Mental Health Awareness Fair Slated for May 21

NORTHAMPTON — In celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month, Cooley Dickinson Health Care and the Western Mass. Chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI-WM) will host a Mental Health Awareness Fair on Saturday, May 21 from 9 a.m. to noon in the cafeteria at Cooley Dickinson Hospital.

Cooley Dickinson President and CEO Joanne Marqusee will welcome guests and offer opening remarks, and a proclamation from Northampton Mayor David Narkewicz will be read.

Other activities include a panel discussion, “Mental Health Emergencies, What Should You Do/What Should You Expect,” which will be moderated by Bruce Bradley-Gilbert, coordinator of counseling and group programs at Cooley Dickinson. Panelists include Lt. Craig Kirouac, Northampton Police Department; Dr. Adam Lau, chief of psychiatry, Cooley Dickinson; and Ryn Gluckman, nurse manager, Cooley Dickinson Emergency Department.

Two breakout sessions, “Mental Health 101” and “Supporting Families and Friends, the Role of Support Groups,” will be offered as part of the educational event. Entertainment and a mental-health resources table will be available.

This event is free and open to all. For more information, e-mail bruce_bradleygilbert@cooley-dickinson.org or download the event flyer here.