HEALTHWEST NEWSFEED

Stay Up to Date on All Things HealthWest

RICH'S JOKE OF THE WEEK

Why can't you trust atoms? They are always make things up.

SHOUT OUT TO SAM SMRCINA

& ANDREA MCINTOSH

The Community Relations team received this uplifting email from Stephanie Bowen:

"Hello! 

I wanted to share a shout out that one of our team members, Sam Smrcina, received today. This is from an individual currently lodged in the jail. Special shout out to Andrea McIntosh as well! The work we do in the jail is not for the lighthearted, and the dedication this team shows in serving this population is unmatched. Great work being done here!

'On a side note, Sam, if you are reading this, they FINALLY fixed the issue with my Buspar dosage, so thank you. And one more thing...Sam, and Andrea both....I am sure you get thousands of requests a week, something along the lines of "I want" and "I want more" and probably a fair share of Inmates who think they know better than your trivial medical degrees and experience. Lol So I wanted to just quick take a moment and say THANK YOU. I even would like to say it on behalf of all their inmates who were absent the day they were to be taught manners and etiquette. I personally am very grateful... I screwed up and relapsed and abandoned my medication and instruction when I started using again, so I have a lot of appreciation for being given another chance...I feel SO much better. Just know that some of us DO appreciate and thank you for not losing your faith in humanity and bedside manner...I assume inn your positions sometimes that must be challenging at times.' "

Amazing work, everyone—you should all be very proud! And thank you, Stephanie, for sharing this so we can highlight it with staff.

Stories like this matter and are important because they remind us that every HealthWest staff member plays an important role, and together, your efforts truly make a difference.

Have you noticed a staff member, a group, or a team living out the HealthWest Way? Give them a shout-out by submitting a HealthWest Yay form!

EXECUTIVE TEAM HOT SEAT LUNCHES

ARE COMING BACK

Following the successful completion of visits to all locations, the second round of sessions is set to begin in September, with one session scheduled each month. Calendar invitations will be sent out soon as meeting rooms across locations are confirmed.

Several updates will accompany this next phase. Attendance will now be in person only, with no virtual option available. Additionally, Directors from the host locations will be invited to participate in the hot seat panel alongside the Executive Team, further enhancing collaboration and leadership engagement.

Why are these lunches important?

Because these lunches play a key role in supporting staff by creating opportunities for direct engagement, learning, and collaboration. They allow employees to hear firsthand from leadership, ask questions, and gain insight into organizational priorities and decisions.

In-person participation also strengthens relationships across locations, fostering a stronger sense of connection and teamwork. By including Directors from host sites on the hot seat panel, staff benefit from a broader range of perspectives and more relevant, location-specific discussions.

Ultimately, these sessions help staff feel informed, heard, and connected—contributing to a more transparent, aligned, and engaged workplace culture.

GROUPS UPDATE

Cat Renner has stepped into the role of Groups Program Clinician at HealthWest. In this position, they will manage the Groups Calendar. If you have any questions about existing groups or ideas for new ones, please feel free to connect with Cat.

This is important for all staff to know because knowing who leads the groups program will help you work more effectively together and ensures our consumers benefit from well-coordinated services.

THANK YOU STAFF SUPPORT COMMITTEE

We wanted to give a shout out to Elizabeth Anderson and Corey Lenkiewicz from the Staff Support Committee. They recently went around to each location dressed as a flower and a bee handing out fidget toys simply to help brighten staff's day. Thank you!

OPPORTUNITIES TO GET INVOLVED

HealthWest has a few events and "happenings" coming up that you can participate in.

TIDE LUNCH AND LEARN

WALKING CLUB

Friendly reminder: if you’re facilitating a group, please be sure to send your information for any July, August, or September groups to Cat Renner.

THRIVE

HEALTH, WELLNESS, AND RECOVERY PICNIC

WALK A MILE

This is more for consumers, but it would be a fun way to connect with your creative and artistic consumer! Help them unleash their creative side and boost their confidence by helping them submit a design for this year's Walk a Mile button!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Earn 4.0 Social Work CEs and 4.0 MCBAP Specific CEs for this training!

HW Board of Directors

Board Meeting Schedule & Agendas