Many thanks to Dr. Carolyn Holloway for providing our program on Tuesday.
President Steven Utroska presided over today’s meeting. Steve Ramp provided the invocation and Joe Meador led the club in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Steven reminded members that volunteers are needed to work the Hub Fest event coming up on March 28. He thanked Coke for providing the trailer and the water. Our space will be located at Main and East Front.
He also noted that volunteers are needed for the Meals on Wheels project. Steven thanked Mark and Lynn for attending the PETS conference in Natchez this past weekend. And finally, he reminded members that the club will not meet on Tuesday, March 31st since it is a fifth Tuesday.
Michael McPhail thanked those who helped with today’s meeting, including Mark and Steve who served as our greeters. He then introduced our guests. Cheyenne Trussel is a guest of Jerome Brown. He is a visiting Rotarian from Starkville. David Owens has Jacob Suttle as his guest.
Lachel Story then introduced today’s guest speaker, Dr. Carolyn Holloway. Dr. Holloway is an Assistant Teaching Professor at the University of Southern Mississippi. Her topic today is Mental Health Concerns.
According to Dr. Holloway, one in four Americans suffer from a diagnosed mental disorder. It is the second leading cause of absenteeism in the workplace. She reviewed some of the signs that may be evident in someone with a disorder. They may have a marked personality change, inability to cope with problems, have dramatic changes in eating or sleeping habits, they may forget directives or procedures and requests, and they could talk of suicide.
She noted that it is never our role to diagnose someone with mental health issues, however, we should all be aware of available resources and find ways to assist the individual.
She suggests that you find a private area to discuss any concerns you may have. Make sure that resource information is readily available throughout the workplace, focus on performance and not the person and show concern for the individual’s welfare. She also noted that it is important to remember that the person has the same rights of confidentially as someone diagnosed with a health issue.
There being no further business to come before the club, Steven thanked today’s speaker and adjourned the meeting with our motto: “Service Above Self.”