Centerstone Wins National Recognition for the Centerstone Research Institute

Nashville, Tenn. – The National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare has named Centerstone a winner of a 2008 Award of Excellence. Centerstone was selected as the Excellence in Innovation Award winner for the Centerstone Research Institute, an unparalleled, innovative organization linking renowned behavioral health researchers with service providers and enhancing the field’s ability to meet mental health treatment needs in communities nationwide. The Awards Dinner took place on Friday, May 2, 2008 at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library in Boston, Massachusetts, during the 2008 National Council Annual Conference.

“The Centerstone Research Institute will help thousands of people find healing each year,” said Linda Rosenberg, MSW, president and CEO of the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare. “By bridging the gap between research and practice, the Centerstone Research Institute creates a future where all people have access to innovative treatments that will allow them to live independent, fulfilling lives.”

Centerstone is a nonprofit behavioral health organization that operates innovative and evidence-based programs designed to help those with mental illnesses and addictions receive treatment. A leader in the field of behavioral healthcare, Centerstone is the nation’s largest community-based behavioral healthcare provider. Federal, state, and community support, along with Medicaid reimbursements, enable Centerstone to serve more than more than 69,000 individuals and families in Tennessee and Indiana. The organization operates more than 120 licensed facilities and maintains a $110 million budget.

Research at Centerstone dates back to 2000 when the organization established a Research Review and Oversight Committee in response to research inquiries. Studies officially began in 2001 when Centerstone created an Institutional Review Board. Since then, the Centerstone Research Institute has implemented measures to ensure that individuals accessing behavioral health services at Centerstone benefit from effective, outcome-focused treatment based on the latest scientific research. Current statistics report that it takes 13-17 years before evidence-based treatment makes the transition to mainstream use. Even then, these treatments rarely become widespread best-practice. Lack of interdisciplinary partnerships and limited technological advancements have inhibited access and adherence to proven protocols.

The Centerstone Research Institute recognizes the essential role that individual practitioners and community mental health centers play in closing the science-to-service gap. To encourage more sharing among providers, the Institute maintains the Knowledge Network, a technology-based, partner-driven collaboration that translates research to practice. The Centerstone Research Institute has secured more than $30 million in grants to implement and evaluate services, conducted more than 90 service and clinical studies, and established partnerships with state government, universities, and community mental health centers in several states.

“Centerstone is so proud to be recognized with this prestigious award from the National Council. Our goal is to provide better service to individuals living with mental illness and addictions and create opportunities for long-term health and a fuller quality of life. It is an honor to be recognized for the work we do every day to meet our mission,” said David Guth, Jr., MSSW, chief executive officer of Centerstone.

The National Council Awards of Excellence recognize mental health and addictions treatment providers, like Centerstone, that are implementing innovative and effective programs to serve their communities. Award winners have demonstrated an ability to measure outcomes, translate research into practice, and provide service to the most vulnerable populations.

The National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) association of 1,400 behavioral healthcare organizations that provide treatment and rehabilitation for mental illnesses and addictions disorders to nearly six million adults, children and families in communities across the country. The National Council and its members bear testimony to the fact that medical, social, psychological and rehabilitation services offered in community settings help people with mental illnesses and addiction disorders recover and lead productive lives.

Centerstone (www.centerstone.org), a nonprofit organization, is the nation’s largest community-based behavioral healthcare provider. With a history that spans over fifty years, Centerstone provides a full range of behavioral health and related educational services to more than 69,000 individuals of all ages and their families annually. Children, adolescents, adults, seniors, and families all receive help from a multitude of different programs in more than 120 facilities and 150 partnership locations in Tennessee and Indiana. Centerstone is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) and The Joint Commission. For more information about Centerstone, please call toll free at (888) 291-4357.

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