BRIEF: Event planned for mental health awareness week

Sept. 26--CUMBERLAND -- The first full week in October is Mental Illness Awareness Week, and there will be a local event to recognize the importance of removing the stigmas often associated with mental health concerns, said Lesa Diehl, of the Allegany County Health Department.

The department will host the 21st annual candlelight celebration on Oct.7 in the health department's community room on Willowbrook Drive. The event begins with registration at noon and a presentation and candlelight service at 12:30 p.m. The speaker for the event is Kristen Myers of On Our Own of Maryland, Inc. The organization represents consumers of mental health services.

Diehl spoke at the Allegany County Commission meeting Thursday at county offices on Kelly Road.

Diehl said a training program in mental health first aid in the county has reached educators, law enforcement and others in the community. The training helps participants learn to properly respond when they encounter an individual with mental health problems.

Allegany County Commission President Michael McKay said that if people got the help they needed early on, "it would solve a lot of the problems" in our society.

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