Mental health symposium will be held at Kennesaw State May 11

Event will provide local mental health resources and services

KENNESAW, Ga. (May 8, 2019) — Maintaining a consistent work-life balance amid the hustle and bustle of today’s fast-paced society is important, including a healthy emotional lifestyle. That is why Kennesaw State University and WellStar Health System are sponsoring New Horizons: Mental Health Symposium for Community Members on Saturday, May 11. The event, free and open to the public, will be held at Prillaman Hall from 9:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the KSU campus.

Attendees will have the opportunity to listen to speakers on topics ranging from substance abuseMental Health Symposium and opioids to mental health stigma among diverse populations. They can obtain information about mental health resources and services from several local organizations which will be on-site as exhibitors. Mental health assessments on depression and anxiety will also be available in English and Spanish.

The symposium is hosted by Cobb2020 and Live Healthy Douglas, partnerships of community organizations dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles and improving the delivery of essential health services in Cobb County and Douglas counties, respectively. 

“Often, mental health fairs provide access to providers, but do not meet the needs of community residents, particularly regarding the understanding of the common conditions and behaviors,” said Monica Nandan, professor of social work and director of strategic partnerships and social impact at KSU. “The goal of the symposium is to increase awareness in the general public and provide the necessary tools to help support them in taking charge of their mental health.”

Nandan said that the idea for the symposium grew out of the Behavioral Health Work Group (BHWG), which is part of Cobb2020 and Live Healthy Douglas. The work group’s main purpose is to implement strategies for enhancing the quality of behavioral health services in Cobb and Douglas counties, such as hosting this symposium, the first of its kind targeting the unique needs of the local communities. 

“Mental  illness and substance abuse disorders vary greatly across different population groups,” said Nandan, current co-chair of the BHWG. “The high rates of suicide and death due to overdose can be prevented if we enhance understanding not just among providers, but the general public as well.” 

For more information about the event, please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-horizons-a-mental-health-symposium-tickets-59009650453.

Joëlle Walls

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