ISSUE
05
February 2023
All Center News
Comprehensive Behavioral Health Center of St. Clair County Inc.
505 South Eighth Street • East St. Louis, IL 62201-2919
Joseph Harper
Executive Director
Jonnie Barkley
Executive Secretary
(618) 482-7330
Brian Stewart
Chief Operating Officer
(618) 482-7630
Dr. Aqueel Khan
Medical Director
(618) 482-7630
Mary Jackson
Quality Assurance
(618) 482-7337
Linda Rattler
Human Resources
(618) 482-7381
LT Nash
Building Manager
(618) 482-7633
David McCosky
Inventory Specialist
(618) 261-7010
Rachel Ball
Records
(618) 482-7626
Sylvia Jimminson
Intake Specialist
(618) 482-2574
Rita Byrd
Therapy & Transition
(618) 482-7617
Rena Vantreece
Child & Adolescent
(618) 482-7613
Daryl Rice
Dir. SMARTS/ARTS
Methadone Services
(618) 261-7041
Gia Moore
Parenting for Success
(618) 482-7354
Keonna Pittman
Food & Nutrition
(618) 261-7039
Kelly Clemons
Housing Program
(618) 261-7616
Cynthia Whitley
Crisis Team Leader
(618) 261-7023
Karen Jamison
Residential Services
kjiminson@cbhc1.org
Aubrey Yates
Fathers & Families
(618) 482-7348
Newsletter Theme: A Celebration of Progress
This newsletter’s purpose is to share information about The Center’s people and activities, in each department and by each employee, in order to highlight the contributions made by all in helping The Center reach its goals.
The Center’s Internet address is: cbhc1.org
You can also check us out on Facebook.
Front Desk
(618) 482-7330
Hours of Operation
8:00am – 5:00pm
Drop-In Center Nearly Complete
Drop-In Center Grand Opening Coming Soon
After much anticipation, the Drop-In Center will open soon. We’re going to have a soft opening to get our systems down and work out all the kinks.
The official grand opening will follow shortly after.
This will be a truly wonderful opportunity to help those in need and better serve our community.
A Unique Look at the History of Black History Month
The origins of Black History Month can be traced back to 1915. Historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History announced the second week of February to be “Negro History Week.” The week was chosen to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.
Canada and the United Kingdom also recognize February as black history month. In Canada and the UK it is celebrated much the same way we celebrate it in the United States.
It’s easy to recognize the most well-known black changemakers and leaders. However, to truly appreciate the gravity of black history month African-American contributions to society, let’s dive in and take a look at 7 lesser-known but incredibly influential black pioneers and trailblazers.
W.E.B. Du Bois – An influential sociologist, historian, and civil rights activist, Du Bois was a leading voice in the early civil rights movement and the first African American to earn a Ph.D. from Harvard University.
Angela Davis – An American political activist, philosopher, and author, Davis is a leading figure in the civil rights movement and advocate for social justice, prison reform, and gender equality.
Ida B. Wells – A pioneering journalist and civil rights activist, Wells was a leader in the anti-lynching movement in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
James Baldwin – A prominent author, Baldwin’s works, including “Go Tell It on the Mountain,” “The Fire Next Time,” and “Notes of a Native Son,” have helped to shape the discourse around race and identity in the United States.
Fannie Lou Hamer – A voting rights activist and leader in the Civil Rights Movement, Hamer was a powerful voice for the rights of African Americans, particularly in the area of voting rights.
Bayard Rustin – A civil rights activist and leader in the Civil Rights Movement, Rustin was a key advisor to Martin Luther King Jr. and played a major role in organizing the March on Washington in 1963.
Audre Lorde – A poet, essayist, and civil rights activist, Lorde was a leading voice for marginalized communities, including people of color, women, and the LGBTQ community.
Black History Month Celebration
As we continue to celebrate Black History Month, next Wednesday, February 22, 2023 CBHC will have free lunch for all staff and associates.
Lunch will be served from 11:30 A.M. thru 2:00 P.M. Please pick up your free lunch at the kitchen door.
We will also have a few gifts celebrating Black History, so read the attachment, and hope everyone will participate.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Ms. Jonnie.
Valentine’s Day psychology
Valentine’s Day is certainly a romanticized holiday, but the psychology of love and self-love is absolutely something we need to understand and embrace.
Understanding Love
Love on Valentine’s Day isn’t about getting struck by Cupid’s arrow. When we find romantic love, powerful feel-good chemicals in our brain are released including oxytocin, phenethylamine, and dopamine.
These neurochemicals take our bodies and minds to the next level. They make us alert, excited, and they create a desire to bond with another person.
Celebrate Love
If you are single on Valentine’s Day you can still celebrate love. Celebrate a love for your life. Literally, take time out of your day to count your blessings. Reflect on all of the things and people you love. You can even enjoy a hobby or spending time with someone or something you love like your favorite fur baby.
Date Yourself
Self-care is incredibly important in all aspects of life. Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be a day to feel bad about being single. It can be a day when you genuinely show love for yourself.
You can go on a solo date. Treat yourself to a bouquet of flowers, a box of candy, and your favorite meal.
Single or not, love is one of life’s most powerful forces. Make time to bring love into your life even if you don’t currently have a significant other.
Updated Dress Code
The Center has updated our dress code. All employees will be responsible for understanding and following the rules outlined in the document.
If you have any questions, please contact your direct supervisor for clarification.
For more information, please check out the dress code page on our website:
The following attire is deemed unsuitable and may not be worn to work:
- No shorts or pants above the knee.
- No low-cut tops or revealing outfits.
- No fishnet stockings or lace pantyhose.
- No jewelry with explicit messages.
- No t-shirts.
- No mini-dresses.
- Skirts and dresses must be no more than two (2) inches above the knee.
- Skirt or dress slits must not extend more than two (2) inches above the knee.
- No head coverings (ex. hats, caps, and head scarves) unless authorized by the executive director
- No clothing with “messages”
- No jogging suits or sweat suits
- No mules, flip flops, or slide shoes (shoe must have a strap on the back)
Jeans, jean skirts (no rips or tears), and tennis shoes may be worn only on days specially approved by the executive director
Each Friday, staff may wear jeans (no rips or tears), tennis shoes, and either a CBHC polo shirt or other workplace-appropriate shirt (no t-shirts allowed)
Occupational attire is allowed:
- Nurses may wear medical scrubs and clogs or athletic shoes
- Maintenance and janitorial staff may wear work clothes including coveralls, denim shirts and trousers, jeans, athletic shoes, and boots
- Food service staff may wear hair restraints, head coverings, aprons, trousers, jeans, athletic shoes, and boots
- Staff members are required to follow the dress code at all times and failure to do so will result in the following disciplinary actions.
First violation: Redirection by direct supervisor.
Second violation– Written warning and redirection by direct supervisor.
Third violation – This may result in suspension and or termination for any additional infractions.
To view the complete dress code please visit https://cbhc1.org/dress.
Donations Needed
CBHC Drop-In Center will soon be opening. We are in need of several items for our Drop-In Center guests. All donations will be greatly appreciated and a receipt for donated items can be provided for tax purposes.
Individual toothbrushes
Travel size deodorant
Travel size toothpaste
Travel size lotion
New washcloths
Feminine pads
Drawstring laundry bags
Laundry detergent
Sweatshirts (men/women/children)
Sweatpants (men/women/children)
T-shirts
Towels
Blankets
To make a donation, please contact:
Carla Ellis
Assistant Project Director
(618) 261-7037
cellis@cbhc1.org
Employee of the Month
Ms. Hardy is a Therapeutic Aide in the MH Residential Program and was selected based on the following reasons for her nomination.
1. She is very respectful to clients and co-workers
2. Ms. Hardy goes above and beyond for clients and assists them in developing social skills.
3. Ms. Hardy does a great job with the clients.
4. Clients at Eaton Manor like going on activity trips at the invitation of Mrs. Hardy.
5. Ms. Hardy is always respectful to clients and co-workers and communicates the needs of clients that she cannot meet.
6. Ms. Hardy has improved the function of several clients she works with.
7. Ms. Hardy is always positive.
8. The person that nominated Ms. Hardy says “I am happy to have her as part of my team member.
Those are some quality accolades about Ms. Hardy, and she appears to be the type of person anyone would want on their team or program.
Who’s New
One new member joined our team in January. We want to take a moment to welcome Philip. We’re glad to have you as part of the CBHC family.
February’s Birthdays
Several new members have joined our team. We would like to welcome each of our new team members.
This Issue
- Drop-In Center Update
- Black History Celebration
- Telehealth Opening
Get in the News
Each month’s newsletter can be found at: Cbhc1.org/Newsletter.
Questions, comments, or content suggestions can be sent to: Newsletter@Cbhc1.org.
Important Dates
The cutoff for newsletter content suggestions is the last weekday of the preceding month.
Going forward, the newsletter will be published on the second Monday of every month.
Tele-Behavioral Health
We will soon be launching a telehealth program headed by one of our newest team members, Alysia Bernardini. We have hired two licensed clinicians and are holding their initial training this Thursday. We are beginning to inquire with clients at intake, as to their desire to utilize tele-behavioral health.
The major goal is a shorter wait time for clients’ initial meetings with the clinicians. Due to a shortage of clinicians in the area, there is a 4 to 6-week wait between the initial contact with The Center and the initial appointment with a clinician.
This creates a significant delay in receiving critical services. When a client initially contacts The Center, they are actively seeking assistance and may need immediate care; due to the wait clients may become disengaged and frustrated. They may seek other options or choose not to move forward with services when the time comes. Waiting may also increase symptomology. This may lead to an increase in the potential for crisis, and prolong distress.
We hope to begin scheduling for these services on the 21st.
Crossword Puzzle
The first person who submits the most correct answers to newsletter@cbhc1.org will receive a ticket for a free lunch. The crossword puzzles can be printed out from this page, and hard copies are available at the front desk.
This month we have a double puzzle celebrating African-American creators and US presidents.
January’s Crossword Puzzle Winner
Ms. Beverly Lacey is January’s crossword puzzle champion.
Not only is Ms. Beverly a snazzy dresser and a wizz with word puzzles, she is always willing to lend a hand while manning her post at the front desk.
If you need to borrow a mask or need a hand with one of a million other things, Ms. Beverly is the lady for the job.
It is with a big smile that we congratulate you for your winning word ways and offer a tremendous, heartfelt thank you for your perpetually positive attitude and all the other wonderful things you bring to The Center!
*** REMINDER: You Can Contribute to March’s Puzzle ***
The March crossword puzzle will also be a raffle! All CBHC employees can and may submit one word for inclusion in the March puzzle. Each entry enters the employee for a drawing separate from the person who completes the puzzle. All words entered will be incorporated into the puzzle. You can change your submittal (i.e. your word) at any time before the end date, but you only get one word. All entries need to be sent via e-mail to newsletter@cbhc1.org between Tuesday, January 17, and Tuesday, February 28 to be eligible to win.
The following conditions must be met for a word to be included and thus make you eligible for the raffle:
- Words must be between three and ten characters in length and singular (i.e. Hen, not White Hen).
- Words must be recognized by either the Oxford or Webster Dictionary.
- No proper nouns (i.e. person’s names, names of cities).
- No acronyms or abbreviations.
- No colloquiums or slang terms.
- No words that can be construed by others as obscene, offensive, or political.
Tripledemic: COVID, Flu, or RSV
A “cold” is a common term for a viral upper respiratory tract infection. Many viruses cause upper respiratory tract infections, including COVID, RSV, and the flu.
The special thing about COVID, RSV, and the flu is that they can also cause more serious lung illnesses and even affect other parts of the body.
The only way to know for sure if you have COVID, RSV, or the flu is to get tested.
But your symptoms can give you a clue about whether you have COVID, RSV, or the flu.
Center Stage: Records and Billing
Sylvia Jimminson and Amanda Jackson are both intake specialists they are the first contact for all new or returning patients to get them set up with an appointment for the clinicians in mental health and substance abuse. Amanda Jackson also assists with correspondence. They both are responsible for opening the patients in CIS and creating the patients’ charts. They both run the Medi check for us to obtain payments from the MCO’s.
Kelli Ward is our Billing Specialist she reviews and followups on all claims that have been denied and rejected. She works with the patient’s insurance companies to recoup payments that were previously denied or rejected
Tips to Get Ready for Tax Time
Tax time will be here before we know it. Filing early will help you be better prepared, less stressed, and it could even help you save money and get a bigger refund.
Before You Start Tax Preparation
- Download and print this checklist as a PDF.
- Place the checklist in a file folder, or attach it to the outside of the folder.
- As you receive or locate tax documents, place them in the folder and check them off the list.
- Scratch off anything on the list that doesn’t apply to your tax situation (it’s organized with the most common items on the first page).
- Enter information and amounts that are not already available on other documents, such as your bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit.
If you use a program such as Quicken® to keep track of your finances, print a report of your transactions for the tax year (e.g. 2022). This will make your tax preparation much easier, and helps you clearly see where your money goes each year.
- Having this information in a report is much easier than going through your checks and bank statements for the entire year.
- As you review the report, highlight information you will need to prepare your tax return or make notes to remind yourself of something later.
Personal Information
The IRS needs to know exactly who’s filing and who is covered in your tax return. To do this, you will need Social Security numbers and dates of birth for you, your spouse and dependents.
Information about Your Income
- Income from jobs: forms W-2 for you and your spouse
- Investment income—various forms 1099 (-INT, -DIV, -B, etc.), K-1s, stock option information
- Income from state and local income tax refunds and/or unemployment: forms 1099-G
- Taxable alimony received (Applicable to divorces finalized before January 1, 2019)
- Business or farming income—profit/loss statement, capital equipment information
- If you use your home for business—home size, office size, home expenses, office expenses.
- IRA/pension distributions—forms 1099-R
- Rental property income/expense—profit/loss statement, rental property suspended loss information
- Social Security benefits—forms SSA-1099
- Income from sales of property—original cost and cost of improvements, escrow closing statement, cancelled debt information
- (form 1099-C)
- Prior year installment sale information—forms 6252, principal and Interest collected during the year, SSN and address of payer
- Other miscellaneous income—jury duty, gambling winnings, Medical Savings Account (MSA), scholarships, etc.
Adjustments to Your Income
The following can help reduce the amount of your income that is taxed, which can increase your tax refund or lower the amount you owe.
- IRA contributions
- Student loan interest
- Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions
- Moving expenses (for tax years prior to 2018 unless you’re military and for states that still allow it)
- Self-employed health insurance premium payments
- Keogh, SEP, SIMPLE and other self-employed pension plans
- Alimony paid that is tax deductible (Applicable to divorces finalized before January 1, 2019)
- Educator expenses
Itemized Tax Deductions and Credits
The government offers a number of deductions and credits to help lower the tax burden on individuals, which means more money in your pocket. You’ll need the following documentation to make sure you get all the deductions and credits you deserve.
- Child care costs—provider’s name, address, tax id, and amount paid
- Education costs—forms 1098-T, education expenses
- Adoption costs—SSN of child, legal, medical, and transportation costs
- Home mortgage interest and points you paid—Forms 1098
- Investment interest expense
- Charitable donations—cash amounts and value of donated property, miles driven, and out-of-pocket expenses
- Casualty and theft losses—amount of damage, insurance reimbursements
- Other miscellaneous tax deductions—union dues, unreimbursed employee expenses (uniforms, supplies, seminars, continuing education, publications, travel, etc.) (for tax years prior to 2018 only for federal returns but your state might still allow it)
- Medical and dental expenses
- Energy credits
Taxes You’ve Paid
Properly documenting the taxes you’ve already paid can keep you from overpaying.
- State and local income taxes paid
- Real estate taxes paid
- Personal property taxes—vehicle license fee based on value
Other Information
- Estimated tax payments made during the year, prior year refund applied to current year, and any amount paid with an extension to file.
- Direct deposit information—routing and account numbers
- Foreign bank account information—location, name of bank, account number, peak value of account during the yea
Get in the News
Each month’s newsletter can be found at: Cbhc1.org/Newsletter.
Questions, comments, or content suggestions can be sent to: Newsletter@Cbhc1.org.
Important Dates
The cutoff for newsletter content suggestions is the last weekday of the following month.
Going forward, the newsletter will be published on the second Monday of every month.