News

Contact: Sasha Kozelka

The Crossing Rivers Health Foundation and Crossing Rivers Health Behavioral Health team recently donated approximately 30 books to the Gays Mills Public Library. The books were selected by the Crossing Rivers Health Behavioral Health team and feature a variety of topics relevant to both children and adults, including emotions, parenting guidance, and more.

David Gibbs, Library Director, said, "This kind donation of books will broaden our collection and provide people with resources they need to understand behavioral health for themselves and their children. We're excited to partner with Crossing Rivers Health to bring this vital information to our community - for free with a library card." Gibbs added, "My favorite donated title is The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel Van der Kolk, M.D., which has valuable information for everyone, not just trauma survivors."

The library in Gays Mills is one of four libraries within the Crossing Rivers Health service area to receive a donation of these resources. The funds for the books were raised at the Crossing Rivers Health Foundation’s Golf Classic, held in September of 2022. More than $17,000 was raised for the Behavioral Health program. Funds from the event were also used to establish a scholarship for area high school students entering a social work, behavioral health or similar career field.

Crossing Rivers Health joins a number of area organizations working to address the mental and behavioral health needs within our communities and to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness and mental health. Lacie Anthony, Licensed Professional Counselor at the Crossing Rivers Health Center for Behavioral Health, shared, “Research shows that the more we provide information and talk about mental health, the more people are willing to access help when they need it.” Anthony added, “This donation of books is one way we can empower our community members with helpful information, in the comfort and privacy of their local library.”

For more information about Gays Mills Public Library, visit gaysmillslibrary.org. To learn more about the Crossing Rivers Health Foundation or the Center for Behavioral Health, visit crossingrivers.org.

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Photo caption:

Members of the Crossing Rivers Health staff and Foundation Board presented the Gays Mills Library Board and staff with a variety of books, for all ages, related to mental and behavioral health.

Pictured (L-R): Rebecca Eby, Library Board Member; Emily Bialkowski, Library Board Secretary; Lee Ruegg, Library and Village Board Member; Marla Heisz, Library Board Treasurer; David Gibbs, Library Director; Lois Schwert, Library Board President; Lacie Anthony, Licensed Professional Counselor; Mike Tume, Foundation Board Member; Jim Smith, Crossing Rivers Health Foundation Board President; and Sasha Dull, Foundation Director/Chief Development Officer.