The Hopkinsville chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority will host a mental health awareness conference from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 8, at Mount Olive Baptist Church, 801 E. Fourth St.
The goal of conference is to help “remove the stigma that is often associated with mental health issues,” chapter president Ruth Lynch said in a letter to local churches. Workshops are planned for men, women and youth during the conference.
“Alpha Kappa Alpha is aware that mental health issues are some of the most common health problems in the U.S., with the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] projecting that more than 50% of the population will be diagnosed with a mental illness at some point in life,” the letter states. “Due to recent events, mental health challenges have become more common as people are dealing with issues of trauma, depression and anxiety. These challenges affect our day-to-day life and determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices.”
Speakers will include:
- Georgia Ellis, a licensed professional clinical counselor, for the women’s workshop
- John Childress Jr., a licensed clinical social worker, for the men’s workshop
- School counselors for the youth workshop
AKA will award a traveling trophy to the church with the most members attending the conference.
Additional information is available by contacting Marcia Johnson, the program chairwoman, at 270-484-5333 or mjohnson52@bellsouth.net.
