Series of Library Talks Addresses Mental Health Issues

Series of Library Talks Addresses Mental Health Issues

A series of free presentations addressing mental health issues will be offered Monday, October 6, through Thursday, October 9, in the large meeting room of the Beatley Central Library, 5005 Duke St., Alexandria, 22304.

The series, presented in honor of Alexandria’s Mental Health Awareness Week, begins with a discussion of "Suicide Prevention and Response," October 6 at7 p.m. At 10:30 a.m. October 7, Alexandria’s Hoarding Task Force will explain "Hoarding, a Mental Illness." "The Causes and Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder" will be described in a discussion October 8 at 7 p.m. and a film, "The Genuis of Marian," a documentary about Alzheimer’s disease, will be shown October 9 at 6:30 p.m.

The events are sponsored by the Department of Community and Human Services, the Alexandria Library, Friends of the Alexandria Mental Health Center and Alexandria’s Mental Health Hope Campaign. For additional information on each program, call 703.746.1751 or visitwww.alexandria.lib.va.us or www.alexandriava.gov/DCHS.

Mental Health First Aid Training Classes

FROM THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA: 

     
In response to public demand, additional sessions of the Mental Health First Aid training are being offered. This training demonstrates the initial help given to a person showing signs of mental illness or a mental health crisis.

 The eight-hour course teaches risk factors, warning signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use disorders; the effects of the illnesses and an overview of treatments; and a five-step action plan for helping someone with symptoms. Additional training sessions have been scheduled between January and June 2014. Each session is two four-hour classes.  Youth courses are available for adults responding to a youth in crisis.

This training does not prepare someone to diagnose or provide treatment. It is designed to help 

paraprofessionals and laypersons provide support until an individual is linked to professional resources. MHFA is not recommended for licensed mental health providers.

Registration is open until filled.  Limit 20 participants per class and seats fill quickly. Visit alexandriava.gov/DCHS for class dates and registration. Attendees of the full eight-hour course will receive a three-year certification in MHFA. For more about the classes, contact Donielle Marshall at 703.746.3523 or donielle.marshall@alexandriava.gov. To learn more about MHFA, visit mentalhealthfirstaid.org.

The City of Alexandria is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended. To request a reasonable accommodation, e-mail Maurice Tomdio atmaurice.tomdio@alexandriava.gov or call 571.384.5244. 

Addressing Mental Health Issues - A series of FREE Presentations in October

Addressing 
Mental Health Issues


at Home and in the Workplace

A Series of Free Presentations October 6 - 10

In Honor of the 50th Anniversary of the Community Mental Health Act

Location for all presentations: Large Meeting Room, Beatley Central Library, 5005 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22304. Parking on premises.

For more information call 703.746.1751 or visit alexandria.lib.va.us

Sun., Oct. 6, 2 p.m.
 Community Conversation: Creating Partnerships to Support Recovery

Speaker: Michael Gilmore Ph.D., Director, Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) and Executive Director of the Alexandria Community Services Board.

Everyone can help community members with mental disabilities by learning more about mental health conditions and treatment, by reducing stigma, and by making health care a priority in our city. This presentation will feature a discussion about how we can make Alexandria a supportive and inclusive community. Light refreshments available.

Mon., Oct. 7, 12 p.m. Recognizing and Addressing Mental Health Concerns in the Workplace

Raising awareness of mental health needs and providing means for early intervention in the workplace can increase productivity, save money, and help employees maintain their health. Data about mental health in the workplace and ways to address mental health needs will be highlighted. *Note: To reserve a free box lunch, RSVP by Sept. 23 to 703.746.1743 or email: mchisholm@alexandria.lib.va.us.

Speakers: Kate A. Burke, Associate Director, Partnership for Workplace Mental Health;
Constance J. Juntunen, Director of Community Support Services, DCHS.

Master of Ceremonies: John J. Renner, Chair of the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce.

Mon., Oct. 7, 6:30 p.m. An Interactive Workshop: Youth Mental Illness & Risky Behavior

Young people are vulnerable to mental illness, and by nature, risk takers. As adults, it’s our job to make sure youth have the support and resources they need to live healthy lives. This interactive workshop will highlight the results of a local survey of teens about their behaviors, signs and symptoms to look for, and will provide resources on prevention, mental illness, substance use, teen pregnancy and gangs.

Speakers: Tricia Bassing, Chief, Child Behavioral Health & Youth Development, DCHS;
Mike Mackey, Coordinator, Alexandria Gang Prevention Community Task Force;
Noraine Buttar, Coordinator, Substance Abuse Prevention Program Coalition of Alexandria, DCHS

Tue., Oct. 8, 10 a.m. Helping Older Adults Stay Mentally Strong and Resilient

Learn what resources and tools are available to help you stay mentally strong and how to recognize the symptoms of mental illnesses such as anxiety, depression and dementia. Be your own advocate and learn how to get the most from your medications, including what to ask your doctor and pharmacist about your medications and how to reduce your risk of problems associated with certain medications and alcohol.

Speakers: Pharmacist Kathleen Cameron, Chair, Northern Virginia Alcohol and Aging Awareness Group; Amber Nightingale, Associate Director, Community Outreach, AARP Virginia;

Russell Hunter, Psy.D, Older Adult Clinical Services, DCHS.


Wed., Oct. 9, 11 a.m. Teaching Pre-School Children Confidence and Resilience

This presentation will provide information to parents and caregivers on strengthening protective factors and promoting resilience in preschool-age children.

Speaker: An Early Childhood Mental Health professional from the DCHS.


Wed., Oct. 9, 7 p.m. A Special Book and Author Presentation

In her memoir, More Than Bipolar, Lizabeth Schuch discusses her twenty-five years of experience with bipolar disorder, sharing the wisdom attained to break the hold of stigma, shame and fear surrounding this illness.
She shares the truth, from its manic and depressive extremes to the life lessons of understanding and maturity necessary to live well in recovery.

Speaker: Lizabeth Schuch, author of More Than Bipolar.


Thu., Oct. 10, 6:30 p.m. Documentary Film Presentation: Bully (PG-13)

Bully (PG-13)
Acclaimed as beautifully cinematic and character-driven, Bully tracks the experiences of five kids and their families during a school year. Each story “offers a different facet of America’s bullying crisis.” Emmy-award winning filmmaker Lee Hirsch made the film because of his own childhood experiences. He told an audience he hoped the film would stimulate “advocacy, engagement, and empowerment not just in people who are being bullied and in their families, but by those of us who all too often stand by and do nothing.”

Location for all presentations: Large Meeting Room, Beatley Central Library, 5005 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22304. Parking on premises.

For more information call 703.746.1751 or visit alexandria.lib.va.us