OXFORD- Mental health professionals, advocates, families and community members will gather Sept. 1 for the annual Out of the Shadows Summit at the Oxford Civic Center.
Doors will open at 7:30 a.m., and the program will run from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. at 401 McCullars Lane.
According to Jacksonville State University, the regional conference will provide a full day of education, discussion and collaboration focused on improving mental health outcomes across Northeast Alabama.
This year’s theme is “Stronger Together: Collaboration, Connection, and Care.”
Jared Wilson will deliver the keynote presentation, “From the Outside Looking In: How Connection Breaks the Cycle.” His address will focus on the role that human connection can play in breaking harmful patterns and supporting recovery.
Breakout Sessions Cover Wide Range of Topics
In addition to the keynote address, organizers have scheduled 25 breakout sessions covering issues that affect individuals, families, caregivers and communities.
Topics include trauma-informed sexual assault response in rural communities, caregiver wellness, trauma recovery and artificial intelligence in mental health care. Other sessions will address advance directives, family involvement in recovery, childhood trauma, faith and mental health, student-athlete wellness, autism and substance use disorders.
Participants will also learn about collaboration among mental health providers and other community organizations. Moreover, several sessions will explore ways professionals can provide care that considers a person’s emotional, physical and social needs.
The summit began in 2017 and has taken place annually except during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, it has brought together mental health professionals, educators, first responders, faith leaders, students, advocates and people with personal experience navigating the mental health system.
The Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama says the coalition behind the annual event works to promote mental health advocacy and reduce the stigma that can prevent people from seeking treatment.
Regional Organizations Join as Co-Hosts
The summit’s co-hosts include the Jacksonville State University Department of Social Work, Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama, Highland Health Systems, Oxford Police Department, United Way of East Central Alabama, Bradford Health Services and St. Michael’s Medical Clinic.
Organizers say the partnerships reflect the summit’s emphasis on regional collaboration. They also provide opportunities for agencies and professionals to build connections that can continue after the conference.
Registration and Continuing Education
Jacksonville State University’s announcement lists professional registration at $85 beginning Aug. 1. The summit website also lists a $10 registration option for consumers, family members and advocates. Lunch is included.
Nurses, counselors and social workers can earn 5.5 contact hours through the conference. Bradford Health Services is sponsoring those continuing education hours.
Registration, the conference schedule and additional information are available through the official Out of the Shadows Summit website.
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