Every Life Improved

Earlier in my career, I was a hospital CEO with the Triumph Healthcare company based in Houston TX.  Triumph founder and president Brock Hardaway built his company on a simple concept that became the motto for all of his hospitals:  “Every Life Improved.”  Three simple words that carry a very powerful message:  Each and every one of us has the privilege and opportunity every day to have a life changing impact on our patients.  Every encounter, every patient, every day.  And you may never know where that life changing impact will lead.

This was driven home to me recently when I was invited to talk about our new Crisis Stabilization Unit at a symposium in Americus Georgia sponsored by the Carter Center for Mental Health.  I was seated at a table near the stage with seven other folks who were also going to give talks about their innovative programs that serve the mentally ill.  I introduced myself to the fellow sitting next to me who told me he was Stuart Perry, the founder of the Perry Center in Americus.  

When I told him I was with The Bradley Center, his eyes lit up, he broke into a broad grin, shook my hand with enthusiasm and said:  “The Bradley Center saved my life.”  He went on to tell me that at the age of 21, he was witness to the suicide of his father, who suffered from depression.  For years after, he struggled with feelings of loss and his own depression, but was not diagnosed until a psychotic break in 1989 led him to The Bradley Center and a diagnosis of major depression.  After hospitalization, medication, and group therapy, Stuart began his road to mental health.  This past year, he celebrated 20 full years of recovery.

In 1999, he founded The Perry Center as a peer-to-peer support program for those suffering from chronic mental illness.  The program operates on a several acre farm and clubhouse and also runs a restaurant and farmer’s market.  It has gained national recognition for its innovative programs. In 2007, Stuart conducted his “Journey for Life,” a walk from Americus to Chicago to raise awareness about mental illness and addictive disease.  The story of that walk is told in his book, Journey for Life.   In 2009, The Perry Center was named Peer Program of the Year.

 Former First Lady Roselyn Carter visits The Perry Center.  Stuart Perry (left)

Host and sponsor former first lady Roselyn Carter called Stuart to the stage to give his talk about the successes of The Perry Center.  Stuart walked up the steps and faced the audience.  Then he turned towards our table and said to the audience:  “I want to recognize my new friend from The Bradley Center.  The Bradley Center saved my life in 1989 and if it weren’t for them, none of what I’m getting ready to tell you about would have ever happened.”

Every Life Improved.