MohaveWire

Depression is a serious disorder that is frequently overlooked, misunderstood or seen as a weakness. Cases can be mild or severe, but help is available.

Mohave Community College will offer free mental health and substance abuse screenings in conjunction with National Depression Screening Day, Oct. 8 from 3-7 p.m. on the Lake Havasu City, Kingman and Bullhead City campuses. The public is invited to attend.

The screenings involve a 10-minute self-assessment designed to identify the warning signs of depression, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. Separate screenings for substance abuse and dependency will also be available.

Students in MCC’s Chemical Dependency Studies program will assist with the screenings under the direction of licensed MCC faculty. People who show signs of being at high risk for depression or other mental health concerns will have a chance to meet privately with a licensed mental health or substance abuse professional to learn about treatment options and how to find help in their communities.

“I think it’s a grand opportunity for people,” said Chemical Dependency Studies faculty Lori Howell, who is organizing the event. “It’s a free screening and it can help give them some direction as to why they’re feeling the way they are.”

Mohave Mental Health, WestCare and Mohave County Substance Abuse Treatment, Education and Prevention Partnership (MSTEPP) are partnering with MCC to provide the screenings and consultations. Students from MCC allied health and dental programs will also be on hand to perform health screenings such as blood pressure checks and oral cancer checks.

“We really want to take a holistic approach,” Howell said. “Our goal is to educate the public on the relationship between physical health, mental health and substance abuse.”

As part of the event, Chemical Dependency Studies students will give a series of short presentations on mental health and substance abuse topics. Information on those topics will also be available to take home.

For more information about National Depression Screening Day at MCC, contact Lori Howell at (928) 505-3373 or Diana Parker at (928) 505-3393.

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CUTLINE:  Lori Howell, who teaches in the Chemical Dependency Studies program at Mohave Community College, talks about National Depression Screening Day during a recent broadcast of “Speak Out” on KNTR Radio in Lake Havasu City.