Faith leaders invited to mental health seminar

There is an old saying that "many hands make light work." Mental Health America of Lancaster County (MHALC), in partnership with We Rise International and with the help of a grant from LMC Legacy Foundation, would like to lighten the burden of area faith leaders with regard to the mental health of their communities.

Leaders of all faiths in Lancaster, York, Lebanon, and Adams counties are invited to "Guiding Faith Leaders on Mental Health," a breakfast scheduled to be held on Wednesday, March 29, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Eden Resort, 222 Eden Road, Lancaster. Seating is limited and registration must be made by Wednesday, March 22. There is a nominal fee to attend.

Kim McDevitt, director of MHALC, said that the breakfast was inspired in part when she attended a funeral for a young man who died of an overdose. She noted that when the officiant gave the eulogy he began to cry. "He said 'I wish I could have done more,'" recalled McDevitt. Knowing that experts and resources are available, McDevitt said that MHALC hopes to provide training and support. "We don't want them to have to carry the burden on their own," she said.

Speakers at the breakfast will include Dr. Jeffrey D. Hamilton, who will discuss "ministering to persons facing mental illness," and Janelle Bitikofer, executive director of We Rise International, which has a Lancaster location. Bitikofer said that We Rise International has conducted in-depth training for faith leaders to teach strategies to reduce stigma and connect them to support. "(Faith leaders) are really instrumental in responding to the needs of their communities," she said. "They are the people individuals in the faith community go to when they need help and support." Noting that faith leaders are on the frontlines, she added, "We come alongside them and help them to be able to meet those needs with additional support, information, and linking to community resources."

"This event will be twofold," pointed out McDevitt, noting that attendees will be asked to identify a champion from within their community who may have background in mental health and can be supportive of a community member in a struggle. "The champions will be invited to a second event on May 25, which will also be held at the Eden," explained Margie Lamberson, director of development and communications for MHALC. "It will be a follow-up educational session for the people who can assist the (faith leaders) as needs arise to lessen the burden."

"We will provide training to the champions so they can walk alongside (the faith leaders), who are often tasked with doing that alone without a support system," said Bitikofer.

McDevitt explained that the champions will then become contact persons between faith communities and MHALC. According to Lamberson, MHALC can then help the champions navigate the complex mental health system, which they are able to provide without charge thanks to the community, foundations, and others who support the work.

Individuals who would like to attend the breakfast may register at https://tinyurl.com/mrhw9mwk or call 717-397-7461.