As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to a close, we wanted to share some exciting news, and a major milestone for one of Thrive’s signature programs. This spring, the Hillsgrove Clubhouse received accreditation from Clubhouse International, a global organization of over 350 Accredited Clubhouses from 36 States and 33 countries. Hillsgrove is the only accredited Clubhouse in the state of Rhode Island.
Highlighted throughout the extensive report was validation of our many strengths in providing person-centered and mental health recovery-oriented services. The Clubhouse has been proven to reduce the devastating impact of social isolation, providing members with a supportive community of peers and colleagues. As a result, Clubhouse members are less likely to experience psychiatric hospitalization and are much more likely to maintain healthy and successful lives in the community. Accredited Clubhouses have higher employment and education rates for members, better quality of life measurements, and overall improved mental health recovery rates.
The consultation from the accreditation team offers guidance to improve services and ensure adherence to the 37 International Standards for Clubhouse Programs. These standards serve as a bill of rights for members and a code of ethics for Clubhouse staff. Our members, with support from our Advisory Board and Thrive Behavioral Health leadership, began preparing for our Accreditation in early 2023. This accreditation report documented the tangible impacts this innovation recovery model is having on our community. With proven results, the team at Thrive is hoping this latest affirmation will encourage other providers to build more recovery oriented, mental health rehabilitation programs throughout the state.
“This accreditation was the strongest and most affirming report we have received for our community. It is a celebration of our unique partnership and mental health recovery program,” said Director of the Hillsgrove Clubhouse, Mark Maragnano. “We hope that it can serve as encouragement for others to build more recovery oriented, mental health rehabilitation programs throughout the state.”
A three-year accreditation outcome from Clubhouse International is a great recognition of our hard work and commitment to the International Standards for Clubhouse Development. As the only accredited Clubhouse statewide, we appreciate the importance of offering this evidenced based and cost effective psychosocial rehabilitation program to all Rhode Island adults working towards their own mental health recovery.