Mental Health Awareness Day Collaborative great success in Tyler

Tyler - The 6th Annual Mental Health Awareness Day Program was held on Saturday May 18, 2024, at the New Life Community Church in Tyler Texas - Host Pastor: Dr. V.M.Robertson, Set Ministry #nlcctyler nlcc-tyler.org.

The 6th Annual Mental Health Awareness Day ProgramPhoto byClarence Edmond Shackelford AKA M1Y, (C) 2024

The program was held from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm and featured the Mayor’s of Tyler, Speakers and Vendors on various Mental Health topics and A Panel Discussion on how to access the various mental health services in the area.

This year’s theme for the event is Mindful Minds; Cultivating mindfulness as a powerful tool to enhance physical and mental wellbeing. The goal of the conference is to educate the community about various forms of mental illness and how they are manifested in various populations. In addition, the conference will highlight community services that are available for caregivers as well as those who might be experiencing a mental health issue.

The 6th Annual Mental Health Awareness Day ProgramPhoto byClarence Edmond Shackelford AKA M1Y, (C) 2024

The Mental Health Collaborative was composed of likeminded organizations who are concerned about the rising Mental Health statistics in the nation and in the East Texas area.

1 in 5 people will experience a Mental Health illness;

Mental Health illnesses have increased 28% since the Pandemic;

Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for children ages 10 – 14;

33.7% of young adults ages 18-25 have mental health issues;

21% of people with housing insecurity have a mental health condition; and

70% of children in Juvenile Detention Centers have been diagnosed with a mental health condition.

Members of the collaborative are concerned about these alarming statistics and want to offer help, hope, and healing for our community as a part of the outcomes of this conference. Members of the collaborative include: The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., East Texas Human Needs Network, League of Women Voters, National Alliance on Mental Illness, National Black Leadership Initiative, U. T. Tyler School of Nursing, U. T. Tyler Schol of Medicine, and the U. T. Tyler Fisch College of Pharmacy. Members of the Collaborative are also Sponsors for the 2024 Mental Health Awareness Day event.

The 6th Annual Mental Health Awareness Day ProgramPhoto byClarence Edmond Shackelford AKA M1Y, (C) 2024

Featured speakers included:

Virlanda Stanton with Overcomers for Life Foundation shared her personal story regarding the issue of mental health as it relates to a chronic physical health condition.

Dr. LaJuan Chambers, who is a pediatrician in the East Texas area, explored the issue of adolescent mental health and how parents can distinguish between a mental health issue and a behavioral health issue. Some adolescent disciplinary problems can be early warning signs of mental health issues.

Queena Mwanda with Christy’s Safe Haven shared with the participants some ways to prevent your child from being targeted for bullying and the avoidance of sex trafficking predators.

Karen Yielding with the Smith County Clubhouse shared their program of resources designed to help people with mental health challenges get back to work.

Jacki Everhart-Thompson shared the resources available at the Texas Workforce Commission-Vocational Rehabilitation Services for those with disabilities who are trying to get back to work.

Tyrec Grayson, owner of Grayson Divine Coaching, will share his motivational tips on incorporating mindfulness into your everyday life.

The 6th Annual Mental Health Awareness Day ProgramPhoto byClarence Edmond Shackelford AKA M1Y, (C) 2024

A Special Expert Panel composed of area Mental Health Providers discussed the many ways you can access the mental health system and find the services you need. Laura Newsome will be the moderator for the panel discussion. Panelist will speak from 1:00-2:00 pm and presenters will include:

Keshia Morris, LCDC, Chief SIM Officer, Forensic Services, OCR/TCOOMMI, Mental Health Crisis Services - The Andrews Center, Area Mental Health Authority for Henderson, Rains, Smith, Wood and Van Zandt counties.

Carol Henson, RN, MSN, Behavioral Health Administrator - U.T. Health East Texas, Area Psychiatric Hospital Services Provider

Bre’ Shaun Franks, BSW; Qualified Mental Health Professional - Community Health Core, Area Mental Health Authority for Bowie, Cass, Gregg, Harrison, Marion, Panola, Red River, Rusk, and Upshur counties and Substance Abuse Services for Smith County.

Janie Harwood, MSN, RN; President, CEO, AVAIL Solutions, Inc., - 988 Crisis Line, Area Crisis Line Coordinator.

The 6th Annual Mental Health Awareness Day ProgramPhoto byClarence Edmond Shackelford AKA M1Y, (C) 2024

Area vendors who provide mental health and caregiver services was invited to attend this great event which is free to the public. Vendors included:

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Alzheimer’s Alliance

Andrews Center

Area Agency on Aging

Atomy Vitamins

Christy’s Safe Haven

Divine Home Health

East Texas Hospice

East Texas Human Needs Network

G. E.’s Caring Hearts Home Health

Hospice Plus

Overcomers for Life

League of Women Voters

National Alliance on Mental Illness

National Black Leadership Initiative

Smith County Clubhouse

Texas Workforce Commission-Vocational Rehabilitation Services

University of Texas at Tyler

University of Texas Health East Texas

Area residents was provided with the opportunity to have free screenings for depression, anxiety, and early dementia.

Students from the U. T. Tyler School of Nursing, Medicine and Pharmacy provided screenings free of charge. They also was free food and lots of door prizes donated from area businesses.

Participants walked away with a rich environment filled with learning opportunities on how to improve metal health in the community and how to treat mental illness early if it does arise. Please join us next year 2025.

The 6th Annual Mental Health Awareness Day ProgramPhoto byClarence Edmond Shackelford AKA M1Y, (C) 2024

Sources: TourTylerTexas@gmail.com EmpowermentCDC.org - Health-Aid, Contact LaTonia Gaston-Bell for more information about the conference. Latoniagaston3@gmail.com 903-617-9445 Contact Linda Oyer for success stories of individual mental health clients. Linda.oyer@att.net 903-539-4688