The League of Women Voters of the Hamptons, in collaboration with the East End Mental Health Awareness Initiative (EEMHAI), will co-sponsor a program titled “Mental Health Matters” on Monday, Nov. 19 at 6 p.m., at Stony Brook Southampton Hospital’s Parrish Memorial Hall, 235 Herrick Road., at the corner of Lewis Street

The event will focus on the state of our mental health system and areas for improvement.

The program will first consist of viewing the PBS program, “Minds On The Edge,” depicting a roundtable of experts in the field of mental health, role-playing and sharing perspectives of aspects of our mental health system.  The film is meant to ignite a conversation about our treatment of mental illness

Following the film there will be a panel discussion addressing how mental health is treated on a state, county and local level and what innovations bring promise for the future. The panelists are:

• Paul Garson, M.D., Director of Mental Health Services, Stony Brook Southampton Hospital, and a psychiatrist with Meeting House Lane Medical Practice in Southampton;

• Martha A. Carlin, Psy.D., Director, Long Island Field Office of the New York State Office of Mental Health;

• Jenine Yannucciello, LCSW, Director of Adult Services, Division of Community Mental Hygiene Services, Suffolk County Department of Health.

• Valerie King, Ph.D., a local psychologist and chair of the Hamptons League’s Health Committee, will moderate the panel and field questions from the audience.  A peer specialist and quiet space for a chat will be available for participants, if needed.  Refreshments and tables with informational brochures will be provided.

Also involved in organizing the program are Virginia Bennett, Southampton Town Community Services Director; Diane Patrizio, East Hampton Town Director of Human Services; and Ellen Tollefsen, family representative and chair of the East End Mental Health Awareness Initiative (EEMHAI).  The Hamptons League can be contacted at 631.324.4637 or www.lwvhamptons.org