Author: Human Resources

With the holiday season approaching, we want to express our gratitude to everyone who supports WellStone throughout the year. Our mental healthcare professionals work tirelessly to serve clients across Madison County, Cullman County, and neighboring communities.

WellStone has undergone extraordinary growth over the past few years and has most recently focused on closing gaps in crisis care. We’re succeeding, thanks in part to the generosity of donors and mental health advocates.  

In spring 2021, WellStone publicly launched the Be the Rock capital campaign to support WellStone Emergency Services (WES) for adults in crisis. We recently topped $1 million in gifts and pledges to support that campaign. Hundreds of WellStone donors helped us reach this milestone with gifts ranging from $5 to $150,000. They all add up.  

Ray White and his wife, Lia, were among the first to contribute. We recently recognized the Whites for their generosity by naming the beautiful courtyard at WES in their honor. 

“We chose to support WellStone Emergency Services because it will have a significantly positive impact on our community through compassionately and respectfully treating those in mental health crisis,” explained Ray. 

Ray grew up in a family that understands the value of community mental health services. His father, Sidney, has served on the WellStone board for more than 30 years.  

“WellStone has been an important presence in our community for a long time assisting those facing mental illness, substance abuse, and other obstacles,” says Ray. “It’s a major contributor to the health and well-being of our community.” 

Earlier this year, WellStone expanded its Be the Rock capital campaign to help build a much-needed pediatric wing at WES. WellStone Emergency Services—for children—will be the first mental health emergency center of its kind in Madison County, as well as the entire state. 

We invite donors to continue supporting the Be the Rock capital campaign. Gifts of every amount help build a strong foundation of compassion, connection, and community for adults, and now kids, in mental health and substance use crisis.  

Check out a full list of naming opportunities here. Besides cash gifts, WellStone gratefully accepts gifts of stock, IRA distributions, and Qualified Charitable Distributions (for individuals 70½ and older), along with contributions from Donor Advised Funds. For more information on the capital campaign, or other areas to support, please contact Karen Petersen, Director of Development, at karen.petersen@wellstone.com.  

The 2023 NAMI Alabama Conference and CIT Summit was one to remember. The event was held in Florence last month, with the state’s mental health spotlight shining brightly on WellStone, Huntsville, and key collaborators.  

Mark Prescott, a certified peer support specialist at WellStone Emergency Services (WES), received the NAMI Alabama Peer Leadership Award. Prescott lived with his mental illness for 36 years before fully embracing recovery.  

“My mindset changed from having no hope to having hope,” Prescott explained. “My life started changing for the good about 10 years ago. I went from simply maintaining (my mental health) to wanting more out of life. That was when I began what I consider to be my recovery.” 

Prescott has put his personal experiences to work for others as a State Certified Peer Support Specialist for over a decade. He joined WES in June of 2022, providing peer services to individuals in mental health crisis. 

“I share my story and let people know recovery is possible,” said Prescott. “For many years, I thought I would never amount to anything. I found out that my story was impactful, and people could relate. That’s when I realized I can make a difference by becoming a Certified Peer Support Specialist. I’m able to share 36 years of lived experience. Personal experience is something you cannot get out of a book.” 

Besides celebrating Prescott’s recognition, WellStone is also applauding our law enforcement partners. John Hollingsworth, State Crisis Intervention Training Administrative Coordinator, named the Huntsville CIT program the State’s CIT Program of the Year.  

“This speaks to the dedication the Huntsville Police Department has for this program,” said WellStone CEO Jeremy Blair. “We work closely with HPD through CIT training and our co-responders. It’s a transformational and lifesaving partnership that focuses on intervention, prevention, and quality care. We’ve seen these officers work very hard to change the way the department views—and responds to—mental health and substance use related calls.” 

Michael Johnson, Deputy Chief with HPD, accepted the award on behalf of the Huntsville CIT program. Johnson is grateful his agency is making a difference in our community through the program, which requires extensive training and long-term commitment.    

“The Huntsville Police Department is committed to providing exceptional response to citizens suffering from mental health crises,” Johnson said. “This recognition reinforces our work to help citizens through intervention strategies, alternatives and support measures.” 

It’s these collaborations between nonprofit organizations, law enforcement, highly-trained mental health professionals, and dedicated employees, like Prescott, that can truly impact our community for the better.   

“I do my job knowing that I make a difference in the lives of my peers,” he said. “I’m a humble person who likes to work in the background, but if I’m able to make a difference in one person’s life, I have achieved my goals. Changing people’s lives for the better is what it’s all about.” 

WellStone thanks Prescott, Johnson, and the men and women who work tirelessly to improve the quality of mental healthcare—and quality of life—for everyone in our community. 

On International Dog Day—recognized annually on Aug. 26—we give a giant shout-out to all the great pups who help keep our mental health in check. Dozens of studies have shown that dogs (and cats!) can significantly improve mental health and well-being (here’s an example). A pup’s unconditional love goes beyond sloppy kisses and a game of fetch. Pets may also decrease stress levels, elevate mood, improve heart health, and even help children with their emotional and social skills. For seniors, dogs can diminish loneliness and help them maintain routines.  

At WellStone, we wanted to give a special nod of appreciation to the therapy dogs in our community. Usually, these dogs visit hospitals, senior living facilities, libraries, and schools. But with such clear mental health benefits, we asked Therapy Partners if they could add WellStone to their rotation. They recently started visiting campus.

We were thrilled when newly certified Mason and his handler (mama/trainer) Jennie Hudson came to visit our clients at WellStone Emergency Services, our inpatient care center for individuals suffering from mental health and substance use emergencies. These clients have often lost hope, but Mason seemed to remind them that there is light at the end of the tunnel. In some ways, he was the light.  

“Getting to spend some time with an animal may seem like a small thing but it can really be a bright spot in someone’s day, especially if they are having a difficult time,” said Hudson. 

“It was fun and uplifting for all of us to play with the therapy dog,” added Monique Collins, a Mobile Crisis Team therapist at WellStone. “I could tell he helped improve everyone’s mood. It was a great addition to our therapy because we were able to do something different that everyone enjoyed, even the staff. Many clients struggle with coping and Mason introduced a new way to cope with symptoms associated with mental illness.” 

Hudson has volunteered with Therapy Partners for about a decade. She was proud of Mason and the positive effect he had on his first day on the “job.”   

 “The training and certification process is rigorous and can be lengthy, but it’s worth it,” Hudson explained. “The visit is the culmination of hard work on both our parts.” 

That hard work is paying dividends. “Thank you for making my day a whole lot happier,” said one client as she parted ways with the Therapy Partners team.

Therapy Partners has also visited our group homes, lifting moods for adults living with serious mental illness (SMI).  

Alabama is no stranger to summer’s scorching temperatures. It’s been an excessively hot summer. With the first day of fall just over a month away, relief is on the horizon. In the meantime, it’s important to recognize that excessive heat may affect your mental health more than you realize.

A growing body of research explores the correlation between hotter days and mental well-being. While higher temperatures may indirectly impact your mental health by increasing the likelihood of dehydration and poor sleep quality, research indicates the connections, and impact, could be even greater. 

1. Yes, heat can affect your brain and mood. Here’s why. (NPR)

2. How heat waves take a toll on mental health (New York Times)

3. Heat health awareness for persons with substance use disorders and mental health conditions (SAMHSA)

4. How extreme heat impacts your brain and mental health (TIME Magazine)

5. Hot days lead to more mental health emergencies, study finds (The Guardian)

6. How does extreme heat affect mental health (ABC News)

The resources listed here are not intended to serve as professional medical advice or as endorsed by WellStone, Inc. If you have concerns about your physical and mental well-being, please seek help from a licensed medical provider. 

It’s been a year since the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline launched in Alabama.  The impact has already been extraordinary.

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which replaced the 10-digit Suicide Prevention Hotline, is supported by a national network of more than 200 regional call centers connecting individuals in crisis to 24/7 compassionate care and support.

Individuals experiencing a mental health or substance use emergency can call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org to connect to a trained crisis counselor. Calls to the 988 Lifeline are routed to the nearest call center. In North Alabama, that call center is WellStone.

Over the past year, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline has received well over 3 million calls nationally. More than 30,300 calls and 17,000 chats and texts were made to 988 just in the state of Alabama. That translates into nearly 50,000 individuals contacting the 988 Lifeline for help, hope, and support over the past 12 months.

In North Alabama, WellStone received more than 4,000 calls and texts. The WellStone-serviced hotline averages 400 calls each month, with numbers steadily increasing.

Counselors assigned to the 988 Lifeline are trained in crisis de-escalation, providing callers with compassion, coping tools, and connections to local resources when appropriate.

“We’ve successfully intervened during life-or-death situations, we’ve saved individuals from overdose, we’ve saved people from domestic violence situations,” says Terra Barley, Access-to-Care Coordinator. “Other times, we simply need to listen. Sometimes people just want to be heard or walked through a tough moment in time.”

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is just one piece of the crisis system of care for the state of Alabama. The Lifeline provides a first point of contact for individuals in crisis. Other crisis services available through WellStone include co-responders for adults and mobile crisis teams for children,  adolescents, and adults. Anyone in crisis can visit WellStone Emergency Services, North Alabama’s first 24/7 emergency mental healthcare center for adults.

“With the recent additions of 988 and WellStone Emergency Services, we are building a better mental health crisis care continuum in Alabama,” says Jeremy Blair, WellStone CEO. “I am thankful we are, because the 988 data for this year alone tells us why we need to keep moving and continue building out the resources to meet the demand.”

Blair adds that he and other healthcare leaders ultimately envision a crisis care network of more than 11 crisis centers, 25 mobile crisis teams. and at least six 988 call centers throughout Alabama.

For current nationwide stats on 988 Lifeline call volume, visit https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/988/performance-metrics.

For history on the 988 Lifeline, visit https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/988/lifeline-timeline.

Individuals can support the addition of crisis care services to North Alabama by donating to WellStone’s “Be the Rock” capital campaign at go.wellstone.com/be-the-rock.

WellStone is North Alabama’s mental healthcare leader, ensuring that residents in Madison County, Cullman County, and neighboring communities have access to quality mental healthcare, anytime, anywhere. With more than 70 evidence-based programs, and the recent addition of 24/7 crisis care services, WellStone is uniquely positioned to serve everyone’s mental healthcare needs.

WellStone is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization accepting Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance and self-pay. WellStone turns no one away due to inability to pay.

“The hope that one day I will have a ‘Wellstone’ back home has become my biggest goal.” 

Esther Sunchin

Esther Sunchin traveled from San Salvador, El Salvador to North Alabama this spring through the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Fellowship Program. She spent four weeks learning about the operations, development, and clinical services at WellStone – North Alabama’s mental healthcare leader.  

The U.S. Department of State launched the YLAI Fellowship Program in 2015 to empower emerging young entrepreneurs and business and social leaders from Latin America, the Caribbean, Canada, and the United States. Participants pair with agencies in their same or similar fields to forge connections and build new skills in their areas of interest and influence. 

Sunchin shadowed, interviewed, and worked alongside WellStone staff and leadership to gain insight on best practices in the world of nonprofit community mental healthcare. It is Sunchin’s mission to provide similar services and treatment to individuals in San Salvador and surrounding communities. 

“I believe that as Wellstone continues to grow it will become a model for behavioral health centers across the U.S.”

Esther Sunchin

In San Salvador, Esther owns and manages a small private practice, FARFALLE Psicologia. Sunchin’s practice provides virtual and on-site therapy for groups and individuals. Sessions are offered below the market rate to help clients access these important services.  

“I am impressed that WellStone is a nonprofit organization yet has so many programs to offer… the fact that you are helping as many people as you can and keeping the fees low for everyone. It’s amazing. No one is left behind,” said Sunchin. “I believe that as Wellstone continues to grow it will become a model for behavioral health centers across the U.S.”  

She mentions how wonderful it is that state and local governments have provided funds to support the implementation of many of these programs, including crisis care.  

Leaving WellStone, Esther feels better equipped to employ a group therapy framework at her practice, adjust financial strategies, manage team dynamics, and lead with courage and innovation. 

“I thought this kind of organization was just an illusion or a dream, but coming here, it showed me that everything is possible. It can take time, but that doesn’t mean that things can’t get done. This visit gives me the energy I needed to keep on going no matter what,” said Sunchin. “The hope that one day I will have a ‘Wellstone’ back home has become my biggest goal.”  

WellStone is committed to expanding access to care for everyone in our service areas. Thank you, Esther, for your visit. 

To learn more about the YLAI Fellowship Program, visit this website. 

Veterans make up 10.9% of Madison County’s population. That’s significant, as up to 30% of veterans experience symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. But experts say it’s important to remember that anyone who has experienced trauma can develop PTSD.

June is #PTSDAwarenessMonth and June 27 is #PTSDAwarenessDay. This month (and every month) there are steps you can take to support a loved one suffering from this complex mental health condition.

1. Learn the signs and symptoms.

Like with any mental illness, stigma surrounding PTSD may delay or prevent individuals from seeking treatment.

Learn from trusted resources–like the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), or Substance Use and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)–about the signs and symptoms of this mental health condition. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs also provides a helpful list.

2. Learn who PTSD can affect.

PTSD can affect anyone that has experienced a shocking, scary, or dangerous event, not just military veterans. This includes civilian survivors of a sexual assault, serious accident, natural disaster, or other traumatic event. It can impact any person of any age. For some, PTSD may begin long after the event occurs.

Assigning PTSD exclusively to service members can delay the recognition of symptoms and treatment for others. Read this blog from NAMI: “PTSD and Trauma: Not Just for Veterans.”

“Trauma doesn’t discriminate,” says John Schmitt one Madison County resident and military veteran with a PTSD diagnosis. He says that “victims of human trafficking and occupational trauma for our first responders” are also potentially at risk.

3. Communicate openly with your loved one.

This blog from Psych Central offers 6 ways to help create a positive environment throughout your loved one’s recovery journey.

Examples include: Communicate with your partner to learn what makes them feel safe. Offer words of reassurance to help offset fear. Ask questions about their symptoms and triggers. Practice grounding exercises alongside your loved one. Identify and affirm their strengths.

As an individual in recovery, Schmitt adds, “What makes me feel most supported is honest conversation. Specifically, being met by honest curiosity from those who do not have it, as opposed to them bringing their preconceptions and stigmas to the conversation. People have such a preconception of PTSD that has been misinformed through pop culture and 20 years of war.”

4. Encourage professional evaluation and treatment.

PTSD can be treated, but most don’t seek the help that they need, or know that it is available. If your loved one might be at risk or experiencing symptoms of PTSD, encourage them to seek professional help.

There are several forms of treatment available for PTSD, including talk therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, Accelerated Resolution Therapy (abbreviated version of EMDR), and group therapy. North Alabama veterans may be interested in a pilot project through WellStone which offers the Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) shot at no cost.

Schmitt reminds us not to underestimate the power of supplemental exercises at home in addition to therapies and medication. “There were things along the way that I never thought of as therapeutic but can honestly now say probably saved my life.  Songwriting and exercises in mindfulness were the foundation of much of my recovery,” Schmitt states.

To learn more about professional treatment options and to access care, call WellStone’s Access to Care Line at 256.705.6444 for Huntsville and 256.255.1020 for Cullman.

If you or a loved one is in crisis now, call or text 988 or chat 988Lifeline.org to speak with a trained, compassionate crisis counselor. Veterans can call 988 and press 2 to connect to the Veterans Crisis Lifeline.

5. Know the specific resources available to veterans in North Alabama.

A myriad of resources is available to veterans in Madison County, Cullman County and surrounding communities. For assistance with navigating treatment options and scheduling appointments, call WellStone’s Access-to-Care Line to connect with Kelli Glass, Veterans Care Coordinator at WellStone.

WellStone is North Alabama’s mental healthcare leader, expanding access to care for Madison County, Cullman County and surrounding communities.

This blog is not intended to serve as professional medical advice. Individuals should speak directly with a licensed medical professional for diagnosis and treatment options.

Last updated on 4/30/24.

The US remains in a National State of Emergency in child and adolescent mental health. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for children ages 10 to 14, and Surgeon General Vivek Murthy announced to Congress, “…our kids can’t afford to wait” for the mental health resources they desperately need.

We couldn’t agree more. Keep reading here from WHNT.

Join our efforts to help kids facing, and fighting, the “defining public health issue of our time.” Give a gift today to WellStone’s “Be the Rock” capital campaign which support WellStone Emergency Services for adults—and children.