Melissa Ellin

1 month ago | wglt.org | Melissa Ellin

The Community Health Care Clinic in Normal is now accepting applicants who make up to 250% of the Federal Poverty Level, or FPL. Previously, applicants had to make up 185% of the FPL.

Oct 30, 2024 | npr.org | Melissa Ellin

988 crisis hotline counselors are sometimes targeted by sexually abusive callersThis story contains descriptions of sexual activity. In 2023, Lily Lantz started a full-time job as a crisis counselor at PATH Crisis Center in Bloomington, Illinois. It’s part of the national network known as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It was her first job out of college, and it was common to have back-to-back calls with people who didn’t see the point in living anymore, she said.

Oct 29, 2024 | wbhm.org | Melissa Ellin

Transcript:SCOTT DETROW, HOST: In 2022, the federal government rolled out a national hotline, 988, to help people who are suicidal or experiencing a psychiatric emergency. But counselors who work at these crisis centers are sometimes targeted by deceitful callers. Melissa Ellin of member station WGLT reports from Illinois. And a warning that this story includes details of sexually harassing behavior.

Oct 28, 2024 | wglt.org | Melissa Ellin

Central Catholic High School in Bloomington is getting its first counselor dedicated solely to mental health. The role is funded through a $1 million endowment from community members Jan Egbers and Jim Bob Morris.

Oct 11, 2024 | ourcommunitynow.com | Melissa Ellin

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois and NASCAR Foundation are supporting Central Illinois mental health efforts through a surprise $30,000 grant to the McLean County for Center Services [MCCHS]. The three organizations held a news conference Thursday — World Mental Health Day 2024 — at the Bloomington-based health and social service provider's building at 520 N. Center St. to share the good news. MCCHS CEO Joan Hartman told WGLT she had no idea the agency was even being considered for the grant.