NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 18, 2014
Contact: Veronica Mikitka Reed 484.241.0473 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Newly relocated residential and outpatient treatment center offers increased capacity and expanded programs to better serve high-risk youth and their families
PHILADELPHIA – The Bridge, an affiliate of Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC), unveiled their new state-of-the-art treatment center today at 1100 Adams Avenue in Lower Northeast Philadelphia. Representative John Taylor from the 177th Legislative District; Jason Dawkins, Democratic Nominee for Representative of the 179th District; Sade Ali, Retired Deputy Commissioner of the Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health & Intellectual disABILITY Services; and other supporters joined PHMC and The Bridge staff at the official ribbon cutting and open house this morning.
The more than 25,000 square foot facility was specifically designed to meet the needs of The Bridge's residential and outpatient services for adolescents battling substance abuse and co-occurring mental health issues. The new environmentally friendly space features natural lighting, new technologies and 24 residential dorm rooms, four school classrooms, 12 clinical care rooms, a contemporary kitchen/cafeteria and indoor/outdoor recreational space that can accommodate up to 50 residential clients.
"We're honored to expand our high-quality treatment services into the Lower Northeast Philadelphia community," said, Richard J. Cohen, president and CEO of PHMC. "At PHMC, we believe physical space and innovative design help drive program delivery. This new facility gives us additional opportunities to fulfill our mission to improve the health of our communities and the lives of the individuals and families we serve through this phenomenal program."
Since 1971, the Bridge has become a leader in the treatment of high-risk youth by helping more than 25,000 adolescents and their families in the Greater Philadelphia region. Clients receive individualized, evidence-based treatment to address physical, psychological, educational and spiritual needs.
To prepare kids for life beyond treatment, The Bridge partners with outside schools and organization to offer vocational classes in carpentry, engine repair, culinary arts, metal fabrication and filmmaking. In addition, The Bridge has an onsite licensed private school staffed by certified teachers to help students meet their education goals, achieve their GED and prepare for college. In 2013 the Bridge had 17 students complete either their GED or meet the requirements of their high school diploma. Students at The Bridge over an average of five months improve more than two grade levels in Reading and more than one grade level in Math. The Bridge has offered its students an innovative opportunity to enroll in credit recovery curriculum specifically designed to help them either get "caught up" or to get ahead with enrollment in our credit recovery programming. Currently 35 percent of students are enrolled in this opportunity.
The Bridge's individualized approach has made it one of the most successful residential treatment programs in the region. Eighty percent of those adolescents who complete a treatment exercise at The Bridge never return to this level of institutionalized care. Offering customized treatment focusing on the diverse needs of clients and their families, The Bridge utilizes several evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including:
- Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to treat individuals who have experienced traumatic events adversely impacting their level of functioning.
- Therapeutic approaches to assist clients in processing issues that have been unresolved and adversely impact their ability to grow and develop in a social manner.
- Adhering to the Sanctuary Model's Seven Commitments: nonviolence, emotional intelligence, inquiry and social learning, democracy, open communication, social responsibility, growth and change.
"I commend our partners, staff and students for their perseverance, positive-attitude and commitment to our mission during this relocation," said Michael Ogden, Program Director at The Bridge. "We are incredibly proud of our new space, grateful for the opportunities it provides and we look forward with excitement as we continue to grow our high-quality, successful programs in this state-of-the-art center."
Similar to the organization's relocation to 1500 Market Street this Spring and last year's new health center openings, PHMC partnered with architecture design firm, Bradberry & Kheradi, for the design and development of The Bridge facility.
About The Bridge
The Bridge, an affiliate of Public Health Management Corporation, is a nonprofit behavioral health treatment and youth opportunity program that works to decrease substance abuse, promote recovery and healthy lifestyles and encourage successful community and family involvement in the residential and outpatient treatment of teens. Since 1971, The Bridge has helped more than 25,000 individuals overcome substance abuse disorders or co-occurring mental health and substance abuse issues in their residential and outpatient programs. For more information, visit http://www.thebridgephiladelphia.org/site/.
About PHMC
Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC) is a nonprofit public health institute that creates and sustains healthier communities. PHMC uses best practices to improve community health through direct services, partnership, innovation, policy, research, technical assistance and a prepared workforce. PHMC has served the region since 1972. For more information on PHMC visit www.phmc.org.
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