‘Outpouring of support’: Brown Deer open house celebrates Lifewell program for adults 55+ in renovated space
It’s never too late for a fresh start.
Less than a year after flooding damaged Rogers’ Brown Deer clinic, community members gathered to celebrate a new chapter for the space and the patients it serves: the launch of Lifewell, a specialized behavioral health program for those 55 years of age and up.
An open house on June 30 welcomed community members including elected officials, law enforcement representatives, first responders, and health care professionals.
Lifewell PHP/IOP launched at the clinic July 1 after the Lifewell inpatient program began at the Brown Deer hospital in June. Designed for adults 55 and up, programming focuses on topics including grief and loss, healthy living, finding meaning and purpose, navigating technology, and strengthening social connections while helping patients build practical skills to support long-term wellness.
“The Lifewell open house was an incredible day,” says Amy Kuechler, PsyD, Brown Deer clinical director. “We had so many community members come out and learn about our new program and see the remodeled clinic following our devastating flood last August. We had community members from all lines of work who are all passionate about mental health and care about the well-being of our community.”
Attendees toured the clinic, connected with team members, learned about Rogers’ continuum of care, and heard remarks highlighting the importance of expanding specialized behavioral health services for older adults.
“The outpouring of support from our community far and wide for the launch of our Lifewell program was amazing,” said Jennifer Ellis, Community Relations liaison. “The clinic was filled with passionate community members who care about the mental health and well-being of all.”
One of the speakers was State Rep. Deb Andraca, who shared her family’s personal experience with mental health treatment. Her daughter, who was treated at Rogers, is now going into the mental health field herself – a speech, attendees say, was particularly moving.
“That personal connection to helping others resonates with so many of us,” says Jessica Fischer, Psy.D., Brown Deer campus director of Clinical Services. “The importance of the open house was clear in the dedication of staff who planned the event, prepared the meal with such care, and shared information about the various Rogers programs. I enjoyed being able to share the perspectives of patients who have come through the Lifewell inpatient program and how important the program has been to their journey of wellness.”
Dr. Kuechler said one message stood out throughout the event.
“The one thing we continually heard is how needed a program like Lifewell is for our community,” she says. “We are grateful for the turnout and hope this program will fill a need to better serve those around us.”
