Dr. Patch Adams to Speak at 2nd Annual Bridging the Gap Conference at WSC, Oct. 7-9
Sept. 28, 2011 -- Dr. Patch Adams, M.D., will present the closing ceremony at the 2nd Annual Bridging the Gap: An Integrated Approach to Health and Wellness Conference, which will be held at the Western State College of Colorado (WSC) College Center from Oct. 7-9.
Dr. Patch Adams will present at the Bridging the Gap Conference closing ceremony on Oct. 9.
The conference covers a variety of health and wellness topics with s specific focus on healthy children. The goals of the conference are to help reduce the stigma of mental health; improve access to quality care in rural/remote areas; and promote integrated health for everyone, including children. This year’s conference will follow three tracks: health professionals; education; family and support.
At the closing ceremony on Sunday, Dr. Patch Adams will address the "Importance of a Healthy Community” from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Adams is a medical doctor, clown and social activist who was portrayed by Robin Williams in the hit movie, “Patch Adams”. In 1971, he founded the Gesundheit Institute, a holistic medical community that provides free medical care in West Virginia. The closing ceremony also includes the Salida Circus to entertain children while their parents attend the presentation. The presentation is $10 for students and $20 for general admission for non-conference registrants. The circus is free.
The Bridging the Gap Conference is organized by the WSC Rural Health Class, Active Minds (student health organization) and the Gunnison/Hinsdale Early Childhood Council. It is also sponsored by WSC, Center for Mental Health, Gunnison Valley Hospital, Colorado Trust and the Gunnison/Hinsdale Early Childhood Council.
This conference qualifies for Continuing Education Units for educators, foster parents and many health providers. The admission for the conference ranges from $160 for general admission for three days (including five meals) to $15 a session. There are discounted rates for students, educators, foster parents, early childhood council members, as well as full and partial fee waivers.
For more information and to register, visit www.western.edu/psychconf.
