IMPACT | John Hyatt, President & CEO | 414-256-4808 | www.impactinc.org
IMPACT's Access Point to Treatment screenings rely on mental health and trauma checklists to improve client outcomes
In 2012, IMPACT started a pilot project, becoming the first and only Access Point in Milwaukee County to incorporate a mental health and trauma symptom checklist as part of our intake process. Access Points are available for residents seeking alcohol and drug services, including substance use disorder treatment. Screenings determine level of care.
 
A supplemental screen was added consisting of 43 statements which address mental health and trauma symptoms. Clients with elevated scores are evaluated to determine if their responses are influenced by active withdrawal or intoxication. If it isn't a factor, the screener discusses the results, risks, recommendations and resources available. At the client's request, the screener will make an appointment for further evaluation and send the results of the mental health and trauma screening to the client's chosen provider.
 
Feedback has been positive from our clients, as well as the treatment providers that deliver services because this comprehensive approach results in more favorable outcomes.
 


Second Annual Higher Ground event to address trauma and raise support for IMPACT's free services

Trauma is usually associated with a deeply distressing or disturbing experience that changes the way you look at the world, and affects the way you function in life. Emotional and physical trauma is not new. What is new is how people are acknowledging it. As society increases in its understanding about the prevalence of trauma, as well as the degree to which it permeates all aspects of a person's life - even decades later - we create a safer environment for those who have suffered in solitude to acknowledge its impact.

Not everyone facing a personal crisis who calls 2-1-1 has unresolved trauma. Not everyone with a substance abuse issue who contacts us for help has a history of trauma. For those who do, it is critical that we factor it into our assessment, recommendations and referrals. A successful outcome hinges on it. But first, we provide an experience where we relate to the client in a way that is different than what they expect. We establish trust. We remove judgment. We accept that missteps and detours are a part of the journey, and assure them that they don't have to navigate it alone.

Proceeds from HIGHER GROUND...The Trauma Epidemic will benefit IMPACT's free services which help nearly 300,000 people each year reach higher ground. Please visit our website for ticket and table information, or to make a gift of support.
 
IMPACT awarded $100,000 grant to update phone technology

Impact100 Greater Milwaukee is an organization of women who collectively award transformative grants that make a lasting impact on the community. The local chapter, comprised of 334 donors, received 65 applications from nonprofits in Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington and Waukesha counties in 2018. Applicants were reviewed by a panel of volunteer grant evaluators, a process that included 10 site visits.

If our callers and clients are the heart of the work we do, our telephone system is the backbone. Access 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, is our promise to the community. The $100,000 grant from Impact100 gives us the critical infrastructure necessary to continue serving as a lifeline during times of personal crisis and community disaster.
 
Consider the following projection: based on a 15-year life expectancy of a new telephone system, and accounting for our average annual increase in calls, a new system will allow us to assist over five million people.

We are immensely grateful for the women who Give As One!
IMPACT President & CEO, John Hyatt, stands with staff in attendance for the Impact100 Greater Milwaukee annual awards celebration at the Italian Community Center.

IMPACT changes lives, for good. We help people take the first step to resolve a crisis and create a path toward stabilization; as well as collaborate with our partners to foster system improvement.

 

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