On Feb. 18, Gov. Robert Bentley appointed Pike County Probate Judge, Wes Allen to the Advisory Board of Trustees of the Department of Mental Health, effective immediately.

Allen will represent the 2nd Congressional District on the Board.

“I am honored to have been appointed to this Board by Governor Bentley.  Everyday, our team in the probate office works very closely with residents of Pike County, East Central Mental Health, the Alabama Department of Mental Health and other stake holders in the area of mental health.  We are committed to helping individuals struggling with mental illness and assisting their families members.  I look forward to having a positive impact with this Board,” Allen said.

The Board of Trustees coordinates the activities of the Department of Mental Health and to advise the department and to better acquaint the public with the needs and activities of the department.

The Board is comprised of 16 members.  The governor, the Commissioner of Mental Health, the Lt. Governor and the Speaker of the House of Representatives are ex-officio members.

The remaining 12 members are appointed by the governor, one from each congressional district and the remainder from the state at large.

“I am pleased that Judge Allen has accepted the appointment to join our Board of Trustees.  His experience in local, rural Mental Health delivery and his dedication to many positive initiatives in Pike County and the state will be a welcome addition to our board,” said James Perdue, Commissioner of State Department of Mental Health.

Allen’s term will expire in April 2018 and will serve in the position previously held by the current Commissioner of Mental Health, James V. Perdue.