About THE North Alabama Mental Health Coalition
Our Mission
We believe that every individual deserves access to quality mental health care and the support they need to live a healthy, fulfilling life. Through collaboration, advocacy, and action, we are dedicated to closing the gaps in mental health services, breaking down barriers, and fostering a community where no one faces their struggles alone.
Making an impact
Mental Health Support in Madison County Jail
NAMHC successfully advocated for county- and city-funded mental health caseworkers at the Madison County Jail. Additionally, with a grant from the Lowe Foundation, NAMHC and St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) helped establish a 10-bed Jail Diversion Unit at Wellstone, providing treatment as an alternative to incarceration.
Bringing Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) to North Alabama and Statewide Expansion
NAMHC spearheaded the effort to establish Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) in Madison County, Huntsville, and North Alabama, laying the foundation for what would become the statewide CIT model.
- NAMHC coordinated the original CIT training efforts in Madison County and Huntsville, working with law enforcement, mental health providers, and policymakers to demonstrate the effectiveness of the program.
- As a result of NAMHC’s leadership, CIT became a proven model, setting the standard for crisis response and paving the way for statewide expansion.
- CIT has now expanded across Alabama, with new training programs in Florence, Decatur, Tuscaloosa, Cherokee County, and Mobile.
- NAMI Alabama now manages CIT funding statewide, ensuring sustainable growth—a transition that was made possible due to the success of the North Alabama CIT initiative, which NAMHC helped build from the ground up.
- The Huntsville CIT program remains a national model, earning recognition for its effectiveness in reducing arrests and improving mental health crisis response.
Adult Crisis Center in Huntsville
In 2019, NAMHC organized a petition signed by probate judges, police chiefs, and sheriffs, urging state legislators to establish a mental health diversion and crisis center.
- In October 2020, Gov. Kay Ivey announced that Huntsville would receive one of three new Adult Crisis Centers in Alabama.
- Operated by Wellstone, the center includes 39 beds and a 24/7 telehealth triage unit for law enforcement and hospitals.
- The center is now operational and serves 175+ cases per month, a significant increase from just 40 cases two years ago.
Expansion of Pediatric Mental Health Services
North Alabama lacked any inpatient beds for children with serious mental illness (SMI) and trauma. NAMHC formed a pediatric beds subcommittee, leading to major expansion:
- 2022 – Huntsville Hospital Decatur West added 16 new pediatric beds.
- August 2023 – The unit expanded further to 48 staffed beds.
- February 2024 – The first Pediatric Emergency Facility in Alabama opened at Wellstone.
- Provides short-term stabilization (7-10 days) for adolescents needing urgent psychiatric care.
- Connects patients to long-term treatment and case management.
- September 2024 – The 22-bed Pediatric Crisis Unit at Wellstone opened its doors, providing critical inpatient care for children experiencing mental health crises.
Direct Assistance for Individuals with SMI
NAMHC and SVdP provide financial support on a case-by-case basis to help individuals access essential care, including:
- Intake, therapy, psychiatric care, and medication costs for those without insurance.
- Rent and utility assistance for individuals at risk of losing stable housing.
Continuing the Work
NAMHC remains committed to identifying system gaps and working toward solutions. Through collaboration, advocacy, and action, we continue to push for improvements in mental health care across North Alabama.