Mental health subject of May 11 conference

The Coalition of Agencies in Service to the Elderly (CASE) will hold its 27^th annual spring professional networking conference, "Shining the Light on Mental Health," from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 11. The conference will feature specialists who will discuss current mental health issues affecting the senior population, as well as their caregivers and professional service providers.

Community mental health resource information will also be provided. Registration for the event includes a continental breakfast, professional resource fair, boxed lunch, basket auction, a door prize and networking opportunities.

Keynote speaker for the conference is Dr. Eileen Trigoboff, the director of program evaluation at Buffalo Psychiatric Center, Office of Mental Health. Following the keynote address there will be a discussion of current mental health issues of interest to anyone caring for seniors in the community. Speakers include Mental Health Association of Niagara County Executive Director Cheryl Blacklock and community education team member Heather Jones.

CASE Chairperson Denise DiPaolo, R.N., said: "We look forward to bringing mental health issues to the forefront, recognizing that it is far too often a taboo subject."

DiPaolo said mental health awareness and available resources are essential components in the health and well-being of the senior population.

The "Shining the Light on Mental Health" conference is recommended for professionals who work with the aging population, including physicians, pharmacists, nurses, social workers, community service providers, service coordinators and health and community care professionals. The conference will be held at American Legion Post 1451, 6525 Ward Road in Sanborn. Registration is $20 and open to professionals throughout Western New York. For more information or to register, visit www.CaseNiagara.com or contact Colleen Osborn at [email protected] or 716-523-6179.

Registrations can also be mailed, with payment made payable to CASE, to Colleen Osborn at 377 Roncroff Drive, North Tonawanda, NY 14120.

Established in 1989, CASE is a coalition of agencies, organizations and individuals whose mission is to provide community resource education and networking opportunities to enhance services for the aging in Niagara County. For more information about CASE and a conference registration form, visit www.CaseNiagara.com.