Pillar House

Innovations/"Neat" Things

Engagement Group for persons who need services but whose ability to participate and benefit is limited. This offers an extensive period of engagement focuses on their ambivalence about services.

In-Shape Program supported by a federal grant from the Centers for Disease Control: There is much excitement among Riverbend staff and consumers about health and wellness. Riverbend and the Dartmouth Psychiatric Research Center collaborate on research on the effectiveness of health mentors on the health and wellness of adults. All eligible applicants receive a free YMCA membership and educational materials on exercise, nutrition, and routine health care. The study group also receives a health mentor. Then, the health and mental health impact is measured to see if it is a cost effective approach overall.

Consumer Involvement and Planning:

Empowerment Team: The Empowerment Team’s purpose is “Staff/Consumers taking risks and joining a partnership to improve the mental health community for the better.” The team has been meeting since 2001 and has tackled such issues as access to dental care, recovery planning, and emergency/hospitalization procedures. The Empowerment Team periodically suggests nominations for the Riverbend Board of Directors.