MVCA September 1999 Newsletter
PRESIDENT'S CORNER
Carol Pohly
I am excited to begin my term as president of the Miami Valley Counseling Association (MVCA) during this important time in our growth as a profession. Thanks in part to the efforts of the Ohio Counseling Association (OCA) and its chapters, of which MVCA is one, counselors are becoming more highly regarded as professionals in both community and school settings, and more readily recognized as excellent providers of service by organizations such as managed care companies. As a state, Ohio has been one of the leaders in developing high academic standards for counselor training, supervision, and licensure. OCA and its chapters have been part of the force behind this development. We have much to be proud of! However, there is much more to do.
Today, as people live to be much older and children are exposed to the harsh realities of life at much younger ages, we see that the availability of counseling throughout the lifespan is vital to many. In order to better serve the needs of these clients, counselors need to work together to coordinate services and support each other's work.
Having worked in my career as both a school counselor and a mental health counselor in private practice, I am aware that counselors play an important role in people's lives in a variety of settings within the community. MVCA provides a place for counselors from various settings to connect and network, and to learn about and appreciate each other's counseling role. It also offers an opportunity for counselors to unite as a group for the purpose of educating the public about who we are and lobbying for our legislative needs.
Your participation in MVCA is important as we enter the new millennium. I hope you will join us as we move forward in our professional growth.
FROM THE EDITOR
Jane Shirley
In her first column as president of MVCA, Carol has noted several good reasons for belonging to our state and local professional organizations. I heartily agree with her views. Therefore, I am presenting my top ten reasons for joining our professional organizations. (Sorry, no humor this time.) Membership in OCA and ACA provides:
1. Access to information on current laws and rules to which we as professional counselors must adhere in our practice.
2. Information on the divisions that further professionalism in various specialty areas of counseling.
3. Funding of advocacy for legislation that furthers our profession.
4. Opportunities for professional development in the form of conferences and workshops that meet continuing education requirements for licensure maintenance.
5. Opportunities for networking with other like-minded professionals.
6. Provision of an organized strategic public relations campaign.
7. Opportunities to purchase professional liability insurance at reduced rates.
8. Professional identity.
9. Quality publications that include articles of professional interest.
10. Discounts for members at some businesses.
In summation, OCA members are professional counselors in Ohio working in a variety of settings, including schools, agencies, corrections facilities, and private practice. OCA dues support efforts to advance the counseling profession. By joining OCA, you also become a member of a local chapter, such as MVCA. Members receive OCA newsletters and information on training events plus reduced fees for MVCA workshops. Membership starts the date you join. A membership application is attached to this newsletter. If you are not yet a member, why not join now? Letters to the editor can be sent to me, Jane Shirley, by FAX to 937/456-5939.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Kriss Haren
This article highlights six pieces of legislation that address issues of concern to mental health providers.
Of paramount interest is House Bill (HB) 71 addressing issues of the Morgan v. Fairfield case, which was passed by the legislature during the spring session, was signed into law by Governor Taft, and takes effect on September 15, 1999. This piece of legislation was drafted by a coalition of mental health providers. A workshop on this new law will take place on September 14 in Columbus. Readers should have received a brochure in the mail announcing this workshop.
The Bipartisan Consensus Managed Care Improvement Act (H.R. 2723) is being sponsored by 45 Democrats and 20 Republicans and was introduced in the house on August 6, 1999. It would provide protection to all privately insured persons, which is unlike the Senate-passed plan that only applies to self-insured workers. H.R. 2723 would hold health plans liable for treatment decisions that result in death or injury, and prohibit discrimination against service providers based on the type of license, location, or patient base. It addresses a timely internal and external appeals process for decisions denying or delaying a doctor's prescribed care. President Clinton has asked that the Speaker schedule a vote on the measure in September when Congress returns from break. However, the Speaker has stated that a vote on a Republican package still being drafted will be scheduled in September.
H.R. 1995, the Teacher Empowerment Act, was approved by the House Education and Workforce Committee on June 30, 1999. It eliminates "pupil services personnel" including school counselors from eligibility for professional development under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965.
The Work Incentives Improvement Act (WIIA), which passed the senate by a vote of 90 - 0 on June 16, 1999, may increase the need for career and rehabilitation counselors. The "Ticket to Work" program provides persons receiving Social Security benefits with a voucher or ticket to be used to pay for supportive services, including career counseling and rehabilitation services. A briefing packet containing more information can be obtained from the American Counseling Association at 800/347-6647, extension 222, or on the Worldwide Web at: www.counseling.org/governmentrelations/wiia.pdf
The Educational Excellence for All Children Act was introduced in late May without the Elementary School Counseling Demonstration Act component, which would have provided funding for hiring school counselors. ACA continues to lobby for the inclusion of funding for this service.
The Services Act for Youth Mental Health and Substance Abuse (SAMHSA) of 1999 was approved by the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee. The bill re-authorizes SAMHSA discretionary and block grant programs, and would create new grants for programs focusing on young people who deal with both substance abuse and mental health issues, youth violence, and "wrap-around" mental health and substance abuse services for young offenders. This bill would also renew a state grant program for the severely mentally disabled (SMD) population at risk of homelessness or those already homeless.
WRAY REIGER SCHOLARSHIP AWARDED
The 1999 recipient of the Wray Reiger Memorial Scholarship, which was awarded at the MVCA May workshop, is Tiffany Neher. Tiffany is working toward her masters degree in counseling exceptional children at Wright State University and will pursue LPCC licensure. She has chosen her specialty area because of a desire to help youth who are struggling with difficult aspects of life. She believes that working with children will have a positive impact on the future by producing healthier adults. Tiffany graduated from Wayne High School in Huber Heights in 1994, and received her B.A. in Psychology with honors from Wright State in 1998. She is a member of several prestigious organizations, including the Golden Key National Honor Society, Psi Chi, Phi Kappa Phi, OCA, MVCA, and Chi Sigma Iota. Congratulations, Tiffany!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
MVCA WORKSHOP! Our fall workshop will be held at Wright State's Student Union on Friday, October 8, 1999. The presenter is Dr. Michael Williams whose topic will be "Perilous Times: A Seminar on Violence." Six CEUS are pending. Don't miss this timely workshop. Social hour and registration will be from 8:00 to 9:00 A.M. with Dr. Williams' presentation beginning at 9:00 A.M., and the day ending at 5:00 P.M. Cost is $60 for MVCA members and $75 for non-members. To register or obtain detailed information, contact Kriss Haren at 937/223-3446.
COALITION FOR FAIR RESPONSIBILITY WORKSHOP! This workshop focuses on the implications of HB 71, prompted by the Morgan v. Fairfield case, and will take place at the Columbus Convention Center on September 14, 1999 from 9:00 A.M. to 4:15 P.M. Cost is $75 and provides CEUs. For information, contact Yolanda Hebert at 614/466-9902.
ODMH CONFERENCE! The Ohio Department of Mental Health (ODMH) is presenting a Suicide Prevention Conference October 28, 1999 to be held in Columbus from 9:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Keynote speaker will be Alan Berman, Ph.D., Executive Director of the American Association of Suicidology. CEUs will be awarded. For more information, contact Eric Poklar at 614/644-6791.
1999 ALL-OHIO COUNSELORS CONFERENCE! Mark your calendars for November 3 - 5, 1999 for this OCA-sponsored event that will take place at the Adam's Mark Hotel in Columbus.
BUSINESS - EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES!
A psychologist or masters-level mental health professional is sought to share office space in a new suite of offices at a prime Oakwood location, which is ideal for a private practice. Contact K. Currier, Ph.D. at 937/298-9011.
A counselor, psychologist, or social worker is sought to join an established private practice on a part-time basis. Offices are nicely furnished in a prime Kettering location. Call 434-6217 for information.
