Montgomery, Ala. – In May, the nation and our state celebrate Stepping Up Month of Action, during which counties across the country will demonstrate their impact and highlight their efforts toward reducing the number of people with mental illnesses in jails. Since the launch of Stepping Up in 2015, more than 475 counties in 43 states have passed a resolution or proclamation to join the initiative and commit to creating a data-driven, systems-level plan to reduce the prevalence of mental illness in their jails and improve outcomes for people with mental illnesses in their communities. It is crucial to address both mental health and mental illness, because they affect us all.
Last fall, ADMH offered a grant opportunity to community mental health centers to expand Stepping Up in our state. The awardees for fiscal year 2019 were:
- Wellstone Behavioral Health: Madison County and Cullman locations
- Mental Health Board of Chilton and Shelby Counties, Inc.
- Cherokee-Etowah-Dekalb Mental Health Center
- Marshall-Jackson Mental Health Board. Inc.
- Mental Health Center of North Central Alabama Inc.
Since the beginning of the grant opportunity, the Stepping Up program awardees have worked to expand their work and engage their communities. For example, at Wellstone Behavioral Health in Cullman, a case manager works with local hospital and county jail to help identify persons with a serious mental health illness or addiction and find relevant services. The case manager has successfully linked clients to treatment, housing, and crisis resources, helping to reduce their rate of return to emergency rooms.
Wellstone Behavioral Health in Madison County’s relationship with the local hospital has improved because Stepping Up creates partnerships that make each other more aware of individuals’ needs. When individuals who are in need are receiving case management services from partners like Wellstone, they are less likely to be involved with the justice system. For example, the hospital had an individual with depression and suicidal thoughts, visiting three times a month, every year for three years, after losing his mother. His ER visits would often turn into lengthy hospital stays. In 2019, he enrolled with Wellstone and he has not been back to the emergency room. He is now seeing a mental health clinician consistently.
At the Chilton Shelby Mental Health Center, task force and needs assessment meetings have been held to identify outcome measures and measurable objectives. The case manager at Chilton Shelby also works to create better outcomes for the individuals in the criminal justice system. All inmates booked into jail now receive screenings for mental health and substance use issues allowing for appropriate referrals for assessment and treatment options.
The Cherokee-Etowah-Dekalb Mental Health Center’s case manager has completed several crisis intervention services inside of the jail as well as traveled with officers into the field to perform crisis intervention services. Having a case manager dedicated to working with law enforcement and the hospital has helped to cut down response time and give a presence in the court room for court officials to see mental health in action. Case managers also assist individuals when they are ready to return to their communities. In 2018, a young man was being released from incarceration, however he had no income nor housing to return to. The case manager was able to guide the individual in the direction to secure disability and housing.
Mountain Lakes Behavioral Healthcare of Marshall-Jackson Mental Health Board. Inc. hired a case manager to kickstart their Stepping Up program and since its implementation, the work has brought to light many of the ways that people who are seriously mentally ill are falling through the cracks of the system. The program for the county encourages partnerships with the Highlands Medical Center, Jackson County Jail, Jackson County Probate Office, and Jackson County Sherriff’s office. The case manager helps to identify individuals in need and they are then connected with the appropriate level of care needed. The program has assisted in giving the court system and hospital one “go to” person allowing for a simplified process.
At the Mental Health Center of North Central Alabama, referrals are received from the Morgan County Jail, Morgan County Circuit and District Courts, Decatur Municipal Court, and Decatur Morgan Hospital staff to their Stepping Up program. The case manager assists with the timely linkage to resources and monitors individuals who are referred to the program. Since the inception of Stepping Up in Morgan County, over 50 people have been referred and more than 20 have been directly assisted by the case manager with mental health and substance abuse services.
The Stepping Up programs from each area have made presentations to numerous entities in their communities to develop partnerships that enable Stepping Up to expand. The groups presented to and in partnership with the awardees range from the county commission, police department, sheriff’s office and local jails, specialty courts and probate judges, county corrections, District Attorney’s office, Public Defender’s office, advocacy organizations such as NAMI Alabama and Recovery Oriented Peer Specialists and local hospitals.
If continued progress is made and an investment by all partners is sustained, communities can benefit from:
- Increased treatment for individuals living with mental illness
- More efficient use of public funds
- Less strain on jails and law enforcement
- Increased peace of mind for families and the community
- Healthier community members
- Greater prosperity for the entire community
The Alabama Department of Mental Health is expanding Stepping Up with more grant opportunities for mental health authorities in the state. To learn more about this and the Stepping Up program, contact the Alabama Department of Mental Health at 334-242-3417 or publicinformation.dmh@mh.alabama.gov.
Montgomery, Ala. – The Alabama Department of Mental Health, Office of Prevention is spearheading a series of activities in observance of National Prevention Week for May 12-18, 2019. National Prevention Week is an annual health observance dedicated to increasing public awareness of, and action around, mental and/or substance use disorders.
The three primary goals of National Prevention Week are to:
- Involve communities in raising awareness about behavioral health issues and implementing prevention strategies, and showcasing effectiveness of evidence-based prevention programs;
- Foster partnerships and collaboration with federal agencies and national organizations dedicated to behavioral and public health; and
- Promote and disseminate quality behavioral health resources and publications.
Each year, National Prevention Week includes daily themes to focus on major substance use and mental health topics. The 2019 weekday themes are:
- Monday, May 13: Preventing Prescription and Opioid Drug Misuse
- Tuesday, May 14: Preventing Underage Drinking and Alcohol Misuse
- Wednesday, May 15: Preventing Illicit Drug Use and Youth Marijuana Use
- Thursday, May 16: Preventing Youth Tobacco Use
- Friday, May 17: Preventing Suicide
At the department, at local providers and online, there are numerous activities going on. Some activities happening are: an ‘Alcohol Free’ Fun day that includes a ‘fatal vision goggle’ game, a cake walk, and resource table; Fact sheets and quizzes on tobacco usage, the social media challenge, #PreventionChampion; and more! To learn more, visit the ADMH Facebook page.
Montgomery Ala.– The Alabama Department of Mental Health, community partners and the Montgomery Biscuits are hosting Strike Out Stigma Night to offer valuable information and resources on mental illness and substance use disorders. Join us Wednesday, May 15th for the 6:35 p.m. game!
Mental illness touches hundreds of thousands of families in America, with at least one family member diagnosed during their lifetime. Navigating life with a mental health condition can be tough, and the isolation, blame and secrecy, that is often encouraged by stigma, can create huge challenges to reaching out, getting needed support and living well.
Conversations about mental health and where to find help for oneself or for family and friends is vital. Community partners at the event will offer information on services and opportunities for those in need and their families:
- NAMI Alabama
- Wings Across Alabama
- Bradford Health Services
- Montgomery Mental Health Authority
- Council on Substance Abuse
- Samaritan Counseling Center
- Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System
- New Season-Montgomery Metro Treatment Center
- Chemical Addictions Program
Purchase tickets here for the May 15th Strike Out Stigma game: https://groupmatics.events/event/Alabamadepartment?r=99.
For more information, contact ADMH Public Information at 334-242-3417, or email publicinformation.dmh@mh.alabama.gov.
About Us: The Alabama Department of Mental Health serves more than 200,000 Alabama citizens with mental illnesses, intellectual disabilities, and substance use disorders. The department strives to Serve, Empower, and offer support to create awareness while promoting the health and well-being of Alabamians. Visit www.mh.alabama.gov for more information.
AUBURN, Alabama – Alabama is one of the most affected states in the country when it comes to the Opioid Crisis. In 2017, there were 422 overdose deaths involving either prescription or illicit drugs in the state, an average of more than one per day.
To battle such a crisis requires a collaborative and interprofessional effort. With that in mind, Auburn University’s Harrison School of Pharmacy and the Alabama Department of Mental Health have partnered to create the Opioid Training Institute.
The OTI is a series of 16 one-day, free training programs spanning the state from May through September. The programs are broken up evenly with eight focused on health care professionals such as physicians, pharmacists, nurses, nurse practitioners, dentists and veterinarians; and the other eight focused on community members including, but not limited to, educators, social workers, guidance counselors, behavioral health specialists, counselors, faith-based community leaders, state and local leaders and law enforcement.
“We know that many factors led to Alabama’s unfortunate position as a leader in opioid use in the United States. Accordingly, we know that a variety of strategies are necessary to address the opioid problem in Alabama,” said Dr. Brent Fox, associate professor with the Harrison School of Pharmacy. “The Opioid Training Institute will allow us to convene a diverse group of experiences, expertise, and perspectives to advance the fight against opioids in our state.”
The opioid epidemic is one that knows no neighborhood, class, or age and impacts every sector of the state, including health care, education, business, and local government. Opioids are a class of drugs that includes heroin as well as prescription pain relievers such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine and fentanyl. These drugs work by binding to the body’s opioid receptors in the reward center of the brain, diminishing pain as well as producing feelings of relaxation and euphoria.
Because of the variety of uses, one could come into contact with opioids from street drugs to prescription drugs. The problem is one that affects all socio-economic statuses. It is for this reason that such a broad spectrum of people, from health care to law enforcement to leaders in the community, are needed to fight the problem.
“Opioid use disorder impacts those from the teen years to the older populations in our state. In 2017, more than 47,000 Americans died of opioid overdoses and in Alabama we see the need for education to reach everyone that may have the power to evoke change for our communities,” said Dr. Karen Marlowe, assistant dean of the Harrison School of Pharmacy. “Understanding the risk factors for opioid use disorder and overdose in your school, community, place of worship may help someone to connect with the appropriate resources in their community. We also hope to start more conversations across different professions to share information about programs that already exist in communities across the state.”
The programs begin May 20-21 with sessions for community members in Birmingham. Other stops around the state include Mobile/Baldwin County, Huntsville, Cullman, Montgomery, Auburn, Dothan, Troy and Tuscaloosa.
All sessions are free and pre-registration is preferred. Speakers at the events include those from health care, law enforcement, government agencies and others. For health care professionals, continuing education credit is available.
“Mental health is an important piece in the fight against the opioid crisis and partnering with the Alabama Department of Mental Health allows us to combine our areas of expertise and have a greater reach in the state of Alabama,” said Dr. Haley Phillippe, associate clinical professor with the Harrison School of Pharmacy. “We are very thankful for the opportunity to work with ADMH.”
For more information and registration, visit AlabamaOTI.org.
Opioid Training Institute Dates and Locations
Community Members
- May 20 & 21 – Birmingham, Hilton at UAB
- July 23 – Huntsville, Jackson Center
- July 24 – Cullman, Cullman Civic Center
- July 29 – Montgomery, Hilton Garden Inn EastChase
- July 30 – Auburn, Marriott Resort and Spa at Grand National
- August 1 – Dothan, Windmill Station
- August 2 – Mobile, The Battle House Renaissance Mobile Hotel
Health Care Professionals
- June 18 & 19 – Mobile/Baldwin County, The Grand Hotel at Point Clear
- June 26 & 27 – Huntsville, Jackson Center
- September 11 – Troy, Sportsplex
- September 12 – Auburn, Marriott Resort and Spa at Grand National
- September 18 – Tuscaloosa, Bryant Conference Center
- September 19 – Birmingham, Hyatt Regency Birmingham-The Wynfrey Hotel
Montgomery, AL – When you or someone you love is dealing with a mental health concern, it can be an overwhelming feeling. It’s important to remember that mental health is essential to everyone’s overall health and well-being, and mental illnesses are common and treatable, and there is help available. Information on local providers and mental health partners can be found on the Alabama Department of Mental Health website.
May is National Mental Health Month, raising awareness about mental illness and related issues in the United States and in our state. Alabama Department of Mental Health Commissioner Lynn Beshear said, “Stigma is the greatest challenge that we face surrounding mental health. Those with mental health challenges should be offered the same resources that anyone with a chronic or acute illness would be offered. We must educate and inform each other about mental health needs, resources, and showcase and applaud those in recovery.”
Many of the department’s providers will be hosting informational events designed to encourage a healthy mind and body, and offer important resources and information. Please contact your local mental health authority and partner agencies, such as National Association for Mental Illness Alabama, for more information. The Alabama Department of Mental Health will be hosting, along with the Montgomery Biscuits and local providers and partners, Strike Out Stigma Baseball Night on Wednesday, May 15th to offer frank information and resources on mental illness and substance.
Also, May 6-10 is Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week, emphasizing the importance of an integrated approach to caring for the mental health needs of children, youth, and young adults, as well as their families.
Mental Health Month was started 70 years ago by the Alabama Department of Mental Health’s partner, Mental Health America, to raise awareness about conditions and the importance of good mental health for everyone. For more information on mental health resources in Alabama, visit www.mh.alabama.gov and Mental Health America’s website at www.mentalhealthamerica.net/may.
About Us: The Alabama Department of Mental Health serves more than 200,000 Alabama citizens with mental illnesses, intellectual disabilities, and substance use disorders. The department strives to Serve, Empower, and offer support to create awareness while promoting the health and well-being of Alabamians. Visit www.mh.alabama.gov for more information.
Montgomery, Ala. – Since 2005, ADMH has hosted the Capitol Showcase, a consumer art show at the Alabama’s State Capitol. People from around the state with mental illnesses, developmental disabilities, substance use disorders and co-occurring disorders have their abilities showcased throughout the month of May. Join us May 1-23 at the Alabama State Capitol, Old Supreme Court Library to view the art of the people ADMH and local providers serve.
With each piece of art, a short narrative is displayed at the Showcase, offering heartfelt information about their lives and describing how art can be an integral part of their mental health and recovery.
Nearly 160 pieces of art will be on display in the Old Supreme Court Library in the State Capitol. Alabama Department of Mental Health Commissioner Lynn Beshear invites all Alabamians to view the show now through May 23. A reception will be hosted on May 23 for the artists and supporters.
The department thanks the Booker T. Washington Magnet School National Art Honor Society students for assisting in the extensive set up of the show.
About Us: The Alabama Department of Mental Health serves more than 200,000 Alabama citizens with mental illnesses, intellectual disabilities, and substance use disorders. The department strives to Serve, Empower, and offer support to create awareness while promoting the health and well-being of Alabamians. Visit www.mh.alabama.gov for more information.
http://alabamapublichealth.gov/news/2019/04/17.html
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Scott Harris, M.D., M.P.H.
(334) 206-5200
CONTACT: Jamey Durham
(334) 206-5634
Law enforcement officials have announced today the arrest of a medical practitioner in Toney, Alabama. Patients of this clinic and their family members may have questions or concerns, especially if they have immediate need for medical treatment and must locate a physician.
The Alabama departments of Mental Health and Public Health recommend the following:
Check with your clinic and the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners, www.albme.org, for a listing of local physicians and their contact information
Ask your health insurance provider which physicians will accept your coverage
Visit the following websites:
- Alabama Board of Medical Examiners: albme.org
- Madison County Medical Society Physician Finder: madisoncountymedicalsociety.wildapricot.org/physician-finder
- Alabama Department of Public Health: alabamapublichealth.gov/pharmacy/opioid-and-heroin.html
- Alabama Department of Mental Health: mh.alabama.gov/understanding-the-opioid-crisis
In addition, the Alabama Department of Mental Health has a toll-free number to help connect patients to available resources. Call toll free at 1-844-307-1760.
THE ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH
LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE –
First Comprehensive Website Redesign in 12 Years makes Information more
Accessible, and User-centric
Montgomery, AL – Commissioner Lynn Beshear announced the new Alabama Department of Mental Health website today, featuring an improved design and navigation from any device. The website offers quick and easy access to essential information and features, increasing understanding of the department’s programs and services.
The new website has a clean design, improved functionality and enhanced rich content, focused on the department’s mission to Serve · Empower · Support. The site goes live today at the same web address: www.mh.alabama.gov.
“We are excited about our new website and the robust information it provides for the people we serve, for providers, ADMH partners and the public about services, employment within our department, mental health resources and tools,” said Commissioner Lynn Beshear. “We believe the new site will allow our visitors to have an enlightening experience and will help everyone to better understand the importance of mental health.”
The website was developed through a collaborative, data-driven process involving mental health stakeholders across the state, user testing and analytics research that identified top user requests and the most important information to highlight. The website prioritizes information in high demand by Alabamians, found in the newly designed navigation menus and makes it easier to find key services and programs. MH.Alabama.gov launches with specially designed pages to locate providers of services for mental health, substance abuse and developmental disabilities; resources for individuals and families; and a provider portal.
The website’s overall design has been enhanced to be more engaging and accessible. It features a simplified, streamlined look with brighter colors, larger images and text size. Through the adoption of best practices in accessibility, the new website meets all ADA requirements. The website was designed and built in partnership with the state Office of Information Technology Services (OIT), ADMH Office of Public Information and ADMH Bureau of Information Technology. The redesign also includes a new content management system that allows the communications team to more quickly publish information.
ADMH’s new website will be updated on a regular basis with content regarding initiatives and programs, community partners and services, press releases, videos and newsletters. Visitors are encouraged to explore the site at www.mh.alabama.gov. Please send any questions to publicinformation.dmh@mh.alabama.gov.
About Us: The Alabama Department of Mental Health serves more than 200,000 Alabama citizens with mental illnesses, intellectual disabilities, and substance use disorders. The department strives to Serve, Empower, and Support, and promote the health and well-being of Alabamians. Visit www.mh.alabama.gov for more information.
Montgomery Ala.– Since 2005, ADMH has hosted an art show at Alabama’s state Capitol. Artists from around the state with mental illnesses, developmental disabilities, substance use disorders and co-occurring disorders are invited to have their abilities showcased throughout the month of May in the Capitol in observance of National Mental Health Month. This year’s event is May 1-23, 2019.