Scripps Health - A-Visions Vocational Training Program

Employment skills are taught to patients with psychiatric disorders, who are then placed in volunteer positions and apply to part-time positions when they become available.

What is it?

Employment skills are taught to patients with psychiatric disorders, who are then placed in volunteer positions and apply to part-time positions when they become available.

Who is it for?

Adults with serious, persistent mental illness.

Why do they do it?

For patients, this program reduces hospitalizations, increases social and job skills, and helps them find work. The program also provides a part-time work force capable of completing projects and tasks that allow other staff to focus on their primary responsibilities. It also is reducing the stigma around mental illness.

Impact

Ninety-four patients have participated in A-Visions within the hospital's Human Resources, Food Services, Environmental Services, Administration, Medical Records, Palliative Care Services, and Cancer Registry departments; and in the community at San Diego Hospice.

Contact: Jerry Gold
Administrator, Scripps Behavioral Health
Telephone: 619-260-7111
E-mail: gold.jerry@scrippshealth.org

Community Connections