Community Column by Paul Stanley 9/28/07
With Mental Illness Awareness Week approaching it is important for advocates of mental health to help educate and increase awareness within various communities. Advocating for our consumers can help people within the community appreciate the services that we provide. It can also help to avoid various stigmas involved with receiving mental health services. Stigma can prevent an individual from receiving treatment. This could be a result of fear of rejection or scorn.
As an organization, Dunn Center provides a high quality of care. Within our organization we have a variety of services. The newest services in Richmond are offered at English Manor. The services at English Manor provide an innovative approach to serving persons who suffer from mental illness. Three levels of care are provided in one location. These three levels of care include Sub-Acute, Transitional Living, and Supported Living. For any of these programs the consumer must be at least 18 years of age and willing to participate in treatment. Currently they must have a mental illness diagnosis, and be an active Dunn Center client and ambulatory. They must also not be a threat to themselves or others and have prescribed medications that are available and accessible.
Our Sub-Acute program is for consumers who require short term stabilization. The typical length of stay is seven to ten days. It is designed for those consumers who have emotional/mental needs. Our transitional program was designed for consumers with mental health needs who also require medical care. The typical length of stay is less than twelve months. Our Supported Living program was designed for consumers who would be involved in our programming long term. There is no typical length of stay. These consumers participate in daily activities on or off site. To find out more about English Manor or Dunn Center please call 765-939-9284. For emergency service after 5 pm please call 888-983-8000.