September 30, 2009 – News & Views

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Shining a Light on Mental Health
OWU, area agencies unite to promote awareness

In an effort to bring mental health issues out of the shadows on campus and in the Delaware community, Ohio Wesleyan University’s psychology and counseling services departments are joining forces with area mental health treatment agencies for the Rally for Mental Health Awareness “Shine a Light” event scheduled from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tues. Oct. 6 at University Hall Plaza (between University and Slocum Halls).

Event coordinator Richard Leavy, chairperson of the psychology department, planned this public event because “we have had a number of events at Ohio Wesleyan to raise awareness about other issues – but not mental health.”

The event occurs during National Mental Illness Awareness Week, and October 6 is the National Day of Prayer for Mental Illness Recovery and Understanding.

The event will begin at 6 p.m. with a performance by the central Ohio classic rock band “The Good Guys.” Representatives from area agencies will be present with information for rally attendees.

At 7 p.m. OWU Chaplain Jon Powers will present an invocation. The speakers will include Leavy, Dr. Colleen Cook, director of counseling services, and representatives from area mental health treatment agencies. The keynote speaker will be Jon Peterson, who has been an advocate for mental health treatment issues on the legislative level. A former state representative, Peterson is currently Delaware County Treasurer. Peterson graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1976.

The event will conclude with a candle lighting ceremony to show unity between the university and Delaware community regarding mental health awareness.

Agencies participating in the rally include: the Delaware Morrow Mental Health and Recovery Services Board; the Central Ohio Mental Health Center; HelpLine of Delaware and Morrow Counties, Inc.; Annie’s Outreach Center and the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI).

– Linda O’Horo