State Employee Recognized for Half-Century of Service

Press Release
Riverview Psychiatric Center

State Employee Recognized for Half-Century of Service
Riverview Psychiatric Center Honors Physician
While Celebrating Hospital’s Four-Year Anniversary

AUGUSTA - Riverview Psychiatric Center (RPC) celebrated its four-year anniversary Wednesday – an important distinction, yet a small feat when compared to the career of Dr. Jose Castellanos, medical services physician at the facility.

‘Dr. C’ as he is known at RPC, has been a state employee for 50 years, with all of his service coming in the field of mental health and at the state psychiatric hospital. Castellanos joined the staff at the Augusta Mental Health Institute in 1958 and it is estimated that since then, he has served more than 15,000 clients.

“Fifty years in any job is amazing,’’ said Brenda Harvey, Commissioner of the Department of Health and Human Services. “But with Dr. Castellanos, the emphasis remains on quality, not quantity. He’s received many awards and could be making the same amount of money as a retiree. But he continues to be a devoted public servant and is dedicated to improving the lives of the clients he serves.”

The recognition of Castellanos was the highlight of the festivities, which featured a barbecue and other staff recognition. RPC handed out Quality Champion Awards to staff members who represent the highest values of the organization. Not surprisingly, Castellanos was RPC’s first Quality Champion award winner four years ago.

“We have had some remarkable achievements since the hospital opened,” said David Proffitt, Superintendent, “not the least of which is offering hope and recovery for the almost 1,500 people who have come through our doors.

“While the recovery of our clients is our primary mission,” said Proffitt, “the staff is the hospital’s greatest resource, and they have done and continue to do an outstanding  job.”

In pointing out gains in treatment quality, Proffitt stated, “Staff have taken a challenge to end all forms of coercion in treatment. Significant reduction in use of restraints and seclusion has occurred in the last four years.”

Of special note, Proffitt said, is that the civil units have not used mechanical restraints in over a year.

“This is an achievement that I am particularly proud of,” said Dr.William Nelson, Medical Director. “RPC is a leader in this respect and this accomplishment is one of several examples and reasons to celebrate our staff’s achievements over the past four years.”