Albizu University Miami Campus, a leader in undergraduate and graduate psychology programs, will host its 13th Annual Mental Health Awareness Expo virtually. This annual event seeks to promote community-based awareness of the many resources and services available through Albizu to the general public such as informational lectures, literature, and continuing education credits to licensed psychologists and licensed master’s level clinicians (e.g. mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, and clinical social workers).
The event joins over 1,000 communities nationwide in celebrating the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) National Mental Health Awareness Day, which focuses on the importance of emotional and psychological well-being.
This year’s Albizu event includes three one-hour sessions, focused on identifying community needs and response styles associated with COVID-19 vaccinations and the plethora of mental health concerns attributed to the pandemic, with a special emphasis on teen suicide.
To reserve your virtual spot, please register at https://tinyurl.com/mentalhealthawareness2021 and click on “send me a copy of my responses” to receive a confirmation e-mail.
Event’s direct Link: https://tinyurl.com/13mentalhealthawareness
Schedule:
5:00-5:15pm
Opening and Welcome Announcement
Speaker: Diana Barroso, Ed.D., LMHC
Director of the Master’s Programs in Psychology
5:15-6:15pm
“Suicide Awareness: The Ripple Effect of Covid-19 in Teen Suicide”
Speaker: Yamila Lezcano, LMHC
Assistant Professor, Undergraduate Psychology and Education Program at Albizu University
Suicidal behaviors constitute a major challenge to our national public health. Suicide rates have been on the rise in the last decade, becoming the second leading cause of death among youths ages 14-to-17. During the COVID-19 pandemic, factors such as physical distancing and social isolation have led to an increase in depression and suicidal behaviors in adolescents. This session will examine the effects of the pandemic on suicidal behaviors in youth, risk factors, and the need for a multi-level approach to suicide prevention.
6:15-7:15pm
“The Impact of COVID-19 on Psychiatric Treatment Across the Lifespan”
Speaker: Jose Alvarez, M.D.
Physician in Psychiatry, Larkin Community Hospital
American Board of Adolescent Psychiatry Certified
American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology Certified
American Board of Disability Analysts, Senior Disability Analyst & Diplomate
COVID-19 has changed the way mental health treatment is conducted and has opened our eyes to the benefits, effectiveness and convenience of telehealth services. The virus has also caused a syndrome that can manifest with several emotional, physical and neurologic symptoms that can linger for months and be resistant to treatment. This discussion will highlight the nature and unpredictability of this syndrome, identify current statistics and give advice on how to move forward as a community.
7:15-8:15pm
“Vaccine Awareness: Rebuilding Trust Through Communication”
Amanda J. Chase, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Medical Education
Co-Presenter: Darisel Ventura Rodriguez, Medical Student
Department of Medical Education
Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine
Nova Southeastern University
Vaccination is considered one of the most effective public health interventions in the prevention of serious infectious diseases. Despite its success, vaccination is still one of the most debated issues in healthcare. This session will highlight the role of social networks and meaningful communication in vaccination decision-making.
8:15-8:30pm
Closing Remarks
Tania Diaz, Psy.D., LMHC
Faculty and Program Coordinator, Mental Health Counseling Program at Albizu University