Mental Health in Rural America [The Kennedy Forum Illinois]

Please join our distinguished moderator and panelists as we engage in discussion focusing on rural mental health awareness and education. May is Mental Health Awareness Month and there is no better time to address the needs as well as champion the efforts our rural communities are engaged in to address mental health. This discussion will focus on mental health in rural America and how we can improve access and eliminate barriers to essential mental health care.

MODERATOR:

Professor Mary Garrison, MSW, LCSW and ACSW. Mary is a Professor of Social Work at Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois. Mary grew up in Quincy, Illinois and has spent her professional career providing clinical mental health services to individuals and families and engaged in advocacy, awareness, and education about mental health.

PANELISTS:

Karen Leavitt Stallman, B.S., and M.S. degrees in Agriculture with minor in Animal Science. Karen is the Agriculture Resource Specialist for the Farm Family Resource Initiative managed by the SIU School of Medicine's Center for Rural Mental Health and Social Service Development.

Liz Hulsizer is a 5th generation farmer of corn and soybean. She received her bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in Agriculture Business Markets and Management and a minor in Agronomy. Liz is a Grain Originator for a large grain company.

Courtney Cuthbertson, Ph.D., (they/them) is an Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist in Human Development and Family Studies at University of Illinois. . Dr. Cuthbertson co-directs the USDA-funded North Central Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Center in addition to serving on the American Public Health Association’s Intersectional Council for Suicide Prevention and the board of the National Association for Rural Mental Health.

Jeff Franklin, M.S. in Education, and certified Master Trainer for CATCH and the Michigan Model for Coordinated School Health Education. Jeff is the Director of CRHSSD and has over 18 years of professional experience with a special interest in the areas of Coordinated School Health Education, Bullying Prevention, Social and Emotional Learning, and Youth Development.

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