A Bucks County university is partnering with regional leaders and organizations to host a community forum on Thursday.
“Our Mental Health Crisis: A Path to Hope and Help” will spotlight a spectrum of services available locally and statewide, including crisis intervention, peer support, mobile care, treatment centers, and outpatient options.
The free public event will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Life Sciences Building Auditorium of Delaware Valley University in Doylestown.
Preceding the main presentations, from 6:15 p.m. to 7 p.m., local organizations such as Lenape Valley Foundation, Woods Services, and the Bucks County Department of Human Services will host information booths on mental health resources.
Attendees will hear from leading mental health professionals on accessing vital care when needed. There’s a rising demand for mental health care in the area, and many remain unaware of available resources, organizers said.
Light refreshments will be provided.
Attendees are asked to RSVP at marion.callahan@delval.edu.
Nicholas Emeigh, keynote speaker and survivor of three suicide attempts, will discuss his personal journey and his current role with the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), guiding others to treatment and support through various programs. Emeigh is a Levittown-area native and recently was given a ROAR Alumni Award from Harry S. Truman High School.
U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, a Democrat, will join via video to discuss federal initiatives aimed at bolstering mental health resource accessibility and will share insights from his personal experiences.
Credit: PA Internet News Service
A subsequent panel discussion will involve local experts addressing available mental health services and responding to audience queries. Panelists include:
- Nicole Wolf, Lenape Valley Foundation’s Director of Education and Training
- Cara Gadzinski, Co-Responder for Bucks County Human Services and Falls Police Chief Nelson Whitney
- Nicholas Emeigh, NAMI Bucks County’s Director of Outreach and Development
- Ray McManamon, Bucks County’s Forensic Coordinator and Emergency/Court Delegate
- Adam Assoian, Clinical Psychologist and Ally Psychological Services’ Owner and Clinical Director
- Amy Tielemans, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Doylestown
“My hope is that this event communicates to anyone who is struggling that they are not alone,” said Nicole Wolf, who will be representing Lenape Valley Foundation on the panel.
“Whether it’s for yourself, or a family member or friend, come and learn about the support options available in Bucks County.” “The need for quality mental health services is so high and access is the biggest barrier to people engaging in the treatment that they need,” said Dr. Matt Mutchler, chair of the Department of Psychology at Delaware Valley University. “Events like this give us the opportunity to expand awareness of the needs and resources in our communities. I hope that the stories and experiences of our guests and panelists can help others find the directions and resources they need. I’m thrilled that we’re able to host this community event here at Delaware Valley University.”
Delaware Valley University is located at 700 East Butler Avenue in Doylestown.
