Rice Lake sign in memory of Angellika
Arndt
November 26, 2006
By Eric Quade
A sign recently placed on Main
Street in Rice Lake by Wisconsin Family Ties and Disability Rights
Wisconsin is part of a campaign to honor the memory of Angie Arndt,
who died May 26 after being physically restrained at a Rice Lake
mental health facility, while also promoting education and awareness
of children's mental health issues in northwestern Wisconsin and
offering support to families.
Angellika "Angie" Arndt was being
held down at the Northwest Counseling and Guidance Clinic in May for
a behavioral problem when she "had a cardiopulmonary arrest while
restrained by another person," according to the medical examiner's
report.
The clinic submitted a list of
proposed protocol changes last July after a psychiatrist visited the
Rice Lake facility and suggested ways to improve their procedures.
Recommendations included avoiding the use of physical restraint,
clarifying the registered nurse's duties, limiting new admissions
until all referred children's cases have been reviewed and
separating patients of different ages.
No criminal charges have been filed
so far. Wisconsin Family Ties, a statewide nonprofit organization,
has established "Angie's Fund" to assist families who have children
with mental health, behavioral and/or emotional needs. Checks can be
sent to Wisconsin Family Ties, 107 W. Newton St., Rice Lake, Wis.,
54868. All checks marked "Angie's Fund" in the memo line will be
used to benefit families in Northwest Wisconsin. WFT is also
accepting Christmas donations of gifts or gift cards for families,
who often fall through the cracks, not qualifying for other programs
and supports.
For more information, contact Jo
Pelishek, family advocate in Barron County and surrounding area, at
the number or email listed below. Pelishek is available to assist in
the IEP process, provide information and referrals and offer
support.
WFT supports
A family support group has begun by
WFT for those who have children with mental health, emotional or
behavioral needs in their lives. The group helps families connect,
while sharing challenges and possible solutions with each other. The
next meeting will be held Nov. 28 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the
lower level of the Rice Lake library. Free childcare will be
provided.
A Christmas party for families will
be held Nov. 17 from 2 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Maranatha Soul
Garage, South of the Cedar Mall on Hwy SS. Families are asked to
call Jo at 790-1317 or email: jopel.wft@chibardun.net if they'd like
to attend, to insure that enough gift bags are provided.
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