I hope you’re settling well into 2023, perhaps with a healthier routine or improved work-life balance – anything that fortifies you!
Here at Buckelew Programs, we have lots of news about our busy year ahead. As one of the North Bay’s most comprehensive behavioral health service providers, working with the most vulnerable in our community, we continue to witness deepening needs. One of our priorities for the coming year is expanding access to services for all who need them.
Here are just a few of the essential programs, projects and fundraisers that will help make our growth possible:
- Buckelew’s Suicide Prevention and Crisis Helpline, part of the new national 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, will be one of the first in the network to roll out texting capability – increasing options for those in crisis.
- January 2023 marked the first anniversary of Santa Rosa Police Department’s inRESPONSE Mental Health Support Team – a mobile unit that responds to mental health, substance use and housing crisis calls. The innovative team uses a mental health first approach and includes a licensed clinician, firefighter paramedic and an engagement specialist. In its inaugural year, inRESPONSE responded to 2,893 calls, diverting cases from law enforcement and connecting those in need directly to resources. Importantly, Buckelew provided follow-up behavioral healthcare for those who needed it. The program's success has led to increased service hours and a second mobile team.
- The first of three buildings on our new Athena House Substance Use Treatment and Sober Living campus is completely remodeled and awaiting licensing to open to the community! The facility will serve 16 women and three children, while the entire facility, when completed in early June, will serve 30 women and up to 9 children. Stay tuned for the date of the official ribbon-cutting ceremony!
- Mark your calendars for the second annual Bike4Buckelew: Access to Mental Healthcare 4 All fundraiser on Saturday, May 13, 2023. Featuring bike rides and hikes for all levels, come party in the woods with friends and family!
Lastly, our past successes and future growth result from the hard work and dedication of our program staff, Board of Directors, and, of course, our clients. A huge thank you to our community supporters, partners and donors, without whose generosity and vision none of this would be possible.
Please reach out to my team or me if you’re interested in learning more about our critical work in the North Bay. To read more about our most recent accomplishments, check out our 2021-2022 Impact Report.
I am looking forward to a great 2023, filled with continued progress!
Chris Kughn, LMFT
CEO, Buckelew Programs