Community collaboration helps to change the stigma of mental illness

The third annual Mental Health Forum in South Lake Tahoe today brought together almost 60 people who are dedicated to helping the mental and behavioral health in the community.

Hosted by Barton Health, this year's forum participants shared the progress they've made on strategies for mental health and local service gaps that were generated during the 2015 event.

Jeanne Nelson from the South Lake Tahoe chapter of NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness) was very pleased with the outcome Thursday.

"Everyone was on board and excited," Nelson said. "I’m so happy that people are becoming aware."

Jeanne and husband Alan were concerned about South Lake Tahoe mental health issues and attended the 2015 forum. Since that time they now provide support groups, trainings, and activities for individuals who have a family member with mental illness. They are grant writers and have received funding from the Barton Foundation to increase “psycho education” literature at the library. There are now 80 books on mental illness at the South Lake Tahoe library, and according, to Jeanne Nelson, they have been checked out 100 times so far.

The Nelsons are two of the numerous individuals and community organizations who have made significant strides in the last year for mental and behavioral health in the community.

“Today we are celebrating our collaborative efforts to improve the mental well-being of our community,” said Dr. Rhonda Sneeringer, Barton Health’s Chief Medical Officer, at the Forum’s opening. “Barton can’t do this alone. We need community partnerships to bridge the service gaps and, most importantly, to help us destigmatize mental health.”

Jeanne Nelson said Barton's announcement that they are hiring a third psychiatrist to their staff was impressive. "A third one is sorely needed," she said. "He starts August 1 and will also be doing community events."

Forum facilitator Michael Ward shared a handout of more than 50 community accomplishments in mental health from the last year. El Dorado County Mental Health division opened two new transitional houses in South Lake Tahoe and started a peer-to-peer support program at the high schools. Lake Tahoe Unified School District expanded their services by adding more counselors, drug and alcohol support, and a suicide prevention program. Barton Health hired two social workers to provide therapeutic and counseling services and will be expanding their psychiatry services with an adult psychiatrist in August. The list goes on.

At the Forum, Kindle Craig, Barton Health’s Director of Strategy and Development, also announced the recipients of the Barton Foundation’s second round of Community Health Grants totaling $15,000. In the last year, the Barton Foundation has given out $50,000 to address the community’s most pressing health needs.

Organizations that received funds this round for mental health programs or projects included the Community Health Advisory Committee’s Mental Health Collaborative, Lake Tahoe Unified School District, Live Violence Free, NAMI, Sierra Child and Family Services, and the South Tahoe Drug Free Coalition. Kindle noted that every grant awarded in the past year has a direct or indirect impact on mental health.

The half day Forum concluded with the audience becoming care navigators. Small groups were given a realistic mental health crisis scenario. Each group discussed the steps needed for their individual to receive appropriate care and what might happen between these steps to prevent care or stop appropriate treatment. The delays between the steps - such as stigma, denial, and lack of education - were abundant.

“What we’ve learned today is it’s not just about taking the steps to get the appropriate services,” said Michael Ward, the Forum’s Facilitator. “The real progress needed lies in the space between the steps.”

South Lake Tahoe’s Mental Health Forums are hosted by Barton Health. Throughout the month of May, the public can participate in community activities and events recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month. Look for event updates and mental health services available at bartonhealth.org/mentalhealth.