April 25, 2023

The Bridge Center for Hope hosts the 3rd Annual Bridging the Gap Community Event

Baton Rouge, La (April 25, 2023) — ​​THE BRIDGE CENTER FOR HOPE, in partnership with RI International, will once again host its annual Bridging the Gap Community Event to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and addiction to the citizens and community of East Baton Rouge Parish.

The event will provide citizens and community partners with an opportunity to learn about The Bridge Center for Hope and highlight the agencies and organizations that are providing critical services addressing the whole person in our community, as well as help to break down silos around mental health and other community services.

“Since opening our doors in 2021, we have served over 6,000 people,” stated Executive Director Charlotte Claiborne. “We rely heavily on our community partners post-discharge for providing the continuum of care.”

The event features 31 mental health and community service partners, including Louisiana Department of Health – Office of Behavioral Health, Capital Area Human Services, Office of the Public Defenders, Mid City Redevelopment Alliance, the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs, and many others. The event will allow people to mingle, visit the vendor participants’ tables, and have one-on-one interactions to learn more about the numerous programs and services available to residents of East Baton Rouge Parish.

“This is our 3rd year hosting this event. We host it during May’s Mental Health Awareness month to highlight critical issues, help break down the stigma surrounding mental health and substance use, and encourage those in need to seek help,” said Claiborne. “As a community, we face many challenges when it comes to mental health, but we don’t have to face those challenges alone.”

What: 3rd Annual Bridging the Gap Community Event

Who: The Bridge Center for Hope, in partnership with RI International

Where: Main Library, Goodwood

When: Tuesday, May 16, from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM and from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM

List of Participants:Start Corporation
The BRidge Agency INC
Beacon Behavioral
NAMI Louisiana
Capital Area Human Services District
Crossroads Recovery Center of Louisiana
NAMI Baton Rouge
HOPE Ministries
Cognitive Development Center
O’Brien House
Pre-Trial Diversion & Recovery Progr
am
Voice of the Experienced (VOTE)
Avenues Recovery Centers
CareSouth Medical and Dental
Louisiana Department of Health/ Office of Behavioral Health
Humana Healthy Horizons
Beacon Behavioral
Pure Mind Counseling & Wellness
Louisiana Health and Rehab Center
Set Free Indeed
Louisiana Mental Health Association
St. Vincent de Paul Community Pharmacy
St. Vincent de Paul Shelter Program
All Out Community Care Services, LLC.
Balm Of Gilead Christian Counseling Center, LLC
Mid-City Redevelopment Alliance
LASACT
Humana
Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs
AmeriHealth Caritas Louisiana
Open Healthcare
Upward Health
Office of the Public Defender

For more information on the event, please visit https://brbridge.org/bridging-the-gap-community-event/ and for more information on the Bridge Center for Hope’s services, please visit https://brbridge.org.

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About The Bridge Center for Hope
The Bridge Center for Hope, an independent nonprofit, was formed to help East Baton Rouge Parish residents experiencing a mental health crisis and/or substance use challenge and ensure they receive quality care and attention. The Bridge Center for Hope’s mission is to provide pathways to treatment for people experiencing behavioral health issues and to link providers to create an integrated continuum of care from prevention to rehabilitation. For more information, visit brbridge.org.

About RI International
RI, founders of the Living Room model in 2002, deliver no-wrong-door crisis facility-based services across the country with rapid growth targeted. RI’s Campus of Connection model includes a strong peer workforce and surrounds the individual with support on their journey towards recovery. To learn more, visit riinternational.com.

Agency contact:
Ginny Engholm
225-329-6408
ginny@forgoodcontent.com

The Bridge Center for Hope contact
Charlotte Claiborne
225-308-1032
info@brbridge.org