Receiving the award for the Ridgeview MIST program are Michelle Jones, program manager; Brian Buuck, chief executive officer; Kristin Bales, therapist; and Stacy Park, outpatient services director. (Submitted photo)
Mothers and Infants Sober Together, or MIST, was presented a Program of Excellence award at the recent annual meeting of the Tennessee Association of Mental Health Organizations, held in Nashville.
The MIST program provides outpatient treatment for mothers who disclose use or abuse of substances during pregnancy or test positive at delivery. The service includes in-home case management, individual and group therapy, and alcohol and drug support groups. The program serves between 80-100 families a year.
A primary goal of the program is to coordinate and provide mental health and substance abuse treatment services to prevent Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome and to promote a stable, drug-free environment for the infant and family, a press release said. Families learn about bonding, attachment, parenting techniques, and addiction and recovery, to replace harmful parenting practices with safe, positive, and nurturing ones. Another goal is to assure access to and compliance with medical care and routine, consistent contact with a primary care physician and/or pediatrician. Urine drug screens are conducted to ensure the safety of the unborn and newborn babies.
Ridgeview’s MIST program has expanded from Anderson and Roane counties into Campbell County through partnerships with Dayspring Family Health Center, Jellico Hospital, and Blue Cross/Blue Shield, thus fostering integrated physical and mental health care, the press release said. Services are based at the Federally Qualified Health Center at Dayspring in Campbell County, with group therapy at Jellico Hospital. Aftercare plans include the option to continue in MIST support groups and other Ridgeview services for as long as needed.
For additional information about Ridgeview’s programs and services, visit the website at ridgevw.com or phone (865) 482-1076.
