Cascade Centers Incorporated : Press Releases

Press Releases

About Cascade Centers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 24, 2012

Cascade Centers, Inc. Receives National Accreditation

PORTLAND, OR. – Cascade Centers, Inc. (Cascade) was recently accredited by the American Association of Suicidology (AAS). The AAS is a national leader in the advancement of scientific and programmatic efforts in suicide prevention through research, education, training, development of standards and resources, and
through survivor support services. Cascade Centers, Inc. is one of three organizations in Oregon that has been accredited by AAS. Cascade is the only Employee Assistance Program (EAP) in the nation to be accredited by the AAS. The accreditation is the result of a rigorous review of Cascade’s crisis services and procedures and certifies that Cascade’s service delivery methods meet nationally recognized standards.

Joan Wright, Director of Crisis Services Accreditation & Certification Programs with the AAS said “Cascade has
done an excellent job of assuring that their crisis service does not take a back seat to their other services. They have an excellent service as a result of a well-organized training program for their new employees”.

The accreditation process included a review of Cascade’s written documents and an onsite review to evaluate Cascade’s organizational structure, screening and training of crisis workers, service delivery system, ethical standards and practice, community integration, and program evaluation. Customers and clients served by Cascade can be assured that Cascade delivers crisis services at the highest standards utilizing best practices.

Founded in 1975, Cascade Centers, Inc. is a privately held firm that provides a variety of services locally and nationally to public and private organizations including: Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), Work/Life Services, Wellness Programs, Organizational Development, a Military Helpline, and Executive Coaching.

For additional information about Cascade or their services contact Anthony Brown at:
503-639-3009
1-800-433-2320
abrown@cascadecenters.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – January 27, 2012

Cascade Centers, Inc. Announces an Additional Owner

PORTLAND, OR. – Cascade Centers, Inc. (Cascade) recently announced Julie Marshall, Ph.D., as a new stockholder of the
firm. Dr. Marshall is the current Vice President of Clinical Operations. Dr. Marshall has been with Cascade for over 14
years. Dr. Marshall received a Master of Arts at Ball State University in Indiana and received her doctorate in clinical
psychology at the University of Oklahoma. She is currently a Licensed Psychologist in the State of Oregon. Her 14 years
in the mental health field includes consultation and program development, clinical supervision and direct clinical
services to adults, children and families. She practiced in community and state agencies prior to joining Cascade Centers,
Employee Assistance Program in 1998.

Jerry Brown, Cascade’s founder and CEO says: “Julie has been an important part of Cascade’s management team. She
has demonstrated leadership and integrity. She has taken on major projects, overseen the implementation of expanded
services for all accounts and contributed to the growth and development of the company. ”

Current owners include Gale Castillo, M.A., President; Gerald F. (Jerry) Brown, M.A., CEO; and Anthony Brown, Vice
President, Marketing & Sales. Founded in 1975, Cascade Centers, Inc. is a privately held firm that provides a variety of
services locally and nationally to public and private organizations including: Employee Assistance Programs (EAP),
Work/Life Services, Wellness Programs, Organizational Development, Military Helpline, and Executive Coaching.

For additional information about Cascade or their services contact Anthony Brown.
503-639-3009
1-800-433-2320
abrown@cascadecenters.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 2, 2011

Cascade Centers, Inc. Awarded Oregon Military Assistance Helpline

PORTLAND, OR. – Cascade Centers, Inc. was recently awarded a contract with the Oregon National Guard to provide Oregon veterans, service members, and their families with 24/7/365 resources to address crisis intervention, personal concerns, and other issues facing military families through a new helpline called the Oregon Military Assistance Helpline (ORMAH). ORMAH offers free confidential service to all Oregon Veterans, Oregon National Guard Service Members and their family members. The program can be accessed by calling 1-800-511-6944 or by going online at www.ormah.com

Since September 11, 2001, more than 13,000 Soldiers of the Oregon Army National Guard have participated in deployments, taking them away from their families, employers and communities. Many of these families have dealt with multiple deployments, some as many as five or more times. As the toll of deployment mounts, service members and their family members face numerous problems such as financial strain, marital conflict, substance abuse, loss of a loved one, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, homelessness, Traumatic Brain Injury, mental illness and thoughts of suicide. Air Force General Craig McKinley, the chief of the National Guard Bureau, discussed these stressors at a Senate hearing:

“The stresses, the strains, the financial difficulties, the times we live in, the stress on the family, the fact that we’ve had continuous rotations, obviously have created an environment where many of our young soldiers and airmen struggle, … ” McKinley said. “Our deploying soldiers and airmen are facing challenges that none of us … certainly ever did in our military careers.”

When help is needed, service members can call 1-800-511-6944 and get a live voice at any time. The Helpline is staffed by Veterans and Masters level counselors ready to provide crisis / suicide intervention and comprehensive services that assess, identify, and link the service member or family member with the most appropriate resource. While there are many excellent resources available to service members, understanding which are applicable and how to access services can be confusing and daunting, particularly as a service member is reintegrating and potentially facing unprecedented stressors. Members need a “resource expert” to help them navigate the myriad of services available to them, both military and civilian. That is what Oregon Military Assistance Helpline provides.

The Oregon Military Assistance Helpline is a service provided by Cascade Centers Inc. (Cascade). Cascade is a private firm, founded in 1975 and is headquartered in Portland, Oregon. Cascade’s mission is to provide comprehensive and leading edge services to organizations and individuals through Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), 24 hour crisis intervention, face-to-face counseling, work / life balance services, wellness programs, education, training, and resource referrals. Cascade provides full service programs with a focus on customer service and building partnerships.

For additional information about the Oregon Military Assistance program or Cascade Centers, Inc. contact Anthony Brown.
503-639-3009
1-800-433-2320
abrown@cascadecenters.com

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 17, 2009

Employers Save $10.5 Million in Employee Costs

PORTLAND, OR. – Cascade Centers, Inc., Employee Assistance Program, (Cascade EAP) announced today that, in 2008, employers under contract with Cascade EAP realized a 4:1 Return on Investment (ROI).

Cascade EAP provides a variety of counseling, assessment, and work/family/life services in response to employee concerns that may impact productivity on the job such as life stress, family problems, relationship difficulties, financial challenges, parenting, work conflict, and other issues.

Cascade EAP extracts data from evidence-based studies on lost productivity due to personal issues to calculate each group’s Return on Investment (ROI). Sources include the US Department of Labor, Journal of the American Medical Association, and the Disease Control Priorities Project. These statistics are applied to each employer groups’ presenting problems and the savings data is available to the employer each month in a detailed utilization report.

David Burn, a licensed mental health counselor and Cascade’s Senior EAP Consultant, notes that “sixty-eight percent (68%) of all clients resolve their presenting concerns using Cascade’s EAP services, with no need to access ongoing medical or mental health services.” As healthcare costs escalate, EAP plays a key role in increasing employee productivity, reducing absenteeism, managing the costs associated with health care coverage, and reducing out-of-pocket expenses for medical and mental health services.

Burn reports “Seventy percent (70%) of all healthcare costs go toward preventable illnesses. Employers have a need to know that a well-utilized EAP pays for itself many times over by reducing healthcare expenditures -- for the employer as well as for employee families.”

Cascade Centers, Inc. is a privately held national firm headquartered in Portland, Oregon. Founded in 1975, Cascade Centers provides a variety of services to public and private organizations including: Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), Work/Life Services, Wellness Programs, Organizational Development, and Executive Coaching.

For additional information about Cascade’s ROI formula, about Wellness services as part of an EAP, or about Employee Assistance services in general, contact Anthony Brown, Vice President at:
503-639-3009
1-800-433-2320
abrown@cascadecenter.com

____________________________________________________________________

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – FEBRUARY 13, 2008

Cascade Centers, Inc Introduces E-Support – An Online Employee Assistance Service

PORTLAND, OR – Cascade Centers, Inc. Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Cascade Centers, Inc. now offers its members live online virtual sessions with an EAP Consultant to provide assistance with problem resolution and answer questions. Cascade’s newest service, called E-Support, allows users to correspond with their online EAP Consultant through a secure website in a Private Conference Area. All chat accounts are protected by usernames and passwords.

“Many of our members and their families lead high paced lives resulting from a combination of work, relationships, family obligations, and personal activities, so finding time to connect with an EAP Consultant is challenging,” said Julie Marshall, Vice President of Clinical Operation for Cascade. “We developed E-Support as a means for busy clients to continually utilize the Employee Assistance Program with convenience and privacy.”

Flexible scheduling, anonymity, easier communication, confidentiality, resolution to problems, and review of progress are key advantages of E-Support. Members receive these benefits without having to leave their home or office for an appointment. It is completely professional and confidential. Consultants are trained to conduct sessions in a solution focused format. Each member is able to review progress through a transcript of each session and members have indicated they appreciate having the suggestions available to print for use months later.

Cascade uses the latest tools of technology to establish and maintain the confidentiality of information exchanged through online conference services. Data is protected at the highest allowable level using secure 128 bit socket lay (SSL) encryption software to keep communication completely secure.

Cascade Centers, Inc. is a family owned, Oregon business, co-owned by Gale Castillo, M.A., and Gerald F. (Jerry) Brown, M.A. Founded in 1975, Cascade Centers provides a variety of services locally and nationally to public and private organizations including: Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), Work/Life Services, Wellness Programs, Organizational Development, Workshops, Seminars, and Group and Individual Counseling.

For additional information about Cascade’s Employee Assistance services contact:
Anthony Brown
503-639-3009
1-800-433-2320
abrown@cascadecenter.com
____________________________________________________________________

Employee Benefit News Article

Mending Mind & Body: EAP Services Expand to Address Employee Physical Health

By: Kelley M. Butler

Since they were introduced in the 1970s as a way to aid employees dealing with alcoholism and substance abuse, employee assistance programs have traversed a speedy evolutionary path. Now well known for offering the entire gamut of services - including resources for stress management, depression, family and marital issues, legal problems, financial planning, child and elder care and even religious issues - EAPs still have primarily dealt with tending to mind and spirit.

The programs are changing yet again, however, and now encompass services to help employees care for their physical health and wellness.
For his part, Richard Chaifetz, CEO of Chicago-based EAP provider ComPsych, considers the shift a natural one.

"How you view the changes depends on how you define yourself as an EAP," he says. "Our mission is to help employers increase the productivity and performance of their employees. If that's your mission, then traditional EAP services only cover a very small piece. It's much larger."

All-Around Wellness
Research has long shown that people with chronic health problems are more likely to suffer from depression, and vice versa. To Anthony Brown, vice president of sales and marketing for Portland, Ore.-based Cascade Centers Inc., it stands to reason a comprehensive EAP should be able to help employees deal with both the physical and the emotional. Cascade recently began providing a health and wellness program as part of its EAP services.

"We love being able to offer it. It's nice for our intake coordinators to be able to talk to someone who's called us for help with stress, but if we figure out they have poor nutrition and don't exercise, we can help with all of those things," says Brown. "We can sign them up for face-to-face [counseling] sessions and for a session with a health coach as well."

The new program, Cascade Personal Wellness, includes unlimited access to health coaches, an online members-only Web site, health risk assessments, discounts for gym memberships, tip sheets, books and monthly wellness newsletters. Members can access the program for help with weight management, smoking cessation, fitness and exercise, and prenatal and postnatal care.

"We are very excited to offer [the program] as a core service to our members," Brown says. "Not only will it help members lead a healthier lifestyle, it will be an additional resource for employers to help reduce employee-related expenses, and increase utilization of other EAP services. It's a natural flow of where EAPs are going and makes perfect sense for us."

With the program still so new, Cascade has no hard ROI numbers to report yet. However, Brown says, "we've already been lowering absences and health costs, and this is a new way to do it."

EAP Consultants also is getting a positive reaction to its health care coaching service, which has been available for the last year.

"Integrating wellness with EAP ultimately makes for a more successful outcome," says Sandy Rosenberg, the firm's executive director for EAP services. "I think a lot of times employers don't make the connection right away, but once they do, they say, Oh yes, obviously!' It shows that EAPs are really evolving."

ComPsych offers similar services through its Healthy Guidance initiative, providing guidance, encouragement and information to employees through health tests, literature, online information and health coaching. The program includes health risk assessments, wellness seminars and also added employer support through supervisor training.

"It works hand in hand with disease management in dealing with co-morbid states of illness - like cardiovascular disease, diabetes and depression," Chaifetz says. "We help employers find these cases and go into a more in-depth, targeted intervention strategy."
A CDH Breakthrough ComPsych also is breaking new ground in the EAP-health care space this year with its HealthChampion program, an employee health advocacy program designed to help individuals navigate the health care system.

Staffed by health care experts, Chaifetz says, "HealthChampion provides information and resources to help people look at their prescription, medical care and health plan choices to meet their medical and financial needs. With the growth in consumer-driven health plans and HSAs, people are being forced to make more independent health care decisions."

Indeed, in a nationwide survey of 434 employers, Aon Consulting and the International Society of Certified Employee Benefit Specialists found that 28% currently offer a CDHP to their employees, up from 22% in 2005.

Additionally, the use of health reimbursement arrangements and health savings accounts have evolved. Today, 43% of organizations with CDHPs offer an HRA, 48% offer an HSA and 10% offer both.

Educating employees on successfully using such plans still is a sticking point, which is where Chaifetz believes ComPsych can lend a hand.

"We work cooperatively with health plans, and the beauty of HealthChampion is that [our advisors] are independent and nonbiased," Chaifetz says. "We have no interest in employees selecting one type of plan over another, which is a big plus for users."

Ironically, though, according to Chaifetz, "most employers [using HealthChampion] don't have a CDHP. They're either thinking about it, or they just think the program is a valuable resource" to aid consumers.

Either way, it's all part of the job for an EAP, says Chaifetz. "We want to help people address the full array of issues that confront them so they can lead healthy and balanced lives. Wellness is another area that we know employees struggle with, and so we want to help." - K.M.B.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - JUNE 20, 2006

Cascade Centers, Inc offers a preventative health and wellness program as part of their core Employee Assistance Program.

Portland, OR – Starting July 1, 2006, Cascade Centers, Inc. will be the only Employee Assistance Program (EAP) in the nation offering its members unlimited phone and e-mail access to personal health coaches as a core component of the EAP.

Currently, EAPs are best known for contributing to cost savings associated with lost productivity and absences by addressing issues such as depression, substance abuse, and mental/emotional problems. Research shows that mental health and physical health are often interrelated. By including this service, Cascade has created a holistic EAP.

“We are very excited to be able to offer personal health coaching as a core service to our members” said Anthony Brown, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Cascade. “Not only will it help members lead a healthier lifestyle, it will be an additional resource for our employer groups to help reduce employee related expenses, and increase utilization of other EAP services.”

According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, it is estimated that up to 75% of all health care dollars are spent on chronic conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease – most of which can be prevented or at least managed. Studies conducted by “Wellness Program Advisor” suggest that Wellness Programs in the work place have been found to reduce company health care costs, improve employee morale, and increase productivity on many levels.

The new program, entitled Cascade Personal Wellness, includes unlimited access to a health coach, online members only website, Health Risk Assessments, discounts to gym memberships, tip sheets, books, monthly wellness related newsletters, and more. Members can access Cascade Personal Wellness for Weight Management, Smoking Cessation, Fitness and Exercise, Prenatal and Postnatal care, Complementary Care, and Health Self Management.

Cascade has been providing EAPs since 1979 and is one of the nations largest privately held EAPs. Cascade’s addition of a Wellness Program to their core EAP suggests that EAPs are continuing to evolve as an all encompassing life assistance benefit. The Wellness Program will be another resource to impact modifiable health claims through lifestyle change.

For additional information about Cascade’s wellness program as part of their EAP services, or as a stand alone, contact Anthony Brown.

Contact: Anthony Brown
Cascade Centers, Inc
Phone: 1-800-433-2320