Mental Health: The Crisis and a Call to Action for People of Faith

The crisis of mental health in America should be seen as a call to action for people of faith. It is widely recognized that untreated mental illness is threatening the vitality of people and communities. Many choose to silently struggle because of stigma associated with mental illness. Others are searching for care but cannot find it due to pervasive shortages of professionals. Some, having lost all hope, seek suicide as the solution. Communities of faith and their leaders are strategically positioned to equip themselves and extend mental health care and support for their congregations and communities. The crisis of mental health is an opportunity for religious leaders to be ambassadors of love and hope to people of faith and those that are searching. Attendees will be inspired to action in whatever capacity they might be called or in whatever roles they may serve.

Experience a series of captivating “TED Talk” style lectures at CTS Talks. Delivered by distinguished guests who are subject matter experts, these thought-provoking talks provide a platform to gain insight on topics that tie together intellectual curiosity and community reflection.

Hannah L. Maxey, PhD

Dr. Hannah Maxey is Associate Professor of Family Medicine and Director of the Bowen Center for Health Workforce Research and Policy at the Indiana University School of Medicine. She is a nationally recognized expert in health workforce policy with more than two decades of experience in health care and public health.

Dr. Maxey has been a licensed dental hygienist in Indiana for over 20 years. She spent nearly a decade practicing in public health clinics operated by the Marion County Public Health Department (MCPHD) prior to pursuing a Master of Public Health in Health Policy and Management (2011), and a Doctor of Philosophy in the same area (2014). Her experience as a practicing health care professional in public health clinics provided perspective on the intersection and relationship between health care and public health, as well as the critical role the health workforce has in ensuring availability and accessibility in both public health and health care services.

Dr. Maxey has been actively engaged in developing strategies and leading health workforce initiatives within multiple states since 2014. She serves as an expert consultant to the National Governor’s Association, and has worked on issues ranging from health workforce data collection to policy design and implementation.