Committee plans second health forum in Noxon

Sanders County’s Local Advisory Committee (LAC) for mental health is organizing another “Strong Communities, Strong Sanders County” event to take place in Noxon.

The event will include discussion on youth tobacco use, underage drinking, cyberbullying, sexting and internet security and will take place Thursday, Sept. 13, in the Noxon school multi-purpose room. Attendance is free, and refreshments and door prizes will be available.

The committee is dedicated to spreading awareness and educating county residents, so the event is a repeat of the one that took place in Thomson Falls this last spring.

“Those attending the May 10 forum in Thompson Falls commented that they learned a lot from the speakers,” Sandi Gubel, LAC member stated. “This is a chance for more people from Sanders County to hear the word on these important topics.”

Kathy Regier, Sanders County Coalition for Families, and Abby Harnett, executive director of Sanders County Western Montana Mental Health Center will co-moderate the seminar. Harnett will lead the forum addressing mental health and suicide prevention, discussion on youth tobacco will be led by Sanders County Tobacco Prevention Program Specialist Sandi Gubel, Jennifer McPherson of Flathead Valley Chemical Dependency Clinic will address underage drinking and detective Chad Cantrell will discuss cyberbullying, sexting and internet security.

The goal of the committee is to draw awareness to and recognition of mental health needs in local communities, improving the lives of those touched by mental health challenges.