Alta’s FIRST Team Named Program of the Year

Alta’s FIRST Team was recognized as “Program of the Year” by the Mahoning County Mental Health and Recovery Board during its annual “May Is Mental Health Month” Luncheon.

FIRST is a specialized treatment program that helps individuals who are between the ages of 15 and 40 and who have had psychotic symptoms for no more than 18 months. Research suggests that early identification and intervention of schizophrenia spectrum disorders is very important, and the earlier and more comprehensive the treatment, the better the likelihood of a faster, more complete recovery.

The FIRST Mahoning County team members work together to provide treatment, information and support to clients and their families and significant others. Components of the program may include:

• individual counseling
• psychiatric care
• supported employment/education
• family education and support
• case management

***

Pictured below L–R are Alta’s Vince Paolucci; Melicia White (with Compass); and Alta’s Shonda Layton, Gary Folkwein and Whitney Yaeger. (Not pictured: Dr. William Fikter)