We are excited to remind everyone about the upcoming event titled Ending the Silence hosted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). This informative session is designed to raise awareness and break the stigma surrounding mental health, providing valuable insights and resources.
Event Details:

• Date: Tuesday, Sept. 24
• Time: 12-1 p.m.
• Location: Trutter Center

While we encourage everyone to attend in person for the full experience, we understand that not all may be able to join physically. For your convenience, the event will also be available via Teams. The link to join will be shared in the employee newsletter on the day of the event. If you have any questions, please email Rachel Duff or call 217- 786-2204.

We’re excited to invite all employees to our upcoming Employee Health Fair! This is a great opportunity to focus on your health and wellness while connecting with local resources.

Date: Thursday, Oct. 10
Time: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Location: LLCC Student Union

We will have 22 area vendors on site offering valuable information, samples, and services to help you on your wellness journey. You can look forward to:

• LLCC Culinary Student Program Demos
• Local Gym Demo from Farrell’s of Springfield
• Free Chair Massages from Inner Health Spa

Whether you’re looking for new ways to stay active, relax, or improve your overall well-being, there’s something for everyone at the health fair. Don’t miss this chance to learn more about maintaining a healthy lifestyle!

We look forward to seeing you there!

NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, will be on campus on Tuesday, Sept. 24 at noon to present NAMI: Ending the Silence in the Trutter Center. This evidence based, 50 minute session includes a brief presentation, short videos, and a personal testimony from a young adult who describes their journey of recovery. The presentation includes warning signs, facts and statistics, and how to approach students. Audience members can ask questions and gain understanding of an often misunderstood topic. Through dialogue, the goal is to help grow the movement to end stigma.

Any questions can be emailed to Rachel Duff by call 217-786-2204.

A reminder that today’s Journaling and Mindfulness session will be held in Menard Hall, Room 1179 beginning at noon. We hope you will join us for a bit of relaxation and creativity. Journals and ink pens will be available if needed. We hope to see you there!

September is Suicide Awareness Month, a month devoted to raising awareness, reducing stigma and promoting an understanding around mental health and suicide prevention. As members of the communities in which we live and work, helping to create an environment in which mental health is valued as much as physical health can aid in this month’s mission. Anyone interested in learning more can visit the following resources:

• LLCC Health And Wellness Portal Page that includes information on Suicide Awareness Month.
• National Alliance on Mental Illness to get information on warning signs and symptoms, find support and resources for caregivers of those suffering from mental illness, and helpline information.
• Mental Health America to take a mental health screening, view previous and upcoming webinars, or download the Young Minds Guide.
• National Institute of Mental Health for crisis lines, veteran assistance, and tips for talking with a health care provider about mental health issues.
• Watch the World Suicide Prevention Day webinar titled Speak Up: Saving Lives Through Conversation, provided by Deer Oaks released on September 10th by visiting www.deeroakseap.com

As a reminder, LLCC employees have access to Deer Oaks Employee Assistance Program by calling (888) 993-7650. If you have questions about any of the resources or need more information, please feel free to contact Rachel Duff, employee health and wellness coordinator, at Rachel.Duff@llcc.edu or call (217) 786-2204

Join our Walk on Wednesdays at 12:30 p.m. in front of Cass gym for a rejuvenating stroll.
If it’s raining, we’ll meet in A. Lincoln Commons. Don’t miss out—join online!

The session will begin with a 15-minute mindfulness exercise led by Deborah Brothers, followed by a shared journaling prompt to inspire reflection from John Paul Jaramillo. Attendees will have a set amount of time to journal privately and then an opportunity to share their thoughts with the group, if they feel comfortable.

No prior experience is needed—just bring yourself and an open mind! Journals and ink pens will be provided if needed.
We hope to see you there for some time of relaxation and self-care.Take a break and nurture your well-being with first of three Journaling & Mindfulness Sessions.

Thursday, Sept. 12, 12-1 p.m. in Menard Hall, Room 1179

The Vision Board Workshop will be led by Amy Giles, owner of MindBody Fitness and certified Infinite Possibilities Instructor, who will walk you through the process of creating an effective vision board.

If you haven’t yet registered, no problem. We welcome all to attend.

Please note that materials such as the poster board, scissors, tape, glue, and some clip art and stickers will be provided. Attendees are encouraged to bring pictures, magazine clippings, or any other personal items that will provide inspiration and help create the vision board.

• Date: Sept. 5
• Time: 12 – 1 p.m.
• Location: Robert H. Stephens Room