AGENDA
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Time: 9:15 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Session: Registration/Check-in
Location: Beems B, Cedar Rapids Public Library
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Time: 9:45 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Session: Welcome and Introduction
Location: Beems A
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Libby Slappey, Event Moderator and Rev. Brian K. Gross, Christ Episcopal Church
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Session: Plenary 1 – Mental Health and Talking about Suicide
Location: Beems A
Katie Curtis and Lejla Ford, Foundation 2, Cedar Rapids: This presentation covers signs and symptoms of suicide and how to support someone in crisis. Presenters will discuss attitudes, beliefs, and values about suicide and how they can impact care provided to others. Included will be a brief overview of community supports available and how to access them.
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
Session: Break
Location: Beems B
Time: 11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Session: Plenary 2 – Walking the Way of Jesus Through Mental Illness
Location: Whipple Auditorium
The Rev. Laurie Finn will use personal stories and observations to relate to us how her experience of mental illness has paralleled her faith journey. Rev. Laurie will take us along with her as she travels through the different stages of her life. She will share what life looks like for her on both good days and bad, culminating with a message of hope and gratitude.
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Session: Complimentary Salad Buffet
Location: Beems B
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Session: Plenary 3 – Understanding the nature of a mental health and substance use disorder crisis and available resources for support.
Location: Beems A
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Erin Foster, Executive Director, Linn County Mental Health Access Center: Attendees will delve into the concept of a mental health and substance use disorder crisis, including an examination of its definition and implications. We will explore risk factors and key warning signs associated with individuals undergoing a mental health crisis and follow up with discussion of what resources can be available.
Time: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Session: Plenary 4 – Faith Leaders and Funeral Professionals - Supporting the Community Together
Location: Beems A
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Brad Kurtz, Cedar Memorial Funeral Home, and Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery: In the sacred space of embracing and supporting those who have lost a loved one to suicide, the shared missions of Faith Leaders and Funeral Professionals coincide. This connection and our common goals beg for continued dialog and learning from one another. During this session, attendees will learn about the concepts of "Postvention," the philosophy of "Companioning" the bereaved, communication during difficult times, and self-care for the caregiver. We will also examine how funerals and rituals help mourning and the importance of a permanent and perpetual final resting place.
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Session: Break
Location: Beems B
Time: 3:15 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Session: Facilitated Discussion – Mental Health Advocacy in Communities of Faith: Where do we go from here? with Katy Kramer Lee, LISW.
Location: Beems A
Time: 4:00 p.m. – 4:05 p.m.
Session: Closing from The Rev. Brian K. Gross
Location: Beems A
Time: 4:05 p.m. – 5 p.m.
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Participants are invited to remain and socialize, network, or just get to know other faith leaders on a more personal level. During this time, please complete a feedback form.