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Let's have a conversation ... 

The Ames City Council has made improving the mental and physical health of Ames residents a priority. One way to address these concerns is by bringing community partners, including Iowa State University, the local school districts, human services agencies, and the medical community, together to identify opportunities to improve wellness in our community.

In 2021, Mayor John Haila facilitated the first of a series of "Community Conversations on Mental Health." This initiative included a series of speakers, trainings, and educational opportunities planned throughout the year. These forums were free and open to the public.

In 2022, mental and physical health continues to be a priority, and the conversations have continued. One in five people will have some kind of mental illness in their lifetime. The pandemic made life more difficult for many including increasing social isolation. Many people continue to feel increased anxiety, stress, depression, and other mental health concerns. Coming together as a community, Ames is responding to this influx of mental health concerns by sponsoring a second year of Community Conversations. This initiative includes a series of mental health speakers, advocates, family members, support group representatives, and experts. These forums are free and open to the public.

COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS SERIES, 2022-2023

Community Conversations Schedule
All meetings are held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.; locations vary

  • October 4, 2022 – "Suicide: Facts, Hope & Resources," Ames Public Library, 515 Douglas Ave.
  • November 7, 2022 – “Mental Health Education and Resources,” Ames Water Plant, 1800 E. 13th St.
  • January 26, 2023 – “Resiliency," Board Room of the Ames Community School District Office, 2005 24th St.
  • March 7, 2023 – “Substance Use Disorders,” to be held at Ames Public Library
  • May 2, 2023 – “Navigating Mental Health/Substance Use Systems,” to be held at Ames Public Library
  • June 6, 2023 - "Civility in Conversations," to be held at Ames Public Library

COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS VIDEO ARCHIVE, 2022-2023 

October 4, 2022 – "Suicide: Facts, Hope & Resources" 

A series of presentations featured representatives from a number of community organizations, including:

 

November 7, 2022 – “Mental Health Education and Resources”

A series of presentations featured representatives from a number of community programs and organizations, including:

  • Ames Community School District
  • Iowa State University Student Health and Wellness
  • Mental Health First Aid
  • ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training)
  • ARCH (Alternative Response for Community Health)
  • Transitional Living Center (TLC) – Sub-Acute Care
    • Susan Moore, Social Worker, Behavioral Health, Mary Greeley Medical Center, moores@mgmc.com
  • Alternatives: Story County Pre- and Post- Arrest Diversion Program

 

January 26, 2023 – “Resiliency”

A series of presentations featured representatives from a number of community programs and organizations, including:

 

March 7, 2023 – “Substance Use Disorders”

 

A series of personal stories and a panel discussion featuring representatives from a number of community programs and organizations, including:

  • Keynote - April Miller
  • Keynote - Natasha Terrones
  • Ames Community School District
    • Nicole Patton
  • The Ames Police Department
    • Geoff Huff
  • ISU Student Wellness
    • Ryan Doyle
  • Community and Family Resources
    • Mickie Shuvin
  • Youth & Shelter Services
    • Matthew Voorhees

May 2, 2023 – “Navigating Mental Health/Substance Use Systems”

  • 211 Resource Website
    • Jenny Schill
  • ARCH - Alternative Response for Community Health
    • Lindsay Smith
  • Mary Greeley Medical Center
    • Dr. Shari Flugrad
    • Susan Moore
  • Judicial Mental Health Advocate
    • Mary Swatrz
  • Ames Police Department
    • Julie Saxton
  • Community and Family Resources
    • Cary Williams
    • Brittany
  • Eyerly Ball Community Mental Health
    • Bill Dean
  • Youth and Shelter Services
    • Spencer Blake
  • Central Iowa Community Services Region
    • Kathy Johnson
    • Nikki Sprecher

 

June 6, 2023 – “Civility in Conversations”

 

  • The Robert D and Billie Ray Center
    • Scott Raecker


COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS VIDEO ARCHIVE, 2021

May 20, 2021 – Public Forum: Mental Health Wellness, Recovery, and Resiliency

Keynote Speaker: Jason Haglund, “Finding a Path Forward After a Year of Stress and Uncertainty"

A panel discussion featuring representatives from Iowa State University, Ames Community School District, National Alliance for Mentally Ill (NAMI), Central Iowa Community Services (CICS) Mental Health Region, and others is planned. Scheduled panelists include:

  • Cassi Cheney, program director of Optimae Life Services
  • Karla Webb, operations officer for CICS
  • Angela Tharp, executive director of NAMI-CI
  • Warren Phillips, licensed psychologist and director of Central Iowa Psychological Services and a senior lecturer in the Department of Psychology at ISU
  • Kinsey Phillips, mental health advocate with ISU
  • Tricia Crain, executive director of Arc of Story County
  • Brian Carico, therapeutic learning specialist with Ames Community School District
  • Breanna Degelau, community based crisis services supervisor with Eyerly Ball Community Mental Health Services
  • Joseph Fox, licensed clinician, YSS