May 2023
Burrell Behavioral Health is committed to serving the behavioral health and well-being of all. We do this through evidence-based, best-practice care and by supporting and valuing each team member who serves this great mission. Since the advent of Community Mental Health Centers in the 1960s, we have been charged to offer hope and healing to all people.
This moment calls for us to publicly emphasize our mission of serving the behavioral health needs of all, and remind our communities that our very DNA includes a commitment to serving the underseen, underheard and underserved. As a community mental health provider, we are always monitoring legislation and legal orders that have the potential to impact the clients we are proud to serve, as well as our own providers and staff. We will continue to comply with the laws of our state and honor our commitment to being a Community Mental Health Center – as a safe, trusted provider and employer for all in our communities.
Resources:
- Burrell staff questions and needs: diversity.inclusion@burrellcenter.com
- Community resources:
- 988: Connecting adults to life-saving care
- The Trevor Project: Connecting youth to life saving care
- PROMO: Guiding folx to community connections and resources across the state
MEET THE TEAM
Keke Rover, Deanna Williams and Will Crites work as a team to ensure equitable and best practices for the organization, employees, and the communities we serve.
They rely on the guidance and implementation of leading evidence-based DEI strategic priorities. As a team, they are truly diverse and inclusive. They hold degrees ranging from specializations in human services, sociology, psychology, clinical psychology and education, diversity and equity. They are Black, white, gay, straight, Christian, multi-lingual, parents, and most of all, advocates for social change.
The DEI Team is focused on inclusion and changing the world for the better, striving for both through the application of neuroscience, investment in relationships, commitment to trauma-informed cultures, and delivery of education and resources.
Our Efforts
For Our Teams
Since first investing in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in 2018, Burrell Behavioral Health has expanded its DEI department and dedication throughout its system. To focus on making all team members feel seen and respected, while also providing learning opportunities, Burrell offers the following for staff:
- Leadership Trainings
- Table Talk and Inclusion Hour segments during regular wellness meetings
- Brave & Safe Space discussions about current events
- Individualized Support
- LGBTQIA+ Resource Cards
For Our Clients
Burrell strives to be a safe space for all individuals to seek and receive care. To ensure all clients feel secure while receiving support, the DEI team has offered:
- Inclusion B logos at all of our locations
- Pronoun stickers at front desks
- Table Talk and Inclusion Hour segments that are open to the public
- Resources and education
In the News
Burrell aims to be a thought leader, not only in the field of mental healthcare, but also on DEI topics. That's because overall wellness requires inclusion. See the links below for recent news stories featuring Burrell's DEI leaders.
- June 2022: Dr. Shelly Farnan explains why LGBTQIA+ adults may have more mental health concerns
- June 2022: Burrell mentioned as sponsor for Springfield Juneteenth event
- June 2022: Burrell's DEI efforts featured in Missouri Behavioral Health Council CEDI newsletter
- June 2022: Burrell sponsors content about importance of LGBTQIA+ inclusion
- June 2022: Marlee Bunch writes about women's health and Juneteenth
- June 2022: Dr. Shelly Farnan shares meaningful insight regarding LGBTQIA+ youth
- May 2022: Burrell acknowledges and amplifies Asian American/Pacific Islander voices
- May 2022: Keke Rover contributes opinion piece about diversity in the workplace
- April 2022: System Director, DEI Keke Rover featured in a story on this weekend's GLO Center event in Springfield
- February 2022: Burrell explains the added stressors and disparities for Black Americans and their mental health
- February 2022: Keke Rover, System Director of DEI, highlighted on blog about culture and diversity efforts