Thanks to a generous donation from John Trautwein and his foundation, the Northside Hospital Behavioral Health staff are being treated to 4 "self-care" events throughout 2023 and 2024.

In September, the staff enjoyed "Paint and Pilates" at the scenic dock in Piedmont Park. Before their guided Pilates session, John Trautwein presented a check to Northside Hospital Behavioral Health for $10,000. His foundation, Will To Live, is a non profit public charity that strives to raise the awareness of teen suicide and mental illness in our community. The foundation was founded in 2010 shortly after the suicide of his son, Will Trautwein, who was just 15 years old and a freshman in high school.

John Trautwein presenting Northside Hospital Behavioral Health Services with a $10,000 donation.

"Over the years, I've had the pleasure and the honor to speak to Northside Hospital and the healers here.", Trautwein says. "I'm really moved by their dedication to work with teens and families who are suffering from mental illness. It's such a difficult role that they play, but such an important one. We made the donation to help the Behavioral Health staff create their own awareness through activities that help their employees understand that life is hard and that their role is difficult."

After the Pilates session, the staff had a chance to express their creativity by sitting by the water and painting with the help of an art instructor.

"We sincerely thank John and his foundation for supporting our service line and helping to put an emphasis on self care and being able to help us truly pour back into ourselves.", says Nikeisha Whatley-León, Director of Behavioral Health Services.

Northside staff and the artwork they created at "Paint and Pilates" on September 28, 2023.

The staff of Behavioral Health Services also were treated to a night out at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens (pictured below). The "Self-Care Series" continues into 2024 when the staff will be welcomed at Woodruff Art Center - High Museum of Art for "An Evening of Healing Sounds" and the Chattahoochee Nature Center to "Become One with Nature."

"There is a huge self stigma, that we have as healers, that it's always about others and that we have to put on a mask and put on a strong exterior.", said Dr. Toral Fadia, Medical Director of Behavioral Health Services.

Vicki Favors, Clinical Supervisor, a 39-year Northside Hospital staff member says, "Today is so special because our staff has worked so hard, particularly during Covid and post-Covid, that we needed a break. This day has been such a treat and a gift of love, and I can feel the rejuvenation among our staff members."