Hands Across Missouri

Community Counseling Center Hosts Hands Across Missouri

The odds are that you, relatives or acquaintances have a one in four chance at some time of suffering with a mental health issue. The facts are this, 26.2% of Americans ages 18 and over or about one in four adults suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year. When applied to the 2010 U.S. Census for the population 18 and older, this translates to 57.7 million people (www.thekimfoundation.org). Locally the Community Counseling Center served 7,781 unduplicated clients and 178,664 face to face hours of direct service in 2010-2011. So what does this mean to the reader of this article and their families?

Hands Across Missouri, an event designed to stimulate awareness of mental health issues and stigmas, will be held on Saturday, October 13, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. till 1:00 p.m. at Shelters #1-2, Arena Park in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. There will be a moment of silence at 11:00 a.m. to commemorate the event and Mental Awareness Week which is October 7, 2012 through October 13. 2012. There will be chili, hot dogs, soda, and crackers sold at a nominal price.

This event's goal is to raise the awareness and provide opportunities to educate the public and to let those suffering with a mental health issue that there is help locally. The good news is that with proper treatment, which may include counseling and medications, people who have disorders can lead a very productive life style. The invitation to attend Hands Across Missouri is extended to all chamber members to learn more and become better informed about individuals who are successfully coping with mental health issues. For more information at Hands Across Missouri contact Jerome Riley at 573-332-2795 or jriley@cccntr.com.