Welcome to AuSable Valley CMH
News Items
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AuSable Valley CMH was established on October 1, 1976 and currently provides Mental Health,
Developmental Disability and Prevention Services
to residents of Iosco, Ogemaw and Oscoda Counties.
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a place for FAMILIES to SHARE, Learn and Laugh!
FREE for any family raising children between the ages of 4 to 7 years old!
Parents learn about nurturing parenting skills and ways to connect with their children through leader-led discussions, videos, group sharing and support. Children (ages 4 to 7 years) learn comparable skills at age-appropriate levels through leader-led discussions, role playing, art and craft activities and games. A light dinner is provided and FREE child care is offered for other children in the family.
START UP DATES
Iosco County:
Clara Bolen Elementary
Monday, January 28th
5:30 - 7:30 pm
Hale Elementary
Thursday, January 31st
5:30 - 7:30 pm
Whittemore-Prescott ECC
Tuesday, February 5th
5:30 - 7:30 pm
Ogemaw County:
Surline Elementary
Monday, February 11th
5:30 - 7:30 pm
For more information or to register, please contact
your child’s elementary school or call
Family Connections at 989-362-8636 or
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10 Things To Do For Your Mental Health
Millions of people start their New Year with resolutions to improve their well-being. This year resolve to put yourself first and keep your mental health in mind. Although the hustle and bustle often gets in the way of keeping resolutions, making your mental health a priority will help you find a positive balance in life.
The University of Michigan and the National Mental Health Association developed a list of 10 positive but simple things to do for your mental health this year. Make the effort to incorporate these tips into everyday life will help start 2013 with a positive and healthy tone.
1. Value Yourself: Many individuals are their own worst critic, treat yourself with respect and kindness as you would others and avoid self-criticism. Taking time to participate in activities and hobbies you like is important too! Whether it’s taking dance lessons, painting or learning a new language, you deserve to enjoy yourself.
2. Take Care of Your Body: Staying physically healthy can help your mental health. Be sure to eat nutritiously, get enough rest, drink plenty of water and avoid cigarettes. If you feel good physically, the likelihood of depression and anxiety are significantly reduced.
3. Surround Yourself with Good People: Having a good support network of family and friends will keep you generally healthier than individuals who don’t. Actively make plans with family or friends or seek out social situations where you can meet new people.
4. Give Back: Volunteer your time and energy to help others in need. It will be extremely rewarding to see the positive results of your assistance.
5. Learn to deal with stress: Dealing with stress is an unavoidable part of life. Practice good coping skills such as deep breaths, exercise, and journal writing. Also remember to smile and look for the positive things in life.
6. Quiet your mind: Relaxation exercises can help you improve your outlook on life and improve your state of mind. Meditation and prayer can be helpful in doing so.
7. Set realistic goals: Set goals for yourself personally and professionally and determine steps to help you accomplish those goals. Set your goals high, but be realistic in doing so. In making progress toward your goals you’ll feel a significant sense of accomplishment.
8. Avoid repetitive routines: Although routines help make people efficient, a change in pace can perk up a tiresome schedule. Small changes in your routine can make all the difference. Try changing your exercise routine, trying a new restaurant, or planning a road-trip.
9. Avoid alcohol and drugs: Alcohol and drug use can aggravate existing problems that exist and are only detrimental to your health, both physically and mentally.
10. Get Help when you need it: Seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but in fact shows strength. Don’t forget that treatment is effective, and those who seek appropriate help often recover from mental illnesses.
AuSable Valley Community Mental Health provides services to residents of Iosco, Ogemaw and Oscoda counties.experiencing a severe emotional problem,serious mental illness or developmental disability. Persons wishing to know more about the agency are encouraged to visit www.avcmh.org, or to
access services call 1-800-834-3393.
Have a GREAT 2013!
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We are one of 46 Community Mental Health Services Boards in the State of Michigan who contract with the Michigan Department of Community Health for the funding of these services. We are an affiliate of the Northern Affiliation. The NCCMH - Northern Affiliation is a partnership of three Mental Health Boards (AuSable Valley CMH, Northeast Michigan CMH and North Country CMH) and Northern Michigan Substance Abuse Services (the Regional Substance Abuse Services Coordinating Agency). This Affiliation is based on the belief that these agencies could come together to form an integrated management structure for mental health, developmental disability and substance abuse services, drawing on each other’s strengths and areas of expertise, and raising the entire region to the highest standards set by any affiliate.
If you or someone you know is at immediate risk of seriously harming themselves or someone else, call 911
The AuSable Valley CMH Authority Board recently approved an
Administrative Reoganization Structure .
Under this new Administrative Structure, Teresa Tokarczyk was named an Associate Executive Director for Consumer Services. Ms. Tokarczyk will be responsible for six Program Directors who will oversee the management of the major service functions of the agency. These include: Family Servcies, Adult Intensive Services, Case Management Services, Adult Outpatient and Substance Use Services, Medical Services and Health Homes and Residential Services.
Greetings Everyone!!!
I’m Regina Demetrakeas, Program Director of Family Services here at
Au Sable Valley Community Mental Health.
During the past 9 years, it has been an honor to serve children and families in Iosco, Ogemaw and Oscoda Counties and to assist in developing and expanding the Family Services division of the agency. Currently, our Family Services division has grown to 29 staff serving families who have a child(ren) diagnosed with severe emotional disturbance in Iosco, Ogemaw and Oscoda Counties. The services we provide include: Outpatient Individual and Family Therapy, Children’s Targeted Case Management, Individual and Group Skill Building, Family Support Services, Wraparound, Home Based Family Therapy, Parenting Groups, and Children’s Psychiatric Services. Many of our staff have been trained and are credentialed to provide specialized services in the areas of Infant Mental Health, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Wraparound.
As we move forward into the next year, a program goal is to implement a model of treatment to meet the needs of children who have been diagnosed with Autism, Asperger’s Disorder or Pervasive Developmental Disorder NOS.
I started with AVCMH as an ACT case worker in 2009. I took on the ACT supervisor responsibility in 2010.
I was recently promoted to Program Director of Adult Intensive Services. The Program Director for Adult Intensive Services has specific responsibility as jail liaison, psychiatric hospitalization liaison, and brief residential placements. This position also supervises the ACT Supervisor and the Supportive Employment Supervisor. This position is responsible for the management of inpatient hospitalizations, out of area residential placements, and emergency services. This position is also be responsible for assuring program fidelity for evidence based practices such as ACT, SE, Jail Diversion, and Peer Employment.
Since starting my transition into the Program Director for Adult Intensive Services I have been focusing on educating myself about the Supportive Employment program and management of inpatient hospitalizations. I have noticed different areas where change and improvements could occur and plan to begin to work towards these goals as I grow more comfortable and confident in my new position.
My overall goals for this program is to ensure that AVCMH is providing the highest quality services to our most needy and intensive clients while keeping cost reasonable and affordable and promoting independence and increasing quality of life.
Sydney Larsen
Program Director of
Adult Intensive Services
Regina Demetrakeas
Program Director of
Family Services
Teresa Tokarczyk,
Associate Executive Director for
Consumer Services
Let's Meet the New Program Directors!
My name is Craig Williams, Program Director of Residential Services here at AuSable Valley CMH. I have earned a Bachelor’s degree in Family Studies and Master’s degree in Professional Counseling, both from Central Michigan University. Prior to arriving at AVCMH my work history includes having counseled at Alma College, been direct care staff at an Adult Foster Care and a Transitional home, and assisted in the design and implementation of a crisis diversion bed. After a three year adventure in which I lived in Minnesota and Vermont, I am thrilled to be back home in Michigan.
Being rather new to the agency and to the residential program I have been very impressed with the level of care given to the consumers. The dedication that the staff and home supervisors have for each person can’t be overstated and is the reason for the success that this program has had over the years. Looking forward, the future is never completely clear but I have no doubt that both the levels of care and innovation will continue within this program, and I am excited to be a part of that future.
Administrative Office
1199 W. Harris Ave.
P.O. Box 310
Tawas City, MI 48764
Phone: (989) 362-8636 ~ Fax: (989) 362-7800
Open Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
After Hours Emergencies:
1-800-442-7315
Craig Williams
Program Director
for Residential Services
AVCMH would appreciate it if you would take 3-5 minutes to complete this short survey. The goal of this survey is to aid AVCMH at the development and implementation of a plan to enhance local cultural awareness that includes an on-going anti-stigma campaign and other programs to support community integration. One of the main objectives is to enhance the awareness of the services offered by AVCMH and how to access those services. Thank you for your time and valuable input
Trish Otremba
Program Director for Outpatient & Substance Use Disorders
Deb Miller
Program Director for Medical Services & Health Homes
Donna Morris
Program Director for Case Management Services
Long-time Board Member
Bob Huddy
Retires from Board
Bob was presented with a Plaque of Appreciation for his dedication, commitment and thoughtful service
as a Member of the Board from
January 1988 – June 2012
Hello! My name is Debra Miller I am the Program Director of Medical Services at AuSable Valley Community Mental Health.
I am a Registered Nurse and have enjoyed working in the agency since 2006 serving consumers with Developmental Disabilities in Iosco, Ogemaw and Oscoda Counties. Our program is responsible for the coordination of medical, psychiatric and ancillary services. Our staff is providing ongoing supports to consumers and staff to effectively manage their health care needs. Our goal is to provide coordinated quality health services using a holistic approach for health improvement and to promote independence to those we service.
Throughout the upcoming year our program will be working on health integrated care and the health home model to increase the quality driven services to our consumers.
I began working for AVCMH in 2004 as an ACT case manager. In 2009, I completed my Master’s degree, focusing on Substance Use Disorders and Quality/Compliance of services. Upon completion of my Masters of Social Work, I was hired as the Adult Case Management and MI Residential Supervisor in 2009. In 2011, I was afforded the opportunity to implement and supervise the Youth and Adult Co-Occurring program.
Recently, I was promoted to the position of Program Director for Adult Outpatient and Substance Use Disorder Services in Ogemaw, Iosco and Oscoda Counties. The Program Director for OP and SUD services has the responsibility of managing all outpatient services to ensure timely admission of adults into the system of care, particularly those who suffer from Serious and Persistent Mental illness and Substance Use Disorders. I will also be working with community partners to establish services in an integrated manner within the community. I will monitor programs to ensure that we are providing evidence based practice treatment to consumers such as Family Support Network, a youth co-occurring treatment model. This position oversees the Co-Occurring Program Supervisor, Outpatient Supervisor for Ogemaw and Oscoda Counties and Iosco County outpatient therapists.
I have been focusing on enhancing my knowledge of the Outpatient department within all three counties, compliance standards within the department and transitioning from providing direct service as a youth co-occurring therapist to program director. I have been increasing my knowledge of the Affordable Care Act and how it will impact services at AVCMH. I am excited to be a part of these changes that will offer enhanced services to our consumers! My long term goals include: consistency amongst the OP and SUD department in Ogemaw, Iosco and Oscoda Counties, enhance IT services to increase staff productivity, expand and enhance group therapy treatment, increasing SUD services, improve program outcomes and implement OP/SUD community integration of treatment. I will consistently strive to ensure that the OP and SUD departments are providing the highest quality of care to the most vulnerable population, connecting consumers to appropriate resources in the community and improving overall health.
