Tickets Available for Festival of Hope
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Harrisburg Hilton Hotel
Evening begins at 6:00PM with a coctail reception and viewing the art show
Dinner begins at 7:00 followed by a program filled with music and laughs.
Partner with The Mental Health Association of the Capital Region as it envisions a just, humane and healthy society in which individuals with a mental illness are accorded dignity and the opportunity to achieve their full potential, free from stigma, prejudice and other barriers to recovery. We value a holistic recovery-oriented approach to mental health which empowers individuals and their families to participate in a solution-oriented treatment planning process based on a sound recovery philosophy.
Be a Friend and support our mission in Dauphin, Cumberland, and Perry Counties
Tickets $100.00 per person
Call 717-957-4263 for reservations
Major Credit Cards Accepted.
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At this point in time we do not know the motivation or the reason for the shooting. However, there has been much speculation about the mental health of the individual who did the shooting. This kind of violence is NOT characteristic of people who have a mental illness. Scientific studies have shown that people with mental health conditions are no more prone to violence than the rest of the population. A small portion of individuals with a specific mental illness is at risk for violence IF their symptoms go untreated.
Current studies show that 1 in 4 adult Americans will experience a mental health problem in any given year, yet LESS THAN 1/3 will seek help or receive treatment. Nationally our mental health system is underfunded. In this economy there is an increased demand for mental health services and yet strained budgets have drastically cut funding for community mental health services.
As a community our goal should be to help those with signs of mental illnesses to seek treatment. We need to engage in reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness and eliminating the barriers to accessing treatment. In the past years we have seen too many of these national tragedies. Now is the time to band together to address the issues to make our mental healthcare system effective, accessible and easy to use. Early access to treatment will help prevent this type of tragedy.
]]>- Preserve life where a person may be indanger to self or others
- Provide help to prevent a ment health problem from becoming more serious
- Promote recovery of good mental health
- Provide comfort to a person experiencing a mental health problem
The 12-hour course shows people how to:
- Recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health problems
- Provide initial help
- Guide a person towards appropriate professioanl help
In May of 2010 5 people completed the certification course. This was a community training that met on Monday nights for 6 weeks. The class included nurses, staff from mental health providers, and community leaders.
In July of 2010 we joined in a partnership with Community Services Group (CSG) to train 7 people from local school districts at the Capital Area Intermediate Unit. This included school teachers and guidance counselors.
A total of 12 new people gained their certification and now have the skills to help people during a mental health crisis or concern.
We are excited that the partnership with CSG is ongoing. 2011 is going to see an increase in poeple trainined through this partnership. We are in the process of setting up a training with the local police deparments. Susquehanna Township Police Department is negotiating for a training to be held in February or March.
If you would like to schedule a training please call the MHACR office: 717-957-4263
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]]>Highmark Blue Shield will present the Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community
Saturday, May 21, 2011 at City Island in Harrisburg.
The walk benefits 38 local health and human service organizations, including
The Mental Health Association of the Capital Region (MHACR)
Highmark Blue Sheild underwrites the cost of the walk so that 100 percent of the money raised by walkers goes directly to the participating organizations.
Gather your friends, family members, neighbors, and co-workers to join The MHACR Team in walking to ensure a healthier community. Join our team to help eliminate the stigma surrounding mental illness.
For more information, visit www.walkforahealthycommunity.org
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Alyce Spector, local philanthropist and former president of the Board of Directors of THe Mental Health Associaiton of the Capital Region has been named as this year’s honoree.
The Magnificent Minds Project will provide an art show featuring local artists who are living with mental illness. “A Mind with Mental Illness is a Magnificent Mind”
Watch this space for more details and updates
]]>One of the main causes of holiday depression my be unrealistic expectations. People remember holidays from years gone by and are unable to make that magic happen again. There are also the expectations that we must attend all the events and do all the decorating and ”everything must be perfect”, which we all know is unobtainable.
Learning to pace ourselves, doing something for someone else, breaking tasks down or having friends help, getting sleep and not overindulging in holiday drinking are the best ways to combat the holiday blues.
However, if the sadnesspersists or intensifies there is a need for immediate professional help. Clinical depression affects 19 million American adults every year. Unfortunately many people do not ask for help even though depression is a treatable mental illness.
Symptoms of Depression
Below is a list of symptoms of depression compiled by the National Institute of Mental Health. If you experience 5 or more of these symptoms every day for two weeks you should seek professional help. If you have recurring thought of death or suicide, you should get help immediately.
- Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
- Loss of interest or loss of pleasure in hobbies or activities you once enjoyed, including sex
- Decreased energy, fatigue, being “slowed down”
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
- Insomnia, early morning awakening, or oversleeping
- Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain
- Restlessness, irritability
- Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain
One in four Americans will experience a mental health problem in any given year. However, nearly two thirds go without treatment. Similar to CPR and other medical first aid trainings, Mental Health First Aid trains the public to assist those experiencing mental health problems by acquiring professional help and support. Specifically, participants learn:
- The potential risk factors and warning signs fof a range of mental health problems, including: Depression, anxiety/trauma, psychosis, eating disorders, substance abuse disorders, and selrf-injury
- An understanding of the prevalence of various mental health disorders in the U.S. and the need for reduced stigma in thier communities
- A 5 step action plan to assess the situation, selcet and im;ement appropriate interventions, and to help the individual in crisis connect with local professional care
- The appropriate professional, peer, social, and self help resources available to help someone with a mental health problem.
This first class was made possible through a parntership between MHACR and CAIU. The MHACR provided two certified trainers, manuals, and resource materials while the CAIU provided the space, food, technical support, and professional credits. A grant from The Foundation for Enhancing Communities provided partial funds for teaching supplies and presentation equipment. The National Council for Community Behavior Healthcare has brought the Mental Health First Aid program to the United States and certifies all trainers through a 5 day course.
Learn how YOU gain a better understanding of mental illness and respond to psychiatric emergencies. Help bring Mental Health First Aid into your community. Contact: info@mentalhealthassociationcr.org or call the MHACR at 717-957-4263 for more information.
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