Reflections: Celebrating Black History Month – Joy Burchell

During my five years in the United States Army, I traveled throughout our nation and Europe, working closely with wounded American soldiers who were diagnosed with various mental illnesses, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

I enlisted in 1992. A year when the country struggled with racial issues, that mostly spilled during the Los Angeles riots, riots sparked by the acquittal of four white officers accused of beating Rodney King.

When I first enlisted, I was constantly ridiculed for being too girly and petite to be a proper soldier. Those were comments that infuriated me – especially being a Black, female soldier — but inspired and motivated me to push further.

I made sergeant by the tender age of 23, and quickly faced the nerve-racking stress that comes with having to give orders to older individuals from different races. At times those difficulties were stressors and discouraging, but, I kept my head focused and found ways to be the motivator in any mission.

It was my soldiers’ pride and the impact I made on their lives that kept me motivated to continue working with individuals in need. After my honorable discharge in 1997, I desperately wanted to be part of a community-based mental health facility that would directly impact the health of the individual, while also helping the surrounding community.

And in July 2003, my dream came true when I joined the Jackson family.
Earlier that year, Jackson Health System had acquired Lock Towns Mental Health Center, saving the outdated facility from shutting its doors. It was renamed Jackson North Community Mental Health Center and is now known as Jackson Community Mental Health Center (JCMHC).

Working in behavioral health services can be extremely challenging, especially when assisting in crisis situations. There is a degree of uncertainty and risk that we face, because of the fragility of the mind. But it is the type of challenge I craved. In my role, I use my military skills and training to assist the frontline staff in reassuring and assisting the individuals we serve, regardless of the crisis or situation.

We are a unit with one mission: to care for every patient who walks through our doors, regardless of their race.  Our entire team continuously goes above and beyond to assist each individual. And because of our reputation, we see patients who drive great distances – from Homestead, West Palm Beach, and even as far as Key West – for our services.

Our patients often call just to share how happy they are with their treatment, or how successful they have been in managing their PTSD or other mental illnesses, thanks to our care. It is that small act of kindness that brings me blissful joy, knowing that every individual can have a better quality of life because of the work of our team.

My parents always taught me to be the best I can be at everything I put my mind to, to always commit, and never give up. But above all, they instilled in me the importance of giving the Lord thanks in all situations for the blessings in my life.

I consider myself fortunate to be a part of this well-loved organization that has selflessly served our community’s mental health needs for decades, a health system that continues its mission, regardless of past challenges or any hurdles that may lie ahead. For that, I give tremendous thanks.

Joy Burchell
Patient Access Supervisor
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Outpatient Services
Jackson Community Mental Health Center