Mental Health is Part of Overall Health:  A Personal Journey and Call to Action

Session Description: Mental health, like oral health, is integral to overall health and is also siloed in its own system.  Join Harry Bruell for a poignant session exploring his family’s personal journey with mental health and suicide, the significance of early diagnosis and treatment, and the critical importance of health equity. Harry will share his story of the challenges he encountered to find treatment for his daughter—who was ultimately lost to suicide at the age of 14, his path forward to help others, and where collective efforts can save lives.  This talk will unravel systemic barriers to mental healthcare and the impact that stigmatizing regulations have on these critical issues. Emphasizing evidence-based practices, he’ll discuss ways to support those with mental illness or suicidal ideation, integrate mental health into overall healthcare, and advocate for policy changes to expand healthcare coverage and combat stigma. Harry’s call to action will suggest what you can do on a personal, institutional, and policy level to make a difference.  Prepare to be motivated to drive change in your communities and beyond.