MACON, GA (May 5, 2011) - Since 1949, May has been designated Mental Health Month, a time set aside to educate the community about the interventions that can buffer the effects of stress and help develop better coping mechanisms to deal with daily challenges. It is important to raise awareness of good mental health, and for persons to advocate and improve mental health conditions for themselves and those around them
The Medical Center of Central Georgia (MCCG) acknowledges Mental Health Month with the Mental Health Fair on Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the West Tower Lobby of the hospital. Displays from The Pavilion, MCCG's inpatient and outpatient service for those dealing with psychiatric stress, and other local organizations will provide information about medication, mental illness, addiction, relaxation techniques and stress management. Dr. Angela Hale, chief of staff at The Pavilion, will be available for a question and answer session about mental health from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Beginning at 8 a.m., Dr. Paige Tench, Consultation Liaison Psychiatrist and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Mercer University School of Medicine, will present, ""Mind-Body Medicine - An Overview."" Angela Boyd, R.N., Psychiatric Liaison Nurse, will follow with a demonstration, ""Practical Applications of Relaxation Therapy.""