U.P. Children’s Coalition hosts “Mental Health Matters” conference

MARQUETTE — The Upper Peninsula Children’s Coalition hosted their annual conference on Monday at Northern Michigan University.

This year’s theme was “Mental Health Matters.” The conference aims to bring together representatives from different agencies and educate them about mental health support and services for children and families of the U.P.

Speakers discussed the definition of mental health, best practices to support anyone in need and child advocacy opportunities. There was also a legislative panel to discuss mental health policies that will best support the U.P. community.

“One of the biggest things we know is developing a sense of resiliency is critical for our children and for our families, but that has to be a proactive response to the needs of our community,” said Joe Lubig. “Families in the Upper Peninsula matter.”

The 140 attendees represent the education or health fields, or are connected to a family-setting that is trying to be proactive or supportive for families and their needs. The U.P. Children’s Coalition hopes that the conference will allow the representatives to establish critical contact points and create more positive outcomes for children and families dealing with mental health.