Program Advisory: May is National Mental Health Month. Coming up this weekend on DLC Media’s Focus on the Community, Program Host, Dave Crooks interviews Melvin Burks, CEO of Hamilton Center and Meghan Creech, Chief of Utility Service at Hamilton Center. They will discuss how to understand the signs of those experiencing mental health challenges.
Tune-in Saturday at 6am on 104.9 WAXI, Saturday at 7am on WAMB 99.5, 106.9 or 1130. Sunday at 7am on 105.5 WVIG or Sunday at 7am on 92.7 WFNB.
Biography: Melvin L Burks President/CEO. Melvin L Burks became Hamilton Center, Inc.’s Chief Executive Officer on January 18, 2012. As President/CEO, Burks is accountable to the Board of Directors for corporate leadership, and fiduciary and strategic alignment. He supervises the executive team which manages clinical and medical programs, operations, finance, marketing, human resources, information systems, and quality; as well as, accreditation and regulatory compliance. Burks is responsible for achieving the corporation’s mission and vision to provide quality behavioral health care. Burks built his professional career at Hamilton Center, Inc. (HCI) which has spanned over 42 years. Hired in June, 1979, Burks advanced to Security Supervisor in 1980, Facility Services Supervisor in 1983, Coordinator of Buildings, Grounds, Materials in 1986, and Coordinator of General Services in 1987. Burks advanced to Director of Staff Development & Training in 1989, Director of Safety & Security in 1993, and Director of Human Resources in 1997. In January, 2004, Burks was promoted to Executive Director of Administrative Services. Burks graduated from Indiana State University (ISU) in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science degree, where he majored in Afro-American Studies and minored in Criminology and Sociology. He completed a Master of Science degree in Agency Counseling and Criminology in 1983 at ISU. Burks achieved the Master of Public Administration degree at ISU in 1997. He was elected to the Vigo County School Board of Trustees in 1996. Currently serving these boards, he was appointed to the Terre Haute Economic Development Commission in 2006, Covered Bridge Special Education in 1994, Vigo County Juvenile Advisory Board in the early 1990’s, Terre Haute Boys/Girls Club in 1999, and Affiliated Services Providers of Indiana, Inc. Burks has served on numerous boards such as Terre Haute Human Relations Commission, Charles T. Hyte Community Center, Candles Holocaust Museum/Education Center, Vigo County Council for Children/Youth, Youth Suicide Prevention Council, North Vigo High School Advisory Committee for Guidance Counseling Department, Young Men’s Civic Club, and Student Services Subcommittee of Task Force. Burks’ awards include the 1991 NAACP Community Leadership Award, 1993 Indiana Football Coaches Association Twenty-Year Service Award, 2003 National Exchange Club Bikes for Tykes Outstanding Volunteer, 2006 Terre Haute Boys/Girls Club/Max Jones Volunteer Coach of the Year Award, 2006 Hamilton Center Award for Outstanding Volunteer Services, and the 2009 Rotary Centennial Award for Professional Excellence.
Meghan Creech has been employed with the Hamilton Center for over 7 years. She has served in multiple roles including Program Manager, Director of Satellite and Vigo County Adult Services, Executive Director, and now as Chief of Utility Service.
Ms. Creech has a long history of working in the Human Services field in multiple areas throughout the continuum of care. Meghan has a passion for education and continued learning. It is a continuous goal to reduce stigma, increase resources and improve outcomes for our patients.
Hamilton Center, Inc. is a regional behavioral health system in Central and West Central Indiana with corporate offices located in Terre Haute, IN. Services are provided to children, youth and adults, with specialized programs for expectant mothers, infants, and people who may be struggling with stress, life changes, or relationship issues as well as more serious problems such as depression, anxiety disorders, and serious mental illnesses.
For information on Hamilton Center Services call (800) 742-0787.