Organizations Host a Conference on Overdose and Mental Health Crisis
Plano TX. (September 2024) — The Beacon Conference will take place on Friday, September 27, 2024, 8:00 am to 3:00 pm at St Andrew Methodist Church in Plano, TX. This event is hosted by the DFW Spiritual Care Network and Beacon of Light. The event is open to the community, mental health professionals and faith leaders.
Beacon of Light was established in early 2020 as a ministry of St. Andrew Methodist Church with the specific purpose of delivering a proactive, Christ-centered mental health strategy to support not only the St. Andrew community, but also other churches and centers of faith wherever they may be. Leveraging a team of best-in-class professional, theological, and technical partners, Beacon of Light began developing a framework and programming specifically designed for the mental health needs of the faith-based community.
The conference committee chair is Erin Berkley from Sante’ Center and also a leader for the Collin County Spiritual Care Network. The mission of this national nonprofit is to bridge the gap between mental health providers, addiction professionals and the faith community through collaboration and education.
“Mental health professionals, counselors and social workers will benefit from continuing education credit provided by industry experts on topics including mental wellness, overdose and suicide prevention with a faith based approach,” said Berkley “We also offer sponsorship opportunities to highlight top treatment programs in the area.”
Speakers include Rev. Arthur Jones, Dr Michael Leach, Carrie Lutter RD LCSW, Tabitha Westbrook, LMFT-S, LCMHC-QS, LPC-S, Lindsay Malhotra, LCSW, LCDC, PSS, Alicia Reimers LPC, CCTP, Terri Burns LMFT, APSATS-C, Billie Gonzales, Monette Leggs and a Expert Panel addressing top issues in our community.
“Since the pandemic, churches have been on the front lines of the mental health crisis,” said Beacon of Light Executive Director Doug Reed. “The Beacon conference, along with the wonderful work by the Spiritual Care Network, will help provide clinical leaders and faith-based leaders tools and resources they need to proactively meet the mental health needs of their communities.”
The conference is an invaluable platform for connecting individuals who are seeking help to receive much-needed assistance for treatment for themselves or a family member utilizing a faith based approach to wellness. The event is also a great way for faith leaders, civic leaders and professionals in the community to form meaningful connections to resources, education and collaboration.
“This unique event is an opportunity for concerned community members and churches in DFW to come together about current topics regarding the mental health, suicide and the overdose crisis in our community,” said Eric Ayles, President of the Spiritual Care Network. “We are excited to partner with these organizations to help save lives.”
In addition to the excellent speakers, the conference will host over 20 resource tables with representatives from nonprofit organizations, treatment centers, counselors, hospitals and other community programs. Attendees will have the chance to visit exhibit tables from various local organizations and treatment programs and learn about valuable local resources for treatment. The admission tickets also include lunch and coffee. Registration and sponsorship information is posted on the registration page: https://www.spiritualcarenet.org/conference
WHEN: Friday, September 27, 2024, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
WHERE: St Andrews Methodist Church, 5700 W. Plano Parkway, Plano, TX 75093
CONTACT: contact@beaconoflightmh.org
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