‘The Mind/Body Connection’ Is Theme

Of  Third Annual NAMI-CT State Conference

WALLINGFORD — NAME of Connecticut (The National Alliance on Mental Illness of CT) will hold its third annual state conference on October 15 at Mountainside in Wallingford. The theme, “The Mind/Body Connection,” focuses on the relationship between physical and mental health and the importance of both in ensuring overall well-being.

The conference will begin at 8:30 am with opening remarks by Dr Thomas J. Kirk, Jr, commissioner of the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, and Darlene Dunbar, commissioner of the Department of Children and Families. Dr Ilise Lombardo will deliver the keynote address entitled, “Medical Issues in the Management of Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder.”

Conference participants will have the opportunity to choose among a range of workshops offered during the morning and afternoon sessions. Scheduled topics include Essential Fatty Acids and Treatment Response, Nutrition for Recovery, the Columbia Teen Screen Program, and the new Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Program.

Author Leslie Byers will discuss her book, Heather’s Rage, and Dr Deepak Cyril D’Souza will discuss the Catie Project, an independent study of antipsychotic medications. The day will conclude on a light note with a presentation by humorist Dr Joyce Saltman on stress management through humor.

Registration for the conference, which includes a buffet luncheon and all workshops and sessions, is $50 for NAMI members and $60 for nonmembers.

For more information or to request a conference brochure, contact the NAMI-CT office at 860-882-0236 or 800-315-2031 or email resources@namict.org.