Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health California Awarded $50,000 Grant from the Medtronic Foundation

Goleta, Calif. (April 20, 2018) — Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health California, a nonprofit behavioral health provider serving Santa Barbara County, is pleased to announce that the organization was recently awarded a $50,000 grant by the Medtronic Foundation.

Funding from the grant will enable Devereux California to support and grow three programs focused on expanding access to chronic disease healthcare for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD), an underserved population in Santa Barbara County. These programs include the center’s: 1) Medically Fragile Program; 2) Supported Living Services Program; and 3) Enhanced Behavior Supports Home. Specifically, the funds will support the areas of staff training, equipment, supplies, assessment tools and technology.

“Public funding covers just 80 percent to 88 percent of Devereux California’s community-based expenses, so we rely on private philanthropy to continue providing a continuum of care for the individuals we serve every day,” said Devereux California Executive Director Amy Evans. “We are beyond thrilled and grateful to the Medtronic Foundation for this generous donation, which will absolutely enable our team to expand and enhance chronic disease healthcare services to meet our individuals’ needs and improve quality of life.”

About these programs:

Medically Fragile Program: A Specialized Residential Center Facility for the Elderly (RCFE) who have been diagnosed with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and/or behavioral challenges. These individuals also have significant medical conditions, including cardiac and respiratory disease, diabetes, impaired mobility, sensory disabilities, and physical disorders. This one-of-a-kind program in California couples Devereux’s years of experience serving individuals with I/DD with nursing staff and a contract physician to provide access to chronic disease healthcare.
Supported Living Services Program: provides in-home assistance, including keeping a calendar of doctors’ appointments and arranging transportation to and from healthcare facilities, doctors’ offices, pharmacies and other healthcare providers. Devereux California staff assist with the physical requirements of the individual, if transportation is needed; helps with in-home physician visits; administers medications; and ensures all physician’s recommendations are met.
Behavioral Supports Home: Staff in this facility monitor and record behaviors to better assess the needs of the individual, which includes clinical care. Devereux California team members ensure that individuals are seen by physicians and clinicians, according to their individualized plans, and that medications are taken as prescribed.

About Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health

Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health is one of the nation’s largest nonprofit organizations providing services, insight and leadership in the evolving field of behavioral healthcare. Founded in 1912 by special education pioneer Helena Devereux, the organization operates a comprehensive national network of clinical, therapeutic, educational, and employment programs and services that positively impact the lives of tens of thousands of children, adults – and their families – every year. Focused on clinical advances emerging from a new understanding of the brain, its unique approach combines evidence-based interventions with compassionate family engagement. With approximately 7,500 employees working in programs across the nation, it is a recognized partner for families, schools and communities, serving many of our country’s most vulnerable populations in the areas of autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, specialty mental health, and child welfare. Programs are offered in hospital, residential, community and school-based settings. They include: assessments; interventions and support; transition and independent life services; family and professional training; research and innovation; and advocacy and public education. For more than a century, Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health has been guided by a simple and enduring mission: To change lives by unlocking and nurturing human potential for people living with emotional, behavioral or cognitive differences. www.devereux.org.

About Devereux California

Devereux California is a premier provider of services to individuals with disabilities – and their families. Devereux California provides a continuum of care for adults – ages 18 through lifespan – with diagnoses such as autism spectrum disorder, intellectual and developmental disabilities, emotional and/or behavioral differences, and other cognitive differences. The organization offers residential and day treatment programs, community-based group homes, supported living services, respite care, and an adult day program. Nestled near the beaches of Goleta, Calif., between the Pacific Coast and the Santa Ynez Mountains, the organization combines integrated and individualized care in a serene, coastal setting. To learn more, visit: www.devereuxca.org.

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