“Many Paths to Wellness” conference on May 9, 2024
On May 9, 2024, individuals from all walks of life are invited to attend the Southeast Minnesota Community Mental Health and Wellness conference "Many Paths to Wellness." The goal of the conference is for people to come together to collaborate towards understanding, education, and destigmatization of mental health issues.
Event details
- What: "Many Paths to Wellness” conference
- Date: May 9, 2024 (begins at 8:30 a.m.)
- Where: International Event Center in Rochester at 7333 Airport View Dr. SW.
- Cost: Free!
- Registration for the event is required.
Community members attending the event will unite in addressing the spectrum of mental health and wellness. With an understanding that everyone's journey is unique, the conference seeks to highlight the diverse approaches to achieving and maintaining mental well-being.
Keynote speaker Mindy Greiling, a former Minnesota state legislator, will start the conference at 9 a.m. Mindy will share her son's journey with schizophrenia, the effects on their family, and the mental health system. She seeks to create understanding, empathy, and highlight the importance of sharing our stories.
The conference will offer various sessions to help improve mental health and well-being. Attendees can learn about Reiki energy healing, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and resiliency. There will also be sessions on using exercise and nutrition to improve mental health and an exploration of how the Somali population conceptualizes mental health.
The day portion of the conference will close with a two-hour workshop from Kristen Kane and Melanie Vinton, licensed marriage and family therapists. They will teach about the neurology of the brain and body and how to regulate the nervous system through various techniques and skills.
Spanish-language sessions
The conference will have two Spanish-language sessions in the evening, beginning at 5:30 p.m. The first session will emphasize the impact of nutrition on mental and emotional well-being. The second session will concentrate on cultivating a resilient outlook by adapting to challenging circumstances and safeguarding oneself against anxiety and depression.
Conference partnerships
The Southern Minnesota Community Mental Health and Wellness Conference is a collaborative effort through Clubhouse International, CREST, Fit Coaching, Haley Holistic Health, IMAA, Invigorate Life Counseling, National Alliance on Mental Illness Southeast Minnesota, Mindy Greiling, Mind Shifts, Olmsted County, Olmsted Medical Center, SAAFI Behavioral Health Services, Somali Community, Tree of Life Art Therapy, and University of Minnesota Rochester.