MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS CONFERENCE MAY 7

April 30, 2018

MARQUETTE, Mich. – The Upper Peninsula Children’s Coalition will host its annual conference with the theme “Mental Health Matters” Monday, May 7, from 8 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. at Northern Michigan University’s Don H. Bottum University Center.

Presenters include state and national authorities on mental health and well-being of children and families. There will also be a panel discussion with U.P. legislators around policies and advocacy related to children’s mental health and well-being.

Dr. Sarah Davidon, Research Director of Mental Health Colorado, will speak on “What is Mental Health? Beyond the Absence of Illness” and “Changing the Path: Using Best Practices.”

Mike Foley, executive director of Children’s Trust Fund of Michigan and Matt Gillard, President and CEO of Michigan’s Children, will present current child advocacy opportunities and an update on the most recent Michigan Kids Count data.

Lauren Kazee, Mental Health Consultant who has worked extensively with Michigan Departments of Education and Health and Human Services, will present “Social and Emotional Competence: A Common Good.”

The conference is open to everyone and especially appropriate for human services professionals throughout the U.P. including those in child welfare, mental health including substance abuse, public health, school counseling, courts, tribal partners, religious organizations and foster parents.

Registration is $25 and includes lunch. Registration is open through April 30 on the U.P. Children’s Coalition website upchildrenscoalition.org.

Conference sponsors include NMU Department of Education, Leadership and Public Service; NMU Psychology BEAR Center; NMU College of Health Sciences and Professional Studies; Superior Health Foundation; Western Marquette County Health Foundation; Upper Peninsula Health Plan; U.P. Kids, and Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.

UPCC is a non-partisan advocacy organization concerned with identifying and addressing issues impacting children and families in the Upper Peninsula.

For more information contact Linda Remsburg at lremsburg@glcyd.org or 906-228-8919 extension 126.