Illinois Congressman Mike Bost visited ComWell’s campus in Red Bud Tuesday, June 1, 2021.
Congressman Bost met with ComWell’s Board of Director’s President David Holder, Randolph County Commissioner Ronnie White and ComWell leadership.
“ComWell has been serving our Randolph County community for 50 years, providing counseling and services to those with mental illness and intellectual and developmental disabilities,” said Congressman, Mike Bost. “I want to thank them for allowing me to visit to get an update on the vital work they are doing. Over the past year, we’ve seen just how important it is to take care of our mental health, and the services ComWell provides help so many in our community do just that.”
The group discussed agency updates and challenges related to COVID-19, including workforce shortages and increased demand for behavioral health services.
ComWell has remained committed to providing safe, compassionate and accessible care for all clients. In response to COVID-19, ComWell has taken extra precautions to ensure services continue to meet agency standards and the needs of the community.
“The pandemic has impacted small communities in many ways; financial, emotional, physical, social and spiritual,” said Executive Director Shea Haury. “Taking a holistic approach to treating mental health and other challenges during these times is vital, especially for those in need of extra support.”
The ever-increasing psychological impact of the pandemic must be recognized alongside the physical health symptoms for all affected.
Congressman Bost also toured ComWell’s Red Bud psychiatric building where leaders shared on the expansion of ComWell’s telehealth services.
ComWell has worked hard to bridge the gap by ensuring outpatient mental health services are accessible through telehealth (real-time video and telephone) capabilities, which are available right in the comfort of a person’s home. Telehealth helps improve access to specialty care by removing barriers that could hinder an individual’s access to services, bringing care to them.
ComWell is a 501c3 not-for-profit that champions individuals who seek to live a life of wellness. They aim to enrich the lives of community members by providing them with tools to become independent and thriving members of their community by equipping them with healthy and effective coping skills.
About ComWell: We are committed to empowering individuals to pursue growth and wellness by promoting positive, healthy changes for individuals and communities through engagement, education, treatment and recovery. In 1971, we saw a need for support and we answered the call. ComWell services work together to achieve our goal of bringing wellness to our communities. ComWell is the beacon of community wellness and bridging the gap from individual to resource.
Photo: Congressman Mike Bost, center, sharing with ComWell Board of Director’s President David Holder, right, Randolph County Commissioner Ronnie White, left, and ComWell leadership.