A Community Conversation About Mental Health: Substance Use Disorders

In a partnership with local substance use treatment organizations, Iowa State University Student Wellness, and the Ames Community School District, the City of Ames is hosting a “Community Conversation about Substance Use Disorders” to explore the connections between substance use and its impact on mental health.

Personal stories will be shared as well as presentations from representatives from Community and Family Resources, YSS, Iowa State University Student Wellness, Ames Community Schools, and Ames Police Department.

A question-and-answer session will follow.

The community is invited to attend a “Community Conversation about Substance Use Disorders” to explore the connections between substance use and its impact on mental health. Presenters April Miller and Natasha Terrones will share their personal stories about addiction, followed by a panel discussion about substance use prevalence in Ames, the issues around it, and ways to seek help. A question-and-answer session will follow.

This event supports Ames City Council’s goal to identify opportunities to improve mental and physical wellness together with community partners and is the fourth in a series of mental health Community Conversations planned over the next several months. These events are free and open to the public.

Future Community Conversations planned include: 

• Tuesday, April 4: “Civility in Conversations,” 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Ames Public Library, 515 Douglas Ave.
• Tuesday, May 2: “Navigating Mental Health/Substance Use Systems,” 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Ames Public Library, 515 Douglas Ave.

Watch for updates and view the Community Conversation video archives at www.cityofames.org/living/mental-health-initiative