West Central News
West Central Tobacco Free Zone
West Central Mental Health Center went tobacco-free at their mental health center properties in Fremont, Chaffee and Lake Counties on July 1. Implementing the initiative was a team effort by WCMHC staff and clients who also cleaned up the property of all cigarette butts and removed cigarette receptacles. The new tobacco free policy supports the organizations effort to encourage a healthy lifestyle, mind and body, for their clients and staff. Pictured in the front row (l to right): Julia Trujillo, Mary Ray, Penny Swisher, Kay Martin, and Lois Wilson. Back row: Hugh Keating, Wendy Cheney, David Lockert and Steve Ray.
West Central Staff at the spring 2010 All Staff Day
West Central Staff Visits Capitol Hill
Canon City, CO - Staff members from West Central Mental Health Center, along with over 100 other behavioral health professionals, attended the annual Colorado Behavioral Healthcare Council Capitol Hill Day, Wednesday, February 10, in Denver. The event gives behavioral health workers an opportunity to meet with legislators to discuss the importance of community mental health centers and the services provided in our local community.
The struggling economy was the over-riding topic at the Capitol as legislators are forced to make deep cuts to the state budget. Behavioral health representatives were able to deliver the positive message to legislators that the best way to save the state and local government money from inappropriate use of services in the hospital emergency departments and the criminal justice system, is to provide services to people in need, on the front end, in the community.
"In 2009, non-profit, community mental health centers in Colorado provided behavioral health treatment services to over 92,000 Coloradoans," says Kay Martin, Chief Operating Officer of West Central Mental Health Center. "West Central is working with local partners to develop innovative approaches to provide wellness programs and create opportunities to meet the needs of families in our local communities," says Martin.
West Central Mental Health Center is committed to providing integrated and coordinated mental health, substance abuse and physical health services in our community. "We are working hard to provide treatment that is cost-efficient, uses practices that assure the best possible health outcomes and increases client satisfaction," say Martin.
For more information about mental health services or to make an appointment, call West Central Mental Health Center at 275-2351.
From left to right: Gwen Johnson, Public Information Coordinator; Kay Martin, Chief Operating Officer; David Lockert, Consumer & Family Advocate; Representative Tom Massey; and Mandy Baker, Program Supervisor.
