Reclaiming Lives Magazine 26

I S S U E T W E N T Y-S I X | C E N T E R S T O N E . O R G

A P U B L I C AT I O N O F C E N T E R S T O N E

Bringing Out the Best

How Centerstone’s Intensive In-Home Services Are Changing Lives

Zero Suicide Groups | How Stress Affects You Physically | Dr. Robert N. Vero Center

I S S U E T W E N T Y-S I X

COVER FEATURE 2 | Bringing out the Best: How Centerstone’s Intensive In-Home Services Are Changing Lives

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SERVICE NEWS 5 | How Stress Affects You Physically 6 | Centerstone Is a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic 7 | Centerstone’s Zero Suicide Groups See Success in Virtual Environment

facebook.com/centerstone.org

8 | Physician Spotlight: Karen Rhea, M.D. 9 | Ben Middleton Named Centerstone Regional CEO for Tennessee and Georgia

twitter.com/centerstone

IN THE COMMUNITY 1 0 | News and Notes 12 | Philanthropy in Action youtube.com/centerstonevideos

13 | Centerstone Dedicates Dr. Robert N. Vero Center

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I S SU E T W EN T Y-SI X

Editor in Chief Ben Middleton

Managing Editor David Schrader

Graphic Design Michael Rivera Centerstone of Tennessee Board of Directors Dana Oman – Chair Kelly Crockett – Vice Chair Mark Faulkner – Secretary Jim Sweeten – Immediate Past Chair Jamie R. Arnett Kathryn Berschback Shay Binkley Tracy Frist Dr. Kevin Hamilton Scott Neu Dr. Jill Obremskey Cayla O’Leary Kate Satz Ben Middleton - Regional CEO

ABOUT CENTERSTONE Centerstone is a not-for-profit health system providing mental health and substance use disorder treatments. Services are available nationally through the operation of outpatient clinics, residential programs, the use of telehealth and an inpatient hospital. Centerstone also features specialized programs for the military community, therapeutic foster care, children’s services and employee assistance programs. Centerstone’s Research Institute provides guidance through research and technology, leveraging the best practices for use in all our communities. Centerstone’s Foundation secures philanthropic resources to support the work and mission of delivering care that changes people’s lives.

From the Editor in Chief Hello, and welcome to another edition of Reclaiming Lives magazine!

I want to thank everyone for so kindly welcoming me into my new role as regional CEO for Centerstone in Tennessee and Georgia.

I’m genuinely excited for the work we are doing together now and for the many opportunities that are ahead.

In our cover story about Centerstone’s Intensive In-Home Treatment services, a teenage client’s grandmother says of her grandson’s therapist, “She just has that way of bringing out the best in him.”

That’s why Centerstone is here. We want to provide the best evidence-based behavioral health care and the best access to that care. Our diverse team of professionals does its very best to maintain core values of respect, integrity, expertise, and empowerment so that each client in turn can do and be their very best.

I hope you’ll notice that throughout these pages in our work with suicide prevention, coordinated mental and physical health care, outreach, technology, and so much more. Whether it’s in face-to-face counseling, a telehealth therapy appointment, or a community event, Centerstone is always committed to delivering care that changes people’s lives.

You bring out the best in us, and it’s our honor and privilege to do that for you.

Ben Middleton Regional Chief Executive Officer 3,500-1221

COVER FEATURE

Bringing

Best

How Centerstone’s Intensive In-Home Treatment Is Changing Lives

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Out the

Centerstone therapist Meghan Ocasek visits Ethan and Brenda.

A lot has been written in recent years about adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Kids who endure lingering traumatic situations—abuse, addiction, divorce, neglect, poverty, racism, etc.—have a higher incidence of physical, mental, economic, and social challenges as they age.

“She had some issues, like a lot of young adults do these days,” Brenda says about her daughter.

“Alcohol abuse. She’d had two pints of whiskey that day. When I got off work, Ethan met me at the door and said, ‘My mommy drank some brown stuff and she won’t wake up.’”

Ethan, a bright teenager who lives in Clarksville with his grandmother, Brenda, still remembers a traumatic event that happened involving his mom when he was four years old. Sitting at the top of the staircase at home, he saw her passed out on the steps below.

“I told her not to drink it, but she wouldn’t listen,” says Ethan. “And I’ve always wished she had listened because none of this would be happening.

And it’s always made me kind of sad that she didn’t listen.”

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Ethan got connected with Centerstone’s schoolbased therapy services that allow a student the convenience of meeting with a counselor on campus. Over the years he has managed relatively well, working through his unique mix of ongoing personal and everyday childhood struggles. He now understands it was never his responsibility to take care of his mother. And with Brenda’s help, they all stay in regular contact with each other.

That’s when we learned about Centerstone’s intensive in-home counseling . . . and this lady has saved our lives together, Still, new situations and environmental triggers can challenge a person’s progress, and the COVID-19 shutdown did that in many ways.

Without a normal routine to follow, Ethan’s behavior began to change.

“Being at home was stressful for everyone,” says Brenda. “One day Ethan was having a meltdown.

I was on a phone call with family, but he just wouldn’t leave me alone and let me talk. He kept on until I lost my patience. There were some Legos on the table that he hadn’t put away despite my asking. So I just scooped them all up. When I did that, he charged across the room and pushed me to the floor.”

Brenda had to call 911 and was bruised from the altercation. Ethan had never done anything like that before, but police officers explained to him the real possibility of facing juvenile detention if it happened again.

But it wasn’t an isolated incident, and Brenda soon gained legal custody of Ethan. As a registered nurse, she knew her grandson—diagnosed with posttraumatic stress, oppositional defiant disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder— would need consistent behavioral health counseling to process the emotions brought on by his experiences.

“He has been in counseling since he was five because I just felt like he needed an outlet,” says Brenda. “Therapists know how to draw things out of kids.”

“That’s when we learned about Centerstone’s intensive in-home counseling . . . and this lady has saved our lives together,” says Brenda.

She’s referring to Meghan Ocasek, an Intensive InHome Treatment therapist with Centerstone. For families with children or adolescents ages 3 to 18 who are experiencing acute emotional problems, this in-home intervention service provides an average of three counseling sessions per week for 90 days. Treatment includes individual and family therapy as well as teaching of skills such as behavior modification, anger management, parenting, and conflict resolution.

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“One of the most important things we’ve accomplished is Ethan opening up about his mom, talking about what happened, processing his feelings about it, and understanding that nothing that happened with her had anything to do with him,” says Meghan. “And he has learned to set boundaries with her while also loving her so much—she’s the moon, sun, and stars to him.”

Ethan says, “I know that it wasn’t my fault. I love my mom forever and nothing will ever change it. I love her more than all the matter in the universe. It has been good to free myself from some of those feelings that were locked away.”

Ethan shows Meghan one of his inventions.

To quality for Intensive In-Home Treatment, the participant must have a primary mental health diagnosis; show little improvement after receiving less intensive services; have escalating behaviors or symptoms; have a key family member willing to take part in the process; and be at risk for out-ofhome placement or transitioning home from a previous placement.

Brenda recalls, “I was ready to give Ethan up to his dad and say, ‘You’re going to have to finish raising him.’ I’m

past retirement age. To be thrown in the floor could have led to a big injury.”

Brenda says, “Meghan just has that way of bringing out the best in Ethan.

She has been able to draw so much out of him that he’s almost like a different child now.”

“It was one of my worst moments,” says Ethan. “I have felt terrible about that ever since and been really angry at myself for doing that. Because that’s not Indeed, Ethan no longer requires intensive in-home counseling and has something anyone should do to their shifted back to less frequent therapy grandmother. It was wrong.” sessions. That gives him more time for Meghan reminds Ethan, “You’ve made coming up with remarkable ideas for so much change though. You’ve never new robotic inventions and figuring done anything like that again.” out how things work. He wants to be an engineer, and Brenda buys him old To achieve that change, Meghan was toasters and hairdryers at thrift stores intentional about getting to know Ethan. She learned about his adverse to take apart and study. experiences—a parent’s addiction, school bullies, a close family member’s “This family is amazing,” Meghan concludes. “Despite some tough death—making him feel safe and empowered to talk about his feelings in experiences, they have gotten stronger each case. With a clearer understanding together. And here we are with this intelligent, amazing, brave human of Ethan’s emotional triggers, she being who is doing so great.” a addressed each one at his pace.

Centerstone’s Intensive In-Home Treatment is a lower cost alternative to repeated acute hospital stays or residential treatment centers and tends to have more enduring outcomes, including improved family interactions.

For more information, please visit centerstone.org/intensiveinhome

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How stress affects you physically We all know what goes on in our minds when we feel stressed. For some, stressful situations are met with thoughts about the worst possible outcome. For others, stress boosts motivation, helping them focus on important deadlines.

It’s completely normal to experience stress in response to situations.

But what about when stress becomes chronic?

According to Courtney Weiler, a Nashville-based clinic manager for Centerstone, “When we experience chronic stress, we might find ourselves mentally and physically exhausted, unable to concentrate, feeling depressed or having increased anxiety. We might not have the capacity to deal with what comes at us and feel like shutting it all out.”

There are several physical conditions which can be impacted by stress. Some common issues include muscle tension, headaches, heartburn, increased blood pressure, rapid breathing and insomnia.

When stress is chronic, more serious issues can occur, such as type 2 diabetes, heart attack, strokes, weakened immune systems (and subsequently more infections) and fertility problems. Chronic stress can also impact behaviors like alcohol consumption and overeating, which may lead to more problems.

Signs that stress is affecting you: When you face new challenges, stress is not the first reason that usually comes to mind. You may notice that you are experiencing exhaustion, increased muscle tension, headaches and sleep problems without understanding why. When you realize these new symptoms are affecting you, it may be time to take stock of what is going on in your life.

Change is a common stressor, so ask yourself if you are dealing with any changes in your job, family, or elsewhere. Centerstone’s Weiler says, “We’ve all been living through a pandemic for the first time, which has caused many disruptions to our routine and daily life.

Sometimes we go through our days so quickly that the impact of stress hits us all at once.”

Processing stress: A helpful starting point for processing stress is talking about what is bothering you and how you are feeling.

You can do this with a trusted friend, family member or professional counselor. Talking to them will help process your own thoughts about your stress and provide an opportunity for them to share their viewpoint to help even more.

Because you cannot avoid stressors, what’s important is that you actually manage your stressors and learn coping strategies. There are several activities you can put your time into and changes you can make that can help you manage stress and feel better physically and mentally.

These may include: • Exercising and being physically active • Cooking • Listening to music • Crafting • Playing with your children • Meditating • Saying “no” and setting boundaries with work and relationships • Setting a consistent sleeping routine.

As you adopt these behaviors, take note of how you feel before, during and after. Exercise mindfulness at every step, and see how these strategies help you better manage your stress. a If you feel you need professional help managing stress, Centerstone is here to help.

Call us at 1-877-HOPE123 or visit centerstoneconnect.org to get connected with care.

CENTERSTONE.ORG

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CENTERSTONE COMMUNITY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CLINIC

Visit centerstone.org/CCBHC for more information.

Look for this poster in your Centerstone Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic.

Centerstone Is a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic

Denise, a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic client, said, “I struggled with my high cholesterol for years before coming to Centerstone.

When it came to choosing the right foods, I would just feel completely overwhelmed, leading me to be stressed and anxious. With help from my Centerstone provider, I’ve been able to do a better job at making healthier food choices and keeping track of things.

I’ve lost some weight and my blood sugar levels have even gone down!”

Features

At Centerstone, we care for the whole person! Our Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic in Clarksville, Tennessee, provides services for adults and children in Montgomery, Cheatham, Houston, Stewart, and Robertson Counties. Evidence shows that integrating behavioral and physical healthcare and prevention services through care coordination can lead to better outcomes.

overall health and maintain active and fulfilling lives.

• DIMENSIONS: Tobacco Free Program equips adults who want to quit smoking with tools and supports to achieve their goals.

• Screening, assessment, diagnosis, and risk assessment

Mental illness, when combined with chronic physical health conditions, affects all areas of a person’s life and may result in complex challenges to overcome. In such instances, Centerstone’s Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic uses a coordinated, whole-person model of care to help individuals improve

• Nutrition & Exercise for Wellness & Recovery addresses how to make behavioral changes in nutrition and physical activity.

• Comprehensive outpatient mental health and substance use services

Evidence-Based Treatment Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic participants have the opportunity to receive a variety of evidence-based treatments, including:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy leads to improvement in functioning and quality of life for people with a range of behavioral health concerns.

Centerstone’s Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic services include: • Diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, HIV, and hepatitis screening • Crisis mental health services

• Patient-centered treatment planning

• Medication management • Targeted case management • Social support opportunities and community recovery supports • Care for Armed Forces and Veterans a

Funding for Centerstone’s Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic in Clarksville is provided by a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS).

Contact Centerstone in Clarksville today at (931) 237-1983.

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Zero Suicide Groups See Success in Virtual Environment Centerstone has seen a remarkable increase in online Zero Suicide support group attendance since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Centerstone’s Zero Suicide Groups help participants learn to change thoughts, feelings, behaviors and events that cause severe emotional distress. Using evidence-based techniques in addition to resources from national suicide prevention expert Ursula Whiteside, the Zero Suicide approach has proven effective in curbing suicidal thoughts and improving management of related struggles. Classes are held weekly for eightweek periods throughout the year.

Susan Seabourn, a Centerstone clinic manager in Nashville, says, “The virtual environment has increased access remarkably. Before COVID, our services were limited to individuals in Davidson County. Since going virtual, we have been able to reach people all around Middle Tennessee, and more people are open to receiving care from us.

Even as we transition back to more face-to-face work, we are keeping a virtual option for these groups.”

Year-to-year growth of the groups has increased from 25 to 63 to more than 100 participants.

Centerstone now offers six virtual Zero Suicide Groups: two for adults, one for teenagers, an LGBTQIA+ group called “Zero Suicide Pride,” and two ongoing “Lifetime Groups.”

While each group has a different target audience, the purpose remains the same: supporting people and helping them build up a stronger desire to live.

Zero Suicide Group client testimonies: “This group has really helped me so much to feel seen, understood and actually make the progress that I have made within this past year to even get to this point where I’m actually fighting to live.

That is something I can never be more grateful for than I am right now.”

“Zero Suicide Group at Centerstone has been a phenomenal experience. Suicidal ideation was my reason for joining, and through skills such as radical acceptance I’ve learned to accept situations and emotions for what they are in the moment.”

“I have taken so much from the group. The support alone is a blessing. I started right before COVID-19, and to still have a support system going through the anxiety of the new normal was awesome.”

“After my first few sessions, I decided to tell my Mom for the first time that I had been having suicidal thoughts. The support from the group motivated me to talk to her, and the skills have helped in making the thoughts go away.” a

For more about Centerstone’s Zero Suicide Groups, call (615) 460-4200 or email WhiteAvenueZeroSuicideGroups@centerstone.org CENTERSTONE.ORG

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PHYSICIAN SPOTLIGHT

Karen Rhea, M.D.

Dr. Karen Rhea is chief medical officer at Centerstone in Nashville, Tennessee. She graduated from King University in Bristol, TN, and attended medical school at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. A pediatrician by training, Dr. Rhea spent 14 years at Vanderbilt University doing residencies in pediatrics and psychiatry, a fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry, and then as assistant professor of Psychiatry with inpatient and teaching roles at the Psychiatric Hospital.

In addition to her leadership at Centerstone, she continues to serve as a clinical associate professor of Psychiatry at Vanderbilt.

Why do you choose to work at Centerstone?

Because of the diverse options for providing treatments that work for patient with psychiatric illnesses. I am honored to work with a wonderful psychiatry staff—our nurses, nurse practitioners, and physicians are so well-trained and unbelievably devoted to our patients. Our senior psychiatrists and director of nursing have been talented colleagues and collaborators.

Over the years there have been many options for moving the field forward—research projects with university medical centers, creating policies related to medical issues, etc. And the patients I see are so rewarding— it is very uplifting to see a patient who finally gets their life back.

What is the most significant advancement you have witnessed in mental health?

The SSRIs and SNRIs (newer antidepressants such as Prozac) and the atypical antipsychotics (Risperdal) have all come into 8

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use since I began my psychiatry training. Also, there are other treatment modalities, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), which are new.

What future advances in the delivery of care excite you the most?

It is my belief that pharmacogenomic testing (and later more extensive genetic testing) as it evolves represents the future of psychiatry.

Tell us about your family.

I have lived in Franklin, TN on West Main Street in the same 1884 Victorian house for forty years. It has been beyond my dreams as the perfect place to raise my three sons. They are Patrick (Washington, DC), Isaac (Memphis), and Dylan (Franklin) and have been the great joy in my life. Currently, there is also an English springer spaniel (Prince) and a huge black and white tuxedo kitty (George).

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I grew up below the poverty level on a farm (cotton, corn, and cows to name a few) in West Tennessee. Neither of my parents had the opportunity to attend high school. I decided on my three life goals at age eight—to be a doctor, to have children and to travel.

What has your favorite moment in your career been so far?

My favorite moment and highly remembered was getting my black bag and my stethoscope.

Since then it has been having patients tell me “I am the best I have ever been.”

What’s a piece of advice that you’ve found useful over the years?

“In chaos there is opportunity.” a

Ben Middleton Named Centerstone Regional CEO for Tennessee and Georgia Drs. Matt Hardy and Brad Nunn named chief operating officer, chief clinical quality officer Following the retirement of Dr. Bob Vero as Centerstone regional chief executive officer for Tennessee and Georgia, the organization’s longtime executive Ben Middleton has stepped into the regional CEO role.

Ben Middleton

Middleton has worked for Centerstone and its legacy organization since 1985 and previously held the positions of regional chief operating officer, vice president for core services, and director of substance use programming. As regional CEO, he now leads every aspect of Tennessee and Georgia operations—from evaluating and expanding service lines to talent acquisition, training, and ensuring high-quality clinical outcomes for clients.

“I’m a ‘let’s get it done’ kind of guy. I’m constantly looking for how we can be better and how we can grow,” said Middleton. “And not just financially, but growing in terms of our service system and how we deliver care, and thinking about new ways of doing things with new technology or evidence-based treatments. We’ve grown a lot since 1985, and I’m excited to see what opportunities we will have in the future.”

Brad Nunn

In relation, Centerstone’s Dr. Matt Hardy has moved from his regional vice president role into the chief operating officer position vacated by Middleton. Hardy holds a PsyD in psychology and is a licensed clinical psychologist and critical incident responder. He also helped launch three Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinics at Centerstone which provide mental health services to veterans, active duty soldiers, and their family members.

“I’m excited to continue working with Centerstone clients and staff as well as with our behavioral health partners in the communities we serve,” said Dr. Hardy. “The need for life-changing and life-saving mental health services continues to grow, and I’m honored to be part of a team that is committed to delivering care that changes people’s lives.”

Matt Hardy

Centerstone has also promoted Dr. Brad Nunn, who joined the company in 1987, from vice president of quality improvement to chief quality officer. In his new role, Dr. Nunn facilitates organizational planning for improvement in care and services. He is also responsible for performing, coordinating, and facilitating quality assurance and performance improvement activities related to clinical practice.

“I welcome the opportunity to further expand and formalize my role within this important organization,” said Dr. Nunn. “I have always been interested in how to make things work better, and I look forward to continuing to help make our clinical services be the best.” a CENTERSTONE.ORG

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CENTERSTONE NEWS&NOTES Centerstone staff celebrate the availability of the COVID-19 vaccine.

A billboard in Dickson, TN, promotes Centerstone’s support for flooding victims.

Centerstone’s Ben Middleton speaks with Nashville Post report Kara Hartnett.

Centerstone’s Safety Net outreach specialists Tiffany Padgett and Sean Goad attend the National Night Out Against Crime event.

Safety Net Solutions Behavioral Safety Net of Tennessee provides essential mental health services to children and adults who are uninsured, underinsured, or have no means to pay. Centerstone sends outreach specialists to various community events to help educate people about the availability of Safety Net services. Learn more at centerstone.org/safety-net.

Vaccination Celebration Centerstone staff drove into Nashville from around Tennessee on two different Saturdays last winter to receive the vaccination 10

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for COVID-19. Masked and excited to see one another in person for the first time in months, employees followed proper safety protocols and looked forward to a return to normalcy in delivering care that changes people’s lives.

Offering Relief to Flood Victims Centerstone is part of the Tennessee Recovery Project, an effort to provide relief to people impacted by recent flooding in Dickson, Hickman, Houston, and Humphreys Counties that destroyed more than 700 homes and resulted in at least 20 casualties.

To learn more about free resource connection and short-term emotional support, local residents can call 1-888-460-4351 or visit centerstone.org/TNFlood.

Vital Conversations Nashville Post interviewed Centerstone’s Regional CEO Ben Middleton for its Vital Conversations podcast series. Local journalist Kara Hartnett spoke with him about telehealth, postpandemic practices, and more.

Catch the 30-minute episode— “Meeting the Moment in Behavioral Health”—at YouTube and Spotify!

Cohen Clinic at Centerstone outreach director Meghan Williams smiles with local healthcare heroes.

Centerstone team members Whitney, Tom, Adam, and Sarah attend the Nashville Pride Festival.

Alana, Karen, and Kristi distribute Centerstone information at the Pop Up for Hope event in Bradley County.

Centerstone TAMHO Award winners Mandi Ryan, Dan Mansfield, and Rhonda Felts

Prevention Takes Pride Centerstone’s Prevention Services team was an event sponsor at the 2021 Nashville Pride Festival. Staff distributed health information, Centerstone swag, and comic books while recruiting for its Youth Advisory Council. Be sure to check out centerstone.org/teen for extensive youth resources about bullying, depression, relationships, online safety, and more.

Cohen Clinic Supports Healthcare Heroes Staff from the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at

Centerstone supported Healthcare Heroes Thank You week in Clarksville, TN. The event featured local food trucks providing free lunches to Tennova Healthcare and Montgomery County EMS frontline workers who have been such a lifeline to the community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Well done, Cohen crew!

Centerstone Staff Win TAMHO Awards The Tennessee Association of Mental Health Organizations announced its 2021 award winners, and they include three Centerstone employees! Mandi

Ryan, vice president of Healthcare Integration, received the Dorothea Dix Professional Service Award.

Dan Mansfield, Tullahoma clinic manager, was given the Emerging Leader Award. Rhonda Felts, Health Link team leader, won the Andrea Chase Impact Award.

Hope Pops Up in Bradley County Staff members from Centerstone’s outpatient clinic in Cleveland, TN, attend the Pop Up for Hope event in Bradley County. It was a great time bringing mental health resources to children and families in the Lay Street Homes community. a CENTERSTONE.ORG

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Philanthropy IN ACTION Reclaiming Lives After Dark Goes Worldwide

Centerstone hosted its third annual Reclaiming Lives After Dark event, bringing back PostSecret founder Frank Warren who headlined the first year’s festivities. Due to COVID-19, the gathering was held virtually, but that created an opportunity for more than 500 people to tune in from around the United States as well as Australia, Canada, Croatia, England, and Germany!

Warren focused on secrets posted to his popular website— PostSecret.com—that dealt with the mental and physical aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic. All told, more than $12,000 was raised through the event to support behavioral health, and participants felt connected and inspired.

Reclaiming Lives After Dark guest speaker and PostSecret founder Frank Warren

One attendee on the Reclaiming Lives After Dark discussion board wrote, “This event really has been uplifting, makes us realize we are not alone.”

Employee Giving Changes Lives!

Centerstone is a leader in providing integrated health care for mind and body. With our annual Employee Giving campaign, we take it a step further. Funds donated directly by staff often address the social determinants that impact mental and physical wellbeing. Centerstone team member financial contributions have been used to purchase our clients food, shelter, gifts for children, and transportation. Due to such generosity, someone sleeps in a bed instead of on the floor.

This year, Centerstone staff in Tennessee gave more than $56,000 to help our clients. Well done, team!

Sixth Annual Reclaiming Lives Luncheon

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the sixth annual Reclaiming Lives Luncheon was held in a hybrid format (a pre-recorded program with lunches directly delivered to 160 guests). Pretaped speakers included Centerstone’s Dr. Bob Vero and Ben Middleton, and attendees received a special access code to watch the Kevin Hines documentary, “Suicide: The Ripple Effect.”

Guests also enjoyed a presentation from providers and clients who participate in Centerstone’s virtual Zero Suicide Groups, which have grown considerably since the pandemic began. Finally, board members Dana Oman (chair) and Kelly Crockett (vice chair) spoke to the ongoing need for financial support to provide behavioral health care for those who cannot otherwise afford it.

Sponsors of the Reclaiming Lives Luncheon included FirstBank, The Ayers Foundation, LBMC, Oman-Gibson Associates, The Enchiridion Foundation, Willis Towers Watson, FirstFleet, Christie Cookies, and DET Distributing. a 12

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Centerstone’s Ben Middleton, Bob Vero, and board members Dana Oman and Kelly Crockett record their presentations for the sixth annual Reclaiming Lives Luncheon.

Centerstone Dedicates Dr. Robert N. Vero Center Centerstone, a national leader in behavioral health care, has formally named its outpatient clinic at 1921 Ransom Place in Nashville, Tennessee, the Dr. Robert N. Vero Center. This recognition honors the inspiring career of Bob Vero, Centerstone’s recently retired regional CEO who spent 40 years at the not-forprofit organization.

(l-r) Centerstone CEO David Guth, Tennessee Board of Directors Chair Dana Oman, Regional CEO Ben Middleton, and Dr. Bob Vero

Dr. Bob Vero and Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Deputy Commissioner Matt Yancey holding a proclamation from TN Governor Bill Lee

On site at a special ceremony, Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Deputy Commissioner Matt Yancey presented Vero with a proclamation from Governor Bill Lee officially declaring A Day of Recognition for the Dedication of the Dr. Robert N. Vero Center.

The document highlighted how Vero “faithfully served more than 65,000 Tennesseans annually, developed numerous nationally recognized services, and developed partnerships with Cohen Veterans Network and the National Football League.”

Speaking to a crowd of colleagues, friends, and family at the dedication event, Vero said, “Thank you for honoring me in this special way. There are no adequate words to express my appreciation. There is, however, an overwhelming amount of heartfelt gratitude. As I leave you honored and humbled seeing my name above that door, maybe in some inexplicable way, I can remain here with you to welcome those who enter.”

In his four-decade tenure, Dr. Vero helped Centerstone grow from a relatively small company into one of the largest community-based behavioral health providers in the United States. He joined Centerstone’s legacy organization, Luton Mental Health Services, in 1980 as a therapist. Rising through that company, he became executive director in 1989 and served in that capacity until 1998, when Luton Mental Health Services joined the Centerstone family of companies where Vero was named president and chief operating officer. With additional affiliations in 2008 that formed the national Centerstone organization, Vero ascended to the role of CEO of Tennessee operations.

“I’ve had the special privilege of working side-by-side with Bob for many years,” said David Guth, chief executive officer for Centerstone. “I am proud to have witnessed his unwavering commitment to serving the people in our communities and to the advancement of the behavioral healthcare profession.”

Prior to being named the Dr. Robert N. Vero Center, the Centerstone clinic at 1921 Ransom Place was known as the Frank Luton Center in tribute to the pioneering Tennessee psychiatrist of the same name. a CENTERSTONE.ORG

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