Sedalia, MO, Oct. 4, 2023 — State Fair Community College’s Behavioral Health Support (BHS) program and Active Minds student organization will host World Mental Health Day Oct. 10 in Stauffacher Center on the Sedalia campus to raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention. The highlight of the event will be a screening of the feature-length documentary “Wake Up: Stories from the Frontlines of Suicide Prevention.” Nate Townsend wrote and directed this documentary that explores the alarming suicide epidemic in the United States. After the screening, a guided discussion will be held and refreshments will be served.
The event is open to the community and includes the signing of transfer agreements between SFCC and William Woods School of Social Work and Central Methodist University Behavioral Health Support program. The following activities will be held in Stauffacher Theatre:
9:45 – 10:15 AM: SFCC Behavioral Health Support (BHS) program transfer agreement signing with Central Methodist University BHS program and William Woods University School of Social Work
10:15 – 11:45 AM: Documentary film screening of “Wake Up: Stories from the Frontlines of Suicide Prevention”
11:45 AM – 12:15 PM: Guided discussion and film follow-up
12:15 – 12:30 PM: Refreshments provided by SFCC Student Government Association
Attendees are encouraged to visit the Behavioral Health and Student Organization information tables from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to learn about valuable insights and resources related to mental health and well-being. The event will end at the Burrell Behavioral Health Crisis Center groundbreaking ceremony at 2:30 p.m. at 1801 W. Main Street in Sedalia.
“Wake Up: Stories from the Frontlines of Suicide Prevention” is a poignant documentary that delves into the sensitive topic of suicide in the United States. Through compelling storytelling and firsthand accounts, the film raises awareness about the gravity of the issue, prompting crucial conversations and inspiring positive action within communities.
SFCC’s Active Minds and Behavioral Health Support program invite all community members, students, faculty, and staff to participate in the day’s event. For more information, please contact Deanna Barklage, Behavioral Health Program coordinator, dbarklage1@sfccmo.edu, (660) 596-7355.
About Active Minds at SFCC:
Active Minds at State Fair Community College is a non-profit student-run organization focused on changing the conversation about mental health by promoting a positive sense of well-being and spreading awareness about mental health among college students. It seeks to educate and provide resources to students by serving as a liaison between students and the mental health community. The organization works with faculty and staff on student feedback regarding campus wellness initiatives.
About SFCC Behavioral Health Support Program:
The SFCC Behavioral Health Support Program equips students for careers as care coordinators and case managers in behavioral health and substance abuse support. Graduates can provide quality case management, complete client documentation, and work with diverse clients, emphasizing the value of each individual.
