Carbondale Reporter

The Illinois Department of Human Services has awarded a $23,757 grant to Centerstone’s crisis program.

According to a release, the program aims to provide crisis assessments to those who need help during the pandemic. At this time, almost all services and appointments conducted by Centerstone staff are done via telephone or telehealth to reduce the risk of COVID-19 exposure. Several electronics are needed to meet the increasing demand for the services, but the technology is costly.

With the grant, Centerstone can purchase additional cell phones, tablets, mobile hotspot devices and broadband internet access. 

Telehealth carts were also constructed and installed in West Frankfort and Marion for crisis services staff members who must drive across multiple counties in Illinois to reach those in need of crisis services at places such as hospitals and police departments, according to the release. Additional sites will be added soon.

“Our top priority is the health of our staff and clients and these telehealth carts allow us to deliver care that changes people’s lives while lowering the risk for the clients and staff transmitting or coming in contact with the COVID-19 virus,” Jean Alstat, Centerstone clinical director, said. “These carts will be particularly essential during the COVID-19 pandemic, but also will remain vital options for future services where travel to those in crisis can take up to 90 minutes in some cases. The carts will allow us to provide crucial, crisis services quicker, and that is wonderful news.”

Centerstone is a nonprofit health care organization dedicated to delivering care that changes people’s lives. It provides mental health and substance abuse treatment, education and support to communities in five states. It additionally offers individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities life skills development, employment and housing services.