Movie Night and Conversation on Mental Health and Substance Use Sept 26

Friday, September 26, 2014

6:00 – 8:00pm

Trinity Presbyterian Church

1315 N 160th St, Shoreline 98177.

Mental and substance use disorders and the many pathways to wellness in Shoreline and King County must be addressed immediately, according to Pastor Randy Butler of Trinity Presbyterian Church. 

Pastor Butler is co-hosting a Movie Night and Conversation on Mental Health and Substance Use with King County’s Guided Pathways – Support for Youth and Families (GPS). To promote the widespread national observance of September’s National Recovery Month (Recovery Month) the event is intended to support people in recovery and draw attention to critical prevention, treatment, and recovery support services.

A community needs assessment conducted by GPS, a nonprofit organization serving parents of youth and children who struggle with complex emotional, behavioral, mental health or substance use challenges, found that King County parents are most troubled by the crushing financial burden of helping their children, stigma, isolation and being blamed for their children’s behavioral and emotional difficulties. Parents often experience long waiting lists for treatment when the need is urgent and schools can’t support their troubled children or their families.

“Our goal is to connect families with the services and supports that do exist in King County and help them navigate the system of care and advocate for their child and their family,” said Susan Millender, GPS executive director. “We want to celebrate real-life examples of people in recovery. Our focus is on the importance of seeking physical and mental wellness every day, through multiple pathways and throughout the recovery process, to achieve health and wellness.”

In 2013 in King County, 1,100 children were in special education for emotional or behavioral disabilities and 3,000 with autism. A troubling number of youth experience serious depression and have thought of committing suicide in King County in the last year. The numbers vary by school district but range as high as 1 in 4 among 10th graders. Depressed youth are not accessing services. Only 13% of teens ages 13 -18 with suicidal thoughts visited a mental health professional in a Group Health Cooperative/ University of Washington study.

Pastor Butler said, "As a faith community we are committed to people's emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical health. We are proud to partner with GPS to support this event in recognition of national recovery month."

The event will include an animated feature film for younger children. Parents and older children will view a recovery-themed feature film, followed by a panel presentation and conversation. Light refreshments will be served.

The event is admission free. Space is limited and the public is encouraged to register. For more information call 253-236-8264.

The mission of Guided Pathways –Support for Youth and Families: We are families helping families. We empower and support families and youth struggling with behavioral, emotional or substance abuse challenges in navigating resources to achieve wellness and resilience.