Minnesota is in the middle of a mental health crisis. Over 1.7 million Minnesotans live in areas with a shortage of mental health professionals, and mental illnesses in young adults increased by 50% in 2023. For families supporting children with mental illnesses, navigating the system and finding effective care can feel overwhelming.

To provide practical tools and a supportive community, NAMI Minnesota (the National Alliance on Mental Illness) and the Dakota County invite parents, caregivers and professionals to attend Super Saturday: Family Roadtrip to Mental Health, a free virtual half-day conference on Saturday, Feb. 8, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

This year’s conference uses a road trip theme to guide families through various “routes” to resilience, offering workshops on crisis planning, navigating Minnesota’s children’s mental health system, and developing advocacy skills. Families will also gain insights into special education rights, suicide prevention, implicit bias in family engagement and cultural perspectives on mental health. Optional sessions include participating in a mock parent support group.

“Minnesota families are facing challenges accessing mental health care for their children,” said Sue Abderholden, NAMI Minnesota executive director. “This conference provides families with the resources and tools they need to feel supported and empowered in their journey.”

Registration is free and open now at www.namimn.org. Upon registering, participants will receive all necessary Zoom links. This conference provides 1 CEU for professionals.

About NAMI Minnesota

NAMI Minnesota is a non-profit organization that works to improve the lives of children and adults with mental illnesses and their families through its education, support, and advocacy programs. For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact Victor Molina, Marketing and Communications for NAMI Minnesota, at marcomm@namimn.org.