| Committee on Mental Health Ministries
Chaired by Victoria A Wagner, M.S.
This is the newest of the health committees, started in 2004. It is reported that one in four individuals will have the potential of dealing with a mental health problem this year. 21% of U.S. children (17 and under)have a mental or addictive disorder. 22.1% of adults (18 to 54) have diagnosable mental health disorders. 20% of adults 55 and up have mental health issues that are not part of the normal aging process. The Church is a part of the caring community. The mission of this committee is to develop caring communities of faith. We are called by Christ's example to be friends to the outcasts of society.
The Committee has met and adopted a program called CARING COMMUNITIES . Materials and contact people within each district are available on the Conference Website. Our goal is for churches to learn to offer friendship and support to all who suffer from Mental Health difficulties, and to afford support and assistance to their circle of family and friends. Our goal is to encourage awareness of mental health issues, and to help local congregations to become aware of needs and to be proactive in reaching out to those in mental health crisis.
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