WEBSTER, Mass. – June 30, 2016 – Harrington HealthCare System has been awarded a grant of $10,000 from the Janet Malser Humanities Trust as a contribution toward the new dual diagnosis unit being constructed in Webster.
“The grant from the Janet Malser Humanities Trust brings us one step closer to completing our dual diagnosis unit,” said Ed Moore, President and CEO. “Without the generosity of organizations like this, we wouldn’t be able to provide our community with the highest level of care, especially for behavioral health disorders. We truly appreciate the continued support of the Janet Malser Humanities Trust for recognizing the importance of keeping advanced healthcare services in our region.”
When complete, the 8,500 square-foot-unit will be one of only a few licensed locations in the state to provide comprehensive care for dual diagnosis – individuals with both a mental health and a substance abuse disorder.
It is estimated nearly 50 percent of people with a mental health disorder such as bipolar or schizophrenia also have comorbidity, typically in the form of substance abuse. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), of the adults living with co-occurring disorders, 34 percent receive mental health treatment, 2 percent enroll in drug rehab, and [only] 12 percent get the help they need for both disorders.
In offering dual diagnosis treatment, Harrington is able to expand on the care offered to each individual beyond just medication management to include outpatient therapy, intensive day programs, and other supportive resources within the Harrington structure.
Patients admitted to the unit will have access to group therapy, occupational therapy, and a sensory program, where they learn rehabilitative coping skills for triggers and stress management. Construction will also include a new Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), a structured day program for individuals with substance abuse and/or psychiatric issues.
Janet Malser was a lifelong resident of Dudley and Webster, Mass. She established this trust so that the causes she was involved with would continue to be supported when she was no longer here. She loved art, history, nature, and music.
The Janet Malser Humanities Trust was established in 2009 as a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation. Its purpose is to fund educational, cultural, historic and charitable causes in the towns of Dudley, Oxford and Webster. For more information, visit janetmalsertrust.org.
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