FROM STAFF REPORTS

The Board of Directors of Chilton Shelby Mental Health Center announced today the hiring of Richard Fallin as Executive Director to drive and ensure their commitment to provide the highest quality healthcare services to individuals whose lives are impacted by mental illness, intellectual disabilities and substance abuse throughout both counties.

The goal is to redefine, expand and deliver timely behavioral health services to adolescents, adults and seniors.

Board President Alex Dudchock emphasized the importance of having accessible behavioral health services for  ll ages within diverse settings and locations throughout both counties. Dudchock also said over the next 12 months the board and management team will be engaging both current stakeholders along with new community partners in strategic planning and implementation processes.

Fallin, originally of Cullman, has worked in the mental health field for more than a decade, providing mental health services for children, teenagers, adults and the elderly. His experience includes program development, implementation, and oversight. Fallin began his career as a Children’s Therapist with Mental Healthcare of Cullman and most recently served as Geriatric Services Director for Wellstone, North Alabama’s largest behavioral healthcare provider. In addition to individual therapeutic services, Fallin brings with him wide ranging leadership experience as a Clinical Director and Manager at the Cullman facility.

Fallin is a licensed professional counselor with a master’s degree in divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and a master’s degree in business administration from Troy University. He is also a certified public accountant.

“Our mental health influences each thought and action, and plays a role in many of society’s most challenging issues,” said Fallin. “Alabama’s mental health centers do good, important work that is vital to every individual, family, and community we serve. I have devoted my career to this work. I am honored and excited to join the staff and citizens of Chilton and Shelby counties who are also committed to this work. I look forward to developing partnerships that will strengthen the health of our citizens and our communities.”

Fallin will begin work with the organization on July 31.

The Mental Health Board of Chilton and Shelby Counties is committed to providing quality behavioral healthcare services to residents of Chilton and Shelby counties whose lives are impacted by mental illness, intellectual disabilities, substance use, substance abuse and/or emotional disturbance. The mission is to promote individual health and strengthen families. Program success of individuals with mental illness, intellectual disabilities, and substance abuse will be evidenced by improvements in social functioning, independent living functions and absence of or reduction in intensity, frequency of symptoms and/or family crisis.