Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center Celebrates 60 Years with Spotlight on Psychiatry Department

Winona, Minn. — As Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center (HVMHC) celebrates its 60th anniversary, the organization is proud to spotlight the extraordinary progress and dedication of its Psychiatry Department. The department’s recent transformation is a powerful example of the resilience, innovation, and mission-driven care that has defined HVMHC over the decades. 

In the past year, the Psychiatry Department navigated a significant period of transition. Staff and leadership worked collaboratively to restructure internal systems, redistribute clients, and rebuild the team—all while maintaining a steadfast commitment to continuity of care. The results speak for themselves: the department is now fully rebuilt, operating at full strength, and serving more clients than ever. Caseloads continue to grow, referrals are increasing, and prescriber LeAnne Morey has expanded her hours to accommodate the rising demand for in-person services. 

One key investment in client care was the creation of a dedicated Care Coordinator role within the department. Haley Dzwonkowski-Gribbons, a seasoned and trusted team member, now serves in this position, helping new clients schedule appointments and offering ongoing, personalized support. The response from clients has been overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the value of having a consistent, caring point of contact who helps them navigate their care journey. 

With open appointment availability, the Psychiatry team is actively welcoming new clients into care. As part of its outreach strategy, HVMHC has launched digital marketing initiatives, including prescriber biographies featured on the organization’s Facebook page and available by request in digital and PDF formats. These biographies allow clients and families to make more informed decisions about care. In one case, a mother used a provider biography to help her teen feel more comfortable after a missed appointment. That simple step helped build trust and led to a successful start to treatment. 

The department has also expanded its services with the launch of a Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) program. Providers Ashley Hazeman and LeAnne Morey are now offering buprenorphine (Suboxone) treatment, with additional training and guidance from Dr. Bruce Kerr, a local buprenorphine expert. All MAT clients also receive comprehensive Substance Use Disorder (SUD) services, creating a coordinated and holistic approach to care. 

This initiative aligns with a larger national shift toward harm reduction and expanded access to treatment. Data from April 2024 show a 10% decline in U.S. drug overdose deaths, accompanied by significant drops in emergency room visits and 911 calls related to overdoses. Experts attribute much of this progress to increased availability of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) and life-saving interventions like naloxone. HVMHC is proud to contribute to this positive momentum by bringing these vital resources directly to our local communities. 

To advance harm reduction efforts close to home, all four HVMHC clinic locations are registered Naloxone Access Points (NAPs). Clinics in Winona, Caledonia, Red Wing, and Wabasha provide free Naloxone kits, fentanyl, and xylazine test strips during business hours with no questions asked. Further expanding access, a 24/7 Naloxone distribution box was recently installed outside the Winona clinic, offering life-saving supplies around the clock. This initiative, in partnership with RIPple Drug Education & Awareness, demonstrates HVMHC’s ongoing dedication to reducing overdose deaths and supporting community health. 

In another step forward, the Psychiatry Department has integrated Ambient AI technology to assist with clinical documentation. This innovation reduces administrative workload, allowing providers to spend more time in direct client care and further enhancing the quality and efficiency of services. 

As Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center reflects on 60 years of service, the evolution of the Psychiatry Department stands as a symbol of the organization’s strength, adaptability, and deep connection to the communities it serves. 

“We are proud of what our Psychiatry team has accomplished, and we’re grateful to every staff member who helped us reach this point,” said Dr. Veronica Harsh, Medical Director at HVMHC. “Most of all, we thank our clients for trusting us with their care. Their strength inspires everything we do.” 

About Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center:
Founded in 1965, HVMHC provides comprehensive behavioral health services to individuals and families across Southeastern Minnesota. The organization is committed to delivering compassionate, person-centered care and fostering wellness in every community it serves. 

For more information about HVMHC’s services, visit www.hvmhc.org. To schedule an appointment for services through HVMHC, individuals can call 1-800-657-6777 or visit www.hvmhc.org/contact/make-an-appointment. As a nonprofit, HVMHC relies on donations to support its programs and expand access to care. To contribute, visit https://www.hvmhc.org/donate/ and help make a difference. 

SE MN mobile crisis unit overseen by HVMHC is available 24-hours a day in Fillmore, Goodhue, Houston, Wabasha, and Winona counties at: 1-844-CRISIS2 or 1-800-274-7472.