April 21, 2008
Mental Health Awareness Walk Slated for Havre
Mental health awareness entered the national stage over 50 years ago.
The effort to elevate awareness in Hill and Blaine County begins this year with an anti-stigma walk in Havre at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 3 in Pepin Park.
“The walk serves to increase public awareness of the importance of good mental health and better services for individuals with emotional, behavioral and social challenges and their families,” said parent coordinator Michelle Tomaskie of the Bear Paw Kids Management Authority (KMA).
The Hill County Local Advisory Council (LAC) is teaming up with the Bear Paw KMA to sponsor the event.
LAC is a coalition of community members interested in assessing, planning and strengthening public mental health services in the community. The KMA is one of five grant sites under the state’s System of Care SAMHSA federal grant and works to improve outcomes for children with serious mental illnesses and their families.
Both work together to educate communities about mental health disorders. “Mental health is how people think, feel, and act as they face life's situations,” said Andi Everingham, KMA project director. “It affects how people handle stress, relate to one another, and make decisions. Like physical health, mental health is important and everyone deserves an experience of growth and joy in life.”
When untreated, mental health disorders can lead to school and work failure, family conflicts, drug abuse, violence, and even suicide. Untreated mental health disorders are costly to families, communities, and the health care system.
Everingham said people often do not seek treatment for mental health disorders due to stigma. “Stigma is not just a matter of using the wrong word or action,” she explained. “Stigma is about disrespect. It leads to fear, mistrust, and violence against people living with mental illness and their families.”
The walk is open to the public. In case of bad weather, the event will be relocated to the Holiday Village Mall.
For more information call Tomaskie at (406) 265-5481 ext. 266.
