The National Institute of Mental Health reports that one in four adults-approximately 57.7 million Americans-experience a mental health disorder in a given year. The best treatments for serious mental illnesses today are highly effective; between 70 and 90 percent of individuals have significant reduction of symptoms and improved quality of life with a combination of pharmacological and psychosocial treatments and supports.

Mental health issues are also a concern in northeast Missouri. Because of this, Hannibal Regional Medical Group Outpatient Mental Health is introducing a free support group called RENEW: Respect, Educate, Nurture, Empower, Wellness. RENEW is intended for those with mental illness diagnoses as well as those who care about those with mental illnesses.

“The RENEW program gives families and individuals living with mental illness a place to turn, a place to access a strong network of education and support programs presented by trained mental health facilitators,” stated Jessica Sublette, Licensed Professional Counselor with HRMG. “Participants will benefit from the unique wisdom of peer experience with mental illness.”

RENEW programs will provide the opportunity to:

• Speak and get support from other individuals living with mental illness who have discovered how to create and sustain their wellness.
• Gain support from family members who know the emotional challenges of dealing with family trauma and know the value of education as the basis for effective advocacy for their loved ones.
• Listen to presentations from mental health workers who are on the cutting edge of progress in mental illness education.

Whether you are a person living with mental illness, a family member, a provider, or are simply interested in understanding more about mental illness, RENEW is here to help encourage, educate, support and empower.

The group will meet from 5:30 - 6:30PM on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month starting February 8 in the 1st floor conference room of the Hannibal Regional Medical Building. For more information, call 573-629-3370.