Mercy Health's Behavioral Services is helping people with mental illness and/or substance abuse disorders
Mercy Health St. Rita's Medical Center's Behavioral Services began accepting patients in April and serves adults with a primary mental health diagnosis. Their staff told us that one in four Americans suffers from a mental health disorder but they don't seek treatment because of fear of judgement and discrimination. This can lead to other problems like substance abuse.
Behavioral Services is trying to break down the walls for people who are afraid to share their problems, and providing a number of services, including crisis assessment and referral services, trauma and pediatric consults, "safe rooms" for psychiatric observation and assessment, recreational therapy, spirituality, art and music. They have room for 21 patients who have an average stay of four days. "Our goal is to offer hope and help and healing for anyone dealing with things such as anxiety, depression, hopelessness, inability to cope, increased substance use, suicidal thoughts and relationship issues," says Dawn Mansfield, Director of Behavioral Services. Dawn says she feels blessed in her job because she provides hope and healing to people in their most vulnerable moments.
Also at Monday's meeting, PolioPlus Chairman Keith Horner reported that we have raised more than $2,000 of our $3,000 fundraising goal. Those who donate at least $25 by November 18 will be entered into a raffle drawing for some great prizes including two framed Buckeyes pictures, $100 worth of lottery tickets and two bottles of bourbon. Any donations made by December 31 will be matched by a generous Rotarian in District 6600 up to $50,000.
Russ Decker announced that he is looking for volunteers to work the Holiday Home Tour on December 1. Rotarians are needed for 2 1/2 hour shifts to check tickets at each of the participating homes on the tour.