Calhoun County Commission Chairman declares March Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
Special Photo: Amanda Milner
By Lucille Lannigan
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MORGAN – Representatives from ASPIRE Behavioral Health and Developmental Services gave an update to the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners in March on the services the agency has provided in the last year.
The meeting ended with Chairman Conner Collins signing a proclamation declaring March 2024 as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. He urged the citizens of Calhoun County to take time to get to know people with disabilities and inspire others to do the same.
Caroline Chandler, ASPIRE’s chief clinical officer for intellectual/developmental disabilities, was one of the representatives at the March meeting. March is known as Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, so ASPIRE requested to meet with the board to discuss their services related to persons with disabilities.
ASPIRE’s Blakely location serves Calhoun County, and Chandler said they strive to do outreach that provides citizens in these counties with information on what’s available to them.
She said in 2023, ASPIRE provided 11,226 services specific to Calhoun County residents. The agency has outpatient clinics, has available therapists and provides psychiatric providers. ASPIRE’s Touchstone Dual Diagnosis Residential Program is in Arlington. This provides treatment for adults who experience problems with co-occurring mental health and addictive disease challenges.
Chandler said the facility is recovery-focused and person-centered. She said it also supports community development and employment opportunities throughout the county as well.
As far as disabilities, Chandler said ASPIRE’s mission is to build respect, dignity and compassion across the communities. The goal of the March meeting was to bring awareness on the focus on ability vs. disability.
“Everyone has a talent and can contribute to the communities they live in,” she said.
Chandler said it was wonderful to see Calhoun County’s leaders support this mission and acknowledge the many services available to their constituents.
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