Coleman Health Services https://www.colemanservices.org/ Fri, 27 Oct 2023 17:35:58 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.2 https://www.colemanservices.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/cropped-coleman-favicon-1-32x32.png Coleman Health Services https://www.colemanservices.org/ 32 32 Coleman Health Services Names Chris Richardson Senior Chief Officer of Substance Use Services https://www.colemanservices.org/coleman-health-services-names-chris-richardson-senior-chief-officer-of-substance-use-services/ Thu, 28 Sep 2023 14:48:51 +0000 https://www.colemanservices.org/?p=4622 The post Coleman Health Services Names Chris Richardson Senior Chief Officer of Substance Use Services appeared first on Coleman Health Services.

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Photo of Mr. Chris Richardson

Mr. Chris Richardson

KENT, Ohio, September 19, 2023 – Chris Richardson, a well-known behavioral health clinician in northeast Ohio, has joined Coleman Health Services as its Senior Chief Officer of Substance Use Services.

Richardson has over 28 years of experience in behavioral health, addictions and healthcare. He was previously the Chief Operating Officer at CHC Addiction Services (Community Drug Board) located in Akron, Ohio. He also served as CEO at AxessPointe Community Health Centers, a local federally qualified health center. Under his leadership AxessPointe served over 19,000 clients at 5 locations. Mr. Richardson’s additional experience included serving as Program Manager at Oriana House where he was responsible for the oversight of the ADM Crisis Center (detoxification unit).

Richardson received both his Bachelor’s (Criminal Justice) and Masters of Education (Rehabilitation Counseling) from Kent State University where he also served as an adjunct professor. He is licensed as an Independent Clinical Dependency Counselor with Clinical Supervisor Designation and Professional Counselor

“We are thrilled to welcome Chris to Coleman,” Hattie Tracy, Coleman Health Services’ president and CEO said. “At Coleman, our mission is fostering recovery, building independence & changing destinies for individuals & families, and we believe Chris aligns perfectly with our mission and values.”

In addition to his professional experience he is a current board member of the Akron/Canton Regional Foodbank, Greater Akron Chamber of Commerce, Truly Reaching You Ministries, Kent State University Public Health Advisory Council, Kent State Rehabilitation Advisory Council, and Ardmore Inc. He is a graduate of Leadership Akron Class 34 (Class of 2018).

Coleman Health Services is a nonprofit provider of community based behavioral health and addiction recovery services with a focus on whole-person treatment and wellness. Coleman integrates behavioral health treatments with physical health monitoring and social support services such as peer programs, housing, and employment to establish a solid foundation for recovery. Coleman has offices in 12 Ohio counties and provides services in an additional 21 counties.

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CONTACT INFORMATION
Coleman Health Services
Steve Bossart, VP of Business Development and Marketing
330-388-0719
Steve.bossart@colemanservices.org

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Catherine Chudakoff Named Coleman’s Chief Officer for Trumbull & Mahoning Counties https://www.colemanservices.org/catherine-chudakoff-named-coleman-chief-officer-for-trumbull-mahoning-counties/ Tue, 28 Feb 2023 13:30:51 +0000 https://www.colemanservices.org/?p=4150 The post Catherine Chudakoff Named Coleman’s Chief Officer for Trumbull & Mahoning Counties appeared first on Coleman Health Services.

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Catherine Chudakoff, LISW-S

 KENT, Ohio, February 27, 2023 – Catherine Chudakoff, LISW-S, has been named Coleman Health Services’ Chief Officer for Trumbull and Mahoning Counties. As Chief Officer, she will manage Coleman’s Trumbull and Mahoning business units.

Chudakoff is currently serving as Coleman’s Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) Project Director for six Ohio counties. She has over 13 years of experience in the field of Social Work with five years of supervisory/management experience. She previously served in a variety of roles at Pathway Caring for Children in Canton, Ohio before joining the Coleman team in 2021. 

“I am passionate about being a part of something bigger than myself,” Chudakoff said. “I enjoy helping people navigate complicated systems and find their worth and full potential, especially those who have been historically marginalized and excluded from full participation.”

 “We are thrilled to welcome Catherine Chudakoff to this role at Coleman, as she brings a depth of experience and passion for our work and will provide great value to our clients,” Hattie Tracy, Coleman Health Services’ president and CEO said. “At Coleman, our mission is fostering recovery, building independence & changing destinies for individuals & families, and we believe Catherine aligns perfectly with our mission and values.”

Coleman has locations at 611 Belmont Avenue in Youngstown and 103 W. Market Street in Warren. The organization is a nonprofit provider of community based behavioral health and addiction recovery services with a focus on whole-person treatment and wellness. Coleman integrates behavioral health treatments with physical health monitoring and social support services such as peer programs, housing, and employment to establish a solid foundation for recovery. Coleman has offices in 12 Ohio counties and provides services in an additional 23 counties.

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CONTACT INFORMATION
Kathy Myers
Director of Marketing and Advocacy
330-676-6926
Kathy.Myers@colemanservices.org

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Empowering Health Care Support: A Business Ninja Podcast Featuring Coleman CEO Hattie Tracy https://www.colemanservices.org/empowering-health-care-support-podcast-featuring-coleman-ceo-hattie-tracy/ Wed, 28 Dec 2022 22:48:16 +0000 https://www.colemanservices.org/?p=3880 The post Empowering Health Care Support: A Business Ninja Podcast Featuring Coleman CEO Hattie Tracy appeared first on Coleman Health Services.

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“Often times in the mental health system, we wait until individuals are really sick and they’ve had multiple hospitalizations. [Coleman’s] goal is to increase access to behavioral health services earlier on…When you intervene earlier, you really have the opportunity to change the trajectory of a mental illness.”

 

Hattie Tracy
Coleman Health Services President & CEO

President and CEO of Coleman Health Services, Hattie Tracy, joined Andrew, host of the Business Ninja Podcast, to discuss Ohio’s Healthcare System and the great work Coleman does across the state. This episode features an overview of Coleman’s services, the impact of state funding on access to behavioral health services, the stigma of mental health post-COVID and Coleman’s unique whole-person treatment approach.

Watch the full episode below.

Support Our Mission

Help Coleman provide behavioral health care to more children, individuals and families across the state of Ohio.
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Nicole Martin Joins Coleman Health Services as VP of Clinical Strategy and Innovation https://www.colemanservices.org/nicole-martin-joins-coleman-health-services-as-vp-clinical-strategy-and-innovation/ Tue, 06 Sep 2022 13:54:18 +0000 https://www.colemanservices.org/?p=3673 The post Nicole Martin Joins Coleman Health Services as VP of Clinical Strategy and Innovation appeared first on Coleman Health Services.

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Nicole Martin

KENT, OHIO (Sept 8, 2022) – Nicole Martin, a well-known behavioral health clinician in northeast Ohio, has joined Coleman Health Services as its Vice President of Clinical Strategy and Innovation. She began work on September 6.

Martin, a resident of Aurora in Portage County, most recently served as the Executive Director of Silver Maple Recovery in Lorain, Ohio. Before becoming Executive Director, Martin was the Director of External Relations. She was hired to open a new detox and residential treatment center for drug and alcohol services. Her experience includes facilitating all of the activities to acquire state licensure, Medicaid enrollment and Joint Commission accreditation. Prior to joining Silver Maple, Martin was a senior executive with the Centers for Families and Children in Cleveland. Martin is a three-time graduate of John Carroll University where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree as well as two Masters degrees in Counseling and Human Services and Nonprofit Administration.

“We are thrilled to welcome Nicole Martin to Coleman, as she brings a depth of experience and passion for our work and will provide great value to our clients,” Hattie Tracy, Coleman Health Services’ president and CEO said. “At Coleman, our mission is fostering recovery, building independence & changing destinies for individuals & families, and we believe Nicole aligns perfectly with our mission and values.”

“I believe in the impact community behavioral health care can have,” Martin said. “Coleman is helping clients in 33 counties throughout Ohio, and I am really looking forward to aiding in the pursuit of its important mission.”

Coleman Health Services is a nonprofit provider of community based behavioral health and addiction recovery services with a focus on whole-person treatment and wellness. Coleman integrates behavioral health treatments with physical health monitoring and social support services such as peer programs, housing, and employment to establish a solid foundation for recovery. Coleman has offices in 10 Ohio counties and provides services in an additional 23 counties.

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CONTACT INFORMATION
Coleman Health Services
Steve Bossart, VP of Business Development and Marketing
330-388-0719
Steve.bossart@colemanservices.org

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Coleman Health Services Chosen to Answer New 9-8-8 Mental Health Crisis Line in Select Ohio Counties https://www.colemanservices.org/coleman-answers-new-988-mental-health-crisis-line-in-ohio-counties/ Tue, 12 Jul 2022 19:09:14 +0000 https://www.colemanservices.org/?p=3499 The post Coleman Health Services Chosen to Answer New 9-8-8 Mental Health Crisis Line in Select Ohio Counties appeared first on Coleman Health Services.

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In July 2022, Coleman’s Crisis Centers, serving Allen, Auglaize, Hardin and Stark counties, started answering calls coming in to the new 9-8-8 universal emergency number for mental health crises and suicide prevention. Since the federal government passed the National Suicide Designation Act of 2020, which established this number, states across the nation – including Ohio – selected existing crisis call centers to respond to these calls in preparation of the transition.

Coleman was chosen to answer calls in these counties and beyond based on its reputation as a leading behavioral health center with the staff and expertise to manage the demand this new program is expected to bring. The 9-8-8 number replaces the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255).

To fully prepare for the increased volume in calls coming from the 9-8-8, Coleman cross trained existing employees to also focus on data entry and collection. Plans are also in place to boost staffing and add one new Coleman employee per shift.

“We are honored to be involved in this historical milestone for mental health across this four-county area,” Coleman Health Services Chief Officer of Behavioral Health Services Margaret Lawrence said. “Since the pandemic, calls to our crisis center have steadily increased. We are poised and ready to address this community’s growing need for more accessible crisis care.”

The need for expanded crisis services cannot be overstated. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020 data shows that more than one in ten adults in the U.S. had seriously considered suicide in the month before their survey and four in ten adults had experienced a mental health condition. Closer to home, the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, which is in charge of the 9-8-8 rollout, reported that more than 1,800 Ohioans died by suicide in 2019.

An easy to remember number, such as 9-8-8, will connect those in crisis or contemplating suicide to highly trained mental health crisis interventionists. With direct access to these specialty-trained providers, the hope is that anyone who is struggling will get the support they need to deal with their challenges and continue on a path to healthier living.

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Coleman to Offer Mental Health Services at Newly Announced Multimillion-Dollar Akron Medical Facility Spearheaded by the LeBron James’ Foundation https://www.colemanservices.org/coleman-to-partner-with-lebron-james-family-foundation-healthquarters/ Wed, 08 Jun 2022 00:39:39 +0000 https://www.colemanservices.org/?p=3369 The post Coleman to Offer Mental Health Services at Newly Announced Multimillion-Dollar Akron Medical Facility Spearheaded by the LeBron James’ Foundation appeared first on Coleman Health Services.

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Article: Original article written by Craig Webb, published in the Akron Beacon Journal. Image: An areal view of the I Promise HealthQuarters on West Market Street in Akron. Photo courtesy of the LeBron James Family Foundation.

LeBron James has said it takes a village to help raise a kid and make a true difference.

And Tuesday’s announcement of the new I Promise HealthQuarters furthers his contention that a holistic approach is needed to make change not only in a child’s life but for the student’s entire family.

The new I Promise HealthQuarters will be the latest addition to the growing set of resources offered by James’ namesake foundation and will be situated right across the street from the now-under-construction House Three Thirty.

Like the old Tangier, the property and building was owned by the George family that has operated Bell Music Co. — which supplies arcade-type amusements to businesses — for decades out of the structure that includes offices and a large warehouse space.

AxessPointe to partner with LeBron James Family Foundation

The foundation has partnered with AxessPointe Community Health Partners to offer the medical, dental and optometry care along with on-site lab services and even a reduced-cost pharmacy.

Mark Frisone, executive director of AxessPointe, said everything just fell together to make this possible right when it seemed things were somewhat falling apart for the non-profit that targets the medical needs of underserved areas in Summit and Portage counties.

AxessPointe operated a fourth full clinic on South Broadway in Akron that had to close about a year ago when its partner, the Cleveland Clinic, opted to switch the services offered at the site. Frisone said they were looking for another spot in Akron to open up when they teamed up with the foundation.

“Bluest skies are on the other side of the darkest clouds,” he said.

A combination of grant funding and charitable donations will make the $3 million-plus project move forward.

Frisone said a lot of people, from the foundation to the city, have been working for months to make the project possible.

What’s unique about this particular clinic is that it will offer a wealth of services all under one roof.

For many, he said, the lack of access to health care — particularly when it comes to transportation, scheduling and even billing — creates barriers to preventive and critical care.

And to have it located in the heart of a neighborhood where it can serve the greatest number of residents both young and old is a plus.

“The greatest wealth for a community is good health,” he said. “The (LeBron James Family) Foundation understands this for the community.”

A key component for this particular project, Frisone said, is that it also includes mental health services. Often one’s physical health is impacted by one’s mental health, or vice versa.

“This is truly a transformational project for this part of town,” he said.

Peg’s Foundation also partnering with LeBron’s foundation

Coleman Health Services and Peg’s Foundation are also partners.

Hudson-based Peg’s Foundation has been working with James’ foundation over the last five years to offer educational support through mental health services for students to the tune of about half a million dollars per year.

Rick Kellar, president of the foundation, said the organization’s motto is to “think bigger” in its mission to help improve access to mental health care and treatment.

Creating a one-stop place for I Promise students and families and the Greater Akron community, Kellar said, to address both physical and mental well-being under one roof was simply something they had to be part of.

“Where the need is sometimes the greatest, you have the least resources,” he said. “There’s an opportunity here in Akron to do something different and change the world.”

The world can be a scary place, particularly in the eyes of a kid.

There’s a war in Europe.

Racial and political tension in America.

And violence is not far from the doorstep for many Akron school kids.

Just this past week an Akron teen was beaten to the death in an apparent dispute in the parking lot of the I Promise School that the Foundation and Akron Public Schools have partnered in running. The school was closed for the school year.

Coleman Health Services part of new facility from LeBron’s foundation

As much as we try to insulate our kids, Hattie Tracy, president and CEO of Coleman Health Services, said, children are exposed to violence daily, and it is taking a mental toll.

“This is no easy task for our kids to see and deal with on a daily basis,” she said.

That, coupled with the fears and isolation during the pandemic, she said, has created a greater need for mental health services and counseling for both children and adults.

Tracy said there is an opportunity with the HealthQuarters to make mental health services as readily available as seeing a dentist for a cavity or a doctor for a stomachache.

“We have an opportunity to work with some families who historically have been underserved,” she said. “This will be a much more elevated and collaborative level than we have previously done.”

George family promise is to help foundation help community

David A. George, whose family operated the Tangier and owned the building where the HealthQuarters will be located, said there’s been a lot of interest in the building — particularly as House Three Thirty takes shape across the street.

He said he’s fielded calls from developers interested in building everything from offices, to a fast food-restaurant, to a gas station, to even a marijuana dispensary.

But in the end, he said, the family decided — just like the fate of the Tangier — what was best for the neighborhood and the city was partnering with the foundation.

“Our top priority was helping the foundation transform this area of Akron,” he said.

The family’s arcade supplier business is not going away.

George said they are now in the midst of finding a new spot for the business that has been around since 1935 and has about 800 or so clients.

“We marvel at what the foundation does,” he said. “They are doers.”

CONTACT INFORMATION
Kathy Myers
Director, Communication and Advocacy
330-676-6926
kathy.myers@colemanservices.org

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Coleman Adult Day is Proud to Announce Bambi Simon as its New Chief Officer https://www.colemanservices.org/bambi-simon-new-coleman-adult-day-chief-officer/ Tue, 08 Mar 2022 19:40:42 +0000 https://www.colemanservices.org/?p=3177 The post Coleman Adult Day is Proud to Announce Bambi Simon as its New Chief Officer appeared first on Coleman Health Services.

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Bambi Simon, LNHA, CDP

Ravenna, Ohio (March 8, 2022)Coleman Adult Day Services recently welcomed Bambi Simon, LNHA, CDP as its new Chief Officer. Bambi has spent her career working with seniors in nursing homes, assisted living, and memory care facilities as well as being the Program Director at an adult day center.

She is a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator, a Certified Dementia Practitioner was a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, making her the ideal leader for Coleman’s Adult Day. Coleman Adult Day Services, located at 6695 N. Chestnut St., Ravenna, provides a medical model of daytime care for adults with dementia and Alzheimer’s in a safe, supportive, and socially stimulating setting. It also provides daytime care for a small number of adults with developmental disabilities.

Coleman President and CEO, Hattie Tracy, said “Bambi Simon has the expertise and experience we were seeking.  We are fortunate to have found such a wonderful, qualified individual for Chief Officer at Coleman Adult Day Services. Bambi’s uplifting attitude has truly become a light at the facility as she begins building on Adult Day’s long history of serving our seniors in our communities.”

“The clients here at Coleman Adult Day are absolutely delightful and the staff is excellent and really cares about them,” said Bambi. “I understand some families worry that having their loved one in a daytime program while they are away at work or running errands, might be confusing to the loved one. We work very hard to keep our clients engaged and active while they are here. They have the opportunity to socialize and play games, which is helpful in slowing the progression of their neurological disease. I am glad to be working for an organization and with other staff that have similar values as I do.”

Coleman Adult Day offers a free 4-hour trial, but it must be scheduled in advance to insure proper staffing. If you are interested in learning more, visit Coleman Adult Day Services or call 330-296-3214 to schedule a tour today.

Coleman Adult Day is a service of Coleman Health Services, a nationally recognized nonprofit provider of behavioral health and addiction recovery programs that improve the lives of individuals, families and businesses in Ohio.  For more information about the many services, visit Coleman Health Services.

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CONTACT INFORMATION
Kathy Myers
Director, Communication and Advocacy
330-676-6926
kathy.myers@colemanservices.org

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CSU Group Counseling Transforms Lives https://www.colemanservices.org/csu-group-counseling-transforms-lives/ Thu, 13 Jan 2022 20:11:41 +0000 https://www.colemanservices.org/?p=3068 The Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) hasn’t always offered group counseling, but it was always a service that Coleman wanted to provide. Staff knew that it could be largely beneficial to helping their clients feel more connected and less alone.  About a year into managing the CSU, the time was right to add group counseling to […]

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The Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) hasn’t always offered group counseling, but it was always a service that Coleman wanted to provide. Staff knew that it could be largely beneficial to helping their clients feel more connected and less alone. 

About a year into managing the CSU, the time was right to add group counseling to the mix of one-on-one individual sessions and other intensive treatment. Initially, group counseling was available only one hour each morning Monday through Friday. According to Michelle Smith, Chief Officer of Coleman Crisis Services, client response was so strong that a second session was added to the afternoon each day. 

“Group counseling is a good icebreaker. It gives our clients the opportunity to socialize, connect, relate, and help each other,” she explained.  “Clients constantly ask, ‘when is the next group?’ They look forward to it for the chance to interact with others.”

She hopes that the CSU will be able to offer a third daily group session soon. 

Smith emphasized that this opportunity to socialize with others and share experiences leads to clients feeling more comfortable, which in turn increases their participation. 

“We see a lot of progress happening in this setting, she added. “As folks become more at ease, they take more away from it. Plus, they feel more connected to each other and not like they are  in this alone.”

Led by a licensed counselor, the group sessions enable clients to learn from each other, and teaches them about their own thoughts, feelings, and coping skills through Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), a well-known, evidence-based intervention technique. 

DBT is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps people identify and change negative thinking patterns. It focuses on helping people change their behaviors, rather than thinking about or talking through their issues. It’s most effective for those diagnosed with attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder (BPD), eating disorders, and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

During group counseling, clients are taught new coping skills to help change their behaviors. The four major skills they learn include mindfulness, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and emotional regulation. By practicing these skills, the hope is that clients will decrease behaviors that interfere with quality of life and be able to make better life choices that are mood-independent.   

When clients leave the CSU, they are given a folder to take home with all their group materials. Coleman offers group counseling at many of its locations, so if clients benefited from it at the CSU, they may continue with it.

Smith is quick to note that it’s not just the clients who have been receptive to the group sessions. CSU staff have also appreciated the more treatment focused approach.

“Our clinicians have completely embraced group counseling. It’s been very positive for our staff,” Smith shared. They feel like they are really doing something to help our clients.”

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Peer Support Specialists Offer Clients Help and Hope for Recovery https://www.colemanservices.org/peer-support-specialists-offer-clients-help-and-hope-for-recovery/ Thu, 13 Jan 2022 20:10:55 +0000 https://www.colemanservices.org/?p=3069 The Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) is excited to announce the addition of Peer Support Specialists to its staff in early 2022. This unique position will offer clients the benefit of learning from others with mental health or addiction struggles, who have been successful in their own recovery process.  A peer support specialist is similar to […]

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The Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) is excited to announce the addition of Peer Support Specialists to its staff in early 2022. This unique position will offer clients the benefit of learning from others with mental health or addiction struggles, who have been successful in their own recovery process. 

A peer support specialist is similar to an Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) sponsor; this person serves as a role model to another who is dealing with mental, emotional, or substance use challenges. Because they have “real life” experience, peer support specialists can forge a unique connection with CSU clients while sharing what has and hasn’t worked in their own journey to recovery.

Unlike AA sponsors, Coleman’s certified peer support specialists have all earned special credentials required by the State of Ohio to work in this capacity. In this respect, they are more like the CSU’s clinical staff. Peer support specialists are required to obtain Continuing Education Units (CEUs), in addition to completing 40 hours of specialized training mandated by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services or having at least three years of work experience as a Peer Recovery Supporter.

In the past, peer support specialists at Coleman have been effective in providing support in many areas, including supportive housing and employment services. Michelle Smith, Chief Officer of Coleman Crisis Services, sees them as a natural fit in the CSU.

“One of the main advantages of having peer support specialists here is that they break the barriers of medical professionals. These people have lived experience that helps them relate to our clients and makes them feel less isolated and alone,” she said. 

Smith envisions the peer support specialists operating as “floaters” in the 13-bed facility. They will step in as needed and encourage people to participate in the treatment process. They can also serve in a traditional counseling role with the advantage of having “been there and done that,” which will help build trust with CSU clients. 

In the long-term, the plan is to have peer support specialists lead one group counseling session each day. These sessions will be somewhat different than the ones led by licensed clinicians. Instead of focusing on educating, these sessions will be more conversational and dedicated to the emotional side of recovery.

“Our peer support specialists will be available on the unit for easy access and hands-on support,” Smith explained. “They will be there to help ease conversations as people come into the unit. When they lead groups, they will encourage clients to express themselves, talk about recovery, and the road that led them to the CSU.”

Coleman Health Services President & CEO Hattie Tracy is also thrilled to have the peer support specialists come on board. 

“These folks will be an additional support to our clients that’s a little different than what other organizations offer,” she added. “I expect that our peer support specialists will be sources of hope and inspiration to our clients.”

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Symposium to Engage on Racial Justice and Mental Health Awareness https://www.colemanservices.org/mental-health-and-racial-justice-symposium/ Tue, 21 Dec 2021 14:42:48 +0000 https://www.colemanservices.org/?p=3005 The post Symposium to Engage on Racial Justice and Mental Health Awareness appeared first on Coleman Health Services.

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Youngstown, OH – A Professional Development Symposium on Racial Justice, Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention will take place on February 4, 2022 at the Eastwood Event Center in Niles. The keynote speaker for this important event is Kevin Richardson. Richardson, at age 14, was wrongfully convicted and served seven years in prison for a brutal crime in New York’s Central Park. His story is told in the Netflix mini-series When They See Us. The symposium is a day-long event presented by Coleman Health Services in partnership with the Trumbull County Mental Health and Recovery Board (TCMHRB).

The often “uncomfortable” topic is the idea of Katie Cretella who until recently worked as the Director of Access (crisis) at Coleman in Warren and is now working as Director of Clinical Services at the TCMHRB.

“The goal of this event is to educate the community, while raising awareness and bridging the gap between the medical, mental health and legal systems of care,” said Cretella. “We are excited to be able to provide this educational event for many different professional fields while also being proactive on these critical issues. We are all here to serve our communities and being able to come together for this all-day event will be impactful.”

The event will also feature Laurese Glover, who with the help of the Ohio Innocence Project, had his case overturned in 2016 after being charged with a 1995 murder in Cleveland. Other speakers include Judge Carla Baldwin of Youngstown Municipal Court, James DeLucia of the Mahoning County Juvenile Justice Center, State Representative Thomas West, Attorney Pierce Reed of the Ohio Innocence Project, Dr. Doug Smith of the Summit County ADM Board, and Carmella Hill, Clinical Director of Coleman Health Services Trumbull County. Malik Mostella, Community Liaison for the Youngstown Police Department, will serve as emcee and Carol Bennett, Assistant Provost of Diversity at YSU, will moderate the interviews and panel discussion.

“The past three years in this country, we have seen events take place that have caused society to look at itself in the mirror,” reflects Mostella. “It is good that we are able to sit down to discuss our differences, and ironically find out that we are not that different from each other.”

A limited number of free tickets will be available to first responders and college students. Continuing education credits will be available for counselors, social workers, attorneys, nurses, school counselors, and EMTs.

“The Trumbull County Mental Health and Recovery Board wants to ensure health equity and cultural competence within all behavioral health programs in our community,” said April Caraway, Executive Director of the TCMHRB. “We want to make certain that services meet the needs of diverse populations. We see this conversation as the next step to achieving this goal.”

“When we first began talking about this event, there were sponsors who immediately stepped up,
recognizing the potential impact of this symposium,” added Stacia Erdos, Coleman Health Services’
Regional Development Director for the Mahoning Valley. “Because of their generosity, we are able
to bring Kevin Richardson to the area, and provide free tickets to more than 100 students and law
enforcement.”
In addition to the TCMHRB, other sponsors include the Coleman Foundation; Cafaro Foundation;
Mercy Health Foundation and Mercy Health; Farmers Bank; the Warren Area Chamber of
Commerce Education, Civic and Cultural Foundation; Pegs Foundation, Platt Insurance; The Ross
Griffin Memorial Foundation; and Covelli Enterprises. A meet and greet will take place on the
evening of February 3rd at The Grand Resort.
Registration is now open, with tickets costing $100 which includes breakfast, lunch, and CEUs.

ABOUT COLEMAN HEALTH SERVICES

Coleman Health Services was founded in Kent, Ohio in 1978. It offers comprehensive behavioral health, residential, employment, and supportive services. Coleman serves clients in 22 counties across Ohio. Its footprint stretches from Steubenville and Youngstown in the Eastern part of the state to Lima and Wapakoneta in the western half of Ohio. It earned the 2021 Gold Seal of Transparency from Guidestar, the world’s largest source of information on nonprofit organizations. For more information, visit ColemanServices.org.

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Media Contact
Kathy Myers
Director of Communications & Advocacy
330-676-6926
Kathy.Myers@ColemanServices.org

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