Track 3 – Quality of Life
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Extension Northwoods Forum Track 3:
Quality of Life
Focusing on Substance Use, Mental Health, and Health Insurance Access
Session A : Working to Reduce the stigma around Mental Health in Northern Wisconsin
Mental Health concerns, especially amongst youth in Northern Wisconsin, is growing and has been identified as a high priority need in many communities in Northern Wisconsin. Colleagues within the Division of Extension have been working to address Mental Health issues throughout Wisconsin, partnering with local organizations, (schools) and communities to tackle the issue together. Attendees will hear examples of these efforts in Northern Wisconsin, be engaged in conversations about future initiatives, and how they can be an active participant/partner to address mental health needs in their communities
Presented By:
Debbie Moellendorf, Professor, Health and Well-Being Educator Division of Extension
Danette Hopke, Behavioral Health Outreach Program Manager Division of Extension, and Partners
Session B: Understanding and Addressing Substance Use and Misuse in Northern Wisconsin
There are many complex health concerns in Northern Wisconsin and one that stands out in many communities is substance use and misuse. Dr. Randy Brown has been focusing on treatment and prevention of substance use disorders and their complications outside of specialist treatment environments (for example, primary care, hospital, harm reduction services, and criminal justice settings) and will discuss collaborations in rural communities to support primary care and community health professionals in working with individuals needing care around substance use and misuse. Dr. Brown will be joined by a panel of Extension Educators working with partners in their community to address other programming and supports around substance abuse.
Presented By:
Randy Brown, MD, PhD, School of Medicine and Public Health
Session C : Accessing Healthcare Coverage in Northern Wisconsin
Access to adequate healthcare options, along with insurance to cover those options, can be a challenge for Northern Wisconsin. The Division of Extension’s Covering Wisconsin program focuses on helping residents navigate the complexities of insurance and find the plan that best supports their situation and healthcare needs. Learn more about this valuable resource and how your community can engage and partner with Covering Wisconsin to best meet the needs and support everyone in your communities.
Presented By:
Covering Wisconsin staff:
- Allison Espeseth, Director
- Tony Lee, Health Navigator Regional Lead
- Kirk Moore, Health Insurance Navigator
