Last month, Lane and Cheri Wilson opened their beautiful home in OXR for an Evening of Connection and Impact. Dozens turned out to celebrate the progress that’s been made in mental health, while recognizing the work that’s yet to be done.

The night brought together familiar faces and new friends alike, all united by their commitment to making a difference. Over delicious tapas generously donated by Church Street Family, we reflected on the impact our donors have already make possible for thousands of WellStone clients.

Lane is a WellStone board member. He, along with his wife, Cheri, are also longtime donors. The couple wanted to create a space where people could connect and have safe conversations about tough topics, like mental illness and addiction.

“This is a matter of life and death,” said Lane. “We have all been touched by mental illness and addiction in one way or another. And it’s time to get rid of the stigma and remember these are diseases. We need to give someone struggling with depression the same care and love we give someone who’s battling heart disease.”

With support from the Wilsons and other generous donors, WellStone is redefining what community-based mental healthcare can be: compassionate, accessible, and rooted in dignity and innovation. Together, we are setting a new standard for how mental health organizations can serve and lead.

Dr. Finn, WellStone’s pediatric psychiatrist at WES (WellStone Emergency Services), shared powerful insights about our pediatric crisis unit—which opened just over a year ago. He spoke to the uniqueness of our model, which is the only one of it’s kind in the state.

The need is real, and the demand is growing. Families are reaching out—seeking help not just for children in crisis, but for teens, adults, and seniors alike. Dr. Finn emphasized that this growing demand reflects both the urgent challenges our community faces and the trust people are placing in our expanding services.

Karen Petersen, our Director of Development, also addressed the group with authenticity and heart. She gave a nod to our passionate front-line teams, who are unwavering in their commitment to make a difference—regardless of resources.“They provide essential care with love and compassion,” she said.

To the Wilsons, Church Street Family, and every guest who joined us—thank you. Your partnership strengthens our mission and helps create a healthier, more hopeful tomorrow.

WellStone Offers Relief through Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB)

For veterans and first responders living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), daily life can feel like a battle that never ends. Hyperarousal, sleepless nights, and the weight of constant vigilance can make it difficult to find peace. At WellStone, we are proud to offer a treatment that is replacing internal chaos with calm: the Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB).

While the procedure typically costs $800, WellStone has provided SGB to veterans and first responders at no cost since 2021. The initiative began with the Cullman County VFW and gained momentum with support from local businesses and government leaders. Funding secured by Alabama Senator Garlan Gudger allowed the project to expand with the goal of collecting data to measure SGB’s effectiveness in reducing PTSD symptoms.

The results have been consistent and encouraging: over four years, participants reported an average 60% reduction in PTSD symptoms.

How Does SGB Work?

The SGB is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that targets the stellate ganglion nerve bundle in the neck. By helping reset the brain’s fight-or-flight response, it can significantly reduce symptoms of PTSD, especially hypervigilance — an exaggerated state of sensitivity.

The injection takes about an hour and is performed under general anesthesia. Most participants report minimal side effects, and many report immediate relief.

Richard James Werschin, a Service-Connected Disabled Veteran and U.S. Army Retiree, described his experience this way:

“The fog of constant hyperarousal began to lift. For the first time in years, I could sleep more soundly, think more clearly, and engage with life more fully. After the second shot, it instantly felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders — something I had been carrying for years.”

The Path to Treatment

The SGB program, while based in Cullman, is available at no cost to veterans and first responders across the entire state of Alabama. If you are interested in participating, please follow the steps below:

1. Call WellStone Cullman’s Access to Care line at 256-255-1020 to schedule an SGB Project appointment. Every call and visit is strictly confidential.

2. Visit the WellStone office in Cullman to complete a PTSD scale and psychological assessment with a veteran therapist.

3. Once you’ve qualified for the program, have WellStone schedule the SGB procedure.

4. Receive the injection at Nesbitt Pain Associates on the campus of Ascension St. Vincent’s Birmingham. (While these appointments require travel, many veterans say the results are well worth it.)

5. Attend follow-up appointments at WellStone’s Cullman office where your care team will monitor progress, collect data, and ensure the treatment is working effectively.

A Community Effort

This program was made possible thanks to Senator Garlan Gudger, Representative Randall Shedd, and the Cullman County VFW, along with the dedication of WellStone’s veteran coordinators and social workers, who make the entire process seamless and simple.

Besides the SGB injection, WellStone provides veterans with counseling, crisis services, peer support, and more. We are committed to serving those who have so bravely served us.

If you or someone you know is interested in this program, call 256-255-1020 today. Relief and healing are possible.