FAIRFIELD COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION AWARDS GRANT TO LIBERATION PROGRAMS, INC.

Liberation Programs, the largest provider of substance abuse prevention and treatment services in lower Fairfield County, was recently awarded a grant of $30,000 dollars from the Fairfield County Community Foundation to continue to offer individual mental health screenings, psychiatric evaluations, and specialized counseling services specifically targeted toward clients with co-occurring disorders (mental health and substance abuse).  

The grant enables the continuation of a highly successful, innovative pilot project conducted a year ago that was also funded by the Foundation. This grant-funded initiative allows Liberation Programs to provide on-site mental health triage and treatment services.  Services included initial screening with the use of a standardized instrument as well as individualized psychiatric evaluations, the prescription and monitoring of psychotropic medications and groups designed specifically for clients with co-occurring disorders.  Mental health services are provided by a psychiatric APRN (an advanced practicing registered nurse with licensure in the area of mental health and having prescription privileges) and a licensed clinical social worker, specifically trained in counseling clients with co-occurring disorder.
 

Alan Mathis, president and CEO of Liberation Programs, said “Utilizing these two types of practitioners is a very cost-effective and efficient way to deliver the specialized services needed by people who have both substance abuse and mental health issues.  Of the 107 clients who were assessed and enrolled in the pilot, 87% demonstrated and self-reported a greatly enhanced quality of life and an overall positive increase in their global assessment of functioning.  Ninety-five (95%) percent reported they had no need for psychiatric or substance abuse hospitalization during the treatment.  We, and our partners, Stamford Hospital and Shelter for the Homeless, are very grateful to Fairfield County Community Foundation for their continuing support of integrated treatment for people with dual-diagnosis.”    

There has been significant national attention in recent years to the issues associated with co-occurring disorders.  The Surgeon’s General’s Report on Mental Health in 1999, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administrations’s (SAMHSA) 2002 Report to Congress on co-occurring disorders,  the President’s New Freedom Commission Report on Achieving the Promise in 2003 and SAMHSA’s Treatment Improvement Protocol on co-occurring disorders issued in 2005 all note the high prevalence of co-occurring disorders, the lack of integrated care available in our healthcare system, and the poor outcomes experienced in the absence of integrated care. 

Mr. Mathis noted that as a result of Fairfield County Community Foundation’s grant  Liberation Programs is well-positioned to conform to expectations put forth in recent policy statement from State of Connecticut’s Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) outlining ways  to better identify and address the needs of individuals with co-occurring disorders.

Liberation Programs is a private, nonprofit substance abuse prevention and treatment organization that has served individuals and families throughout Fairfield County for over 35 years.  Its mission is to strengthen communities through programs that prevent substance abuse, empower persons with drug and alcohol dependency to achieve sustained recovery, and support the loved ones of those struggling with addiction.

Rooted in a belief that prevention and treatment are most effectively delivered within a community-based design, Liberation Programs works closely with community members, families, fellowships and human service organizations to serve and educate a public whose health and safety are threatened by alcohol and drug misuse.

The agency uses its full continuum of treatment services (including residential and   outpatient programs for men and women, and specialized programs for youth, seniors and those who are HIV+ or living with AIDS) to ensure that no person in need of care is left unserved. 

As the most comprehensive provider of substance abuse services in Fairfield County, Liberation Programs is a leader in the fight against addiction.   For more information, visit www.liberationprograms.org or call 203-851-2077.

The Fairfield County Community Foundation promotes the growth of philanthropy to strengthen local communities and the region.  Since 1992, individuals and organizations have established charitable funds and contributed to existing funds that support community and economic development, children and youth, education, the environment, health and human services, and the arts.  With assets approaching $83 million, the Foundation 7.5 million in grants last year.  In addition, the Foundation provides philanthropic advisory services and develops initiatives to address critical community issues.  The Foundation is in compliance with the Council on Foundations’ national standards for community foundations.  For more information, visit www.fccfoundation.org or call 203-834-9393.