Local Organizations to Conduct Event on Mental Health Crisis Intervention

The Rotary Club of Marlborough, Employment Options and the MetroWest chapter of NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, have partnered to conduct an event on mental health crisis intervention, “Many Hands, Many Partnerships,” on Thursday, September 29, 2016 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Employment Options, 82 Brigham Street, Marlborough, MA. Networking will start at 5:30 p.m., with food and beverages served. The partnering organizations invite all members of the community to attend and join the conversation.

“Many Hands, Many Partnerships” will be a community dialogue on how we can better work together to help individuals and families in a mental health crisis get the support they need. It takes a community to manage a mental health crisis. All too often we rely entirely on the police to manage such a crisis. Although our police departments play a valuable role in a crisis, emergency first responders, mental health clinicians, individuals with lived experience, and family members all play equally valuable roles.

The event will include a feature presentation and panel discussion. Audience questions and participation will be encouraged. Feature presenter, Chief Craig Davis of the Ashland Police Department, will speak on “Crisis Diversion and Linkages.” The topic of the panel will be “Crisis Intervention to Crisis Management to Family Need and Support to Recovery.” Chief Davis will join Chief Mark Leonard of the Marlborough Police Department and John Deronck of Emergency Services Advocates in the panel discussion.

The “Many Hands, Many Partnerships” event is part of a community mental health awareness campaign to draw attention to the needs of those with mental illness, change negative perceptions, and promote recovery and healthy communities. The partners’ objectives include finding innovative community-based solutions to mental health needs, with a focus on helping young people, and developing clear steps for communities to address their mental health needs in a way that complements existing local activities.

For more information on the “Many Hands, Many Partnerships” event, visit www.marlboroughrotary.org. To register in advance, call 508-251-9595 or email NAMIMetroWest@NAMIMetroWest.org.

About the Rotary Club of Marlborough

Since 1922, the Rotary Club of Marlborough has supported the youth and charitable organizations of our community and the Rotary Foundation’s efforts to enhance our world. Join Rotary… Do good… Feel great!

About Employment Options

Employment Options is a nonprofit agency serving those in the MetroWest region who are looking to improve and manage their mental health. With a forward-thinking approach, Employment Options provides an environment where individuals support and encourage each other to live life to its fullest and gain the dignity and respect we all deserve as individuals.

Employment Options provides individuals the opportunity to assist in their recovery through participation in diverse recovery services such as Workforce Development Programs, Young Adult Initiatives, Catering Options and the Family Options Program.

About NAMI MetroWest

Our Mission is to provide advocacy, support and education for individuals and families affected by mental health concerns. We run support groups and education programs, using our own experience to help guide and support individuals and families in their journey through the mental health system; and to reduce the impact of isolation and stigma. We are persons in recovery and their families and friends. We believe that biology, trauma and environment can be factors in the development of mental illness.

We are a grassroots, all-volunteer, non-profit organization and a local chapter of NAMI Massachusetts. All of our programs are free and open to the public. For more information, contact Larry DeAngelo at lfdeangelo@namimass.org or (508) 251-9595.