AKA Chapter invites community to Mental Health Awareness Conference

To normalize conversations concerning mental health, the Beta Rho Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority Incorporated is inviting the community to their second annual Mental Health Awareness Conference in June.

Chapter President, Ruth Lynch and Chapter Vice President, Marcia Johnson appeared on WHOP on Thursday to share how the conference serves to spotlight mental health. Lynch says they want to destigmatize conversations about mental health and ensure residents know what mental health resources are available for them in the community.

This year the conference will include sessions focused on the mental health of men, women and children. Johnson says the children’s session will focus on some of the issues children may face in relation to school and invites parents and their children to attend the session.

The conference will also feature members from organizations such as the Pennyroyal Center, Sanctuary, Inc., Redeemed and Restored and the Christian County Health Department to share the mental health resources they provide.

The conference is free to attend. However, Johnson says they are accepting donations of nonperishable food to support the chapter’s childhood hunger initiative and the Aaron McNeil House, a nonprofit which serves to help those less fortunate through their food pantry and crisis relief programs.

Those interested in attending can preregister by Saturday by scanning the QR code on the flyer. Lynch says people can also register at the conference which is set for June 8 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Mount Olive Baptist Church in Hopkinsville.