A Community Conversation on Mental Health

A release from State Representative Michael Day:

State Representative Michael S. Day, along with community and state leaders, invites the public to join a community discussion focused on behavioral health issues and local initiatives and resources available to support our community and better address mental health crises. The discussion will be held at the First Congregational Church of Winchester, March 22nd from 6-8 p.m. and will feature a panel of caregivers and service providers who will discuss mental health services.

Sponsored by Representative Day along with the Winchester Coalition for a Safer Community, the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health, Wayside Youth & Family Support Network, the Edinburg Center and Advocates, the event will provide an opportunity for the public to discuss our mental health system, talk about their own experiences, and pose questions to leaders and service providers in the mental health field. This forum is one of an ongoing series of community discussions Representative Day has held in the district in an attempt to bring a renewed focus on our state’s mental health system.

“For too long, we as a society have refused to recognize mental illness as something we all face, either individually or in our family,” said Representative Michael S. Day. “Mental health is relegated to the shadows of our health care system, and we as a society must better understand what the mental health picture looks like in our community, what help is available, and how we can make access easier for all afflicted with mental health problems.”

Approximately one in five Massachusetts residents personally face a diagnosable mental, behavioral or emotional disorder, not counting developmental or substance use disorders, and more than ten percent of children and adolescents in Massachusetts live with a behavioral health diagnosis. However, 70% of the youth with diagnosed mental health issues do not receive the necessary services they require.

The public is invited to contact to Representative Day’s office with any questions about the event at (617) 722-2210 or by email at Michael.day@mahouse.gov.