Press Release Summary: A panel forum on North Carolina's mental health system will be held on Thursday, October 23 at the Fairmont United Methodist Church in Raleigh. The discussion is open to the public and will take place from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Press Release Body: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Darron Stover 919.521.5150 advisor@invest4change.com
RALEIGH, N.C. (October 14, 2008) - With the state's mental health system in disarray, many North Carolinians are wondering how leaders allowed this to happen. To address their concerns, Fairmont United Methodist Church's Committee for Social Justice will host a panel forum on Thursday, October 23. The discussion will take place at the church (2501 Clark Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27607) from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
As widely reported, North Carolina's mental health facilities continue to come under scrutiny for numerous reasons including understaffing, the mismanagement of funds and the poor treatment of patients. With new issues arising locally and throughout the state, the time is now to open discussions and search for solutions.
"This forum gives the public a chance to understand the problems facing our mental health system - beyond the headlines and political rhetoric - from people who live and work in that world," says Darron Stover, member of the Fairmont United Methodist Church Committee for Social Justice. "We're hopeful that these discussions will be a catalyst in solving the issues.
During the forum, area mental health leaders will explain current problems and what the implications are, as well as offer ideas on what can be done to move forward. Panelists for the event include: Kent Goddard, Wake Chapter of National Alliance on Mental Illness; Ann Akland, co-chair of the Wake County Consumer & Family Advisory Committee; and John Tote, executive director of the North Carolina Mental Health Association.
The discussion is free, and all community members are encouraged to attend. For more information or to RSVP, call (919) 832-3316 or e-mail fairmont@intrex.net.
About Fairmont United Methodist Church: Fairmont United Methodist Church, located two blocks west of Cameron Village, is currently in its 70th year of ministry. Home to the Raleigh Wesley Foundation, the United Methodist Campus Ministry, Fairmont embraces all core values of Christianity and more specifically the primary tenets of Wesleyan Theology. It carries forward these values through its unique blend of: Joyful Worship, Radical Hospitality, Risk-Taking Mission to the World, Nurturing Community, Responsible Stewardship, Unconditional Acceptance and Authenticity. Services are at 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on Sundays at 2501 Clark Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27607. Contact Pastor Steve Hickle at (919) 832-3316 or visit www.FairmontUMC.org for more information.