JIM TALIAFERRO CMHC PROJECT WINS GOVERNOR’S COMMENDATION

A project designed by the Jim Taliaferro Community Mental Health Center in Lawton, titled the “Staff Injury Reduction Improvement Project,” was honored May 5 with a “Governor’s Commendation.”

The award was presented at “Quality Oklahoma Team Day 2005,” an event held annually at the state capitol to honor state agencies that develop money-saving projects.

Projects receiving the honor are those that display results, innovation and use quality-management techniques resulting in taxpayer savings. The Jim Taliaferro CMHC successfully reduced staff injuries from 14 in 2003 to only three in 2004, a 79 percent decrease. The center also saved state taxpayers approximately $175,000 by reducing staff days away from work and “light duty” days by 95 percent each.

Jim Taliaferro CMHC project team members included Glenn Mayes, Jennifer Alden, Leah Price and Victor Wilkerson.

Jim Taliaferro CMHC, a state-run facility of the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, is based in Lawton, with satellite facilities in Altus, Anadarko and Duncan.

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