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.
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
NC START EAST – 3rd place
- 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…”
