Mental Health Conference Features National Mental Health Leader

FRANKFORT, Ky.  (Sept. 15, 2003) --- The Fourteenth Annual Mental Health Institute:  “From Science to Service” is Sept. 30 – Oct. 2 at the Executive West Hotel in Louisville. 

Charles Curie, head of the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), is the opening speaker.  Curie is nationally acclaimed for his commitment to ensuring that people with addictive and mental disorders have the opportunity for full participation in American society.  SAMHSA is responsible for improving the accountability, capacity, and effectiveness of the nation’s substance abuse prevention, addictions treatment, and mental health services. 

The conference is co-sponsored by the Department for Mental Health and Mental Retardation Services’ Division of Mental Health, and the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill – Mt. Sterling Chapter. “Last fall, over 1,000 people attended the meeting, which is the primary vehicle for informing mental health clinicians, administrators, family members and consumers about current issues in mental health,” said Bruce Scott, director of the state’s Division of Mental Health.  “It also continues to provide an inexpensive venue for many clinicians to receive continuing education units and meet professional licensure requirements.”

The Institute uses evidence-based practices as a unifying theme for the selection of over 50 workshops presented over a three-day period.   The mental health topics include administration, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation, and recovery.  Many of the national and state-level speakers present up-to-date information about the emerging trends of evidence-based practices in mental health. 

Specific workshops are offered on areas such as suicide prevention, cultural competency, early childhood mental health, co-occurring disorders, sexual assault, deaf and hard of hearing, brain injury, and aging.  Program tours are also available to Kentucky State Reformatory, Kentucky Correctional Institution for Women, and Kentucky Correctional Psychiatric Center.

In addition, Shane Salter, president and chief executive officer of the Salter Group in Ashburn, Virginia, is Wednesday’s luncheon speaker.  Having spent his entire childhood in foster care and his professional career in human services, Salter weaves his personal and professional experiences into an extraordinary tale of his life as a foster child.  His passion and commitment on the issues of foster care and adoption move audiences throughout the country.

Historically the Institute has served as an opportunity for mental health professionals and consumers to come together to network.  Several groups within the Kentucky mental health community host events in coordination with the Institute.  For example, the Brain Injury Association of Kentucky offers a hospitality hour along with information sharing activities on Sept. 30.  The Kentucky Partnership for Families and Children also conducts their board meeting and dinner on Sept. 30.  On Oct.1, The Kentucky Association of Regional Programs and the Kentucky Mental Health Coalition holds meetings and an annual dinner. 

Full registration is $235 although discounts are available.  There is no additional charge for continuing education credit.  For more conference information and on-line registration, visit http://mhmr.chs.ky.gov/MHI_conference_2003.asp or call 502/564-7610.

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