UltraGroup Healthcare News
- kdick36
- 7 days ago
- 4 min read
MAY 2025
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May & Mental Health Awareness Month
Supporting Seniors with Compassion & Expertise
May is a time to shine a light on the importance of mental well-being across all stages of life. For behavioral health therapists working with senior citizens, this month is a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the unique challenges older adults face—and to reaffirm our role in helping them thrive emotionally, psychologically, and socially.
This is also a time to make a strong, visible effort to create awareness around your hospital’s mental health program for seniors. Outreach and education can go a long way in reducing stigma and encouraging early intervention. Whether through community presentations, staff education, or partnerships with local senior centers, Mental Health Awareness Month is the perfect platform to highlight the value of your services. Showcasing the program’s successes, sharing client testimonials (with permission), or simply being present at local events can help connect more seniors and families with the support they need.
Throughout May, let’s take the opportunity to deepen conversations with our clients, families, and care teams about the signs of mental health concerns in seniors. Let’s also advocate for routine mental health screenings and continue promoting therapies that address the unique needs of older adults — like reminiscence therapy, mindfulness, or trauma-informed care.
This month is also a reminder to support each other. Working in geriatric behavioral health is both rewarding and demanding. Take time to reflect, share strategies, and build community with your colleagues.
Mental Health Awareness Month is more than a campaign—it’s a call to action. Together, we can ensure that every senior feels seen, heard, and supported. Their stories matter. Their mental health matters. And our work truly makes a difference.
Bringing Change One Conversation at a Time
Mental Health First Aid at Sarah Culbertson Memorial
At Sarah Culbertson Memorial Hospital’s Senior Life Solutions Program in Rushville, Illinois, two passionate team members are making a big impact on their community—one class at a time. Kathleen Price, Unit Clerk, and Rachel Allen, RN, have been leading the charge in Mental Health First Aid training since last year, and their efforts are already showing powerful results.
Together, Kathleen and Rachel have successfully taught several individuals how to recognize and respond to signs of mental health challenges and crises. Their goal is simple but vital: increase awareness, reduce stigma, and empower others to help. The response has been incredibly positive, and they’re just getting started—they’ve scheduled their next Mental Health First Aid class for May, continuing their commitment to bettering the lives of those around them.
What makes their work even more inspiring is how it’s expanding. Kathleen and Rachel have proactively reached out to the hospital’s Human Resources department about incorporating Mental Health First Aid training into the onboarding process for new hires. This forward-thinking initiative could help embed a deeper culture of compassion and mental health literacy across the entire hospital staff.
Mental health affects every person, every family, and every community. Thanks to Kathleen and Rachel’s leadership, the Rushville area is becoming a safer, more supportive place for those struggling—and a stronger, more informed one for those ready to help. Let’s celebrate their efforts and look forward to the continued growth of this vital program. Way to go, Kathleen and Rachel—you’re making a real difference!
Walk & Talk
The staff at the New Beginnings program at Livingston Hospital partnered with the Crittenden Co. Extension office to host a Walk and Talk with New Beginnings. They were able to capitalize on the beautiful weather to discuss the mental health benefits of walking and the services the program offers to the community. They hope to be able to participate in this walk on a monthly basis.
Program Recognized
Senior Perspectives at the Medical Center at Franklin was honored with an award from the Franklin Simpson Human Rights Commission in recognition of Women’s History Month. This award Celebrates the ongoing commitment to promoting women’s voices and contributions in the community.
Med Centers Health Fair
The Senior Perspectives programs at the Medical Centers at Caverna, Franklin and Scottsville participated in the Barren County YMCA Senior Health Fair. They were able to meet and speak with area Seniors about the importance of taking care of their mental health and share information about the Senior Perspective’s programs.
Cherry Blossom Festival
The Senior Perspectives program at the Medical Center at Caverna participated in the Cherry Blossom Festival in Munfordville, KY. They were able to meet with community members and share about the importance of taking care of your mental health and give information about the Senior Perspectives program.
Lifelong Learning Presentation
Katie Fleming, therapist for Senior Perspectives at the Medical Center at Franklin, presented at the Society for Lifelong Learning at Western Kentucky University. She spoke about depression and anxiety in older adults and how programs like Senior Perspectives can be beneficial.
Welcome, Heather Stevens!
Heather Stevens is the new Unit Clerk for Senior Perspectives at the Medical Center at Caverna. Heather joins the team after working in an optometrist’s office. She has 3 daughters, ages 6-14. She loves being outside and hiking, antique shops, and hopes to have a little farm one day.
Caregiver Support Group
The team at Senior Life Solutions with Culbertson Memorial in Rushville, IL formed a Caregiver Support Group after realizing the opportunity for the community. There seems to be a growing interest already with publicity from the local paper. The team at Senior Life Solutions was excited to get this support group up and going and experience it’s success.
Monthly Speaker Series
New Beginnings at Livingston Hospital recently hosted a presentation at the Crittenden County Library, focusing on stress management, counseling, and the comprehensive services offered through the New Beginnings program. This outreach effort is part of their expanded initiative to raise awareness about the mental health resources available to the community. Moving forward, these presentations will be held monthly to help connect more individuals with the support and care they deserve.
The Easter Bunny makes a stop at Healthy Outlook at Wayne County Hospital
