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ACT (assertive community treatment) is an intensive wrap around team that consists of a team leader, therapist, case manager, substance abuse specialist, peer support specialist, nurse, nurse practitioner and psychiatrist that all work together to provide services to clients with a psychotic disorder that many also have substance use disorders.

These clients have struggled with traditional treatment services and often experienced frequent hospitalizations, legal issues and homelessness. Many struggle with meeting basic needs in the community without these intensive services. The team meets daily to review the current 44 clients on the team and provides frequent services to these clients to help assure stability and assistance to hopefully decrease struggles in the community.

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Let’s hear from some of the ACT Team Members!

Q1: What role do you play on the treatment team of ACT? 

Carrie: I am the ACT RN.  I would say my main role is that of an educator.  I want my clients to be educated on issues regarding their health and well-being.  It is importance for anyone taking a medication to know why they take the medication and the potential side effects of the medication.  The more they know about their medication and how it helps them and works within their body, the more likely they are to keep taking the medication.  I also do education on various health topics such as hygiene, nutrition, and sleep.  I also assist clients with filling medication bins in order to help them maintain medication compliance and I administer injections as prescribed.

Q2: How long have you worked in this role? 

Carrie: I have been in this role since January 26, 2018, so a little over 2 years.  

Q3: What do you enjoy most about your job on the ACT team? What drew you as a nurse to this position?  

Carrie: I love the variety of individuals I get to work with.  From individuals in their early 20’s, clear through to 60+.  Our team gets clients from all walks of life and in all stages of serious mental illness.  I have always had a passion for mental health.  There is a huge stigma attached to individuals who have a serious mental illness and I feel like sometimes they get lost in the system.  Being on the ACT team allows me the opportunity to assist individuals in maintaining their independence and the ability to function within society. 

Q4: What is unique about the ACT services Catalyst provides? Can you share how being a nurse for this team is different from working as a nurse somewhere else? 

Carrie: Working on an ACT team is unique in every way!  We work with individuals who have a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, and need assistance with being able to maintain their independence.  As part of an ACT team, an individual has access to nursing, case management, individual therapy, group therapy, peer support services, substance abuse services, and vocational services.  Our team members work closely, with one another, to provide continuity of care for the individuals we serve.   This field of nursing allows me the opportunity to meet the client where they are in life.  I have to maintain flexibility with my approach to care and be able to adapt to frequent changes in situations.  For example, if one of my clients call and is having a bad day and doesn’t want to come into the office to get their medication, I have the ability to go to their home to give it to them.  This flexibility is so important for my clients.  Helping my clients stay well is my number one priority.   

Q5: Can you speak about the importance of medication in regards to this team and how it benefits clients? 

Carrie: Medication plays a huge role in assisting our clients to maintain their independence.  The bulk of our individuals would not be able to function successfully within the community without routine medications.  My goal is to assist the individual in understanding and accepting the importance of medication and the role it plays in their life.

Q6: Is there anything else you want to share about ACT? 

Carrie: ACT is such a unique program.  The services we provide to individuals, on a daily basis, allow them to be productive members of society.  We have an amazing team, full of knowledgeable providers, who are passionate about helping the individuals who require the most intensive wrap-around care.

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Q1: What role do you play on the treatment team of ACT?

Nick: The role of Peer Support Specialist on the ACT team has many parts. I am typically the first to try engaging with the client and build some sort of trust and rapport. It is my job to initiate contact with newer clients specifically and let them know what all we offer or how we can assist them. Many of the ACT clients reach out to myself for needs such as transportation, paying bills, shopping and cashing checks.

Q2: How long have you worked in this role?

Nick: I started as the ACT Peer Support Specialist in September. I was immediately welcomed into the ACT team and have built a professional relationship with the majority of staff and clients.

Q3: What do you enjoy most about your job on the ACT team?

Nick: I enjoy the sense of accomplishment I get seeing a client who started with no direction and is now thriving.

Q4: What is unique about the ACT services Catalyst provides?

Nick: The ACT services is unique due to the level of wrap around care and ongoing support we offer our clients.

Q5: Can you speak to the importance of the peer support on this team?

Nick: Peer support offers something unique to a client that a case worker cannot provide. To be a licensed peer supporter, you have to have some sort of personal background with mental health or addiction. Because of this, peer support is able to connect more closely with a client due to having been there themselves.

Q6: Is there anything else you want to share about ACT?

Nick: From my short time with the ACT team, I have seen many of the clients lives change for the better.

Did you know?

Mental Health Court is a program through the court system that was established for clients with mental health diagnoses that get into legal trouble. Mental health court assists them getting into treatment to become stable and build a rapport to hopefully keep them in treatment once successfully graduated from the program to prevent recidivism.

Catalyst has a team to support individuals in the court hearings and treatment team meetings and assists in coordinating the treatment services at Catalyst for those in Mental Health Court.

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Q&A with Erin 

1. What is your occupation, title and how long have you worked at Catalyst? 

Executive Director/Executive Vice President, I have been employed by Catalyst for the last 20 years (14 of them full-time).   

2. Can you briefly describe the services you are over?  

I oversee all mental health services for the agency, as well as compliance, Forensics, and crisis services.   

3. Mental Health and the jails, this is something many people don’t think about. Do you have any information about this? 

Nationally, it has been reported that 20% of the population in jails and prisons is severely mentally ill (ref: Torrey EF, Zdanowicz MT, Kennard AD et al). The treatment of persons with mental illness in prisons and jails: A state survey. Arlington, VA, Treatment Advocacy Center, April 8, 2014.).  This means about 350,000 people in jails and prisons are identified as severely mentally ill.  If there are approximately 50,000 psychiatric beds in the United States, then you can see how upside down this statistic is. We are not treating mental illness; we have criminalized it.   

4. I believe one of the least known services we do are the ones in the jails, can you explain these services and how they help? 

We have staff who are on site at the jail for 30 hours per week, providing mental health support, referrals to services, and connecting people to drug & alcohol treatment.  This has been invaluable in helping to get people the treatment they need when they are ready to receive it.  This also helps to stabilize some of our most severely mentally ill who end up in jail, as they get medications started immediately upon incarceration.  Staff in the jail treat people as human beings, which can make all the difference.  Regardless of your location and regardless of what might have happened, we are all human beings and deserve to be treated as such.   

5. Being in the mental health field for the past 25 years, can you speak to the stigma surrounding mental health? Has it changed over the years?    

We are both less able to talk about mental health and more able to discuss it.  It seems we can acknowledge it exists – we talk about it on TV shows, we address it on social media, and we have hashtags to trend it in our awareness.  However, it is still extremely difficult for people to admit it for themselves and speak it out loud.  To admit someone struggles with mental health issues seems to admit “weakness”, and nothing could be further from the truth.  When we admit our struggles, we actually allow ourselves to be vulnerable which softens others to us and brings people toward us – exactly what one needs when struggling emotionally!  It is so important for us to speak of our own struggles so others know it is ok for them to do so as well.   

6. What are some applicable ways we can fight against the negative stigmas associated with mental health treatment and MI?   

Talking about our own experience, sharing common stories, and letting people know we are here to help and support them.  Sometimes the best thing we can do for someone who is struggling is just to be present with them.  No words need to be exchanged; just being willing to sit with someone who is in pain is enough to let them know they are not alone.  Like the hashtag for the pandemic says, we are #InThisTogether.

Click the picture below to read about 5 ways to decrease the Stigma of Mental Health by Erin Schaefer on Mind Body Align’s Blog.

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In this time of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Child and Adolescent Department from Catalyst Life Services wanted to put together this fun video to remind you about the importance of mental health for Mental Health Awareness Month!

Click the picture below to view our video!

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    Click the picture below to view our appreciation for all of our case managers!

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     Some days it seems hard to believe that it’s been almost 3 months since COVID-19 altered so much of our world and what we have all come to know as normal. Not just in the work place but in each of our daily lives. Other days it feels as if it’s been so much longer.  I truly believe, for similar or differing reasons, we have all felt stress, pressure, frustrations, and uncertainty at times. One thing that I am certain of today, is that Catalyst is filled with amazing, committed, and loyal employees.  

    As the end of Mental Health Awareness month nears, there is strong evidence, as we navigate through such unprecedented times, the importance of mental health awareness each and every day.  Please don’t forget to take care of yourself.  If you are still struggling or ever need someone to reach out to – we are here 24/7 through our helpline (419-522-HELP) to help connect you to our services.   

    I wish you all a Happy, Healthy and Safe Memorial Day, and I want to give thanks to all present and past servicemen and women who have served our country.

With gratitude,
Laura Montgomery, CEO

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Thank you so much to the following organizations/individuals whom have helped us out with donations during this time!

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Did you know?

Catalyst has many employed Peer Recovery Support Specialists!

This refers to a certified individual who has a lived experience of a mental illness and/or substance use disorder and has been in recovery for at least 2 years. Peer Support programs have been shown to be one of the only constants that people experience as they move between the other points in their continuum of care.

Want someone to talk to?

Call Warmline to talk to a peer support specialist today!

419-522-5300

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My name is Vicki Davis and I am a Peer Support Specialist at Catalyst Life Services and for the past year, I have been Acting Coordinator for the Oasis Peer Center. In July, I will be working at Catalyst for 5 years. I love working at Catalyst because I can give back to the mental health community. People who suffer from mental illness desperately need compassion and acknowledgement. Just by these simple things, I can brighten their day and even help their light inside shine a little brighter. 

When it comes to mental health, lack of education, misconceptions and judgements all still continue to feed the stigmas surrounding mental illness. Through my diagnoses of OCD, depression and anxiety, I have learned I am now better equipped to provide hope and spread education. I can attest to the hardships of mental illness. Many of my family members also struggle with mental health diagnoses. Although I have been through some difficult times, this has helped me to connect to many different kinds of people and has led me to my calling. I share with those who are struggling, ‘If I can overcome and see the light at the end of the dark tunnel, I believe you can do it too.’

Oasis helps provide a safe place for anyone with a mental health concern. All are welcome to come and gather with others who understand what they are going through. Oasis lets you know you are not alone; it provides structure and it helps many individuals to feel loved and cared for. 

At Oasis we have classes to expand our knowledge of mental and physical health. We also gather together and talk about different topics and tools on how to help one another through the difficult times. I would say, one of my greatest wishes is for more people to come to the Oasis Peer Center and experience the community for themselves! I can understand the worry of coming to a new place that is classified as a ‘mental health club’, but we are not defined by that. We are people first, people who laugh a lot and enjoy each other’s company. I would like to encourage new club member to come down for 3 to 4 days in a row and I am sure they will return! They will learn that they are welcomed with understanding and open arms. The Oasis Peer Center is truly an amazing place to be.

Although the Oasis Peer Center is temporarily closed, we continue to provide telehealth services through the Warmline. 

Oasis will resume normal operating hours with guidance from the State of Ohio.

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Supplies Needed! 

Below you can see a list of all supplies that are currently needed. You can drop off supplies at The Center or Rehab Center Locations.  If you have any questions contact Melissa Drozda at 419-774-6710 or email at drozda@catalystlifeservices.org. 

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Q&A with Jennifer

1. What is your job title at Catalyst?

“My position is the Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) Lead and Residential Assistant.”

2. What do you like most about working for Catalyst, specifically for the Crisis Stabilization Unit?  

“I love helping people. The Crisis Stabilization Unit staff helps people when they need us the most. We also take calls from different people that are having mental health issues. Working on the Crisis Stabilization Unit is very rewarding as you see clients get better with their treatment.” 

3. In your own words, why would you encourage someone to call the helpline if they are struggling? 

“I would encourage anyone to call the helpline when they feel they need our help. Your Mental health is as important as treating any other medical disease such as heart disease or diabetes. The Helpline is always here and willing to talk with people and get them the help they need.”   

4. There seems to be a hesitancy and stigma attached to receiving help/support for mental health, can you speak to that?  

“I feel people think they have failed if they seek mental health help. I want everyone to know it is not a failure. Sometimes it takes help to get back on your feet. And everyone has been down at some time in their life before and needed a hand to get back up.”

5. Please feel free to share any other information in regards to the helpline or mental health that you want people to know.  

“I would just like everyone to know that it is possible to live a fulfilling life with having Mental Health Problems. Mental Health is a piece of us but it does not define us.”  

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    “As someone who previously supervised and coordinated the Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU), I have seen so many success stories of people who have started their recovery journey on the crisis unit.

    The crisis unit has remained open and available for admissions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our 24/7 crisis helpline (419-522-HELP) also continues to operate from the CSU. Staff are available 24 hours a days to provide support, help, and access to needed services. 

I continue to be grateful to all our donors, funding sources, and employees. All of you have shown that we are in this together and continue to collaborate to serve those in need.”

     With gratitude,   
Laura Montgomery, CEO

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     There are many types of people that be considered heroes.
And the individuals who work in our 24/7 residential services definitely fall into that category.

Click the picture below to view our appreciation for our residential staff!

Did you know?

   Complications linked to untreated mental illness include social isolation, legal and financial problems, poverty and homelessness and medical conditions. Mental health concerns do not have to go untreated, Catalyst is here to help @ 419-522-HELP!

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Q&A with Paul
Q 1:  What is your role at Catalyst and how long have you been in the role?

Paul: “I have been in my current role of Child and Adolescent team leader since November/December of 2019. I have learned a lot in a short time, but I also realize that I have so much more to learn, so I want to keep striving.I have been at the agency since September of 1999.” 

 
Q 2: Why do you have a passion for mental health and more specifically, children’s mental health?

Paul: “I feel passionately about the field of mental health, in particular the children’s dept., because I think so often that the diagnosis or the condition that people struggle with, is perceived as “them”. I think the strengths and the remarkably unique things that each client has is so important and should not get overlooked! So I am glad that I can be an advocate and encourager and try to walk side by side with them in treatment. I feel privileged to be able to help lead this team and to assist clients in meeting their goals.”  

Q 3: What do you enjoy most about your job at Catalyst?

Paul: “I enjoy working with and helping to guide the team. I enjoy hearing about and seeing the successes the staff have with their clients. I enjoy the energy this team brings and their ideas, passion, and commitment to clients.  I also enjoy how each day is different and brings it’s challenges. Not a day goes by that I don’t have a laugh with someone, this team has a great sense of humor!”  

Q 4: Many times there can be a hesitancy and stigma to seeking professional help for your child’s mental health. Can you speak to that? 

Paul: “I realize there is a perceived stigma to one seeking mental health treatment. However, I have witnessed a positive shift in this in the past couple of years. Celebrities such as Kevin Love from the Cavaliers have been open about their own struggles with mental health and have advocated people seeking treatment. I think this is awesome, I certainly try to encourage that getting help is okay, that people need to take care of their whole self.  I would like to think that Catalyst and other agencies can be a safe place.”  

Q 5: What are some of your hobbies and/or something interesting about yourself that you would like to share?

Paul: “I am married and love spending time with my 13 year old son and 14 year old daughter. I love music, play guitar, like movies, and theatre (which I used to do in the area). I also love fishing and am a huge Browns fan, (which means  I guess I’m a glass half full guy! )”         

Q 6: Please feel free to share anything else pertaining to children’s and parent’s mental health you would want readers to know.
Paul: “I truly feel fortunate that I am a part of an organization so passionate and committed to the people and families of this community.I am glad that we can be looked at as a place that people can trust to help them, and to feel safe doing it, because I think we are needed now more than ever.”  

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Supplies Needed! 

Below you can see a list of all supplies that are currently needed. You can drop off supplies at The Center or Rehab Center Locations.  If you have any questions contact Melissa Drozda at 419-774-6710 or email at drozda@catalystlifeservices.org. 

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Q&A with Josh

Q 1: What is your role at Catalyst and how long have you been in the role? 

Josh: “I am an employment specialist and I help people get jobs and connect them with resources to get them things they need in order to be successful in a job. I have been doing that for over 6 ½ years and will keep doing it for many more.”    

Q 2:Why do you have a passion for vocational services? Could you share how that may extend to mental health?   

Josh: “This one may make more sense if asked backwards. My interests started in psychology because I wanted to know how people think and why people are the way they are because there are so many personalities and so many interesting and different qualities about each of us so I wanted to learn more about that. 
As an intern counselor I noticed that most people in counseling had the same 2 issues- too much free time to think about their problems and not enough money to do anything to change that. This lead me to check out the vocational department and it was an instant fit and they basically offered me a job that they did not even have as a job coach on an as-needed basis. 
That got my foot in the door and I fell in love with being able to help people in a concrete way. Of all the employment specialists here, I have been here the longest.  

Q 3: What do you enjoy most about your job at Catalyst?

Josh: “That would have to be sharing the joy somebody feels when they get a job! It is such a wonderful feeling knowing their life is improving and I was able to be a part of that. Admittedly, I also have a great time when I get to take people shopping for work clothes because it is fun and they are usually so grateful and joyful to get nice things. Many of them tell me it is the first time they have been able to get new clothes in years! It is so nice to be able to help them in a more fun way instead of in a clinical way which we typically think of when it comes to mental health services.”    

Q 4: Many times there can be a hesitancy and stigma to seeking professional help for mental health. Can you speak to that? 

Josh: “This is definitely something we see from both sides. Clients can feel awkward about getting help and employers can stigmatize people receiving help and unfortunately that is always going to happen. We continue to try to educate people and build relations in the community to alleviate this as much as possible and I would say we find just as many people interested in helping us and our clients as we find those who are turned off by it so there is hope out there!”     

Q 5: Could you share how vocational services can help someone with a mental health diagnosis?   

Josh: “Getting to work can be a big part of treatment for some people because doing work you enjoy becomes a big part of who you are. It gives a sense of pride, a sense of accomplishment, the ability to be independent, and much more. It also keeps people busy and out of trouble, gives them a chance to socialize and make friends, and make money to take care of themselves and have fun. All of these things play an important role in our daily life and affect our overall well-being.”   

Q 6: What are some of your hobbies and/or something interesting about yourself that you would like to share? 

Josh: “Well outside of working full time, the main thing I do is continue working lol. I have a part-time job as well and that is another passion of mine. I work and play in car audio. I always have a great sounding system in my cars and I have over $50k in audio equipment because I can not live without my music!”   

Q 7: Please feel free to share anything else pertaining to mental health and vocational services you would want readers to know.   

Josh: “It is important to take care of yourself because even if you do not have a mental health diagnosis and go to counseling, we all have our own struggles and if we do not manage them properly we could easily be the ones needing help so be happy, have fun, and eat ice cream if you want.” 

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   “As we continue to work our way through this uncertain time filled with constant change, we find ourselves in new positions.  Many have had to adapt to either working remotely or have lost their employment entirely .Those that continue to work onsite may have children at home with the closing of schools. Children are feeling isolated as activities are cancelled and they are away from their friends, and we know many are facing anxiety and fear about the pandemic itself. We have counselors available for youth and adults to assist with the multitude of emotions and fears many are experiencing. These services can be provided over the phone.   

   We want to thank the Richland County Foundation and other community supporters for their donations to help with telehealth tools, PPE and infectious control items during this difficult time.  As a community behavioral health organization, we could not do it without this ongoing support!”

     With gratitude,   
Laura Montgomery, CEO

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“The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a sense of normalcy from us all. In the midst of this disaster, we have adapted our service delivery, followed new protocols, and worked hard to keep people safe. New emergency rules have given us the ability to provide many of our services via telehealth. While our doors have remained open as an essential business, telehealth has been our preferred method of treatment. 

We are here to support the residents of Richland and contiguous counties during this crisis.  This global pandemic can significantly affect mental health for everyone since it is a difficult time filled with apprehension and uncertainty.  If you are feeling overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, fear, depression, or anxiety please contact someone at Catalyst to begin services. We have a 24-hour crisis helpline (419-522-HELP) with trained professionals that can help you access our services. Your initial appointments as well as on-going appointments can be conducted over the phone from the comfort of your own home.   

I am truly grateful to all the staff at Catalyst Life Services. They have pulled together to take care of the people we serve and each other. We are here to help.” 

With gratitude, 
Laura Montgomery, President & CEO

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Weekly Mental Health News!

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Be a Catalyst Campaign

You can be a part of the change by…

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“My name is Nicole Kimble and I am the Adult Mental Health Program Director at Catalyst. I have been in this role since October 2019, however, I have been working at Catalyst since 2006. I have had many different roles here including residential at the group homes, Helpline, case manager, therapist, ACT team coordinator and now stabilization unit coordinator and Program Director of adult mental health. I am married with three children and I enjoy spending time with them. We mainly enjoy outdoor stuff such as camping in the summertime and going for walks and traveling.

Honestly, when I first started at Catalyst, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, I had a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and had interest in this type of field, but I was unsure at what all that entailed. As I began working more closely with the clients, I began to realize that I thoroughly enjoyed helping these individuals, specifically the SAMI/ACT population. This refers to individuals who are diagnosed with severe mental illness and co-occurring disorders. It feels great to see the clients make progress and be able to see the advantages of psychiatric medications and treatment. Although I really enjoy the direct care work with our clients, I also love educating, training and building the ACT team as well as our clinical staff so they are best prepared to help and support our clients.

I don’t think people realize all the mental health services Catalyst actually provides. We have outpatient services for therapy, case management, medication management services, the SAMI/ACT team, the stabilization unit and the mental health court services working with courts on getting those in the legal system the treatment they need.

Although I do believe the stigma attached to mental health has decreased over the years, there is still that hesitancy for some to seek the support they need for their mental health. People many times do not realize a mental health diagnosis is no different than a medical diagnosis and, with both, there is treatment to help to maintain health with medications and therapy and support. Catalyst is dedicated to fighting against this stigma and works hard to speak about the successful outcomes of those who seek mental health treatment and to encourage individuals in treatment to share from their own perspective, to encourage people to come get the help and support they need and deserve.”

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There are many types of people that can be considered heroes. And the individuals who work in our residential services definitely fall into that category. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, these employees continue to come to work for 1st, 2nd and 3rd shift as they care for and support our clients for all of our 24-hour residential services including New Beginnings Men’s and Women’s Residential Substance Use Disorder Treatment Facilities, Withdrawal Management, the Catalyst Stabilization Unit and Service Enriched Housing. Throughout the uncertainty of this time, our clients can still have a safe and therapeutic environment, professional help and support and the knowledge that these employees and all of Catalyst Life Services are here to best serve our clients.

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“Mandi, Trena and Paige all give 100% to their staff and clients to keep everyone healthy and safe! They are shining stars!” -Elaine Surber, Executive Vice President/ Director of New Beginnings Alcohol and Drug Services

Thank you to our residential services staff!

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“My staff has continued to show up for work without questions. They have acted selflessly! They have lives outside the agency, and family to protect, but their focus is on providing quality care. They are the essential staff of the agency because we couldn’t operate our residential facilities without them. I am amazed by their professionalism during this time.”

– Mandi Whitlatch, Substance Use Disorder Residential Supervisor

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“I am very proud of the staff at Withdrawal Management; the compassion and caring way they are with the clients. I could not be more delighted to be able to work beside these amazing nurses, therapist and techs!” -Paige Rhodes, Withdrawal Management Nursing Director

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“I don’t know if I can truly say enough to express the appreciation I have for my staff. I admire them because they come in here each and every shift, ready to make a difference even in the face of this pandemic. They see that much of the agency is working from home and are aware this is not an option for them, but I have not heard a single complaint from any of the staff in this regard. They accept that this is their role within the agency and do it daily. In addition to coming to work, they get right out there with their clients and they are doing activities with them to try and keep the ‘cabin fever’ at bay. They offer great client care always. Most people view my staff as essential. I view them as exceptional. RESIDENTIAL ROCKS! -Trena Jacobs, Residential Supervisor, Food Service Coordinator

Due to the increase of telehealth services we will be reducing our lobby/front door hours.  Our temporary on-site hours due to COVID-19:

Rehab Center Location (270 Sterkel Blvd.):

Center Location (741 Scholl Road):

• 7am to 4pm Mon.
• 7am to 5pm  Tues.
• 7am to 5:30pm Wed.  
• 7am to 5pm Thurs.
• 7am to 3pm. Fri

Taking these social distancing measures can help stop or slow down the spread of this virus. 

For more information regarding precautions Catalyst is taking; please visit our COVID-19 Information Page here: https://catalystlifeservices.org/important-information-regarding-covid-19/

Good Evening,

I am sure many of you were tuned in this afternoon, to Governor Mike DeWine’s COVID-19 update press conference. We learned in the press conference that a “Stay At Home Order”, has been put in place for the state of Ohio. Amy Acton, MD, MPH, Director of the Ohio Department of Health, has ordered that all persons stay at home unless engaged in essential work activity. I anticipate that there will be many questions as to what this means for the employees at Catalyst Life Services and our operations.

Per the Director’s Stay At Home order, Catalyst Life Services, a Behavioral Health Care Provider, is considered an Essential Business. This is defined by the majority of services provided at Catalyst Life Services. We will be reviewing the order closely and getting more guidance on some services and operations that need more clarity. The order states “Essential Businesses are encouraged to remain open.”

In response to this pandemic, new emergency rules have given us the ability to provide many services through telehealth. The goal is to keep individuals home and to practice social distancing. While our doors will remain open, telehealth should be our preferred method of treatment. A week and half ago, several staff who had the ability to work remotely, were instructed to do so. As the telehealth options became available at the end of last week, we will be assessing the possibility for more individuals working remotely. Our goal is to allow those who have the ability to work remotely, successfully and productively, to move in this direction.

As an Essential Business, our doors will remain open. We will still be here to provide very needed and important services to our consumers. For a variety of reasons, telehealth will not always be an option. We also have staff at the agency that may not have the ability to work from home, based on the duties of their position. This is why it is critical that we are following all CDC recommendations. We will practice Social Distancing and strong hand washing measures. We will stay home if we are ill, and have any signs or symptoms of COVID-19. We will be encouraging and supportive of our co-workers who need to stay home. We will avoid group gatherings, in which we don’t have ability to be 6 feet apart. We are completing screenings, and temperature checks on all staff and consumers. We will continue to do this.

I am truly grateful to all the staff at Catalyst Life Services. This is a time of uncertainty and fear and I am amazed watching so many pull together, and do what we do best. Take care of the people we serve and each other.

” Alone, we can do so little; together we can do so much.”

With gratitude,

Laura Montgomery, President & CEO

Catalyst is taking strong proactive steps and precautions to protect our clients and staff in our facilities and to prevent the potential spread of COVID-19. As the concern of COVID-19 continues to increase it is important that we are heeding warnings from Public Health Officials, Ohio State Officials, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• Catalyst is now offering Telehealth services.  Please talk to your provider about this option.
• Transportation: We are taking measures to screen clients that are transported by our staff . Thermometers will be supplied for all vehicles transporting clients to take their temperature and a screening questionnaire will be done prior to transporting anyone.
• Home Visits: We are encouraging alternative measures for home visits and other ways to provide services. Our staff is still permitted to go to the door / front porch and have communication with our clients that we need to see physically but we are recommending over the phone communication or for clients to come into our offices where we can better control the environment.
• All Agency Facilities: In order to help keep our clients, everyone at Catalyst, and our community healthy, we will be screening clients, staff, and visitors by asking a few questions, checking temperature, and requesting you use hand sanitizer before you enter our buildings.
• Residential Facilities: We have implemented additional procedures at our residential facilities to protect our clients receiving 24-hour care.
• We have added additional cleaning processes at all of our locations, hand sanitizer, and ongoing patient education.  
• In an effort to take increased sanitation measures and avoid café style lines, our cafeteria will only be serving sacked lunches to our residential consumers and staff.
• Non-essential work travel (conferences and trainings) will be on hold until April 4^th.
• We are currently evaluating staff that have the ability to work remotely and making that recommendation as necessary.
• The Mansfield News Journal All Star Basketball Classic has been cancelled.
• We cannot approve requests to outside agencies to use our facilities for group meetings at this time.

Due to the increase of telehealth services we will be reducing our lobby/front door hours.  Our temporary on-site hours due to COVID-19.

Rehab Center Location (270 Sterkel Blvd.):

Center Location (741 Scholl Road):

• 7am to 4pm Mon.
• 7am to 5pm  Tues.
• 7am to 5:30pm Wed.  
• 7am to 5pm Thurs.
• 7am to 3pm. Fri

Taking these social distancing measures can help stop or slow down the spread of this virus. We are talking with other organizations and discussing strategies to keep our workforce and consumers healthy, while operations continue. 

As the Coronavirus spreads, the CDC urges sick workers to stay home. Public health experts believe, COVID-19 spreads primarily through droplets produced by a sick person’s cough or sneeze.

Pertinent information will be shared and updated continuously. For additional questions regarding COVID–19, you can contact the Ohio Department of Health at 833-427-5634. 

MENTAL HEALTH HELP: For those who are feeling isolated while having to maintain social distancing for COVID-19 precautions, here are some resources to help you:

Catalyst Crisis Helpline: 419-522-HELP (4357)

Warm-line (A non-crisis support line for peers): 419.522.5300

Ohio Crisis Text Line: Text keyword “4HOPE” to 741 741