Minnesota Prairie County Alliance- Mental Health and Resilience Conference

This regional mental health conference provides a timely and powerful opportunity to bring together resources, community leaders, individuals with lived experience, and service providers to address these critical needs. This conference will serve as a platform to share best practices, offer education, highlight local initiatives, and equip participants with tools to improve mental health outcomes and access.

Through this event the region will:

· Strengthen its regional knowledge around mental health challenges.

· Inform lived experience community members of local resources and how to access them.

· Reduce stigma and elevate the voices of those with lived experience.

II. Target Audience

Individuals with lived experience of mental health conditions in Southeast Minnesota

Info: Mayor Jessop will share his experience through his mental health journey from a lived experience perspective.

Info: Presenter(s)- Mirna Hernandez-Lopez, Rae Gravenish
This presentation explores the importance of self-care as a fundamental practice for mental health. Through a personal testimony, we will examine the challenges and insights that come from experience. Participants will also engage in practical activities designed to support the integration of self-care into daily life. The session offers a reflective and participatory space aimed at providing useful tools for emotional well-being.
Learning Objectives:
• Understand the concept of self-care and its importance for mental health.
• Recognize effective self-care strategies to support emotional well-being.
• Create a practical self-care plan tailored to individual needs.

Info: Presenter- Megan Toney, MSW, LGSW
This interactive session is designed to empower individuals living with mental health conditions to become confident and effective self-advocates. Participants will explore what it means to advocate for their own needs within the mental health system. Through real-world examples, a panel discussion of lived experience members, and practical tools, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of their rights and responsibilities and learn how to begin to effectively communicate with providers and support systems. Whether you’re just beginning your self-advocacy journey or looking to strengthen your voice, this session will provide knowledge and skills to help you take charge of your mental health care and overall well-being.

Info: Presenter (s) NAMI Southeast Minnesota Staff, Spero Staff, MN Prairie County Alliance Case Manager*** The mental health system can feel overwhelming and complex, especially for those seeking help for themselves or others. This session provides a clear and accessible overview of how the system is structured, including key components such as community-based services, crisis response, and levels of care. Participants will explore common pathways for accessing services and learn practical strategies for identifying and connecting with appropriate mental health resources. Designed specifically for community members learning to navigate the system, this session seeks to empower participants to more confidently traverse the mental health landscape and support others in doing the same while providing local resources in your community.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

DoubleTree by Hilton Owatonna, 2365 43rd Street Northwest, Owatonna, United States