GADSDEN– Gadsden State Community College will hold its ninth annual Mental Health Conference on Friday, Oct. 23. Conference hours are 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Helderman Hall Auditorium on the Wallace Drive Campus.

The college’s Continuing Education and Workforce Development Department is presenting the conference with Gadsden Regional Medical Center. The East Central Alabama AHEC program is also a partner. Organizers also invite health care professionals, educators, counselors, social service providers, students, and community members.

Sessions will also cover loneliness and belonging, children’s mental health, grief, trauma, and survival. In addition, speakers will address COVID-related post-traumatic stress in nursing and alcohol and drug abuse. Another session is titled “The 10 Deadly Sins of Mental Health.”

Baisha Woody, Gadsden State’s director of Skills Training, said the partners share a commitment to stronger mental health support. “Together, we share a commitment to improving access to mental health resources, increasing awareness and supporting healthier communities,” Woody said.

Registration costs $25 per person. Participants can also earn continuing education units. The AHEC program will provide lunch, and attendees will have opportunities to network.

To register, visit Gadsden State’s continuing education site and scroll to “NC Mental Health Awareness NNUR4005.” For more information, call 256-549-8652 or email jorr@gadsdenstate.edu.