Thanks to our Frontline Heroes!
Ken Matuszek - Community Care Alliance
“One time, I found someone during a routine home medication outreach who was passed out on the floor. He had septic shock from an infection and was delirious. He wanted me to just leave his medications and go. In my better instinct, I gave him a once-over and called 911. He refused to leave with rescue unless someone met him while he was in the hospital and ensured his cat was cared for. I wound up being that guy. The move saved his life and he is still grateful for what happened that day.”
Meagan Cahoon - BH Link
“Hello, I am Meagan Cahoon, BSN, RN, QMHP and the nursing team leader for the BH Link. I have been at the BH Link since the BH Link opened in 2018. What I love most about my job is the ability to help those experiencing mental health and substance use crisis on an individual basis,and accommodate clients and meeting them where they are at. I love being able to keep clients out of the ER and to be able to treat them with the respect they deserve and to give them the individual attention they need. “
Healthy Transitions Team - Thrive Behavioral Health
Even in the best of times, transitioning from adolescence to adulthood can be a daunting experience. During this period, young adults are asked to embrace new roles and take on new responsibilities in order to become responsible members of our society. Sadly, this is also the period of time when many people experience their first episode of psychosis.
Will, Ellen and Stephane - Newport Mental Health
During this time of COVID-19 and police defunding, mental health case managers, mobile crisis clinicians, and access coordinators are working the frontlines to ensure that individuals with severe and emerging mental health challenges, some homeless and some in group homes, stay safe. Often this means mental health staff meet face to face with emotionally vulnerable individuals, who sometimes disregard the pandemic precautions. Their work is not without its hazards. At the time of writing, despite best medical practices, two of Newport Mental Health’s case managers and two clients have been diagnosed with COVID-19.
