BHcare welcomes psychiatrist to team of mental health specialists

Dr. Alexander Rahimi

 ANSONIA/BRANFORD - BHcare welcomes Dr. Alexander Rahimi to our team of mental health and substance use specialists. 

Dr Rahimi will be working with our Medication Assisted Treatment program, leading our dedicated MAT team to provide behavioral therapy, supports and medications to treat clients with opioid use disorders.

Dr. Rahimi received his medical degree at the Uniformed Services University, where he earned membership to Gold Humanism Honor Society. He completed his psychiatry residency at Tripler Army Medical Center and earned his fellowship in Addiction Psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine. 

He served as Chief Resident of Research and Scholarly Activity, Safety Chief of the Department of Behavioral Health, a member of the Medical Student Recruitment Committee, and participated in the Program Evaluation Committee along with the Medical Student Curriculum Committee at Tripler Army Medical Center. 

Dr Rahimi was also awarded Intern of the Year and Resident Researcher of the Year during his time at Tripler. 

BHcare’s MAT uses FDA-approved medications naltrexone (Vivitrol®) and buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone®) - along with comprehensive counseling and behavioral therapies - to help to provide a “whole-person” approach to address issues related to opioid dependence, including withdrawal management, cravings and relapse prevention. 

Evidence-based treatment approaches like these increase success and long-term recovery rates. Call 203-800-7177 or visit BHcare.org to learn more about our services.

BHcare provides a comprehensive and integrated system of care with wrap-around services for adults, children, and families struggling with mental health, substance use, domestic violence and other health-risk behaviors.  

Visit BHcare.org for more information.

This is a press release from BHcare.

BHcare offers help on managing mental health after shooting incidents

BRANFORD - The recent community shooting is an isolated incident that is part of other isolated incidents happening across the nation. 

Realizing that many community residents who live or work in the area heard the gunfire, were in lockdown, witnessed the scene, or needed to shelter in area businesses and buildings will be working through the effects of this experience over the next several days, weeks, months and years.

There is a wide range of physical and emotional symptoms one can experience from this kind of trauma.

Physical symptoms may include insomnia or nightmares, fatigue, being startled easily, racing heartbeat, edginess and agitation, aches and pains, muscle tension, increase use of alcohol or other drugs. 

Emotional symptoms may include shock, denial, or disbelief, confusion, difficulty concentrating, anger, irritability, mood swings, anxiety and fear, guilt, shame, self-blame, withdrawing from others, feeling sad or hopeless and/or feeling disconnected or numb.

How can you help? You can be empathetic and increase your observation and listening skills. While it is easy for us to observe signs, we may not always see the symptoms a person is experiencing.  

By implementing the Mental Health First Aid USA Action Plan called ALGEE, you can assist and refer to appropriate professional help when needed. 

The five-step action plan helps you to:

 1.)Approach, assess and assist with any crisis, 2.) Listen non-judgmentally, 3.) Give support and information, 4) Encourage appropriate professional help and 5.) Encourage other supports. 

If you or someone you care about needs to be bridged to professional help, BHcare is here for you. 

Our experienced and professional staff are trained in evidence-based practices and are available to help. Call today at (203) 800-7177. 

Whether you lived through the trauma yourself, are a relative of someone who did or witnessed the aftermath on the news or social media, it is crucial for everyone to understand their emotions and develop strategies to cope.

BHcare is a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic. 

We offer a comprehensive and integrated system of care, with “wrap-around” services for adults, children and families struggling with mental health, substance use, domestic violence, and other health-risk behaviors. 

Learn more at BHcare.org.

This is press release from Pam Mautte, Director, Alliance for Prevention & Wellness.

BHcare recognizes African Americans' contributions during Black History Month

February is Black History Month.

At BHcare we recognize the contributions that black Americans have made to the healthcare community, and notably to the behavioral health field.  

We recognize mental health conditions do not discriminate based on age, race, or gender, however access to health care has historically been a barrier for minorities.  

This leads to lack of support and treatment, and ultimately not feeling well.

According to the Discovery Mood & Anxiety Program, African-American adults are 20 percent more likely to experience mental health issues than the rest of the population yet only around 25 percent seek treatment for a mental health issue, compared to 40 percent of white individuals. 

BHcare provides a healthy and welcoming community that celebrates people from all walks of life. We are here to help. 

BHcare offices are located in Ansonia and Branford.

Some of the services BHcare offers include: 

• Individual and Group Therapy
• Trauma Informed Care 
• Substance Use Disorder Services 
• Coordination with Health Care Providers
• Community Support Services 
• Job Placement

We continue to advocate for mental health parity to make high-quality mental health and addiction treatment services available to anyone who needs them. 

Get connected today. Call 203-800-7177 or visit www.BHcare.org.

Throughout the month of February, BHcare will share health facts and inspirational quotes focusing on education, awareness, access, and kindness.  

Be sure to follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/CTBHcare.

BHcare is a regional community provider of behavioral health, addiction prevention, and domestic violence services for the Lower Naugatuck Valley, Greater New Haven, and Shoreline communities.  

For more information, visit www.BHcare.org.

This is a press release from BHcare.

BHcare now offering on-site appointments in Ansonia, Branford

Shared from the BHcare Facebook page:

IMPORTANT COVID-19 CHANGES

We are here for you!

BHcare is offering limited on-site appointments and new client intakes in its adult clinics in Ansonia and Branford and at the HOPE Family Justice Center. 

The majority of appointments and services will continue via tele-health. We are not accepting any walk-in clients at this time.

We have prepared our staff and sites with all the applicable precautions to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. 
When making an appointment our staff will help you to prepare for your appointment if in person, which will include a health screening and temperature taking.

To make an in-person or telehealth appointment call:
BHcare Ansonia: 203-736-2601
BHcare Branford: 203-483-2630

To make an appointment at the HOPE Family Justice Center call: 203-800-7204

Children’s services will continue via telehealth. To make an appointment call:
PCRC Derby Clinic: 203-954-0543

We thank all of our staff, clients and community supporters as we work through this challenging time together. We strive to continue to serve our clients in the most effective manner possible while keeping everyone safe.
For further information call the numbers listed above.

• The Valley Social Club, OPTIONS, YAS drop-in centers, and UCDVS Ansonia office are temporarily closed.
• My Sister’s Place and The Clothing Bank are open, but with safety precautions in place.

Please do not leave donations outside the Clothing Bank or MSP as they will have to be discarded

Connecticut Hospice in Branford to celebrate 40 years at Sunday event

BHcare offers medication-assisted treatment in Ansonia, Branford

Medication-Assisted Treatment is now available at BHcare sites in Branford and Ansonia. 

MAT combines behavioral therapy and medications to treat substance use disorders.

MAT is the use of FDA-approved medications such as naltrexone (Vivitrol), buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) or methadone - along with comprehensive counseling and behavioral therapies - to help to provide a “whole-person” approach to address issues related to opioid use disorders, including withdrawal, cravings, and relapse prevention. 

BHcare offers buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone®) or naltrexone along with counseling and supports for treatment of opioid use disorders. 

Individuals who want to stop using opioids and other substances may find it very difficult. Their need to satisfy cravings or avoid withdrawal can be so intense that they feel hopeless and overwhelmed. At the right dose, and with behavioral therapies, medication assisted therapy can suppress opioid withdrawal symptoms and suppress cravings to help individuals continue treatment and avoid illicit opioid use.

MAT helps people maintain recovery, saves money, reduces crime, and helps people regain their health and their lives. The U.S. surgeon general’s Spotlight on Opioids report calls MAT the “gold standard” for treatment.

“Our approach is truly comprehensive, looking at all aspects of a person’s recovery including treatment of co-occurring conditions,” said Dr. Sandra E. Gomez Luna, Medical Director at BHcare. “We understand the need for support within the community. We provide individualized care, attending to everyone’s unique needs.”  

Call to make an appointment today: Ansonia, 203-736-2601; Branford, 203-483-2630.

BHcare is a regional community provider of behavioral health, addiction prevention, and domestic violence services for the Lower Naugatuck Valley, Greater New Haven and Shoreline communities.  

For more information, visit www.bhcare.org.

This is a press release from BHcare.

Boy sets up cider stand in Derby, uses proceeds to help Branford food bank

Here's a feel good story contributed by Cindy Barbian, manager at St. Vincent De Paul thrift shop on Roosevelt Drive in Derby:

DERBY - This 12-year-old boy, JD, lives in Branford, and his grandparents live in Derby near St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Shop and Food Bank.  

Barbian said each year he comes out to the parking lot on Park Avenue behind the SVDP building and sells something.

Last year JD sold lemonade and chocolate chip cookies; this year he sold apple cider.  

With the proceeds he purchases canned goods for a food bank in his hometown of Branford. 

Kudos to JD for caring for those less fortunate in his community!

Yale students help organize BHCare Clothing Bank in Branford

Pictured from left: Xu Webber, Joan McFarlane, Holland Finely, Garrett Dargan, and Megan Ananian. Not pictured is Jane Wiedenbeck. / Contributed photo

Five students from Yale School of Management recently lent a helping hand to BHcare’s Clothing Bank in Branford. 
The school celebrates Volunteer Week each year by helping out in the community. 

The students spent the day cleaning and organizing the store. 

Joan McFarlane, coordinator of the Clothing Bank appreciates the great work done by the School of Management Team. 
“The young adults that volunteered today at the BHcare Clothing Bank were beyond our expectations,” McFarlane stated. “They were personable, organized, and worked without any direction.  
"Their intelligence was evident in the way in which they took charge, their organizational skills and their cooperation amongst each other.” 

For more than 35 years, BHcare has been providing hope and help for individuals, families and children affected by mental illness, domestic violence, and substance abuse. The BHcare Clothing Bank is an outreach program of BHcare that provides clothing to those in need. Thanks our generous donors, the Clothing Bank supplies clothing, shoes, accessories, baby gear, linens and personal care items for more than 3,000 individuals and families each year.

The Clothing Bank is located in the Patricia C. Andriole Volunteer Service Center at 30 Harrison Ave., Branford.
Hours are Monday-Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

For more information, contact Kathy Townsend at ktownsend@bhcare.org or 203-446-9739 x1856.
                                                         

BHcare is a regional community provider of behavioral health, addiction prevention, and domestic violence services for the Lower Naugatuck Valley, Greater New Haven and Shoreline communities. 

For more information, visit www.bhcare.org.

This is a press release from BHcare.

Branford Lions Club donates $1,000 to BHcare's Clothing Bank

Contributed photo

BHcare's Clothing Bank recently received a $1,000 donation from the Branford Lions Club. 

The money was raised during an annual Octoberfest event. The Branford Lions Club has been a loyal supporter of the Clothing Bank for many years.

For more than 35 years, BHcare has been providing hope and help for individuals, families, and children affected by mental illness, domestic violence, and substance abuse. 

The BHcare Clothing Bank is an outreach program of BHcare that provides clothing to those in need. 

Thanks to generous donors, the Clothing Bank supplies clothing, shoes, accessories, baby gear, linens and personal care items for than 3,000 individuals and families each year. 

Clothing Bank clients can visit monthly and select several articles of clothing for each family member for a nominal charge of $20 per year. 

We need the help of the community for both donations and volunteers to assist at the Clothing Bank. 

For more information contact Jim Lamb at jlamb@bhcare.org or 203-641-5638.

The Clothing Bank is located in the Patricia C. Andriole Volunteer Service Center, 30 Harrison Ave., Branford. 

Hours are Monday-Thursday, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Regional community provider

BHcare is a regional community provider of behavioral health, addiction prevention, and domestic violence services for the Lower Naugatuck Valley, Greater New Haven, and Shoreline communities. 

For more information, visit www.bhcare.org.

This is a press release from BHcare.   

BHcare announces hiring of community outreach specialist

BRANFORD - BHcare is pleased to announce that Jim Lamb recently joined the organization as the Community Development Outreach Specialist. 

Lamb is based in BHcare’s Branford office.
He is responsible for developing relationships between the organization and community stakeholders, including civic groups and corporations. 

“I’m happy to be a part of the BHcare team and help with the needs of this underserved population,” Lamb said.

The retired pharmaceutical executive has been involved with nonprofit organizations since 2009. 
Prior to joining BHcare, Lamb worked in Employment Services at SARAH, Inc. a Manager of Business Development. 

He serves on the board of directors of Shoreline Chamber of Commerce, is co-chair of its Nonprofit Council, and was honored by the chamber as Volunteer of the Year last year.

For more information, visit www.BHcare.org

This is a press release from BHcare, a regional community provider of behavioral health, addiction prevention, and domestic violence services for the Lower Naugatuck Valley, Greater New Haven, and Shoreline communities.  

Branford resident to present African-American artifacts at Ansonia Middle School

ANSONIA - The Friends of the Ansonia Library and Ansonia Middle School will present "The African-American Collection" Feb. 24 at the school, 115 Howard Ave.

Jeffrey A. Fletcher is the owner of an expansive collection of African-American artifacts, ranging from slave shackles, documentation where children, men, and women were sold along with property as well as livestock, to the fight for civil rights and the barriers to equality. 

Original games, postcards, and toys promoting stereotypes of African-Americans also are some of the items which will be on display.   

The exhibit is a collection of imagery and items which reflect the decades of turbulent times for African-Americans in the United States during the period of slavery up to the Civil Rights movement, including original pictures, signs, statutes and KKK regalia which are chronicled as being significant in the history of African-Americans.
It will provide everyone an opportunity to experience a powerful visual display of what motivated the trailblazers and pioneers who forged the way for equality as well as freedom for African-Americans today. 

A lifelong Branford resident, Fletcher is one of four children raised by parents who migrated from the South at early ages during the turbulent years of “Jim Crow” and the early Civil Rights era. 

His desire to bring a sad and troubling part of Black American History to the forefront was inspired by his parents, siblings and daughter. He uses the artifacts and memorabilia from his collection to tell his parents’ story as well as the thousands of African Americans who survived the extremes of overt racism and discrimination.

Fletcher will give three, one-hour presentations relating to his collection, at which times the public is invited to attend: at 8:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 4 p.m. in the middle school auditorium.

A preview exhibit is on display at the Ansonia Library, 53 S. Cliff St.


This is a press release from Mary Ann Capone, Director, Ansonia Library.

Branford man to present African-American artifacts at Ansonia Middle School

Ansonia Library to host preview of exhibit

ANSONIA - Jeffrey Fletcher of Branford will present his collection of African-American artifacts in two programs Feb. 24 at Ansonia Middle School, 115 Howard Ave. 

His collection ranges from slave shackles, documentation where children, men and women were sold along with property as well as livestock, to the fight for civil rights and the barriers to equality. 

Original games, postcards, and toys promoting stereotypes of African-Americans are some of the items that will be on display.   

The exhibit is a collection of imagery and items which reflect the decades of turbulent times for African-Americans in the United States during the period of slavery up to the Civil Rights movement, including original pictures, signs, statues, and KKK regalia which are chronicled as being significant in the history of African- Americans. 

It will provide everyone an opportunity to experience a powerful visual display of what motivated the trailblazers and pioneers who forged the way for equality as well as freedom for African-Americans today. 

A lifelong Branford resident, Fletcher is one of four children raised by parents who migrated from the South at early ages during the turbulent years of “Jim Crow” and the early Civil Rights era. 

His desire to bring a sad and troubling part of Black American History to the forefront was inspired by his parents, siblings, and daughter. He uses the artifacts and memorabilia from his collection to tell his parents’ story as well as the thousands of African-Americans who survived the extremes of overt racism and discrimination.

Fletcher will give two presentations, at 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. 
The exhibit will be located in the school auditorium. It is free and open to the public. 

A preview exhibit will be on display at the Ansonia Library, 53 S. Cliff St. starting Feb. 10, according to information from the Friends of the Ansonia Library.

This is a press release from the Friends of the Ansonia Library.

BHcare official recognized by Branford Rotary Club

Emily Granelli was honored as the recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Club of Branford at its annual Installation Dinner July 1 at Pine Orchard Yacht & Country Club in Branford. / Contributed photot

The Paul Harris Award was created in memory of Paul Harris who established the Rotary Club over 110 years ago and it is the highest award presented by the Club. Its purpose is to acknowledge the outstanding contribution and exceptional service of members of the community and/or the club.

Granelli, a Quinnipiac alumna, is the Director of Communications and Legislative Affairs at BHcare. She is responsible for the organization’s internal and external communications, and for advocacy efforts on the state and federal levels.

Granelli served on the board of directors for the Rotary Club of Branford from 2011 to 2013, and currently serves on its Installation Dinner Committee and Fundraising Committee.  She volunteers for numerous Branford Rotary events including its annual Car Show, its Veteran’s Luncheon, its Golf Outing, and in its food tent at the Branford Festival.  

“I love being a Rotarian and I especially love being a part of the Branford Club.  It’s amazing how many people we can help and how much we are able to accomplish each year.  I’m honored to be a part of such a remarkable group of people,” she said.

BHcare is a regional community provider of behavioral health, addiction prevention, and domestic violence services for the Shoreline, Greater New Haven, and Lower Naugatuck Valley communities.  

For more information, visit www.bhcare.org.

This is a press release from BHcare. 

BHcare to showcase clients' art at library in Branford

As part of BHcare’s May is Mental Health Awareness Month activities, an art show will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. May 8 at James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford.

Witness the talents of BHcare clients who use photography, sculpture, painting, and other

forms of art to help them in their recovery from mental illness and addiction.

Admission is free and light refreshments will be served.

For information about BHcare’s May is Mental Health Awareness Month activities and events, visit www.bhcare.org.

This is a press release from BHcare, a regional community provider of behavioral health, addiction prevention, and domestic violence services for the Shoreline, Greater New Haven and Lower Naugatuck Valley communities.  

For more information, visit www.bhcare.org.

BHcare benefit in Branford to feature 'cupcake war'

A Shoreline Benefit for BHcare featuring Cupcake War 2015 will be held May 21 at the Pine Orchard Yacht & Country Club in Branford from 5:30-8:30 p.m.  
The evening will feature a full menu, silent auction, music, an amazing view, wonderful company, and a delectable assortment of cupcakes from local bakeries.

Six local bakeries are participating in the cupcake war. They are: Eat Your Art out (North Haven), Katalina’s Bakery (New Haven), Marjolaine Pastry Shop (New Haven), Milani Italian Bakery & Café (Northford), Shoreline Desserts (Branford) and Take the Cake (Guilford).

The committee, chaired by Charlotte Mattei, SVP, Webster Bank, and BHcare board member, is seeking event sponsors, ad sponsors and auction donations. 
Event sponsorships range from $250-$1,000 and ad book space is available for as little as $50.

Tickets are currently on sale for $50 each and are selling quickly.  Any persons or businesses interested in sponsorship, auction donations, or tickets should call Debbie Soulsby, 203-736-2601, ext. 1321 or visit www.bhcare.org. 

Decreases in state and federal funding coupled with increases in demand for services make fundraising events such as this benefit critical to sustaining services for those at risk and in need.  

The BHcare Shoreline Benefit is sponsored by Guilford Savings Bank, as well as by Connecticut Mental Health Center, Rose & Kiernan, and VNA Community Healthcare. Media partner is Shore Publishing.

This is a press release from BHcare, a regional community provider of behavioral health, addiction prevention, and domestic violence services for the Shoreline, Greater New Haven and Lower Naugatuck Valley communities.  
For more information, visit www.bhcare.org.

Salons support Domestic Violence Services in Valley, region

The Umbrella to benefit

An Orange resident who wants to make a difference in the lives of victims of domestic violence has launched a unique fund-raising campaign.

Victoria Butler is asking area salons to participate in a month-long event to raise awareness and funds for BHcare’s The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services of Greater New Haven.

The idea is to have women get their ring fingernail painted purple, which is the color of domestic violence awareness. 

Chazon Designs' signature necklace

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. BHcare is a behavioral health organization.

Butler, a jewelry designer who recently started Chazon Designs, has created a signature piece, “Heart for the Cause” to sell to support domestic violence victims.

She said Chazon is a Hebrew word for "dream or vision." 

Butler writes on her website:

"I was inspired because I am a visionary and have always wanted to help other women to 'dream' and see their own potential.

"Unfortunately, I have seen neglect and abuse squelch the dreams and hopes of many women."

A donation of $5 or more at a participating salon will not only get one's ring fingernails painted purple, but will raise awareness and funds for The Umbrella, Butler said.

The Umbrella offers free domestic violence services, including walk-in crisis help, support groups, emergency shelter, community education, volunteer programs, and advocacy.

One donor will win a “Tugging on my Heart Strings” signature piece necklace donated by Chazon Designs.

Butler also said she will donate 10 percent of her sales of the necklace to The Umbrella Center.

For information on the “Heart for the Cause” event call 203-982-4508.

As of Tuesday participating salons include:


90’s Nail Salon, 515 Howe Ave., Shelton

Adesso Moda, 2524 Dixwell Ave., Hamden

Alan DelMonte Salon, 554 Boston Post Road, Milford

Aleez Salon & Spa, 500 Boston Post Road, Orange

Aura Day Spa, 234 E. Main St., Branford

Blades Hair & Nail Studio, 400 Boston Post Road, Milford

Clover Nail & Spa, 1680 Boston Post Road, Milford

Envy Salon, 354 New Haven Ave., Milford

Essential Nail and Body Boutique, 116 Montowese St., Branford

Hair Forever, 374 New Haven Ave., Milford

Joiya, 2349 Whitney Aven., Hamden

Kimberly & Company, 16 Red Bush Lane, Milford

La Petite Nails & More, 646 Columbus Ave., Milford

Lady Nails & Spa, 400 Boston Post Road, Orange

Lovely Nails, 2100 Dixwell Ave., #70, Hamden

Maria’s Hair Gallery, 2 Division St., Derby

Paris Nails, 500 Boston Post Road, Orange

Sky Nails & Spa, 200 Indian Hill Road, Orange

Studio One Salon, 1810 Dixwell Ave., Hamden

Transitions Nails, Hair & More, 354 Woodmont Road, Milford

Z Hair Studio, 92 Bridgeport Ave., Milford