Category: Corporate News

RHA Health Services Welcomes Pitt County Group Homes

January 4, 2022

RHA Health Services is pleased to announce the acquisition of Pitt County Group Homes, a provider of residential and day and employment support services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, based in Grifton, NC.

Mary Grace Bright, Executive Director of Pitt County Group Homes, said of the acquisition, “It was important to the Pitt County Group Homes Board of Directors to find the right company to acquire Pitt County Group Homes and ensure that the people we’ve supported for many years continue to receive high-quality services. We believe that RHA was the best choice to carry forward this work and are glad to have partnered with them on this acquisition.”

Throughout the acquisition, RHA worked to ensure that those receiving services from Pitt County Group Homes did not experience any interruption to services and that former Pitt County Group Homes employees were seamlessly hired by RHA.

“We are excited to welcome Pitt County Group Homes to the RHA family,” said Jeanne Duncan, CEO of RHA Health Services. “They have provided decades of excellent services to the people they support. We look forward to working with people supported, families and guardians, employees, and other partners to continue that tradition of high-quality services and supports.”

RHA is interested in continuing to grow and provide services to people across more communities. If you are interested in exploring an acquisition with RHA, please contact Shaun Roark, Vice President of Business Development, at shaun.roark@rhanet.org.

About RHA

Founded in 1989, RHA began as a small provider of support services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in North Carolina. Over the years, we have expanded to include a broad range of disability services and continue to add other types of services across multiple states to meet our communities’ needs. Today, RHA provides disability services in Georgia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Tennessee. In North Carolina and Pennsylvania, RHA also provides a wide variety of mental health and substance use services as well as support services for those who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

We focus on helping people live their best lives through setting and reaching personal goals, forming and sustaining meaningful community connections and relationships, achieving positive outcomes in health and wellness, and more. Learn more.

Jay Farber Promoted to Vice President of Finance

November 30, 2020

RHA Health Services is pleased to announce that Jay Farber has been promoted to Vice President of Finance, effective November 9, 2020. In this role, Jay will focus on RHA’s budgeting and accounting functions and financial reporting and auditing.

“I am extremely excited about Jay’s well-deserved promotion,” said Nick Sulaiman, President of RHA Health Services. “Jay’s ability to support RHA during its evolution and growth is remarkable. In the 15 years that I have worked with Jay, he has always had a smile on his face and has capably supported us regardless of any challenges he has faced. I wish Jay luck and success as a key leader at RHA for years to come.”

Jay joined RHA Health Services in 2003 as a staff accountant and has since served as senior accountant, assistant controller and corporate controller before being promoted to Vice President of Finance.

“During my time with RHA, I have had the opportunity to work alongside a great team of individuals,” Jay said. “I am honored to continue this journey and lead by example as we develop strategies to advance RHA’s mission of being a leading provider of healthcare solutions for people with intellectual disabilities and people with mental health and substance use challenges.”

Jay holds a bachelor’s degree in management from the Georgia Institute of Technology with a certificate in accounting. Prior to joining RHA, he served in an accounting role with Pediatric Services of America.

RECOGNIZING RHA’S START TEAMS

Innovative Program, Celebrating Our People

About START Services Nationally

START stands for Systemic, Therapeutic, Assessment, Resources & Treatment.  START is a comprehensive model of service supports that optimizes independence, treatment, and community living for individuals with IDD and behavioral health needs.

The Center for START Services at the University of New Hampshire Institute on Disability/UCED is a national initiative that works to strengthen efficiencies and service outcomes for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and behavioral health needs in the community.

START in North Carolina

NC START is statewide community crisis support programs for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and complex behavioral or mental health needs. Crisis prevention and intervention services are provided through crisis response, clinical consultation, training, and respite.

NC START operates throughout the state of North Carolina as three distinct programs (West, Central, and East). The programs began serving adults (18 and older) in 2009 and expanded to children (6-17) in 2016.

RHA Health Services operates the West and East programs in North Carolina. The NC START West program is through a collaboration with VAYA Health and includes clinical teams in Asheville and Concord, with a Resource Center in Statesville.  The NC START East program is through a collaboration with Trillium Health Resources and includes clinical teams in New Bern, Wilmington, and Greenville, with a Resource Center in New Bern.

START National Locations

Virtual 2020 START National Training Institute

People of RHA Involved & Recognized

The START National Training Institute (SNTI) is an annual in-person training event that brings together hundreds of START team members, self-advocates, families, and national & international leaders in the field of MH/IDD to share expertise, tools, and best practices.

The May 4-6 event was held virtually and included topics such as:

  • Learned Hopefulness
  • The START Film premier
  • Mental Health Treatment Approaches in a World with COVID
  • START Research Panel: Promoting Best Practices with Emphasis on Mental Wellness

Poster Competition

Two RHA START programs submitted research posters and were able to present during the Virtual 2020 START National Training Institute.  See the posters and links to their presentations, below.

NC START West – 3rd Place

Laura Shea, MA LCMHCA; Boyce Smith, MA LCMHCA LCAS; Dr. Anne Doucette, LCMHCS; Ann Klein, MA

Video Link:  https://youtu.be/dTgBZRtlD-Q

Poster PDF Link:  https://www.centerforstartservices.org/sites/www.centerforstartservices.org/files/events/2020SNTI/nc_start_west_virtual_snti_poster_2020.pdf

posterthumb_ncwest

 

NC START EAST – 3rd place

  1. Shane Miller, Certified Coordinator, NC East START

Video Link:  https://youtu.be/qJlaOMAfk9c

Poster PDF Link: https://www.centerforstartservices.org/sites/www.centerforstartservices.org/files/events/2020SNTI/caregiver_support_group_poster_2020_nc_east.pdf

 

Awards Ceremony: Celebrating the START Community

Two RHA START Therapeutic Coaches were recognized nationally for excelling in their work and will receive plaques from the National START Team.

Christy Prophete, START Therapeutic Coach Team Leader– NC START West
Nominated by Morgan Futrell and Boyce Smith

“Christy is a bright and driven presence on our team. She has pushed our team to be more creative and innovative. She brings out the best in all of us through teamwork, collaboration, and FUN!”

“Christy brings positive energy to the workplace.  She practices open communication and offers solutions to problems two traits that make her a strong leader.”

Kenya Williams, START Therapeutic Coach – NC START East
Nominated by Suzy Mayberry, Sara Stanton, and Kerri Shaw

“Kenya has a great ability to join with complex and difficult systems to be a change agent. She is always positive and engaging.”

“Kenya utilizes her creativity, passion, and knowledge to improve the lives of those she works with. Kenya uses her top character strengths, honesty and humor, to develop rapport quickly…”

Semiannual DEA National Prescription Take-Back Day

On Saturday, April 27, 2019, from 10am-2pm The Partnership for Substance Free Youth in Buncombe County, in collaboration with local law enforcement and businesses at several locations, will host the semiannual DEA National Prescription Take-Back Day

 

According to surveys from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 20 percent of teens say they have taken a prescription drug without having a prescription for it themselves, and 5 percent report abusing OTC cough medicine to get high.

Participating in National Take-Back Day provides community members with an opportunity to help prevent prescription and over-the-counter medicine misuse and abuse by disposing of unused or expired medicines in a safe, convenient, and responsible way.

The event will take place at multiple locations across Buncombe County from 10am-2pm:

      • -Walgreens 1124 Patton Ave, Asheville
      • -Walgreens 1835 Hendersonville Road, Asheville
      • -Walgreens 91 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville
      • -Walgreens 841 Merrimon Avenue, Asheville
      • -CVS 505 Smokey Park Hwy, Asheville
      • -CVS 425 W State St. Black Mountain
      • -Asheville Airport – Public Safety Building, Fletcher
      • -SONA Pharmacy 805 Fairview Rd Asheville
      • -Asheville Mountain Pharmacy 1272 Tunnel Road Asheville

 

Please remove identification from all medications and separate pills, liquids, and inhalers into different bags.  We cannot accept radioactive medications such as cancer medications. Also, we cannot accept needles or sharps.

All medications collected during the event are considered anonymous and will be incinerated by the Drug Enforcement Agency.

 

For more information, please see our Resources For Communities Page.

 

 

RHA Health Services Welcomes Prolex Medical Services

April 9, 2019

RHA Health Services is happy to announce the acquisition of Prolex Medical Services, a provider of Intellectual Disabilities and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) services in Chattanooga, TN. Prolex joined RHA in March 2019.

Betty White, RN, past President/CEO of ProLex, says, “As my retirement drew closer, I couldn’t have chosen a better company to acquire the clientele and employees of my company. I’ve been associated with the RHA leadership through consultation, both professionally and personally, since their inception to Tennessee services in 2001. I highly support the merger and look forward to RHA’s ongoing success, dedication and care of the I/DD individuals we have served for the past 20 years.”

RHA began offering services in East Tennessee in 2001. Since then, our I/DD services have expanded to include ICF, Waiver, ECF Choices, Vocational Supports, and will soon offer mental health and substance abuse services throughout the state. RHA currently services the following areas in Tennessee:  Chattanooga, Knoxville, Kingsport, Memphis, Murfreesboro, Nashville, Springfield, and Trenton.

RHA’s goal is to ensure that persons-supported are not impacted by this change. To ensure this continuity of care, more than 120 employees were welcomed to RHA as part of this transition.

“I am pleased to welcome the Prolex team to the RHA family,” said Nick Sulaiman, President & CFO of RHA Health Services. “Prolex is a very reputable provider in Tennessee, and we look forward to continue working with persons-supported, families and guardians, local leadership, employees, as well as state and community partners to ensure a smooth transition.”

 

Media Contact
Nick Sulaiman, President & CFO | 404-364-2939 | nsulaiman@rhanet.org

 

About RHA Health Services (RHA)

nurse with person supported in wheelchair

At RHA Health Services, the people we serve and support in Georgia, Florida, North Carolina and Tennessee are at the very center of everything we do.

We are a growing company, with the goal of growing operations in our current communities, as well as the greater Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern United States. RHA provides a broad range of person-centered, integrated, and high-quality supports. RHA focuses on mental health, substance abuse, and intellectual & developmental disability (I/DD) services.

RHA is accredited by the Council on Quality and Leadership (CQL) and Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) International. RHA has an organizational commitment to the dignity, independence, and equitable treatment of people, as well as their full inclusion into the communities around them. We provide a holistic, person-centered approach to care guided by a system of values that puts the needs of the people we support at the center of every decision.

Founded in 1989, RHA began as a small collection of group homes in North Carolina developed to offer support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Over the years, RHA has expanded to include supported living, vocational and day programs, periodic respite, personal care services, targeted case management, residential ICF/IDD for infants and children up to age 15 who have acute or chronic health challenges requiring 24/7 therapeutic intervention and skilled nursing care, and much more.

In 2006, RHA began offering behavioral health services and is now the leading provider of high-quality supports and services for people with all kinds of mental health and substance use needs. By meeting the behavioral health needs of our consumers and communities, we can greatly reduce or eliminate the fragmentation of services that leaves some individuals without total, holistic, and truly person-centered care.

Team RHA Gives Back

RHA Health Services Gives Back 2018 Hurricane FlorenceWilmington, NC – In September, Hurricane Florence hit North Carolina with enough wind speed to uproot trees and cause widespread power outages throughout the Carolinas. It also caused flooding along a long stretch of the North Carolina coast, from New Bern to Wilmington. Most major roads and highways in the area experienced some flooding, with large stretches of I-40, I-95, and US Route 70 remaining impassable for days after the storm had passed. The city of Wilmington was cut off entirely from the rest of the mainland by floodwaters. That’s where Operation BBQ Relief comes in.

During the aftermath, John Gibbons, RHA Director of Case Management-CAP (Community Alternative Program Services) donated a day to working with Operation BBQ Relief and The American Red Cross. They delivered meals to the hard-hit city of Wilmington, NC. Most of the food was donated by Smithfield’s Foods who provided a dozen 18-wheelers on site.

John left his home near Raleigh at 4 AM and arrived in Wilmington at 6 AM. He helped with all aspects including loading the cooker with meat, seasoning/saucing the meat, and packaging containers to send off with delivery runners to the community. They served 14,400 plates on this day but had serviced over 266,000 plates that week! John said, “It was an incredible experience to serve that community.” And his work did not go unnoticed.

“The employees in our company were blown away by your willingness to give of your time and talent for our hurting city. You never cease to amaze us! Thanks for all you do!”
-Pattie Weaver-Griglock
Personal Product Advisor Wilmington Medical Supply
“Good afternoon everyone! I just wanted to give a HUGE SHOUT OUT to John Gibbons, Director of Case management for RHA Health Services. He is with a group of volunteers cooking and serving thousands of hot lunches and dinners today in Wilmington! His group has been waiting for two weeks to come and serve our community. It is inspiring to see a member of an agency that we serve, come and give his time to give back to our city in this time of distress. Thanks John for all that you and your group are doing! We truly appreciate it!”
-Tom J. Grazioso
Director of Inside Sales, Incontinence Division/Wilmington

Operation BBQ Relief was founded in May 2011 in response to a need for relief efforts in tornado-stricken Joplin, Missouri. Volunteers from competition BBQ teams from eight states answered the need to help feed displaced families, police, fire, National Guard and emergency personnel. Operation BBQ Relief continues to respond to natural disasters.

RHA Health Services Gives Back 2018 Hurricane Florence

Read more to learn about Operation BBQ Relief and RHA’s Giving Back >>>

RHA‘s Julie Huneycutt appointed to Senate Opioid Council

Sen. Chuck Edwards (R-Henderson) announced the N.C. Senate appointment of Julie Huneycutt, a Hendersonville resident, to the state’s Task Force on Sentencing Reforms for Opioid Drug Convictions.

Huneycutt will work with the attorney general, secretary of Health and Human Services, secretary of Public Safety, chief deputy secretary of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, director of the Administrative Office of the Courts, and executive director of the N.C. Sentencing and Advisory Commission to study the modification of current statute and how to recognize those convicted of opiate related crimes who would be able to successfully reintegrate into society.

“It is no surprise to those who know the work she has done in our community that Julie was selected to serve on this task force,” Edwards said. “The opioid drug epidemic effects everyone and every area of our state. Julie has been fighting for education and prevention for years. Her appointment to this task force strengthens the voice of our district in Raleigh and ensures that those best qualified are fighting to understand this epidemic.

“Julie will no doubt be very influential in this role, and each member of this task force will see her passion for this subject. I am grateful that Julie is willing to serve our area in such an important capacity to help make a difference and I was delighted to able to recommend her for this position.”

Huneycutt has been advocating against opioid and prescription drug abuse for many years. She attended N.C. State University, earning her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Reading Education. She also attended classes at Duke University, receiving her Prevention Coordinator Certification.

In 2014, Huneycutt became the director of HopeRx, Henderson County’s coalition to address prescription drug abuse and prevention. She also co-founded Anna’s Hope, an organization dedicated to raising awareness of prescription drug abuse.
She is an appointee to the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council and speaks regionally on issues surrounding prescription drug abuse. The Task Force on Sentencing Reform for Opioid Drug Convictions was created this year in House Bill 464. This task force will utilize those with extensive backgrounds and experience dealing with the opioid epidemic to better understand addicts and those convicted of related crimes.

Julie Huneycutt, who has been with RHA since 2015, says “We are confident that our footprint of prevention in Henderson County is contributing to awareness about this epidemic and is creating a platform to reduce the misuse of prescription, over the counter, and other illicit drugs through diversion and safe medication events, as well as public forums, and education in our schools. Our coalition continues to build a very strong partnership and is in full collaboration with local law enforcement, City and County Government, the Department of Public Health, City and County Schools, both area Hospitals, non-profit community clinics, EMS and Fire Departments as well as faith-based organizations, those with lived experience and community members.”

visit us online at www.hope-rx.org or on our Facebook page, HopeRx, Henderson County.

Lindsay Carver Stockman of RHA Honored as Advocate of the Year by CADCA

Lindsay Carver Stockman, CSAPC has been chosen to receive an Advocate of the Year award during Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America’s (CADCA) 28th Annual National Leadership Forum.

The CADCA honors leaders who have consistently gone above and beyond the call of duty to ensure legislative victories for the substance abuse prevention field. Lindsay is employed by RHA Prevention Resource Center as The Buncombe County Substance Abuse Prevention Coordinator and Coordinator for The Partnership for Substance Free Youth in Buncombe County. She is a great asset to the RHA Health Services family and we are very proud of her many accomplishments.

The award will be presented on Thursday, February 8, 2018 during the
National Leadership Awards Luncheon at the Gaylord National Hotel in
National Harbor, MD. CADCA Public Policy Associate, Nikki Semenza, says
“We cannot express how thankful we are for your help to garner support
for all of the areas of interest to CADCA and the substance abuse
prevention field. You are always willing to go the extra mile and your
efforts have made a tremendous impact on our field.”

Lindsay attended The University of North Carolina-Asheville and graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health and Wellness Promotion and from the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) Academy in 2012. She was awarded one of the Top 40 Under 40 Young Professionals in Asheville in 2012. Lindsay was elected to the North Carolina Prevention Providers Association in 2013, which is a state board that acts as a liaison between Prevention Providers and the NC State Prevention Department. In 2014 she was elected to the Executive Committee and continues to serve as a Western Region Representative for Prevention in 2014

Lindsay is married to husband Michael and lives in Hickory NC with their dog Bailey.

For more information about CADCA, visit www.cadca.org

RHA SAIOP Team Holds National Recovery Month Event

On Monday, September 11, 2017, the Burlington RHA SAIOP team held an event to simultaneously recognize September as National Recovery Month and the successful completion by three individuals of the SAIOP program. Every September SAMHSA sponsors Recovery Month to increase awareness and understanding of mental and substance use disorders and celebrate the people who recover. As reported on the SAMHSA website; “Recovery Month promotes the societal benefits of prevention, treatment, and recovery for mental and substance use disorders, celebrates people in recovery, lauds the contributions of treatment and service providers, and promotes the message that recovery in all its forms is possible. Recovery Month spreads the positive message that behavioral health is essential to overall health, prevention works, treatment is effective and people can and do recover.” Cole Shaughnessy, CSAC, CPSS, SAIOP facilitator, and Nancy Baraks, LCSW, LCAS, SAIOP team lead hosted the event inviting SAIOP alumni, Alcoholics Anonymous representative Jeff Palmer, and RHA service provider representatives to speak. RHA providers Vanessa Tribble, LCSW, Peer Support and Beverly Jones, LPC, LCASA, outpatient therapist, were asked to provide information on step-down service lines such as Peer Support Services and Substance Use group. Harvey Bryant, CSACA, Peer Support Specialist provided a personal message of support and encouragement to those on their recovery journey. Jeff Palmer shared his recovery story and information on the 12 step program as a continued support in the recovery community. The honored graduates from SAIOP are (pictured left to right) Elizabeth Valines, Cole Shaughnessy, CSAC, CPSS, Cheryl Harrell, and Rachel Smith. We encourage all to recognize and support those who continue their recovery journey and those who support and serve these individuals during this month.

DHHS awards grant to Vaya Health for pilot program with RHA and Mission Health in Asheville

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — A $2.3 million grant from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services to Vaya Health will help ensure people with mental health or addiction disorders receive proper outpatient care and avoid repeated trips to the hospital.

DHHS awarded grant funds to Vaya Health, a managed healthcare organization serving Western North Carolina, to fund the pilot program in conjunction with Mission Health and RHA Health Services. The initiative will provide comprehensive case management for people utilizing Mission’s emergency department for behavioral health needs, as well as women who are pregnant and using drugs or alcohol, and link them to community services and supports.

“Too often, people don’t connect with routine outpatient care that can prevent a behavioral health issue from becoming a crisis,” said RHA CEO Gordon J. Simmons. “In addition to RHA programs in neighboring counties, C3356 offers 24-hour behavioral health urgent care, counseling, medication management, substance use treatment and peer support services. These programs promote personal recovery and help prevent future crises.”

Nearly 600 people seek care for behavioral health needs at Mission’s ED every month. Some individuals needing psychiatric inpatient treatment wait at the ED for more than three days before a bed becomes available. Repeated visits are also becoming more problematic, with 230 individuals making a total of 770 visits during six months in 2016.

“We hope that over time we’ll reduce the use of the emergency department for those visits that are not necessary that can be addressed at a different level of care,” Vaya Health CEO Brian Ingraham said.

The program is expected to begin in July.

Vaya Health original News release_WNC initiative to promote mental health, reduce ED use