Traveling during the summer is often an excellent adventure for families. For many, it is an opportunity to relax and enjoy a break from work and school. But for teens who are trying to remain sober, it can be stressful. According to study results from SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration), drug abuse…
Are Teens More Vulnerable to Nicotine Addiction? A recent study found that more than 3,000 teens under 18 have try their first cigarette every day in the United States. And even more alarming: the harmful impact nicotine addiction can have on teenagers. Nicotine is an incredibly addictive drug found in tobacco products such as cigarettes,…
Having a child with any kind of mental health disorder often causes parents to feel hopeless and alone. You may have a sincere desire to help your child work through the depressed state but lack the tools you need to communicate. After all, few of us are equipped to handle mental disorders. Even the best…
When someone has a physical issue or disorder, it’s hard for people not to notice. Many times, the individual’s pain and suffering are apparent. However, with a mental disorder, the individual suffers in silence. We sometimes forget how lucky we are that depression and anxiety are but temporary issues in our lives. That’s not the…
It’s hard for anyone to get through the day without relying on the internet. We use it for research, paying bills, and work. Teens often turn to social media to interact with their friends during the pandemic. It’s also become the primary entertainment option for young people. However, some find themselves unable to pull themselves…
Amphetamine is a powerful stimulant that can lead to addiction if taken outside of a doctor’s recommendation. Adderall is a brand-name version of amphetamine prescribed for ADHD and narcolepsy. Although this Schedule II drug may boost focus and alertness at first, it can also cause anxiety, obsession, and social deficiencies. One of the reasons Adderall…
Many teens experience intense emotions due to hormone changes, high stress, and academic pressures. Yet, teen anxiety is more complicated. Parents may find it challenging for those with teen anxiety symptoms to know when a real mental health disorder is present. By providing proper help for teen anxiety, it is possible to help them become…
Cigarettes used to be the primary vice among teenagers when it came to tobacco use. However, additional options like vaping pens make it possible for teens to consume tobacco in other ways. Starting a nicotine addiction at a young age makes it more likely that your child may carry that habit over into adulthood. Destinations…
While vaping is more culturally accepted than smoking cigarettes, this doesn’t mean it’s safer. Vape use by teens has skyrocketed in recent years due to advertising, peer pressure, and stress. Many of the side effects of vaping (also known as e-cigarettes) are not well known because vaping technology is still relatively new. One thing is…
National LGBTQIA+ Health Awareness Week is meant to highlight the difficulties that many in the community have regarding getting treatment for health, addiction, and mental health issues. Existing LGBTQIA+ health disparities mean that individuals often run into problems with discrimination, having their partnerships recognized, and finding resources that allow them to get the help they…
Destinations For Teens staff are actively getting vaccinated through the county and the hope is to have the majority of our staff vaccinated by the end of January, 2021. Destinations For Teens is likewise committed to educating staff to the benefits of vaccinating and to providing access to the vaccine to all employees. By minimizing the risk of transmission, Destinations For Teens is working hard to protect its clients, families and employees from contracting the COVID-19 virus.
A dedicated COVID-19 task force, including our Medical Director, Clinical Director and our Director of Nursing, provides written materials and verbal education and training to all staff. In the words of Dr. Baback Gabbay, Destinations For Teens Chief Medical Director, the message could not be simpler: "We are committed to the health and well-being of our patients and families. Our staff is committed to the CDC recommend cleaning protocols and have been fortunate to receive the Moderna or Pzifer Covid vaccine this week. Vaccination is important in order to help keep all our employees and the families we serve safe".
In addition to distributing vaccinations, Destinations For Teens facilities has implemented the following procedures for all in-person programs:
• Established a revised screening process for admissions, including questions about recent fevers, travel and mandated negative COVID-19 test results. Anyone who poses a risk to our centers will not be admitted.
• Implement active screening of residents and staff for fever and respiratory symptoms.
• Remind residents to practice social distancing and perform frequent hand hygiene.
• Screen all staff at the beginning of their shift for fever and respiratory symptoms.
• Actively take the staff’s temperature and document absence of shortness of breath, new or change in cough, and sore throat. If they are ill, have them put on a facemask and self-isolate at home.
• Destinations For Teens has revised how they interact with vendors and receiving supplies and equipment, and other non-health care providers (e.g., food delivery, etc.), and take necessary actions to prevent any potential transmission. For example, supply vendors transport supplies to dedicated locations versus inside of facilities.
• In lieu of in-person visits, facilities are offering alternative means of communication for people who would otherwise visit, such as virtual communications (phone, video-communication, etc.)
• Creating/increasing communication to update families, such as advising to not visit.
• Assigning staff as primary contact to families for inbound calls and conduct regular outbound calls to keep families up to date.