Each year during the month of May, Mental Health Month is observed and many in the healthcare field work hard to educate the public on the warning signs of mental health issues as well as how to achieve better mental health. Ross Medical Education Center in Ontario wanted to make sure to join in observing May as Mental Health Month! In order to bring awareness to the students, the campus invited Erin Schaefer, the Director of Adult programs at Catalyst Life Services in Mansfield, Ohio to speak to them.
Catalyst Life Services is the product of a joint effort between The Center for Individual & Family Services and The Rehabilitation Services of North Central Ohio. Their combined efforts have been ongoing in the community for over 60 years. The organization offers “client focused behavioral health services.” Their services are provided to adults aged 18 years and older by licensed mental health professionals. Individual and group therapy is offered in addition to medication evaluation and management. Clients and their significant others are encouraged to actively participate in developing their treatment plan and goals and to give input to ongoing care.
Erin spoke about treatment for patients and crisis intervention. She also discussed with the students what they may see or deal with in their capacity as graduates of the Medical Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, and even Medical Insurance Billing and Office Administration programs. After speaking with the students, she did a question and answer time during which the students were able get her thoughts on some of their questions. Erin Slusher, Financial Aid Student Services Representative, said about the experience, “it was an informative presentation and the students were able to see yet another facet of the health service careers and get a feel for the many opportunities that are out there!”
If you are interested in learning more about their services and/or volunteer opportunities, visit their website at http://www.catalystlifeservices.org/. For immediate help, call their crisis helpline at 419-522-HELP (4357).