personalities
By Bre Offenberger
Advocate Against Stigma Shawn Holt works to raise awareness of behavioral health issues
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hawn Holt recalls a New Albany Foundation panel series he participated in where he asked attendees about their experiences with addiction and mental illness. “Not surprisingly, almost everyone (voiced) that they have been affected personally or know of friends and families that are dealing with these challenges,” Holt says. Though so many – especially here in central Ohio – are affected either directly or indirectly by addiction and other mental health issues, they still carry stigma. Holt is working to end that stigma both in his personal and professional life. As the president and CEO of Maryhaven, a treatment center for addiction and mental illness, Holt works to educate others about the impact of substance abuse and mental health issues as well as the dangers of misinformation and social stigma. He often participates in workshops and panels to further spread awareness of the issues. He came to Maryhaven and New Albany about five years ago after a six-year stint as president and CEO of Columbus’ St. Vincent Family Center, a nonprofit delivering behavioral health treatment. He’s felt right at home ever since.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, call Maryhaven at 614-445-8131. For immediate assistance, call 911 or the 24-hour SAMHSA National Hotline at 1-800-662-4357.
Shawn Holt
Holt is passionate about his work and has no hesitation declaring his favorite part of the job. As the head of an organization that helps people facing addiction and mental illness challenges, he says it’s incredibly fulfilling to see the end result: a changed life. He says that ties into another cherished element of his work.
“The other thing that I really like is being able to provide … a culture for people to work in that they know that they’re valued and that they’re actually making a difference in the community,” Holt says. Adam Rowan, COO of Maryhaven, has worked with Holt for a decade. With their offices about 10 feet from each other, they interact daily on the upkeep of the company as well as how to improve it. Though Rowan transitioned from St. Vincent Family Center to Maryhaven after Holt, he says he’s had no trouble recognizing how much Holt has accomplished in his time there. “He leads for the mission, which means that he really keeps everything in the focus of why are we here? What do we do with our organization? And that’s helping our clients and serving our community,” Rowan says. “The other thing that makes him very effective is that he does it with a level of authenticity.”
From left to right, Columbus Police Lt. Matt Parrish, Sen. Rob Portman, Maryhaven CEO Shawn Holt and Lt. Dennis Jeffrey pose for a picture. 16
Each morning when Holt rolls out of bed, he remembers the community he’s serving and he smiles. Holt says he values how open New Albany is to changing with the times and fighting for what’s right, and he’s glad he gets to work in that kind of environment every day. “I love the fact that (the community is) willing to take on new challenges,” Holt says. “They are willing to have open dialogue about what we need to do better as a community to make sure all people feel comfortable.” www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com
Photo courtesy of Shawn Holt
A Community Ready for Challenge
