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Now offering Inpatient and Outpatient Services
The Outpatient Unit opened in February 2010. The Inpatient Unit opened in June 2010.
Both units offer confidential treatment by professionals who understand that coping with change is hard.
Gerald Champion Regional Medical Center responds to Otero County's need for outpatient mental health
services for senior adults. The move comes just months after the U.S. Surgeon General identified mental health
as one of our nation’s leading public health issues. We know that mental illnesses are as real, common, and
treatable as most physical illnesses. Yet many of our senior citizens don’t have access to needed mental health
services and treatment.
One in five Americans may experience a mental illness and one in four families is impacted by such disorders.
However, few receive treatment because of stigma, misunderstanding,and lack of access to appropriate and
affordable healthcare.
“Mental health matters to our entire community and the impact of untreated mental illness can be significant,” says
Dr. Bob Cuyler, Clinical Director for The Heritage Program For Adults. “The National Mental Health
Association estimates that 18% to 25% of seniors are in need of mental healthcare for depression, anxiety,
psychosomatic disorders, adjustment to aging, and schizophrenia. Yet, few seem to receive proper care and
treatment for these mental illnesses.” “The National Institute of Mental Health estimated in 1990, at least two-thirds
of elderly nursing home residents have been diagnosed with a mental disorder such as major depression.” Dr. Cuyler
stated “Although people 65 and older represent 13% of the population, they account for 20% of all suicide deaths
according to the National Institute of Mental Health, 1999.” “Up to half of all visits to primary care physicians are
due to conditions caused or exacerbated by mental or emotional problems....Between 40% and 65% of patients
who suffer from coronary heart disease and have experienced a heart attack also experience depression.”
Since 1949, The National Mental Health Association has opened dialogue about the importance of mental health
and the needs of individuals with mental illnesses. The Gerald Champion Life Transitions adult program is a mental
health treatment program that provides individualized treatment to older adults who suffer from psychiatric, emotional,
or behavioral disorders. For further information, please call 575-446-5300. |