LITTLE ROCK, AR- (Press Release) The Mental Health Council of Arkansas announces Rally to Recognize Mental Health Awareness Month for Arkansas Children, Adults, and Families at the State Capitol.
Rally participants will be calling on the state to maintain services for consumers with mental illnesses and their families.
Mental Health Awareness Month began in 1949 to raise awareness about mental illness and the need for services throughout Arkansas.
“People with mental and substance abuse disorders may die decades earlier than the average person—mostly from preventable and untreated chronic illnesses.
If prevention and treatment services are available, we can reduce these fatalities.
We know people can recover and lead healthy and productive lives,” said Pam Christie, Executive Director of the Mental Health Council of Arkansas.
“The Division of Behavioral Health Services is dedicated to leading the charge of transforming the Arkansas Behavioral Health Care System by promoting a holistic approach to care and recovery, advocating for high quality efficient services, and ensuring positive consumer outcomes.”
The rally will begin with brief remarks from Mayor Mark Stodola, as well as representatives from the Division of Behavioral Health Services and consumers.
“This will be a great day for our consumers to use their voices to raise awareness about mental illnesses”
“Over 76,000 Arkansans and their families receive community based mental health services.
We welcome them to come and be a part of this day in support of our many citizens who are struggling with mental illness”, said Ms. Christie.
For more information visit the website at; www.mhca.org.
