Alabama company uses Zumbathon to promote Stepping Up initiative

Abstract

Observing May is Mental Health Month, Alabama‐based behavioral health care provider AltaPointe Health is raising awareness about the Stepping Up initiative by promoting good physical health for people with mental illness. The health and human services organization and psychiatric hospital system held a Zumbathon May 18, according to a company news release. Stepping Up is a national initiative to reduce the number of people with mental illnesses in jails. The program was launched in May 2015 by the National Association of Counties, the Council of State Governments Justice Center and the American Psychiatric Foundation. Case managers identify individuals who are not a threat to the community but have frequent contact with law enforcement and local emergency departments. More than 425 counties across 43 states have signed on to join the Stepping Up initiative. AltaPointe Health partnered with the Alabama Department of Mental Health for guidance and technical support regarding the Stepping Up initiative.