On Saturday, May 13, Lakeside Christian Church in Hebron will host “Better Together: Breaking Down Barriers to Mental Health” from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. for a full day of mental health support workshops and activities.
Sponsored by WellCare of Kentucky and co-hosted by Ethan’s Purpose and the Chelsea Ryann’s Festival of Hope, the event will discuss ways Kentuckians and their families can achieve and maintain healthy mental wellness.
The event falls during Children’s Mental Health Acceptance Week, an annual nationwide campaign
created to bring further awareness to the mental distress of our youngest generation through education
and guidance.
“WellCare of Kentucky is proud to sponsor the Better Together event. We are committed to protecting
the health and wellbeing of children and families to equip them with the tools and skills they need to
manage and care for their mental health,” said Corey Ewing, Plan President and CEO of WellCare of
Kentucky. “Our young people are the future of healthy, strong communities, and we aim to provide
evidence-based solutions to help them thrive.”
Approximately 1 out of 5 children in the United States experience a mental health disorder. According to
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), ADHD, anxiety problems, behavior problems, and
depression are the most commonly diagnosed mental health disorders in children.
“Parents are always asking me for advice for what to do when their child gets into a mental health crisis.
I tell them that it’s the work they do when they are in a mentally good place that helps them when they
are in a mental health crisis,” said Debbie Zegarra, Founder and President of the Ethan’s Purpose
Foundation. “In other words, come to this event, and learn the warning signs and strategies to help you
and your child and hopefully you’ll know what to do when you encounter a mental health crisis.”
Along with family-oriented interactive sessions and access to community partners, the event will feature
presentations including:
• “Talk Saves Lives,” by Holly Dawson, KY American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
• “Emotional Regulation & Healthy Coping Strategies,” with Amy Beausir and Lindsey Mayberry of
Northern Kentucky Cooperative for Educational Services
• “Surviving Suicide,” by Brandon Saho, a former sports reporter and the host of “The Mental
Game,” a mental health podcast featuring interviews with athletes, musicians, and entertainers.
The event will be held at Lakeside Christian Church at 1980 North Bend Rd. in Hebron.
To register, visit ethanspurpose.com. Cost of attendance is $10 per person or $20 per family. Lunch will be provided.
Ethan’s Purpose supports local school’s efforts to support students who have anxiety, depression, grief, and struggle to fit in socially. The organization provides individual and group counseling and helps supply schools with Social Emotional Learning curriculum.
WellCare of Kentucky provides government-sponsored managed care services to families, children, seniors, and individuals with complex needs primarily through Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans across the state. WellCare is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation, a leading healthcare enterprise committed to helping people live healthier lives.