Laurel Oaks Staff Partners with ‘Relay for Life’ to Raise Money for Cancer Research

DOTHAN, Ala. - (April 26, 2010) - On April 23, Laurel Oaks Behavioral Health Center participated in the annual Autauga County Relay for Life alongside cancer patients, survivors, caregivers and volunteers to help raise money for American Cancer Society research and programs.  Laurel Oaks was also a proud co-sponsor of a live music gala held earlier in the year to help raise funds for the event. 

“The American Cancer Society is such an honorable organization and we, at Laurel Oaks, are happy to have partnered with our neighbors to help support it at the local level,” said CEO Derek Johnson. “Many of us have been affected or know someone who has been affected by cancer.  We are fortunate to be part of such a caring community and have the opportunity to show our support.”

This year’s event, themed “Relay Road Trip: Destination Cure,” took place at the Prattville East YMCA.  More than 1,000 participants constructed campsites themed after their favorite city, state or location.  To illustrate the continual fight for a cure, relay participants took turns walking or running around the YMCA track and were required to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. 

Terrie Butler, director of business development of Laurel Oaks Behavioral Health Center, served as publicity chair on the Relay for Life committee.

“It was a wonderful experience that will forever change my life,” said Butler.  “The courage and fight of not only the person suffering from cancer, but that of their caregivers is truly amazing.  I am extremely thankful to have helped such a great cause and encourage others to get involved.”

To learn more about Relay For Life, or to connect with other Relayers across the world, please visit RelayForLife.org.

About Laurel Oaks Behavioral Health Center
Laurel Oaks Behavioral Health Center is a specialized provider of acute psychiatric hospitalization and long-term intensive residential treatment services for children and adolescents ages 4 to 18. The facility offers specialized treatment services for youth with severe psychiatric disorders, including those with additional challenges such as mild or moderate mental retardation or other cognitive delay, substance abuse or other high risk behaviors. For more information, please visit www.laureloaksmediapsi.com

About Psychiatric Solutions, Inc. (PSI)
Psychiatric Solutions, Inc. offers an extensive continuum of behavioral health programs to critically ill children, adolescents and adults and is the largest operator of owned or leased freestanding psychiatric inpatient facilities with more than 11,000 beds in 32 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. PSI also manages freestanding psychiatric inpatient facilities for government agencies and psychiatric inpatient units within medical/surgical hospitals owned by others. For more information, please visit www.psychiatricsolutionsmedia.com

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