Visit us Friday, Nov. 4, for our Fall Hiring Event. We will hold on-site interviews from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 4040 Memorial Pkwy SW, Huntsville, AL 35802 in Suite E (Community Room).
Applicants can apply for desired positions online, beforehand or at the event. View opportunities here. Hiring managers will be present for on-the-spot interviews and may extend immediate job offers, pending positive background check results.
We are North Alabama’s largest nonprofit behavioral healthcare provider, delivering care through 70 programs for mental health and substance use disorders. Because of the commitment of our employees, donors and community leaders, WellStone served more than 11,000 individuals in the last fiscal year and delivered more than $3.15 million in uncompensated care.
WellStone’s dedicated teams are making a difference in our community, and we invite you to be a part of our life-changing—and lifesaving—efforts. WellStone serves the mental health needs of all, from rocket scientists to the homeless, from working professionals to our children.
Learn more about the jobs available with our new WellStone Emergency Services (WES) facility, including techs, nurses, certified peer support specialists, and cooks. We are also hiring for our Children and Adolescent Mobile Team and Wellstar, WellStone’s acute care facility. View opportunities here.
Judy Chaney, Lead Substance Abuse Therapist [Pictured Left], and Cheryl McClendon, Certified Recovery Support Specialist [Pictured Right]
Recovery is not for a select few. It’s not for “them,” “that neighborhood” or “that family.” Recovery is defined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration as “a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness.” A definition that could apply to anyone and everyone.
During Recovery Awareness Month, WellStone—and other local organizations—are working to eliminate stigma associated with mental illness and substance use disorders (SUD) and encourage individuals to seek the help they need.
After all, getting help can not only change lives, but it can also save them. Just ask Cheryl McClendon, a Certified Recovery Support Specialist with WellStone Emergency Services (WES). Peer support specialists, like McClendon, have been successful in their own recovery and help others as they navigate similar situations and experiences. In short, they’ve been there.
“Making that first phone call is difficult for most people, but it is worth it,” McClendon said. “Many people think their life is over when they put down alcohol and drugs, but really, it’s just beginning. I have learned a lot about myself including self-worth and how to love myself. My family can count on me today and I have become the mother my children deserve. Today I have a life worth living.”
There are numerous treatment programs and services available in our community, from residential treatment centers to outpatient programs, like the ones offered at WellStone. Each person’s path is as unique as they are. Many people struggle with drugs and alcohol, but how do you know if you or a loved one needs professional help?
“If a person thinks they may have a problem, they probably do,” said Judy Chaney, LPC, MAC, AADC, ICAADC lead Substance Abuse Therapist at WellStone’s New Horizons Recovery Center. “Help is available with non-judgmental therapists that really care.”
Mental illness and addiction are family diseases. While it’s hard to be the one battling a mental illness and/or SUD, it’s also extremely painful for loved ones. They often feel helpless as they watch friends and family members spiral out of control
“Life was chaotic at the end,” McClendon shared. “I was always lying to family and friends about where I was, was usually in parts of town I had no business being in. I wasn’t the mother my twins deserved. I was an opiate user and drank too much. I have often said my rock bottom had a basement with a trap door, and I am so incredibly grateful I made it out alive.”
While stigmas related to mental illness and SUD are softening, much of society is still inclined to pass judgment. That’s partly why McClendon is speaking out. She wants people to know that: “Recovery is possible. This (SUD) is a disease and not a choice. We are not bad people; we are sick and there is a way out.”
That way out is often taken one day at a time, especially for those who follow the “12 Steps” in their recovery.
“Friends in recovery always told me to take life one day at a time. And it took a while, but I finally understood,” she said. “I can’t change yesterday; tomorrow isn’t here yet; so, all I can focus on is what is in front of me right now.”
That’s also what WellStone’s SA therapists relay to clients. While it’s challenging work, it can also be extremely rewarding.”
“The best part of my job is seeing the difference that our program makes in our clients’ lives,” said Chaney, adding, “Although the credit really goes to God and the hard work that each individual client does.”
Whether you think you need help, or aren’t quite sure, you can call WellStone’s Access-to-Care Line at 256.705.6444. WellStone accepts walk-in assessments Monday through Friday during regular business hours. A conversation can’t hurt, and it might just lead you toward a life that is so much greater than you ever imagined possible.
If you or a loved one is in crisis and don’t know where else to turn, call 988 to speak with a trained crisis counselor. Those lines are answered 24/7. WellStone believes in support at every level of the mental healthcare continuum, from occasional outpatient therapy appointments to immediate, emergency intervention, along with long-term care and support for various mental health conditions or substance use disorders.
This September, we’ve been talking about #SuicidePrevention.
And for good reason.
In 2019:
Suicide was the second leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 10-14.
Suicide was the second leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 25-34.
Suicide was the third leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 15-24.
There were twice as many suicides as homicides in our nation.
No, you didn’t read the ages wrong.
Learn more about Suicide Prevention according to the CDC here. Or keep reading for simple tips to make a big difference.
What can we all do to prevent suicide?
If someone in your life is struggling emotionally, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides five steps to take: ask, be there, keep them safe, help them connect and follow up.
The first step to take when somebody you know is in emotional pain is to ask them directly: “Are you thinking about killing yourself?”
Asking communicates that you’re open to speaking about suicide in a non-judgmental and supportive way.
Be ready to listen. Help them focus on their reasons for living and avoid trying to impose your reasons for them to stay alive.
Research shows people who are having thoughts of suicide feel relief when someone asks them about it in a caring way. Findings suggest acknowledging and talking about suicide may reduce rather than increase suicidal ideation.
#Bethe1To Keep Them Safe
The myth “If someone really wants to kill themselves, they’ll find a way to do it” often does not hold true if appropriate safety measures are put into place.
It’s important that everyone’s on the same page. Find out the answers to some questions:
Have they already done anything to try to kill themselves before talking with you?
Does the person experiencing thoughts of suicide know how they would kill themselves?
Do they have a specific, detailed plan?
What’s the timing for their plan?
What sort of access do they have to their planned method?
Show support for someone during the times when they have thoughts of suicide by putting time and distance between the person and their chosen method.
Not sure how to tell if someone is struggling emotionally? The best way to know is to ask. However, it may also be helpful to know some risk factors for suicide.
Some of these factors, named by the CDC, which may be recognizable to you, include:
History of depression and other mental illnesses
Hopelessness
Substance abuse
High conflict or violent relationships
Sense of isolation and lack of social support
Family/loved one’s history of suicide
Financial and work stress
Inadequate community connectedness
Barriers to healthcare
Learn more about risk factors for suicide and prevention practices in these resources from the CDC:
“Like most public health problems, suicide is preventable… Just as suicide is not caused by a single factor, research suggests that reductions in suicide will not be prevented by any single strategy or approach. Rather, suicide prevention is best achieved by a focus across the individual, relationship, family, community, and societal-levels and across all sectors, private and public.”
As an individual, know what you can do, and let others know, too.
Let’s change the conversation from suicide to #suicideprevention.
It’s a new day for mental health care in North Alabama, especially for those in crisis. And it’s about time.
“Thank you so much for supporting WellStone, the level of community engagement is just absolutely phenomenal,” said Alabama Mental Health Commissioner Kim Boswell, adding, “It takes courage to do the new thing.”
On Monday, Sept. 19, Governor Kay Ivey and Commissioner Boswell joined other dignitaries, donors, corporate and civic leaders, and mental health advocates for the official ribbon cutting of our new, state-of-the-art facility, WellStone Emergency Services (WES). In all, more than 200 people turned out for the dedication of this highly anticipated and desperately-needed facility.
The 24/7 psychiatric care center is the first of its kind in our community and will serve those in mental health or substance use crisis. These clients, who have traditionally gone to jail or the local Emergency Department, will finally receive the quality, compassionate mental healthcare they need with the dignity they deserve.
“We’re not following anymore in mental health in Alabama. We’re now leading,” said House Majority Leader Nathaniel Ledbetter, R-Rainsville.
WES has served clients in a temporary, limited-capacity location since May 2021. In a short time, this small team has made a huge impact, helping hundreds of clients find hope and healing. While the mental health industry sees a standard 35-50% for 30-day readmission rates among individuals who receive mental health and substance use crisis care, WES has maintained a 1% readmission rate.
When individuals receive care from the WES team, they are set soundly on the path toward health and well-being. WES case managers work closely with clients, ensuring they can access the follow-up care needed to achieve, and maintain, recovery.
“My administration, the Alabama Department of Mental Health, and the Alabama legislature have increased and sustained mental healthcare as a primary focus and investment for the citizens of our state,” said Gov. Ivey.
In late 2020, WellStone was one of three organizations initially awarded state funding to provide crisis care in Alabama. Now, we have six centers throughout the state, either operating or preparing to open. WellStone was the only organization to build from the ground up.
“You can have all the great ideas, you can have all the plans, but if you don’t have the resources behind that then it doesn’t mean much,” said WellStone CEO Jeremy Blair with gratitude to state and local leaders. “Thank you for putting your trust in WellStone. We will continue to earn that trust by delivering excellent service to our community.”
Read coverage from yesterday’s event, and view the full photo album. Special thanks to photographer Jeff White for his incredible work capturing our special day.
The state along with the City of Huntsville, City of Madison, and Madison County have collectively committed $5 million to the project. With a $10 million price tag, WellStone is at a $5 million shortfall. Fortunately, we’ve seen overwhelming support from local donors, who have given more than $500,000 through our “Be the Rock” Capital Campaign. Please consider joining them with your own tax-deductible gift, and help us build a strong foundation of compassion, connection, and community for those in mental health and substance use crisis.
Click here to learn more about WellStone Emergency Services.
WellStone Co-Responder William Justin Holmes and HPD CIT Officer John Anderton
“As a therapist we’re used to talking with people as crises are developing, or in the aftermath, but as a co-responder you’re there right in the heat of the crisis. The inside ability it gives you is phenomenal. It’s a unique and rare opportunity,” says WellStone co-responder William Justin Holmes.
Holmes served as a therapist in WellStone’s Adult Outpatient Services before starting the role as co-responder last year.
“It’s the best job at WellStone. Definitely the coolest job,” he says.
WellStone’s co-responders (graduate level therapists) accompany Huntsville Police Department (HPD) patrol officers on mental health related calls. Holmes is one of four co-responders employed through WellStone.
“It’s the best job at WellStone. Definitely the coolest job.”
CO-RESPONDER WILLIAM JUSTIN HOLMES
HPD Patrol Officer John Anderton, accompanied by Holmes on a weekly basis, loves sharing his squad car. “At the end of the day, I know they’re gonna get the help that they need,” Anderton says about working with Holmes to help those in crisis.
Before WellStone’s Co-Responder Program started in 2021, mental health and substance use related distress calls were answered by patrol officers with limited resources. “With the average police officer, the only time you can take someone [out of the situation] is with charges. But it’s not a criminal situation. Now they can call a CIT officer,” said Holmes.
Holmes also emphasizes that taking someone to the hospital is not the initial goal.
“That’s a last resort,” says Holmes. “We’re coming out, we’re deescalating the situation, then we’re trying to help link them to services that are applicable and needed.”
The goal, first and foremost, is crisis de-escalation. This means getting the individual to a calmer state of mind through compassion, listening, and genuine care.
“That’s the last resort. First and foremost, it’s crisis de-escalation.”
CO-RESPONDER WILLIAM JUSTIN HOLMES
Holmes says, upon arrival, they have to immediately assess the individual. “Is this person just having a bad day and would benefit from a (therapy) appointment, or is this person in crisis and would benefit from a visit to the crisis center (WellStone Emergency Services)?” These are the kinds of questions that Holmes is trained to answer.
“If someone is in need and would benefit from WES (WellStone Emergency Services), I would always encourage them to go. Crises look different for different individuals and what may be minimal to you could be over the top for someone else. Thus, if they are willing, I would always encourage WES if it is the appropriate level of care. That’s one of the benefits of co-responders: being able to assess the crisis and determine the appropriate level of care,” says Holmes.
“In this day and age and where we’re at. I think it’s a critical role. It used to be that police officers were very limited. [But] actually having a therapist in the vehicle with you?” According to Holmes it’s a game changer.
The role of the CIT officer in crisis situations and the commitment of the department to compassionate and trained mental healthcare responses can’t be understated.
WellStone co-responder Holmes brags on Officer John Anderton, “John is a very good CIT officer. He does very good at de-escalating and dealing with those people that maybe aren’t doing good, that need our help.”
Officer Anderton serves with HPD as a designated Crisis Intervention Trained (CIT) Officer. While all officers must undergo some level of training in responding to mental health related calls when joining the department, Officer Anderton is one of several officers who have opted for in-depth training to respond to calls with care.
For the past 12 years, Anderton’s son has struggled with mental illness. It’s the reason he’s here, in this position. “Compassion is what you need when you go on these calls.” The officer feels he has a connection with individuals in distress because of his son.
“I wanted to make a difference out here. And not just immediately think, ‘this person did this or that, they need to go to jail,” says Anderton.
He describes responding to individuals in distress: “You get there on scene, you try to talk to them, try to find common ground. I pour my heart into every call. I enjoy going to them. I really, thoroughly enjoy it.”
“I try to pour my heart into every call. I enjoy going to them. I really, thoroughly enjoy it.”
HPD CRISIS INTERVENTION TRAINED (CIT) OFFICER JOHN ANDERTON
The co-responder model employed in Huntsville is something for citizens to be proud of, to share, and to invest in.
Holmes states, “I think we’re above the curve in regards to mental health. There’s some other states that have co-responder models, with huge successes by the way,” he says as a general encouragement on the nation’s direction in mental healthcare.
“I think it shows Huntsville is definitely moving in the right direction,” says Holmes.
In the words of WellStone CEO Jeremy Blair, “988 is saving lives and WellStone is honored to play our part.”
HEMSI reports an increase in suicide related calls since the rollout of 988.
In this article: “HEMSI is reporting that they received over 1700 calls between January and June. But between July and August after the rollout of the 988 hotline, they received nearly 500 calls related to suicide and suicide attempts.”
Depending on the age group, suicide is the first, second or third leading cause of death in the United States, from information reported by the CDC.
Calls to the new suicide hotline in Huntsville have tripled in the past month and age has not been a factor.
September is #SuicidePreventionMonth. If you feel suicide is your only option, you can #dial988. Connect to a trained crisis counselor who will listen, support, and connect you to resources to help if needed.
You could be the difference in an emergency situation where someone has had too much to drink or has overdosed on drugs.
That difference is knowing what to do.
Your job is to know what steps to take. You never know when you might be in a position to help someone, maybe even save a life.
It’s like knowing CPR if someone were choking on their meal at a nearby table.
Here are warning signs and detailed instructions related to overdose. Lifesaving steps are listed for each, and they’re not always what you might think. Don’t assume, learn your role.
In Huntsville, Alabama, when an individual or their loved one calls 911 or 988 (the new nationwide mental health crisis line) because of a mental health or substance use crisis, if an in-person response is needed then a law enforcement officer and a trained therapist respond.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), this sort of response to an individual in crisis is rare.
Across our nation, “people with mental illness are booked in our nation’s jails, often because communities rely on law enforcement to respond to mental health crises… they lack the needed resources to truly support someone in crisis,” says NAMI.
Too often, calls from individuals experiencing a mental health or substance use related crisis result in hospitalization, incarceration or no action at all. One reason for these outcomes is a lack of framework mobilizing mental health professionals to the scenes of these crises.
WellStone’s Co-Responder program is changing the narrative for individuals in distress across North Alabama. When individuals are in crisis, experienced mental health professionals arrive to help.
The Co-Responder program is a partnership between WellStone and the Huntsville Police Department. Masters-level clinicians travel with CIT (Crisis Intervention Training) officers to help individuals in need.
Every officer now gets some level of Crisis Intervention Training (CIT), which is training to intervene in a mental health or substance use crisis in a way that is most helpful to the individual. However, some officers have opted for more in-depth training and serve as designated CIT officers.
“In an interview with News 19, Huntsville Police Deputy Chief Dewayne McCarver said HPD receives more than 1,000 mental health crisis calls a year.
Due to the level of calls, HPD said it has worked since 2017 to improve the training that officers go through,” reports Emily Moessner with WHNT.
“..we don’t know everything. We need to hear the community. We need to know what they need. Not what we think they need, but what they need. And if we can give it to them, we should,” says Johnny Hollingsworth, Retired Huntsville Police Department Officer and Alabama CIT Administration Coordinator at NAMI Alabama.
Because of the co-responder program, individuals in crisis are met with the trained response that they need. Situations are handled with more appropriate care, and lives are changed because of it.
To learn more about the training officers undergo at HPD, check out these two articles:
Join us on Saturday, October 1, 2022 at 8 a.m. for the annual Oktoberfest Run in Cullman, AL.
The Oktoberfest Run is part of Cullman’s annual Oktoberfest celebration. Enjoy Oktoberfest fun following the race, including german music and dancing, a craft fair, food vendors, unique shops, restaurants, and more!
Proceeds from the run support the Cullman Area Mental Health Foundation, which increases mental healthcare services to the area. The 5K & 10K attracts men, women, children, and families from across North Alabama, as we work together to connect our community to health and well-being.
A new safety net goes live this weekend, making it easier for people in crisis to connect with compassionate mental health professionals.
Starting Saturday, July 16, people experiencing a mental health emergency can dial 988 instead of the longer National Suicide Prevention hotline. While it’s a national program, the three-digit number links callers to mental healthcare professionals in their own communities.
WellStone will play a pivotal role in this effort, with our crisis counselors fielding calls through the 988 Lifeline Call Center. These highly-trained professionals will listen, provide support and connect callers to area resources. The move to 988 is expected to provide greater access to 24/7 confidential and lifesaving services.
The new hotline is appropriate for anyone experiencing an emotional or mental health crisis, including suicidal ideation, or a substance use crisis. WAFF interviewed WellStone CEO Jeremy Blair and other mental health professionals. Click here for reporter Jasmyn Cornell’s in-depth stories. (Scroll down to second video for localized piece with Blair.)
A new safety net goes live this weekend, making it easier for people in crisis to connect with compassionate mental health professionals.