The Well of PBC - February 2024

T H E R E S O U R C E F O R B E H A V I O R A L H E A LT H A N D W E L L N E S S

/ FEBRUARY 2024

BeWellPBC Behavioral Health Movement Celebrates Five Years

Feature Story

Combating the Crisis: Behavioral Health Workforce Pipeline The Reservoir

Recovery and Community The The Depth Depth

Rethinking Behavioral Health

Hope For The Future: Youth and Behavioral Health

The The Fountain Fountain

The Providers

Mini-Grant Highlights

The Real

The Well Of PBC / February Issue 2024

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Letter from the Publisher Wow. Five years.

How time flies.

Wow. Five years. How time flies.

It feels like just yesterday that I attended BeWellPBC’s first Stewardship Council (Board) Meeting as the new executive director. Sitting together with residents and system leaders that evening, we set intentions for BeWellPBC, imagining what it could become. We discussed hopes for shared governance, collective decision-making, co-designing solutions, collaborative efforts, and long-term positive impact. We emphasized a population health and equity approach that would foster opportunity for every resident to be supported in their own, tailored journey to health and wellbeing.

Now, as I reflect on how far we’ve come in such a short time, and give attention to the many challenges and lessons learned

along the way, I continue to be inspired by the people – community and professionals from across the county; the process – partners working more intentionally to do the work together with residents at the forefront of implementation; and our progress – big wins like the behavioral health technician curriculum and exciting opportunities like the Rethink Health national project that you will read about in the pages that follow.

This edition of The Well of PBC tells stories of BeWellPBC from the many perspectives of initiative team members, partners, and friends. With much more story to tell, I am humbled by our accomplishments, grateful to everyone I

get to work alongside every day, and honored to be at the helm of an initiative that shows so much continued promise.

Anyone can be a steward of health if they have the passion for change and the will to take action in their community. And everyone in Palm Beach County is invited to join the movement for behavioral health and wellness for all—a movement we call BeWellPBC.

Lauren Zuchman Lauren Zuchman Publisher bewell@bewellpbc.org

MADE POSSIBLE BY OUR INVESTED PARTNERS

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Letter from the Editor

L

isten with curiosity and empathy.

Speak with clarity and honesty.

Act with integrity and kindness.

These values are the bedrock for how I carry myself - both personally and professionally as a communications specialist - and I’ve noticed that they echo the loudest in my role as Editor-in-Chief of The Well of PBC. When publisher Lauren Zuchman approached me about the role in June of 2021, just two years after BeWellPBC’s start, I was excited to launch on a new endeavor whose mission was so close to my heart. It came at a time when we were craving connection after the isolation of the pandemic. Lauren felt called to rally the community to begin healing after the devastation, and create an interactive space where we could pour and be poured into. That gathering place- The Well of PBC. As a long-time advocate for the destigmatization of mental illness and the equitable accessibility of resources, I was seeking a way to accomplish more and utilize my skills to serve a greater end.

The Well of PBC was the answer.

The scope of work we accomplish here is vital but I wasn’t completely aware of just how much working on The Well of PBC would influence my life.

Over the past five years, I have been lucky enough to meet some truly inspiring people - from clinicians with their “boots on the ground” serving the mental health needs of residents to folks providing meals to the hungry to systems change leaders who are elevating discourse and affecting tangible and positive change through legislation to faith leaders who minister in times of both great joy and unspeakable grief - and through knowing them, I am constantly reminded of both the good and the capacity for good that exists in our communities.

Working as the Editor-in-Chief of The Well of PBC is an honor and I view it as both a privilege and an act of service in which I am able to use a wide-reaching, multi-faceted platform to elevate the voices and concerns of my neighbors here in Palm Beach County.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for bestowing me with such an extraordinary gift in entrusting me with your voices and I promise to maintain the same standard of trust as a steward for our community as we evolve and aspire to greater heights.

I would be remiss if I didn’t take this opportunity to thank everyone who has contributed to The Well of PBC over the years. Thank you for being a wellspring of creativity, knowledge and compassion that serves to restore us all.

THIS EDITION SUPPORTED BY

Here’s to the first two years of The Well of PBC—and five for BeWellPBC—and countless more.

With deep appreciation.

Julie Khanna, Editor-in-Chief thewell@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.

”

To share feedback, obtain advertising information, or contribute, please reach us at thewell@bewellpbc.org

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06 Content

FEBRUARY ISSUE 2024

34

STORY 06 FEATURE Be the Change. BeWellPBC

Behavioral Health Movement Celebrates Five Years

DRAW 10 THE The Evolution of BeWellPBC

PROVIDERS 12 THE Rethinking Behavioral Health

22

FEATURE 24 SPECIAL Seeing the Whole Child:

Pioneering Pediatric Integrated Mental Health and Primary Care

FEATURE 26 SPECIAL RALLY for Youth Mental Health

FOUNTAIN 28 THE Hope for the Future:

Youth and Behavioral Health

FEATURE 14 SPECIAL Community Connectors

Magnify BeWellPBC Impact

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BEWELL CLUBS • Gather with Purpose • Caring for the Caregivers • Let Our Voices Roar

REAL 19 THE Mini-Grant Highlights TALK 20 CORNER What can other communities learn from BeWellPBC?

WORD 22 THE Hope Has Two Daughters

SOURCE 30 THE Get Your Questions Answered RESERVOIR 32 THE Combating the Crisis: Behavioral Health Workforce Pipeline

DEPTH 34 THE Recovery and Community 36 SPOTLIGHT Get Your Green On THE COUCH 38 BEYOND BeWellPBC Promotes Community Collaboration Through Communication

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Our Team

Creative Team

Lauren Zuchman

Katrina Blackmon

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, founder & CEO of Unity3 Palm Beach, brings her executive advertising background combined with her love of faith, family, and this vibrant multicultural community to The Well of PBC and BeWellPBC.

Julie Khanna

Surej Kalathil AKA Sunman

Julie, CEO of Khanna Connections, enjoys using her creativity to help health and wellness industries communicate with their audiences.

Surej, founder of Photography & Design by Sunman, is the creative visionary that brings life into each page, concept, visual and digital design of The Well of PBC publication.

Publisher

Editor-in-Chief

Alita Faber

Marketing Manager

BeWellPBC Staff

Weston Probst BeWellPBC Staff

Creative Director

The information in this issue of The Well of PBC is for information purposes only. The Well of PBC assumes no liability or responsibility for any inaccurate, delayed or incomplete information, nor for any actions taken in reliance thereon.

The information contained about each individual, company, product or organization has been provided by such individual, company, product or organization without verification by us.

Melanie Otero

Jaime Joshi Elder

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 serves as a contributing writer to The Well of PBC.

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.

Contributor

Contributor

The opinion expressed in each article is the opinion of its author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Well of PBC. Therefore, The Well of PBC carries no responsibility for the opinion expressed therein.

Any form of reproduction of any content in this magazine without the written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited. © 2024 The Well of PBC All rights reserved.

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FEATURE STORY

Be the Change.

BeWellPBC Behavioral Health Movement Celebrates Five Years BY: MELANIE OTERO

T

urning points often come in times of crisis. When communities stand up and say, “No more.” They are the moments when we discover our greatest strengths.

That time came in 2018 for Palm Beach County’s behavioral health advocates.

It was the year of the Parkland tragedy, the deaths of celebrities Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain, who became statistics in the alarming 37% rise in suicides from 2000-2018, and a new high point for severe depression among youth with a nearly 60% increase in suicides between 2007 and 2018.

At the same time, residents were coming together to develop their own community-led behavioral health solutions as a wave of activism spread across the county. During a year of tragedy and hope, BeWellPBC was born.

“Neighborhoods in Healthier Together communities and other areas of the county were showing us how they could Katrina Blackmon and Lauren Zuchman, BeWellPBC

create their own lasting impact,” said Lauren Zuchman, BeWellPBC executive director. “We knew the answers for behavioral health and wellness were in the assets long overlooked by systems— parents, pastors, teachers, youth—the recognized community leaders and residents who were already talking over kitchen tables about their ideas. They just needed someone to listen.”

BE CONNECTED Ten of Palm Beach County’s largest funders and system partners came together to initiate a new opportunity for behavioral health and wellness, with the idea of doing more than listening. They aimed for kitchen table conversations to become community table conversations where everyone—residents and CEOs alike—shared power as equals in co-designing a new path forward for behavioral health and wellness.

Through a countywide behavioral health needs assessment developed by Southeast Florida Behavioral Health Network and The Celia Lipton Farris & Victor W. Farris Foundation and a series of community summits hosted by Palm Health Foundation, lived (residents) and learned (professionals) experts identified where the greatest needs existed. When Zuchman formally launched BeWellPBC in February 2019, she and the community drilled down BeWellPBC’s work to three focus areas: Stewardship Coordination and Alignment, Community Solutions, and Workforce Pipeline.

Tanya Palmer, chief program officer at Children's Services Council of Palm Beach County and an early partner, recalls the anticipation she felt at the beginning.

“The idea of bringing together anyone with an interest in behavioral health, in its broadest definition, was inspiring, and to be honest, a little daunting,” said Palmer.

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“This was setting a much larger table with conversation moving back and forth between community, funders, and providers to shape what we wanted for Palm Beach County. Seeing the lofty goal

Tanya Palmer, Children’s Services Council of PBC

BeWellPBC Early Visionaries

• • • • • • • • • •

The Celia Lipton Farris & Victor W. Farris Foundation Children’s Services Council Community Foundation of Palm Beach and Martin Counties Health Care District of Palm Beach County Palm Beach County Palm Health Foundation Quantum Foundation The School District of Palm Beach County Southeast Florida Behavioral Health Network United Way of Palm Beach County

FEATURE STORY

A group of Stewardship Council members celebrating 5 years of BeWellPBC!

emerge as BeWellPBC came into being fueled the energy for this work—a community in which every person feels hopeful, supported, connected, and empowered. To me, that is the very definition of behavioral health and wellness—and that takes the efforts of every person and stakeholder in our county.”

BE OPEN From the beginning, BeWellPBC dedicated its work to increasing and improving interagency coordination and alignment of behavioral health services and engaged a wide range of people in innovative solutions focused on health, not just healthcare.

BEWELLPBC FOCUS AREAS Stewardship Coordination and Alignment

Unifying residents and system leaders to build a culture of health and wellness grounded in equity, access, community healing, and behavioral health awareness.

Community Solutions

Amplifying the voices of residents to promote change and co-design behavioral health solutions.

Workforce Pipeline

BeWellPBC Stewardship Council 2019.

Growing a diverse and inclusive workforce to meet Palm Beach County's needs now, and in the future, with support for workforce health and wellness.

A core team came together to develop values in the form of “Be Statements,” such as “Be Open” and “Be Transformative,” (see inside back cover) with definitions that shared BeWellPBC’s philosophy for taking action to change the status quo and positively impact behavioral health outcomes.

“I remember sitting around the table with the rest of the team as we crafted the ‘Be Statements,’ said Katrina Blackmon, an early community partner and now Community Action and Communications Administrator of BeWellPBC. “Each of us shared the emotions and characteristics of the heart that we felt would be essential for driving action and making an impact.

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FEATURE STORY We understood that BeWellPBC would not operate as a traditional non-profit. This is a movement.”

BE TRANSFORMATIVE Every successful movement connects relationship-builders who share a common goal, linking influential people and groups into an ever-growing network, and crowdsourcing ideas and resources to create change.

As Palmer described, “BeWellPBC serves as a central point to help connect the work that is happening in multiple spaces with different groups and assists in unifying it.”

An example is the new behavioral health technician curriculum and certification developed by the School District of Palm Beach County in partnership with BeWellPBC, CareerSource, community organizations, and high school juniors and seniors featured on pages 28-29. The Florida State Board of Education approved the new program statewide in 2022, a first-of-its-kind in the state secondary curriculum to prepare high school students for employment immediately after graduation and set them on a path to lifelong careers in the behavioral health field. In the long term, the program aims to diversify and increase the state’s workforce, which meets only 22% of the state’s need for working mental health professionals.

“What really stands out is the option to tailor the program based on the school’s surrounding community,” said Blackmon.

“Cultural concerns and issues can differ from neighborhood to neighborhood even within the same city. This project is part of BeWellPBC’s legacy.”

Another legacy project benefiting youth is the Pediatric Integrated Care Community of Practice Project, a collaborative physician, parent, and community-directed workgroup committed to integrating behavioral health into pediatric care featured on pages 24 25. The project is an example of stewardship coordination and alignment as it relies on parents to co-design a roadmap with systems for children’s comprehensive behavioral and primary care needs locally and across the state.

In a similar vein, RALLY (Rapid Action Learning Leaders for Youth), featured on pages 26 - 27, relies on youth to codesign community solutions, taking action to create new ways for youth to seek help 8

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and pursue wellness within their own neighborhoods. Palmer sees how assets are coming together to build new solutions. “I’m excited about the RALLY for youth mental health and the ways that we can come together as a community to create safe spaces for our youth,” she said. “BeWellPBC serves as a connecting point between community, funders, and providers where we can leverage each other’s expertise to support behavioral health and wellness and think beyond traditional clinical services.”

BeWellPBC 5th Year Celebration!

BE SUPPORTED For BeWellPBC’s executive director Lauren Zuchman, legacies belong to the community. “We’re not interested in projects that begin and end, or incremental change,” she said. “We are driven by legacy initiatives where everyone becomes a steward and codesigning systems with residents is the norm to embed behavioral health and wellness solutions in the community.”

recipients to create their own podcasts and share their knowledge and experiences for promoting behavioral health is another way to leverage resident voices.

BeWellPBC is betting on the community to lead solutions in many ways.

BeWellPBC’s Community Connectors are the nexus for sharing knowledge and experiences in their own neighborhoods.

They are trusted people in their communities, reaching out to fellow residents to increase awareness and connections to behavioral health care and wellness. The Children's Services Council has witnessed the value of the program and invested in its expansion.

Over the last four years, the initiative has granted $127,000 in mini-grants to bring the creative ideas of residents, youth, and grassroots organizations to fruition.

Building more equitable and inclusive behavioral health support, promoting workforce wellness, and honoring resiliency and community healing are among the funded ideas. Funding

“When we wanted to expand our support for mental health at the community level, as opposed to funding clinical services, we saw the work that had begun with the initial group of Community Connectors,” said Palmer. “Watching the program grow has provided us with momentum as we consider what else can be done when we partner with the community.”

FEATURE STORY Blackmon already sees what can be done.

“Can you imagine having 150, 250, 350, or 500 Community Connectors accessible to their neighbors, sharing resources, eliminating stigma, and providing education and a warm handoff to services and supports? This type of transformation changes the trajectory of the next generation.”

BE HOPEFUL In the five years since BeWellPBC’s founding, much has been transformed in the behavioral health landscape in Palm Beach County. Zuchman believes communication has opened the door to collective success. “It’s a tool to create transparency, bring people together, and form relationships,” she said. “Efforts like The Well of PBC, our podcast channel, and Couch Conversations are now part of the fabric of what we do.”

the past five years, “Over we have recognized our

greatest strength. It is the power within every single person to create change and the strength of community doing it together.

BeWellPBC 5th Year Celebration!

”

She also believes talk must lead to action to create significant shifts. “In the beginning, we introduced ourselves as conveners,” she said. “Now we are changemakers alongside community and systems. We ensure conversations happen and action follows.”

National organizations such as ReThink Health have taken notice (see page 12), inviting BeWellPBC and county partners to delve more deeply into stewardship and share learning with others across the country. Zuchman shared BeWellPBC’s four insights:

• • • •

Community has the answers. Our commitment is to open the conversation.

Everyone plays a part. Our shared resources build community.

Every person has a path. Our job is to help each person find their own and support others in their journey.

Communication is key. Our transparency and messaging set the tone.

When Zuchman looks back over BeWellPBC’s short history, she recognizes the most important lesson of all. “In times of crisis over the past five years, we have recognized our greatest strength time and time again,” she said. “It is the power within every single person to create change and the strength of community doing it together.”

To learn more visit us at www.bewellpbc.org/ Contact us at bewell@bewellpbc.org

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THE DRAW

The Evolution of BeWellPBC BY: BEWELLPBC

2018

2019

Palm Beach County residents, systems, and sectors come together throughout the year to co-design BeWellPBC’s framework based on the 2017 Southeast Florida Behavioral Health Network Needs Assessment.

BeWellPBC officially launches with the hiring of the executive director and creation of its Stewardship Council (BeWellPBC’s Board). Action teams set focus on three impact areas.

Partnership (CP) of Tenacious Change, LLC and the Tamarack Institute serve as consultants, providing support through the design process.

Palm Health Foundation chosen as backbone agency for the initiative.

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Rethink Health selects BeWellPBC and Palm Beach County as one of two communities nationwide for the Portfolio Design for Healthier Regions Project.

BeWellPBC is gaining traction: - Begins co-chairing Get Your Green On Planning Committee - Hosts Workforce Pipeline Think Tank - Launches first BeWell Clubs (resident-run groups)

2020

BeWellPBC expands support through: -Community Connectors (resident ambassadors) -Mix and Mingles for behavioral health professionals -Be Well Do Well Mini-Grants for residents, nonprofits, and small businesses to implement ideas In response to COVID-19, BeWellPBC: -Co-facilitates a Rapid Response Team to provide outreach to residents in crisis.

-Brings together more than 150 system leaders to take collective action on resident health and wellbeing.

THE DRAW

5-YEAR RECAP VIDEO OF BEWELLPBC VIDEO BY NAJI DESIGNS @ NAJIDESIGNS

2021 BeWellPBC is recognized: - Palm Beach County partners, including BeWellPBC, receive the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Culture of Health Prize.

- The “Achieving Greater Impact from the System of Care Report” (Shern and Armstrong) highlights the work of the initiative.

Youth focus intensifies with: - Launch of the Palm Beach County Pediatric Integrated Care Project - Development of Mental Health for You(th), a behavioral health workshop for youth, trained by youth - Launch of The Well of PBC

2022

2023

The Florida Board of Education approves the Behavioral Health Technician Curriculum. Three local high schools become the first in the state to offer the program with BeWellPBC as a close partner, building provider support for the School District of Palm Beach County medical academies. The Florida Certification Board creates a provisional certification for the program later that year.

Resident voice grows as BeWellPBC’s Stewardship Council evolves into a working network for community and system partners to share power and ideas, and Community Connectors expand in roles and number.

BeWellPBC impact expands: - Contracts with Palm Beach County Community Services Department to support the Wellness and Recovery initiative - Joins with partners to propose policy recommendations for pediatric integrated care, garnering legislative attention

Youth voices and power grow as well, with BeWellPBC launching Level Up! Mini-Grants and leading the RALLY for Youth Mental Health.

Florida Atlantic University and BeWellPBC in partnership with Florida Department of Health Children’s Medical Services receive a 5-year SAMHSA grant to develop a Palm Beach County Pediatric Behavioral Health Hub. The Guide to Florida awards The Well of PBC Best of Florida Publication.

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THE PROVIDERS

Rethinking Behavioral Health BY :ANNA CREEGAN | WWW.RETHINKHEALTH.ORG | @RIPPELHEALTH

I

n 2019, ReThink Health, an initiative of The Rippel Foundation, invited BeWellPBC and a core team of Palm Beach County funders to participate in its three-year Portfolio Design for Healthier Regions (PDHR) project. Palm Beach County’s Community Services and Youth Services departments, the Children’s Services Council, and Palm Health Foundation joined with BeWellPBC to explore how they could align organizational investments for community-wide well-being, equity, and racial justice. Their conclusion? Focus on expanding belonging and civic muscle.

The Well of PBC spent time with ReThink Health Director of Systems Change Anna Creegan to reflect on the learning and impact PDHR has had on the county and her own organization.

Q: Why were BeWellPBC and Palm Beach County chosen by ReThink Health?

AC: We were searching for local

philanthropies that had demonstrated an ambition for changing the status quo.

ReThink Health has found that many organizations believe that they can plan their way to community transformation, implement linear plans to accomplish goals, and then assess outcomes swiftly.

Successful stewardship involves rejecting those rigid notions. Instead of striving to control uncertainty, successful stewards work to build a culture of continuous learning and adaptation. That’s what we found in BeWellPBC and the core team members. They had an appetite to find a new way to drive change together. They were already cultivating belonging and civic muscle throughout the county, but 12 12

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they weren’t calling it that—yet. PDHR helped them realize how valuable belonging and civic muscle are, how to make them more visible, and how to deepen the work by bringing others to the table and finding ways to invest in it to do more.

Q: How did you see BeWellPBC and the core team progress over time?

AC: We were building on a strong

foundation. BeWellPBC and some core team members were already using the term “steward.” We helped them deepen their understanding of its meaning by sharing the Rippel and ReThink Health definition: people or organizations who work with others to create conditions that everyone needs to thrive, beginning with those who are struggling and suffering.

The shift led the core team to see themselves and their role in the community differently. In BeWellPBC’s case, leaning into language and meaning enriched the collaboration of their stewardship council of 50% learned experts and 50% lived experts, ensuring community members who brought experiences and insights had a voice.

The heightened mindfulness around power dynamics enhanced the core team’s work with us and their commitment to create a community where all people have a fair chance to participate, prosper, and reach their full potential—what we at ReThink Health call “thriving together.”

Later in the project, we knew we were witnessing a significant shift as the stewards collaboratively developed and implemented “Palm Beach County Simple Rules for Building Belonging and Civic Muscle” to align their actions and extend impact across the community.

Source: The Rippel Foundation

Stewardship: Working with others to create conditions that everyone needs to thrive together, beginning with those who are struggling and suffering. Through shared stewardship, changemakers can transform legacies of injustice and create a system in which everyone has a fair chance to participate, prosper, and reach their full potential.

Source: The Rippel Foundation

Extending beyond the core team, Palm Beach County Community Services is using the Simple Rules to frame countywide Requests for Proposals (RFPs).

At Children’s Services Council, they are applying the Simple Rules beyond an investment strategy by connecting them to the conversations and philosophies that underpin their work. It’s movementbuilding formally and informally, signaling that this group of five organizations has aligned around a set of rules that they think are important and that they are continually bringing others into this way of working.

Belonging and Civic Muscle:

The special capacities of people and institutions that convey to all a sense of being part of a community (belonging) and having power (civic muscle) to influence the policies, practices, and programs that shape their world.

Source: The Rippel Foundation

THE PROVIDERS

Palm Beach County Simple Rules for Building Civic Muscle and Belonging

1. Listen: Honor the community’s

“

Anna Creegan, Verinda Sood, and Katherine Wright from ReThink Health at The Rippel Foundation

Instead of striving to control uncertainty, successful stewards work to build a culture of continuous learning and adaptation. That’s what we found in BeWellPBC and the core team members. They had an appetite to find a new way to drive change together.

Q: How will learning from PDHR benefit ReThink Health and other communities?

AC: In 2023, we conducted an

extensive evaluation of PDHR that shares our discoveries for how stewards are

3.

4.

5.

”

reallocating resources in different ways to support thriving, equitable communities.

Palm Beach County, one of the two main PDHR participant regions, helped us glean insights that could guide ongoing progress in the field and other regions of the country. PBC stewards have also worked with us as co-faculty for our virtual Stewardship Investor Labs where we engaged a wide range of philanthropies and other investors from around the country, and they helped us refine and design tools to help other communities.

The PBC stewards are working with us toward a unified goal—all people thriving—and thinking about how to continue to build this movement across their county, Florida, and the nation.

To learn more:

Visit The Rippel Foundation

BeWellPBC with Core Team Members and Rethink Health Team

2.

voice before you plan and do the work.

Share: Reach out to everyone, especially those who are isolated and alone.

Innovate: Cut the red tape and focus on things that keep people healthy and out of trouble.

Connect: Rely on relationships to build power. Don’t go it alone.

Commit: Acknowledge power dynamics and commit to partnering with community to dismantle racism.

Read a recent Nonprofit Quarterly article

by Becky Payne, President and CEO of The Rippel Foundation, featuring BeWellPBC and Palm Beach County

"Most people in our county will agree that the Simple Rules are things we value— making sure that community has a say in what the services should be rather than agencies dictating what the services should be. They give us guidance for aligning and adjusting the ways we operate and how we assess programs. And they provide a pathway to transfer the work that we have been engaged in with ReThink Health to the community in a way that will live on.”

-James Green, Community Services Director, Palm Beach County

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.

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SPECIAL FEATURE

Community Connectors Magnify BeWellPBC Impact

A

n impactful conversation inspires emotion which can ignite motion which is the engine that fuels tangible and permanent positive change.

In 2020, during the height of the pandemic, a group of residents came together to form BeWellPBC's Community Connectors. The Community Connectors are Palm Beach

“

I am able to share and continue to grow through my experiences with the BeWellPBC Community Connector community.

County resident ambassadors who emphatically engage system leaders, providers, and their fellow residents to have impactful conversations about the needs that residents want to address, what are the available resources, and discuss community-centered solutions.

Now, as the resident team continues to expand (thanks to a grant from Children's Services Council!), Community Connectors

”

are attending behavioral trainings, meeting with local providers to get familiar with their services, and offering their newfound knowledge to their neighbors to increase access for people in need. As neighborhood beacons of behavioral health support especially focused on the most underserved communities, Community Connectors are increasing awareness and access, helping to destigmatize mental health, and proving it takes a village.

Rachel Blackwell supports the Community Connector Team.

WHAT IS SOME OF THE IMPACT YOU MAKE AS A COMMUNITY CONNECTOR? I value people and where people live which makes a community. I live, work, play and worship in many different communities throughout Palm Beach County. It comes naturally for me to help however and wherever I can. It may be by listening, sharing a resource or providing a supportive hug.

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BeWellPBC continuously reminds me of the mission of sharing and giving back to ourselves and the community. Therefore I am able to share and continue to grow through my experiences with the BeWellPBC Community Connector community. We engage in community meet and greets virtually and in person, participate in learning and training opportunities as well as build and develop our role in the community.

Our network of Community Connectors represents everyone and we embrace everyone as we learn and grow in our connection with everyone around us.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WANTING TO BE A COMMUNITY CONNECTOR? You know who you are. You give and do because it comes naturally to you. You are compassionate. If you are the one that reaches out to help a neighbor in need, aware of people and places that can help, enjoy making a connection with people and value community as well as enjoy learning and sharing then we have a place for you. It’s not a big time commitment, it is your small piece to yourself and the community.

SPECIAL FEATURE

Emma Ramos is a BeWellPBC Community Connector.

Many of our community members didn’t know so much about mental health.

Why not?

WHAT IS SOME OF THE IMPACT YOU MAKE AS A COMMUNITY CONNECTOR? I think some of the impact that I make as a connector is to lead my community at BRIDGES at Highland with suitable resources and do so in a way which reaches them.

Maybe one day, our community may have information in their own language.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WANTING TO BECOME A COMMUNITY CONNECTOR? I would tell this person that it is important to help people by information sharing and guiding them because information is power. We can be a model to someone else.

“

It is good to know about the mental health resources available and how I can share this information with other people.

”

Rosa White is a lead and founding Community Connector.

WHAT IS SOME OF THE IMPACT YOU MAKE AS A COMMUNITY CONNECTOR? WHAT KEEPS YOU INVOLVED? My LOVE for the community! Serving and advocating for others. Additionally, I LOVE connecting with and meeting new people of all different backgrounds.

Since becoming a Community Connector over four years ago, I have learned about various mental health issues and resources through BeWellPBC and I am more than happy to share with others.

Most recently I took a mental health training course where I was given very valuable information that has equipped me with the knowledge of how to respond when I am engaging with someone who

may be going through a mental crisis.

Additionally, being a Community Connector has allowed me to expand my reach in my surrounding communities.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WANTING TO BECOME A COMMUNITY CONNECTOR? My advice would be to practice being a GOOD listener. Also, networking with others in your communities is critical to connecting with those in your communities.

Come Join the Community Connectors Team!

Help bridge the gap and connect your neighbors to what they want and need.

For information contact Katrina at kblackmon@bewellpbc.org

LPBC COMMUNITY CONNECTORS

mmunity Connector?

The Well Of PBC / February Issue 2024

15

BEWELL CLUBS

BeWell Clubs are resident-run advocacy and activity groups.

Gather With Purpose BY: C. VEREE’ JENKINS

T

he BeWell Gathering Place is a community center located on the grounds of the Okeechobee Center Housing Complex, operated by the Belle Glade Housing Authority for farm workers and their families.

Located at 19 Everglades Street, the facility originally served as a grocery store in an area with a rich history of community engagement both through non-profit services and grassroots activists and advocates.

Now, numerous migrants of Haitian and Hispanic descent call the Okeechobee Housing Complex home and are weaving their own stories into the area’s history.

Approximately four and a half years ago, the Housing Authority leased the facility to the Federation of Families of Florida, Inc. so that we could bring mental health and social services to the community.

CEO and founder of the Federation, Mrs. C. Veree’ Jenkins was part of the initial Community Solutions group of BeWellPBC and coined the idea of BeWell Clubs - gathering places where residents could go for various social endeavors but unlike traditional country clubs there would be no dues, fees, or exclusive membership qualifications.

Pastor Willie Lawrence grew up in the Okeechobee Center Housing Complex and started Coffee, Chat and Chew (BeWell Club) - a psychosocial support group as outreach into the community.

This group has now evolved into a dynamic group of seniors that meet twice a week. They sip coffee, chat and chew but also do so much more ranging from exercising to taking field trips, volunteering and providing each other 16

The Well Of PBC / February Issue 2024

“

This group has now evolved into a dynamic group of seniors that meet twice a week.

They sip coffee, chat and chew but also do so much more.

”

support and friendship when they need to cry on one another’s shoulders or honor their successes and joy.

“What I like most about them is the support and love that the members give each other. I have seen the shy members

blossom into social butterflies and the more assertive take on leadership roles,” said Jenkins. “Because of our relationship with AARP as a host agency for senior trainees, many have enrolled in the training program and are actually getting paid for helping in the community garden, running food drives, cooking and caring for children in our summer and afterschool programs. Members now have more reason to get up in the morning as they look forward to heading over to the BeWell Gathering Place.”

BEWELL CLUBS

Caring for the Caregivers BY: JAIME ELDER

W

hen it comes to caregiving, most statistics seem to be trending upwards.

with residents living in the 33435 zip code and realized that support for caregivers was a pressing concern in the area.

According to a 2020 study from the National Alliance of Caregivers and the AARP (formerly known as the American Association of Retired Persons), the number of Americans providing unpaid care has increased over the last five years and now, approximately 53 million Americans are providing unpaid care to an adult with health or other functional needs.

“The Caregivers Club (BeWell Club) was created in 2019 through a partnership with Healthier Boynton Beach and BeWellPBC to provide a safe and welcoming environment for caregivers countywide to gather and care for each other, enhance socialization opportunities and have fun!” said project director Ricky Petty.

Over a quarter of these caregivers report difficulty coordinating care and 21% have reported experiencing health issues themselves.

Healthier Boynton Beach, a multi-year, community driven initiative, connected

In addition to resources and education, the Caregivers Club also gives folks a chance to decompress. “Caregivers serve on the planning committee that schedules a bi-monthly variety of enjoyable activities for the year including lunch and learn sessions, day cruises, a 4-hour self-care retreat, Painting with a Twist and

“

The Caregivers Club was created to provide a safe and welcoming environment for caregivers countywide.

”

so much more. Attendance at all activities keeps growing,” Petty said.

Gerda Klein, Caregivers Club Co-Chair echoed this sentiment. “They value the Club and the opportunities it offers. After many activities, Caregivers express how much they needed this day,” she said.

“Laughter, discovery and many hugs fill every Caregivers Club activity.”

The Well Of PBC / February Issue 2024

17

BEWELL CLUBS

“

Let Our Voices Roar

It has been a great experience collaborating with BeWellPBC to grow Peer Leadership Council.

”

BY : ALISE NACCARATO

M

y name is Alise Naccarato and I joined the Peer Leadership Council in 2023 on behalf of NAMI PBC (National Alliance on Mental Illness Palm Beach County).

I have had the opportunity to learn more about the council and watch it grow this past year. Our team crafted our mission statement to represent the vision and values of the council and our hope is that all peers will have a voice to continue to spread awareness as Peer Leadership Council grows in number.

In addition to the work we have accomplished this past year, we have big plans for 2024.

We are planning to create a chair committee and an in-person gathering. It has been a great experience collaborating with BeWellPBC to grow Peer Leadership Council. One outstanding moment of the past year was having the Peer Leadership Retreat which featured some wonderful presenters who focused on professional and team development.

On behalf of the Peer Leadership Council - thank you to BeWellPBC. 18

The Well Of PBC / February Issue 2024

Our Mission To grow the peer support profession through targeted advocacy which promotes professional development, equal opportunities, and unity for the peer support movement.

Our Values • • • • •

We do not remain quiet; let our voices roar!

Our past does not define us but empowers us to help those we serve.

Our lived experience is unique and precious, embrace it.

Be yourself, and do not apologize for it!

We make a difference!

Our Vision • • • • •

To provide an open and welcoming platform for peers to use their voices in the community.

To ensure fair treatment, wages, safety, and equality for all peers in their respective fields.

To promote professional development such as CRPS & NCPS certifications.

To offer peer support groups led by peers, for peers.

To live in a world where we are valued just as much for our lived experience as other professionals in our fields.

THE REAL

Mini-Grants

Highlights

Watch this video to experience some of our amazing Awardees’ projects!

Mini-Grants are awarded to Palm Beach County residents and organizations to support implementation of their innovative behavioral health ideas. Mini-grants have funded programs, events, podcasts, and workshops all led by neighbors, for neighbors.

To learn more about BeWellPBC mini-grants, visit www.bewellpbc.org/mini-grants/ and follow us on social media @bewellpbc

T

he pandemic highlighted the many obstacles residents face when it comes to accessing care and getting their behavioral health needs met. Beginning in 2020, BeWellPBC developed processes for small grants like the Be Well Do Well Mini-Grants (offered in 2020 and 2022) and the Level Up! Youth Mini-Grants (2023) for residents of all ages, grassroots organizations, small businesses, and nonprofits to apply for funding for their outside the box project ideas to support their community.

BeWellPBC enlisted two previous awardees themselves – Deon Jefferson and Tessie Watts - to be Grant Navigators, providing the mini-grant recipients with mentorship and encouragement throughout their project rollout.

Deon C. Jefferson

Tessie Watts

Grants Navigator 2022-2023

Grants Navigator 2020-2021

To learn more about BeWellPBC Mini-Grants, visit www.bewellpbc.org/mini-grants/ and follow us on social media @bewellpbc The Well Of PBC / February Issue 2024

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CORNER TALK

What can other communities learn from BeWellPBC?

ANNIE IFILL

ANN BERNER

CEO and President Southeast Florida Behavioral Health Network

TOM KLAUS, PhD Founding Partner Tenacious Change LLC

“

BeWellPBC has served as the nucleus for all things behavioral health in Palm Beach County, bringing together different segments, from academia to community. They are the think tank.

Other communities can model BeWellPBC by creating safe spaces to talk about things that are happening, gain better perspective, and ask, “Is this working?” They are a sounding board, a space to explore and evolve, and a place to speak truth to power. It’s bringing together people who are invested in the system and taking ownership for our contributions to the behavioral health of Palm Beach County.

”

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Project Director Healthier Glades

The Well Well Of Of PBC PBC // February February Issue Issue 2024 2024 The

“

BeWellPBC is a shining example of the value of having planned for community ownership and then working that plan. Community ownership doesn't happen by magic.

It takes a plan for creating ownership by the community and the intention to thoughtfully work the plan.

BeWellPBC did both. We are honored to have had a role in helping it come into existence and thrive.

Congratulations, BeWellPBC, on your FIRST five years!

”

“

BeWellPBC has become the catalyst to address the need for quality mental health services on a county level. With the current economic and political climate, mental health services are needed now more than ever, especially in rural communities like the Glades. The BeWellPBC model takes a look at non-traditional and non-clinical approaches to mental health that serves the times that we are living in.

”

CORNER TALK

MICHAEL RIORDAN

Director of Marketing Compass Community Center

CARRIE ZEISSE President and CEO Tampa Bay Thrives

“ DR. CHRISTINE KOEHN Consultant

“

The ability to listen and engage in community priorities and turn that input into collaborative solutions that reach beyond local impact, like the innovative high school workforce curriculum, is an inspiration for our coalition.

“

Mental health is a cornerstone of healthy living and healthy communities. The BeWellPBC model works because a collaborative approach helps more people access mental health resources and works to reduce the stigma that is too often a barrier to care.

”

”

BeWellPBC brings folks together from all over our community, with equal voice, to explore and address the challenges we’re all facing with behavioral health. The solutions we’re creating are working. I’m proud to be a part of it.

”

To have your voice heard from your 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.

The Well Well Of Of PBC PBC // February February Issue Issue 2024 2024 The

2211

THE WORD

Has Two Daughters BY: PATRICK MCNAMARA

“

The fact that The Well of PBC has become the talk of the town and was awarded best publication in Florida in 2023 underscores what valuable assets BeWellPBC and The Well of PBC have become for our community.

T

here is a poster in my office with a quote from Augustine of Hippo: “Hope has two beautiful daughters; their names are Anger and Courage. Anger at the way things are, and Courage to see that they do not remain as they are.”

There is a constructive form of anger, a deep dissatisfaction, that can be a powerful motivator for change.

In 2017, several funders in Palm Beach County came together to express their dissatisfaction with the limited ways we had been approaching behavioral health and the need to breathe new life and hope into a tired discourse.

This was the birth of the movement that would become BeWellPBC.

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The Well Of PBC / February Issue 2024

I applaud my fellow funders for their courage in taking the risk to financially support BeWellPBC, which has evolved beautifully and continues to provide returns to our community beyond what we originally imagined.

Given the stakes of behavioral health services, most funders are risk-averse and prefer to fund only evidence-based programs and practices. There is nothing wrong with that being the predominant approach IF there is a complementary recognition of its limitations.

One of the primary limitations is the disconnect with the local community and a lack of appreciation for existing, untapped strengths in the community.

This is summed up in the expression, “Whatever you do for me, without me, you do to me.”

”

I kept hearing this sentiment in various forms about ten years ago, and it made a deep impression on me. I realized that I had gotten pretty good at “doing things to” people; instead, I had to commit to learning and finding ways to “doing things with” people.

In the behavioral health arena, we recognized that power dynamics had become entrenched between funders and providers “doing things to” people with the community really being an afterthought. While humbling to admit we didn’t have all the answers, we were also freed up to work with the community in developing novel solutions.

We also recognized that most of our attention and efforts had been placed on trying to fix what was wrong with people as opposed to discovering more upstream

THE WORD

I am in awe of what the team has accomplished!

solutions like improving behavioral wellness and seeing mental health along a continuum.

The fact that The Well of PBC has become the talk of the town and was awarded best publication in Florida in 2023 by the Guide to Florida underscores what valuable assets BeWellPBC and The Well of PBC have become for our community.

Historically, we have tended to view mental health as an “us vs. them” phenomena with us being “normal” and “them” being mentally ill. The reality is that we all have mental health as human beings, and our health lies along a continuum from wellness to illness at various points in our lives. As social creatures, we have remarkable adaptive capacities - drawing from both lived and learned forms of expertise - that promote healing and wellness for ourselves and each other. Likewise, changing mindsets and developing relationships are keys to systemic change. These realizations became core principles for BeWellPBC and animate its work today.

One of the aims of BeWellPBC from the beginning has been to change the conversation around behavioral health and wellness in Palm Beach County.

Communication strategies and tactics have been an essential part of the movement, including the creation of The Well of PBC.

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 Abigail Goodwin Executive Vice President The Well Of PBC / February Issue 2024

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SPECIAL FEATURE

Seeing the Whole Child Pioneering Pediatric Integrated Mental Health and Primary Care

The Palm Beach County Pediatric Integrated Care Project (PIC) is a collaborative BeWellPBC, physician, parent, and community-directed workgroup committed to integrating behavioral health into pediatric care and contributing to Florida-wide efforts to expand comprehensive care for all, especially the underserved.

P

BY: MELANIE OTERO

ediatrician Dr. Shannon Fox-Levine thinks of parents in the Palm Beach County Pediatric Integrated Care Project as “undercover bosses.” Much like the show of the same name, parents report on their experiences trying to navigate the children’s mental healthcare system, informing Dr. Fox and fellow project physician, Dr. Tommy Schechtman, about what’s broken and their ideas to fix it.

“Without parents, it’s just us saying what we think is best, instead of understanding what parents need and what is realistic,” Dr. Fox said. “They help us determine referral patterns, collaborate on discharge from in-patient facilities, and corroborate challenges other parents are facing for deeper understanding.”

Sherrah Hill-Lavin, a mother of six children and a member of the project’s Parent Advisory Council with her husband Brandon, sees the value of their participation. “We’re at the table together with pediatricians and health systems to share our lived experiences about what's happening around mental health in the pediatric sector.”

What’s happening is startling. Studies show that 75% of children under age 18 present to primary care for psychiatric

24

DR. SHANNON FOX-LEVINE

The Well Of PBC / February Issue 2024

needs, and 50% of primary care visits are related to psychosocial, emotional, and behavioral concerns. The national statistics are consistent with Dr. Fox’s Palm Beach Pediatrics practice, where 40% of her 20,000 patients have a mental health diagnosis.

While the number of children with mental health diagnoses is high and growing, the number of professionals able to meet the needs of children across the wealth spectrum is not. Lower-income parents face multiple barriers, including healthcare insurance denial or unaffordable fees for self-pay, which can range from $300 to $600 an hour. Palm Beach County faces a unique challenge in this regard as many higher-income families can afford the cash fees, incentivizing psychiatrists to drop insurance altogether.

Add on the State of Florida’s fractured, fragmented, and under-funded healthcare system, and it becomes evident why parents and pediatricians are growing increasingly concerned and frustrated.

There is no clear roadmap to support children’s comprehensive behavioral health and primary care needs.

Project partners are aiming to change that.

A Village Approach

Dr. Fox is an advocate and model for seeing the whole child—brain and body- that somehow became isolated from one another in the care system. “In the collaboration and communication about a child’s mental health, pediatricians are left out,” she said. “It should be no different than if a child has a physical condition, such as asthma. We know our patients from the beginning of their lives and have the capability to serve as the hub for their comprehensive care, consulting, collaborating, and communicating with psychiatrists, school mental health professionals, and especially parents who know their children best, as a village of care.”

On a broader scale, the project is creating a community of practice for pediatricians, physicians, and behavioral health providers to explore best practices, offer trainings, network, and provide each other support.

Dr. Fox is already training the next generation of pediatricians on the importance of parents as part of the care team. “One of the things I tell medical students is to trust a parent’s gut instinct and ask for their feedback to guide us in how best to help their child.”

SPECIAL FEATURE

Medical Services has included the project in a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) grant to develop a local behavioral health hub/ Pediatric Integrated Care Collaborative site at Florida Atlantic University. The grant is a five-year funded commitment to design the Palm Beach County-tailored Pediatric Integrated Collaborative site, an expansion of the original project with comprehensive state and local support.

While the work ahead is challenging, Hill-Lavin has one simple but important goal. “We just want to make it easier for parents to raise kids in Palm Beach County.”

About the Project

Sherrah Hill-Lavin and her Family

Hill-Lavin is adding her voice to help Dr. Fox and project partners understand how parents and physicians could work more closely together. “Some parents might need education to understand what to look for in their children so they don’t miss something,” she said. “At the same time, we need providers who are educated in cultural awareness. In Spanish and Haitian Creole communities where there is greater stigma, providers need to use a different approach when trying to incorporate mental health services. And both parents and physicians need to include the voice of the child in the process to make sure we get it right.”

Coming Together on Policy

Getting it right requires enlisting influential organizations that hold the power to create systemic change. Project members have met with managed care companies to discuss the need for better-integrated practices and drafted policy recommendations for the Florida Legislature to bring parity in children’s mental healthcare and coverage.

To drive strength in numbers and gather insights about the barriers and potential opportunities for integrated care, BeWellPBC invited pediatricians to share their voices through a survey designed in

partnership with Florida Atlantic University College of Medicine. Kimberly Brennan, Dr. Fox’s practice administrator, is an advocate for drawing other pediatricians to the project. “It can’t be only Palm Beach Pediatrics to create widespread change to the culture of pediatric primary care,” she said. “There have to be others who are not afraid to stand up for mental health screening compensation, guidelines, and driving legislative efforts. BeWellPBC has been essential in helping us make progress inch by inch. Without them pushing it forward, it won’t happen.”

For Hill-Lavin, legislation is the strongest path forward to ensure mental health equity. “Parents will rest assured that they're going to receive the same services as every other parent,” she said. “It won't bedifferent based on your ZIP code, the color of your skin, how much money you have, or what your insurance is. 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.”

As project parents and pediatric practices forge the path in Palm Beach County, powerful agencies are taking notice. The Florida Department of Health Children’s

The Palm Beach County Pediatric Integrated Care Project brings together pediatrician offices with a multi-agency workgroup and parents and patients to address specific systemic barriers to integrated care (comprehensive primary and mental healthcare) and document a standard for care that is scalable for other practices. They are taking action on:

•

Developing the new Palm Beach County Pediatric Behavioral Health Hub for psychiatric consultation and care coordination in partnership with Florida Atlantic University College of Medicine and School of Social Work, Children’s Medical Services, pediatricians, physicians, behavioral health providers, and parents and patients.

•

Influencing policy, to drive toward mental health parity.

•

Research and building a Palm Beach County standard of care.

•

Supporting community voice with the Parent Advisory Council.

•

Streamlining provider communication processes and finding solutions for connecting youth to care and follow-up across integrated partners.

The Well Of PBC / February Issue 2024

25

SPECIAL FEATURE

RALLY

for Youth Mental Health BY: JAIME ELDER

T

o invest in the promise and potential of our children is to invest in our future.

That investment is more crucial than ever according to reports that youth are experiencing unprecedented levels of hopelessness and suicidal thoughts.

RALLY - Rapid Action Learning Leaders for Youth - is a multi-channel approach to build and leverage capacity utilizing numerous community supports in order to fill in the gaps left by the behavioral health provider shortage and disparities in care.

While the COVID-19 pandemic era was a catalyst for the youth mental health crisis, the American Psychological Association stated that in the decade leading up to 2020, depression and suicidal thoughts and ideation increased by about 40% among young people. Locally, the 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey echoed national findings and Palm Beach County youth self-reported that they were struggling with interpersonal relationships, feeling safe at school, and general feelings of hopelessness.

BeWellPBC and community partners have come together as RALLY (Rapid Action Learning Leaders for Youth) to respond to the youth mental health crisis now by connecting financial, human, and social

Palm Beach County youth, behavioral health service providers, funders and community leaders mobilized to find solutions for the mental health crisis facing America’s young people.

26

The Well Of PBC / February Issue 2024

Left - Evangelist Deborah Powell-Skinner Right - Katrina Blackmon, BeWellPBC

“

The key to the initiative’s success is focusing and building upon existing strengths, setting a foundation of integrity, compassion, and equity in program building, and above all, ensuring that beneficiaries drive the conversation.

”

SPECIAL FEATURE Youth leaders participating shared the importance of having behavioral health professionals co-located in the public school system and were asking to expand High Fidelity Wraparound services for care coordination.

More than anything, youth want to belong and feel connected to a society which cares. To quote a youth RALLY participant, they want to, “lend a hand to an outstretched hand.”

From alignment to action

The August RALLY event led to almost immediate action. Funders - Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County and Palm Health Foundation - pledged $200,000 each to drive forward youth mental health solutions. Florida Atlantic University’s Phyllis and Harvey Sandler School of Social Work met with BeWellPBC to discuss the logistics of tracking and monitoring. The Palm Beach County School District started examining ways to incorporate more youth voice in co-located behavioral health services. And the Palm Beach County Behavioral Health Coalition began work on aligning two upcoming youth summits with themes from the August RALLY.

Wil Romelus - Digital Vibez

With the voices of youth at the helm, momentum is building, and the movement is growing. Palm Beach County is ready to RALLY. We will open the doors to innovation, collaboration, and equity-based, trauma-informed care.

And we will restore hope in the future for this generation and beyond.

capital and building a movement for lasting change. The key to the initiative’s success is building upon existing strengths, setting a foundation of integrity, compassion, and equity, and above all, ensuring that beneficiaries drive the conversation.

From insights to alignment With focus on youth ages 12-19 and their families, RALLY set its sights on a data-driven, decision-making process to take action. First, BeWellPBC canvassed the community, asking everyone, including mental health professionals, faith and school leaders, and parents and youth, about their experiences and ideas to respond to the crisis.

On August 22, 2023, those same youth and community members came together in person to align solutions and resources and move quickly to action. Youth in attendance spoke, and people listened.

What they said they need are meaningful connections and support – support for wellness and prevention (accessible events to engage youth everything from exercise classes to financial fitness classes to resume-building classes), support for behavioral health in existing spaces like community organizations and faith-based spaces, and support for families through policy change.

More than anything, Palm Beach County youth want to belong and feel connected to a society which cares.

The Well Of PBC / February Issue 2024

27

THE FOUNTAIN

Hope For The Future Youth and Behavioral Health BY: ALITA FABER

F

rom its genesis, BeWellPBC has been driven to positively impact Palm Beach County’s behavioral health outcomes for all residents. To learn about resident’ needs, BeWellPBC has gone straight to the source, engaging and collaborating directly with the community.

At the beginning of the pandemic in April 2020, the BeWell Club Students Connect formed as a countywide group providing a virtual gathering place for high schoolaged youth to connect socially and safely

As time progressed, Students Connect evolved due to club member desire to have wider impact. Brainstorming sessions gave rise to the development of a new youth-to-youth behavioral health training called Mental Health for You(th). Led by youth from design to implementation, the training covers the basics of behavioral health. In 2022-2023, over 240 youth were trained at youth summits, the Girls Voice Task Force, and various afterschool and faith-based groups.

Seniors at West Boca Raton Community High School who are the first graduates of their school to receive the "Well On Your Way" Scholarship for the Behavioral Health Technician Program. Teacher Michelle Lynne.

“ Seniors at Inlet Grove Community High School who are the first graduates of their school's Behavioral Health Technician Program as well as among the first to receive the " Well On Your Way" Scholarship for Behavioral Health Technician program students.

with other youth interested in the behavioral health field.

During the club’s early days, Students Connect focused on pandemic-related activities such as a video campaign thanking healthcare workers and a Get Your Green On social media challenge encouraging residents to post ideas on maintaining their mental health.

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The Well Of PBC / February Issue 2024

The Behavioral Health Technician Program has proven to be one of the greatest successes for BeWellPBC’s youth engagement initiative - as it is the first of its kind curriculum approved in the State of Florida.

Created to address the behavioral health workforce shortage in Palm Beach County, the program prepares students to sit for the Certified Behavioral Health

My favorite part of being involved in BeWellPBC’s youth efforts is knowing that the work we are doing will have an impact now and far into the future.

”

Technician credential and for a career in the behavioral health field. For the 20222023 school year, there were a total of 72 students with 40 seniors graduating in its first year. Currently, the BHT Program is serving 125 students with plans to expand to other county schools and across the state. To enhance student experience, BeWellPBC is connecting behavioral health providers to the program through co-instruction as well as a pilot internship program where

students can practice their new skills and learn about local mental health resources.

Before graduation, students can apply for scholarships to cover the cost of future education and employment needs.

Inspiring Students

“Allowing youth to be creative in finding behavioral health solutions helped foster personal growth and leadership, amplified their voices, and addressed their unique concerns,” said Dantona Leger, BeWellPBC youth coordinator. “This has also aided BeWellPBC in gauging preferred mental health approaches for youth.”

“My favorite part of being involved in BeWellPBC’s youth efforts is knowing the work will have an impact now and far into the future,” said Alita Faber, BeWellPBC’s Networks and Special Projects Manager.

These words are echoed by BeWellPBC Youth Coordinator, Claudia Montas.

“Overall, I see ambition and an everlasting drive, meaning today’s strides will be felt by youth tomorrow and onward.”

Leyla St. Cyr, BeWellPBC youth mental health trainer and highschool student, had this to say regarding her participation in the initiative’s youth training efforts, “I can take what I learned and educate others, and, hopefully, bring them the same reassurance and comfort I got from becoming a youth trainer with BeWellPBC.” Any discussion of youth must touch upon the future and BeWellPBC sees these youth efforts expanding to other initiatives and organizations across the county.

“I love helping youth realize the power of their voice and being an adult who listens to what they have to say,” Faber said.

BeWellPBC is dedicated to ensuring youth feel empowered to take control of their own behavioral health and are equipped with the appropriate tools and support to help their peers and community.

“We’re teaching students how to promote others’ mental wellness and their own,” said Dr. Benavente.

Currently, there are four high schools offering the program: West Boca Community High School, Inlet Grove Community High School, Lake Worth Community High School, and South Tech Academy. The program is set to expand to additional schools in future years.

With support from the Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation and the Merrell Family Foundation, students also have opportunity outside of the classroom, sharing their behavioral health ideas through the Level Up! Mini-Grants process and creating high school behavioral health clubs.

Level Up! Mini-Grant projects ranged from a mindfulness field trip to the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens to a pen pal project for foster care youth.

THE FOUNTAIN

Dr. Benavente answers our questions:

•

What do you see as the impact of the BHT Program?

BHT Program students are engaged in helping others and are actively involved in activities expanding mental health awareness and placing emphasis on disease prevention.

•

What are the highlights of the program?

Students connect and work with community organizations that offer behavioral and mental health services to families across South Florida. In addition, they have a solid foundation and can apply their skills and knowledge towards bettering their own lives.

•

What are you proud of?

I am very proud of writing the secondary Behavioral Health Technician curriculum for the State of Florida, giving access to thousands of students across the state. With the critical shortage in mental health services and healthcare overall, the BHT program is inspiring students to pursue related careers and contribute to the workforce.

•

Anything else you’d like to note?

The incredible partnership between The School District of Palm Beach County and BeWellPBC has immensely contributed to the quality of the BHT program, offering additional benefits such as internships, afterschool clubs, and scholarships.

Dr. Miguel Benavente

P

alm Beach County’s Behavioral Health Technician Program is a bold innovation in the fields of both education and mental health.

Originally piloted in 2019, The School District of Palm Beach County medical administrator for Department of Choice & Career Options, Dr. Miguel Benavente, with BeWellPBC and a small group of community partners worked with 350 medical academy students and their teachers across 5 high schools to develop a behavioral health curriculum. Approved in 2022 by the Florida Department of Education, the program is now in its second year in a handful of high schools across the county.

Funding for classroom support has come from Quantum Foundation and the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County to get the programming off the ground.

Serving to increase the number of behavioral health professionals as well as create an inclusive pipeline of passionate professionals ready to work as soon as they graduate from high school, the program prepares students to pass a provisional state certification exam so they can work in an entry level position immediately. Program graduates can receive the full Behavioral Health Technician certification once they turn 18 and complete the required field hours.

“Students learn about diseases and disorders and they also learn about social impacts, including the opioid crisis, human trafficking and trauma resiliency,” said Dr. Benavente. “Schools and teachers can tailor the curriculum to their students, communities and those who need help locally.”

In order to mitigate caregiver burnout, one of the foundational principles of the program is a strong focus on health equity, prevention and self-care.

The Fountain is a space for youth to share their point of view on things that matter to them. To contribute, send your article ideas to thewell@ bewellpbc.org with “The Fountain” in the subject line.

The Well Of PBC / February Issue 2024

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THE SOURCE

What do you want to know about BeWellPBC?

The Source is a place for Palm Beach County residents and experts to connect and exchange information

Q How did you get involved with

BeWellPBC and how would you suggest I could get involved?

A My initial introduction to BeWellPBC

was in Summer 2020 when our organization applied for a mini-grant to empower youth with life skills.

Not only was the application one of the least burdensome grants we were awarded, but the pre and post process were by far the most creative, supportive and community driven.

Since this initial introduction, we were invited to participate in community conversations with six Healthier Together cohorts that covered various geographic areas in Palm Beach County. This collective provided a voice to so many coupled with new connections and collaborations.

In the summer of 2023, I had the honor of participating in RALLY, an engaging session that connected and convened almost 100 participants including Palm Beach County youth, grassroots champions, community

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leaders, funders and providers who all united to rally for youth mental health to activate solutions. A recurring theme from the session was finding a safe space for youth to meet, where their voice can be heard through creative expression and authentic connection. Our organization has infused some of these ideas into our programming and the youth we serve have been excited by these changes.

-Lisa Cobb

A I’ve been involved in the

behavioral and mental health work in Palm Beach County for 30 years now, so it was natural for me to be involved with this transformative effort. I have a lot of knowledge and experience with preventative care and well-being, and a passion for my community and neighbors. Anyone who has a similar passion can get involved to improve the overall wellness throughout our communities- a ton of experience is not needed! In fact, we want more people with lived experience involved- that goes a long way when creating change and helping others.

There are multiple ways to

participate- reach out to the BeWellPBC staff or connect through the website at www.bewellpbc.org.

-Seth Bernstein, Psy.D.

Q Where do you see BeWellPBC going next?

A The future of BeWellPBC is partially

unwritten because it’s the community who writes it. If you care about the community, want your voice heard and if you want to make a difference with a healthy approach, reach out to BeWell. Follow them on social media, take part in a community discussion, or just send an email or call. BeWell cares about the community and as a result, they care about your wellbeing too. -Lisa Cobb

A One of the BeWellPBC focus areas

is on developing the workforce of the future. With the huge increase of needs in the community, having people offering behavioral and mental health services, support and creative self-care strategies will be increasingly important. The workforce must

THE SOURCE be diverse enough to match those seeking assistance, and the resources must be available to help people get the training and support they desire.

Building the human capital community by community could be an area of focus. -Seth Bernstein, Psy.D.

Q How does BeWellPBC help with equity work in PBC?

A BeWellPBC, the PBC Culture of

Wellness Team and ReThink Health invited Youth Empowered To Prosper (YEP) to participate in a Stewardship Investor Lab. This experience with

ABOUT THE EXPERTS

so many other committed organizations challenged and stretched our viewpoints. The exercises involved prioritizing and investing resources in our community through a lens of equity that permeates language and culture. Bringing systems and grassroot organizations together lifted up civic muscles and belonging in our approach to help our community thrive. -Lisa Cobb

worked within historically marginalized communities through partnering with those living in the community.

Our neighbors are incredibly talented and full of knowledge of what works for them and others. BeWellPBC supports individuals and communities who are interested in working together to develop equitable solutions to overall well-being.

-Seth Bernstein, Psy.D.

A With intentionality, the BeWellPBC

staff, supporters and stewards have

financial services industry for twenty years in New York City and South Florida. Her experience ranges from working for Bloomberg, originating mortgages, banking, and financial planning. Lisa accounts her passion for people and servitude to her faith. She is very involved with City of Faith - the church where her husband serves as pastor. In her free time, she loves mentoring women of all ages and spending time with the love of her life, her husband, and their four children.

The Source asks YOUR questions to a lived and learned expert. Lived experts have experienced behavioral health challenges and/or are family members, caregivers, faith-based leaders, neighborhood champions, and influencers. Learned experts are behavioral health professionals, nonprofit agencies, local government, educational institutions, system leaders, and funders. Email thewell@bewellpbc.org with “The Source” in the subject line to ask a question or contribute as an expert.

LISA COBB Lisa Cobb is the Executive Director of Youth Empowered to Prosper, a Palm Beach County non-profit organization seeking to empower youth excellence by shifting mindsets and developing skill sets.

In 2022, YEP won the Hats Off Award as the best small nonprofit for providing mentoring, after-school programs that focus on financial literacy, college and career readiness and civic engagement to Title One middle and high schools. YEP has recently expanded into St. Lucie County by working with a preschool, Kids in the City Academy, with the vision of expanding the work into the St. Lucie school district. Prior to championing the cause for children, Lisa worked in the

SETH BERNSTEIN Seth Bernstein, Psy.D. is a licensed psychologist and community leader who has held senior director positions in the non-profit, government, and healthcare sectors over the past 26 years. Bernstein has extensive experience and proficiency implementing evidence-based programs, working with multiple system partners, writing and implementing grants, grant making, managing outcome evaluations, and fostering community engagement through a collective impact model.

In addition, Bernstein leads several broad efforts in mental health awareness and prevention as well as trauma-informed care and is a frequent speaker at local, national, and international venues.

The information presented is for the purpose of educating people. Nothing contained in this publication should be construed nor is intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment.

It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. Should you have any health care related questions, please call or see your physician or other qualified healthcare provider promptly. You should never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this publication.

The Well Well Of Of PBC PBC // February February Issue Issue 2024 2024 The

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THE RESERVOIR

Combating the Crisis :

Behavioral Health Workforce Pipeline

A

lmost half of all Americans live in an area experiencing a mental health workforce shortage while the demand for services provided by psychiatrists, therapists, counselors and social workers is increasing.

Florida has been especially hard-hit by this crisis and when people can’t access the mental health services they need, it can be hard for them to focus, to function and even get out of bed.

“When it comes to mental health treatment, we are seeing an increase in the severity and the magnitude of youth being diagnosed with more severe cases of depression, anxiety, and other disorders,” said Andres Torrens, Chief Program Officer of Families First.

BeWellPBC has been at the forefront of solution-oriented action and in July 2019, they hosted a Think Tank with seven local universities/colleges, School District of Palm Beach County, Children’s Services 32

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BY: JAIME ELDER

Council, Southeast Florida Behavioral Health Network, and Palm Health Foundation to tackle workforce concerns like shortages in the behavioral health field and lack of diversity.

“The availability of trained mental health professionals has reached a crisis level since the COVID epidemic. I’m grateful to BeWellPBC for organizing the discussions on the workforce pipeline. These discussions are so valuable to employers, mental health professionals, and most importantly, the citizens of Palm Beach County who desire access to mental health services,” said Tammy K. Fields, Youth Services Director for Palm Beach County.

“I think as a community we have recognized the value of mental health services to address the stresses of life, learn coping skills, and build resilience.

Accessing mental health services should not be reserved for crisis situations.”

This Think Tank provided the incubator for the Workforce Pipeline Action Team which

has since met regularly to take action on the great ideas bubbling up out of the original conversations. Four focus areas continue to shape efforts:

• • • •

Enhanced workforce, including Peers and non-traditional supports Workforce flexibility and retention solutions Support for students (college & high school) and new workers joining the behavioral health workforce Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices

Historically, there has been a deficit of culturally appropriate care in immigrant communities and communities of color, where the stigma around mental health is still a barrier to seeking help.

“Continuing to encourage future behavioral health professionals who have historically not been included in professional spaces is essential to this strengthening process,” said Dr. Ali

THE RESERVOIR

“

I believe that strengthening the experience and information with youth helps open up options for future careers for most.

”

Cunningham Abbott, Program Director & Associate Professor of Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Lynn University. “We need more racial, gender and sexual diversity in our profession so we can continue reaching the community.”

As of 2024, the Workforce Pipeline Action Team further refined its focus and posed the following questions in hopes of working together to find the answers:

• •

How can we retain and support the current behavioral health workforce and find out what motivates them to stay in the field?

How can we create more opportunities and support for students contemplating and/or pursuing a behavioral health career?

The Behavioral Health Technician Program has been a major win for the group and continues to be a key effort.

“I love the programs in Palm Beach County that have added high school programs that help students get experience in behavioral health,” said Dr. Cunningham Abbott.

“I believe that strengthening the experience and information with youth helps open up options for future careers for most.”

Additionally, the program emphasizes the importance of self-care for participants-essential in a field where one study reported 77% of social workers experienced moderate to high levels of burnout and a difficulty balancing their professional and personal lives.

By increasing the number of behavioral health professionals in the state, the program is not only providing economic opportunity to hundreds of young adults but also fulfilling a need which could save lives.

“Partnerships like this allow for rapid response to our healthcare community with trained and work-ready professionals,” said Julia Dattolo, president and CEO of CareerSource Palm Beach County. “ The district is at the forefront of responding to community needs and we are proud to partner with them.”

The Reservoir is the cultural space for contributors to highlight customs, celebrations, holidays, rituals, recipes, and more. To contribute, send your article ideas to thewell@ bewellpbc.org with “The Reservoir” in the subject line.

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THE DEPTH

Recovery and Community BY : WESTON PROBST

T

he work that BeWellPBC does is expansive in scope, and we are proud to engage with communities and partners across the county to tackle the substance use and mental health crisis and mobilize to save lives and eradicate stigma.

John Hulick was appointed as the county’s “Drug Czar” in 2018 and established the Office of Behavioral Health and Substance Use Disorders in the County’s Community Services Department. His mission has been to develop and implement the county’s Behavioral Health, Substance Use, and Co-Occurring Disorders Master Plan (originally the Opioid Response Plan) as well as establish a recovery-oriented system of care, or ROSC, in which recovery is a collaborative, person-centered, community-based effort focused on sustained wellness and quality of life that seeks to enhance access, quality, and effectiveness of recovery services and supports.

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Hulick and the Community Services Department, BeWellPBC supporters from day one, connected with BeWellPBC regarding the ROSC initiative in 2020.

The resulting agreement has BeWellPBC conducting outreach, organizing, and convening community and system stakeholders as subject matter and lived experts to identify policy issues impacting behavioral health and substance use, to investigate emerging practices and trends, and to provide education and training to the larger public.

“BeWellPBC is an important collaborative partner in Palm Beach County’s aims to establish person-centered, recoveryoriented behavioral health care that enhances community and individual r esiliency and improves health and wellness outcomes,” said Hulick. “The embrace of this work’s core values of stewarding the sought after changes with the leadership of individuals with both lived and learned experiences has been critical to improving the County’s behavioral health outcomes.”

John Hulick

As the relationship between the County and BeWellPBC continues to develop, the movement toward mental wellness and quality of life in Palm Beach County attracts enthusiastic champions.

BeWellPBC highlights include:

•

Hosting Resilience Capital Index (RCI) creator, national recovery advocate, and Commonly Well CEO David Whitesock at a community forum with local lived and learned recovery experts

THE DEPTH

“

As the relationship between the County and BeWellPBC continues to develop, the movement toward mental wellness and quality of life in Palm Beach County continues to attract enthusiastic champions.

”

From L to R – Dr. Heather Howard, FAU; Dr. Moe, CEO Integrated Healthcare Systems; Valerie Jordan, Peer Specialist; David Whitesock, CEO Commonly Well

• •

Sponsoring a day of wellness and self-care for local caregivers in partnership with Healthier Boynton Beach and The Caregivers Club Partnering with Palm Beach County to present the Facing the Crisis Recovery Month event

Integrated Healthcare Systems CEO Monique “Dr. Moe” Brown-Faust PhD LMHC moderated the first county-wide community recovery forum and expressed excitement at spreading the message and engaging more stakeholders.

As a provider offering mental health care in addition to an array of primary health care, recovery, and related services, Brown-Faust knows how challenging it can be to find and connect with the right resources for those in recovery and how critical community awareness and partnership are in her clients’ successes.

“We as providers need to learn to listen, and to stop telling patients and families what we think they need,” said Brown-Faust. Instead, she says, “We need to educate each other on how we think we can make this work for everyone.”

The Depth is a space for faith-based leaders and individuals to share their thoughts, guidance, encouragement, what they’re witnessing, and more. To contribute, send your article ideas to thewell@bewellpbc.org with “The Depth” in the subject line.

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SPOTLIGHT

About the Get Your Green On Campaign

Get Your Green On A passion project glows up BY: BEWELLPBC

L

auren Zuchman, executive director of BeWellPBC, immediately fell in love with the idea of Get Your Green On (GYGO) when it started as a local mental health awareness project in three Delray Beach schools in 2016. Zuchman together with Kenya Madison, Healthier Delray Beach, and students from Atlantic Community High School, Village Academy, and Carver Middle School launched what would grow to become a countywide campaign engaging thousands of Palm Beach County residents every May. That first year, students encouraged the community to pay attention to youth mental health and wellness. Everyone was 36

The Well Of PBC / February Issue 2024

encouraged to wear green—the national color for mental health awareness—and post pictures on social media. The campaign exploded, capturing the attention of people and organizations who, like Zuchman, were passionate about the campaign’s potential.

Getting the Green Light

Birth to 22: United for Brighter Futures (an alliance of Palm Beach County community providers) stepped up to take the campaign countywide in 2017. Every year since, Zuchman, Madison, and Katherine Murphy of NAMI PBC facilitate the GYGO campaign by co-chairing the Get Your Green On Planning Subcommittee of

•

The Get Your Green On campaign aims to raise awareness by creating visible support (by wearing green) and fostering safe spaces to talk openly about behavioral health.

•

The campaign is in honor of National Mental Health Awareness Month in May. Palm Beach County also honors trauma-informed care as part of the campaign.

•

Green is the national color for mental health awareness.

•

GYGO’s 2024 campaign theme is “Community Healing and Resiliency”

•

This year, the Get Your Green on Day is May 16, 2024.

Birth to 22, bringing together partners and participants from across the county to plan the annual campaign events, activities, and trainings.

The School District of Palm Beach County is a significant campaign advocate, encouraging their staff, students, and families to participate. School bulletins, videos, and workshops educate the community about the campaign and provide tips and tools for wellness.

In addition, the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners, fifteen cities, and multiple agency boards of directors have adopted Mental Health Awareness

SPOTLIGHT

partnership with the GYGO Planning Subcommittee to further amplify unity among GYGO partners and create an additional platform to discuss mental health, trauma-informed care, and healing centered practices not just in May but all year long.

Unique activities keep the campaign fresh every year and draw new audiences. In 2023, BeWellPBC co-sponsored The Express Yourself Fashion Art Ball, a signature event, that invited the community to celebrate mental health through art, performance, fashion, and fellowship.

and Trauma-Informed Care Proclamations in May in support of GYGO. Support continues to grow with more than 100 providers, government agencies, schools, media outlets, and businesses participating, and over 6,000 individuals wearing green and posting pictures to social media every year.

Green Means Go

Not even the COVID-19 pandemic could dim GYGO. The campaign went virtual in 2020 and 2021, recognizing GYGO was more important than ever to counter the pandemic’s toll on resident mental health and encourage self-care.

The need for support inspired #GYGO365, a hashtag campaign launched by Healthier Delray Beach in 2021 and now in

GYGO will celebrate its 9th annual campaign in 2024 with the theme “Community Healing and Resiliency.” It’s an appropriate title for Zuchman who has watched GYGO grow from a passion project to a call to action.

“The power of GYGO is that it is a community-led campaign, and everyone can participate in whatever way feels meaningful to them,” she said. “This year provides even more opportunities to make the campaign meaninful and specific to the neighborhoods, businesses, classrooms, and groups who participate. We’re making mental health a conversation that happens in May and all year long.”

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BEYOND THE COUCH

BeWellPBC Promotes Community Collaboration Through Communication BY: JULIE KHANNA

C

ommunication is crucial to our livelihood and it is even more critical for organizations like BeWellPBC. Effective communication is one of their fundamental values, as it helps build trust, foster collaboration, and promote understanding among the community. In the case of BeWellPBC, communication serves as a means to achieve its mission of improving behavioral health outcomes in Palm Beach County and reflects its commitment to serving the community.

By actively listening to the voices of the people, BeWellPBC can better understand their needs and concerns and thus develop more effective strategies to address them.

BeWellPBC’s multimedia approach at engaging the community in conversations and communications allows for a more inclusive and impactful approach towards improving the well-being of the county.

It is through effective communication that BeWellPBC can fulfill its promise to do better for its neighbors and truly make a positive impact on behavioral health outcomes in Palm Beach County.

BeWellPBC doesn’t want to just speak to you; they want to speak with you.

Here are some of the multimedia sources BeWellPBC provides and the ways you can get involved:

Couch Conversations Well Said PBC

BeWellBC added podcasts to its minigrant awards in 2022 to give community members a platform to connect their lived experiences with others in a highly accessible way. All podcasters were first time podcasters and BeWellPBC contracted with Thinking Out Loud Inc. to offer technical expertise and training so that the shows reached optimal success.

Some of the shows on the Well Said PBC station include Helping The Helpers, The Brie Hive, Savvy Segments, Unity in Shades and SPARC Up. Each show brings a unique perspective and connects with audiences in a meaningful way to bring topics that are relevant and needed to listeners.

The shows are available online at www.wellsaidpbc.org and YouTube. To learn more, contact Katrina Blackmon at kblackmon@bewellpbc.org.

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Couch Conversations is BeWellPBC’s first podcast show created by Community Connectors on the Well Said PBC station. Couch Conversations began as a way for residents and system leaders to have open conversations about burning topics and to help each other understand and explore behavioral health and wellness needs and solutions together. With Connectors facilitating discussion, residents of all ages and across the county joined Mack Bernard, County Commissioner; Children’s Services Council; The School District of Palm Beach County; Palm Beach County Community Services Department; 2-1-1 Palm Beach and Treasure Coast; Early Learning Coalition, and Prime Time Palm Beach County (just to name a few) that resulted in collaboration between some of the members on the “couch.”

Couch Conversations can be heard on YouTube and online.

BEYOND THE COUCH

information on various topics related to behavioral health, including tips and tricks for staying healthy, news of upcoming events, and information on the latest research and trends in behavioral health.

By subscribing to our channels, you will be the first to know about new initiatives and to stay up-to-date on the latest news, events, and happenings in real-time, and connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for behavioral health and other ways to collaborate.

FOLLOW US

The Well of PBC

The Well of PBC is BeWellPBC’s community-directed behavioral health magazine and resource for Palm Beach County residents. It strives to capture the voice of all and welcomes lived and learned experts to contribute. The Well of PBC recognizes that a degree is not always needed to be a subject matter expert and values lived experience as one of life’s greatest teachers. The publication is well-rounded, and each edition includes a timely feature story and art, youth, advice, culture, and faith columns.

It publishes evidenced-based information from providers and system leaders, events, and stories from your neighbors about things that are top of mind right now.

Available online and in print for select issues, The Well of PBC welcomes every voice, and contributing is easy. Reach out to thewell@bewellpbc.org to share what topics you’d like to read, learn more about, or contribute to and follow along on social media @thewellofpbc across all platforms.

BEWELLPBC NEWSLETTER • 1600 Subscribers and growing • Above Average Open Rate – 35% - 40%

BeWellPBC’s Newsletter & Social Media

As a behavioral health community, our mission is to ensure that every person in Palm Beach County feels hopeful, supported, connected, and empowered. To achieve this goal, we are committed to delivering timely news, events, happenings, and opportunities that will help you stay connected and engaged. Our newsletter and social media are powerful tools for achieving this goal, as it offers a wealth of

BEWELLPBC & THE WELL OF PBC SOCIAL MEDIA • Website Visits 15,000 • Social Media Followers 3,500 OUR TOP CITIES WITH AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT • West Palm Beach • Delray Beach • Boynton Beach • Riviera Beach • Palm Beach Gardens • Raleigh, NC

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.

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Congratulations

BeWellPBC

The Leadership Haven celebrates your dedication to creating a brighter, more healthier future for all.

THE LEADERSHIP HAVEN RESOURCE CENTER LLC

Tessie Watts, M.Sc. CEO

Empowering leaders and organizations with Transformational Leadership Solutions.

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION

BOARD DEVELOPMENT https://theleadershiphaven.com/

U AT LAT R

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561-574-6378

Cheers to 5 Remarkable Years Look Up Therapy applauds BeWellPBC for empowering our community with hope and support.

Your journey inspires us, and together, we're igniting change. Here's to continued success and community transformation.

Happy Anniversary, BeWellPBC! From Look Up Therapy family

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Happy 5th Anniversary to BeWellPBC! Your efforts have given a voice to and uplifted the residents of Palm Beach County.

Working with BeWellPBC has been a remarkable experience, contributing to and witnessing the journey of creativity and empowerment.

Congratulations on five years of great achievements and many more to come!

Rosler Oriol CEO/Founder Thinking Out Loud Inc.

Congratulation BeWellPBC! Palm Health Foundation is deeply grateful to all who have contributed to your success, and we are filled with hope for the future of behavioral health and overall wellness for our community.

Patrick J. McNamara President and CEO Palm Health Foundation

The Palm Beach County Youth Services Department congratulates Lauren Zuchman and all the staff at BeWellPBC for five tremendous of success!

BeWellPBC a in yearsyears of success!

BeWell is makingisamaking difference difference in our community. our community.

Palm Beach County Youth Services Department is a department of the Palm Beach County government established by the Board of County Commissioners in 2015 to empower youth and families to realize their full

funding for families and community agencies serving the needs of youth and Department programs, please visit pbcgov.com/youthservices.

Warmest congratulations to BeWellPBC's 5th Anniversary, as you celebrate success, and achievements! This milestone is a testament to the dedication and hard work of your team. Here's to MANY more years of making a positive impact in Palm Beach County.

Rosa White CEO and Owner Total Body Fitness Rosa, LLC

We envision a community in which every person in Palm Beach County feels hopeful, supported, connected, and empowered.

To learn more about BeWellPBC, initiative visit www.bewellpbc.org and follow us on social media @bewellpbc The Well Of PBC / February Issue 2024

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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.

To learn more, visit us at sefbhn.org by scanning the QR code.

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Southeast Florida Behavioral Health Network is a managing entity contracted with the Department of Children and Families. The Florida Department of Children Families is committed to its mission of protecting the vulnerable, promoting strong and economically self-sufficient families, and advancing personal and family recovery and resiliency.

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ADVERTISING M E D I A K AND I T SPONSORSHIP 2023-24

The Mission

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 Call to Action | Contributors to The Well of PBC do not need a degree or a background in publishing to have their voice elevated and their concerns addressed - they merely need to reach out and let us know they have something to say. Through crowdsourcing and fully engaging Palm Beach County residents to participate as contributors, The Well of PBC hopes to empower residents to serve as stakeholders who are fully immersed in the transformation of the behavioral health landscape of Palm Beach County.

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 a career opportunity or community event.

E: thewell@bewellpbc.org | Follow along at @thewellofpbc

CLICK HERE to learn about advertising or sponsoring an edition of The Well of PBC

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HOPEFUL SUPPORTED CONNECTED UNDERSTOOD INFORMED COMPASSIONATE TRANSFORMATIVE OPEN

YOU Stewards Investing in Stewards BeWellPBC’s funders – our Invested Partners – provide far more than monetary support. They are true stewards, coming together in the belief that we can transform behavioral health in Palm Beach County by putting community at the center of solutions, holding each other accountable for a more equitable and just system, and sharing resources to advance health and wellness for all residents.

They serve on our Stewardship Council, action teams, planned programs, and mini-grant panels, reinforcing their commitment to BeWellPBC and our community.

BeWellPBC.org bewell@bewellpbc.org

FOLLOW THE MOVEMENT BeWellPBC @BeWellPBC @Be_PBC

BeWellPBC

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As the Palm Beach County-wide behavioral health and wellness initiative, we are grateful for the many community and system stewards we have had the opportunity to serve alongside.

We look forward to working with you in years to come as we continue to support Palm Beach County residents to feel hopeful, supported, connected, and empowered.

@bewellpbc @BeWellPBC @be_pbc @BeWellPBC

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To learn more visit www.bewellpbc.org or contact us at bewell@bewellpbc.org.