Exhibition

Hope & Healing: Perspectives on Mental Illness was a free, all-day mental health conference held in conjunction with the exhibition, David Byrd: 'Voices'; Paintings from Montrose VA Hospital, on January 31, 2015. Roxbury Arts Group, the National Alliance on Mental Illness chapters of Otsego and Delaware Counties, NY Connects, and the David Byrd Estate partnered for a community conversation about mental health. Over one hundred people gathered, filling the conference room to capacity. The morning program included a variety of speakers. Many were peer specialists—someone who shares the experience of living with a psychiatric disorder and/or addiction—and family members of individuals with mental illnesses. Keynote speaker Jason Paden shared his inspiring story of recovery—managing a major and chronic mental health condition. Lunch was provided. Peer advocates met with the public for an in-depth, round-table discussion to learn more about local mental health services and ways to reduce stigma in the community. Jessica Farrell coordinated the conference.