LAKEWOOD, WA. –Anyone interested in learning more about the treatment and care provided to patients with mental illness should attend a public workshop occurring from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, March 3 at Western State Hospital.
This quarterly Community Conversations public workshop hosted by the Department of Social and Health Services’ Behavioral Health Administration, provides friends and family members of hospital patients, community members, and care providers a better understanding of how they can support people with mental illness.
Western State Hospital staff will discuss how past trauma can result in severe emotional distress and what the hospital is doing to help patients overcome trauma and be better equipped for a sustainable recovery from their mental illnesses.
State and local community resource providers such as Home and Community Services, Peer Bridgers, the City of Lakewood and the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) will be on hand to lead workshops, share information, and answer questions.
“Family and friends play a vital role in a patient’s journey to recovery,” said Dr. Marylouise Jones, interim chief executive officer at Western State Hospital. “The Community Conversations program helps patients’ loved ones understand and better navigate the challenges that surround mental illness, leaving them with valuable tools to support Western State Hospital patients on the road back to their home communities.”
The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the hospital, located at 9601 Steilacoom Blvd. SW in Lakewood, in Building 10, off Sentinel Drive. Check-in begins at 10 a.m. with an opportunity to meet with community resource providers. Sessions begin at 11 a.m.
A light lunch will be available. Online registration is encouraged.
Western State Hospital Patient and Family Education Services sponsors and organizes Community Conversations events. For more information on the program or event, please contact Scott Mannering at 253-756-2767 or MANNESC@dshs.wa.gov.
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