St. Mary's Health System - St. Mary's Kempf Bipolar Wellness Center

What is it?

Thanks to a generous donation from the Edwina Kempf family, St. Mary’s Kempf Bipolar Wellness Center was created in 2006. Since that time, St. Mary’s, in conjunction with Mental Health America (MHA), has provided opportunities for education, networking and services for people living with bipolar disorder. The Wellness Center and MHA facilitate a free, twice-monthly Bipolar Support Group meeting. A clinician from the St. Mary’s Inpatient Adult Mental Health Unit attends each meeting to answer questions from the group. The Wellness Center also offers a small library of books, pamphlets and magazines.

Who is it for?

Adults living with bipolar disorder, and friends and family members affected by bipolar disorder.

Why do they do it?

Early intervention and professional medical treatment offer the best chances for children and adults with bipolar disorder to achieve stability and gain the best possible wellness.

Impact

Through support groups, conferences and medication services, the Wellness Center has had more than 5,000 contacts with those coping with bipolar disorder. In addition, $150,000 has been given to the local chapter of MHA to pay for medications for the region’s mental health patients.

Contact: Kammie Barton
Nurse Manager, St. Mary’s Behavioral Health
Telephone: 812-485-5025
Email: kamala.barton@stmarys.org