Program Helps Faith Community Address Mental Health Concerns

Addiction, grief, depression, trauma and adversity are some of the stressors that members of the faith community are often called upon to address.

The first person many people turn to for help with mental health concerns is often a clergy member. Yet clergy and lay leaders are not always well-equipped to address these needs. In response, the Office of Mental Health Promotion, within URMC's Department of Psychiatry, has joined with community partners to host a free course that will advance the understanding of mental health issues in the ministry. The course is open to church leaders and parishioners of all denominations.

Called Renewing of the Mind, the course will provide guidance on responding to a wide variety of mental health-related issues, including alcoholism and substance abuse, anger management, depression and anxiety, domestic and youth violence, stress, grief, and more. Classes start Sept. 23 and are held once a month for 11 months.

CLASS LOCATION: Office of Mental Health Promotion Family and Community Center, 300 Crittenden Blvd.

Members of the 2016 'Renewing of the Mind' Class

WHEN: Fourth Saturday of each month (excluding holidays) beginning Sept. 23, 2017.

TIME: 9 a.m. – 12 noon. (Breakfast is provided).

REGISTRATION: Email renewingofthemindrochester@gmail.com or call 275-3571 by Sept. 16, 2017

Partnering agencies include the Aging Well Initiative of the University of Rochester Medical Center, Interdenominational Health Ministry Coalition, Mental Health Association of Rochester, Finger Lakes Health Systems Agency and Trillium Health.