Prioritizing Mental Health

After Hours Sponsor: Brecka Putnam

Rotary International President R. Gordon R. McInally has named prioritizing mental health as one of his three presidential initiatives that create hope in the world. This cause is particularly timely for Iowans, as death by suicide rates have increased nationwide and Iowa mental health providers struggle to keep up with demand for their services.

We are excited to dedicate our February 8 Rotary After Hours meeting to prioritizing mental health. Participants will hear short presentations (about ten minutes) from five professionals and leave with meaningful action items to help improve their own mental health and the mental health of those in our communities. Our speakers are as follows:

Melissa Fuhrman is a Nurse Practitioner, practicing in Harmony, MN. She holds undergraduate degrees from Augustana College and South Dakota State University and a Doctorate of Nursing Practice from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Melissa will share about mental health and wellness in primary care, the prevalence of mental health issues, and the connection between physical and mental health.

Kimberly Keck has been a Registered Nurse for eleven years, starting her career in pediatrics, followed by eight years in long term care. Most recently, she is a Program Director with Psychiatric Medical Care/Senior Life Solutions. She will provide an overview of their program, which is designed to meet unique needs of older individuals experiencing depression or anxiety related to life changes often associated with aging. 

Sean Snyder is the Winneshiek County Emergency Management Coordinator and the Director of the 911 Communications Center. Sean has over 20 years of public safety experience, including fire department, emergency medical services, law enforcement, and emergency management.  Sean will be discussing the “Weight of the Badge” program, scheduled for March 28 at Luther College. This program focuses on mental health for emergency responders (fire department, law enforcement, emergency medical service, emergency management, dispatchers, jailers, healthcare workers, veterans, etc.) and is the first of its kind in Northeast Iowa.

Carrie Shepard is a Registered Nurse and Population Health Coach at Regional Health Services of Howard County. She has been in nursing for 18 years and is currently in school obtaining her BSN with a long-term goal of becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health Practitioner. Carrie will be presenting on helping your own mental health. This topic is appropriate for everyone, as we can all work to improve our own mental health. She’ll present proven strategies and tips that anyone can use.

Brecka Putnam is a Licensed Master of Social Work, providing hospice and bereavement social work services for six counties in Northeast Iowa and serving as the Public Health social worker for Howard County. She is a Certified Grief Specialist, QPR suicide prevention trainer, and facilitates the Howard County Behavioral Health Coalition, bringing together a variety of entities engaged in efforts to improve mental and behavioral health across Northeast Iowa. Brecka will be presenting on strategies to decrease death by suicide and suicide attempts, supports available for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis, and actionable items we can all take to help our friends and neighbors struggling with mental health.