One of the most steadfast supporters of mental health advocacy in Southwest Georgia, Charlene Hayes has been affiliated with Perry Wellness Center since its beginning. Her late husband, Rudy Hayes, authored the book, Journey for Life, based on the walk of the same name taken by Stuart Perry, the Hayes, and many others. The group walked from downtown Americus to Chicago to present a petition on mental health screening at the annual convention of the American Medical Association. After years in the newspaper editing and public relations fields, Mr. Rudy brought his skills to mental health advocacy. In honor of his legacy, Rudy’s Happy Patch Market was named after him.

A registered nurse, Mrs. Charlene has now worked for several years at Perry Wellness Center, monitoring and attending to peers’ health needs at the wellness and recovery program. She also supervises medications and other medical tasks. But most of all, this gracious lady offers a compassionate eat to anyone with a problem.

“I enjoy taking time to help others,” she says. “I am blessed to have been involved in mental illness for many years, and I am learning the changes in the illness.” 

In addition to her desire to support mental health advocacy in her community, Mrs. Charlene is motivated by her loyalty to Stuart Perry, saying, “Stuart and Perry Wellness Center have been good to me and my family.” She has more than returned that goodness!

In the photo above, Charlene Hayes, RN, pauses to care for some plants during an afternoon walk in Hope Park.