The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
RMH holding health symposium Friday
Bobsledder Johnny Quinn will be the keynote speaker at the ‘Think Like an Olympian’ symposium.
VERNON, N.Y. » Rome Memorial Hospital’s Senior Behavioral Health Unit’s (SBHU) 14th annualmental health symposium “Think Like an Olympian,” will take place, Friday, Nov. 3, from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Vernon Downs Casino Hotel Conference Center, Vernon. Registration is open to all area healthcare providers, mental health professionals and the general public.
According to event coordinator Greg Jones, admissions and marketing coordinator of the SBHU, the conference’s keynote speaker, Johnny Quinn, a current U.S. Olympian in the sport of bobsled and a former NFL player will deliver a thought provoking, motivational speech with a specific focus on health care and mental health.
“Johnny will share the knowledge he has gained from the ups and downs of being a former NFL player and encourage attendees to break through barriers and use them as opportunities for professional and personal growth,” he said. “His unique story includes messages of inspiration, insights on overcoming adversity, and the value of perseverance.
Other speakers at the event include:
•Gabriel DiCristofaro, who will speak about overcoming mental health adversity. DiCristofaro is an award-winning motivational speaker who speaks to behavioral health audiences about understanding the true stigma of mental illness in clients. A healing survivor of bipolar disorder and ADHD, he shares his story about living with bipolar disorder as well as his experiences on a psychiatric unit.
•Dr. Marcellus Cephas, medical director of the SBHU, whowill discuss new methods of diagnosing and distinguishing mental illness; and
• Rebecca Spataro-Kearns who will conclude the day with a presentation and discussion on how yoga can be a complimentary treatment for mental health conditions.
The cost of the conference is $125 per person. Facilities or organizations sending three or more persons are eligible for a group rate of $110 per person. The fee includes the seminar, course materials, continental breakfast and lunch, a certificate of attendance and CEU credits (licensed social workers). Fees are non-refundable.
Advance payment and registration can be made by contacting Greg Jones at 338-7171 or gjones@romehospital.org. Registration can also be made the day of the event.
Checks, made payable to Rome Memorial Hospital, may be mailed to: Greg Jones, Rome Memorial Hospital Senior Behavioral Health Unit, 1500 N. James St., Rome, NY, 13440.
Located on the hospital’s second floor, the 12-bed Senior Behavioral Health Unit is a secure therapeutic environment that provides health care for older adults (ages 55 and older) who have depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. Treatment includes prescribed medications, psychotherapy, and other activities to help the seniors regain their well-being.
The Senior Behavioral Health Unit can take admissions seven days a week, 24 hours a day to meet the needs of seniors in crisis. For more information, call 338-7399.