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Mental Health Symposium
St. Croix County hosts annual Mental Health Symposiums to share knowledge and resources, but also to help us better understand and address behavioral health crisis events to improve outcomes for the people of St. Croix County. Each year during we plan to cover a topic in the area of mental health that impacts the communities we serve. During these symposiums we collaborate with professionals in various areas related to mental health to share local data, perspectives, and resources.
Our 2023 Mental Health Symposium was held on May 17 at Northwood Technical College in New Richmond, Wisconsin. This year’s topic was about substance use and its connection to mental and physical health. Addiction is a disease that affects millions of people worldwide. By understanding the connection between addiction and mental health, we can better help individuals address the root causes of their addiction and achieve long-term recovery. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, know that there is hope for recovery, and you're not alone.
Watch the recording of the 2023 Mental Health Symposium.
Learn more about the symposium in our interview with River Channel.
Agenda
| Topics | Presenters |
|---|---|
| Introduction | Bob Rohret – St. Croix County Health and Human Services Director |
| Addiction is a Health Care Concern | Dr. Faisal Anwar Western Wisconsin Health Chief of Staff | St. Croix County Health and Human Services Board Member |
| Addiction Can Impact Anyone | Phil Galli - St. Croix County Justice Support Services Director
Phil Landgraf - St. Croix County Veteran Services Administrator
Sophie Hansen - Northwest Passage Transitions Certified Peer Support Specialist
Maggie Whipple – Baldwin Woodville High School Mental Health Navigator
|
| Addressing the stigma of substance use | Pete VanDusartz – HealthPartners Programs for Change |
| Recovery is Possible | Judge Scott Nordstrand |
| Where to Find Help - No Wrong Path to Recovery | Bob Rohret – St. Croix County Health and Human Services Director |
| Q&A Panel | All Presenters |
Where can you get help?
We know life is difficult when you’re struggling with mental health or substance use. Remember that it’s OK to ask for help and support is available to help you and your loved ones. St. Croix County’s Behavioral Health Emergency Services and Crisis Program provide services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, dial 911 and ask for the Mental Health Crisis Team.
For non-emergency services please call 715-246-8255 to set up an appointment or get information on resources.
Past Symposiums
St. Croix County held our first Mental Health Symposium on June 8. This first event focused on suicide prevention.
“My hope is that we get to a place where we approach mental health crisis events with the same sense of urgency and compassion that we apply to physical health emergencies. It is imperative that we as a community find ways to talk openly about mental health and addiction to promote wellness and prevent crisis events from happening in the first place.”
Bob Rohret – St. Croix County Health and Human Services Director
| Topics | Presenters |
|---|---|
| Introduction | Bob Rohret – St. Croix County Health and Human Services Director |
| What the data is telling us | Patty Schachtner – St. Croix County Chief Medical Examiner |
| Veteran’s Perspective - Men’s Mental Health | Rick Rittmaster – Retired Army Chaplain and Ordained Pastor |
| Help is Available – Where to Find Local Resources | Shar Lopez – St. Croix County Behavioral Health Administrator Kelli Engen – St. Croix County Public Health Administrator |
| Q&A Panel | All Presenters |