NEWS West Virginia University at Parkersburg
300 Campus Drive Parkersburg WV 26104
Phone: 304-424-8203 | Fax: 304-424-8315
WVU Parkersburg to observe National Mental Illness Awareness Week Oct. 7-13, 2007.
CONTACT: Denise McClung, interim chair of Social Sciences division, 304-424-8253.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEIn conjunction with the National Alliance on Mental Illness, West Virginia University at Parkersburg's Social Sciences Division will observe National Mental Illness Awareness Week, Oct. 7-13.
Several activities to mark the observance are planned on the WVU Parkersburg campus. A candlelight vigil will be held Monday (Oct. 8) at 8:15 p.m. on campus and will commence the week's activities. This will be a time of sharing for individuals and families of loved one suffering from mental illness, noted Denise McClung, interim chair of the college's Social Sciences division. She also serves as the director of the NAMI Mid-Ohio Valley local affiliate group.
On Wednesday (Oct. 10), the college's newly formed Psychology Club will sponsor a booth at the college's annual Appalachian Heritage Day and provide general information regarding mental illness. The video "My Sister's Keeper: Learning to Cope with A Sibling's Mental Illness" will be shown on Thursday (Oct. 11) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the campus cafeteria area.
NAMI has designated the first full week of October each year to be known as Mental Illness Awareness Week. Additionally, the Thursday of the week is designated as Bipolar Disorder Awareness Day. Approximately 2.3 million American suffer from the debilitating disorder.
Additional information regarding the upcoming activities may be obtained by contacting Phil McClung, professor of psychology and faculty adviser of the college's Psychology Club.
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For additional information, contact:
Connie Dziagwa
WVU Parkersburg
Executive Director
Institutional Advancement
(304-424-8203, Office)
(304-424-8315, Fax)