Community mental health issues were the focus of the September 20 event featuring licensed psychologist Dr. Mary-Catherine Riner.
This decade has been a perfect storm in terms of stress. So how are mental health professionals rising to the challenge? What does it take to ensure help gets to those who need it most?
On Tuesday evening, September 20, 2022, Anderson University hosted a collaborative professional development event with Mental Health America in Anderson County (MHAAC). The evening focused on best practices, resources and the stressors that challenge good mental health throughout the Anderson community. MHAAC members, Anderson community mental health professionals and Anderson University participated in this professional development opportunity, and CEUs (Continuing Education Units) were awarded.
The evening's Keynote speaker was Mary-Catherine Riner, Ph.D., Ed. S., M.S.
Dr. Riner, a Licensed Psychologist at Riner Counseling, LLC, presented "Mental Health Issues in Our Community." In addition, Forensic Psychiatrist Dr. Donna Maddox and Anderson University faculty, Patty-Jeanne Slaughter, Ph.D.; Robert Franklin, Ph.D.; and Andrea Raines, DNP; led participants in a panel discussion addressing mental health concerns, program funding, lingering consequences of Covid and the future of the mental health profession. Thirteen local mental health vendors were on-hand to provide information and resources on products and services.
Mental Health America Anderson County Board Chairman Marlene McClain describes the organization's work as promoting positive mental health for all individuals in the community through advocacy, education, and service.
"We currently provide housing for 18 adults so they can live independently. We focus on suicide prevention and offer support services for family members of those lost to suicide. Additionally, we offer support services to patients at Harris Hospital. Our focus continues to be on increasing awareness of mental health issues in our community and increasing collaboration with others who share this mission," McClain said.
“It was our great pleasure to collaborate with MHAAC and the professionals their organization represents," states Andria Carpenter, Anderson University's Director of Professional and Lifelong Learning. "Anderson University desires to build relationships with professional community associations through support and engagement in their good work and by educating future professionals to assume leadership roles in their organizations. Offering collaborative opportunities that align with and showcase Anderson University academic programs is an effective way to accomplish this goal."
To learn more about Professional and Lifelong Learning opportunities provided by Anderson University, visit this web page.
Pictured from left: Keynote Speaker Dr. Mary-Catherine Riner, photo highlights of the event.
Original source can be found here.
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