Connecticut Renaissance Communications Policy

All communications, both written and verbal, to the public, the community, our clients and/ or the media shall clearly state the purposes of the organization. The agency, through the Chief Executive Officer, shall seek to maintain open contact and communication in a manner that is consistent with the agency’s purposes and ensures client confidentiality. Central to effective communications are the goals to reduce the stigma associated to persons with mental illness and substance abuse disorders, and those returning to the community from incarceration, and to advocate for behavioral health services needed within the community. The Chief Executive Officer shall approve all requests for information including staff interviews with the media.

Requests for program specific information shall be processed with the approval of the Program Director. This information may focus on services offered or performance/outcomes of services offered. Information shall be disseminated in formats and languages that are understandable to our populations served. Information shall be available quickly, consistently, and accurately.

Procedure:

• Program Directors, the Clinical Director, Chief Operating Officer, or the Chief Executive Officer shall handle inquiries regarding specific programs received from the public.
• All inquiries from elected officials and the media shall be forwarded to the Chief Executive Officer for consideration and approval prior to giving a response.
• The Chief Executive Officer shall seek to educate the public in the following ways:
  1. Notifying the media with press releases of any agency news of importance or general interest including special events.
  2. Providing information about the programs through interviews with radio, television, newspaper and social media outlets.
  3. Allowing access to the facility by the media except when access may interfere with the orderly operation of a program.
  4. Directing staff to contact agencies and organizations in the community and provide them with information about the programs.
• Any client agreeing to participate in a media interview shall sign a consent form.

• The public shall be made aware of this policy through our website, brochures and by staff participating in public education speaking engagements.

The effectiveness of communication used shall be measured through customer satisfaction surveys including both clients and the community.