Everyone
has a
story to
tell...

...we help
change the
endings.

Meridian touches the lives of thousands of people in North Central Florida; bringing a choice in health and wellness to children, adults, families and friends who need our care.

Scroll over these images to learn more about our Meridian stories or click here to learn how you can help make changes in people's lives as well.

Check back for new stories each month.

Faces and names have been changed to respect everyone's privacy.

• Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, Inc.|Click here to learn more about Meridian.
• Jane
  Jane thought that she might never hold her baby again. Through treatment solutions at Meridian, her life began to change.
  
  Jane’s Story: Things were really bad for me. I got pregnant while using crack and already had a baby at home. Now, I knew I had to get some type of help – I surrendered. That’s how it felt. I just didn’t know what else to do and I did NOT want to use drugs while I was pregnant. So I called Meridian and got in to the MIST (Mother’s Intensive Supportive Treatment) Program to get clean.
  
  The MIST Program and its staff have given me the chance to be a better me; for me and my family. It allows you to stay with your child while you are getting help. This is the place to be for people like me that are users but want to be healthy while pregnant and have a healthy baby. And, after I gave birth, I remained in the program for almost a year. I wanted to be the best I could be for my new one and my daughter at home. You just have to make up your mind that this is what you want.
  
  Jane’s therapist said that she had taken a big step to choose to break her addiction. She did not want to use while she was pregnant and came to our MIST program to become abstinent. The staff of the MIST program worked with Jane daily and gave her the tools necessary to be not only drug free, but also, to be a better mother. The MIST program allows the child to stay with the mother after birth. Jane is drug free and we are happy to say she gave birth to a healthy baby and continues to receive services with us.
  
  Hundreds of women just like Jane have gotten the help they need at Meridian and lead happy, healthy lives.
• Doug
  Doug was scared and closed himself off from the world. Through treatment services at Meridian his life began to change.
  
  Doug's Story: Before I came to Meridian, I was a very confused person with severe symptoms. I had delusions and was very paranoid. I thought people could read my mind and I thought people were going to hurt me. I had pushed my family and friends out of my life. I really couldn’t be around anyone.
  
  I have been attending Rehab Services for years now and have learned a great deal about my mental illness and my medications. I am on the right dosages of medications and am mentally stable. I can think clearly and rationally. I can interact better socially. I am more assertive and a much more productive human being.
  
  I hope other people with mental illnesses that are untreated get the help they need both with their medications and education about their illness. Since I have been attending Rehab Services I have even begun taking college classes and have a volunteer job.
  
  Doug’s counselor said that by properly identifying and treating his schizophrenia, Doug has been able to begin living life anew. He is working to mend relationships and has the knowledge, skills and support to thrive.
  
  Hundreds of people just like Doug have gotten the help they need at Meridian and lead happy, healthy lives.
• Emily
  Emily started having problems at school. She was having problems at home. Her parents didn’t know what to do. Through treatment services at Meridian their lives began to change.
  
  Come back next month to learn Emily's story.
• Cathy
  Cathy was being robbed of her life. Drugs and alcohol controlled her life. Through treatment services at Meridian her life began to change.
  
  Come back next month to learn Cathy's story..