May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Poughkeepsie… May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and the Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health announces several upcoming events designed to increase awareness and understanding about living with a mental illness.
“Roughly one in five teenagers and adults in the United States experience mental illness in a given year,” said Commissioner Henry M. Kurban, MD, MBA, MPH, FACPM. “Dutchess County and its partners offer many valuable mental health resources throughout the county.”
On Tuesday, May 3rd, Dutchess County’s Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week Committee will be recognized at the New York State’s “What’s Great In Our State 2016” event in Albany. For ten years, the Committee has hosted the annual Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week featuring free activities, workshops, school-based outreaches and media campaigns to raise awareness about children and families who experience social, behavioral or emotional challenges. The Committee includes members from the Department of Behavioral & Community Health, Mental Health America of Dutchess, Taconic Resources for Independence, NAMI Mid-Hudson, and Astor Services for Children & Families.
The following mental health events will be held during the month of May, the public is invited and encouraged to participate:
- Mental Health Services Panel Discussion and Question & Answer Session on Saturday, April 30 from noon-3 p.m. at the Beacon VFW, 413 Main Street, Beacon
- Service Needs for Children & Youth with Emotional Issues and/or Chemical Dependency Public Forum on Monday, May 2 from 4-6 p.m. at Mental Health America of Dutchess County, 253 Mansion Street – Conference Room B, Poughkeepsie
- Service Needs for Adult Mental Health Consumers Public Forum on Tuesday, May 3 from 4-6 p.m. at Mental Health America of Dutchess County, 253 Mansion Street – Conference Room B, in Poughkeepsie
- A Movie Night for parents, caregivers, providers, and teens to explore feelings, relationships and more using film as a tool for discussion onTuesday, May 3 from 6-8:30 p.m. at Mental Health America, 253 Mansion Street, in Poughkeepsie. RSVP to Lynn Rogers at (845) 473-2500 x1343or lrogers@mhadutchess.org.
- Family Empowerment Workshop – How to Effectively Advocate for Your Child within the School System on Wednesday, May 4 from 6-8 p.m. at Mental Health America, 253 Mansion Street, in Poughkeepsie. RSVP to Lynn Rogers at (845) 473-2500 x1343 or lrogers@mhadutchess.org.
- STOMP OUT STIGMA Walk on Saturday, May 21 from 10 a.m. – noon at Walkway Over the Hudson in Poughkeepsie. All are invited to join Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health as it teams up with Mental Health America and the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) to increase awareness and reduce the stigmas often associated with mental illnesses.
In addition to these special events, there are a multitude of mental health services, screenings, and other tools available all year long. The public can learn more by calling (845) 485-9700 or visiting us online at www.dutchessny.gov/dbch.
For those in need of immediate help, or who are at risk of suicide, the Dutchess County HELPLINE is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year by calling or texting (845) 485-9700. The HELPLINE mobile app is also available through iTunes and Google Play Store. All HELPLINE services are staffed by experienced people who care and know how to help immediately.