FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 3, 2005

Contact: Christine Mulvin
513-458-6621

The Health Foundation of Greater Cincinnati has awarded a $205,300 grant over two years to Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services (GCB) to develop an Integrated Dual Diagnosis Treatment (IDDT) team and a network of supported housing for Hamilton County clients with co-occurring severe mental illness and substance use disorders.

IDDT is an evidence-based practice that focuses on connecting individuals with the treatment system in various stages of recovery. Some Hamilton County providers are already using IDDT. For these providers, treatment outcomes have improved and dually-diagnosed clients report greater satisfaction and engagement with services.

"It is important that clients receive appropriate care at any stage of the treatment process," said Ann B. Perrin, Program Officer of the Health Foundation. "Integrated Dual Disorder Treatment teams provide that care, and the addition of GCB's network of appropriate housing will allow clients to be fully supported as they recover."

The IDDT team will provide medication education, activities of daily living support and assistance in accessing community resources. GCB will use 50 units of existing supported housing and 25 new units to provide housing appropriate for each client's stage in the recovery process.

"We look forward to establishing an IDDT team and supported housing," said Tony Dattilo, Executive Director of GCB. "IDDT has proven to reduce clients' mental health symptoms and use of alcohol and other drugs, engage clients in treatment services, increase independent living and reduce clients' homelessness."

For more information about the IDDT team and supported housing, call 513-354-7000.


The Health Foundation of Greater Cincinnati is an independent foundation dedicated to improving community health and access to health care for vulnerable populations. The Foundation awards grants to non-profit and governmental organizations for selected health programs and activities in Cincinnati and 20 surrounding counties in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. In 2004, the Health Foundation invested approximately $10.5 million to support local health care programs that address the objectives of the Foundation's four focus areas and general community health.