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A first-of-its kind summit next week in Allen County will focus on mental health issues that impact people from all walks of life.
The Allen Superior Court and community partners will host the first Northeastern Indiana Regional Mental Health Summit from 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 21 at the Walb Student Union on the Purdue University Fort Wayne campus.
According to a news release, the event is designed to provide an opportunity for private sector providers, government agencies and first responders involved in providing mental health services to collaborate on ways to increase mental health awareness and heighten wellness in the region.
Members of the public are invited to attend and participate. Admission to the summit is free, but online registration is required.
“If recent history has taught us anything, it is that caring for our mental health and that of our loved ones isn’t just a good idea — it is essential to the ability to live full and healthy lives,” Allen Superior Judge Andrew Williams, a member of the Allen County Mental Health Task Force, said in a news release. “Awareness of mental health needs is on the rise, but it can always be better. Our goal on Sept. 21 is to increase awareness of the services already here and to make sure those services are working in unison.”
John McGauley, court executive at Allen Superior Court, said there are currently 200 people signed up for the summit, with officials expecting up to 300 visitors.
McGauley said mental health is a topic very close to Williams’ heart.
“It’s something that’s impacted his family. It’s something he sees every day,” McGauley said.
According to the Allen Superior Court website, in addition to a docket consisting of civil cases, Williams serves as the county’s mental health judge.
He is responsible for issuing emergency detention orders for mental health evaluations and deciding petitions for involuntary commitments. He also oversees the court’s Mental Health Task Force, which includes members of law enforcement, mental health care providers and community mental health advocates.
McGauley noted Williams has discussed how mental health issues affected a family member on an INSession podcast, which is produced by Allen Superior Court.
On the podcast, Williams pointed out that mental health issues and mental illness impacts everybody one way or another, whether it’s personally or through a family member or friend.
He said he had a family member who had gone through a mental health crisis, was treated and on medication but had stopped taking her medication for a short time.
Since the family member has resumed her medication and treatment, she is doing much better, Williams said.
“Today, you would have no idea she suffered from a mental illness,” he said. “She takes her medications and her medications have helped her tremendously, along with other counseling she’s received.”
McGauley said summit organizers wanted the event to be open to the public and not just legal, law enforcement and mental health professionals.
Sessions throughout the day will focus on topics including emergency intervention, suicide prevention, the role of faith in mental health, family engagement and support, medical management of mental health challenges, law enforcement interaction with those experiencing a mental health crisis and other topics.
Participants will be able to submit questions to panelists and interact with experts during breaks and during lunch.
Indiana Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch will keynote a lunch and networking event. Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry, State Rep. Bob Morris and State Sen. Michael Crider, the Senate majority whip, will give welcoming remarks during the morning session.
More information about registration and the agenda is available online.
In addition to the Allen Superior Court, partners for the summit include, Purdue Fort Wayne, the Bowen Health Clinic, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Parkview Behavioral Health, Meridian Health Services, The Fort Wayne Rescue Mission, Allendale Treatment, Fort Wayne Recovery, Ambassador Enterprises, The Lutheran Foundation and Maple Heights Behavioral Health.
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