News

Jason Flatt Act Signed into Law in Illinois!

It is now official! On June 26, Governor Pat Quinn signed The Jason Flatt Act / HB 4672 into Law during a ceremonial signing in Chicago. This made Illinois the 5th state to pass The Jason Flatt Act.

Jason Flatt Act Signed into Law in Illinois

Introduced by Representative Greg Harris and sponsored in the Senate by Senator Heather Steans, The Jason Flatt Act repeated what it had done in other states by passing both the House and Senate without a "Nay" vote.

The Jason Flatt Act is legislation that requires educators to receive two hours of training in youth suicide awareness and prevention to be certified to teach in a state. In Illinois, all teachers in grades 7-12 are required to have such training for certification under the legislation.

We are proud that Governor Quinn invited Clark Flatt (Pres/CEO), Michele Ray (VP/COO) and representatives from JFI's Affiliate Offices in Illinois to attend the signing. Governor Quinn presented Clark one of the pens used to sign the Bill into law.

The Jason Foundation wants to thank Representative Harris for his passion and dedication to introduce and pass the legislation during a year that such legislation was difficult to pass. We also want to thank Senator Steans, all the co-sponsors, the Illinois Teachers Association, Coach Ron Zook and many others for their support during this process and of course Governor Quinn for his support and dedication to the youth of Illinois.

Riveredge Wears Yellow to Raise Mental Health Awareness

Mental Health Awareness Month

Psychiatric Solutions Inc., parent company of Riveredge Hospital, hosted a national initiative for employees to wear yellow to show solidarity in the support of Mental Health Awareness Month on May 26th. Riveredge Hospital proudly participated in this event.

Riveredge Celebrates National Hospital Week

Fred Bryant, Pediatric Unit Coordinator

Riveredge celebrated the week with a various activities including a BBQ and a car wash by the hospital administrators.

Riveredge Hospital welcomes more than 200 guests to wellness fair

OakPark-Leaves.com - May 27, 2010

Wellness Fair 2010

In honor of May as Mental Health Awareness Month, Riveredge Hospital hosted its 2nd Annual Wellness Fair Friday, May 21. The all-day, free event welcomed more than 200 guests including community partners and care providers and featured information booths, presentations and interactive activities such as massages and yoga sessions.

To read more, visit OakPark-Leaves.com

Riveredge Hospital Welcomes More than 200 Guests to 2nd Annual Wellness Fair

Triblocal.com - May 27, 2010

Wellness Fair 2010

In honor of May as Mental Health Awareness Month, Riveredge Hospital hosted its 2nd Annual Wellness Fair Friday, May 21. The all-day, free event welcomed more than 200 guests including community partners and care providers and featured information booths, presentations and interactive activities such as massages and yoga sessions.

Riveredge Hospital CEO Carey Carlock welcomed guests and introduced the first presenters of the day, Rainbow Animal Assisted Therapy. Later, Melissa Jackson, a Riveredge therapist and certified yoga instructor, led participants in complimentary yoga sessions and Kyla Gilmore, a Registered Dance Movement Therapist, gave an interactive presentation on dance therapy with the audience.

To read more, visit Triblocal.com

Riveredge Hospital Joins C4 to “Make Strides for Mental Illness”

Triblocal.com - May 5, 2010

TribLocal C4 Walk

Chicago, IL - Riveredge Hospital and more than 20 of its staff members including CEO Carey Carlock recently joined the Community Counseling Centers of Chicago (C4) for its annual walk to help raise awareness of mental illness as well as funds to support mental health services and treatment programs.

C4 Miles: Making Strides for Mental Illness took place Sunday, May 2, 2010 at Montrose Harbor, Chicago. In addition to participating in the event, Riveredge Hospital provided support by making a donation to the organization.

To read more, visit Triblocal.com

Riveredge Hospital Hosts Community Agencies and Providers at 4th Annual Resource Fair

Triblocal.com - September 28, 2009

To read more, visit Triblocal.com

Walking for mental health awareness

Forest Park Review - September 15, 2009

To read more, visit ForestParkReview.com

Riveredge Hospital Walks to Advocate on Behalf of the Mentally Ill

Triblocal.com - September 14, 2009

To read more, visit TribLocal.com

Community Partners

Riveredge recognizes the importance of community involvement to promote healing and destigmatization of persons living with a mental illness. We value all of our partners including law enforcement, social service providers, community members, healthcare providers and SASS.

Forest Park Police Dept

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month in May, Riveredge hosted, “Reflections of Wellness.” It was a day devoted to overall wellness including self-care and stress management. In addition to resource booths, raffles, chair massages and networking opportunities, we hosted two presentations These were Dance Movement Therapy and The use of Medicine for Treating Mental Illness. The interactive lunch honored our local police department who are our valued partners. Pictured from left to right are Riveredge COO, Dr. Mike Gara, Riveredge CEO, Carey Carlock, Forest Park Police Chief Jim Ryan and Forest Park Deputy Police Chief, Tom Aftanas. While it was our local Police Department honored with a plaque, it was also commemorative of all our police partnerships including those from Berwyn, Chicago, Bellwood, Oak Park and Cicero.

Anti-Drug Poster Contest

Riveredge was the sponsor for the Cook County State’s Attorney annual Anti-Drug Poster Contest. The event showcased the artwork of several students from Chicago schools. Pictured with the winning artwork are Riveredge CEO, Carey Carlock and State’s Attorney, Anita Alvarez.

Roseland CeaseFire Open House

Roseland CeaseFire had an open house on May 23, 2009. We were pleased to be a part of this and offer our support towards their efforts to help stop violence on our streets. Pictured from left to right are Alderman Carrie Austin, Roseland CeaseFire Director Bob Jackson and Riveredge Director of Business Development Ginny Trainor.

luncheon honoring nurses

This year the Metropolitan Chicago Healthcare Council hosted a luncheon honoring nurses. In attendance from left to right are Dawn Price, Unit Manager for Adolescent Girls; Lisa Ledonne, Unit Manager for Pediatrics; Stan Turner, RN; Tonkya Lemons, Unit Manager of Adolescent Boys; Kim Morton, Chief Nursing Officer; Carey Carlock, CEO; Carolina Mosley, Nursing Supervisor; Edna Abella, RN for Adult Services; Rhoda Auld, Unit Manager for Adults.

Niagara Foundation Intercultural Reception

The Niagara Foundation, who is committed to promoting Global Fellowship, hosted an Intercultural Reception in Springfield this June. It was our honor to partner with this organization in their mission of tolerance and peace amongst communities. Pictured from left to right are Carey Carlock, State Representative Lisa Hernandez, Governor Quinn and Riveredge psychiatrist Dr. Noorani.

Thank you to all of our community partners for your support and efforts towards promoting health and wellness!