Northwest Arkansas Times from Fayetteville, Arkansas • Page 28

Ozark Guidance Center One Reason AMUUMM May 11, Arkansas State Mental Hospital Not Operating At Capacity The Arkansas State Mental Hospital is not operating at capacity and (ewer state residents have to have long term care For mental illnesses. Much of this reduction is directly attributed to establishment of comprehensive mental health centers, such as the Ozark Guidance Center (OGC) at Springdale. Mrs. Eunice Noland, has worked both as a professional volunteer and a staff member since the center opened in 1970, says, "We can spot difficulties and get medication and therapy started early and often bandlelyoung people who an becoming I tn group therapy sessions, with crises before they get com- disillusioned with life stylesi and pletely out of hand." The center, one of many over the state, was established to make it possible to reduce the length of stay in the state hospital by providing therapy for patients in their home anas. Since that time the center has developed into comprehensive a full fledged mental health center which provides full services to individuals and families on a 24-hour basis.

Mrs. Noland, who is retiring as a fulltime psychological examiner and counselor to work part time in the school services section, said that both counseling and psychiatric services are now provided. HOSPITAL UNIT In expansion of OGC the establishment of a five-bed psychiatric unit at Springdale Memorial Hospital was a milestone. "This gives people a short-term hospitalization and in many- cases avoids a long term stay," Mrs. Noland Psychiatric nurses and a social worker are available, working under the direction at Dr.

Travis Jenkins, a Personnel has been expanded. When Mrs. Noland, who holds a master degree in psychology from the University of Arkan finding adjustments difficult The injury of is partly due, Mrs. Noland feels, to an increased willingness to accept this type of intervention in their lives. "There is an increased awareness of the role counseling and treatment can play in solving problems and a greater willingness to accept such help," she said.

NO AGE BARRIER Mrs. Noland, who has worked adolescents and adults, finds no age barriers in these situations. "It is not unusual to have patients of all ages. Everyone, from infants on up, has life adjustment problems, the exchange of opinions, problems and concerns is beneficial to all. Some times individuals are retkient when they start but the openness of the Many young people who ea in contact with older persons find they can accept their own better because ttwy learn to communicate in a non- threatening situation," she said.

One of the developing programs at OGC holds much promise for the future, according to Mrs. Noland. A play therapy room Is being developed through the assistance ol and the Junior League. PLAY TECHNIQUE The I play-room Is a technique which: enables therapists to leam about the difficulties a child is experiencing. Mrs.

Noland said. "The child can act out family and peer conflicts and the therapist can help in resolving some of these problems." The play therapy room will servational point for students who do field work'-to the program as part of the quirements for their At present alcoholic treatment is underway and Noland sees this expanding and the addition of a drug treatment program. The drug treatment program will be made possible through the release of funds from the Arkansas Drug Treatment Program. started she four staff was members. PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAMINER RETIRES Noland, one of the first professional workers at the Ozark Guidance Center, will continue part time work in the center's schools services Election Error Reverses Results Mrs.

Joan Bayles was elected justice of the peace for position 31 in the Democrat primary Tuesday instead of Charlie E. Fowler as previously announced. The original count gave Fowler 2,857 votes and Joan Bayles 2,696. The correct vote, found on a recheck by members of the Washington County Ejection Commission Thursday morning, was Mrs. Bayles 2,896 Snd Fowler 1.757 Mrs.

Ann Henry, chairman of WCEC, also said the name of one candidate for constable for Center Township was inadvertently left off the machine tabulation and this race will be repeated on the run off election June 11. Candidates for this race a Thomas McCawley, Harold Cate and Bob Fitzhugh. Cate -was announced as the winner Wed Fitzhugh's 195. Also appearing on tiie run-off ballot will be candidates for constable of. Prairie.

Tovfnsh candidates are Waldo G. Warren J. McDonald and James Earl Harris. Henry 'said the commission will certify the returns of the Democratic primary at a noon meeting today. Clean Outdoor Grill For easy cleaning of outdoor grills, remove the grid and soak in soap or detergent suds and hot water.

Take a wire brush off the grid. While it is soaking brush out bottom, to remove any food ash and wash interior am nesday after polling 273 votes exterior of grill. Presently a full time psychiatrist, several social workers, two psychological examiners, an educational specialist intake workers and a full time director. Dr. Robert Johnson, compose Hie staff.

The OGC also directs the activities of satellite clinics at Hunlsville. Berryville and Bentonville. These are served by professional a para-pro- essional workers and take the same services to the outlying districts. CENTER'S FUNCTION Mrs. Noland, who came to when her husband, Paul, joined the faculty at the University of Arkansas in 1951, sees the center as fulfilling its primary function of prevention and also its secondary function of treatment.

"We are increasing our service to the area schools and will develop workshops and public education to foster the idea of prevention," she said. The patient load as well as service has increased. During the first year.or so the center served 150. "Our current case load averages 20 to 25 new patients each week," Mrs, Noland said. 'There is no preponderance of cases seen in any age group but Mrs.

Noland said that at the present time a good percentage are children and ado lescents. Among the problems encowi: tered by the are parent- child relationships; marriage troubles and, increasingly, Blanchard Springs Expecting Record Tourist Season BLANCHARD SPRINGS Personnel are ready for the 1974 spring and summer season at Blanchard Caverns -and are expecting, despite gasoline shortages, record number of tourists. The visitation, according to the Sylamore forest ranger, has not compared to the overflowing crowds experienced the summer and fall of last year but 17,000 visitors visited the complex during the past severa months. Outside weather does not af- ect the temperature in the caverns, which remains at a constant 57 degrees. Weekends still the most popular days for tourists and the newly completed Shelter Cave Recreation Area is now open.

Visitors this will find outstanding ireas (or picnics, swimming and camping sites. Afternoon and evening programs will also be offered at the amphitheatre WASHINGTON COUNTY FARMERS MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE CO. Celebrating thisyear-52 YEARS of service to Northwest Arkansas in the recreation slide presentations located complex. Several have been developed this winter about the springs, and personnel at the Caverns have presented the programs to schools and civic organizations throughout many areas of the state. Arrangements for showings may be made by calling 7572211.

It is expected that the caverns will become a major attraction in the state and one of the major caverns in America, rivaling Carlsbad and "ammoth Caverns GROWING THROUGH SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1922 Washington County Farmers Mutual Fire Insurance Co. 209 N. Block Northwest Arkansas Farmers Mutual Tornado Insurance Co. 442-2612 Your Farm Service Cooperative Has Been A Major Contributor To The AGRICULTURAL PROGRESS of Northwest Arkansas for the Past 34 Years NOTfyr.y, -A General Office Building FARM SERVICE COOPERATIVE FARMER OWNED All FARMER CONTROLLED City and Rural WE ARE PLEASED TO HAVE HAD APART IN THE CONTINUED GROWTH OF NORTHWEST ARKANSAS CAMPBELL SOUP COMPANY 1100 West 15th Fayetteville, Ark..