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Board proclaims Mental Health Awareness Month

MEMBERS OF THE HAMILTON COUNTY Board of Supervisors proclaimed May as Mental Health Awareness Month on Tuesday morning during the regular board session. Looking on as Chairman Dan Campidilli signs the document were, from the left, Supervisor Jerry Kloberdanz, Supervisor Rick Young, Carrie Hisler of Central Iowa Community Services, Anthony Wubben of Van Diest Medical Center and Patti Treibel Leeds, Central Iowa Community Services.

The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday morning declared May as Mental Health Awareness Month in Hamilton County.

The board also heard from area mental health providers about why the proclamation and raising awareness is so important.

“We try to do some extra things to bring about awareness about Mental Health conditions. Our hope nationwide is to reach out to millions through media and local events and screenings to acknowledge brain health issues that people face every day,” said Patti Treibel Leeds, director of Central Iowa Community Services.

Every year, millions face the reality of living with mental illness or a brain health issue. One in five people will experience a mental health condition in any given year, Treibel Leeds said, adding that not all will seek treatment.

“We also are seeing children as young as 8-years-old are experiencing anxiety,” she said. “With COVID 19, we’ve seen an increase in depression and anxiety among people who have never suffered from those conditions.”

Treibel Leeds said the theme that her agency and other mental health providers in Hamilton County are using is “You are not alone.”

“We want them to know they don’t have to suffer in silence, you don’t have to be ashamed of a brain health issue. We’re here to help you,” she said. “It’s important that we share a common vision that anyone affected by mental illness can get the appropriate support and quality care to live a healthy, fulfilling life.”

Treibel Leeds said the region has a crisis line that can be accessed 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, 855-581-8111.

“We also have the ability to dispatch a mobile crisis team to you wherever you are — in the community, at home, at school — wherever you need help.” she said.

Treibel Leeds said there were many exciting things happening during Mental Health Awareness Month, including the virtual Mental Health Awareness Conference on May 20.

Anthony Wubben, a social worker at Van Diest Medical Center, has been involved in organizing the conference. He said there are nearly 300 people registered for the conference so far.

“This is the third annual conference,” he said. “It’s a half-day conference from 12 to 4:30 p.m. and we’re offering continuing education opportunities as well.”

Speakers for the event include Tiffany Larson, the Bee Inspired CAPP Coordinator, the mobile crisis unit, Kurt Volkert of the Berryhill Center and Malisa Radar of Iowa State Extension and Outreach.

The keynote speaker will be Lyndsey Fennelly, who will discuss “Hope and Healing: My Walk with Mental Illness.” Fennelly is a former Iowa State All-American basketball player and a WNBA draftee. She co-created CampusCycle, a beat-driven spin studio with locations in Ames and Ankeny, and also runs Elite 360 Training, a sports development service for Iowa Athletes. She’s the mom of two children and is married to the Iowa State women’s basketball assistant coach Billy Fennelly.

She’s currently writing a memoir detailing her experience with mental illness after two significant breakdowns. Organizers said she is a passionate advocate for mental health and a life well lived.

Wubben said the people can find information about registering for the conference at the VDMC or CICS Facebook page.

Treibel Leeds said the conference will also feature a virtual tour of The Roundhouse, the drop-in center located at Shashi Station, 1610 Collins St.

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