Libby Garner is the Legislative Liaison (Lobbyist) of Tennessee Mental Health Consumers’ Association (TMHCA). Recently, a piece of Libby’s artwork entitled ‘Stepping Out’ was chosen to be featured at this year’s TN Disability MegaConference where it will be used on the conference program and t-shirts. 
Libby is a Tennessee Certified Peer Specialist; she has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Middle Tennessee State University, and a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Illinois.
Since becoming employed at TMHCA Libby has helped establish several new programs. Libby has helped incorporate art and art therapy into TMHCA’s programs and her efforts have helped others develop new recovery tools that help reduce symptoms of mental illness.
Libby’s recovery path has included a lengthy study of the complexities of, and tools for handling, the symptoms of Bi-Polar Disorder. Supportive friends and family, correct medication, and therapy have all contributed to her ability to have a rich and fulfilling life. Libby has recognized that by helping others who share many of the same challenges of mental illness, it has empowered her to succeed and overcome her own challenges.
She says, “The disorder that is part of me is also my credential.” ‘STEPPING OUT’ represents coming out of the darkness and into the light.
A special Mental Health First Aid instructor training program in Decatur, GA, this week will prepare 30 people who have experienced mental illness and addiction disorders to teach Mental Health First Aid to the public across the USA.
Mental Health First Aid teaches people how to help someone who may have a mental illness or is experiencing a mental health crisis. The program uses a five-step action plan to assess a situation, select and implement appropriate interventions and offer help. Participants also learn about the risk factors and warning signs of illnesses such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and addictions. Since the program was introduced in the USA in 2008, more than 15,000 people — including first responders, teachers, leaders of faith communities, and caring citizens — have been trained as Mental Health First Aiders.
Four Tennessee Mental Health Consumers’ Association staff is included in this week’s MHFA training in Decatur, GA; Lori Rash, Brain Whitehead, Karen Brasher, and Bryan Keith. For more information about MHFA trainings in Tennessee contact TMHCA at 1-888-539-0393.
See National Council Press release: http://bit.ly/ejHgLO
The Tennessee Mental Health Consumers’ Association is please to announce the date for the annual consumer conference. The conference will be May 23, 2011 at the Manchester-Coffee County Conference Center on 147 Hospitality Boulevard in Manchester, Tennessee. This year’s conference will feature a Keynote address by newly appointed Commissioner of the Department of Mental Health Doug Varney, TMHCA’s annual awards and elections, and workshops on Mental Health First Aid, Alternative and Adjunct Therapy, Social Networking and Social Media, and the Affordable Health Care Act.
Download a conference flyer and registration form here!
Motels in the Manchester area:
