated messages for a while, West said.<br /><br />West said all crisis employees have been instructed to continue as they have been until Daymark can address the crisis lines and services.<br /><br />In Watauga County, 911 dispatchers had been answering New River's crisis lines after hours and connecting callers to the New River staff member on call, but Sheriff Len Hagaman told commissioners Tuesday he would like that system to end.<br /><br />Commissioners agreed that the sheriff's office should continue answering the lines for the time being and directed Geouque to work with Daymark to find a new agreement.<br /><br />With so many technology needs, Smoky Mountain Center has agreed to reimburse Daymark up to $370,000 to assist with the technology startup process, Smoky Mountain CEO Brian Ingraham said last week.<br /><br />Although Daymark is covering the rest of its own significant startup costs at this point, West said he had “no problems” with the amount Smoky Mountain Center has provided to the organization.<br /><br />OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS<br /><br />While Daymark will provide the bulk of mental health services in the community, Smoky Mountain Center has also selected two other service providers to handle court-referred juvenile services and case management for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities.<br /><br />True Behavioral Healthcare, based in Gastonia, hired 11 or 12 former New River staff members to start work Tuesday providing intellectual/developmental disability services. <br /><br />In Boone, those employees are currently in the same space with Daymark employees until office space is arranged, True Behavioral CEO Carla Balestra said.<br /><br />When IDD programs are up and running, True Behavioral plans to serve about 200 to 250 clients with an array of services, Balestra said.<br /><br />Youth Villages is a national organization formed in Memphis, Tenn., in 1986 that will provide services to youth offenders and their families referred through the court system.<br /><br />Sonja Luecke, a spokeswoman for Youth Villages, said the organization plans to begin helping youth by next week and started meeting some juveniles last week to assess their needs. Youth Villages does not yet have office space in Boone, but Smoky Mountain Center and the court are lending office space right now to conduct assessments, she said.<br /><br />West said he was shocked to learn that Smoky Mountain Center would not select Daymark for the juvenile referral services and disappointed, as those enhanced services typically bring in revenue unlike many other mental health programs.<br /><br />“What I told my staff was simply this: Am I surprised? Yes. Is this going to be the last thing that happens? No,” West said, adding that he felt there was too much to do to worry long about losing that solid source of revenue.<br /><br />Luecke said court-involved youth and families can decide whether to follow their therapists to Daymark or use Youth Villages.<br /><br />With dozens of decisions being made quickly and revenue streams still unknown, West said he is focused on ensuring that Daymark will not meet the same fate as New River.<br /><br />“At the end of the year, we will have a system that may not be what you had yesterday, but it will be a system that will be sustained, and you will get a professional service for the long haul,” West said.Kay Paksoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05218237519167222448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-204010044683271475.post-689752834621291832011-11-06T19:01:00.000-05:002011-11-06T19:02:35.826-05:00Durham-Wake Merger Would Create NC's Largest MCONovember 4, 2011<br /><br />Durham, NC - A proposed merger between the Local Management Entities (LMEs) of Durham County and Wake County would create the state's largest Managed Care Organization (MCO) for public behavioral health and disability services based on population. <br /> <br />The Durham Center was selected by the NC Department of Health and Human Services to operate as an MCO under Medicaid 1915 (b)/(c) waivers effective January 1, 2013, serving Durham, Cumberland and Johnston counties. A merged Durham-Wake LME serving a four-county region including Wake would encompass a population of almost 1,690,000 residents. <br />A proposed merger agreement has been created and if approved by both parties, the merger would become effective July 1, 2012. The merged LME would begin managed care operations six months later. Durham County Commissioners will discuss the proposal on Monday, November 7 at their 9:00am regular work session.<br /> <br />The merged LME would be comprised of leadership and staff of both organizations with Ellen Holliman, currently Area Director of The Durham Center, serving as CEO. It would also have a new name and branding. Offices would be centrally located with satellite offices in both counties.<br /> <br />LME and other county government leadership from Durham and Wake have been engaged in discussions over the past year about how the two organizations could work together in some capacity. Significant similarities make The Durham Center and the Wake County LME logical partners for merger, with benefits anticipated for citizens, consumers, providers and taxpayers.<br /> <br />These include shared organizational values and missions and proven historical commitments to system of care philosophies and the use of evidence-based practices. The geographical proximity and similar urban compositions of the two counties create potential for pooling resources to address common challenges that can cause behavioral health costs to explode. Leadership and staffs of the two organizations have significant familiarity and existing working relationships with each other. In addition, there is major overlap of provider agencies serving consumers of both counties who frequently cross county lines.<br /> <br />"We are excited about the prospect of teaming with our colleagues in Wake County to help ensure that our citizens as well as those from Cumberland and Johnston counties receive the innovative, high-quality, recovery-focused behavioral health and disability services that result in positive outcomes," said Holliman. "We believe that all of our constituencies will benefit from the strength and viability that will result from the combined expertise and resources of the Durham and Wake LMEs."<br /> <br />For more information, contact Doug Fuller, director of Communications for The Durham Center at 919 560-7206.Kay Paksoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05218237519167222448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-204010044683271475.post-26427645388630488742011-11-06T18:57:00.000-05:002011-11-06T18:59:27.184-05:00Déjà vu in the world of mental health- NC Policy WatchMore than a decade ago, North Carolina’s system for providing services to individuals with mental health needs, developmental disabilities and addictive disease was deeply troubled. Allegations of fraud, mismanagement and conflicted governance signaled poor accountability mechanisms.<br /><br />In response, the General Assembly directed the state Auditor to investigate the situation. In April 2000, the Auditor issued a report identifying two overarching problems: over-reliance on state institutions and lack of accountability among the local area programs responsible for providing community-based services. The findings also documented North Carolina’s failure to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act’s “integration mandate.”<br /><br />The report triggered massive changes to state law designed to reform the service system. The changes included a planned reduction of the number of state hospital beds – closing Dorothea Dix Hospital in Raleigh and replacing the derelict facilities in Goldsboro, Morganton and Butner with new buildings. The semi-autonomous governmental “area programs” created to provide direct services were replaced with county-operated systems or “Local Management Entities” (LMEs), acting under long-term contracts with the State to manage services.<br /><br />Now fast-forward to 2011 to experience a profound sense of déjà vu. The State still relies on institutional-based care, but now in so-called “adult care homes.” Meanwhile, it has failed to develop adequate community-based services. The system responsible for providing services is again in trouble. Allegations of fraud, mismanagement, and conflicted governance again signal poor accountability mechanisms. To make matters even worse, the latest round of systemic failures are compounded by the State’s severe revenue deficiencies.<br /><br />Again, the General Assembly has intervened. This time, the legislature has passed a law that mandates the conversion of all “Local Management Entities” into “Managed Care Organizations.” Essentially, the state is demanding radical statewide transformation based on an unproven model used by one very small LME called Piedmont Behavioral Healthcare. The state Department of Health and Human Services is being required to standardize and replicate Piedmont’s practices and processes for providing services across the entire state. This is a bit like the tail wagging the dog.<br /><br />Unfortunately, this change raises several red flags for other reasons as well. Most notably, Piedmont’s practices include a pattern of violations of individuals’ constitutional due process rights and a disregard of judicial and administrative authority. Indeed, the organization I lead, Disability Rights NC, has filed two federal lawsuits challenging the Piedmont model – one of which (KC v. Cansler) challenges the lack of due process as guaranteed by the 14th Amendment and other federal requirements.<br /><br />There are other problems with this managed care model.<br /><br />Under the new law, the same organization (the MCO) is responsible for making requests for services and for approving and/or denying those services. This creates an inherent conflict of interest because it pits the need to save money against the needs and bests interests of the consumer – a problem that Piedmont has already been guilty of in multiple instances.<br /><br />Yet another controversy surrounds a requirement that the new MCOs contract with Piedmont to obtain its business practices and processes. Remarkably, the contract actually contains a “non-disclosure” clause that would, in effect, keep the processes and practices hidden from the public eye. This is a huge problem because MCOs are not private entities but quasi-public entities serving the public interest with public money. Moreover, they’re linked to county governments subject to the state public records laws.<br /><br />While the state and Piedmont claim the secrecy provisions are necessary to protect “intellectual property,” as a practical matter, such provisions will allow Piedmont and other newly-created MCOs to operate without real public oversight. This is especially true in light of Piedmont’s expansive view that it can refuse almost every request for information – including those with respect to how resources allocations are made, the standards by which providers are evaluated, and many others. This, of course begs the question: If the Piedmont model works so well, then why the secrecy? Why the lack of due process? And without transparency, how can there be public accountability?<br /><br />In short, it appears that, once again, state leaders have failed to learn from past mistakes and in so doing continue to fail vulnerable populations. Let’s hope that it doesn’t take another decade for them to correct this latest mistake.<br /><br />Vicki Smith is the Executive Director of <a href="http://www.disabilityrightsnc.org/">Disability Rights North Carolina</a>.Kay Paksoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05218237519167222448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-204010044683271475.post-67322226091234837372011-10-20T14:59:00.001-04:002011-10-20T15:01:07.914-04:00Report Finds Hunger Cost North Carolina More Than $5.4 Billion in 2010Report Finds Hunger Cost North Carolina More Than $5.4 Billion in 2010 <br /><br />Raleigh, N.C. -- Hunger cost North Carolina more than $5.4 billion in lost productivity and reduced outcomes last year, according to a recent report from the Center for American Progress. These findings come on the heels of alarming Census data which show unemployment in North Carolina stalled above 10 percent for the second consecutive year and poverty is increasing across the state.<br /> <br />In 2010, 15.7 percent of North Carolina households -- nearly one in six -- went hungry or faced food insecurity at some point during the year. When considered in relation to the total population, the direct and indirect costs of hunger averaged $570 per North Carolina resident -- about $1,452 per household.<br /> <br />North Carolina was one of just 12 states in which the estimated cost of hunger has increased by more than $1 billion since the start of the recession.<br /> <br />"These estimates are a gripping reminder that the social and economic implications of family economic security are far-reaching," said Barb Bradley, President and CEO of Action for Children North Carolina, a statewide policy research and advocacy organization that tracks child well-being in North Carolina. "When families struggle to put food on the table, the effects ripple through the state economy, creating greater health costs, educational problems and reduced opportunities for our children."<br /> <br />Research shows that children are disproportionately impacted by the experience of food insecurity -- an effect which persists well into their adult years. Children who grow up in food insecure households are more likely to go without health care, have increased school absenteeism and face greater risk of early academic failure, including dropping out of school, than their food-secure peers. As those children age and transition into the workforce, they encounter diminished outcomes in the form of limited employability and lower lifetime earnings.<br /> <br />Nationally, hunger-induced losses in educational outcomes, earnings and health cost the country an estimated $167.5 billion last year, an increase of 33.5 percent since 2007.<br /> <br />The report notes that expansions to a key federal nutrition assistance program, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP-formerly food stamps), helped many families meet some of their household food needs. In North Carolina, one in five residents, more than 1.9 million people, received SNAP benefits in 2010. Forty percent of them were children under the age of 18. Bradley says in these tough economic times, SNAP plays a pivotal role in helping to preserve the fiscal health of our state economy.<br /> <br />"Every dollar of SNAP benefit generates $1.84 in economic activity," said Bradley. "This means federal efforts to support families in tough times are not just good for individuals, they are critical for the state, keeping hunger-associated costs down, children in school and our workforce ready to drive the new economy. "<br /> <br /><a href="http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2011/10/hunger.html">Read Hunger in America: Suffering We All Pay For</a>. <br /> <br /> <br /># # #<br /> <br />Action for Children North Carolina is a leading statewide, nonpartisan, nonprofit policy research and advocacy organization dedicated to ensuring that North Carolina children are healthy, safe, well-educated and have every opportunity for success.Kay Paksoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05218237519167222448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-204010044683271475.post-47566843754565649952011-10-17T11:09:00.002-04:002011-10-17T11:10:40.066-04:00Monday Numbers** This post is reposted by NC Policy Watch...every Monday, they post a list of numbers. NASW-NC is sharing this on their behalf as it's important to note the number of people who are affected by cuts in NC. <br /><br />Monday numbers<br />Posted on 10/17/2011 by Chris Fitzsimon<br /><br /><br />1.5 million—number of people in North Carolina who do not have health insurance coverage (Five Reasons Everyday North Carolinians Need Medicaid, Even If They Don’t Know It, N.C. Health Access Coalition, October 2011)<br /><br />27—percentage of Medicaid enrollees who are from middle class households including nursing home residents, people with disabilities, and victims of catastrophic accidents (Ibid)<br /><br />73,000—amount in dollars of average annual cost of nursing home care for seniors (Ibid)<br /><br />43,754—amount in dollars of the median income for a North Carolina family of four (Ibid)<br /><br />70—percentage of nursing home residents nationwide who eventually become Medicaid recipients to pay for nursing home care (Ibid)<br /><br />237,000—number of seniors in North Carolina who received Medicaid in 2008 (Ibid)<br /><br />282,000—number of people with disabilities in North Carolina who received Medicaid in 2008 (Ibid)<br /><br />683,000—number of infants in children in North Carolina who received Medicaid in 2008 (Ibid)<br /><br />60,000—number of women in North Carolina who received Medicaid care affecting their pregnancy in 2008 (Ibid)<br /><br />65—percentage of maternity stays for women under age 25 provided by Medicaid nationwide (Ibid)<br /><br />3—number of years since study found that total medical spending is much lower when coverage is provided by Medicaid or SCHIP than it is when coverage is provided by private insurance. (Public And Private Health Insurance: Stacking Up The Costs, Health Affairs, 27, no. 4, 2008)<br /><br />763 million—amount in state dollars cut from Medicaid in 2011-2013 in budget approved by the General Assembly in June (BTC REPORTS: The 2011-2013 Final Budget – Neglecting a Balanced Approach, Budget Costs Jobs and Delays Economic Recovery, June 2011)<br /><br />1.56 billion—amount in federal Medicaid matching dollars that will be lost in the next two years because of state Medicaid cuts in the 2011-2013 budget (Ibid)<br /><br />2.289 billion—total amount of reduction of state and federal Medicaid spending in the next two years because of state Medicaid cuts in the 2011-2013 budget (Ibid)<br /><br />13,355—number of jobs that will be lost in North Carolina because of loss of Medicaid spending in 2011-2013 due to state cuts and resulting loss of federal matching dollars (BTC BRIEF: Legislative Budget Would Cost North Carolina 30,000 Jobs, Billions in Economic Output,” NC Budget and Tax Center: June 2011)<br />This entry was posted in Fitzsimon File. Bookmark the permalink.Kay Paksoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05218237519167222448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-204010044683271475.post-19475464180922557872011-09-16T09:57:00.004-04:002011-09-27T13:14:16.656-04:00Defense of MarriageThis past week, legislators met for three long days as promised at the end of last mini session in July. This mini session was to address the <a href="http://ncleg.net/gascripts/BillLookUp/BillLookUp.pl?Session=2011&BillID=S514">Defense of Marriage bill</a>. NASW-NC members participated in many activities organized by <a href="http://equalitync.org/">Equality, NC</a> and was inspired to watch their advocacy efforts and hard fight! Sadly, with just enough votes in both the House and the Senate, the bill was passed and ratified. In May, voters will have the chance to decide on the amendment. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">What was the bill about?</span><br />The bill would provide an amendment to our state Constitution that would define marriage between one man and one woman and this would be the only recognized legal union in the state of NC (which is already a law here). During the May primary, voters will have the chance to vote on this Constitutional Amendment. If voters decide to vote no, the amendment will not be made. If voters decide yes, this amendment will be made to our Constitution; further discriminating our citizens. From now until then, NASW-NC, with the help of the PACE and Legislative Committees will be working with other organization on a campaign to vote no on this amendment. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Why is NASW-NC getting involved with this issue?</span><br />Our <span style="font-style:italic;">Code of Ethics</span> is very clear about discrimination. We wrote a position paper on this very issue. It can be found by clicking <a href="http://naswnc.org/associations/9529/files/DefenseofMarriagepdf.pdf">here</a>. Social workers are bound to the <span style="font-style:italic;">Code of Ethics</span> in our practice and advocate on issues based on what is stated in our <span style="font-style:italic;">Code</span>. <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />What can you do to help?</span><br />- Join the <a href="http://naswnc.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=30">PACE</a> and/or <a href="http://naswnc.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=87">Legislative </a>Committees if you're a member. These groups will be working on campaign efforts and other documents social workers can use. <br />- Write an Op-Ed to your local newspaper. Share with them how specific our <span style="font-style:italic;">Code of Ethics</span> are about this issue. <br />- Continue to communicate with your legislators about how this issue affects you, your family, your practice, etc. They need to know how their constituents feel. Click <a href="http://ncleg.net/GIS/Representation/Representation.html">here</a> to find out who represents you. <br />- Talk to other social workers at your school, your place of employment or other networks you're a part of to let them know about this issue and what our <span style="font-style:italic;">Code of Ethics </span>states. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">From NASW's Code of Ethics (2008): </span><br />Social workers should not practice, condone, facilitate, or<br />collaborate with any form of discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, color, sex, <span style="font-style:italic;">sexual orientation</span>, age, marital status, political belief, religion or mental or physical disability.<br /><br />Social workers should act to prevent and eliminate domination of, exploitation of, and discrimination against person, group, or class on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, color, sex, <span style="font-style:italic;">sexual orientation</span>, age, marital status, political belief, religion, or mental or physical disability.”<br /><br />To view our <span style="font-style:italic;">Code of Ethics</span>, click <a href="http://www.socialworkers.org/pubs/code/default.asp">here</a>. <br /><br />To view National's information on Diversity and Equity, click <a href="http://">here</a>.Kay Paksoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05218237519167222448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-204010044683271475.post-67230033687661442772011-09-09T12:09:00.001-04:002011-09-09T12:11:02.169-04:00AP: NC Did Not Miss Deadline for Adult Care Home Changes<span style="font-style:italic;">Here’s the alert that went out on the wire after the change was made:</span><br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">MENTALLY ILL-NURSING HOMES</span><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">NC officials now say no deadline for mentally ill</span><br /> <br /> RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — A spokeswoman for the state Department of Health and Human Services says she was mistaken when she said the state had missed a deadline for dealing with thousands of people with mental illness who live in adult care homes.<br /> Renee McCoy had said federal Medicaid regulators had given the state until Sept. 1 to develop a plan. Medicaid notified the state earlier this year it was in violation because of how it pays for the care of people with mental illness.<br /> McCoy said Wednesday that there was no deadline. Agency Secretary Lanier Cansler tells The Associated Press the federal government at one point wanted a plan "by September," but that timeframe has been relaxed.<br /> Meanwhile, state officials say the number of facilities whose patients may have to leave has increased.<br /> <br />Here’s the rewrite of the full story:<br /> <br /><a href="http://www.thesunnews.com/2011/09/07/2374675/apnewsbreak-nc-misses-mental-illness.html">http://www.thesunnews.com/2011/09/07/2374675/apnewsbreak-nc-misses-mental-illness.html</a><br /> <br /><a href="http://www.rockymounttelegram.com/news/ncwire/state-ups-count-care-homes-risk-pay-conflict-675945">http://www.rockymounttelegram.com/news/ncwire/state-ups-count-care-homes-risk-pay-conflict-675945</a><br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Michael Biesecker<br />Staff Writer<br />Raleigh, N.C.<br />919.510.8937 office<br />919.741.9163 cell<br />919.783.9184 fax<br />mbiesecker@ap.org<br />Twitter: mbieseck<br /> <br />The AP, founded in 1846, has a global network of 240 bureaus, providing news in text, audio, video, graphics and photos to more than 15,000 news outlets with a daily reach of 1 billion people worldwide.Kay Paksoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05218237519167222448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-204010044683271475.post-25053475143363996072011-09-07T16:18:00.001-04:002011-09-07T16:22:02.108-04:00A Message on CAP-I/DD WaiversThe Division, in partnership with DMA and with the support of DDTI will be hosting five CAP-I/DD Informational Sessions for the purpose of communicating the changes in the CAP-I/DD Comprehensive and Supports Waivers that will be effective 11/1/11. The sites for the sessions were selected to accommodate as many interested individuals as possible in each region. We would appreciate your assistance in forwarding the session information to the DD Consortium membership, and all you feel would be interested in attending. There will be no charge for these events, and registration is now open. The registration links for the events are listed as follows: <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Tuesday, Sept. 20, Greenville</span> <a href="http://reg.abcsignup.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0060-0003-a3395d80da8e42658f70c2cf4e87a956">http://reg.abcsignup.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0060-0003-a3395d80da8e42658f70c2cf4e87a956</a> <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Wednesday, Sept. 21, Wilmington</span> <a href="http://reg.abcsignup.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0060-0003-3f3755a5929a44b58aa6810487e1cb71 ">http://reg.abcsignup.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0060-0003-3f3755a5929a44b58aa6810487e1cb71 </a> <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Monday, Sept. 26, Asheville</span> <a href="http://reg.abcsignup.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0060-0003-b6e9889699c04fe1994862930018eb7d ">http://reg.abcsignup.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0060-0003-b6e9889699c04fe1994862930018eb7d </a><br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Tuesday, Sept. 27, Newton</span> <a href="http://reg.abcsignup.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0060-0003-b156bba189a34764a55d1f65b7a31366 ">http://reg.abcsignup.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0060-0003-b156bba189a34764a55d1f65b7a31366 </a><br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Wednesday, Sept. 28, Sanford</span> <a href="http://reg.abcsignup.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0060-0003-0600c8fb057545ffa5938727a522e2c4 ">http://reg.abcsignup.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0060-0003-0600c8fb057545ffa5938727a522e2c4 </a><br /> <br />We are encouraging all who are interested in attending to register as soon as possible so we can monitor the attendance numbers. Also, we are encouraging people to arrive one hour or so ahead of the event as we expect large numbers.Kay Paksoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05218237519167222448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-204010044683271475.post-85406072993752685312011-09-06T10:35:00.004-04:002011-09-06T10:55:10.718-04:00ValueOptions UpdateOn Thursday, September 1st, ValueOptions requested to attend the Professional Association Council (PAC). NASW-NC is apart of this Coalition, meeting monthly to represent licensed professionals across North Carolina. The request for ValueOptions to attend our meeting was to inform us about a spike in denials of authorization and ways they are working to address the issue. <br /><br />There are several points they wanted our members to be aware of when submitting authorizations:<br />1) Most of the time, reductions for requests are due simply by not having clinical information provided on the request(this information is missing from the request). Information such as diagnosis and treatment changes need to be noted, clinical support for service definitions need clinical support, no provider number listed, etc. <br />2) Lack of knowledge about due process rules that changed in May of 2011. For more information on this, click <a href="http://www.ncdhhs.gov/dma/provider/URVendorInstruct.pdf">here</a> or <a href="http://www.ncdhhs.gov/dma/provider/priorapproval.htm">here</a> for due process and prior approval information. <br />3) New process for submitting requests: Electronic submission mentioned in the August 2011 Medicaid Bulletin- this is effective 0ct. 1st, 2011. Providers will need to sign up with the Provider Connect website to submit requests, see authorization letters, etc. Click <a href="http://www.valueoptions.com/providers/Network/North_Carolina_Medicaid.htm">here</a> and see the Section 1 for more information on Provider Connect. <br /><br />ValueOptions is committed to help the providers of NC work with Best Practice standards. For more information on Practice Guidelines, click <a href="http://www.asam.org/PracticeGuidelines.html">here</a>. <br /><br />NASW-NC Members: If you have any questions about this information, please contact Kay Paksoy at the chapter office.Kay Paksoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05218237519167222448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-204010044683271475.post-39931941214319528952011-08-16T09:30:00.001-04:002011-08-16T09:31:47.912-04:00Help SAMHSA Define Recovery!Help SAMHSA Define Recovery
<br />
<br />Over the past year, SAMHSA—as part of its <a href="http://www.samhsa.gov/recovery/">Recovery Support Strategic Initiative</a>—has worked with the behavioral health field to develop a working definition of recovery that captures the essential, common experiences of those recovering from mental and substance use disorders, along with 10 guiding principles that support recovery.
<br />
<br />Recovery From Mental and Substance Use Disorders: A process of change through which individuals work to improve their own health and well-being, live a self-directed life, and strive to achieve their full potential.
<br />
<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Guiding Principles of Recovery:
<br />
<br /> Recovery is person-driven.
<br /> Recovery occurs via many pathways.
<br /> Recovery is holistic.
<br /> Recovery is supported by peers and allies.
<br /> Recovery is supported through relationships and social networks.
<br /> Recovery is culturally based and influenced.
<br /> Recovery is supported by addressing trauma.
<br /> Recovery involves individual, family, and community strengths and responsibility.
<br /> Recovery is based on respect.
<br /> Recovery emerges from hope.</span>
<br />
<br />What do you think about the working definition and guiding principles of recovery from mental and substance use disorders?
<br />
<br />Commenting is open for 2 weeks, beginning Friday, August 12, and ending at 12 midnight Eastern Time on Friday, August 26.
<br />
<br /><a href="http://blog.samhsa.gov/2011/08/12/recovery-defined-%E2%80%93-give-us-your-feedback/">Read More About the Definition of Recovery and Provide Feedback</a>Kay Paksoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05218237519167222448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-204010044683271475.post-87190354326395659072011-08-04T13:28:00.001-04:002011-08-04T13:29:15.347-04:00Medicaid Public HearingTomorrow, Friday August 5th at the McKimmon Center in Raleigh. For more information, click <a href="http://www.ncdhhs.gov/pressrel/2011/2011-08-03-medicaid_budget_reduct.htm">here</a>.Kay Paksoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05218237519167222448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-204010044683271475.post-22417232578588814112011-07-22T14:53:00.002-04:002011-07-22T14:56:47.714-04:00Contact your Congressperson!The implementation of electronic Health Information Technology (HIT), required by the Affordable Care Act by 2014, represents a major change to the way that most LCSWs conduct their practices today. The cost of HIT software is estimated to be $44,000 per provider (Office of the National Coordinator, 2010). For physicians and hospitals, this cost will be covered by $2.7 billion which was built into the HITECH Act of 2009.<br /> <br />LCSWs and other mental health clinicians were not included as eligible for these funds, though we are expected to comply with HITECH requirements to receive Medicare payments (and most likely payment from all insurers). S. 539, the Behavioral Health IT Act, will make these funds available to mental health clinicians as well. <br /><br />This is federal regulations so make sure to contact your FEDERAL congresspersons (not NC Legislators). Let them know to include social workers in an incentives package! To find who represents you federally, click <a href="https://ssl.capwiz.com/socialworkers/dbq/officials/?affiliate_lookup=1">here</a>.Kay Paksoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05218237519167222448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-204010044683271475.post-38483130519426210712011-07-19T08:57:00.001-04:002011-07-19T08:57:53.130-04:00Long Time Child Advocate Receives Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award<span style="font-weight:bold;">Tom Vitaglione Receives High Honor from Governor Perdue <br /></span><br />Raleigh, NC - Tom Vitaglione, Senior Fellow for Health and Safety at Action for Children North Carolina and Co-Chair of the Child Fatality Task Force, was honored by Governor Beverly Perdue yesterday with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. <br /> <br />"It has been said that John Chapman, or Johnny Appleseed as we know him, scattered seeds of kindness and love across America," said State Senator Bill Purcell, who presented the award to Vitaglione yesterday. "No one has scattered seeds of kindness and love better than the man we honor today, Tom Vitaglione." <br /> <br />For three decades, Vitaglione served in the N.C. Division of Public Health as chief of the Children & Youth section of the Division of Women's & Children's Health. In that capacity, Vitaglione supervised all health programs for the state's youth, including a wide range of prevention and specialized services. He was instrumental in promoting and bringing about the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and was a strong advocate for the Infant Homicide Prevention Act. <br /> <br />After his retirement from the Division of Public Health, Vitaglione co-chaired the Child Fatality Task Force, a legislative study commission working to reduce child deaths, and served as Senior Fellow in Health and Safety for Action for Children North Carolina for 11 years. Vitaglione plans to retire from Action for Children and the Task Force in August. <br /> <br />Vitaglione also serves as President of the Board of Directors of the Malawi Children's Village (MCV), a village-based support program for orphans and other vulnerable children in Mangochi, Malawi. MCV provides shelter, food, safety, health care and education to over 2,000 HIV/AIDS orphans living with members of their extended family in 37 villages. Vitaglione and wife Eve served as Peace Corps volunteers in Malawi from 1965 to 1967 and have been involved with MCV since the project's inception. They plan to spend more time in Malawi after Vitaglione's retirement in August. <br /> <br />The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is one of the highest honors the governor can bestow on a North Carolina citizen. Created in the mid 1960s, the award is given to residents in recognition of a proven record of service or some other special achievement. Past recipients include such famous Tar Heels as Maya Angelou, Billy Graham, Michael Jordan, Bob Timberlake and Rick Hendrick, along with longtime state employees, prominent business executives and noted politicians, athletes, musicians, actors and advocates.<br /> <br />Action for Children North Carolina is a leading statewide nonprofit organization based in Raleigh and is the 2008 winner of the N.C. Center for Nonprofits' Nonprofit Sector Stewardship Award. Since its founding in 1983, Action for Children has been the leading voice for North Carolina's children. Action for Children is the KIDS COUNT partner in North Carolina and the state affiliate of the national organization, Voices for America's Children. <br /><br />For more information, visit www.ncchild.org.<br /><br /># # #Kay Paksoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05218237519167222448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-204010044683271475.post-62060862404803536592011-07-18T10:05:00.001-04:002011-07-18T10:07:06.198-04:00Benefits in Health InsuranceA study, first of it's kind, shows the benefits in providing health insurance to the poor. Click <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/07/health/policy/07medicaid.html?_r=1">here</a> to read the story from <span style="font-style:italic;">The New York Times</span>.Kay Paksoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05218237519167222448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-204010044683271475.post-51049560077848298992011-07-12T14:51:00.001-04:002011-07-12T14:53:25.177-04:00The case for title protection in PhillyWe, at NASW-NC, believe social work is a degree and not a title just anyone can use. Here is a case example from Philadelphia. <br /><br />Click <a href="http://www.socialworkersspeak.org/media/article-highlights-need-for-title-protection.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter">here </a>to view the article from Social Workers Speak.Kay Paksoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05218237519167222448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-204010044683271475.post-52947394362742572682011-07-12T10:32:00.000-04:002011-07-12T10:33:27.390-04:00Disability Rights North Carolina wants you to weigh in!Disability Rights North Carolina is North Carolina's protection and advocacy system for people with disabilities living in North Carolina. We provide individual and systems advocacy, including legal representation, to people with disabilities when their rights are violated. We uphold the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act and other federal and state laws.<br /><br />Each year, we establish Targets which guide the expenditure of Disability Rights NC's resources for the coming year. The Targets drive the work that we do. They influence which cases we take and to whom we will provide direct representation. In 2010, we received more than 2,100 calls for assistance but had the resources to provide direct advocacy for only 870 callers.<br /><br />On June 17, 2011, the Board of Directors of Disability Rights NC tentatively approved its Targets for 2012. Those 2012 Targets are now out for public comment. The Board will carefully consider all public input we receive before finalizing our annual Targets. <br /><br />Our 2012 Targets focus on the impact of the state budget cuts to services for people with disabilities. They also reflect the requirements of our federal funders. <br /><br />Please let us know what you think about the proposed 2012 Targets by responding to this brief survey at:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2012Targets">http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2012Targets</a><br /><br />If you need assistance in completing this survey, contact Janice Willmott at 919-856-2195.Kay Paksoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05218237519167222448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-204010044683271475.post-89476184171266426982011-07-07T09:06:00.001-04:002011-07-07T09:07:46.043-04:00Federal housing cuts: Illogical and harmfulGreat article from NC Policy Watch on the housing situation. Click <a href="http://www.ncpolicywatch.com/2011/07/07/federal-housing-cuts-illogical-and-harmful/">here</a> to read it.Kay Paksoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05218237519167222448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-204010044683271475.post-46729645772242805822011-06-28T13:44:00.002-04:002011-06-28T13:45:59.379-04:00We want to hear from you!How were you affected as a social worker in North Carolina by this year's legislative session- what was cut from your budget, what legislation affected your practice, what will you be doing differently now? <br /><br />Let us know by emailing Kay Paksoy at kay@naswnc.org!Kay Paksoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05218237519167222448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-204010044683271475.post-3963040302664565632011-06-28T09:31:00.003-04:002011-06-28T09:34:37.466-04:00Gov. Perdue vetos abortion billGov. Perdue has vetoed her 11th bill this legislative session. Yesterday, Perdue vetoed the very controversial abortion bill- <a href="http://ncleg.net/gascripts/BillLookUp/BillLookUp.pl?Session=2011&BillID=hb+854&submitButton=Go">HB 854 A Woman's Right to Know Act</a>. NASW-NC was opposed to this legislation because of the state's interference with doctor-patient relationships imposed in this bill. This bill also stated that patients would have to under go "counseling" that is, in fact, not actual therapeutic counseling. We support Governor Perdue's veto of this bill. <br /><br />For more information about the veto, click <a href="http://www.newsobserver.com/2011/06/28/1306305/perdue-vetoes-abortion-bill.html">here</a>.Kay Paksoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05218237519167222448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-204010044683271475.post-53435744640871446332011-06-24T09:20:00.003-04:002011-06-24T09:24:23.453-04:00Gov. Perdue signs Corporal Punishment Bill into lawYesterday, Gov. Perdue signed <a href="http://ncleg.net/Sessions/2011/Bills/Senathttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gife/HTML/S498v3.html">Senate Bill 498</a>: Modify Law Re: Corporal Punishment into law. This bill is long supported by NASW-NC. As many as 17 counties still administer corporal punishment as discipline. Under this measure, parents can state in writing that they want to exempt their children from this practice and schools can not use corporal punishment on those children. <br /><br />NASW-NC is opposed to the use of corporal punishment in schools. We commend the Governor for her signature on this bill!Kay Paksoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05218237519167222448noreply@blogger.com0