Hors d'oeuvres and Movies for Mental Health

Friday, March 7, 2014

accompanying photo

Cerro Coso Community College is hosting "Hors d'oeuvres and Movies for Mental Health" for FREE on Wednesday, March 12, 2014 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the College Lecture Center. The goal of the event is to increase awareness of issues related to mental health, increase the desire to use mental health services, reduce the stigma related to mental illness, and increase awareness of the resources available on campus and through the county's Mental Health Services Department.

The event is produced and facilitated by Art With Impact, a nonprofit organization based in San Francisco, CA, and is called "Hors d'oeuvres and Movies for Mental Health". Cary McQueen, Executive Director of Art With Impact, will assist participants in exploring ideas related to mental health, stigma, personal diagnosis, and supporting friends and family.

Formed in early 2011 to bridge the gap between potential for change and opportunities to act, Art With Impact is a two hour collaborative workshop that uses short films to spark dialogue that reduce stigma and encourage early intervention for issues relating to mental health.

A panel presentation will provide participants an opportunity to learn about local resources available to them, specific information on what can be done to support and help loved ones, and generally improve mental health overall. Cerro Coso Counselor Pam Godfrey and instructor Debra Rundell will be joined on the panel by a representative from Kern County and Prop. 63, the state-wide, voter-approved Mental Health Services Act. Also on the panel will be a student offering their lived experience perspective.

Art With Impact workshops are interactive, engaging experiences that encourage personal participation through the emotional connections felt through film.

Sponsored by the college's ACCESS Programs, Student Services United Club, and Student Government, the event is financed by the Student Development fund.

The event is FREE and open to the public. Hors d'oeuvres will be served. For more information contact ACCESS Programs at the college (760) 384-6250.

For further information, please contact Natalie Dorrell, Public Information (760) 384-6260