Chester County Observes National Mental Illness Awareness Week

Posted by Press Release on September 24, 2013

October 6-12, 2013

National Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) has been recognized the first full week in October every year for more than two decades. The observance offers an opportunity for individuals and communities to learn more about this important topic, which affects approximately one in four Americans each year.

With mental health concerns in the news every day, Chester County Mental Health / Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (MHIDD) is working to increase awareness and understanding among all residents. This year during MIAW, the department will launch plans for a new multi-pronged education campaign to roll out at the start of 2014. The campaign is being funded through a grant from the Pennsylvania Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. Called Chester County Conversations, this campaign is designed to involve community members in a series of conversations about mental health and how it affects communities. It will provide information in the following areas:

How to promote mental health and emotional wellbeing
Prevention strategies to reduce incidence of mental health and co-occurring disorders
Mental health resources available, and how to access them

“Mental health is an essential part of our overall health and personal wellbeing. It affects how we get along at home, at our job, and in the community,” said Caroline Smith, Mental Health Deputy Administrator, Chester County Department of MHIDD. “Because many individuals and families are affected by mental health challenges, this campaign aims to address the need for education and will be a collaborative effort with community partners.”

Community members interested in participating in the upcoming Chester County Conversations, or those who would like to be involved in the planning, should contact the MHIDD Outreach Liaison at tbehringer@chesco.org.

In addition to the new awareness campaign, other events planned for this observance include a Proclamation from Chester County’s Commissioners on September 25 in support of MIAW, and a Wellness event on October 7 from 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM at Community Crossroads Peer Support Center. The Wellness event is free and will include activities aimed at enhancing one’s mental and emotional wellbeing. The public is invited to attend.

Please check Chester County’s MHIDD website www.chesco.org/mhidd for additional information on MIAW and other mental health programs or services.