mental health

Access to mental health services is a real problem and there is a definite need to come together to address the complex issues surrounding awareness, education and access. We had the privilege to hear from a panel of local experts on this very important topic during the Behavioral Health Panel on Monday, July 25.

If you missed this session, the PowerPoint presentation and panel recording are available.

Access the Recording

 

Vawnita Best bravely shared her inspiring story of her mental health journey; Vawnita’s personal story reinforced the need for us to do better and to work together to identify opportunities to better support those hurting in our communities.

A sincere thank you to our panel for the work you do everyday to care for our community members. Thanks for working with us to increase awareness of behavioral health services in North and South Dakota. Also, an appreciation to you for recognizing the barriers individuals encounter in accessing behavioral health services and helping identify and serve as resources for care and improvement.

We look forward to continuing this conversation and highlighting behavioral health services, initiatives and the excellent work being done in our state.

Vawnita Best 

Walford City

Heather Brandt (002)

Heather Brandt

Manager, Behavioral Health Community Supports; North Dakota Department of Health

Andrea Heronimus

Andrea Heronimus

Mental Health Services Program Manager; South Dakota Department of Social Services

Jason Illich

Jason Lillich​

Executive Director​; Three Rivers Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Center​

Andrew McLean Headshot (002)

Andrew J. McLean, MD, MPH

Clinical Professor and Chair Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science

 

Additional Resources