Diane Buenger and Kara Harrison, representing the Mental Health Association of Hancock County spoke to Kiwanis. The organization helps families and individuals living with mental illness. This affects the whole family.
Diane stressed that slur words bother her most and that sometimes words used unthinkingly can create a stigma toward an individual. Words such as insane, psycho, psychotic, crazy etc. should be used sparingly if at all. She told us that a person is not “psychotic” as that is a term used to describe a set of symptoms and not a person.
Kara is the new person working for the Association. She is from Hancock County and is very enthusiastic about her job. She said that MHA is a non-profit organization working to encourage, provide, and advocate for mental health and emotional wellness. They have served Hancock County since 1954. One of the most familiar services of the Assn. is the holiday gift lift which donations are used to provide items and cheer for isolated senior citizens, mentally ill, and developmentally disabled residents of Hancock County.
Hancock County has many volunteer opportunities for people of all ages. If you are interested in a one time event or a regular commitment please contact the office for details about volunteering. New Website is www.mentalhealthamericahc.org or E-mail: HCMHA98@aol.com or call 462-2877.
No comments:
Post a Comment