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Dover Public Library forum to discusses mental health

Foster's Daily Democrat - 4/19/2021

Apr. 20—DOVER — What do you see when you think of mental health and mental illness? In your mind, you may picture someone having a rough day, someone struggling. Chances are you're not thinking of the person who smiled at you on your walk this morning or the nice barista who gave you a little extra foam on your latte.

In honor of May being Mental Health Awareness month, Dover Public Library is opening up a conversation about mental health stigma and how communities can help. The Many Faces of Our Mental Health, a virtual presentation, will be held on Tuesday, May 4 at 6:30 p.m. The program features Lynda Cutrell from the 99 Faces Project and Suzanne Weete from the Dover Mental Health Alliance.

Cutrell is a mental health awareness advocate and the creator of the 99 Faces Project, an exhibit that features 99 unlabeled portraits: 33 people with schizophrenia, 33 with bipolar disorder and 33 people who love them. The project aims to challenge the stigma of those living with symptoms of mental illness. The traveling exhibit has been shown at the Boston Museum of Science and is currently on display at the Pease International Tradeport in the Two International Group building. To learn more about Cutrell's project or to exhibit it at your space, visit 99facesproject.com.

Weete is the Community Education and Engagement Manager at Community Partners as well as a founding member of the Dover Mental Health Alliance (DMHA). DMHA is made up of community stakeholders who hope to create an educated, responsive and conscious society that embraces and addresses the complexities of mental health in the greater Dover area. They do this through mental health training and providing "Place" designations to companies and individuals who provide a safe and judgement-free space for all. The Dover Public Library became the first organization designated a "Place" by the DMHA in February.

The "Place" designation is free and available to any business, organization or institution that strives to support their employees, colleagues, and customers' mental health. DMHA's "Place" requirements include resources to help someone experiencing an emotional crisis, providing a safe space for anyone seeking refuge, as well as Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Mental Health First Aid training. For more information about DMHA or to learn how to become a "Place", visit facebook.com/DoverMHA.

The Many Faces of Our Mental Health will be held live online through Ring Central and registration is required to access the login information. This program is free and open to the public. For more information or to register, visit library.dover.nh.gov/events or call the Library at 603-516-6050. Library hours are Monday to Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and Thursday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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