May is known for several holidays (Mother's Day and Memorial Day among others), but did you know that May is Mental Health Month? Originating in 1949, mental health service affiliates throughout the United States have observed May as a month to reach out and communicate the importance of healthy … [Continue reading...] about Mental Health Month Announcement
Suicide survivor finds renewed purpose
October 10 marks World Mental Health Day. 2019's theme is suicide prevention. According to the World Health Organization, every 40 seconds, someone loses their life to suicide. Two hours. That’s how close the doctors said Andrea Huston was to death by suicide. Last December was bleak for the … [Continue reading...] about Suicide survivor finds renewed purpose
Honoring our veterans by offering our help
Suicide rates increased in 49 states, including Iowa, from 1999 to 2016. As overall rates rise, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has reported veterans are twice as likely as civilians to die by suicide. While the factors contributing to deaths by suicide are far too complex to nail down in … [Continue reading...] about Honoring our veterans by offering our help
Suicide: What to look for and how to help others
The recent deaths of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain, both of whom recently died by suicide, have reminded us to pay attention to what has become an epidemic in our country. We need to better educate ourselves so we can see the warning signs in loved ones and equip ourselves with the tools to help … [Continue reading...] about Suicide: What to look for and how to help others
IPR takes root across Optimae
Optimae customers across the company have access to a newly revamped service that provides additional support for their recovery through goal-based work. Intensive Psychiatric Rehabilitation (IPR) is guided by the values of customer involvement, choice, self-determination and principles drawn from … [Continue reading...] about IPR takes root across Optimae
Optimae customer finds success at Brick Street
Wilmuth Luther, or Wilma as she likes to be called, greets Brick Street Bakery customers with a hug and smile. It’s something they’ve come to expect. For Wilma, everyone is family. At age 69, her body aches. She deals with an intellectual disability, although it hasn’t stopped her from finding … [Continue reading...] about Optimae customer finds success at Brick Street
Mental illness offers new opportunities
This is part of an ongoing series highlighting individuals’ journey with mental illness in an effort to educate others about the disease and fight the stigma attached to it during Mental Health Awareness Month.At age 20, Brent Deppe had his first mental break.Then a Central College sophomore, Deppe … [Continue reading...] about Mental illness offers new opportunities