‘I am hopeful about the future of mental health’ | News, Sports, Jobs

Patti Triebel-Leeds retired during the summer, but her passion for mental health service will never leave her.

Long before she reached this summer’s retirement, Patti Triebel-Leeds knew the need for mental health care personally.

She saw it in someone she loved: Uncle Pete.

“My Uncle Pete had a brain injury as a little boy. Everything was hard for him. From school, to family, to friends,” the now-retired social worker said.

“I really loved him; he was a sweet man. But in order to survive, he needed to self-medicate. He turned to using alcohol, which really was used to just drown out the noises and distractions he felt in his brain. He lived in the old county home for several years, in and out of psychiatric units, in jail because of his excessive alcohol use. It always seemed to me as a little girl and as I was growing up, that no matter what, Uncle Pete ended up in the same place over and over again.

“I really wanted to rescue him, but at that time it seemed so far out of my reach.”

In a way, this family story became her North Star. Through decades of social work, Uncle Pete’s story informed her as she navigated leading mental health services that would help — and endeavor to help — others.

“I became the Hamilton County Social Services executive director in 2005. During my time with the county, I had oversight over county case management, Friends Forever Social Education Center, general assistance, juvenile justice budget and the substance abuse budget,” she said.

“I have been in the social work field for over 30 years.”

She left all that when she retired from her work this summer. But the passion that motivated her, the memories of the pain she witnessed and, thankfully, the joy she experienced when she spoke with people she was able to help? She took that with her.

Her’s is a story of finding life’s cause early, then following its lead.

“When I first started at the county I was given the task to get our Friends Forever program accredited so we could bill Medicaid for individuals’ services. I worked alongside Kenric Weinschenk and his staff and we were able to get it done. That was a big accomplishment for us.

“In becoming a Medicaid provider, we were then able to provide additional services allowed by Medicaid. This benefited individuals in our county as there were other services they could utilize. We started a payee program and a guardianship program at the county level, as these are much-needed services,” she said.

Hamilton County’s Friends Forever program provides services to adults diagnosed with mental illness, intellectual disability or developmental disability. Its facility opened in the fall of 1997. In its beginning, it was called the Compeer Clubhouse. According to its promotional material online, the service brings an atmosphere of normalcy to the lives of its clients. From day habilitation to supported community living, its system is tailored to very specialized life needs.

“In providing the services, it really allows individuals to live and recreate in their own communities. Sometimes they just need someone to help manage things for them,” Triebel-Leeds said.

“I think another notable accomplishment was how well our case management unit provided top-of-the-line services for individuals. Case management is an intensive service that also helps individuals with brain health issues to access services and supports so individuals can live the lives they choose.”

She added, “Hamilton County is in good hands going forward. Although many of the responsibilities that I had are gone or have transitioned, there are still responsibilities that need to be taken care of. Catie Peterson was a great choice for my replacement. She will continue to lead the general assistance department along with the Veterans Affairs department and provide office coverage for the region. Such important work.

“I feel confident in my retirement that individuals in the county will still receive great services. The region still provides a presence in Hamilton County for people to access mental health services. Carrie Hisler is the contact person. She is a great resource. Friends Forever will continue to provide great services for individuals.”

Though she has formally retired, her drive to help people has not diminished. For instance, she wants people to recognize that September marks National Suicide Prevention Month — a month designated to remember the lives lost to suicide, the millions of people who have struggled with suicidal ideation, and acknowledge the individuals, families, and communities that have been impacted, according to SAMHSA, the national Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

“It is also a time to raise awareness about suicide prevention and share messages of hope,” SAMHSA suggests.

Triebel-Leeds wants people to focus on that hope.

“I remember how heartbroken I would feel when I would hear that he was institutionalized again and I just kept thinking there’s gotta be a better way. Uncle Pete died at the age of 42 from heart attack. His brain finally was at peace. I knew then that I wanted to try to make the whole system better for individuals who suffered with brain health issues.

“So for the past 30-plus years of social work, I only hope I have improved the system. People with brain health issues can thrive and live and enjoy life they just need a little extra help along the way.”

“I am hopeful about the future in mental health. There’s a time and a place for institutional care but if we can help somebody live in their community we should. I would like to think that I honored my uncle Pete’s life by spending my career trying to make it a better place. Some of the best people I know and have met in my career are those that struggle with mental health issues. I love to see them thrive.”

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