Northeast Delta Human Services Authority (NEDHSA) announces its 2023 Faith Summit set for Saturday, May 20, 2023, at the University of Louisiana Monroe’s Bayou Pointe Event Center, with registration beginning at 8 a.m. The theme for the Faith Summit is “Using Faith to Reduce Fear: My New Future.” This event is part of NEDHSA’s Faith Partnership Initiatives to help spiritual leaders better understand the complexities and treatment options for those battling mental illness and addictions.
NEDHSA Executive Director Dr. Monteic A. Sizer said he “conceptualized our faith partnership initiative ten years ago to help faith leaders better understand the science, complexities, and treatment options available for those battling mental illness and addiction in their pulpits, congregations, homes, and communities.”
“I believe that as a government agency, we can and are effectively helping our citizens meet many of their physical, behavioral health, financial, and social needs,” Dr. Sizer said. “However, the government can’t solve complex societal problems alone.”
The Faith Summit will feature Dr. Sizer as the keynote speaker, four breakout sessions, a panel of faith-based leaders, and Peer Counselor Tonja Myles, a subject matter expert in mental health, substance abuse, and untreated trauma. In addition, the faith summit will provide opportunities for faith and spiritual influencers from various sectors and denominations to network and uncover solutions and resources to aid their parishioners who may be experiencing mental health and addiction disorders.
NEDHSA created partnerships with faith leaders and their congregations because they are uniquely positioned in society to help further NEDHSA’s efforts to stabilize traditional mental health services. Additionally, NEDHSA wants to educate, equip and provide resources to faith leaders to address substance abuse, prevention, support, and recovery needs in their congregations. The Faith Summit will also provide Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to industry professionals.
