News Archives - Page 8 of 8 - McClendon Center

Tired of CAN’T? Here’s What You CAN Do Today!

April 28, 2020/by McClendon Center

Things are changing around the District due to Covid19 and some of the more exciting changes have to do with increasing our partnerships. The Department of Behavioral Health was just awarded a federal grant of which McClendon Center is a part. Our job is to utilize peer specialists to work with transitions of care at the city’s Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program, and to establish a “warm” line for behavioral health clients who just need to talk. McClendon Center has a long history of promoting recovery by employing individuals who are also experiencing living with mental illness. This program will build on that, as well as on our ability to partner with at least one of the peer operated centers in the District. We are taking on the challenge, just like you’d except us to. These are our neighbors in need and we will continue to be part of the solution.

And we know you want to help too. You’re a part of McClendon Center because you care about your community and the people in it, especially those who are struggling. Recently we have seen amazing gestures of generosity. Some of you have donated your $1,200 stimulus checks to McClendon Center. We are extremely grateful for your generous support. However, a gift of any size is a way you can help, and it will make a difference right now.

Two weeks ago we became aware of clients potentially falling through the cracks in the Coivd19 response from the District. Homeless clients that tested positive for the virus were moved to a hotel in NW to recuperate. Unfortunately, they were not receiving sufficient medical attention or appropriate meals. Our first step was to take care of these clients and then follow-up with the right agencies and advocate for our clients. Caitlin Apo, Clinical Director for the McClendon Center, was interviewed about the situation in an article for the Washington City Paper which outlines the shortfall. Here is a link to the article if you would like to read more
Washington City Paper
Note: in the article it states we are closed – which is incorrect. We have reduced our hours but have not closed the clinic’s doors completely.

-Dennis

PS If you are thinking about donating your stimulus check or making a donation of any size thank you for doing what you can to support our community, it makes a difference!

How Long? As Long As it Takes

April 21, 2020/by McClendon Center

Small changes in our routines are designed to ensure client and staff safety. For some of our clients taking public transit is beyond their ability. For some, getting to appointments has always required McClendon Center coordinate transportation. Staff continue to pick these clients up and drive them to the clinic for their medications and care.

Always with safety in mind, both staff and client are provided masks and gloves. Staggering appointment times also helps to keep patients safe by ensuring an empty waiting room. The clinic and the office are regularly wiped down with medical grade cleaners throughout the day. It is just the new normal for us.

Sadly, we have had a handful of our clients test positive for Covid 19. Their care is being closely monitored and we advocate on their behalf whenever necessary. It would be easy to get overlooked in the fast paced response by all the various agencies that are involved. McClendon Center tries to stay one step ahead whenever possible. We know you agree – it is what our clients deserve.

Thank you for your continued interest for the people we serve and the tireless staff providing that care. It is even more meaningful knowing we have your support.
-Dennis

PS – Did you know the new CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act allows taxpayers to take a charitable deduction of up to $300 ($600 for married couples) for those who take the standard deduction?

For those who do itemize their deductions, the new law allows for cash contributions to qualified charities such as McClendon Center to be deducted up to 100% of your adjusted gross income for the 2020 calendar year.

Photos from Our 2019 Art of Transformation

June 24, 2019/by McClendon Center

McClendon Center featured in DCHA’s Quality Showcase

February 22, 2019/by McClendon Center

McClendon Center’s Patient Discharge Coordination (PDC) program, a collaboration with AmeriHealth Caritas DC, was featured in the DC Hospital Association Quality Showcase publication. PDC was launched in 2015, with the goal of reducing hospital readmissions and improving HEDIS* measures by seamlessly transitioning and reintegrating individuals from psychiatric hospitalization back into the community. Since its inception, PDC has reduced hospital admissions from 17% to 9% — a 47% readmission reduction.

Read the full article HERE. Click on PDC for more information about this program.

*Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) measures six “domains of care”: effectiveness, access/availability, experience, utilization, health plan descriptive information, and collected measures through electronic clinical data systems.

NPR: For Many, Medicaid Provides The Only Route To Mental Health Care

July 10, 2017/by McClendon Center

“One of the little-talked-about effects of the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, was to boost access to mental health care for the poor. For people like Mouketou [— a client of McClendon Center], access to mental health care can mean the difference between being able to hold down a job or not.”

Click HERE for the complete NPR article.