The stigma of mental illness is lesser than it used to be and that’s a good thing. Mental illness used to be a quiet issue. If it was resident in your family, you just didn’t tell anyone. It was something that made you ashamed. But the weight of depression, the triggers of PTSD, and the absolute paralyzing fear associated with psychotic disorders, are now recognized for what they are—illnesses that need to be treated.
We have a facility in Leland that is very familiar with mental illness and treatment. Carolina Dunes Behavioral Health opened in 2008 offering treatment to patients with a variety of mental health issues.
Carolina Dunes is a quiet neighbor in Leland. It is located on Mercantile Drive, right off of US 74 and employs three shifts of medical professionals, business office teams and support staff. But on October 29, Carolina Dunes was not quiet—it was celebrating. Celebrating the expansion of patient rooms, services and hiring additional staff.
Some are young people, struggling with depression and the weight of all of the demands they face. Carolina Dunes gives them the opportunity to exhale and learn to cope with stressors and peer pressure in a positive, learning environment.
Some patients come to Carolina Dunes because the outside world just hasn’t been kind to them. They suffer from PTSD, lack of coping mechanisms and a strong feeling of isolation. When they come to Carolina Dunes, they learn that people reaching out to them aren’t people to fear, but to embrace, as they hold the key to the first steps of recovery.
Other patients come in silent and with a vacant look in their eyes. Often, they are older and confused. They don’t understand what has happened to them or how they got here. But, slowly, with gentle care, they open up and can move forward. So, it was, indeed a day to celebrate.
Invited guests included: Leland Councilman Bill McHugh, Bob Campbell, Leland Mayor ProTem, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Thom Kelly, Brittany Reinhart, Chamber of Commerce member, Sheriff Brian Chism, Erika Booth, from the Brunswick County EMS Community Paramedic Program, VFW Post 12196 Commander, Gerald Decker, who has largely led the effort to get a Veteran’s Creative Art Program (VCAP) here, along with State Senator Ronald Rabin and Christina Atti-Uptegrow, also a Chamber member and Marketing Director for Brunswick Cove Living Center.
Representing Carolina Dunes was India Hatton, Business Development Office for Summit Behavioral Health (parent company of Carolina Dunes,) Poria Thomas also from Summit, Chief Financial Officer, Thomas Chaudy, Risk Management Officer Derek Johnson, Amanda Kiser, Director of Nursing, Kelly Cox, Director of Assessment and Referral, Erin Johnson, Director of Clinical Services, Angela Queen, Director of Pharmacy, Ashley Pendley, Business Office Director, Dr. Robby Adams, Psychiatrist and Kian Richards, Executive Assistant to the CEO.
As the group walked through the newly renovated halls, CEO, Steve McCabe personally explained, “We have a new design that has even more focus on safety, increased services and efficiency.
As Steve walked the group of Leland’s community leaders, first responders and media through the new section of the building, he continued, saying, “Everything has been designed with safety in mind, patient care and patient privacy.” Examining one of the patient rooms, we found reinforced safety windows, 2 beds, a desk and a bathroom door that was extremely sturdy and colorful in design. Steve explained, “The curved bathroom doors we installed allows privacy, yet staff are able to remove quickly in case of an emergency.”
Sheriff Brian Chism, from the Brunswick County’s Sheriff’s office received thanks from Steve for the quick response his team demonstrated when called and their commitment to a long-lasting partnership with Carolina Dunes.
Councilman, Bill McHugh. A longtime advocate for mental health assistance, said, “This expansion was well planned and executed. It’s essential for our residents to have access to a top-level facility that can provide the services they need.”
Post Commander, Decker said, “A partnership with VCAP and Carolina Dunes would benefit a lot of military personnel, first responders and their families. Both entities are doing their best to pay back these front-line heroes.”
The event ended with Steve McCabe being presented large gold scissors to cut the red ribbon, officially opening the new wing. A lunch catered by Middle of the Island catering followed.
As our community grows, so will the need to help those affected by mental illness. Carolina Dunes continues to stand ready to assist and be the safe place to land that it has always been.
