"The root of most stigmas is generally fear. The stigma surrounding mental illnesses in America is no different: fear of not understanding the problem, fear of doing or saying the "wrong" thing, and fear of not knowing what to do when someone needs help." (MHDS)

 

Charlotte Behavioral Health Care (CBHC), in an effort to prevent mental illness stigma, train people in the public sector to help in a crisis and promote overall wellness, is proud to be one of the first providers of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training in our Charlotte County community. The Mental Health First Aid program was created in Australia in 2001 by Professor Tony Jorm, a respected mental health literacy professor, and Betty Kitchener, a nurse specializing in health education. Since then, Mental Health First Aid has been introduced in nearly 20 states and more than 40 communities nationwide during 2008, its pilot year. 

 

The objective of the Mental Health First Aid program is to create an environment where people in our community know how to help someone in an emergency mental health crisis. Mental Health First Aid helps people identify, understand, and respond to individuals experiencing signs or symptoms of a mental illness or substance abuse disorder. While many Americans are trained in physical first aid and CPR to respond to medical emergencies, very few are prepared to help others in a mental health crisis. This program is based on the concept of traditional first aid, only now, covering mental health and substance abuse crises. The individuals who take the course will learn how to identify risk factors, warning signs and how to provide initial aid before guiding the person to professional help. These trainers will learn how to apply a strategy to help someone through a panic attack, support a person experiencing psychosis , engage with someone who may be suicidal, and help an individual who has overdosed.  Once the individuals are trained in the Mental Health First Aid program, they will come back to Charlotte County and train people in our area. Recommended people to receive this training include schools, teachers, nurses, public workers, business leaders, law enforcement and faith based communities.

 

Since mental health illness affects one in four adults in the United State, someone in our community is more likely to see another person suffering from a panic attack than witness someone having a heart attack. A mental illness is that common.

 

As an agency family, Charlotte Behavioral Health Care is compassionate about implementing positive changes and assisting our neighbors to strengthen our community. The general lack of understanding in today's society promotes negative stereotypes and hinders people from seeking professional help. The partnership between CBHC and the Mental Health First Aid program is a large step towards preventing these negative stereotypes and helping people understand there is attainable professional help.   Our goal is to optimize behavioral health, improve quality of life and build an overall feeling of wellness for all children, adolescents, adults and families in Charlotte County.

I am very impressed, grateful and proud of the outstanding work that you all did on the 3rd shift in which how you all individually managed and reacted to a medical emergency that occurred on the CSU Sunday January 20,2013 @ 1:47 AM. There was an admission that came into the CSU involving a female that had attempted suicide by an overdose of morphine and alcohol but was discharged from and medically cleared by Peace River Hospital. This female consumer appeared to be fine while on the unit due to her appearance and interaction with the staff. It appeared to be a routine admission. 

The Arts & Humanities Council of Charlotte County presents...

 

Fifth Annual Dancing With the Charlotte Stars 2013

 

"Team Jessica" needs your help!

 

The Arts & Humanities Council of Charlotte County is hosting its 5th Annual "Dancing With the Charlotte Stars" on March 1, 2013 at the Event Center. Six local celebrities will compete for the title "Charlotte County Dancing Star" 

This is a very unique and exciting fundraiser to create awareness and raise funds for the Arts & Humanities Council.

 

This is your chance to "vote" for the STAR (Jessica) you know deserves to win the coveted "People's Choice" Award!

 

Click here  to cast your vote for Jessica. Simply indicate how many votes you are casting next to her name. All "votes" are tax-deductible.

 

***Vote EARLY---vote OFTEN***

 

$1=1 vote and EVERY single vote counts!

 

 

   

Start Date	Department	Last Name	First Name
2/9/1996	Med Rec	Matthes	Wanda
2/24/1997	Med Rec	Gentry	Christina
2/22/2010	CSU	Green	Timothy
2/23/2006	Dietary	Davis, Jr.	Eric
2/19/2007	CSU	Palm	William
2/8/2010	CSU	Obel	Olguy
2/8/2010	CSU	Sigafoose	Charles
2/16/2010	ADM	Boles	Jessica
2/7/2011	TFC	Thomas	Stefanie
2/14/2011	CSU	Mullen	Karen

 

 

2012-2013  Board of Directors

 

Ed Wotitzky, Wotitzky, Wotitzky, Ross & McKinley

President

 

W. Cort Frohlich, Esq, Frohlich, Gordon & Beason

Vice President

 

Tina Narr

Secretary

 

Larry Stewart

 

Jeff Brown, Ashley, Brown & Company

 

Major Mark Caro, CCSO

 

Michael B. Cronin

 

Melinda Diedrick, Merrill Lynch

 

Michael Grant, Ambitrans

 

Margaret C. Lang

 

Robert C. Sifrit, Esq.

 

Dr. David Winsor, Access Chiropractic Center

Charlotte Behavioral Health Care underwent its' fourth accreditation review by the nationally recognized and highly respected CARF (Commission for Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities).  CARF accreditation indicates CBHC's commitment to continually improving treatment services, encouraging feedback, and serving the community.  CBHC's programs and services received the highest possible level of accreditation.