Submitted Reports
EDENTON — Mental health is often in the news these days. Several area churches and agencies have partnered to present a series of programs on mental health topics. The goal is to raise awareness and help local residents learn more about risk factors and warning signs of various mental health challenges, as well as locally available resources.
The Mental Health Connection, a series of faith-based conversations about mental health, resources and support, is facilitated by Betsy Johnstone. The series opened on Tuesday, September 17 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Ann Catholic Church and was well attended. Subsequent conversations will be held on October 15 at Edenton United Methodist Church, November 19 at Edenton Baptist Church, January 21, 2025 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, and February 18 at Providence Missionary Baptist Church.
Each meeting will feature a guest speakers, time for questions, refreshments, and opportunities to learn and share. The first conversation — a word selected to intentionally convey the informality of the programs — featured Lorrie Meads LCSW from Albemarle Regional Health Services who talked about the role of faith in mental health and how to access counseling.
Speakers at future programs will include:
- October 15: Sheriff Scooter Basnight; Crisis Intervention Response; Keith Hamm, Mobile Crisis Services
- November 19: Mitchell Wynn, Snapback Peer Counseling; Dr. Koby Strawser, Anxiety Awareness
- January 21, 2025: Michele Lewis, Grief and Faith, Career Coach for military personnel
- February 18, 2025: Dr. John Shannon, Suicide Prevention
Each conversation is expected to last about an hour. They are free and open to all interested individuals. If the series of five meetings are well-received, more conversations will be held in 2025.
For information, contact Betsy Johnstone via email at bjohn1955@aol.com
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