2017 State Organization Service Award
DBSA Tennessee
2017 was a year of unprecedented growth in many areas for DBSA Tennessee. With education a priority, DBSA Tennessee collaborated with the Tennessee Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services to have DBSA literature included in all Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) training packets. They also made it available at the State Clearinghouse, which distributes behavioral health literature throughout Tennessee.
DBSA Tennessee also began expanding the number of educations panels delivered to Tennessee nursing students. By conveying their own personal mental health experiences, they hoped that a student’s perspective of depression and bipolar disorder encompasses the diversity of the individual experience.
The state organization continued to maintain a seat on the Tennessee State Consumer Advisory Board and joined the United Healthcare Behavioral Health Advisory Committee. Their participation in advisory boards and committees gives peers a voice in the issues that directly affect them, such as the need for transportation to attend support group meetings.
2017 Chapter Service Award
DBSA Succasunna (NJ)
In 2017, DBSA Succasunna focused on increasing their organizational strength. They trained new facilitators and added both board members and a professional advisor.
Because of an increase in support group attendance, at least three facilitators were needed for every meeting. Seven new facilitators were trained, bringing their total to 11. The number of board members also increased from three to six. Board representation now include individuals who live with depression, individuals who live with bipolar disorder, and family members of individuals who live with a mood disorder. Board President, Chris Chernick is also a member of the Morris County Board Mental Health Board as a representative of DBSA Succasunna and ensures information is shared between the chapter and the county.
The chapter’s board meets quarterly and is open to facilitators, support group participants, and the public. The professional advisor also attends the board meetings and the addition of that role has created opportunities for educational sessions as well as more meeting locations.
2017 Rookie Chapter Service Award
DBSA Bowling Green (KY)
DBSA Bowling Green became a chapter in September 2017. In addition to weekly support groups, the chapter also performs educational community outreach with efforts focused on the students at Western Kentucky University. Many symptoms of mental health conditions appear or worsen during college, and students need knowledge to seek appropriate care.
DBSA Bowling Green is an approved speaker for Greek organizations on campus. In 2017, a chapter member has spoken to one sorority and two fraternities. A member has also spoken at the Greek Life New Members Symposium and is scheduled to speak at the Greek Leadership Symposium in 2018.
Students are also reached through University Experience courses; these courses are offered to freshman to aid them in the transition from high school to college. Topics covered include the prevalence of mental health issues in college students, the current treatment perspective, WKU campus resources, and Mental Health First Aid.
2017 Outstanding Professional Advisor Award
Barb Stephens, LCSW of DBSA Knoxville (TN)
Barbara Stephens, LCSW is an exemplary model of professional dedication. She worked with DBSA Tennessee for two years to establish a DBSA support group in northeastern Tennessee, an area with few resources for those who live with depression and bipolar disorder. Their efforts resulted in a new chapter, DBSA Knoxville.
Ms. Stephens educated her colleagues about the benefit of DBSA support groups and made them aware of the newly formed chapter and listed DBSA Knoxville on several professional sites. Her outreach has been instrumental in distributing information to many individuals that could benefit from DBSA support.
To further increase the public’s awareness of mental health issues, Ms. Stephens started the campaign to have October 10, 2017 proclaimed Depression, Bipolar, and Mood Disorder Awareness Day in the city of Knoxville and the state of Tennessee. Ms. Stephens also helped DBSA Tennessee raise $8000 in 2017 by submitting a proposal to participate in a charitable event hosted by a local Knoxville business.
