Source: NJ Health.com
The Cumberland County Guidance Center will host its second conference addressing the prevention of mental health tragedies in Cumberland County at its Mental Health Awareness Summit II.
The free event will take place at the Luciano Conference Center at Cumberland County College, on Thursday, May 29, from 8:30 a.m. to noon.
“Our program for 2014 is a follow-up to last year’s summit that included key people from the community who impact the health, well being, and safety of all of the residents of Cumberland County,” says Dieter Hovermann, CCGC executive director. “These community leaders and other guests will be present for 2014, offering updated information and details of resources, to help continue our effort to prevent mental health tragedies through heightened awareness and intervention.
“We are pleased to announce that Newfield National Bank has once again offered its sponsorship of this very important event for our community leaders,” continues Hovermann, “and we thank them for their generous support.”
The summit program will offer informational, educational, and inspirational presentations from local and state agencies and mental health specialists. It will also offer an opportunity for attendees to discuss issues and resources.
The program will include a presentation by the Vineland Police Department outlining new initiatives for intervention from law enforcement. Also presenting is Rebecca Errickson from Drenk Behavioral Health Center in Burlington County, who will discuss “Outpatient Commitment,” a new New Jersey law addressing mental health treatment — what it is and how it is being implemented in our area.
A third speaker, Peggy Swarbrick, from Collaborative Support Programs of NJ, will make a presentation on mental health “wellness” and will also discuss the Mental Health First Aid Program which was introduced by the Guidance Center at its 2013 summit and has since been implemented in Cumberland County and other counties throughout the state.
“It is imperative that we continue to address prevention of mental health-related tragic events in a proactive way,” notes Jay Einstein, president of the Cumberland County Guidance Center.
“This CCGC summit is designed to continue to create awareness of programs and resources available, and to offer suggestions for preventive measures through education, interaction, outreach, and proaction. Our actions now may help prevent tragedies or impact the severity of an event, and will ultimately make our community a safer place.”
To register for the CCGC Mental Health Awareness Summit, contact Gary Moellers, community development director, by calling 856-825-6810, ext. 203, or email gmoellers@ccgcnj.org. Pre-registration is required. No walk-ins will be allowed.