Addison library, DuPage Co. Health Dept. launch 'On the Table' event on teen mental health
Teen mental health has been a growing health concern across the country, and now the Addison Public Library and the DuPage County Health Department are inviting the community to come together to work towards a solution for our own village.
On Tuesday, May 14, community stakeholders and local residents will come together at "On the Table" from 6 to 8 p.m. at the library.
Guests will share a meal, find common ground, and discuss an important community issue. Teen mental health is the topic up for discussion at this inaugural event.
"We hear concern (about teen mental health) from parents, from community partners, and from the teens we see daily. We know mental health issues have a significant impact on their lives, but they don't always know how to reach out," said Elizabeth Lynch, head of Teen Services. "We hope that by bringing the community together, we can close that gap and get young people the help they need."
The DuPage County Health Department also identifies teen mental health as an important community issue.
"In 2018, behavioral health was identified as a priority issue following the Impact DuPage countywide assessment of needs, gaps and priorities to advance the well-being of our community," said Karen Ayala, health department executive director. "The DuPage County Health Department is proud to support of the efforts of the Addison Public Library to identify and address the mental health concerns of our teens."
Because the library is a space for community members to connect on issues that are most important to them, Mike Monahan, head of Adult Services at the library, knew "On the Table" would be the perfect starting point for a larger discussion on teen mental health.
"On the Table is a really simple, powerful idea. You bring people together to make things happen," Monahan said. "The Chicago Community Trust started the 'On the Table' initiative a few years back, and I think it makes perfect sense for a library to do because it's what we're all about. We try to help people make connections."
While the official goal of the event is to write a letter to local government officials about how to tackle the issue of teen mental health in the community, Monahan says the end result of "On the Table" can take any direction the group sees fit.
"There isn't necessarily a strict goal we have to follow," said Monahan. "It really is dependent on who comes, the conversation that takes place, and the common goals we find."
Addison residents who want to take part in "On the Table" must call (630) 458-3314.
Space is limited.
To see more upcoming events at the library, visit www.addisonlibrary.org.