I was glad to see Aurora add some psych services staff to our local clinic, and as I am manic-depressive (aka bipolar), was probably one of the first patients to take advantage of our new addition. As I sort of hit it off with Alicia, after seeing the psychologist, I continued to visit Alicia from time to time, when I had mental health concerns. In late March, and early April, I accelerated drinking and taking excesses of opioid pain pills, as well as sleeping pills. By April 19th, I was convinced that if I continued drinking/drugging at my then current rate, I would literally die by the end of the month, and I called Alicia to ask for help. Within eleven or twelve minutes, she called me back with all the bases covered. She had arranged for me to go to the emergency department of West Allis Memorial Hospital, and then to the Partial Hospital Program (PHP) at Dewey Center. She especially arranged to have me go to a non-resident program, as she recalled that I have a dog, for which I am the sole care provider - which touched me greatly…
The fact that I am now improving daily and in the Dewey IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program) is testimony to the immediate help offered me by Alicia. If two hours had elapsed for me to waffle, I likely would have been back at the liquor store! She has my endless thanks for her concern and competence.