Reducing Isolation
Over the summer, Toyota began airing a television ad campaign that created a nationwide dialogue. The commercials use humor to take aim at aspects of modern American lifestyles, particularly those of younger people. One ad uses Facebook to make a point. It shows a woman who looks to be in her late twenties using a laptop computer in her home. She is alone. Peering over her computer screen and into the camera as if talking to the audience, she expresses concern for her parents. She has pressured them into creating Facebook accounts after reading an article that claimed "older people are becoming more and more antisocial." The woman laments that her parents only have 19 Facebook "friends," in comparison with her number of 687. "This is living," she says confidently, as no one is there to listen. The scene then cuts to her parents, who smile as they drive a car with bicycles attached to the roof. They meet up with friends, at which point the "antisocial older people" ride into the sunny horizon on an off-road bicycle adventure. This advertisement says a lot in 30 seconds.
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Outstanding Leaders Honored
Our annual Snow Ball gala took place at the Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch on December 9. Three exceptional leaders in mental health care were honored. Kathy Carter and Joseph Parks III, MD, received the Silver Key Award, presented in recognition of individuals or organizations whose contributions to the mental health field demonstrate a devotion to the eradication of stigma that often prevents people from seeking treatment. James Kimmey, MD, received the Silver Bell Award, which recognizes individuals who provide outstanding community service, leadership, vision and values. A shimmering, festive environment and dancing to the Fabulous Motown Revue added to the enjoyment of the evening. We thank all attendees for coming and hope to see them and other newcomers at the 2012 Snow Ball.
Mark Stansberry, Kathy Carter, Ann Mattingly, Joe Parks, Karl Wilson, James Kimmey,
Mark Utterback Mark Utterback Mark Utterback
New Programs to Help Older Adults and African Americans
Bryan Evans, MSW, has expanded "Care of Self/Care of Others" to include older adults and their caregivers. The presentation focuses on depression in later years, how to increase help-seeking behavior, and mental health resources for older adults.
You can also view Bryan's other webinars:
Helping Schools Help Kids In Crisis
In Missouri, the rate of adolescent suicide is higher than the national average and worsens as students reach young adulthood (20-24 years old). When teachers and parents know what cues to look for and how to intervene, they can lower the risk of suicide by appropriately assisting a student who is thinking of ending his/her life. The rest of the story . . .
Mental health touches all of us...We're here to help!
Connecting you to effective care
Are you looking for personalized attention to connect you to what you need? MHA's Information & Referral service can help identify resources for counseling, self-help, medication assistance programs, psychiatric services, clinical trials and more. Our staff can provide you with mental health/illness literature, information about involuntary commitment, how to talk with your insurance provider, and many other concerns.
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or call LaDonna at 314-773-1399.
Peer-to-Peer Education and Support
Do you, a friend, family member or client have a mental illness diagnosis? Are you looking for a resource to improve recovery and maximize wellness? Our BRIDGES program can help!
Created in the self-help model, BRIDGES (Building Recovery of Individual Dreams & Goals through Education & Support) provides education and support to adults with psychiatric illnesses. The 10-session education course empowers students to take an active role in treatment and recovery. It also provides a framework for social interaction, inclusion and increased self-esteem. Follow-up support groups provide a foundation for maintaining a mentally healthy life. Both the education course and support groups are free of charge.
A support group currently meets on Mondays (excluding holidays) at CenterPointe in St. Peters, 4905 Mexico Road, from 6:30-8:00 p.m. More classes and support groups will soon be forming in St. Louis and St. Charles, with statewide expansion expected by December 2012. In Missouri, the BRIDGES course and support groups are exclusively available through Mental Health America of Eastern Missouri.
If BRIDGES sounds like what you need,
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or call Ramona at 314-773-1399. Click here for a BRIDGES flyer.
Bridge repairs affect access to MHA
Effective March 14, 2011, the Grand Boulevard bridge between I-64/Highway 40 and Chouteau will be closed for repairs. Detour signs direct drivers to use Vandeventer from the west and Compton from the east. Repairs are scheduled to last up to two years.
