For Immediate Release: November 13, 2009

Contact: Brian Reardon (217) 544-6464, ext. 44306 brian.reardon@st-johns.org

Anonymous donor gives gift to behavioral health program at St. John’s Hospital

$200,000 gift helps “Generations” program serve older adults with psychiatric disorders

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – An anonymous donor recently gave $200,000 to the “Generations” program at St. John’s Hospital. “Generations” helps diagnose and treat older adults with neuropsychiatric disorders. Generations offers inpatient care in a separate, eight-bed unit within St. John’s Psychiatric Unit.

“Generous contributions such as this allow St. John’s Hospital to serve all members of our community who need health care,” said Denise Pope, CFRE, director of philanthropy at St. John’s. “The Generations program serves a population that is often overlooked, and maybe be less likely to seek the help they need.”

Healthcare for older adults can be challenging for physicians who may be treating a variety of medical problems and weighing the risks and benefits of multiple medications. A psychiatric disorder can complicate the diagnosis, but when treated properly patients can benefit physically and emotionally.

More than half of older adults believe it is “normal” for people to get depressed as they grow older, according to Psychiatric Program Director Sandra Mollahan. “Depression is not a normal part of aging. Fortunately, it is a very treatable illness. More than 80 percent of people with depression can be treated successfully.”

Psychiatric Program Medical Director Fareed Tabatabai, MD, said a typical patient is over 65 years old with a primary psychiatric diagnosis of depression, dementia or delirium. “Sometimes patients have all three conditions,” he said. “All patients undergo a thorough medical and psychiatric evaluation before a treatment plan is developed. We also place a lot of emphasis on education and support of the patient and family.”

Treatment includes medication management, therapeutic groups, recreational activities and counseling. Physical and occupational therapy is also available. All services are covered by Medicare.