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Stride for Sophia 5k Raises Mental Health Awareness

Written by Savannah Woodall on . Posted in Fundraising, Mental health, News, News & Events, pediatric mental health, Stories of Hope, suicide prevention.

A sea of pink poured into Arab City Park Saturday for the first Stride4Sophia 5K.  

The Aldridge family coordinated the race in honor of 15-year-old Sophia, who died following a battle with mental illness. Her favorite color—pink—was everywhere: on T-shirts, bracelets, and balloons. The event itself featured her favorite sport.  

Sophia had been a proud member of the Arab Knights cross country and track teams. 

“We had this race because Sophia loved running,” said Emilee Aldridge, Sophia’s mom. “It was her passion, and we wanted to celebrate and honor her, along with her running career. She got her sister to join her, and it was such a great time for our family to go to all those meets.” 

Besides her twin sister, Maddie, Sophia is survived by two little brothers, her mom, dad, grandparents, and too many other loved ones to mention.  

“We miss her so much,” added Emilee. “But I know she’s here with us today.”  

In all, more than 150 runners and walkers turned out, raising awareness—and more than $8,000—in honor of Sophia. 

Proceeds support the WellStone Emergency Services (WES) Pediatric Unit, the state’s only 24/7 crisis care center for youth. Emilee said she did not know the program existed when she was desperately trying to find help for her daughter.  

“We are so sorry for the Aldridge family’s heartbreaking loss,” said Jeremy Blair, WellStone CEO. “We are also thankful. Emilee’s courage and commitment to help other families in the wake of her own tragedy is truly inspiring.” 

WellStone opened the pediatric unit in fall 2024 with just four beds. Today, it has 16 beds and serves children ages 8 – 18.

“We need to support each other and let other people know what resources are here in our own communities,” said Emilee, who had taken her daughter to Decatur and Birmingham for care. “And to let families know they’re not alone.”  

They certainly aren’t alone. Last year, Alabama Mental Health Commissioner Kim Boswell announced that suicide had become the leading cause of death in Alabama for individuals aged 10 – 24. 

“I also wanted to get our community together,” Emilee said before the race. “I’m so grateful you are all here to support mental health. I hope we can leave here and continue talking about it. To each other. To our kids. Let them know it’s okay to have the feelings you have.” 

For more information on the Stride for Sophia, you can email stride4sophia@gmail.com. 

If you’d like to support the WES Pediatric Unit with a tax-deductible donation, you may do so here.  Please specify if the gift is in honor or in memory of a loved one. You may also recognize Sophia Aldridge in the tribute field.  

For more information on supporting mental health and/or addiction recovery support through WellStone, please contact karen.petersen@wellstone.com. For questions about our programs and services, visit WellStone.com or reach out to info@wellstone.com.  

Cutting the ribbon on WellStone’s 24/7 Pediatric Unit

Written by Human Resources on . Posted in Mental health, News, News & Events, pediatric mental health, suicide prevention.

It’s a big month for mental health care in North Alabama. Thanks to incredible state and local leaders, along with generous donors, volunteers, and advocates, Huntsville is just days from opening a transformational healthcare facility for our kids.

WellStone, in conjunction with the Governor’s office and the Department of Mental Health, cut the ribbon on the WellStone Emergency Services Pediatric Unit last Thursday. It’s the first of its kind in the state.


The 24-bed, 12,000 square foot crisis care center is expected to fill a significant gap in and around Madison County, which presently has no inpatient psychiatric options for youth. As a result, HEMSI transports some 800 children out-of-county, and sometimes out of state, for appropriate care.

“Thanks to this facility, that number will drop, and Alabama families will be able to get help closer to home,” Governor Kay Ivey told the crowd of 200. “This new pediatric unit, with its thoughtful design and dedicated spaces for healing, learning, and celebrating milestones is going to be a true refuge for young people in crisis.”

A refuge for young people, and a godsend for their parents.

“I am so excited about the pediatric unit at WellStone,” said Ryanne Baker, a former Pediatric Emergency Department nurse whose own daughter was inpatient twice. “I think it’ll be a fantastic resource for our community. It’s going to take a heavy burden off the pediatric E.D. and provide a place for families in crisis to go where they’re not feeling like they’re a burden on the system.  It’s where they should be, with people trained and equipped to handle the needs that are unique to children and families in crisis.”

Jeremy Blair, WellStone CEO, understands that the new pediatric unit comes with tremendous challenges. But he also believes in the stellar health care team that will oversee the children’s program.

“We are lucky to have hired Dr. Edgar Finn to serve as the medical director for this unit,” Blair said. “We know Alyssa Perry will do a great job as the unit coordinator under the direction of Paula Steele, our WES Director. These individuals along with the team they have assembled understand the weight of the task, to encounter youth and their families during a time of crisis and offer a resource that could change their path when they leave this building. Our youth deserve this resource and this opportunity to heal and to recover and to live productive lives.”

The $9 million facility was made possible through substantial funding from the State Legislature, Department of Mental Health, and supporters of WellStone’s Be the Rock capital campaign.

“I’m proud of what we have accomplished and I’m even more excited for the weeks ahead as this facility opens its doors and begins serving our children,” the Governor added. “Thank you to everyone who played a role in building this facility and making this vision a reality. Alabama is leading the way, and today we take another step, ensuring that every child has access to the care they need.

WellStone is still raising funds to help cover the gap in construction costs.  Readers who would like to help us “Build a strong foundation of connection, compassion, and community for kids in mental health and substance use crisis” can make a secure, tax-deductible donation online here or contact Karen Petersen to explore major gifts and naming opportunities.

To see more photos, please visit our Flickr page.

WellStone Cullman to Launch New Mobile Crisis Team for Cullman County Residents in Behavioral Health Crises

Written by Human Resources on . Posted in News & Events, Uncategorized.

[CULLMAN, AL] Beginning June 1 , a Mobile Crisis Team will officially be added to WellStone Cullman’s program list. An initiative led by Senator Garlan Gudger, the two-person team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to respond to Cullman County residents in a mental health or substance use crisis. The team primarily focuses on individuals 18 and over who experience a behavioral health crisis in Cullman County. The goal of this new resource is to assess needs, then resolve the immediate crisis through direct intervention or find the best fit resources to successfully resolve the crisis.

“We’re very fortunate that Cullman was approved to establish this type of service and a lot of that credit goes to Senator Gudger,” comments WellStone Chief Operational Officer Chris Van Dyke. ” The team responds to crisis where it happens, which can often reduce or avoid Emergency Room utilization or arrests. Then, the team can identify where the individual needs to go next; whether that is outpatient treatment or another community-based service.” He continues, “Any time behavioral health professionals can focus on behavioral health crisis cases, it benefits other essential community partners such as law enforcement and hospital workers. This way, all professionals can focus on their particular specialties and better serve Cullman County as a whole.”

A significant amount of the development success is the initiative of Senator Garlan Gudger. Mental health is a platform that he has ran on since his days in Cullman’s City Council and he continues to prove that he will not stop being an advocate at the state level for funding mental health.  Senate members along with Gudger, like Senator Steve Livingston and Senator Greg Albritton are collaborating to champion this cause in the Senate.

In the House, the mental health  cause was championed by majority leader Nathaniel Ledbetter, which created a task force for the State. Members of the task force included Livingston, Albritton and Cullman’s Representative Randall Shedd and Representative Scott Stadhagen who carried legislation for the House.  Last year, Representative Shedd and Senator Gudger won the “Legislators of the Year” award for the House and for the Senate from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Alabama. Having a local delegation that sees mental health as a priority is substantial, especially when representing Cullman County at a state level.

When asked about the funding Gudger stated, “I am just doing my job. There has been and continues to be an immediate need to keep mental health patients out of our jails and out of our hospitals that by not doing so, only wastes taxpayer’s dollars. Plus, the safety of all Cullman County citizens is a large concern to me, as I ran my campaign on that promise. Being able to provide extra funding for a Mobile Crisis Team that will be available 24/7 to accomplish those goals is a good start to giving our citizens, family members and friends a resource to use when needed.”

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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.

Wellstone Behavioral Health and Cullman Area Mental Health Authority Announce Merger

Written by Leah Gradl on . Posted in News & Events.

WellStone Inc. becomes the largest behavioral healthcare provider in North Alabama

[HUNTSVILLE, AL] – On October 1, 2017, WellStone Behavioral Health and Cullman Area Mental Health Authority officially merged as one organization operating as WellStone Inc. The merger creates the largest and most comprehensive behavioral healthcare provider in North Alabama. The combined workforce of 400 employees serves over 13,000 clients across the region.

WellStone Chief Executive Officer Jeremy Blair, LMFT shares, “Wellness, self-care and well-being are topics that are continually elevated in today’s culture. Behavioral health encompasses a wide range of issues surrounding behavior, mental illness, chronic health problems and substance abuse. We’re here to lead the conversation about behavioral health in our community.”

Blair continues, “It’s critical to remove the stigma that often surrounds mental health services. One in five people will experience a diagnosable behavioral health condition each year. That’s why our work remains focused on connecting children, adolescents and adults with the services they need to be at their very best. This merger will enhance quality of services and streamline care for our region. We are creating operational efficiencies, cost savings and opportunities to expand the delivery of mental health and substance abuse services in North Alabama.”

Chris Van Dyke, the Executive Director of Cullman Area Mental Health, will assume the role of Chief Operating Officer of WellStone. Van Dyke added, “Behavioral health needs continue to grow, and state and local funding can’t keep pace. We embrace the opportunity to join forces as WellStone Inc. so that we can expand our reach within the region. Our team in Cullman will continue to provide services as they are available now but with enhanced operational support.” Van Dyke concluded, “It’s about building a stronger organization that meets the needs of our clients exactly when and where they need us the most.”

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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 Kallie Butler by emailing kallie.butler@wellstone.com or by calling (256)705-6301.

WellStone announces new Chief Clinical Officer

Written by General User on . Posted in News & Events.

WellStone is pleased to announce the promotion of Mrs. Josaylon Wade to Chief Clinical Officer.

Josaylon is a graduate of Alabama A & M University with a Master’s Degree in Rehab Counseling.  She has over 19 years of experience in mental health and substance abuse services working with children, adolescents, families and adults.  She is a certified Alcohol Drug Counselor as well as an Associate Licensed Counselor. She has been affiliated with WellStone since 1999 working in several capacities from her beginnings as a substance abuse therapist to her most recent positions as Nova Center for Youth and Family Director as well as Adult Services Director.

As Chief Clinical Officer and a member of the Executive Leadership, Josaylon  will be responsible for the quality and appropriateness of clinical services provided to all clients of the organization.  She will provide leadership and partner with others to ensure WellStone remains the leader in mental health and substance abuse services in Northern Alabama.

Nova Center for Youth & Family Announces Community Health Initiative Grant

Written by General User on . Posted in News & Events.

The Nova Center for Youth & Family, the child and adolescent division of WellStone Behavioral Health, was announced as a 2017-2018 recipient of a Community Health Initiative grant through the Jean Wessel Templeton Community Health Initiative (CHI), a part of Huntsville Hospital. The most recent CHI award is for $90,000 and will enable the Nova Center to provide school-based mental health services to an additional 6 schools in the 2017-2018 academic year. The funds will be used to further the partnership between the Nova Center and the Huntsville City, Madison City, and Madison County School Systems.

Through the school-based mental health program, the Nova Center will deploy 28 counselors to work as integrated team members of 53 local elementary, middle, and high schools for the 2017-2018 school year. The program now serves over 1,400 children with on-site school-based mental health services. Initially funded in 1996, the Nova Center has now received funding for 15 years from the Community Health Initiative for a combined total of $917,000. It is with deep gratitude that all supporters of the Nova Center and WellStone Behavioral Health say thank you to the Huntsville Hospital and the Community Health Initiative committee.

To learn more about the Community Health Initiative, follow this link: http://www.huntsvillehospital.org/community-events/community-health-initiative

Jasmine Davis, School Services Manager, Nova Center for Youth & Family (front row, third from the right)
Jasmine Davis, School Services Manager, Nova Center for Youth & Family (Front row, third from the right)

 

Jasmine Davis, School Services Manager (left) and Lindsey Stephenson, (right), Nova Center Director, both from the Nova Center for Youth & Family
Jasmine Davis, School Services Manager (left) and Lindsey Stephenson, (right), Nova Center Director, both from the Nova Center for Youth & Family

WellStone Sponsors Local Law Enforcement Training

Written by General User on . Posted in News & Events, Uncategorized.

Partnering with the local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness and Auburn University at Montgomery, WellStone Behavioral Health helped sponsor Crisis Intervention Training for area law enforcement April 25-28 at Calhoun Community College in Huntsville. The CIT training is a nationally recognized best-practice designed to help law enforcement identify mental illness and substance abuse issues and de-escalate crisis situations when they are encountered. The Madison County Sheriff’s Department took a leadership role in bringing this training to our community and officers from the Huntsville Police Department and several other communities also participated. After the training, WellStone continues working with a local coalition of mental health advocates to identify funding for a crisis assessment center that law enforcement can utilize as an alternative resource to inappropriate incarcerations or emergency department visits. To learn more about this initiative, click on the following link:

http://www.al.com/news/huntsville/index.ssf/2017/05/mental_health_alabama.html

 

 

Mental Health First Aid Classes Available

Written by General User on . Posted in News & Events.

In recognition of May as Mental Health Awareness Month, WellStone Behavioral Health is offering two highly respected courses that will be open to the public:

  • Adult Mental Health First Aid:   Friday / May 5, 2017 / 8 am – 5 pm / WellStone Community Room / $25 per participant / Class size limited to 21.
  • Youth Mental Health First Aid:  Friday / May 12, 2017 / 8 am – 5 pm / WellStone Community Room / $25 per participant / Class size limited to 21.

WellStone Behavioral Health Community Room is Suite E @ 4040 South Memorial Parkway, Huntsville, Alabama, 35802.

Just as CPR helps you assist an individual having a heart attack, Mental Health First Aid helps you assist someone experiencing a mental health or substance use-related crisis. In the Mental Health First Aid course, you learn risk factors and warning signs for mental health and addiction concerns, strategies for how to help someone in both crisis and non-crisis situations, and where to turn for help. Mental Health First Aid teaches about recovery and resiliency – the belief that individuals experiencing these challenges can and do get better, and use their strengths to stay well.

Topics Covered:

  • Depression and mood disorders
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Trauma
  • Psychosis
  • Substance Use disorders

To register for one or both of these courses at WellStone please contact Rita Limbaugh at (256) 750-6379 or email her at rita.limbaugh@wellstone.com.

Learn more about the national MHFA movement at https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/cs/.

 

Mental Health First Aid logo