OXFORD, AL — With nearly one in five adults in the U.S. — approximately 59 million people — living with mental illness, local advocates are coming together to shine a light on the growing need for mental health awareness and support in Northeast Alabama.
The Out of the Shadows Mental Health Summit will take place Thursday, May 9, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Oxford Civic Center. This annual event, first launched in 2017 and paused only during the pandemic, brings together professionals, community leaders, and residents to foster dialogue, education, and connection around mental health issues affecting the region.
The 2024 summit is co-presented by Jacksonville State University’s Social Work Department, the Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama, Regional Medical Center, Highland Health Systems, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI-Centre Chapter), the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office, United Way of East Central Alabama, Bradford Health Services, and St. Michael’s Clinic.
This year’s keynote speakers include Beverly Johnson, Director of Child and Family Services at the Alabama Department of Mental Health, and syndicated columnist and comedian Joe Hobby. Johnson will share her insights from over 20 years of experience in mental health programming, particularly in services geared toward children and families. Hobby will address the importance of humor, hope, and resilience in navigating mental health struggles.
In addition to the keynotes, attendees can choose from over a dozen breakout sessions led by experts in social work, counseling, education, and advocacy. Topics range from the role of exercise in emotional wellness to using sound therapy and assistive technology, with sessions also tailored for Spanish-speaking professionals and faith communities.
Highlights of the breakout sessions include:
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Therapist, But Also Human: Breaking Free from the Identity Trap – Katesha Reid, MS, LPC
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The Relationship Between Self-Care and Burnout – Herbert Wilkerson, MS, LPC, JSOCC
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I Walked Across America: The AL2LA Foundation – Robert Luna
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Mental Health en Español – Isaac Cruz, MS, ALC
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Be the One – American Legion Post 725 team discussing veteran mental health
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THRIVE: An Integrated Care Framework – A multi-disciplinary team on integrated mental and physical health
Additional session topics explore the intersection of mental health with cancer recovery, recreation, faith, identity, and the profession of social work itself.
Registration is $60 for professionals seeking continuing education or training and only $5 for general public attendees. Exhibitor opportunities are also available for organizations wishing to share information or resources.
To register or learn more about the summit, visit Eventbrite registration page.
