Wright State to host panel discussion on addressing ‘Mental Health Matters’ on Sept. 17

In response to the urgent conversation around the state of mental health issues and treatment challenges in the region, Wright State University will host “Mental Health Matters: A Community Conversation” on Tuesday, Sept. 17, in the Apollo Room of the Student Union.

The event begins at 5:30 p.m. with a mental health resource fair featuring local providers and support networks. A keynote address and panel discussion and Q&A will follow at 6 p.m.

Seating for the Community Conversation is limited, and registration is required. Sign up to attend on Eventbrite.

Neighbors are struggling to access mental health care in the community. Providers, service organizations and support groups face hurdles to get resources for those who need them.

The event will feature a panel of local experts who will discuss the crisis and what is being done to address it.

The event will open with a keynote address from Scott McGohan, a mental health advocate and community business leader. After retiring from the world of employee benefits, McGohan founded One Morning, a mental health engagement catalyst built for organizations that care deeply about their people to bring mental health and substance abuse resources to life.

Panelists for the Community Conversation include:

• Crystal Allen, CEO, Boys & Girls Club of Dayton
• Tristyn Ball, Ph.D., director of prevention and early intervention, Montgomery County ADAMHS (Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services) Board
• Kelly Blankenship, O., associate chief medical officer of psychiatry and behavioral health, Dayton Children’s Hospital
• Barb Marsh, D.S.W., director, Counseling and Wellness Services, Wright State University
• Greta Mayer, Ph.D., CEO, Mental Health Recovery Board of Clark, Greene and Madison Counties

“Mental Health Matters: A Community Conversation” is co-hosted by the Dayton Daily News, the Greater Dayton Area Hospital Association and Wright State University.

Event co-hosts believe bringing together neighbors to talk about shared issues is important for the future of mental health response in the community.

“Our shared goal must be focused on helping residents understand that mental health challenges can impact anyone, at any point in our lives, while ensuring we have adequate resources to guide them through those challenges,” said Sarah Hackenbracht, president and CEO of the Greater Dayton Area Hospital Association.

“The Dayton Daily News is dedicated to public service journalism, which means we’ll use our local media platform to share important information about mental health challenges, as well as resources that will be free for any readers who want to access it,” said Ashley Bethard, editor and chief content officer at the Dayton Daily News. “The stories we share will highlight the work being done to battle this crisis — including solutions that could serve as inspiration or models elsewhere in Ohio and beyond.”

“This event is a tremendous example of the ways in which our community can come together to support one another and ensure we have the necessary resources to help anyone facing a mental health crisis,” said Wright State Provost Amy Thompson, Ph.D. “Nationally, mental health has become the second leading reason students drop out of college. Through collaborations like this, along with our campus-wide mental health task force and enhanced counseling services, we are working diligently to ensure Wright State students have the mental health support they need throughout their academic journey and beyond.”