[January 21, 2013] |
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Innovative "MY LIFE" Program for Youth Confronting Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Foster Care Challenges Comes to Florida
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. --(Business Wire)--
Youth who experience mental health, substance abuse, and/or trauma
inflicted as a result of abuse or neglect are more likely than other
youth to drop out of high school, be arrested, be bullied or become
homeless as they transition to adulthood.1
To address this disparity, Magellan Behavioral Health of Florida is
collaborating with Palmer Munroe Teen Center and Children's Home Society
of Florida to launch MY LIFE Tallahassee, a program designed to help
"transition-age" youth ages 13 to 23 years old who have experienced
mental health, substance abuse, and/or suffered trauma as a result of
abuse or neglect, by providing them the opportunity to have a voice in
the community.
The first meeting of MY LIFE Tallahassee will be held at the Palmer
Munroe Teen Center on Wednesday, Jan. 23 from 6 - 8 p.m. Interested
youth are encouraged to attend to be a part of starting this innovative
group in Tallahassee. Family members and youth supporters are also
invited to attend. Dinner will be provided.
Founded by Magellan of Arizona and local youth in 2008, MY LIFE focuses
on inspiring youth to share their stories and support each other in
their recovery goals through regular meetings, local and national
workshops, presentations, and performances. The program helps to reduce
the stigma associated with these challenges, inspire other teens to seek
help if needed and take an active role in their community.
Since its introduction five years ago, the MY LIFE program has expanded
to Pennsylvania and Louisiana with seven groups nationally and more than
400 participants. MY LIFE youth have given more than 50 national
presentations to nearly 5,000 people. The group has also planned and
produced eight MY Fest youth festivals to share resources, create
awareness and reduce stigma among more than 20,000 community members. MY
LIFE is helping transform systems that serve youth across the country,
and is bringing that experience to Tallahassee.
To learn more about MY LIFE's outreach efforts and achievements, visit:
For more information about MY LIFE in Tallahassee or to participate in
the program, interested individuals may call Stephanie Doski,
904-524-0040, or Greg Dicharry, 602-692-9135.
About Palmer Munroe Teen Center In August 2010, the Palmer
Munroe Teen Center opened its doors as the first teen center in
Tallahassee, Florida. A joint venture between the City of Tallahassee,
Leon County, Leon County Schools, and the Department of Juvenile
Justice, the Palmer Munroe Teen Center serves as a safe, productive
haven for many area youth ages 13 to 19. The Teen Center helps alleviate
conflict among youth throughout the community through a teen-driven
process that focuses on attractive programming, adult mentoring,
educational assistance, restorative justice collaboration, and the use
of cutting edge initiatives developed to engage teens through skills
based training, fun and safe entertainment outlets, and community
service involvement.
About Children's Home Society of Florida Founded in 1902,
Children's Home Society of Florida is the oldest and largest statewide
private non-profit provider of services to children and families in
Florida and delivers a full spectrum of prevention and intervention
programs. Services include foster care, adoption, child development,
emergency shelters, residential group homes, independent and
transitional living for teens, parent education, counseling, mentoring,
treatment for developmentally disabled children, and more. Children's
Home Society of Florida, which served nearly 200,000 children and
families throughout the state last year, is headquartered in Winter
Park, Fla. Children's Home Society of Florida offers services by more
than 1,800 dedicated staff members in nearly 100 locations.
About Magellan Health Services Headquartered in Avon, Conn.,
Magellan Health Services, Inc. is a leading specialty health care
management organization with expertise in managing behavioral health,
radiology and pharmacy programs. Magellan delivers innovative solutions
to improve quality outcomes and optimize the cost of care for those we
serve. As of September 30, 2012, Magellan's customers include health
plans, employers and government agencies, serving approximately 33.8
million members in our behavioral health business, 17.3 million members
in our radiology benefits management segment, and 8 million members in
our medical pharmacy management product. In addition, the specialty
pharmaceutical segment served 40 health plans and several pharmaceutical
manufacturers and state Medicaid Programs. The Company's Medicaid
Administration segment served 24 states and the District of Columbia.
For more information, visit www.MagellanHealth.com.
1 Hewitt B. "Rusty" Clark, PhD. National Network on Youth
Transition
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