In a recent community survey, one of the most pressing wellness concerns in Hancock County was identified as mental health. Healthy365 is committed to finding solutions to pressing health issues like this, in part with free events like Rise Above It. These events take place annually, offering space for adults and teens to open up about mental health and substance abuse and identify potential sources of help. 

What is a Rise Above It event?

During an annual Rise Above It event, attendees can hear from special speakers and attend focused workshops to learn more about mental health awareness. Vendor booths from local organizations and businesses that support mental wellness offer services that can help attendees learn how to cope with life’s challenges and stresses, either for themselves or to help in a loved one’s wellness journey. Question and answer sessions also provide a time for personal feedback in order to reduce stigma around mental health and substance abuse issues. 

Who is the intended audience?

The intended audience of Rise Above It events are local residents aged 12 and older. Attendance is free for all participants. Although the majority of event speakers and sessions are relevant to both parties, there are also dedicated workshops just for teens or for parents. For example, the next Rise Above It on September 28 will include a simulation called “Hidden in Plain Sight.” This workshop will showcase the ways that a teen could stash alcohol, drugs or vape devices, as well as pro-drug messages to watch out for. 

In addition to the resources offered to teens at Rise Above It, our Hancock County area schools have incorporated Bring Change to Mind Clubs. These student-led clubs are dedicated to empowering students to educate each other and their loved ones to create a culture of peer support within their schools and community.

What topics will be addressed?

The topics addressed at Rise Above It vary slightly from year to year, but for the upcoming 2021 event, we’ll be hearing from speakers on the following mental health topics:

• Anxiety– This session will be led by Jennifer Luchtefeld, a trained social worker who works with families and children in a variety of contexts. 
• Social Media– Led by Stephanie Nancarrow, a Youth Educator with the Indiana State Police and ICAC Task Force, this session is called, “Target: How Predators use Technology to Groom Children.”
• Grief and Loss– Katherine Murray will lead the session on grief and loss, with her experience as the chaplain and bereavement coordinator at Hancock Regional Hospice.
• Depression/Suicide– This session on identifying suicide risks will be led by mental health professionals from Providence Behavioral Group: Brad Dobson, a licensed mental health and clinical addictions counselor, and Dr. Lani Jones, a licensed clinical psychologist. 
• Vaping/Smoking– Co-led by Brandee Bastin, the Tobacco Initiative Coordinator at Hancock Regional Hospital and Sergeant Christine Rapp, D.A.R.E. Indiana State Coordinator, this session will specifically address the youth vaping epidemic. 
• Substance Misuse– Kevin Minnick will lead our session on substance addiction and misuse, with his experience as a Licensed Mental Health and Clinical Addiction Counselor, Behavioral Health Probation Officer, and Court Treatment Specialist for Hancock County Courts. 
• Self-Regulation– With a session called, “My Brain Does What? Understanding My Response to Stress,” Alli Chance will discuss self-regulation based on her experience as a TBRI (Trust Based Relational Intervention) Practitioner with HopeAlight LLC.  
• Mind-Body Medicine– This session on scientifically proven stress reduction methods, will be led by Laura Baker, the Congregational Network Navigator here at Healthy365.
• A half-hour Q&A session will be offered to conclude the event, with all presenters in one room to answer any questions from the night.

Rise Above It on Sept. 28

To attend our upcoming Rise Above It event on Sept. 28, you can register yourself and/or others online or at the door. This free event will be held in-person at New Palestine Intermediate School (5613 W 200 S, New Palestine, IN 46163) and will also be broadcast virtually. To attend in person, come to Door #9 and doors will open at 4:30 p.m. The event will last until 8:30 p.m., and a free dinner will also be provided. 

If you have more questions about Rise Above It or how Healthy365 can support your mental health journey, you can contact our Support Navigators online or by calling  317-468-4231 for assistance.