Burlington, VT—Howard Center will be connecting with the global world mental health movement and hosting its third annual recognition of World Mental Health Day (WMHD) this October. This is an opportunity for community education and engagement to reduce stigma, raise awareness, and to connect to the global movement to ensure our communities have access to mental health support.
On October 12, Howard Center will host a free and open to the public event with two featured speakers, Alice T. Chen, MD, and Ferene Paris Meyer. Dr. Chen is a board-certified internal medicine physician and a national leader in physician advocacy, community organizing, and public health. Ferene Paris Meyer is a storyteller and founder of All Heart Inspirations.
The pandemic caused enormous changes in all workplaces. Increased workloads, challenges to work-life balance, concerns about getting sick, economic stress, and general uncertainty all contributed to widespread occupational burnout. Dr. Chen will draw on her years of experience and expertise to discuss the causes of burnout, particularly those present in healthcare and social services settings; physical and mental symptoms; and strategies for addressing burnout in all facets of life.
Ferene Paris Meyer aims to empower those navigating mental health to be their authentic selves. Meyer has found storytelling to be healing and transformational in her own experience with anxiety and depression. She says, “[I will] infuse heartfelt shares as a catalyst for awakening a fire within us to heal and transform. We all have stories worthy of telling.”
Dr. Jude Smith Rachele from Howard Center and Abundant Sun will serve as event moderator.
Howard Center’s World Mental Health Day event is generously supported by many individuals, businesses, and foundations.
Visit howardcenter.org for more information, resources, and to register for the free October 12 event. To promote mental health through your online and social media networks go to our media kit for sample messages, logos, handles and hashtags and more.
For more information, please contact pdetzer@howardcenter.org or visit howardcenter.org.
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ABOUT HOWARD CENTER: Howard Center has a long and rich history as a trusted provider in the community. With a legacy spanning more than 150 years, we have been providing progressive, compassionate, high-quality care and supports to those in need. Today, we offer an array of exemplary mental health, substance use, and developmental services across the lifespan. As Vermont’s largest social service organization, our 1,600 staff help more than 19,000 people each year in over 60 locations throughout Vermont in collaboration with hundreds of community partners. Howard Center’s 24/7/365 crisis service, First Call for Chittenden County, is available to meet the needs of Chittenden County children, adults, and families in crisis by calling 802-488-7777. www.howardcenter.org. Help is here. A United Way of Northwest Vermont Funded Agency.