THE RESOURCE FOR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS DECEMBER/JANUARY 2025
WHEN WE KNOW BETTER, WE DO BETTER
WORKPLACE-PARENT PROGRAMMING AND WHY IT MATTERS STAYING GROUNDED IN THE COMMUNITY MORE THAN WORDS:
UNDERSTANDING THE UNIQUE CHALLENGES FACED BY PATIENTS OF COLOR PLUS: Break On Through • Community Health Advocates With The Lake Okeechobee Rural Health Network • Palm Beach County Medical Society Continues Its Battle Against Opioid Addiction • Mobile Integrated Health Team Addiction Program • AND MUCH MORE!
FEATURE STORY
When We Know Better, We Do Better
THE DRAW
Break On Through THE SOURCE
THE FOUNTAIN
More Than Words: Breaking the Mental Health Stigma
THE REAL
Youth Rally 2024: For Youth Mental Health BEWELLPBC NEWS
THE WORD
Workplace-Parent Programming and Why It Matters
THE RESERVOIR
Understanding the Unique Challenges Faced by Patients of Color: The Importance of Culturally Competent Providers
THE DEPTH
Staying Grounded in the Community: Trinity Counseling Center’s Commitment to Behavioral Health and Recovery Services
THE PROVIDERS
Empowering Recovery: Treatment that Saves and Restores Lives.
How the Health Care District of Palm Beach County Revolutionized Behavioral Health Care BEYOND
Community
with
We support and generate innovative programs and solutions to address the behavioral health needs of our community.
Each year, over 13,000 individuals in Palm Beach County with mental health and substance use disorders are directly assisted by SEFBHN's diverse network of community providers.
They receive critical services like crisis intervention, outpatient counseling, medication assisted treatment (MAT), and much more. As a behavioral health managing entity, we work collaboratively with school systems, law enforcement, and more to effectively direct resources to support and help create programs which serve the unique needs of the communities. Here are just a few of the ways our services touch the lives of those in our community:
Behavioral Health Services for adults, children, and families treat mental health and substance use disorders.
Mobile Response Teams work with 211 helpline to provide support and hope to people experiencing crises.
Peer support specialists engage with victims of overdoses to provide recovery support and connections to treatment.
/ LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
JULIE KHANNA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
“ May the inevitable challenges of 2025 bring with them the wisdom to know more and the enduring hope that we can always do better—for ourselves, for our families, for all of our children and everyone who calls Palm Beach County home.
"Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) is a national grant program with 100% of its funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the U.S. and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CDC/HHS, or the U.S. Government."
Looking at the calendar and seeing the word “December” is always a jarring realization.
Twelve months rush by so quickly and every year, I’m left wondering where the time has gone.
However, in the few quiet moments I have, I take great pride in reflecting and remembering everything that has come to pass in 2024investing in my work with quiet determination, remaining focused on the big picture and driven to succeed while watching my children bloom as they do the same - professionally, academically and personally. Collaborating with my community to foster creativity, innovation and a greater sense of purpose and of course, coming together every month with the team at The Well of PBC and looking ahead to what will undoubtedly be a bright future for the residents, children and families in Palm Beach County.
The retrospective reflection mirrors what the Health Council of Southeast Florida is doing with their partners and the O2DA grant. Working with the Southeast Florida Behavioral Health Network as the managing entity for this region, both organizations are looking ahead, keeping their eye on loftier goals while focusing on the small details so important to making positive and tangible changes.
As I welcome a new year, I will carry with me some wisdom I first heard in the planning session for this very issue - know more, do better.
May the inevitable challenges of 2025 bring with them the wisdom to know more and the enduring hope that we can always do better - for ourselves, for our families, for all of our children and everyone who calls Palm Beach County home.
I start my mission to do better early and ask you to join me.
During this season of generosity, goodwill and sharing, I humbly request that you share The Well of PBC - the stories and the resources contained within.
You can do so personally through giving a copy of the magazine to a friend or via an email or a text message with a link to our website or you can do so by joining us as a distribution partner and work towards transforming the behavioral health landscape of Palm Beach County. If you are interested, please email our marketing manager Katrina Blackmon at: kblackmon@bewellpbc.org
Thank you for being a part of the mission:
"To be the primary resource for behavioral health and wellness for Palm Beach County; a safe exchange space for community and an outlet for our neighbors and stakeholders to transform the behavioral health landscape."
With deep appreciation and hope for a happy and safe holiday season and new year,
To share feedback, obtain advertising information, or contribute, please reach us at thewell@bewellpbc.org.
To be the primary resource for behavioral health and wellness for Palm Beach County; a safe exchange space for community and an outlet for our neighbors and stakeholders to transform the behavioral health landscape.
To share feedback, obtain advertising information, or contribute, please reach us at thewell@bewellpbc.org.
The largest behavioral health publication in Palm Beach County, The Well of PBC is a non-profit magazine which aims to be a community-directed resource for Palm Beach County residents. Advocating for mental health accessibility is central to our mission and we believe in “walking the walk” when it comes to ensuring every Palm Beach County resident has the opportunity to have their voices heard. We are proud to use our platform to highlight both national and global concerns while remaining focused on local mental health and wellness issues that matter the most to our audience.
The Well of PBC is proud to be the premier behavioral health and mental wellness publication in Palm Beach County and we are honored to elevate the voices and concerns of Palm Beach County residents. The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various authors and forum participants on this website do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of The Well of PBC. The author of each article published in The Well of PBC owns their own words. Portions of the articles on this web site may be freely redistributed in other media and non-commercial publications as long as the following conditions are met:
1) The redistributed article should should be linked back to the original link on https://www.bewellpbc. org/media/the-well-of-pbc/ including the words “Read in full, visit https://www.bewellpbc.org/media/ the-well-of-pbc/”
2) The redistributed article may not be abridged, edited or altered in any way without the express consent of the author.
3) The redistributed article may not be sold for a profit or included in another media or publication that is sold for a profit wit vhout the express consent of The Well of PBC.
4) The articles on this web site may be included in a commercial publication or other media only if prior consent for republication is received from The Well of PBC. The Well of PBC may request compensation for republication for commercial uses.
5) All content including the original files, published digital or in-print material of The Well of PBC is the property of BeWell PBC. You may not copy, reproduce, distribute, transmit, modify, create derivative works, or in any other way exploit any part of our material without the prior written permission from BeWellPBC.
Lauren is the executive director for the countywide initiative, BeWellPBC, advancing behavioral health and wellness for all residents in Palm Beach County. The Well of PBC is a passion project for Lauren to increase behavioral health awareness, engage diverse perspectives across the county, and promote solutions to address our county’s most complex challenges.
KATRINA BLACKMON
MARKETING MANAGER
Katrina, the founder, and CEO of Unity3 Palm Beach, contributed her expertise in executive advertising spanning over twentyfive years to the launch of The Well of PBC. With her background in local, regional, and national advertising media, she brings a blend of professional acumen and personal values, including her deep-rooted commitment to faith, family, and the vibrant multicultural community of Palm Beach County to The Well of PBC and BeWellPBC.
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Julie, CEO of Khanna Connections, enjoys using her creativity to help health and wellness industries communicate with their audiences.
Jessie is a seasoned creative director and designer with fifteen years of experience in print publishing, education, and marketing. With a passion for innovation, she has empowered diverse clients, from arts organizations to Fortune 500 companies, with bespoke marketing solutions and creative project management.
CONTRIBUTOR
Melanie, president of Otero Communications, provides consulting services for some of Palm Beach County’s leading nonprofit organizations. With a special interest in behavioral health, she has assisted with the launch of The Well of PBC and serves as a contributing writer.
CONTRIBUTOR
Jaime, founder of Rosewood Media, is a West Palm Beach resident, creative and contributing writer to The Well of PBC. With a decade of experience in non-profit communications and a lifetime of experience as a writer, Jaime’s work focuses on behavioral health, diversity, equity and inclusion, travel, music, food and parenthood through a pop culture lens.
Call to Action: We are looking for people to contribute to our art, ask the experts, students, self-care, cultural, spiritual, and provider columns. Email us for our contributor guidelines, editorial calendar, or if you’d like to share an event or position you’re hiring for. E: thewell@bewellpbc.org | Follow along at @thewellofpbc
ANIL PANDYA
ALITA FABER
MELANIE OTERO JAIME JOSHI ELDER
“
“We’re building on the incredible effort and dedication of so many partners and stakeholders that have been doing this work for quite some time.”
WHEN WE KNOW BETTER, WE DO BETTER.
From Data To Action To Reduce Overdoses In Palm Beach County.
By Melanie Otero
"When we know better, we do better," says Andrea Stephenson Royster, Chief Executive Officer of the Health Council of Southeast Florida (HCSEF).
Royster and her team are experts in integrating health data with community collaboration to improve health outcomes, enhance healthcare efficiency, and address disparities in access and care. They are the go-to partners for Palm Beach County’s Community Health Improvement Plan and Community Health Assessment, two essential tools for identifying concerns and improving residents' health.
It came as no surprise when the Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County chose HCSEF as its partner for implementing the Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) multi-year grant cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to implement an overdose surveillance and prevention program in Palm Beach County.
OD2A is a two-pronged approach: surveillance (overdose data) and prevention (action). The health department is primarily responsible for surveillance while the HCSEF oversees community-based prevention. Think of it as a lighthouse and lifeboat system. The health department constantly scans the horizon, monitoring and guiding the broader health system with a panoramic view of root causes and trends in overdoses. The HCSEF, guided by data, sends out the lifeboats—ten OD2A-funded agency partners representing on-the-ground community support. The agencies are close to the people, ready to respond immediately to those in need by providing care, social support, or education to prevent overdoses.
“It’s a great example of a public/private partnership,” said Royster. “The health department as a public jurisdiction is working with community-based organizations like HCSEF and our partners for the greater good of the community.”
While the recent OD2A award is new, the collaboration among the health department, HCSEF, and community organizations dedicated to reducing substance use and overdoses is not. Multiple agencies in the public and private sectors have been working together consistently for years, most notably to combat the opioid crisis that reached a peak in 2017 when Palm Beach County was characterized as the epicenter of the opioid epidemic in Florida, and during the first OD2A program that began in 2019 and ended in August 2023.
“We’re building on the incredible effort and dedication of so many partners and stakeholders that have been doing this work for quite some time,” said Royster. “We are very fortunate to have entities deeply committed to affecting change."
A framework guides the teamwork
According to a recent CDC report, change is happening. In October 2024, the CDC released preliminary data showing overdose deaths decreased in 41 states in the 12 months ending May 2024, driving deaths down 12.7% nationwide. The drop in Florida’s overdose deaths tracked closely to the nation’s, falling by 12.5%.
While the decline may be attributed to a myriad of complex factors, Royster and her team recognize the value of OD2A’s
evidence-based framework for providing a continuum across four prevention strategies to reduce overdose deaths: linkage to care, stigma reduction, clinician/health system engagement, and harm reduction.
Anil Pandya, Chief Operations Officer at HCSEF, sees how Palm Beach County is already primed for the work."We have built on CDC’s framework and adapted it locally, notably in collaborating extensively with community partners and stakeholders."
HCSEF goes from data to action by identifying gaps and the community assets that can fill them across the four prevention strategies. The community partners bring substance use expertise and connections to trusted community organizations that can reach neighborhoods where disparities exist. Some work with the county’s Black/African American population. Others connect through faith-based populations. Some partners work in healthcare settings. And others are on the frontlines in the public safety sector. For HCSEF, all have insights to contribute.
“Our partners each bring unique expertise, and this also represents a training and capacity building opportunity for others in the consortium,” said Pandya. “One of our major priorities is identifying and facilitating ways we can we work together in a very meaningful, authentic, impactful way.”
International Overdose Awareness Day Kelvin and Patricia at Rebel Recovery FLASH Van
Patricia & Hollie at The HUB LW for International Overdose Awareness Day
“We will continue to embrace partnerships, becoming better informed, better educated, and more aware of how we can take action.”
Unifying partners and prevention strategies
The four evidence-based prevention strategies are interconnected, potentially providing a continuum of services as well as a lifeline for people with substance use disorder.
Pandya describes how there is more intentionality to enhance the data collection around linkages to care. “The idea is to look at access or entry points into the system. Are people getting linked to services? Are they staying in care? What is their status six months down the road?”
From studying linkages to care, HCSEF recognized that sometimes stigma plays a role. “Stigma can be pervasive. It can exist in a provider’s office,” Pandya said. “It can exist within a person's social circle or even their family. It can really have a negative impact, so we want to be very intentional about emphasizing stigma reduction in our awareness campaigns.”
Stigma reduction is one of the goals for clinician/health system engagement, helping providers offer a more positive, supportive experience for patients struggling with substance use. Provider engagement will also encompass education, ensuring health professionals have the latest guidelines on opioid prescription and the risk of addiction.
Harm reduction has been integrated into strategies in the past, but now OD2A is highlighting it as a priority and a specific area of focus. Examples include fentanyl test strips, drug checking, naloxone (a medicine that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose commonly known by the brand name Narcan), and harm reduction education in all sectors.
Pandya appreciates the unique expertise each partner brings to all four of the prevention strategies and the work ahead, recognizing no one organization could handle it alone. “Our partnerships are intentional,” he said. “Because of the complexity of the OD2A work, and the need to have expertise across the spectrum—from large healthcare systems to small
grassroots organizations—they are essential to getting the work done,” Pandya said.
Adapting at the speed of change
Getting the work done can be a moving target. Both qualitative and quantitative data provided by partners trusted by the community tell HCSEF what’s unfolding in the rapidly changing drug scene and how to swiftly respond to needs. Strategies that worked ten or even two years ago may no longer apply, requiring quick pivots in strategies as the epidemic has continued to evolve.
Testing the local drug supply to stay hyper-current on what’s coming into the community is one example. HCSEF partnered with Rebel Recovery, a trusted harm reduction provider to collect and test used syringes through their exchange program. Testing the used syringes as a data source reveals what was in the drugs, including contaminants, helping local agencies understand where they needed to pivot and impact harm reduction.
It's just one example of how trust and community engagement are the foundation for gathering data to inform how the epidemic is shifting and where prevention strategies can be most effective according to Royster. “One of our core values has always been ‘nothing about us without us,’” she said. “We are doing everything we can to harvest the knowledge and perspectives of the community so that they have a say in the strategies that we recommend or implement. It all goes back to ‘when we know better, we can do better.’”
Royster sees the potential as all OD2A partners chart the course to save lives. “It will take all of us working together and recognizing each partner’s intrinsic value for how they bring necessary and critical elements to the work,” she said. “We will continue to embrace partnerships, becoming better informed, better educated, and more aware of how we can take action.”
Lydia & Patricia PBSC Club Rush, Palm Beach Gardens Campus
Health Council of Southeast Florida OD2A Partners
Each partner brings unique assets and perspectives to the collective work of the OD2A.
Health Care District of Palm Beach County will utilize Care Coordinators, Crisis Peer Counselors, and Recovery Coaches to conduct opioid-related linkage services, including warm handoffs, primarily in healthcare settings (including emergency rooms).
Palm Beach County Fire Rescue will deploy a Mobile Integrated Health Team, consisting of Community Paramedics and Medical Social Workers to provide linkages and interventions, primarily in the public safety sector, for individuals who have experienced an overdose.
Rebel Recovery will implement the Resilience Against Drug Deaths (RADD) harm reduction program, utilizing individuals with lived substance use and recovery experience, including the Safety First harm reduction curriculum for youth, as well as the Opioid Overdose Prevention and Response (OOPR) trainings for community partners and stakeholders.
Trinity Counseling Center will establish Neighborhood Wellness Hubs to provide opioid-related
outreach, education and linkages, primarily for Black/African American and faith-based communities.
Health Council of Southeast Florida will deploy Community Health Advocates (with lived experience) to provide mobile, opioid-related outreach, education and linkages, via key community-based access points and venues.
Lake Okeechobee Rural Health Network will deploy Community Health Advocates —with lived experience—to provide mobile, opioid-related outreach, education, and linkages, via key communitybased access points and venues in rural communities in western Palm Beach County.
Palm Beach County Behavioral Health Coalition will conduct a community-wide opioid-related awareness campaign to include opioid overdose prevention messaging, including stigma and harm reduction.
Living Skills in the Schools will engage parents of youth/adolescents
through the LSIS@work program to promote opioid-related awareness and education delivered through the workplace, including presentations and a digital brochure.
T. Leroy Jefferson Medical Society will conduct medical provider engagement and education related to opioid use disorder, including prescribing guidelines, provider stigma and harm reduction strategies, with a primary focus on Black/African American providers and the role of cultural competency in opioid prevention.
Palm Beach County Medical Society will conduct medical provider engagement and education related to opioid use disorder, including prescribing guidelines, provider stigma and harm reduction strategies.
BeWellPBC will implement the Mental Health for You(th) training as well as conduct an opioidrelated behavioral health awareness campaign that reflects the overall priorities of OD2A in PBC.
“I had asked him who his favorite band was and his face lit up. His response was, ‘I can’t remember the last time someone asked me that!’ We listened to The Doors together, outside in the Florida heat, for an hour after that. That’s the kind of stuff that sticks with me and lets me know this work matters.”
BREAK ON THROUGH
By Tessa Moody and Christina Mitchell, CRPS-A, A.A | Director of Oversight, Executive Assistant
| Rebel Recovery | @rebelrecovery_rco/
Christina Mitchell, one of the founding employees of Rebel Recovery Florida, first started misusing substances and engaging in self-harm at the age of 13 as she began to struggle with her mental health. This was the beginning of her journey and after years of re-occurrences of use and unsatisfactory treatment centers, she found her footing through abstinence-based recovery, trauma therapy, psychiatric medication and spirituality.
Christina has been in recovery since September 21st, 2016.
Throughout her life, she has been a lover of all things art and spent most of her life engaging in artistic endeavors ranging from visual art to musicianship.
However, Christina expressed that her journey with substance use often disrupted her ability to make art.
“During my active use unfortunately, art took a backseat. However, I was able to find solace in listening to music that emulated the pain I was in,” she said. “It was nice not to feel alone in my use because of music, even if I physically was.”
Music continued to be a safe place for Christina, a place of connection in a time of disconnection.
As she entered recovery, art and music returned to center stage and once again, became an integral part of her selfexpression and personal grounding. In her process, she began painting more than ever and took on the challenge of teaching herself to play the guitar, eventually forming a band.
Immersing herself in creativity and recovery, Christina built a bridge between herself and the rest of the world, building a deep sense of connection and community. When words failed, the acts of painting and playing music communicated what speech could not. In times of community and times of solitude, art and music provided an outlet that she describes as a “meditation” - spending hours at a time making things that brought her peace.
Eventually Christina began working as a peer, using her story and experiences to give back to those in the midst of where she once was.
Christina Mitchell performing at FEST 2022
Difficult although essential, peer work can be challenging or triggering. Self-care and expression is an invaluable necessity for those doing the work.
Christina described how her creative hobbies were crucial in her ability to maintain her routine and maintenance of self.
“When I need to zone out and focus my thoughts on one thing, I’ll start working on a new piece. Learning new things on guitar is also part of my self-care,” she said. “It does wonders for my self-esteem to teach myself something new and be able to look back and say, ‘Wow, I guess I am capable.’”
Christina has continued to utilize art and music to create a path of connection with her participants as a peer.
“When I interact with participants for the first time, especially in times of crisis, I always ask them what their favorite kind of music is. It adds a humanness to the services being provided. It gives them a chance to focus on and connect with something other than the fact that maybe they’re unhoused and dope sick. It’s me treating them like an actual person instead of just asking the routine questions I need to in order to enroll them in services,” she said.
“I remember a few years ago, I was doing outreach at a medication assisted treatment (MAT) clinic and speaking with a patient there. He was unhoused and we just got to talking. I
had asked him who his favorite band was and his face lit up. His response was, ‘I can’t remember the last time someone asked me that!’ We listened to The Doors together, outside in the Florida heat, for an hour after that. That’s the kind of stuff that sticks with me and lets me know this work matters.”
For Christina, art is an essential tool for peer workers as they seek to find what works for them to maintain self-care outside of work.
Her own connection to art has provided a soft place to land, allowing Christina to continue to take care of herself no matter what the circumstances.
Creativity has been an irreplaceable resource that has allowed Christina to maintain and grow not only in her recovery, but as a community service provider that has impacted lives all over Palm Beach County, Florida.
The Draw is a space for creatives to share their art, poetry, spoken word, etc. and/or how their art helps themselves and others.
To contribute, send your article ideas to thewell@ bewellpbc.org with “The Draw” in the subject line.
thE SOurce thE SOurce
“When I was a boy and I would see scary things
in
the news, my mother would say to me, "Look for the
helpers. You will always find people
who
are helping.” - Fred Rogers.
For a generation and beyond, Mr. Rogers was a source of kindness who inspired the same and encouraged others to be compassionate, selfless and charitable. Especially in times of crisis.
The opioid epidemic has wrought wrenching heartache and pain across this nation but there is also hope and for that, we look for the helpers.
Our goal in publishing the following resources - ranging from directions on how to dispose of expired and unused medication to harm reduction to information on the signs of fentanyl poisoning - is to provide information and serve as a source of hope.
Here are the helpers - the ones battling the opioid epidemic not only in Palm Beach County but across the country. We hope you will use The Source as a resource for our community and find what you need to thrive.
Talk With Your Mouth Full (Podcast)
Conversation happens around the dinner table where ideas and plates are passed back and forth. Presented by Living Skills in the Schools, moderator Teresa Bairos, LMFT and co-host Olga Ordonez, LCSW meet at Palm Beach County restaurants like Kapow, Dada and Bolay with different families to share a meal and conversation on challenging topics like parentification of older children in various cultures, media portrayal of substance use and the challenge for students to meet academic demands. talkwithyourmouthfull.org
Opioid Podcast (Podcast)
An intensive resource featuring medical professionals from all over Palm Beach County, the Palm Beach County Medical Society’s Opioid Podcast is a high-level clinical look at issues facing those directly working in the field and covers topics as far ranging as the reduction of incarceration recidivism following administration of buprenorphine for opioid use disorder in the prison setting, the Strategy of High Dose Buprenorphine in the Emergency Room Setting, hiring recovering physicians and the special dilemmas that accompany opioid use disorder and pregnancy. Those interested in the practical application of medical treatment will find this podcast to be invaluable. pbcms.org/opioid-addiction-treatment-resources
PBC Pill Drop (Website)
Medication safety, quite literally, begins at home and knowing where to safely dispose of old or expired medications is important to keep our families, water supply and environment at large safe. Flushing medications can pollute our water supply and some medications, like hormones and anti-depressants, can affect the growth and reproduction of aquatic life. An interactive map shows numerous locations where you can dispose of your medications safely to ensure we keep Palm Beach County safe and beautiful for ourselves and future generations to enjoy. pbcdrop.org
Harm Reduction Resources (Website)
Built on the principles of practicality and reducing negative consequences associated with drug use, harm reduction accepts, for better or worse, that licit and illicit drug use is part of our world and chooses to work to minimize its harmful effects rather than simply ignore or condemn them. The movement also understands drug use as a complex, multi-faceted phenomenon that encompasses a continuum of behaviors from severe use to total abstinence, and acknowledges that some ways of using drugs are clearly safer than others. That being said, this resource hosted by the National Harm Reduction Coalition features links to where one can safely obtain sterile syringes and naloxone through the mail as well as learn more about getting involved as a community of people working together to achieve equity and social justice for and with people who use drugs. harmreduction.org/resource-center/harm-reduction-near-you
Office of Behavioral Health and Substance Use Disorders (Website)
The system in Recovery Oriented System of Care is not a treatment agency, but a macro-level organization of a community, a state or a nation - William L. White, author Slaying the Dragon: The History of Addiction Treatment and Recovery in America
A macro-level organization of resources curated by Palm Beach County, this page offers a consistently updated events calendar, historical information and opioid response plan updates as well as a link to the opioid response plan itself. If you are interested in what Palm Beach County is doing to tackle the opioid epidemic, this is a great starting resource to learn more. https://discover.pbc.gov/communityservices/BHSUCOD/Pages/Facing-The-Crisis.aspx
The Hub Community Recovery Palm Beach County (Website)
Providing support and solutions for those living with substance use disorders, The Hub empowers, connects and advocates for individuals and their families in all stages of recovery. This website gives residents the chance to build the services to build their lives - everything from career support to education to food and hygiene to recovery support and narcan distribution. pbchub.org
Narcan (Website)
A retail resource for Narcan Nasal Spray, this website not only provides information about how to recognize an opioid emergency and safely administer dosages, statistics about the epidemic at large as well as recovery, videos and a list of online and big box retailers where Narcan can be purchased for approximately $45 a box. narcan.com
LISTEN UP!
If you have something you’d like to share, we encourage you to email us at: bewellpbc.org and tell us about it so we might highlight it in a future issue.
is The Well of PBC Creative Team’s pick of accessible behavioral health resources. Readers can email thewell@bewellpbc.org with their favorite podcasts, books, book clubs, apps, groups, social media accounts, and other suggestions.
Teen Coalition in Action Students
MORE THAN WORDS: BREAKING THE MENTAL HEALTH STIGMA
By Marvely Mondesir and Mara Popa | Palm Beach County Behavioral Health Coalition @teen_coalition_in_action
As mental health becomes a growing concern for today’s youth, stigmas around mental illness are being increasingly challenged. Through their experiences, social media, and school initiatives, teens are becoming more aware of mental health issues despite the negativity surrounding the topic. Yet the challenges of speaking openly about mental health remain with many teens still feeling silenced by societal stigmas.
As a teen mental health advocate, I often find that teens are more than willing to talk about their mental health with close friends or supportive family members. However, discussing their struggles with those outside their trusted circle—such as peers or adults—remains difficult.
A significant reason for this is the stigma attached to mental health. Many teens fear that their issues will not be taken seriously or worse, that they will face judgment, rejection, or teasing. There is even the fear that their own words could be
used against them. For instance, a teen might open up about seeing a therapist, only to have others assume that something is fundamentally wrong with them. This fear-driven silence perpetuates a cycle that prevents many teens from seeking the help they need.
I recall a mental health seminar at school, one of those yearly events where we all shuffled into the classroom, half paying attention as the videos played. The messages of “help a friend in need” and “stay positive” were well-meaning, but they often felt disconnected from reality. We were asked to write down as many “stigma words” as we could think of— words like “schizo” and “mental” - before tearing them up to recognize and reject the harmful language we often use to describe mental illness.
While the exercise was valuable, it felt performative for many of us.
As kids, we often found ourselves scoffing at these efforts, not out of malice, but because the weight of mental illness seemed distant. It was hard to bridge the gap between the classroom lessons and real-life experiences. The stigma surrounding mental health had many of us going back to using the same hurtful language once the lesson was over.
For those who have faced the harsh reality of mental health struggles, either personally or through a loved one, the impact of these stigmas becomes all too real. When someone you care about is suffering, the words that once felt harmless suddenly carry the weight of misunderstanding and pain.
The fear of the unknown is what keeps mental health stigma alive. When we don’t understand something, it becomes easier to judge or dismiss it. Sometimes, we won’t fully understand another person’s pain, even when it’s someone we love. But instead of fear turning into judgment, we should embrace empathy, listen, support, and show compassion. It’s something deeply human, and it’s something that we need more of if we want to truly break the cycle of mental health stigma.
In eighth grade, I became a mental health trainer at Teen Coalition in Action, a group dedicated to promoting teen behavioral wellness. Through my work, I’ve seen firsthand how mental health education can make a difference. While some people may dismiss the lessons, there will always be someone who leaves the room with a new understanding, someone who might make a different choice in the future because of what they learned. That is the true value of these efforts—to reach those who are willing to listen and inspire change.
There is hope. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health awareness has surged among teens. Many have begun advocating for mental health issues, standing up against stigmas, and educating others about the importance of mental wellness. This rising movement of youth-led mental health advocacy is a powerful testament to the changing tide in how mental health is perceived and addressed.
In the end, breaking the stigma is about more than just words—it’s about fostering a culture of understanding and empathy. Through education, advocacy, and open conversation, teens are leading the way in challenging harmful beliefs and making mental health a subject of support, rather than silence.
“Instead
of fear turning into judgment, we should embrace empathy, listen, support, and show compassion. It’s something deeply human, and it’s something that we need more of if we want to truly break the cycle of mental health stigma.”
The Fountain is the space for youth contributors and youth-related topics.
To contribute, send your article ideas to thewell@bewellpbc.org with "The Fountain" in the subject line.
RALLY 2024: FOR YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH
By BeWellPBC
In August 2024, BeWellPBC in partnership with Future Leaders United For Change hosted Palm Beach County stakeholders of all ages for a second RALLY event to strategize and take action for youth mental health.
Stakeholders across Palm Beach County came together for a night of strategy, strides, and partnership. Scan the QR code to watch a recap of the event and to learn more about how you can stay connected.
SCAN QR CODE TO WATCH EVENT
Submissions
From community events to county-wide campaigns, The Real shows us what’s really going on in the county.
Submit your event photos or news to thewell@bewellpbc.org.
With support from the Health Council of Southeast Florida, BeWellPBC has the opportunity to drive positive behavioral health change and long-term impact by enhancing reach into the community and building on:
• Mental Health for You(th) – A teen-to-teen training program developed by Palm Beach County youth, in collaboration with licensed professionals. The 1.5-hour workshop covers behavioral health, wellness, tips for seeking help, and local resources, aiming to reduce stigma and encourage youth to seek support. This youth-led training will be produced as a webinar online making it more accessible to youth across the county.
• Behavioral Health and Wellness Awareness Campaigns - BeWellPBC with community and system partners are striving to increase understanding, educate the community, and create safe spaces for open discussions about behavioral health and wellness. Campaigns will include trainings, awareness events, as well as social media efforts and other communications that provide tips, tools, and local resources.
Coming soon…Resident Podcasts and Youth Ambassadors!
WORKPLACE-PARENT PROGRAMMING AND WHY IT MATTERS
By Suzanne Spencer, Ed.D. | CEO | Living Skills in the Schools Founder | LSIS@WORK |
Parents face a significant challenge in splitting their commitment to their kids with their responsibilities as working professionals. (Brown, C., & Baffour, P. 2024)
The Numbers and Understanding
The Center of American Progress suggests that splitting this commitment is unattainable for a large part of the workforce, based on the sheer numbers.
For example, one Florida school district has approximately 31 days of scheduled closed days (excluding hurricane days) and summer breaks. This far exceeds the average paid time off allotted to those who work in the private sector. The analysis suggests that 39% of all workers and 80% of low-wage workers lack access to paid time off and about 43% don't have paid sick leave (Brown, C., & Baffour, P. 2024).
This data provides context for understanding why there may be a lack of parent engagement with schools such as afterschool activities (3:30 pm), events such as parent-teacher conferences (during work hours), and the need for afterschool care (schools end at 2:05-4:00).
A Look Ahead-OD2A 2.0
This served Living Skills in the Schools (LSIS) as evidence of the importance of extending family-focused services to the workplace, going beyond the conventional boundaries of school-based programming. The workplace can be more than just a place to earn a living—it can offer a community where families can be supported and strengthened.
LSIS@Work will invite parents with middle and highschool-aged children to gain the knowledge and confidence they need to bring up the topic of substance use prevention with their adolescent/teen. At the same time, employers throughout Palm Beach County will benefit from building a healthier, more informed workplace community and reduce family-related stress. The initiative is generously funded by the Florida Department of Health and the Health Council of Southeast Florida and the work of the OD2A 2.0 grant.
“The workplace can be more than just a place to earn a living—it can offer a community where families can be supported and strengthened.”
Califano, J. A. (2014). How to raise a drug-free kid: The straight dope for parents. A Touchstone Book, Published by Simon & Schuster.
Brown, C., & Baffour, P. (2024, October 1). Workin’ 9 to 5. Center for American Progress. https://www.americanprogress.org/ article/workin-9-to-5-2/ " Oct 11th, 2024
Why Workplace-Parent Programming Matters
In today's world, adolescent and teen perceptions of social norms, coupled with access, make substance use one of the most dangerous and harmful risks to children today.
LSIS@Work is an ideal framework to offer evidenceinformed strategies from our school-based prevention programming in the workplace. It will provide accessibility to parents who strive to equip their children with the skills to navigate these challenges but often need guidance on starting those crucial conversations. It will also offer tools and resources to guide their children through the pressures of growing up in a world where substance use is a real risk.
LSIS@Work will ease the pressure for parents to split their commitment between their kids and their responsibilities as working professionals (Brown, C., & Baffour, P. 2024). It will bring parents together with shared adolescent/teen experiences, empowering their understanding that even among all the environmental messages and glorification of youth substance use, they, as "Parents, have the greatest power to influence our children" (Califano, J. A. 2014), and the critical role they play in substance use prevention.
The Word is a broad topic space for contributing writers (a.k.a the community) to share your stories of behavioral health or anything self-care related i.e. fitness, health, educational, parenting, hobbies, wellness, etc. To contribute, send your article ideas to thewell@bewellpbc. org with “The Well” in the subject line.
/ THE RESERVOIR
“This personal connection can empower patients to reframe their narrative around addiction. Instead of seeing themselves as failures or outcasts, they can view their journey as one of resilience and strength, supported by someone who genuinely understands their plight.”
Understanding the Unique Challenges Faced by Patients of Color: The Importance of Culturally Competent Providers
By The T. Leroy Jefferson Medical Society | @tljmedicalsociety
For the T. Leroy Jefferson Medical Society, a community of primarily Black physicians, understanding the unique experiences of patients of color is paramount.
In the complex healthcare system, the relationship between a patient and their healthcare provider can significantly impact treatment outcomes, especially in the field of addiction and patients from various backgrounds encounter significant cultural, social, and healthrelated barriers.
A 2023 study published in Equity and Health Journal revealed that minority patients often experience lower quality care and poorer health outcomes compared to their white counterparts. Healthcare providers from similar backgrounds often have a better understanding of these challenges, resulting in a more empathetic and personalized approach to care.
The cultural context is essential for understanding how culture affects an individual's health experiences and perceptions and one challenge in
treating patients with addiction is the perception of addiction itself. Addiction is not solely a medical condition; it is also a social and cultural phenomenon intertwined with identity, community, and historical context.
For example, a Black physician might be more attuned to the role of faithbased healers within the community, allowing them to integrate this knowledge into treatment plans.
For many patients of color, the stigma associated with addiction is often worse than the addiction itself.
This is made worse by cultural narratives that see substance use as a moral issue rather than a health issue. Providers from similar backgrounds can navigate these narratives with more sensitivity, validating their patients' experiences and helping them see their challenges in a less stigmatized way thereby creating a safe space for patients to openly share their struggles, leading to more effective and personalized interventions.
Social Challenges and Barriers to Care
Patients of color are accustomed to systemic barriers that can complicate their healthcare experiences such as socioeconomic challenges, lack of access to quality care, and cultural mistrust of the healthcare system. Providers of color are often more familiar with these barriers, allowing them to advocate more effectively for their patients.
The way addiction is framed within a community also significantly impacts its perception and treatment. Here's where providers of color can play a crucial role:
• Understanding Stigma: Many minority communities carry a strong stigma around mental health issues and addiction. Providers of color can address this head-on, promoting a perspective of addiction as a treatable disease rather than a moral failing.
Dr. Kitonga Kiminyo & Dr. Catherine Lowe
• Focus on Empowerment: Addiction treatment for patients of color should encompass empowerment, fostering a sense of selfefficacy and hope for recovery. Providers who share the patient's background might be better equipped to connect with this desire for self-determination.
• Community Resources: Utilizing trusted community leaders, religious institutions, and culturally appropriate support groups can be invaluable for patients of color. Providers familiar with the community can guide patients to these valuable resources, promoting a holistic approach to recovery.
By understanding some of the socio-economic factors that contribute to addiction, providers can tailor treatment plans that focus on addiction recovery and consider housing stability, employment opportunities, community support networks, and selfaccountability.
This holistic approach is essential for fostering lasting change and recovery.
Empathy and Personal Connection
Empathy should be at the heart of effective healthcare. Providers sharing similar backgrounds with their patients can foster a more profound sense of trust and connection and a provider of color can empathize with the daily struggles their patients face, whether it be navigating a biased healthcare system or dealing with the generational trauma that often accompanies addiction.
Moreover, this personal connection can empower patients to reframe their narrative around addiction. Instead of seeing themselves as failures or outcasts, they can view their journey as one of resilience and strength, supported by someone who genuinely understands their plight.
The Importance of Culturally Competent Care
The benefits of culturally competent care extend beyond individual patient-provider relationships. When healthcare systems prioritize diversity among their providers, they are more likely to address the health disparities that disproportionately affect communities of color. This commitment not only improves individual outcomes but also fosters trust within communities, encouraging more people to seek the care they need.
“Imagine the weight of addiction on a patient who feels isolated and misunderstood. Healthcare professionals of color can bridge this gap, offering a lifeline that recognizes the unique cultural nuances of their struggles,” according to Laurel Dalton, Executive Director of T. Leroy Jefferson Medical Society. “Since 2020, we’ve been able to offer comprehensive continuing education programming on opioid prevention, thanks to generous funding from the Health Council of Southeast Florida. This has enabled us to provide ongoing education webinars, tv specials as well as live events in the community.”
Resources for Further Reading
1. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Provides information on substance use and mental health resources. More info at samhsa.gov
2. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Offers insights into addiction research and its impact on diverse populations. More info at nida.nih.gov
3. The Center for Health Equity: Focuses on addressing health disparities in communities of color. More info at hereatthecenter.org
4. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's National Helpline: A confidential resource for individuals seeking help. More info at 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
5. American Psychological Association: Offers resources on culturally responsive psychological practices. More info at apa.org
6. AJMC. (2023, November 17). Health equity and access weekly roundup: November 17, 2023. More info at ajmc.com
Dr. Flora Bentsi Enchill
STAYING GROUNDED IN THE COMMUNITY: Trinity Counseling Center’s Commitment to Behavioral Health
and Recovery Services
By Rae Whitely | Founder | Trinity Counseling Center of Florida, Inc. | @TCCTrinityCounselingCenter
At Trinity Counseling Center, we pride ourselves on maintaining a deep connection with the communities we serve. Focused on Palm Beach County census tracts with significant African and Caribbean-American populations, we address the often-overlooked challenges of substance abuse and behavioral health with a distinct approach grounded in cultural humility.
Our mission is to ensure that every interaction reflects the unique needs, values, and traditions of the individuals we serve, while dismantling stigmas and fostering a safe space for healing.
Our Theory of Change (TOC): We believe transformation happens at the intersection of cultural humility, faith-based organizing, comprehensive care coordination, and the inclusion of a Community Pharmacist.
This holistic framework ensures that we meet the needs of our community with compassion, understanding, and practical solutions.
Cultural Humility: A Lifelong Commitment
What sets Trinity apart is our unwavering dedication to cultural humility. This goes beyond simply understanding someone’s background—it is an ongoing journey of self-
reflection, learning, and adapting. We recognize that many of our clients come from historically marginalized communities with limited access to quality healthcare and behavioral health services. Our approach begins by actively listening to their stories and honoring their experiences, while also acknowledging the deep-rooted cultural stigmas that may impact their willingness to seek help. This commitment ensures that our care is not only culturally responsive but transformative, helping clients navigate their journeys toward recovery with dignity and respect.
Grassroots Faith-Based Organizing: Mobilizing the Black Church
At the heart of our community outreach is the leadership of Pastor Rae Whitely, who has a long history of organizing within Black churches across Florida. His innovative approach transforms these trusted institutions into Wellness Hubs, providing access to primary care and recovery services. Understanding the complexities of engaging the Black Church as a partner, Pastor Whitely has developed a groundbreaking strategy by training “Faith Captains”— liaisons who bridge the gap between faith communities and essential services. This initiative fosters a new wave of collaboration and empowers the church to serve as a cornerstone of support in the battle against substance abuse and mental health challenges.
Breaking the Silence: Safe Spaces for Taboo Topics
In many African American and Haitian American communities, discussing behavioral health and substance abuse can be challenging due to deep-seated stigmas and mistrust of traditional mental health systems. At Trinity, we have created safe spaces where participants feel empowered to talk about these taboo subjects without fear of judgment. Led by Sheila Gaines, our “Casual Conversations” initiative provides a welcoming environment where individuals can share their stories, raising awareness and reducing stigma in the process. Whether offering a listening ear, coordinating access to care, or providing referrals, we approach each conversation with humility, openness, and respect for the lived experiences of our clients.
Holistic Care Coordination: Meeting Community Needs on Every Level
Our care coordination model (led by Bethan Whitely) is designed to bridge the gap between community needs and available resources, ensuring that no one is left behind. Whether helping clients navigate the healthcare system, connecting them to social services, or addressing community safety concerns, we are committed to supporting individuals holistically.
Beyond immediate care, we collaborate with local stakeholders to create safe and healing environments for the entire community. From our shower truck and food distribution programs to celebratory events that foster joy and connection, we honor the dignity of those we serve, especially the homeless and those in transitional living.
Innovative Community Pharmacist Integration: Opioid Prevention with Dr. Ashley Ridley
A critical and often overlooked component of addressing substance abuse is the inclusion of pharmacists in prevention and recovery efforts. At Trinity, we are proud to partner with Dr. Ashley Ridley, a community pharmacist and trained organizer, who leads our opioid prevention efforts in some of Palm Beach County’s most vulnerable areas. Her role not only bridges a crucial gap in care but also reinforces our holistic approach to recovery, ensuring that every facet of a client’s needs is addressed with compassion, expertise, and community-driven solutions.
Dr. Ridley will leverage her expertise to make a powerful impact in two key areas:
1. Community Education: Dr. Ridley will design a comprehensive curriculum to equip trusted community allies—local pastors, barbershop and beauty salon owners, and community center staff—with the skills to lead
meaningful conversations about substance abuse and opioid misuse. By training these trusted voices, who are already embedded in spaces where residents naturally gather, we can reach hard-to-reach populations with critical information. This approach breaks down barriers and brings much-needed awareness and support to those who may otherwise remain disconnected from traditional outreach efforts.
2.Technical Assistance: Drawing on her extensive background in pharmacy, Dr. Ridley will provide vital technical assistance to key service providers, including physicians, healthcare workers, and policymakers. Her deep understanding of the negative impacts of substance abuse, particularly opioid addiction, positions her as a highly effective advocate. With her experience as a Pharmacy Director, Dr. Ridley will bring both authority and practical solutions to the table, ensuring that service providers and decision-makers are fully equipped to tackle the opioid crisis from a well-informed, community-driven perspective.
At Trinity Counseling Center, we are not just a service provider—we are a partner in the healing and growth of our community. By integrating cultural humility, faith-based organizing, comprehensive care coordination, and innovative partnerships, we are reshaping how behavioral health and substance abuse are addressed, one life at a time.
The Depth digs deep into faith and fellowship at the neighborhood level. Email thewell@ bewellpbc.org for a chance to be featured.
"As the opioid epidemic has evolved in your community, what do you think needs to be done about it?" ?
CENTRAL Roshini Singh
NORTH
"I want to mention that this may come with deep foundational issues from a patient's childhood to evaluate as causative factors to substance abuse disorder in the first place. I am extremely preventative medicine in practice, so tackling the issue from before someone has this disorder is a part of helping with the epidemic. On the surface level for those with opioid abuse disorder, in short, I'd say increased insurance coverage, so that have increased access to medical providers who are specialized in substance abuse treatment, and monthly membership affordable plans for those without insurance. Many times, patients who really want help and have no insurance feel unsupported due to a high cost on every corner to seek help for their disorder."
Jana Cavalcanti
"The stricter regulations and oversight in place after the Sackler scandal and the opioid crisis have undoubtedly put all of us, the chronic pain patients in a difficult position. The balance between reducing opioid misuse and ensuring that people like me, who genuinely need medication to manage pain, has been a hard one to strike. Being a businesswoman I travel frequently, it's tough when I am forced to choose between my work, my family, or the ability to manage the unbearable level of pain I am forced to live with.
The strict requirement between regular doctor visits for pain management and the difficulty of filling prescriptions adds significant strain.
Let’s not forget the health insurance hurdles in place to make an already difficult situation even worse. The constant roadblocks—pre-authorization requirements, medication limits, and procedure denials—it makes me feel in a constant battle just to get the care I need. I know I am not alone feeling criminalized for pursuing necessary care. It's exhausting to have to justify my need for pain relief at every turn."
/ CORNER TALK
SOUTH
Andrew Bloch
"Research shows us that over 100 million Americans suffer from chronic pain, which has helped to create the opioid epidemic, devastating our communities. Pain is very real, and while there is a time and place for opioids and surgeries, we also need to have nonopioid holistic pain management solutions available that are safe, natural, and effective and made accessible to everyone despite income advantages or insurance."
EAST
Dr. Charlton Q. Butts
"I believe the opioid epidemic can be impacted by increased focus on preventative care and alternative medicine applications. I think doctors need to stop relying on band aid treatments through medication and focus more on holistic approaches that treat root causes of disease."
Amanda Stuiber
"The opiate epidemic demands more mental health awareness and supportive spaces to prevent self-harm and addiction. Affordable therapy/programs is crucial to saving lives."
To have your voice heard from the corner of the neighborhood, send an email to thewell@bewellpbc.org with “Corner Talk (and north, central, south, east or west)” in the subject line.
“We are continuously evolving to meet the needs of our community and look forward to expanding our reach to ensure this critical care is available for all – because we care for all.”
EMPOWERING RECOVERY: TREATMENT THAT SAVES AND RESTORES LIVES
How the Health Care District of Palm Beach County Revolutionized Behavioral Health Care
By Weesam A. Khoury, M.S. AVP, Communications and External Affairs | Health Care District of Palm Beach County | @healthcaredistrict
“This place has saved my life. I know that for a fact because they’ve given me all of the support and medication I needed,” expressed Matthew Lawrence - a grateful patient of the Health Care District’s community health center in Mangonia Park.
For individuals grappling with debilitating psychiatric and substance use disorders, it is critical to find sensitive, timely and specialized care. The Health Care District of Palm Beach County addresses addiction and mental health disorders by recognizing the lifelong nature of these illnesses, which requires high-quality clinical care and support at every stage of the journey.
This comprehensive model for psychiatric and substance use disorders tailors treatment to each patient’s needs. This approach includes a range of services, which may include
Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), individual and group therapy sessions, psychiatric assessment and treatment, and care coordination with referrals to specialists and various social services such as transportation and housing assistance.
The District’s award-winning and evidence-based treatment model has been replicated by Governor Ron DeSantis in 29 of Florida’s 67 counties through the Coordinated Opioid Recovery (CORE) Network and this initiative continues to receive bipartisan investment and recognition.
“The road to recovery is not one-sizefits-all. To help patients get back to the lives they deserve, our model ensures that mental health treatment works in tandem with primary medical care, women’s health care, dental services, and pharmacy services - all under one
roof,” said Darcy Davis, Health Care District President and CEO. “We are continuously evolving to meet the needs of our community, and look forward to expanding our reach to ensure this critical care is available for all – because we care for all.”
"Mental health and substance use disorders, like any other illness, should be treated with compassion by medical doctors and licensed therapists who follow the highest standards of care for as long as patients need care," added Dr. Courtney Phillips, Vice President and Chief of Behavioral Health and Clinical Innovations at the Health Care District. "Our team aims to help patients understand the medical nature of their conditions and equip them with essential coping skills to prevent relapse.”
The Comprehensive Center for Brain Health (CCBH) team.
"We meet you where you are. Whether you struggle with mental health or are uncertain if your substance use is problematic, walk in or make an appointment to discuss treatment options tailored for you," added Dr. Phillips.
The Health Care District’s community health centers throughout Palm Beach County play a vital role in delivering essential medical services. As Federally Qualified Health Centers, all patients are treated regardless of their ability to pay or insurance status. Patients can make an appointment by calling 561-642-1000. For more information, visit WeCareForAllPBC.org.
Outpatient services are currently available at two Health Care District of Palm Beach County Health Centers:
Mangonia Park
2051 45th St., Suite 100
West Palm Beach, FL, 33407
Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Delray Beach
200 Congress Park Dr., Suite 100
Delray Beach, FL 33445
Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Patients can schedule an appointment directly with a psychiatrist at either location without a referral, or call 561-642-1000.
The Providers is a space for providers, practitioners, thought leaders, and systems change leaders to share.
To contribute, send your article ideas to thewell@bewellpbc.org with “For The Providers” in the subject line.
“LORHN is one of nine rural health networks defined in Florida Statute (381.046) and was established to promote access to a continuum of care, champion efficient and effective delivery of health care services and leverage the integration of public and private resources to improve health outcomes.”
SERVING RURAL FLORIDA:
Community Health Advocates with the Lake Okeechobee Rural Health Network
By Andrea Stephenson Royster | Chief Executive Officer | Health Council of Southeast Florida (HCSEF) and
the Lake Okeechobee Rural Health Network (LORHN) |@hcseflorida
“What are opioids?”
This question has been a common start to many conversations that Sharon Clark and Bree Spence have had with the residents of the western communities of Palm Beach County.
This rural area, most often referred to as the Glades, is home to approximately 27,000 people throughout the cities of Belle Glade, Pahokee, South Bay, Canal Point, and unincorporated areas.
Sharon and Bree live in the Glades and are incredibly passionate about helping and serving their community. As Community Health Advocates (CHA) working with Lake Okeechobee Rural Health Network (LORHN), they can do just that.
They help bridge the gaps of information and knowledge by sharing what they know, answering questions, and connecting residents with necessary resources and services.
There are numerous stories of the incredible ways in which they have
impacted lives, and by most accounts, they are very effective in their roles.
They will tell you that one of their guiding principles in doing this work is, “not to make any assumptions.”
So, they do not assume what anyone knows, understands, has or doesn’t have. They start from the proverbial top.
That principle is especially important in their efforts to affect positive change and mitigate the impact of the opioid epidemic in this rural community because more often than not and not too long after the conversation about opioids begins, people usually realize that though they may refer to this class of drugs by other names, they are all usually familiar with the ultimate impact of their misuse or abuse.
They may know someone who has been directly affected, and if not, they nearly always know someone who knows someone who has been affected. The opioid epidemic has no regard for geographic boundaries and our rural
communities are grappling with this problem.
Thankfully, there are organizations working to mitigate the impact of the burden of this epidemic in our rural communities. One initiative, through the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is Overdose Data to Action (OD2A), which is made possible with a grant to the Department of Health – Palm Beach County, which then contracts with the Health Council of Southeast Florida (HCSEF).
Lake Okeechobee Rural Health Network (LORHN) is one of several OD2A partners funded through HCSEF.
LORHN is one of nine rural health networks defined in Florida Statute (381.046) and was established to promote access to a continuum of care, champion efficient and effective delivery of health care services and leverage the integration of public and private resources to improve health outcomes.
For more than 30 years now, LORHN has served and advocated for the rural communities around Lake Okeechobee, which include the rural areas of Palm Beach and Martin counties, and all of Okeechobee, Glades, and Hendry counties.
The network is composed of members representative of different segments of the system, such as public health, preventative care, hospitals, long-term care, and trauma.
Additionally, recognizing the importance of community engagement, a network may also have residents represent the consumer’s interest. These network members convene regularly to discuss trends as they relate to evolving and emerging needs and then, to strategize the role of the network in effectively addressing those issues.
One area of interest identified by LORHN some years ago was the increasing abuse and misuse of opioids. Even more specifically, there were real concerns about how the epidemic was affecting our rural communities.
Nearly every network member has relevant stories they can share. These stories depict their unique perspectives on how the use and abuse of opioids has impacted their work, the community, their patients, clients, and the various systems that intersect.
The impact was real and it was significant.
This was not particularly surprising, though.
“When you consider the opioid epidemic along with a relatively long list of health care challenges that many rural areas face, there is an unquestionable compounding effect,” said LORHN’s CEO, Andrea Stephenson Royster.
For example, there are acknowledged gaps in the availability of services and resources, which has translated into far fewer treatment options for those living in rural communities.
LORHN relies on community health workers, a research-
informed framework that values the lived and shared experiences of those employed to engage and serve the community. LORHN’s community health workers are known as Community Health Advocates (CHA), and in addition to being from the community, they are in the community and they understand the community.
They are working diligently to combat misinformation, provide one-on-one and group education, promoting an understanding of addiction to reduce stigma, and engaging individuals who may be at higher risk of developing substance use disorder (SUD). For those living with SUD, the CHAs provide referrals and linkages to health and human services.
They are entrenched in the community, located at various sites to meet residents, e.g., libraries, recreation centers, pharmacies, housing communities, food distributions, hot meal sites, churches, shelters, corner stores, and more.
In addition to meeting clients physically, CHAs also “meet them where they are” in terms of what they know and understand about substance disorder and even their readiness for treatment. While the ultimate desire is for cessation of drug use and sobriety, CHAs also understand the science of addiction and the time that it may take for some to be ready for that journey. So, the CHAs also ascribe to the core principles of harm reduction, essentially to reduce the negative consequences associated with certain behaviors by providing supports and services in a non-judgmental, non-coercive way and accepting an improved quality of life.
Each workday for a LORHN CHA may not be the same but Program Director, Tiffany Parrish notes that, “typically our work includes some key activities such as one-on-one and group education sessions that explain what opioids are, the risks and side effects of using them, signs of addiction, signs of overdose, and responding to opioid-related overdoses.”
Additionally, the CHAs are conducting outreach in the community to identify those living with a substance use disorder or problem substance use. They are also screening to identify unique needs and provide referrals and linkages to services as appropriate. They may assist with enrollment in health insurance programs, refer to safety net providers, distribute Narcan and educate the community about its use and disseminate other helpful resources.
Beyond The Couch highlights non-traditional mental health outlets and resources in Palm Beach County. To contribute, send your article ideas to thewell@bewellpbc.org with “Beyond the Couch” in the subject line.
PIONEERING PEDIATRIC INTEGRATED BEHAVIORAL
HEALTH AND PRIMARY CARE - PART
2
A
multi-part series to learn alongside Palm Beach County pediatricians, community partners, and parents/caregivers.
By Melanie Otero
The Palm Beach County Pediatric Integrated Care Project (PIC) is a collaborative physician, parent/caregiver, provider, and youthserving system workgroup committed to integrating behavioral health into pediatric care and contributing to Florida-wide efforts to expand comprehensive care for all children, especially the underserved.
Far from integrated today, children’s mental health care is isolated from primary care in practice and in insurance payment. Families face their own isolation as parents feel alone in their struggle to find help as they encounter lengthy wait lists and barrier after barrier to care in the face of skyrocketing rates of childhood depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges.
PIC, guided by two Palm Beach County physicians, Dr. Shannon Fox-Levine and Dr. Tommy Schechtman, is a bright light offering immediate, innovative solutions to meet the needs of county children and youth. We invite you to follow The Well of PBC’s “Pioneering Pediatric Integrated Behavioral Health and Primary Care” series as we share the stories of how our community is uniting to provide holistic treatment for our children.
In Part 1 of our series, we closed with words from Sherrah Hill-Lavin, a mother of six children and a member of the project’s Parent Advisory Council with her husband Brandon: “We're hoping the outcome from this project is that the process is streamlined and mandated across the state of Florida for every child to get the proper mental health services.”
To realize Sherrah’s vision, PIC is concentrating on five integrated focus areas:
1. Provider Communication – Streamlining solutions for connecting youth to care and follow-up across partners (pediatricians, behavioral health providers, school district, hospitals, etc.) serving patients.
2. Policy & Procedure – Key areas for policy and procedure to address.
3. Standard of Care/Research – Palm Beach County partner best practices within a pediatric integrated continuum of care; capturing progress and impact.
4. Consultation/Community of Practice – New opportunities for psychiatric consultation for local pediatricians and physicians; creating a community of practice for pediatricians, physicians, practice staff, and behavioral health providers to explore best practices, offer trainings, network, provide each other support, etc.
5. Parent Advisory Council – Parent/caregiver group offering perspective and experience/feedback about care for youth and families.
At PIC’s October 2024 workgroup meeting, PIC partners came together to share progress and the promise for building a child and youth integrated continuum of care in Palm Beach County.
CLOSING THE GAPS
It’s no wonder that provider communication is a focus area. Parents like Nancy Alexander have struggled to find an integrated system of care—through doctor’s offices, the school system, and psychiatrists offices—for her daughter who is now an adult. What she found in years past was a frustrating, broken system where parents and children felt helpless and alone. “You can’t let them fall through the cracks,” she said.
PIC partners are identifying the cracks and creating synergies so parents today don’t experience Nancy’s pain and frustration over the many years it took to find her daughter appropriate care. As one example, Alpert Jewish Family Service suggests focusing on the “parent gap,” the place between caregiver understanding of mental health and knowing how to best advocate for their children. This takes systems and providers supporting parents, not blaming them, and creating those opportunities for learning.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), founded by parents, is one organization aiming to foster a community where parents and caregivers can learn, connect, and lead the way in improving mental health outcomes for youth and families. The NAMI Palm Beach County chapter offers a comprehensive lecture series, providing essential information and resources for professionals, families, and those impacted by behavioral health conditions to learn alongside each other, free of charge. Parent voice in informing systems is critical, according to Katherine Murphy, CEO. “At NAMI Palm Beach County, we recognize the vital role that parents and caregivers play in the mental health journey of their loved ones,” she said. “Their presence and active involvement are crucial in advocating for better care and support.”
Another idea offered by PIC partner, Alpert Jewish Family Service, is providing training to caregivers through their pediatrician offices. According to Elaine Rotenberg, Ph.D., Chief Clinical and Impact Officer at Alpert JFS, “we would welcome the opportunity to partner with pediatric practices to create a seamless opportunity for parents to take Youth Mental Health First Aid, a training helping to normalize and reduce the stigma that is too often associated with mental illnesses, and create a population of parents who are able to recognize signs and symptoms of mental health challenges that might respond well to treatment and enhance the quality of life for that child and family.”
ADVANCING INTEGRATED CARE
Youth mental health access to the care system isn’t just a concern for caregivers. Palm Beach County pediatricians surveyed by BeWellPBC/Florida Atlantic University reported challenges understanding and tackling behavioral health care for their patients, too. Workgroup members shared just a few current solutions for educating pediatricians together with behavioral health providers to better serve parents and children in an integrated approach.
• At HCA Florida JFK North Hospital, a new generation of physicians—28 graduate medical residents—are actively involved in the treatment of patients, seeking to increase communication with pediatricians and providers.
• FoundCare, a Federally Qualified Health Center, is embedding therapists and care coordinators, responsible for making sure a child is connected to everything they need for their mental health, to work alongside their medical staff.
• Health Care District of Palm Beach County will open their flagship clinic in November, offering physical and dental care with psychiatry and therapeutic services on site for youth and adults.
As PIC partners continue their work, they are learning where all the pieces of the system can seamlessly come together, offering care and comfort to people like Nancy and her daughter. “The puzzle is there's got to be somewhere for people to get help if they need it.”
SURVEY RESULTS
Beginning in summer 2023, BeWellPBC with the help of Florida Atlantic University researchers launched the Pediatric Integrated Care Behavioral Health Services Questionnaire for Palm Beach County pediatric practices to capture their integrated care workflow, successes, and challenges.
Initial key findings:
1. The majority (63%) of respondents said between 40% and 100% of their patients present with behavioral health concerns.
2. Half of the practices surveyed offer some level of behavioral health services starting with behavioral health screenings up to medication management and therapeutic support.
3. The majority of respondents (58%) agree to strongly agree they are interested in increasing behavioral health integration at their practice.
4. Practices want easier access to behavioral health care for their patients.
5. Accessibility, affordability, long wait times are cited by pediatricians as greatest barriers to care.
6. Less than half of the practices felt their doctors and staff had adequate behavioral health training.
7. 74% reported great interest in training, support, and learning alongside other practices.
COME WITH US ON OUR JOURNEY
In each bi-monthly issue of The Well of PBC through June 2025 we will share PIC’s progress, bringing you the voices and stories behind this important initiative, shining a light on the victories large and small, and revealing where obstacles remain.
PALM BEACH COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY CONTINUES ITS BATTLE AGAINST OPIOID ADDICTION AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER
“As a medical society, we must continue to educate healthcare professionals on the signs and treatment of opioid addiction, advocate
for policies
that
promote
prevention and harm reduction, and engage with communities to build supportive environments.”
By Kelly Skidmore | CEO | Palm Beach County Medical Society | @pbcmedsociety
In 2017, Florida Governor Rick Scott declared the state’s opioid crisis a Public Health Emergency, and by October 2018, the Palm Beach County Medical Society (PBCMS) leadership had formulated a coordinated plan to improve awareness and outcomes through the creation of the PBCMS/Healthcare Emergency Response Coalition Opioid Task Force, which identified strategies and best practices to reverse the opioid crisis.
Through a series of workshops and summits with community healthcare leaders and support from the Health Council of Southeast Florida over several years, the science of addiction was explored, and a consensus was reached for the need to educate and raise physician, hospital, and healthcare provider awareness about reducing opioid deaths in Palm Beach County.
The Opioid Healthcare Response Initiative (OHRI) was developed and focused on:
• Prescription opioid-related morbidity and mortality and what steps can be taken to promote the safe use of medications.
• The intersection of prescription opioid misuse with the resurgence in heroin use and addiction.
• How the clinical practice environment for pain management and opioid prescribing has been influenced by the public and private sector
• Alternative therapies for treatment
• Recommendations for promoting safe opioid use in different patient populations.
Opioid addiction and substance use disorder (SUD) are not only medical conditions but also complex social, economic, and mental health challenges that demand a multifaceted, compassionate, and comprehensive response. Recognizing addiction as a mental illness, the initiative’s approach concentrated on four silos:
• PREVENTION. Reducing supply and demand; implementing safer prescription protocols.
• RESCUE. Using Naloxone as a standard of care.
• TREATMENT. Introducing the “Every Door is the Right Door” philosophy.
• RECOVERY. Expanding support for recovery initiatives.
The Opioid Healthcare Response Initiative (OHRI) also produced a 10-episode podcast series for healthcare providers from October 2022 through August 2023 that now boasts more than half a million downloads, reaching listeners around the world with educational discussions on topics such as addressing stigma, mixing buprenorphine and fentanyl, adolescent SUD, unintended consequences of Opiophobia, and more.
Addressing opioid addiction and substance use disorder demands a coordinated effort at the community level. Public health initiatives, harm reduction strategies, and access to naloxone are essential components of a comprehensive approach.
Equally important is the destigmatization of addiction, because too often, individuals suffering from opioid use disorder are marginalized or blamed for their condition, when in fact, they are grappling with a medical issue that warrants compassion, empathy, and support.
Moving forward, PBCMS continues to work with the Health Council of Southeast Florida through the CDC Overdose Data to Action, or OD2A, to address harm reduction, stigma reduction, linkage to services, and provider education.
The action plan includes conducting harm reduction strategy meetings, provider education sessions on the proper disposal of excess pills, distributing educational rack cards and Fentanyl Test Strips to providers, and coordinating with the local Syringe Exchange Service provider to provide on-site education to medical students on pertinent and emerging issues related to SUD and harm reduction, including wound care.
The opioid crisis is a complex problem that needs an equally complex solution. As a medical society, we must continue to educate healthcare professionals on the signs and treatment of opioid addiction, advocate for policies that promote prevention and harm reduction, and engage with communities to build supportive environments for those in recovery.
Photo by Piyapong Sayduang
MOBILE INTEGRATED HEALTH TEAM ADDICTION PROGRAM
“The multidisciplinary approach of medical social workers and community paramedics collaborating allows the Mobile Integrated Health Team to offer an advanced partnership with patients and involved family members.”
By Lauren Young Work, LCSW | Medical Social Work & MIH Coordinator | Palm Beach County Fire Rescue | @pbcfirerescue
Palm Beach County Fire Rescue recognizes that individuals living with substance and alcohol use disorders require specialized approaches to outreach and care that are designed to not only meet complex needs but also empower and save lives.
In 2017, Palm Beach County Fire Rescue launched its innovative and multidisciplinary Mobile Integrated Health Team Addiction Program, which provides compassionate and non-judgmental engagement with patients and their involved family members after Emergency Medical Service (EMS) responses to substance or alcohol use medical emergencies.
In recent years, Palm Beach County Fire Rescue expanded the Addiction Program through the Overdose data to Action (OD2A) grant provided by the Health Council of Southeast Florida.
Currently, the Mobile Integrated Health Team reaches out to patients in person or through virtual contact within 24-48 hours after their 911 call. Mobile Integrated Health Community Paramedics and Medical Social Workers offer supportive listening, disease education, goal-setting exploration, care coordination with OD2A and community partners, crisis intervention, and connection to various resources.
These connections help patients address medical, dental, mental health, social service, legal, financial, social, familial, health access, and recovery needs.
The multidisciplinary approach of medical social workers and community paramedics collaborating allows the Mobile Integrated Health Team to offer an advanced partnership with patients and involved family members. We aim to explore how substance or alcohol use affects both the patient and support system surrounding them, so we can explore options and solutions.
Together, the patient and the Mobile Integrated Health team work towards creating achievable goals to address the full spectrum of patient needs. This often includes a connection to OD2A partners, who then
provide services such as peer support, harm reduction tools, mental health care, recovery community centers, case management, basic need assistance, and medication-assisted treatment. Through this wholeperson recovery-centered model, patients and families often gain the empowerment needed to bridge them to recovery pathways.
By providing expert chronic disease management education, the Mobile Integrated Health Team can expand the understanding of substance and alcohol use as a chronic disease. This enhanced awareness is essential to understanding the benefits of a combined care approach. For example, pairing medication assisted treatment (MAT) with counseling, peer support, and connection within a whole-person recovery-centered community may assist patients in attaining their harm reduction or recovery-oriented goals. Additionally, EMS is a known and trusted provider within the community.
Therefore, within the patient's care system, Palm Beach County Fire Rescue’s Mobile Integrated Health Team can quickly connect with patients, building on an existing trusted relationship. Trust is critical to successful outcomes for the patient and increases the effectiveness of warm transitions of care to partners, which makes EMS-based addiction programs unique.
From a more global perspective, MIH is able to address health equity challenges to ensure all patients served by Palm Beach County Fire Rescue have equal access to resources and support that will help them achieve whatever life quality and recovery goals they believe are best for them.
Palm Beach County Fire Rescue is committed to providing programs and services beyond the 911 call to meet the needs of all those they serve. The Mobile Integrated Health Addiction Program continues to partner with patients, families, resources, and community stakeholders through robust outreach programs and a mission to enhance wellness and save lives. We are ensuring that individuals living with substance and alcohol use disorders have a clear and compassionate path to recovery, wellness, and quality of life.
Medical Social Worker, Lauren Young Work, LCSW speaking to a PBCFR crew about a patient they are referring to the Addiction Program for assistance. Pictured: Medical Social Work Coordinator, Lauren Young-Work, LCSW, Driver Operator Mark Morzella, and Paramedic/Firefighter Jacob Ortiz.
