Contacts:
Norma Gilson, JFS, (414) 390-5800 or ngilson@jfsmilw.org
Amy Waldman, MATC, (414) 297-8418 or waldmana@matc.edu

MILWAUKEE - The Community Mental Health Education Project (CMHEP) of Jewish Family Services, Inc. (JFS)  and the ACCESS Program for Displaced Homemakers at Milwaukee Area Technical College teamed up to put together “What You Need to Know: Navigating the Mental Health System in Greater Milwaukee.” The event was held on November 5, at MATC's Downtown Milwaukee Campus and included a panel discussion and resource fair.

A panel of experts from social service, advocacy, legal, medical, education and legislative communities discussed ways to find and access mental health benefits, services and treatment in the Greater Milwaukee area using case studies that detail the personal experiences of three local Milwaukee residents with a mental diagnosis.

Resource Fair participants include:

1. Mental Health America of Wisconsin
2. Prevent Suicide Greater Milwaukee
3. NAMI of Greater Milwaukee
4. Grand Avenue Club
5. Independence First
6. Disability Rights Wisconsin
7. Wisconsin FACETS
8. Sojourner Family Peace Center
9. Safe Students/Healthy Schools
10. Warmline Vital Voices
11. Active Minds
12. Dry Hootch

“Being diagnosed with a mental illness is a life-changing event," said Amy Waldman of MATC. "Deciding where to go for help can be overwhelming and confusing. The purpose of this event is to provide specific information on how to find and access mental health benefits, services and treatment in Milwaukee County. While many people recognize that there are shortcomings in the current system, this program will focus on getting the most out of the system as it currently exists.”

The event was sponsored by the Community Mental Health Education Project, a program of Jewish Family Services, Inc., and ACCESS for Displaced Homemakers, the Library and the Official Bilingual Education at MATC.

Since 1867, Jewish Family Services has provided comprehensive social services to the Milwaukee area Jewish and general community. In 2010 JFS was recognized as one of the "Top 100 Workplaces" in southeastern Wisconsin by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. JFS’s mission is to provide supportive services that strengthen families, children and individuals throughout the life cycle within the context of their unique needs and traditions.

The largest technical college in the state, Milwaukee Area Technical College is a key driver of the economy in southeastern Wisconsin. MATC offers 200 degrees, diplomas, certificates and apprenticeships, plus nearly 400 transfer options leading to bachelor’s degrees. A large pre-college program enables people to complete high school and prepare for higher learning. The Office of Corporate Learning provides customized training to incumbent workers. Approximately 50,000 students per year attend the college’s four campuses, numerous evening centers and community-based sites, or learn online. Overwhelmingly, MATC graduates build careers and businesses right here at home.

Event photos can be viewed at - http://marketing.matc.edu/web/photos/110510_navigating_the_mental_health_system/