Have you heard of the NOVA Center?
They offer treatment to young people and families who are dealing with everything from psychosis to substance abuse. These professionals say they’re able to give the listening ear that young people need in situations like these.
“Although their stressors may be different from an adult’s, they’re still stressors. They still go through things.” Woodard adds, “We service children ages 3 to 19.”
About ten percent of 9-1-1 calls across the country involve mental health situations. In a lot of cases, officers aren’t trained or equipped to safely handle those situations.
Huntsville Police Department representatives say they’re taking some steps to try to equip officers to handle these calls the best way they can, and get people the help they need from professionals on site.
CULLMAN, Ala. – Winter is can be a stressful and depressing time for some people. The decreased sunlight, colder temperatures, dreary landscapes, holiday stress and increased time staying indoors all contribute to seasonal depression, and the isolation necessary this year to prevent the spread of COVID-19 has led to people experiencing this who have never done so before.
“If someone was feeling like they were thinking about suicide or had some other mental health crisis, we have people they can call 24/7 at 256-734-4688. During the day, we’ll talk to them on the phone and at night, that’ll route to our on-call workers.”
A new study says people who’ve had coronavirus may have a higher risk of being diagnosed with anxiety or depression.
WAAY 31 spoke with a mental health specialist on what people can do to stay healthy mentally.
One therapist told us to avoid feeling depressed or super anxious, there are small things you can do to protect your mental health during this pandemic.
You can call a friend or a family member, or just take the time to take care of yourself.
“This particular season that we’re in, we don’t know how long it’s going to last, but we need to just be able to move through it in a way that on the other side of it, we’re okay,” said Terra Barley.
Helping those struggling with their mental health will soon be easier. The CEO of WellStone Behavorial Health, who is overseeing the project, says this is a long time coming.
“Kind of the main focus of the crisis diversion center is to divert folks away from the jail and divert them away from the emergency departments. Right now those are the only two options for a lot of people in crisis,” Jeremy Blair said.
[MONTGOMERY, AL] On October 28, WellStone was officially selected as one of the three locations in Alabama to establish Alabama’s first 24/7 crisis diversion center in Huntsville. Development is scheduled to start at the beginning of next year.
Governor Ivey made the announcement on Wednesday morning at a press conference in Montgomery. During the press conference, Governor Ivey said, “Expanding access to crisis centers will provide a range of tools to divert individuals from emergency departments and jails, to maximize the limited behavioral health workforce and improve the quality of life for Alabama families and communities.”
Alabama House Majority Leader Ledbetter was directly assigned by Governor Ivey to improving the mental health crisis in Alabama. He commented, “Today marks the day of a new beginning. By working together, today’s announcement it will not only change Alabamian lives, it will help save lives.”
Alabama’s Commissioner of Mental Health Lynn Beshear also made a statement elaborating on the support and details of the facilities. Beshear announced, “These facilities will be staffed with mental and physical health professionals. This level of care is recovery-based. It entails short-term stays to provide treatment, support and connection to care in the community.” She continued, “The centers will make a life-saving difference to those receiving care, their families and ultimately our state and communities.”
WellStone CEO Jeremy Blair says, “We are ecstatic to begin the development of a resource that has long been needed in our community. We are not only expanding our services; we are amplifying our ability to help the individuals who need it most.” He continues, ”this first of its kind model in our state will be an invaluable resource to the entire North Alabama region providing a place for those in crisis to go, no matter what day of the week or time of day. This diversion center will also be an added resource to area law enforcement agencies who may encounter individuals experiencing a mental health crisis while on duty.”
The additional recipients include AltaPointe Health in Mobile, Montgomery Area of Mental Health Authority. Commissioner Beshear expounded the selection process, saying that the independent review panel was comprised of experts in crisis care, mental illness and substance use. She included that the panel was “confident that the pilot proposals maximized a collaborative approach to establish a crisis continuum within their regions, as well as providing value which is the intersection of cost and quality.”
WellStone is especially grateful to North Alabama legislative leaders who led the discussion and state funding efforts for crisis diversion centers in the last legislative session. Speaker McCutcheon, Leader Ledbetter, Minority Leader Daniels, Senator Gudger, Representative Reynolds and many others were instrumental in leading the efforts to begin to better address our state’s mental health resource challenges. WellStone also received broad support from Mayor Battle, Huntsville City Council, Mayor Finley, Chairman Strong and other North Alabama community leaders such as Mack Yates.
Concerning plans of action, the Commissioner explained that WellStone will open a temporary site until the new facility is built using an additional $2.1 funding received from local entities. WellStone’s new facility will have 39 beds, including 15 for temporary observation and 24 for extended observation. WellStone will take walk-ins and referrals from law enforcement, first responders and Emergency Departments, with a dedicated law enforcement entrance. The center will create up to 80 full-time and part-time jobs.
WellStone will release updates concerning architectural development, treatment services and job opportunities as advancement continues throughout 2021.
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About Wellstone Inc.: WellStone Inc. is a non-profit community organization that provides mental health and substance abuse services supporting the integrated health of the whole person. WellStone operates 12 facilities throughout North Alabama and Cullman. WellStone is certified through the Alabama Department of Mental Health. WellStone offers programs for children, adolescents, adults, substance abuse, school-based outreach, community services and more. For more information, visit www.wellstone.com. Additional media inquiries can be directed to the Communications Office by emailing pr@wellstone.com or by calling (256) 705-6301.
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – It hasn’t been an easy year and many people may have put their own health on the back burner.
WellStone COO Chris Van Dyke says they actually saw a drop in calls during the pandemic even though, based on surveys, people say they were struggling with anxiety, depression, thoughts of suicide, and other mental health concerns.
He says people need to reach out and get the help they need.
As we begin to move forward, things are slowly going back to normal. In many ways though, the pandemic may be sticking around for a while. Van Dyke says it is especially important for people not to sit and be stuck in their current circumstances.
WellStone offers Tele-health and video options for those who may not be ready to go meet in-person and if finances are an issue, he says they have resources available to help. The best thing you can do is just reach out and see what your options are.
There are also some practical things you can do at home.
Van Dyke also says to remember to celebrate special moments. Big or small.
It is also a good idea to be aware of the warning signs of suicide and to make sure you check on your loved ones.
Snapchat, Bumble and TikTok may be apps your children use every day, but they are on a list of 15 apps parents need to be aware of for a reason. This information is according to a local attorney.
For Jasmine Butler is the Children’s Division Director at the Nova Center, and she said checking your child’s phone should be on a case by case basis. Some may have to and others won’t, but butler said having an open line of communication is key.
“Just reminding ourselves to create a non-judgmental space and listen to what they are saying and not being reactive,” Butler said.
Help.org, a trusted online resource for individuals who struggle with addiction and their loved ones, has announced the Best Rehab Facilities in Huntsville, Alabama for 2020. The informational guide recognizes the top 8 rehab facilities based on cost, treatment options, location, accompanying services and more.
Odds are the coronavirus pandemic has impacted your mental health.
From sending kids back to school to facing financial hardships, the pandemic has added many stressors to our lives. A recent report by the CDC found that 40% of adults in the U.S. are struggling with mental health issues due to the pandemic.
To help manage this stress, mental health professionals say to take more time to do what you enjoy, like reading.
WellStone Jail Diversion Program Manager, Tammy Leeth, said, “You can set aside ten minutes to read while you drink your coffee instead of drinking it when you’re on your way to work.”
Take frequent breaks, work out, and get outside in the fresh air to lift your mood. “Sunshine therapy is like the best thing right now, and we advise individuals to enjoy it,” said Leeth. A lot of couples are spending much more time at home together. This can actually put strain on a relationship. Make sure you’re getting enough alone time. “If the house is big enough, let them go to their side of the house and you come to yours because you need that alone time so that you can come back together,” said Leeth.
If you’re consistently feeling low and unmotivated, reach out to a therapist for help.
“When they feel they’re not able to get out of bed, and for those that do get out of bed, when they feel that they are overwhelmed with the day to day issues in the home that they just cannot take it, that’s when anxiety comes in. Reach out for help. There’s nothing wrong with talking with someone,” said Leeth.
WellStone works with people who can’t afford therapy. If you’ve lost your job or are on a tight budget and still want to seek help, give them a call at 256-533-1970. Right now, everything can be done through telehealth.