MELBOURNE, FLORIDA — Suntree United Methodist Church will hold its 7th Annual Mental Health Fair, titled “A Time for Hope,” on Saturday, September 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will take place at the church, located at 7400 North Wickham Road in north Melbourne.
This year’s fair will feature a series of inspirational speakers sharing their personal experiences and offering support for individuals facing mental health challenges. The event will include presentations and breakout seminars conducted by experts on various mental health topics.
Topics covered will include the impact of mental illness on family dynamics, addiction and recovery, coping with the loss of a loved one to suicide, mental health concerns for teens and seniors, emotional and spiritual self-care, the mental health continuum of care in Brevard County, and a question-and-answer session.
Attendees will have access to information from 21 different resource providers offering details on Central Florida’s mental health programs and services. Since its inception in 2018, the Mental Health Fair has become an annual event at Suntree United Methodist Church.
The mental health situation in Florida presents significant challenges. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Florida is facing a mental health crisis, with 2.9 million adults experiencing mental health conditions as of 2022. Additionally, 180,000 Floridians aged 12 to 17 suffer from depression. However, due to a severe shortage of mental health providers and an underfunded public mental health system, 648,000 Floridians with serious mental health needs do not receive the care they require. Florida ranks 49th in the nation for access to mental health care.
Rev. Dr. John Baggett, a retired pastor and former State Director of Mental Health in North Carolina, chairs the Mental Health Task Force at Suntree United Methodist Church. Dr. Baggett emphasizes the gravity of the mental health crisis in the Space Coast region and nationwide.
“Our community faces widespread issues including depression, anxiety, suicides, and substance abuse. Yet, there is hope as younger generations increasingly prioritize self-care and foster a more accepting attitude toward mental health challenges, which helps in reducing stigma,” Dr. Baggett noted.
Through its seven years of organizing the Mental Health Fair, the Mental Health Task Force of Suntree United Methodist Church has established itself as a leading advocate for mental health awareness and support in Central Florida. The annual event aims to raise awareness, reduce stigma, provide assistance and hope, and advocate for better mental health care.
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