Alabama took what officials called a big step toward solving a statewide mental health care crisis today with the opening in Huntsville of the first of several new emergency services centers planned statewide. Before the new center, police had two options when responding to a reported mental breakdown, WellStone Emergency Services CEO Jeremy Blair said. […]
New Mental Health Crisis Diversion Center Opens to Serve People in North Alabama- WAAY31 Feature Story
Before this crisis diversion center opened in May, there were two options for people having a mental health crisis when law enforcement got involved. It was either go to the hospital or jail. Now, those people can get the help they need. “We are specialists in mental health and so, having that staff, the nurse […]
WellStone hosts state mental health commissioner, provides tour of temporary facilities- WHNT Feature Story
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – WellStone Crisis Diversion Center, a nonprofit mental health facility, funded in part by the state of Alabama is set to open next spring. But in the meantime, the mental health staff showed News 19 how its temporary crisis facility operates. “So as part of the contract award, we needed to get something […]
WellStone Program Seeks to Improve Mental Health Crisis Response – WAAYTV Feature Story
When a person is having a mental health crisis and police respond to the situation they can be brought to WellStone’s Crisis Diversion Center. Watch the full story here.
Huntsville discusses program to help police respond to mental health calls- WHNT Feature Story
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – The Huntsville City Council passed a resolution showing support of a an important partnership at it’s May 13 meeting. The partnership will be between the Huntsville Police Department, WellStone Behavioral Health, and the City of Huntsville to develop a mental health crisis Co-Responder Program. Watch the story here.
Chill at Depot Park Saturday at first De-Stress Fest
From COVID-19 to politics to the economy and more, it’s been a roller coaster of a past year for a lot of people. And with May marking the recognition of mental health awareness month, mental health care provider WellStone is teaming with local partners to give everyone a few ideas on how to dial back […]
Jacobs proclaims ‘Mental Health Awareness Month’ in Cullman
On Wednesday, Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs proclaimed the month of May 2021 “Mental Health Awareness Month” in the City of Cullman. Officials from WellStone Behavioral Health who were present at Cullman City Hall to accept the proclamation from Jacobs were Jeremy Blair (Chief Executive Officer), Chris Van Dyke (Chief Operating Officer), Tommie Sanders (Substance Abuse […]
Mental Health Monday: What is psychosis?—WZDX Feature Story
NOVA center explains how psychosis is expressed, and it’s effects on youth. Their new program hopes to identify the signs early and get more people into treatment. During the pandemic we’ve been taking time to talk about different mental health conditions we all might be experiencing. Professionals in Huntsville say there’s one condition that we’re […]
A look inside the NOVA Center—WZDX Feature Story
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. […]
A look inside Huntsville Police mental illness training—WZDX Feature Story
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 […]