Leon County Holds Mental Health and Substance Abuse Town Hall Meeting
Organizers ask community to join the conversation after last month’s stakeholder summit
WHAT: Mental Health and Substance Abuse Town Hall Meeting
WHO: Leon County Healthcare Advisory Board, Leon County Mental Health and
Substance Abuse Reinvestment Advisory Council
WHEN: Wednesday, February 3, 6 to 8 p.m.
WHERE: Leon County Courthouse, 301 S. Monroe St., Commission Chambers
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Mental illness touches almost all families, either directly or indirectly, so mental health professionals serving Leon County, along with government officials, are attempting to forge a new direction to ensure that the least advantaged citizens in our community receive the help that they need. To do this, the Leon County Healthcare Advisory Board and Leon County Mental Health and Substance Abuse Reinvestment Advisory Council need to hear from all sectors of the community.
Following the success of Leon County’s first mental health stakeholder summit, which took place last month at TCC, the second of two meetings will allow for the full discussion of the system of care in Leon County for individuals with mental health problems.
While Leon County has been successful in establishing a new mental health court and using this court as a catalyst for change and increased collaboration, broad public input is still needed. The town hall meeting will provide an opportunity for subject matter experts, governmental leaders and members of the public to meet in an environment that will allow for the open exchange of ideas and suggestions on ways to improve services, and how service providers can continue to break down the barriers of access to critical services.
At the town hall meeting, local panelists will be able to discuss how services are provided to individuals who were experiencing a mental health crisis and how these same individuals frequently come into contact with law enforcement.
Last month’s Mental Health Summit involved the vast majority of stakeholders in the mental health services, area as well as in criminal justice. It was and overwhelming success, said organizers, and highlighted the need for continued dialogue and community-wide involvement.
For more information, call Kendra Brown, Court Mental Health Coordinator, at (850) 577-4438; Candice Wilson, Director of Leon County Health and Human Services, at (850) 606-1913; or Leon County Public Information at (850) 606-5300.
Please note: More than one member of the Board of County Commissioners may be in attendance at this meeting. Subjects, which may appear before the Board of County Commissioners, may be discussed. In such instance, this meeting would be declared a special meeting of the Board of County Commissioners.
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