A Message from the Conference Chairperson,
Dennis Mohatt
On behalf of the National Association for Rural Mental Health, I would
like to invite you to come to Denver, Colorado from June 2 through June 5 to
attend our 36th annual conference. This conference provides
a unique opportunity for researchers, clinicians, administrators, consumers,
family members, program/service providers, and policy makers to share
information on how to improve and promote behavioral health care in rural
and frontier settings. The theme of the conference this year is “Innovations
in Caring for Rural America” and speaks to our fundamental commitment to
enhance the quality of behavioral health care in rural communities. We
believe that building and sustaining partnerships, fostering innovation, and
supporting research in rural and frontier communities is important to
promote the health and behavioral health of rural people. The goals for this
year’s conference are to 1) Continue the annual dialogue to expand knowledge
of rural and frontier behavioral health, 2) Highlight innovative practices
and research in rural communities, and 3) Promote networking opportunities
to foster connections between people committed to rural behavioral health.
The conference focus areas are rural behavioral health policy and
research; recovery focused rural behavioral healthcare; consumer and family
voice/diversity and culture; telehealth and advanced technology; rural
behavioral health workforce development; and innovative practices and
programs for adults, children, and families. Please remember that many of
the sessions could potentially pertain to more than one focus area. Our
plenary speakers include renowned experts in their respective fields and
will offer valuable information and perspectives to increase participants
understanding of issues relevant to rural behavioral health care. Speakers
include Alan Morgan (National Rural Health Association), Jack Westfall
(creator of the Rural Track at the University of Colorado Medical School),
Mike Rossman (expert in agricultural behavioral health), Julia Bryan (Office
of Rural Health Policy), Colleen Coffey (Active Minds, college mental health
expert), and a panel of people to present rural promising practices. There
are over thirty-five breakout sessions to choose from throughout the
conference. We also encourage you to consider attending our preconference
workshops including an opportunity to participate in a Mental Health First
Aid certificate training. Please see the conference brochure for a
more detailed description of these sessions. We will conclude the conference
on Saturday with a discussion of what we have learned this year and identify
ideas for planning the NARMH conference for next year.
On Thursday, June 3, we want to invite you to a social event and a sunset
at the Red Rocks Country Club in Morrison, Colorado. Come and join us for a
grand evening of good food, music, a great sunset and enjoying each other
outside the conference! Transportation will be provided to this beautiful
Colorado spot.
The conference will be held at the Colorado Convention Center which is
located across the street from the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Denver
with views of the mountains on the front range. The convention center is
conveniently located near restaurants, shops, and other engaging venues for
fun. Downtown Denver is approximately 30 minutes from the Denver
International Airport.
We look forward to seeing you June 2-5, 2010 for the National Association
for Rural Mental Health’s Annual Conference in Denver, Colorado. Join
the NARMH conference community and make a difference in rural and frontier
communities!