Alliance focuses on mental health

Do you or someone you know suffer from a mental illness? Are you concerned about our community's response to mental illness? Would you like to make a difference and support the current efforts to increase awareness of mental illness?

"The Henry County Mental Health Alliance was established to address the challenges our community faces when dealing with mental health issues," said Gail Ripka, an Alliance volunteer.

Initially focused upon increasing awareness, the Alliance has expanded its activities to promote competency for all community members who come into contact with those who are struggling with mental illness. A significant factor in the growth of the Alliance has been the 266 percent increase in suicides in Henry County.

Over the past few years the Alliance has carried out various activities which include the establishment of a family support group, hosting a town hall meeting on mental illness, sponsoring the first annual mental health awareness walk, bringing providers together to coordinate services, and conducting education programs for first responders and the community.

After a successful first Mental Health Awareness Walk in 2015, plans are now underway for the second annual Mental Health Awareness Walk scheduled for October 23.

In conjunction with the walk, the Alliance is supporting the Winning Edge assembly programs at local schools which will be featuring NFL player Devin Wyman, who won a Super Bowl with the New England Patriots.

According to Jeff Hepner, Winning Edge volunteer, "Devin will be inspiring students to do their best in academics along with giving a very powerful anti-bullying message as well focusing on the importance of making positive lifestyle choices. Decisions determine destiny. Make the right choices by listening to the right voices."

The Henry County Mental Health Alliance meets the fourth Thursday of each month at 10 a.m. at the Black Hawk East Community Education Center.

"Our meetings are open to the public and we invite anyone with an interest to join us. Together we can make a difference in our community," said Ripka.