Northeast Delta Human Services Authority (NE Delta HSA), which directs the operation of community-based services for citizens with mental health issues, addictive disorders and developmental disabilities, is hosting a faith-based summit on Saturday, November 14 at the Mt. Zion Family Life Center, 100 N. 18th Street from 9:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. in Monroe. Registration opens at 8:00 a.m.
Pastors Danny and Carolyn Hunt of the H.E.A.R.T.S. Coalition will facilitate the Summit, which will include clergy and mental health expert-led panel discussions about:
- Mental health prevention programs and techniques through faith-based organizations
- How mental illness affects children and families
- Clergy and mental health issues
- How to avoid Pastoral and congregational burn-out and disengagement
- Faith-based community support resources
Summit participation is encouraged from leaders of varied belief systems. Studies show that more communication is needed to bridge the gap between formal mental health care providers and citizens in rural communities. “We know that our clergy can help strengthen this linkage. We know that faith can offset hopelessness, and by coordinating all of our resources, we can help our region grow and prosper to its full potential,” said Dr. Monteic A. Sizer, NE Delta HSA Executive Director.
“The contribution that clergy make to our communities is significant,” said Dr. Sizer. “They provide hope and strength that further stabilizes traditional mental health services. Along with reaching citizens through faith-based approaches, we want clergy leaders to better understand their own challenges, too. Historically, faith-based entities have helped provide social support to people in need. Our lives are comprised of many facets — be it family, business, government, education or our faith-based communities – but no single entity can do it alone. We must all work together to help solve our region’s problems.”
To obtain more information about the Summit, contact Dr. Carolyn Hunt at lacap@bellsouth.net or jill.hirsekorn@la.gov.
The purpose of the Faith-Based Summit is to bring together mental health and faith-based leadership to discuss and better understand how to assist citizens who need help with mental health issues, addictive disorders and developmental disabilities. NE Delta HSA does not promote or endorse religion, nor does it promote any particular religious viewpoint.
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About Northeast Delta Human Services Authority (Northeast Delta HSA)
Northeast Delta HSA directs the operation of community-based programs to improve the quality of life of people with major mental illness, developmental disabilities and addictive disorders. Northeast Delta HSA is devoted to deliver programs and services that encourage people to reach their true human potential.
Three tenets guide our efforts: excellent customer service, greater access to services and competent, quality care. Northeast Delta HSA serves citizens in 12 parishes of northeastern Louisiana: Caldwell, East Carroll, West Carroll, Ouachita, Lincoln, Madison, Franklin, Morehouse, Jackson, Tensas, Richland and Union. For more information, please visit our website at www.nedeltahsa.org or call 318-362-3270.
Media Contact:
Jill Hirsekorn Northeast Delta HSA Public Information Director
2513 Ferrand Street, Monroe, LA 71201
Phone 318-362-5482
NE Delta HSA Press & Media
www.nedeltahsa.org
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