SCC to host Mental Health Programming events this fall

Published: 08/14/2013

“Mental health is a contributing factor in a person’s wellness,” said Kelley Pfeiffer, student activities manager. “We are hosting these events to educate our students and the community about ways to improve their overall heath and wellness.”

The events, which will be held in the auditorium of the Daniel J. Conoyer Social Sciences Building unless otherwise noted, include:

Before I Die, Community Project

11 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, Sept 4-5 – This is a community-oriented public art project that invites people to reflect on their lives and share their personal aspirations in a public space by writing an item from their personal or professional bucket list on chalkboards. Passionate residents have created walls in their own communities, and now more than 100 walls have been created in over 10 languages and in over 30 countries. It’s a positive civic engagement project that has been featured on NBC, CNN, the TED Conference and in Oprah Magazine. This event will be held throughout campus.

@SCCfreaks: Bullying on campus and how YOU can help end it, Presentation

11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10 – Have you seen the @SCCfreaks Twitter account? How about the T-shirts? Come learn how to address this behavior and about the programs SCC is implementing to help people on campus realize the impact of their words and actions.

“The Bucket List,” Film

6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10 – The film “The Bucket List” is about two terminally ill men who escape from a cancer ward and take a road trip with a list of things that they would like to do before they die.

iConnect, Presentation

Noon Wednesday, Sept. 25 – How many ‘friends’ do you have on Facebook? When was the last time you received a handwritten letter? When you have to connect with teens, friends or parents are you more likely to call, email, tweet or post on their social network’s wall? Relationships are different these days … or are they? Technological advances may have changed how we connect, but there are some basic needs that drive our connections. Research cites relationship as critical to reduce substance abuse and risk-taking behavior. This workshop will explore connections, how we can enhance our communications to keep our relationships real and how new technology has changed the way our brain functions. Presented by Kathi McKenzie, from the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse – St. Louis.

“Call Me Crazy: A Five Film,” Film

6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2 – The film “Call Me Crazy: A Five Film” depicts mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disease, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder in an attempt to bring dialogue about mental illness out into the open. 

Intimate partner violence and technology safety, Presentation

Noon Wednesday, Oct. 16 – This presentation will cover the topic of intimate partner violence by discussing theories, myths, research and real-life application. Discussion will include how abusers stalk and further harass their victims using technology and how to be safe while using technology. The presentation will also offer practical ideas on how to help a friend who may be experiencing violence and what role we can all have in ending intimate partner violence.  

Energy drinks: Buzz in a bottle, Presentation

11:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 14 – This program explores what energy drinks are and the ingredients and the physical impact of those ingredients on our body. We will explore short-term and long-term impact as well as guidelines students can use to make healthy decisions regarding these beverages. Presented by Kathi McKenzie from the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse – St. Louis.

For more information about the upcoming mental health events, contact Kelley Pfeiffer at 636-922-8544 or kpfeiffer@stchas.edu.

The mental health programming for 2013-14 was funded in part through a RUN. LIVE. LEARN. health and wellness grant. The grant was one of six that were provided by the RUN. LIVE. LEARN Committee, which is responsible for planning the college’s annual wellness event. Visit stchas.edu/run for more information.

St. Charles Community College is a public, comprehensive two-year community college with associate degrees and certificate programs in the arts, business, sciences and career-technical fields. SCC provides workforce training and community-based personal and professional development as well as cultural, recreational and entertainment opportunities. For more information, visit www.stchas.edu.