Mental Health Community Comes Together at Symposium on Recovery and Resiliency
NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities (TDMHDD) and Magellan Health Services in partnership with NAMI Tennessee, Tennessee Association of Mental Health Organizations (TAMHO), Tennessee Voices for Children, and the Tennessee Mental Health Consumers Association are sponsoring a symposium to focus on mental health recovery and resiliency.
The vision and outcome of the symposium involves a common understanding that recovery and resiliency are real, possible and achievable through a shared commitment to transform the public mental health system to promote and support resiliency for all persons and recovery for persons with mental illness or emotional disturbance.
Over 300 key Tennessee mental health policy makers, including mental health providers, family members, and consumers as well as state officials, and representatives from community and government organizations, will attend the symposium. These individuals are important to the development of mental heath policy and practice and are key players in building the foundation for system change toward a mental health system based on principles of recovery and resiliency.
“As we move forward we must keep in mind that resilience is necessary and recovery is possible. Both require a system of screening; timely, quality, clinical intervals; and appropriate social supports,” stated TDMHDD Commissioner Virginia Trotter Betts. “I am grateful that this symposium creates a venue for the mental health community to collaborate with multiple interested parties and stakeholders and vision together the achievement of the common goal of a Tennessee mental health system based on these two key factors.”
“It is a pleasure to sponsor this symposium, which brings together consumer and family members, advocates and providers to continue the transformation of the behavioral health system.” said Russell Petrella, Ph.D., chief operating officer for Magellan’s Public Sector Solutions team. “Like our colleagues, Magellan Health Services believes individuals with mental illnesses and substance abuse can and do recover. We are committed to empowering individuals through an integrated approach that combines support, education and self-determination in all aspects of their daily lives so individuals can move toward recovery and enjoy productive, high-quality lives in their communities.”
For additional resources and mental health information, please contact TDMHDD’s Office of Public Information and Education at (615) 253-4812 or visit www.state.tn.us/mental.