Latest Developments and Strategies in Mental Health Prevention, Identification, Recovery and Wellness to be Featured at National Conference

ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 19, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The latest developments and approaches in mental health prevention, identification, recovery and wellness will be featured at Mental Health America's Annual Conference, Why Wellness Works: Breakthroughs and Pathways to Whole Health—June 5-8, 2013, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland.

"Over the past weeks, much has been written on the importance of implementing mental health prevention, early identification, recovery and wellness strategies," said Wayne W. Lindstrom, Ph.D., president and CEO of Mental Health America. "The fact is many approaches and services are being used successfully across the country. The conference will feature leaders who are putting these approaches into practice and transforming mental health care and services."

Programs and strategies that will be featured at the Conference include:

Trauma-Informed Care: A Change in Perspective—This presentation will address the prevalence of trauma and techniques that reduce the likelihood of re-traumatization. It will feature Dr. Joan Gillece, Project Manager, National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors, and William Kellibrew IV, an international advocate for civil, human, women, children and victims' rights and sought after motivational speaker throughout the world on issues related to trauma and recovery, trauma-informed care and poly-victimization. Kellibrew was featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show and his story of recovery and hope has been heard in more than 120 countries with an audience well over 45 million.

Ask Every Child: Screening and Intervention Program for Child Maltreatment and Toxic Stress in the Public Schools—This program identifies highly stressed children prior to the emergence of psychiatric symptoms or problematic behaviors. Presented by David R. Johnson, Ph.D., Co-Director, Post Traumatic Stress Center.

Be Merge: Integrating Primary and Behavioral Health Care through Early Identification of Behavioral Health Problems—The program offers tools to providers to move from a fragmented system to a more coordinated delivery system while increasing the number of people with behavioral health concerns who are identified early and connected to quality whole health care. Be Merge is consistent with the Affordable Care Act push toward integration and is available for immediate use by MHA affiliates and behavioral health organizations. Presented by Mental Health Association of Palm Beach County, which developed the program.

Incorporating Mental Health in Corporate Wellness: Strategies that Work and Produce a Return on Investment—This presentation will highlight how companies are creating a culture that supports emotional health, encourages early interventions for people who may benefit from mental health services and produces a return on their investment. Presented by MHA affiliates who will discuss ways they are working with business in their communities, and Clare Miller, Director of the Partnership for Workplace Mental Health, American Psychiatric Foundation.

Emotional CPR (eCPR): Assisting People Through an Emotional Crisis—This public health education program, which has been recommended by the International Association of Chiefs of Police and CARF International, is designed to prepare anyone to assist someone through an emotional crisis. The three elements of eCPR are: Connecting, empowering and revitalizing. Presented by Lauren Siro, M.A., National Coalition for Mental Health Recovery.

Whole Health Action Management (WHAM) Training:  Science-Based Mind-Body Resiliency Factors for Relapse Prevention and Whole Health— This presentation will introduce the new WHAM training, including the 10 science-based whole health and resiliency factors developed by the SAMHSA-HRSA Center for Integrated Health Solutions in partnership with the Benson-Henry Institute (BHI) for Mind-Body Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital. In addition, attendees will learn skills to combat stress by engaging in the BHI Relaxation Response and peer-led skills to combat negative self-talk. Presented by Larry Fricks, Director, Appalachian Consulting Group, and Patrick Hendry, Senior Director of Consumer Advocacy, Mental Health America.

Connecting Spirituality and Wellness Across Cultures: Being spiritual can have a positive impact on one's well-being. However, professionals, caregivers and advocates are often unaware of spirituality beliefs and traditions across cultures.  Presenters will discuss how their culture perceives and practices spirituality and wellness to promote whole health. 

The conference will also feature keynote presentations by Geoffrey Canada, President & CEO of the Harlem Children's Zone, who is nationally recognized for his pioneering work helping children and families in New York City, Dr. James Prochaska, developer of the Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change, and David Granirer, stand-up comedian and founder of Stand Up for Mental Health.

About the Conference

Early Bird Registration and Agenda

To register now for Mental Health America's 2013 Annual Conference and benefit from discounted rates through April 15, 2013, go to http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/annualconference/registration. To view the agenda, go to http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/annualconference/agenda.

For more information on the conference, please contact America Paredes at [email protected].

Mental Health America (www.mentalhealthamerica.net), founded in 1909, is the nation's leading community-based network dedicated to helping all Americans achieve wellness by living mentally healthier lives. With our 240 affiliates across the country, we touch the lives of millions—Advocating for changes in mental health and wellness policy; Educating the public & providing critical information; and delivering urgently needed mental health and wellness Programs and Services.

SOURCE Mental Health America