News Release - For immediate release                      1/26/2011  
Contact: Richard Dehnert-634-2236

Mental Health Issues Subject of Forum

The Verde Valley Guidance Clinic invites the public to attend a panel discussion at the Clinic’s Cottonwood office.  This free community awareness program will be held on Wednesday evening, February 2nd at 6:30 pm. in the Clinic’s Community Room located at 8 E. Cottonwood St.  
Topics will include how to recognize when someone needs help dealing with mental health issues, how to find help, and how Arizona law protects the rights of persons with mental illness.  
In announcing the event, Verde Valley Guidance Clinic C.E.O Robert Cartia said, “In light of the recent tragedy in our state, issues of mental health have taken center stage.  The VVGC is offering an evening forum on the subject in order to inform the public about these issues.”  
The Clinic’s Medical Director, Dr. Francis Gagliardi, M.D., will provide an educational presentation on how to identify who needs help, how to support the person and their family/friends, voluntary and involuntary crisis admission, and statistics demonstrating that the general public is more likely to commit violence than persons with serious mental illness.  Fighting stigma against persons with mental illness is always an issue when a disturbed person makes headlines by committing a criminal act.

Also joining the panel discussion will be the Verde Valley Guidance Clinic’s Adult Program Director, Monty Bondurant and Patty May, Program Manager of the Clinic’s Woman’s World residential treatment facility.  Ms. May is a trainer for the Mental Health First Aid program which offers free training in identifying mental health issues and finding help for those affected.  Mr. Bondurant will explain how to access mental health services and natural community resources.  
The program is open to the public.  Those planning to attend are asked to call Sharon Stingerie at 634-2236 to assure adequate seating.