Mental health and substance abuse forum planned Saturday at NCC Monroe campus

Sept. 09--The Pocono Medical Center is hosting a panelist forum on mental health and substance abuse with state Sen. Mario Scavello, R-40, this weekend.

The open forum, to be held at Monroe Campus of Northampton Community College on Saturday, will be hosted by a series of panelists from regional departments, colleges and the medical center.

When looking at research and public inquiries, the medical center found that there's a "strong presence" of mental health questions and concerns in the community, PMC Community Relations Specialist Brendon Abbazio said.

"It's something that's really important for us, as a hospital that's community-minded," Abbazio said.

Although a person's mental health is as important as their physical health, information regarding the former is less represented in public schools, Abbazio said. The forum will provide answers to public questions, as well as help PMC gauge its own quality of mental health care.

Anyone interested in submitting an anonymous question to the panel before the forum can do so through Scavello's website.

Scavello will co-host the forum which runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.

"Mental Health challenges and substance abuse problems aren't always easy to talk about, but information sharing and discussion are keys to helping those who need it in the most effective, efficient way possible," Scavello said.

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