Local mental health treatment got a big boost Wednesday afternoon as the family of the late attorney Stephen Griffith presented a check for $25,000 to the Cullman Area Mental Health Foundation.

The donation from the family to establish the Stephen K. Griffith Memorial Fund was made through R.E. Garrison Trucking, which is owned by Stephen Griffith’s son, Wyles Griffith, and son-in-law, Donovon Lovell. Stephen Griffith’s daughter, S.F. Lovell, joined Wyles and Donovon in presenting the check at WellStone’ Cullman office.

Stephen Griffith was killed on July 17, 2017 by a man who the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office said was mentally unstable.

Neal Morrison, a former legislator and volunteer in the community in mental health, said he has been working with WellStone CEO Chris Van Dyke, local governments and other partners to address the mental health crisis in the community, and the donation from Griffith’s family will go a long way towards doing that.

“I just want to tell you, on behalf of me and the rest of this group that have been meeting with me and Chris, you’ll never know how much this means,” Morrison said. “This will enable us to do things that we see that can hopefully prevent a crisis like this from ever occurring again.”

Rita Nicholas, the president of the Cullman Area Mental Foundation, said Griffith was always well-liked and respected member of the community, and he would be happy to see his family carry on his work.

“In life, he was a humanitarian, always willing to help someone in need,” she said. “Although his death is a tragic reminder of the dangers of untreated mental illness, I know he would be pleased that this donation is made in his memory to continue helping the members of our community.”

The Cullman Area Mental Health Foundation is also asking the community to contribute to the Stephen K. Griffith Memorial Fund to honor Griffith and his family as well as to help expand mental health services in Cullman County. 

Cullman Area Mental Health Foundation is a 501c3 charitable organization. All donations are tax-deductible.

Donations can be made to:

Stephen K. Griffith Memorial Fund

c/o Cullman Area Mental Health Foundation

P.O. Box 2186

Cullman AL, 35056.