Health
KISRA Cares: Community Engagement Specialist Program
Providing the Caring Support Needed to Thrive
The KISRA Cares Program supports individuals in our community dealing with mental illness or substance abuse. Outreach and recruitment endeavors are of high importance to the CES program. A month-long Public Service Announcement was recently aired on the following radio stations: WCHS Talk Radio, KAZ-AM Bloomberg, WSWW AM ESPN, 98.7 THE BEAT, V100, 96.1 KWS Superstar Country, and 107.3 KAZ Todays New Country. Other outreach activities were held at Community Bridge Kings River Ministries, Orchard Manor, Agsten Manor and throughout the Evolving Journey Women’s and Girls Empowerment Conference. In addition, we have provided outreach and recruitment at the Kanawha Day Report Center.
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We have several consumers who present an impressive success story: One who has remained drug free and regained possession of the home he owned (he almost lost due to his addiction) and another who lived in the woods and is now housed. Both successes were due to KISRA’s CES Program’s assistance.
How Does Kisra Cares Support Those With Mental Illness?
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Prevention and early intervention
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Crisis intervention (controlling and resolving critical or dangerous issues)
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Rehabilitation/habilitation (development of skills and supports)
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Basic support (shelter, meals, health care)
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Enrichment activities (engagement in fulfilling and satisfying activities)
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Wellness/prevention activities
Could you or someone you know benefit from the KISRA Cares Program*?
If you answer YES to any of the following questions, please contact one of KISRA’s Community Engagement Specialists for further information and assistance.
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Are you 18 or older and have been diagnosed with a mental illness such as depression, bipolar disorder, etc.?
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Are you a resident of Kanawha County?
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Have you been hospitalized within the past five years? Or are you at risk for being hospitalized?
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Could you benefit from emotional and social support by participating in community activities? As well as financial support for your medications, transportation to your doctor’s appointments, food, and assistance in housing?
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Are you currently seeing a psychiatrist or therapist who will provide written documentation of your mental diagnosis?
*The initiative serves people with mental illnesses residing in or returning to Kanawha County.
Care Coordination makes a difference in our community.