Mental health services topic of Chamber spring luncheon

Bootheel Behavioral Health Executive Director David Terrell speaks Thursday at the Dexter Chamber of Commerce spring luncheon at the Bearcat Event Center.

DEXTER STATESMAN/Sherman Smith

The Dexter Chamber of Commerce held a spring luncheon Thursday at the Bearcat Event Center.

Before lunch was served, Chamber of Commerce office manager Karlee Wright welcomed the attendees and asked board members to stand and be recognized while saying, “We are really fortunate to have a chamber board that supports the chamber staff, our community and its members.”

May is mental health awareness month and quest speakers from Bootheel Behavioral Health were on the docket. BBH provides outpatient behavioral health services for children, adolescents, adults and senior adults in Mississippi, New Madrid, Scott and Stoddard Counties.

Access to crisis services is provided 24 hours a day, seven days a week for those needing mental health emergency and temporary support. Individuals in need of help can call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org

“Our crisis team received 10 calls last night,” said Executive Director David Terrell.

Angela Lutmer of BBH added, “We work with area school districts to provide on-site therapy through the Elev8 program.”

Lutmer said, “Missing more days of work, low productivity, lack of communication and distancing are signs of stress, anxiety, depression and substance abuse in the workplace.”

Also speaking during the luncheon was Mark Whitehead of Sparklight. Sparklight is now offering a faster internet service for Dexter residents, he said.

Lunch was catered by Bell City’s LiviJane’s.

The Dexter Chamber of Commerce is made up of nine board members, Executive Director Alisha Trammell, who is also the economic development coordinator, and Wright.